AFP | China think tank urges gov't to end 1-child policy Businessweek Some demographers see the timeline put forward by the China Development Research Foundation as a bold move by the body close to the central leadership. Others warn that the gradual approach, if implemented, would still be insufficient to help correct ... End to China's 1 -child policy recommended China One-Child Policy: Time for Change in 2015 |
Wednesday, 31 October 2012
China think tank urges gov't to end 1-child policy - Businessweek
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Tuesday, 30 October 2012
Consumer confidence up dramatically - Pacific Business News (Honolulu):
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in April. The index is basedd on a representative sampleof 5,000 U.S. “Looking ahead, consumers are considerably less pessimistix than they were earlierthis year, and expectations are that businese conditions, the labor markett and incomes will improve in the coming said Lynn Franco, director of the . “While confidencs is still weak by historical as far as consumersare concerned, the worsf is now behind us." Consumers' appraisal of the job market was also more favorable. Thoswe claiming jobs are "harx to get" decreased to 44.7 percent from 46.6 percent in Those saying jobsare "plentiful" edged up to 5.7 percent from 4.9 percent.
The employmentg outlook was alsoless pessimistic, with the percentag e of consumers expecting more jobs in the months aheadr increasing to 20 percent from 14.2 while those anticipating fewer jobs decreasefd to 25.2 percent from 32.5 percent.
in April. The index is basedd on a representative sampleof 5,000 U.S. “Looking ahead, consumers are considerably less pessimistix than they were earlierthis year, and expectations are that businese conditions, the labor markett and incomes will improve in the coming said Lynn Franco, director of the . “While confidencs is still weak by historical as far as consumersare concerned, the worsf is now behind us." Consumers' appraisal of the job market was also more favorable. Thoswe claiming jobs are "harx to get" decreased to 44.7 percent from 46.6 percent in Those saying jobsare "plentiful" edged up to 5.7 percent from 4.9 percent.
The employmentg outlook was alsoless pessimistic, with the percentag e of consumers expecting more jobs in the months aheadr increasing to 20 percent from 14.2 while those anticipating fewer jobs decreasefd to 25.2 percent from 32.5 percent.
Monday, 29 October 2012
Sunset Bank to accept $5.6M in TARP funds - The Business Journal of Milwaukee:
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million in capital under the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Purchasd Program, which is part of the Troublef Asset ReliefProgram (TARP). Sunset Bank executives said Tuesday they will use the funda to make loans to businesses andhome “This gives us a chance to enhance our already strong capital ratio with a cushion so we are prepare and ready to assist our customers in these troubled said Robert Eastman, Sunset Bank’s chairmah and CEO. Eastman said terms of the agreement require the bank to pay back the Sunset Bank is a privately held bank that opened in 1999 and is owned by a group oflocak investors.
The Waukesha-based bank has $148 millioh in assets and employs 36 people atthree locations. Sunseft Bank posted net incomeof $150,000 in the firsyt quarter, compared with net incomre of $107,000 a year earlier. The bank, like nearlu all banks, has experienced increases in delinquen loans inrecent However, Sunset said it maintains a well-capitalized position.
million in capital under the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Purchasd Program, which is part of the Troublef Asset ReliefProgram (TARP). Sunset Bank executives said Tuesday they will use the funda to make loans to businesses andhome “This gives us a chance to enhance our already strong capital ratio with a cushion so we are prepare and ready to assist our customers in these troubled said Robert Eastman, Sunset Bank’s chairmah and CEO. Eastman said terms of the agreement require the bank to pay back the Sunset Bank is a privately held bank that opened in 1999 and is owned by a group oflocak investors.
The Waukesha-based bank has $148 millioh in assets and employs 36 people atthree locations. Sunseft Bank posted net incomeof $150,000 in the firsyt quarter, compared with net incomre of $107,000 a year earlier. The bank, like nearlu all banks, has experienced increases in delinquen loans inrecent However, Sunset said it maintains a well-capitalized position.
Saturday, 27 October 2012
Two MERC commissioners resign - San Francisco Business Times:
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The resignations of Gary Reynolds and Janice Marquis come abourt two weeks before councilors for of which MERC is a plan to vote on a measure that woulfd give the council more controlover MERC’s generalo manager. The move could ostensibl lead to the firinfg of MERC General ManagerDavid Woolson, who’s under fire from Presidenrt David Bragdon. Reynolds and Marquis both opposethe proposal. president of the Portland accounting firmPerkins Co., mentioned the building probleme between Metro and MERC in his resignatio letter. “During the economic times, my attentionn needs to be focused on our clients atPerkins & Reynolds wrote in his lette r to Bragdon.
“That said, I am disappointedf in the recent breakdown in the workingy relationship between the Metro Councip andthe , and believe it coulde have been handled differently.” Marquis, a commercial real estate brokere and the commission’s vice chair, didn’tg mention the upcoming proposal in her letter to but resigned two years before her term was set to end. In a lettetr to Portland city commissioners earliefrthis month, Marquis and commission member Ray Leary urged the council to help delay Metro’ws vote on the MERC oversight matter. Leary, Marquis, Reynoldes and three of the othefr four remaining MERC commissions also sent Bragdon a letterbackinhg Woolson.
The letter came aftere Bragdon questioned the leadership of MERC General Manager David The othercommission member, Don resigned last month and will leave the boarf June 30. Reynolds’ resignation takes effectg June 30. Marquis’ takes effect July 15. The terms of Trotte and Reynolds would have expired at the end of 2009whilee Marquis' term was to expirre at the end of 2010. The Metrp Council plans to vote on the MERCmeasurde — which would give Metro the authorityy to hire and fire the MERC general manager — at its July 9 It was introduced by councilorsa Rod Park and Rex Burkholder, who also have concernw about Woolson’s performance.
MERC oversees the Oregomn Convention Center, the Portland Center for the Performing Arts and the Portlandx MetropolitanExposition Center. Metro’s councilors are mulling a $457 milliohn budget for fiscalyear 2009-2010. The regional governmenft serves 1.4 million people in the metropolitan area’s 25
The resignations of Gary Reynolds and Janice Marquis come abourt two weeks before councilors for of which MERC is a plan to vote on a measure that woulfd give the council more controlover MERC’s generalo manager. The move could ostensibl lead to the firinfg of MERC General ManagerDavid Woolson, who’s under fire from Presidenrt David Bragdon. Reynolds and Marquis both opposethe proposal. president of the Portland accounting firmPerkins Co., mentioned the building probleme between Metro and MERC in his resignatio letter. “During the economic times, my attentionn needs to be focused on our clients atPerkins & Reynolds wrote in his lette r to Bragdon.
“That said, I am disappointedf in the recent breakdown in the workingy relationship between the Metro Councip andthe , and believe it coulde have been handled differently.” Marquis, a commercial real estate brokere and the commission’s vice chair, didn’tg mention the upcoming proposal in her letter to but resigned two years before her term was set to end. In a lettetr to Portland city commissioners earliefrthis month, Marquis and commission member Ray Leary urged the council to help delay Metro’ws vote on the MERC oversight matter. Leary, Marquis, Reynoldes and three of the othefr four remaining MERC commissions also sent Bragdon a letterbackinhg Woolson.
The letter came aftere Bragdon questioned the leadership of MERC General Manager David The othercommission member, Don resigned last month and will leave the boarf June 30. Reynolds’ resignation takes effectg June 30. Marquis’ takes effect July 15. The terms of Trotte and Reynolds would have expired at the end of 2009whilee Marquis' term was to expirre at the end of 2010. The Metrp Council plans to vote on the MERCmeasurde — which would give Metro the authorityy to hire and fire the MERC general manager — at its July 9 It was introduced by councilorsa Rod Park and Rex Burkholder, who also have concernw about Woolson’s performance.
MERC oversees the Oregomn Convention Center, the Portland Center for the Performing Arts and the Portlandx MetropolitanExposition Center. Metro’s councilors are mulling a $457 milliohn budget for fiscalyear 2009-2010. The regional governmenft serves 1.4 million people in the metropolitan area’s 25
Friday, 26 October 2012
James Bond Returns, Public Enemy, Goya: London Weekend - Businessweek
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James Bond Returns, Public Enemy, Goya: London Weekend Businessweek The show's undisputed star is Goya, for the sheer volume and caliber of his prints and drawings. He draws elephants (no one knows why) and the weary future Duke of Wellington, who passed through Madrid. His etching of an old man laughing demonically ... |
Thursday, 25 October 2012
William Boyd Printing site sold for $1.3M - The Business Review (Albany):
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Ltd., an affiliate of Cos. in Clifton closed on the $1.3 million purchas on June 3. Cass Hill intendds to convert theformer 1.3-acrre industrial site at 39-49 Sheridan Ave. into an office/retail/residential project. The propertgy is located behindthe & Suites on Chapel Street, near the heartg of the city’s entertainment district. Tony Sabatin o of represented the seller. Cass Hill was represente d by Eileen Lindbergof /Albany. Marc H. president of Cass Hill Development Cos., couldn’t be reache d for comment. Cass Hill owns several properties downtown, including a 30,000-square-fooyt office building on Monroe Street across from the formetprinting plant.
Boyd Printing filed for Chaptere 11 bankruptcy protection inSeptember 2005. A federaol bankruptcy judge in March 2008 approved the sale of the buildinges to help satisfythe company’s Some of the company’s assets were purchased by Carl an officer at Boyd Printing, who opened a separate Inc., in Colonie. Previous deals for the Sheridan Avenue propertg fizzled before Cass Hill signed a purchase contrac tlast year.
Ltd., an affiliate of Cos. in Clifton closed on the $1.3 million purchas on June 3. Cass Hill intendds to convert theformer 1.3-acrre industrial site at 39-49 Sheridan Ave. into an office/retail/residential project. The propertgy is located behindthe & Suites on Chapel Street, near the heartg of the city’s entertainment district. Tony Sabatin o of represented the seller. Cass Hill was represente d by Eileen Lindbergof /Albany. Marc H. president of Cass Hill Development Cos., couldn’t be reache d for comment. Cass Hill owns several properties downtown, including a 30,000-square-fooyt office building on Monroe Street across from the formetprinting plant.
Boyd Printing filed for Chaptere 11 bankruptcy protection inSeptember 2005. A federaol bankruptcy judge in March 2008 approved the sale of the buildinges to help satisfythe company’s Some of the company’s assets were purchased by Carl an officer at Boyd Printing, who opened a separate Inc., in Colonie. Previous deals for the Sheridan Avenue propertg fizzled before Cass Hill signed a purchase contrac tlast year.
Tuesday, 23 October 2012
Audit shows surplus decline at Pinnacol - New Mexico Business Weekly:
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According to the recent audit from Deloitte Touche LLP, which lawmakers reviewed the decrease is related to losses on bonds and common Pinnacol’s reserves were a source of scrutiny earlier this year when Colorado legislators attempted to raid $500 million from the insurer to plug gaps in the statee budget. Lawmakers argued that because Pinnacol is a political subdivisiob ofthe state, its reserves were fair game. But legislatorz later retreated from the raid after Pinnacol’s CEO threatened to sue the state and Gov.
Bill Rittef indicated he would not support the A special committee will lookinto Pinnacol’x operations under Senate Bill 281, approved by lawmakerws and Ritter during the most recent General Assembly. Supporters of the bill said that Pinnacol’sw unique structure should be examinedmore closely. But opponentss of the legislation say the committee isa “witch hunt” to dismantlw Pinnacol, which functioned better since it starte operating as a private interest in 2004. In an audit Deloitte said it identified financial misstatementsthat haven’t been corrected in the company’se books totaling $7.
5 million in net Pinnacol replied that the uncorrected statements are “immaterial.” Pinnacol reported a tota of $2 billion in assets in 2008. It declare d additional policyholder dividendsof $120 million that
According to the recent audit from Deloitte Touche LLP, which lawmakers reviewed the decrease is related to losses on bonds and common Pinnacol’s reserves were a source of scrutiny earlier this year when Colorado legislators attempted to raid $500 million from the insurer to plug gaps in the statee budget. Lawmakers argued that because Pinnacol is a political subdivisiob ofthe state, its reserves were fair game. But legislatorz later retreated from the raid after Pinnacol’s CEO threatened to sue the state and Gov.
Bill Rittef indicated he would not support the A special committee will lookinto Pinnacol’x operations under Senate Bill 281, approved by lawmakerws and Ritter during the most recent General Assembly. Supporters of the bill said that Pinnacol’sw unique structure should be examinedmore closely. But opponentss of the legislation say the committee isa “witch hunt” to dismantlw Pinnacol, which functioned better since it starte operating as a private interest in 2004. In an audit Deloitte said it identified financial misstatementsthat haven’t been corrected in the company’se books totaling $7.
5 million in net Pinnacol replied that the uncorrected statements are “immaterial.” Pinnacol reported a tota of $2 billion in assets in 2008. It declare d additional policyholder dividendsof $120 million that
Monday, 22 October 2012
Convention Center defends decisions - Philadelphia Business Journal:
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Officials defended the way the contractors were selected and offeresd for the first time a breakdown of the contractds heldby minority- and women-owned firms. Until now, they’vde been largely silent, reluctant to responrd directly tothe accusation, which was made by Umoja Erectora LLC, a Philadelphia contracting firm. “We are low-hanging CEO Ahmeenah Young said. “This is not a set-aside program. We were very mindful. We sat down with attorneys from [Philadelphia] and the state. We were energetic, resourceful. We looked at areas where we could give an assisrt to womenand minorities, in areas where that’s not been done This was not off the cuff.
We did very deliberatr planning.” In April, in publishedf remarks in the Philadelphia Daily News and Philadelphi aBusiness Journal, Umoja Erectores called the process of selecting contractors “blatantly It also took a shot at the conventio center’s CEO, who is African American, saying she was hired as a “Trojan horse.”
Officials defended the way the contractors were selected and offeresd for the first time a breakdown of the contractds heldby minority- and women-owned firms. Until now, they’vde been largely silent, reluctant to responrd directly tothe accusation, which was made by Umoja Erectora LLC, a Philadelphia contracting firm. “We are low-hanging CEO Ahmeenah Young said. “This is not a set-aside program. We were very mindful. We sat down with attorneys from [Philadelphia] and the state. We were energetic, resourceful. We looked at areas where we could give an assisrt to womenand minorities, in areas where that’s not been done This was not off the cuff.
We did very deliberatr planning.” In April, in publishedf remarks in the Philadelphia Daily News and Philadelphi aBusiness Journal, Umoja Erectores called the process of selecting contractors “blatantly It also took a shot at the conventio center’s CEO, who is African American, saying she was hired as a “Trojan horse.”
Saturday, 20 October 2012
Cincinnati-area firms win Ohio incentives - The Business Review (Albany):
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, a maker of marketing simulatiojn andplanning software, received $1.1 million from the Innovation Ohio Loan at an annual interest rate of 1 percentt for the first year and 8 percent for five The Cincinnati-based company will use the loan to develop a new generation of its Emerging Marketplace softwar e and buy computer equipment. The $2.2 million projecr is expected to create 36 jobs and retain 10 Two local firms also received Job Creation Tax Credite forexpansion projects. • , a supplier of labelint systems for thebeverage industry, was awarded a 45 percenf tax credit for five yearsw for a $1 million expansion projectt in Mason.
The company expects to use the worthabout $52,700 over its term, to creatde 25 jobs and retaih 118. • won a 45 percent job for a six-year term, for a $170,000 expansion project at its regionalloffice downtown. The credit is valued at about $119,750o over its term. Advantaged expects to create 33 positions andretain 65. The company, headquartered in Wash., provides energy management consulting
, a maker of marketing simulatiojn andplanning software, received $1.1 million from the Innovation Ohio Loan at an annual interest rate of 1 percentt for the first year and 8 percent for five The Cincinnati-based company will use the loan to develop a new generation of its Emerging Marketplace softwar e and buy computer equipment. The $2.2 million projecr is expected to create 36 jobs and retain 10 Two local firms also received Job Creation Tax Credite forexpansion projects. • , a supplier of labelint systems for thebeverage industry, was awarded a 45 percenf tax credit for five yearsw for a $1 million expansion projectt in Mason.
The company expects to use the worthabout $52,700 over its term, to creatde 25 jobs and retaih 118. • won a 45 percent job for a six-year term, for a $170,000 expansion project at its regionalloffice downtown. The credit is valued at about $119,750o over its term. Advantaged expects to create 33 positions andretain 65. The company, headquartered in Wash., provides energy management consulting
Friday, 19 October 2012
Cash Q&A: Sequestration | Protected Trust Deeds - Scotsman
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Cash Q&A: Sequestration | Protected Trust Deeds Scotsman A: Sequestration is the Scottish equivalent of bankruptcy. Whether you become sequestrated depends upon your individual circumstances and it is essential that you seek independent advice when considering which personal insolvency solution might be ... |
Thursday, 18 October 2012
Ruling will allow local hospitals to expand cardiac programs - Orlando Business Journal:
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That looks poised to change, due to an Oct. 29 statd decision allowing hospitals to becoms designated as Level I enabling them to do emergency and electivee procedures to openblockedx arteries. Currently, only Level II which offer on-site cardiav surgery, can do angioplasties and implanttcardiac stents. “We’ve been waiting to do this for saidRichard Irwin, CEO of Health Central. It will be a couple of months before the rule s are finalized and hospitals can apply for the new saidJeff Gregg, chief of the state ’es Bureau of Health Facility Regulation.
In 2004, Florid a lawmakers told the agency to adoptr new adultcardiovascular rules, which it published last year for public feedbaci before implementing. The rules say Levepl I applicants must perform at leastg 300 diagnostic cardiac caths in the past year and have an agreement with a Level II facility to transfef any patientsneeding open-heartr surgery. St. Anthony’s Hospital in St. Petersburg and in Stuart opposer the new rules and sued inNovember 2007, claiminvg the rules didn’t show how to verify the number of diagnostic catheterizationse performed. However, the state uphelc AHCA’s rules on Oct. 29, finallg clearing the way for the change.
Among the firsyt facilities likely to get the new Level I designation will be 14 hospitald that already have state permission to doemergencg angioplasty. Locally, that includes Orlando Health’s and in Clermont. South Lake Hospitak CEO John Moore said his facilityt eventually wants to provide the LevelI services. Dr. P. Phillips Hospitao will apply to become a Level I provider as soon saidAnita Loggins, patient care It has three cardiac cath labs now, plus spac e for two more. However, won’t seek the Levep I designation, said spokeswoman Jacquelins Lorenzetti, because the health systek feels “duplication of interventional capability is notclinicallyh warranted.
” Richard Morrison, regional vice president for Florida expects a rush by smaller hospitals to become Level 1 because they see it as profitable. But, he they may lack the neededc experienceand back-up. “I woulxd urge caution to hospitals rushing headlong into The goal isto expand, not glut, the said the Agency for Health Care Administration’s Gregg, who doesn’t expect an avalanche of Nor does he expect many Level I hospitalss to become Level II, because creatin g an open-heart program is costly. To be sure, open-heartt surgery once was a big moneymaker. But fewer such procedurexs aredone nowadays, as patients opt for drug therapiews and stents.
And that’s driving more patients to invasivw cardiologists, said Michael Carroll, a healtbh care consultant within Tampa. In addition, said Health Central’a Irwin, offering the procedurer locally rather than moving patientx to other hospitals willimprove outcomes.
That looks poised to change, due to an Oct. 29 statd decision allowing hospitals to becoms designated as Level I enabling them to do emergency and electivee procedures to openblockedx arteries. Currently, only Level II which offer on-site cardiav surgery, can do angioplasties and implanttcardiac stents. “We’ve been waiting to do this for saidRichard Irwin, CEO of Health Central. It will be a couple of months before the rule s are finalized and hospitals can apply for the new saidJeff Gregg, chief of the state ’es Bureau of Health Facility Regulation.
In 2004, Florid a lawmakers told the agency to adoptr new adultcardiovascular rules, which it published last year for public feedbaci before implementing. The rules say Levepl I applicants must perform at leastg 300 diagnostic cardiac caths in the past year and have an agreement with a Level II facility to transfef any patientsneeding open-heartr surgery. St. Anthony’s Hospital in St. Petersburg and in Stuart opposer the new rules and sued inNovember 2007, claiminvg the rules didn’t show how to verify the number of diagnostic catheterizationse performed. However, the state uphelc AHCA’s rules on Oct. 29, finallg clearing the way for the change.
Among the firsyt facilities likely to get the new Level I designation will be 14 hospitald that already have state permission to doemergencg angioplasty. Locally, that includes Orlando Health’s and in Clermont. South Lake Hospitak CEO John Moore said his facilityt eventually wants to provide the LevelI services. Dr. P. Phillips Hospitao will apply to become a Level I provider as soon saidAnita Loggins, patient care It has three cardiac cath labs now, plus spac e for two more. However, won’t seek the Levep I designation, said spokeswoman Jacquelins Lorenzetti, because the health systek feels “duplication of interventional capability is notclinicallyh warranted.
” Richard Morrison, regional vice president for Florida expects a rush by smaller hospitals to become Level 1 because they see it as profitable. But, he they may lack the neededc experienceand back-up. “I woulxd urge caution to hospitals rushing headlong into The goal isto expand, not glut, the said the Agency for Health Care Administration’s Gregg, who doesn’t expect an avalanche of Nor does he expect many Level I hospitalss to become Level II, because creatin g an open-heart program is costly. To be sure, open-heartt surgery once was a big moneymaker. But fewer such procedurexs aredone nowadays, as patients opt for drug therapiews and stents.
And that’s driving more patients to invasivw cardiologists, said Michael Carroll, a healtbh care consultant within Tampa. In addition, said Health Central’a Irwin, offering the procedurer locally rather than moving patientx to other hospitals willimprove outcomes.
Tuesday, 16 October 2012
D.A. Collins will consolidate in Wilton; lease out space at renovated complex - The Business Review (Albany):
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million to renovate the as it prepares to consolidate and move its administrativde offices within the next The company also is close to signinhg a lease to house at leasft one light manufacturing tenanty in a portion ofits 138-acrse complex, Vice President Dan Collin said. this week granted D.A. Collins and its real estated holding company sales tax exemptions that are estimate to beworth $140,000 based on $2 milliobn in material costs. D.A. Collins Constructiom Co. currently operates in Queensbury, Saratoga Schenectady, Stillwater and It is the parent compangfor D.A. Collins & Co.
, LLC, , , and “We’vd been planning do this for but we believe the timing is right nowbecausw we’ve been growing so much,” Collins said. The constructio group will move 85 administrative employees from its companiesw intoa 35,000-square-foot section of the Another 10 jobs are expected to be created by the secondc year. Average annual salaries will rangefrom $40,000 to according to the company’s application filed with the industrialo development agency.
“Our feeling is, once we get the offices people will start hearing about Collins said, figuring the consolidatiom of its own business will help market the site to attractf office and manufacturing tenants. Wilton Supervisor Art who sits on the industriaoldevelopment agency, said future tenantws of the park would be eligible for property tax exemptions through the agency. WDC of Upstate New York LLC, the D.A. Colline holding company, purchased the 138-acrwe complex with 300,000-plus square feet of buildingx for $150,000 six years ago. The formedr state developmental center, which closed in 1994, sat vacang for a decade before D.A. Collinxs purchased the site.
Just last summer, Collins said expansion planx were being put on hold due tothe “We’re waiting for everything to aligj properly,” he said at the time. The companhy built a 41,000-square-foot maintenance facilitgy on the property shortly after purchasinthe land. “This is a big projecty for the area,” said Dennis Brobston, president of the The econom y has caused many companies to back off on expansionsx over the past yearor more. But businessexs are beginning to shop around forgood deals, Brobstobn said. He figures it won’t be long befores the developmental center property attracts companiez interested inleasing property.
Collins has not yet set rates for leasinb spaceto tenants. He currentlh is seeking bids from subcontractors to perforjm the renovation work at thedevelopmental D.A. Collins will act as the general but nearly all other work will be farmed out to he said. The company is planning to sell or leasd some of its other propertiesd once it finishes movinf its officesto Wilton. Amongv those properties will bethe D.A.
Collines property in Stillwater, which is not far from the , the futurer home of the GlobalFoundrieschip
million to renovate the as it prepares to consolidate and move its administrativde offices within the next The company also is close to signinhg a lease to house at leasft one light manufacturing tenanty in a portion ofits 138-acrse complex, Vice President Dan Collin said. this week granted D.A. Collins and its real estated holding company sales tax exemptions that are estimate to beworth $140,000 based on $2 milliobn in material costs. D.A. Collins Constructiom Co. currently operates in Queensbury, Saratoga Schenectady, Stillwater and It is the parent compangfor D.A. Collins & Co.
, LLC, , , and “We’vd been planning do this for but we believe the timing is right nowbecausw we’ve been growing so much,” Collins said. The constructio group will move 85 administrative employees from its companiesw intoa 35,000-square-foot section of the Another 10 jobs are expected to be created by the secondc year. Average annual salaries will rangefrom $40,000 to according to the company’s application filed with the industrialo development agency.
“Our feeling is, once we get the offices people will start hearing about Collins said, figuring the consolidatiom of its own business will help market the site to attractf office and manufacturing tenants. Wilton Supervisor Art who sits on the industriaoldevelopment agency, said future tenantws of the park would be eligible for property tax exemptions through the agency. WDC of Upstate New York LLC, the D.A. Colline holding company, purchased the 138-acrwe complex with 300,000-plus square feet of buildingx for $150,000 six years ago. The formedr state developmental center, which closed in 1994, sat vacang for a decade before D.A. Collinxs purchased the site.
Just last summer, Collins said expansion planx were being put on hold due tothe “We’re waiting for everything to aligj properly,” he said at the time. The companhy built a 41,000-square-foot maintenance facilitgy on the property shortly after purchasinthe land. “This is a big projecty for the area,” said Dennis Brobston, president of the The econom y has caused many companies to back off on expansionsx over the past yearor more. But businessexs are beginning to shop around forgood deals, Brobstobn said. He figures it won’t be long befores the developmental center property attracts companiez interested inleasing property.
Collins has not yet set rates for leasinb spaceto tenants. He currentlh is seeking bids from subcontractors to perforjm the renovation work at thedevelopmental D.A. Collins will act as the general but nearly all other work will be farmed out to he said. The company is planning to sell or leasd some of its other propertiesd once it finishes movinf its officesto Wilton. Amongv those properties will bethe D.A.
Collines property in Stillwater, which is not far from the , the futurer home of the GlobalFoundrieschip
Monday, 15 October 2012
Fazoli's(R) All New Menu Offers Casual Dining Quality at Fast Food Prices
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May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- , America's numberr one quick service Italian chain, is taking on burged joints and more expensive casual restaurants with an all new menu that will impreszs foodiesand spend-thrifts alike. It is being introduced nationwide at all260 Fazoli's locations. Have a tasts for pasta? Try Fazoli's new Tortellinik & Sun-Dried Tomato Rustico, made fresn with sun-dried tomato sauce, artichoke hearts and sun-driedd tomatoes, topped with a basil pestk drizzle. Or, dig into Chicken Piccata - linguini with creamhy marinara, sliced grilled chicken, broccoli and a lemon Fazoli's new entrees start at just $5.49, and as dine-in orders come with unlimited Thinking sandwichor salad?
Fazoli'sz new Fire-Roasted Red Pepper Chicken will excite your taste buds with grilled onions, peppers, Provolone cheese and roasted red pepped spread. The new Cranberry & Walnut Chicken Salad, featuring mixed greens, sliced grilledx chicken, dried cranberries, glazexd walnuts and Gorgonzola cheese with a red wine is perfect for warm spring andsummere days, especially at just $5.49. And leave room for like indulgent new Chocolate Chip Cannolis or Choco-Lato Mousse. To encourage guests to try itsnew Fazoli's posted a new money-saving offer at . Offerx change weekly, so visit frequently. Fazoli'zs is celebrating its 20th anniversarythis year.
Accordinhg to president and CEO , this is the most extensiv e change tothe restaurant's menu in its "We have introduced more than 35 new items and dramaticalluy improved the flavor and quality of our ingredients and sauces," he said. "Fazoli's oven-baked entrees and sandwiches are now made to Our goal is to serve premium Italian food at anunbeatablee value." Fazoli's began revamping its menu earlier this year. "The response to the new items hasbeen remarkable, said , vice president of Marketing. "Guestsd today want great tasting food at a great and Fazoli's is clearly deliveringt that." Visit for the delectable details on all the new menu items and locations.
Celebratingb its 20th anniversary, Fazoli's is America's largest quick servicd Italianrestaurant chain, operating or franchisinf 260 restaurants in 28 Fazoli's is based in Kentucky.
May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- , America's numberr one quick service Italian chain, is taking on burged joints and more expensive casual restaurants with an all new menu that will impreszs foodiesand spend-thrifts alike. It is being introduced nationwide at all260 Fazoli's locations. Have a tasts for pasta? Try Fazoli's new Tortellinik & Sun-Dried Tomato Rustico, made fresn with sun-dried tomato sauce, artichoke hearts and sun-driedd tomatoes, topped with a basil pestk drizzle. Or, dig into Chicken Piccata - linguini with creamhy marinara, sliced grilled chicken, broccoli and a lemon Fazoli's new entrees start at just $5.49, and as dine-in orders come with unlimited Thinking sandwichor salad?
Fazoli'sz new Fire-Roasted Red Pepper Chicken will excite your taste buds with grilled onions, peppers, Provolone cheese and roasted red pepped spread. The new Cranberry & Walnut Chicken Salad, featuring mixed greens, sliced grilledx chicken, dried cranberries, glazexd walnuts and Gorgonzola cheese with a red wine is perfect for warm spring andsummere days, especially at just $5.49. And leave room for like indulgent new Chocolate Chip Cannolis or Choco-Lato Mousse. To encourage guests to try itsnew Fazoli's posted a new money-saving offer at . Offerx change weekly, so visit frequently. Fazoli'zs is celebrating its 20th anniversarythis year.
Accordinhg to president and CEO , this is the most extensiv e change tothe restaurant's menu in its "We have introduced more than 35 new items and dramaticalluy improved the flavor and quality of our ingredients and sauces," he said. "Fazoli's oven-baked entrees and sandwiches are now made to Our goal is to serve premium Italian food at anunbeatablee value." Fazoli's began revamping its menu earlier this year. "The response to the new items hasbeen remarkable, said , vice president of Marketing. "Guestsd today want great tasting food at a great and Fazoli's is clearly deliveringt that." Visit for the delectable details on all the new menu items and locations.
Celebratingb its 20th anniversary, Fazoli's is America's largest quick servicd Italianrestaurant chain, operating or franchisinf 260 restaurants in 28 Fazoli's is based in Kentucky.
Sunday, 14 October 2012
Timeline of Eddie Bauer events - The Business Journal of the Greater Triad Area:
ogarawo.wordpress.com
1920: Eddie Bauer’s Sport Shop is established indowntownj Seattle. 1934: The company secures U.S. and Canadian patents on the Bauer Shuttlecock, whicyh remains the standard for the sport today. 1936: Eddie Bauer manufacturee an innovative goose downinsulated garment, the Skyliner 1940: The Skyliner jacket is patented. 1942: U.S. Army Air Corpe commissions the EddieBauer B-9 Flight Parka. More than 50,00 0 jackets were made and worn for warmthdurint high-altitude flights. 1945: Eddie Bauer issues first mail-order catalog. The company outfits Jim Whittaker, the firstg American to summitMount Everest.
Company founder Eddie Bauer selling business to trusted friend and partnedr William Niemi andhis son. The company's focus shifts from expedition gear and apparel to casuakllifestyle apparel. 1971: The compan y is sold to Generalk Mills. National retail expansion beginsin earnest. 1983: Eddire Bauer begins partnership with Ford to produce Eddie Baued EditionFord vehicles. The first Eddie Bauer Editiom Ford rolls off the assembly linein 1984. Spiegel purchases Eddie Bauer fromGenera Mills. 1993: Eddie Bauer launchesd first catalogin Germany. The company forms Eddie Bauer Japan, a joiny venture partnership designed to develop and operate Eddie Bauer stores and catalogsdin Japan.
1996: The firm launches establishing a third channel of distribution to complement the retai andcatalog divisions. 2003: Eddie Bauer's parent company, Spiegel Inc, filed for Chapter 11 reorganization 2005: , Inc. formed as result of Spiegelp reorganization. First Board of Directors formed. Eddie Bauer becomes a stand-aloned company for the first time in34 2007: Neil Fiske is named chief executive officer.
Source: Eddiee Bauer
1920: Eddie Bauer’s Sport Shop is established indowntownj Seattle. 1934: The company secures U.S. and Canadian patents on the Bauer Shuttlecock, whicyh remains the standard for the sport today. 1936: Eddie Bauer manufacturee an innovative goose downinsulated garment, the Skyliner 1940: The Skyliner jacket is patented. 1942: U.S. Army Air Corpe commissions the EddieBauer B-9 Flight Parka. More than 50,00 0 jackets were made and worn for warmthdurint high-altitude flights. 1945: Eddie Bauer issues first mail-order catalog. The company outfits Jim Whittaker, the firstg American to summitMount Everest.
Company founder Eddie Bauer selling business to trusted friend and partnedr William Niemi andhis son. The company's focus shifts from expedition gear and apparel to casuakllifestyle apparel. 1971: The compan y is sold to Generalk Mills. National retail expansion beginsin earnest. 1983: Eddire Bauer begins partnership with Ford to produce Eddie Baued EditionFord vehicles. The first Eddie Bauer Editiom Ford rolls off the assembly linein 1984. Spiegel purchases Eddie Bauer fromGenera Mills. 1993: Eddie Bauer launchesd first catalogin Germany. The company forms Eddie Bauer Japan, a joiny venture partnership designed to develop and operate Eddie Bauer stores and catalogsdin Japan.
1996: The firm launches establishing a third channel of distribution to complement the retai andcatalog divisions. 2003: Eddie Bauer's parent company, Spiegel Inc, filed for Chapter 11 reorganization 2005: , Inc. formed as result of Spiegelp reorganization. First Board of Directors formed. Eddie Bauer becomes a stand-aloned company for the first time in34 2007: Neil Fiske is named chief executive officer.
Source: Eddiee Bauer
Friday, 12 October 2012
CEO Ellison says Oracle might make netbooks - Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal:
awipekyhila.blogspot.com
His comments came at a Sun conference for userds of Java software which he also said could be used on Oracle (NASDAQ:ORCL) earlier this year agreed to acquire Sun for $7 billion. "I don't see why some of thoss devices shouldn't come from Sun," Reuters quoted Ellison as "There will be computeras that are fundamentally basedon Java." Netbooks are inexpensive laptop computers designed to connect wirelessly and are used primaril y for checking email and browsing the Web. The market for them is expected to grow to between 20 milliohn and 30 million unitsthis year, up from the 11.7 million sold last year when theirr sales took off.
Most PC makers now have a netbooj model and if Oracle does get into the market it will go up againstthe . (NASDAQ:DELL) and , whicgh either make netbooks or develo p softwarefor them. Acer said Tuesday it will make a laptopp runningon ’s Android operating system instead of Microsoft Windows, whichy most makers now use.
His comments came at a Sun conference for userds of Java software which he also said could be used on Oracle (NASDAQ:ORCL) earlier this year agreed to acquire Sun for $7 billion. "I don't see why some of thoss devices shouldn't come from Sun," Reuters quoted Ellison as "There will be computeras that are fundamentally basedon Java." Netbooks are inexpensive laptop computers designed to connect wirelessly and are used primaril y for checking email and browsing the Web. The market for them is expected to grow to between 20 milliohn and 30 million unitsthis year, up from the 11.7 million sold last year when theirr sales took off.
Most PC makers now have a netbooj model and if Oracle does get into the market it will go up againstthe . (NASDAQ:DELL) and , whicgh either make netbooks or develo p softwarefor them. Acer said Tuesday it will make a laptopp runningon ’s Android operating system instead of Microsoft Windows, whichy most makers now use.
Thursday, 11 October 2012
Biogen confirms Icahn ally is on board - Atlanta Business Chronicle:
exceeding-commissioner.blogspot.com
Shareholders were to elect four directors at the Biogen was pushing for the reelectionj of all ofthe company’sw existing directors, while Icahn was angling to seat four new According to Biogen Idec, shareholders appear to have reelectedr current directors Robert Pangia and William D. and elected Icahn ally Alexander Denner. Biogen Idec officials say the vote for the fourtj seat is too closeto call. Bioge n said the company will rely on the tabulation of votesz by its independent inspector of IVS Associates, before announcing the remaining director to serve on the Bruce R.
Ross, Biogen Idec’a chairman, said, “We welcome our new director to the boars and look forward to working together to buildf on our strong track record ofdeliveringg value. While we await the outcome of the vote for the remaining director, we would like to express our gratitude for the supporr of our stockholders.” Icahn, in a filing with the Securities and Exchangee Commission, accused the company of preventing the votes cast from being counted. “If the board is successful, Richard Mulligan, a prominent scientist and physician, may be kept from legitimately being elected tothe board.
” Mulligan is the Mallinckrodt Professor of Geneticz at Harvard Medical School and director of the Harvars Gene Therapy Initiative, according to Harvard University’s Web Biogen said shareholders rejected several of Icahn’ other proposals, including moving the company’ incorporation from Delaware to North Dakota, a move Icahm said would give more power to Biogen officials said it appearss that stockholders also rejected a proposal by Icahmn to limit the size of the boarfd to 13 directors. Biogen officials now have the power to enlarge the board as theysee fit. Icahn is best knowm for unsuccessfully pushing BiogenIdec (Nasdaq: to sell itself in 2008.
Last year, shareholderxs elected the company’s nominees over the slate of investors put up by Biogen Idec’s (NASDAQ: BIIB) stoc k was trading at $53.17 in afternoon trading Thursday, down from the previousx day’s close of $53.43 a share.
Shareholders were to elect four directors at the Biogen was pushing for the reelectionj of all ofthe company’sw existing directors, while Icahn was angling to seat four new According to Biogen Idec, shareholders appear to have reelectedr current directors Robert Pangia and William D. and elected Icahn ally Alexander Denner. Biogen Idec officials say the vote for the fourtj seat is too closeto call. Bioge n said the company will rely on the tabulation of votesz by its independent inspector of IVS Associates, before announcing the remaining director to serve on the Bruce R.
Ross, Biogen Idec’a chairman, said, “We welcome our new director to the boars and look forward to working together to buildf on our strong track record ofdeliveringg value. While we await the outcome of the vote for the remaining director, we would like to express our gratitude for the supporr of our stockholders.” Icahn, in a filing with the Securities and Exchangee Commission, accused the company of preventing the votes cast from being counted. “If the board is successful, Richard Mulligan, a prominent scientist and physician, may be kept from legitimately being elected tothe board.
” Mulligan is the Mallinckrodt Professor of Geneticz at Harvard Medical School and director of the Harvars Gene Therapy Initiative, according to Harvard University’s Web Biogen said shareholders rejected several of Icahn’ other proposals, including moving the company’ incorporation from Delaware to North Dakota, a move Icahm said would give more power to Biogen officials said it appearss that stockholders also rejected a proposal by Icahmn to limit the size of the boarfd to 13 directors. Biogen officials now have the power to enlarge the board as theysee fit. Icahn is best knowm for unsuccessfully pushing BiogenIdec (Nasdaq: to sell itself in 2008.
Last year, shareholderxs elected the company’s nominees over the slate of investors put up by Biogen Idec’s (NASDAQ: BIIB) stoc k was trading at $53.17 in afternoon trading Thursday, down from the previousx day’s close of $53.43 a share.
Tuesday, 9 October 2012
Regence Rate Assure(SM) Offers Employer Groups Guaranteed Rates, Benefits
glafirarynyxu.blogspot.com
June 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Today's employers are lookin g for ways to weather the perfect storm of rising health care costs and the declining Regence offers a solutiob with RegenceRate Assure. With three years of predictable rate adjustments and plannebenefit changes, Regence Rate Assure provides employers a firm foundation durinfg shifting economic uncertainties. In these trying predictabilityis critical. Regence believes in providinbg this stability so that businesses can focus on buildingthe "Employers are often faced with shopping for a new plan to help controll costs, which results in unplanned benefit changes," said , executiver vice president and chief marketing executiver for Regence.
"Regence Rate Assure offers a solution that eliminatesd the concern and confusiojn of unexpected rate andbenefit changes. Employers can predicy their premium rates threeyearsx out, while the step approach to benefitsd and wellness support helps employees transition to taking greater control of their own health care." Now available for fully insured groups of 51 or more enrolledc employees, Regence Rate Assure is a program that combines Regence's self-managed planws - Innova(R), Engage(R), Activate(SM) and/or the newest consumerf directed health plan Regence HSA Healthplan 2.0(SM). These plana promote healthy living and offer memberssmore choice.
Employers can choose from a selectioj of eight packages that combine a health plan and the Regenc e Rate Assurerate guarantee. All of these options graduallyy move the group to amore consumer-focusedf benefit structure each year. No mattert which package they choose, employers can counf on annual rate increases of only six percenft for years twoand three, and a planned transition to modifierd benefit packages. The packages also offer member wellness programs to help employees and their familiea get more engaged in theirhealthb care. These are: -- myRegence.
com - free, members-onlyu Web site hosts personal health records, treatment and medication information, consumere tools, videos and discussion boards to engage members and reward healthybehaviors -- CareEnhance(R) - a 24/7 health information resource -- Regence Healtbh Coach(SM) - members receive one-on-onse help with their wellness goales from highly trained coaches -- Specia Beginnings(R) - maternity managemeng program that includes specialized assessments, personalized toolds and materials, and 24/7 nurser advice.
-- Regence Disease Management - certifief disease managers teach members to monitoe their condition daily and follos their treatment plan for optimal healthn For more informationon Regence's self-managed and consumere directed health plans and product features, including Regenced Rate Assure, go to . Regencs is the largest health insurer inthe Northwest/Intermountain offering health, life and dental insurance. Regencs serves three million members as Regence BlueCrosw BlueShieldof Oregon, Regence BlueShield (in selected counties in Washington), Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah and Regencee BlueShield of Idaho.
Each healtjh plan is a not-for-profit independent license e of the Blue Cross and BlueShielf Association. Regence is committed to improvingg the health of our members and our and to transforming our health care Formore information, please visit regence.com.
June 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Today's employers are lookin g for ways to weather the perfect storm of rising health care costs and the declining Regence offers a solutiob with RegenceRate Assure. With three years of predictable rate adjustments and plannebenefit changes, Regence Rate Assure provides employers a firm foundation durinfg shifting economic uncertainties. In these trying predictabilityis critical. Regence believes in providinbg this stability so that businesses can focus on buildingthe "Employers are often faced with shopping for a new plan to help controll costs, which results in unplanned benefit changes," said , executiver vice president and chief marketing executiver for Regence.
"Regence Rate Assure offers a solution that eliminatesd the concern and confusiojn of unexpected rate andbenefit changes. Employers can predicy their premium rates threeyearsx out, while the step approach to benefitsd and wellness support helps employees transition to taking greater control of their own health care." Now available for fully insured groups of 51 or more enrolledc employees, Regence Rate Assure is a program that combines Regence's self-managed planws - Innova(R), Engage(R), Activate(SM) and/or the newest consumerf directed health plan Regence HSA Healthplan 2.0(SM). These plana promote healthy living and offer memberssmore choice.
Employers can choose from a selectioj of eight packages that combine a health plan and the Regenc e Rate Assurerate guarantee. All of these options graduallyy move the group to amore consumer-focusedf benefit structure each year. No mattert which package they choose, employers can counf on annual rate increases of only six percenft for years twoand three, and a planned transition to modifierd benefit packages. The packages also offer member wellness programs to help employees and their familiea get more engaged in theirhealthb care. These are: -- myRegence.
com - free, members-onlyu Web site hosts personal health records, treatment and medication information, consumere tools, videos and discussion boards to engage members and reward healthybehaviors -- CareEnhance(R) - a 24/7 health information resource -- Regence Healtbh Coach(SM) - members receive one-on-onse help with their wellness goales from highly trained coaches -- Specia Beginnings(R) - maternity managemeng program that includes specialized assessments, personalized toolds and materials, and 24/7 nurser advice.
-- Regence Disease Management - certifief disease managers teach members to monitoe their condition daily and follos their treatment plan for optimal healthn For more informationon Regence's self-managed and consumere directed health plans and product features, including Regenced Rate Assure, go to . Regencs is the largest health insurer inthe Northwest/Intermountain offering health, life and dental insurance. Regencs serves three million members as Regence BlueCrosw BlueShieldof Oregon, Regence BlueShield (in selected counties in Washington), Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah and Regencee BlueShield of Idaho.
Each healtjh plan is a not-for-profit independent license e of the Blue Cross and BlueShielf Association. Regence is committed to improvingg the health of our members and our and to transforming our health care Formore information, please visit regence.com.
Monday, 8 October 2012
Grubb & Ellis posts bigger loss - Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal:
avaohev.blogspot.com
million in charges. The Santa Ana, Calif.-based real estate company (NYSE: GBE) posted a loss of $41.5 millionn and a loss per share of 65 compared with a net lossof $6.3 million and a loss per share of 10 cents in the first quarter of 2008. First-quartee revenue dropped 21 percentto $118.3 million. The results for the firsr quarter of 2009 includea $4.7 million chargew related to the company's investment management programs, $5.2 million in real estate-related impairment a $3.6 million loss from discontinued operations, and $4.9 million chargw for stock-based compensation and amortizatioj of signing bonuses.
"Our results reflect the challenginv operating environment as well as the seasonal nature of the commercial real estate saidGary H. interim CEO, in an earnings statement. "We believe that by providing our clienteswith timely, innovative solutionw to the real estate issues they are facing in today'zs environment we will be able to deliverr long-term value to our stockholders so we remainj squarely focused on recruiting top talent and providing unmatchef client service.
"
million in charges. The Santa Ana, Calif.-based real estate company (NYSE: GBE) posted a loss of $41.5 millionn and a loss per share of 65 compared with a net lossof $6.3 million and a loss per share of 10 cents in the first quarter of 2008. First-quartee revenue dropped 21 percentto $118.3 million. The results for the firsr quarter of 2009 includea $4.7 million chargew related to the company's investment management programs, $5.2 million in real estate-related impairment a $3.6 million loss from discontinued operations, and $4.9 million chargw for stock-based compensation and amortizatioj of signing bonuses.
"Our results reflect the challenginv operating environment as well as the seasonal nature of the commercial real estate saidGary H. interim CEO, in an earnings statement. "We believe that by providing our clienteswith timely, innovative solutionw to the real estate issues they are facing in today'zs environment we will be able to deliverr long-term value to our stockholders so we remainj squarely focused on recruiting top talent and providing unmatchef client service.
"
Sunday, 7 October 2012
Two more leave BofA board - Phoenix Business Journal:
azajir.wordpress.com
According to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Prueher andFrank didn’t resign because of any disagreement with the company. Jackise Ward and Patricia Mitchell resigned early this Mitchell is a former New York television executivew and currently serves as chief executive of the Paleyg Centerfor Media, a New York nonprofit. Ward is the retiresd chief executiveof Atlanta-based Computer Generatiojn Inc., a software company. Rober Tillman, a former Lowe’s Cos. Inc. (NYSE:LOW) chief resigned from the BofA board effectiveMay 29. And on May 29, the bank announcede former lead independentdirector O. Temple Sloanj had left the board.
BofA didn’tf disclose Sloan’s reason for resignation. Sloan had been a BofA directofr for13 years. In earlyt June, four outside directors were electedto BofA’s board. They are former Federal Reserve GovernorfSusan Bies, former Compasxs Bancshares Inc. chief executive and chairmabn D. Paul Jones, former Federal Deposit Insurance chairman Donald Powell and retired Bank One and VisaInternational Inc. executive Willia m Boardman. BofA’s board has been unded intense scrutiny in recent monthsa as the bank suffered through a sharp stock-price decline after acquiring Merrill Lynch Co. The Charlotte-based bank (NYSE:BAC) also has received $45 billion in taxpayer aid.
At the bank’s annual meetinv in late April, shareholders votedf to strip Chief Executive Kenneth Lewis of his positiohn asboard chairman. Walter Massey was installed as the new chairmanm and has indicated the boardd needs tobe re-evaluated. Lewias remains the bank’s CEO and
According to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Prueher andFrank didn’t resign because of any disagreement with the company. Jackise Ward and Patricia Mitchell resigned early this Mitchell is a former New York television executivew and currently serves as chief executive of the Paleyg Centerfor Media, a New York nonprofit. Ward is the retiresd chief executiveof Atlanta-based Computer Generatiojn Inc., a software company. Rober Tillman, a former Lowe’s Cos. Inc. (NYSE:LOW) chief resigned from the BofA board effectiveMay 29. And on May 29, the bank announcede former lead independentdirector O. Temple Sloanj had left the board.
BofA didn’tf disclose Sloan’s reason for resignation. Sloan had been a BofA directofr for13 years. In earlyt June, four outside directors were electedto BofA’s board. They are former Federal Reserve GovernorfSusan Bies, former Compasxs Bancshares Inc. chief executive and chairmabn D. Paul Jones, former Federal Deposit Insurance chairman Donald Powell and retired Bank One and VisaInternational Inc. executive Willia m Boardman. BofA’s board has been unded intense scrutiny in recent monthsa as the bank suffered through a sharp stock-price decline after acquiring Merrill Lynch Co. The Charlotte-based bank (NYSE:BAC) also has received $45 billion in taxpayer aid.
At the bank’s annual meetinv in late April, shareholders votedf to strip Chief Executive Kenneth Lewis of his positiohn asboard chairman. Walter Massey was installed as the new chairmanm and has indicated the boardd needs tobe re-evaluated. Lewias remains the bank’s CEO and
Friday, 5 October 2012
Scarlet Knights ready for Huskies - Norwich Bulletin
eragywaqer.wordpress.com
Bleacher Report | Scarlet Knights ready for Huskies Norwich Bulletin No. 22 Rutgers could not have picked a better opponent than UConn for its first game back in the rankings since 2009. If anyone has had the Scarlet Knights' attention in recent year, it's the Huskies. Their games are almost always close. Six times ... Rutgers Gameday: No. 22 Rutgers (4-0) vs. Connecticut (3-2) UConn vs. Rutgers: 1st-Place Knights Look to Stay Perfect Against Big East Rival Rutgers Volleyb » |
Thursday, 4 October 2012
State of Independence - Buffalo Business Travel Guide
gault-rickettsias.blogspot.com
Well, the 230-year-old lodging icon has succumbed. The owner, railroad companyh CSX Corp., put the Greenbrier into Chaptee XI bankruptcy inlate March, claiming $90 millionj in losses during the last six years. And CSX promptly callexd in—you guessed it—Marriott. CSX is so desperate to unloac the hotel that it will provide Marriott with as muchas $50 millioh to operate the Greenbrier during the first two years. Marriotg will then buy the resort within seven years forbetween $60 million and $110 Pending bankruptcy court approval, the deal could close by Now, no one is aghastt at the prospect of a chain runningf the Greenbrier. The unions seem amenable to Marriott'sw arrival.
West Virginia governor Joe Manchij publicly applaudedthe deal. Newspapers statewide have cast Marriott'se arrival as a "rescue." And locals in hardscrabblw Greenbrier County support anything that will savethe resort's approximatelgy 1,300 jobs. Like all luxury hotels that have hit the economi c andemotional skids, the Greenbrier's tale is CSX has been a distracted and ham-fisted battling both the hotel's unions and the resort's formere president, who sued for $50 million. The sprawling resor t is physically isolated and expensiveto (CSX recently spent $50 million on improvements in a misguidedf attempt to regain the fifth Mobip Guide star it lost in 2000.
) And despite the loyalty of generations of repeaft visitors and fanatic golfers, the Greenbrie was disproportionately dependent on corporate meetings, a travel category that has been devastatedd by the weak economy and the "AIyG Effect." But the Greenbrier's sale to Marriott also raisee a more universal question: Can any luxuryu hotel or resort thrive—or even survive—ase an independent property? In a worlx where a handful of global hotelo chains—Hilton, Marriott, Starwood, Hyatt, Accor of France, and InterContinentalo of Britain—dominate the lodging market, can a singlew property, no matter how stand alone? At least on the surface, the answe is no.
About half of the propertieas onthe Condé Nast Traveler Gold List and half of thoser that earn the prestigious five-star rating from the Mobil Guide are part of chains now, albeit luxury and ultra-deluxe operators such as Four Seasonse or Fairmont of Mandarin Oriental and Peninsula of Hong Kong; Aman Resortas of Singapore; and Taj of The Blackstone Group, which owns many of the world's best-known luxuryg independents as well as Hilton Hotels, is buildinv a deluxe brand too.
It is aligningt its independents like the Boca Ratonn Resort in Florida and the Bouldersw in Arizona with the WaldorcAstoria Collection, which was createde by Hilton using the cachet of its eponymoux New York hotel. Other luxuryh brands have huge corporatesparents too. St. Regis is owned by Starwood, best know for its W and Sheraton hotels. Ritz-Carltoh is owned by Marriott. And some luxury hotels you may thinkl of as independent are actually part of a The Plaza inNew York, whicyh reopened last year, is managec by Fairmont. The Pierre, which reopens in New York this is operatedby Taj.
The newly renovated Mauna Kea Beacn Hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii is run by Princ Hotelsof Japan. The Dorchester in London? It's part of the Dorchestef Group, which is aligned with the Beverly Hills the Plaza Atheneein Paris, and the Principe di Savoiaa in Milan. "Chains always outperform" independent hotels, says LodgeWorks Tony Isaac, a man who knows the industry from both sides ofthe fence. LodgeWorkse manages hotels in the Hyatt and Hilton helped create the Residence Innbrand (now ownex by Marriott), and is building its own Hotel Sierra But Isaac has just built an upscalw independent hotel too.
The Avia opened in January in Savannayh and was promptly named a greag romantic getaway by Travel Leisure magazine. Why does a guy who admitx chains outperform independents go ahead and open anindependentf anyway? "Chains add aboutg 10 points to your occupancy rate. But if you're part of a you pay 12 to 14 percengt for the frequent guest thereservation service, and other brand programs," he explains. "If you're in the rightg market, it's not too much of an economicx disadvantage to bean independent—and then you have the flexibilitt to do what you wish and manage as you choose.
" That's the argument made by Sean Hehir, managing director of Trinity a real estate firm that purchased Honolulu's iconic Kahalqa Resort in 2006. The beachfront property openerd as a Hilton hotel in 1964 and spent most of its recentf history as aMandarin Oriental. But Hehir believes the Kahala has uniques advantages that appeal to the luxurg travelerwho isn't interested in brands. "We'rse not subject to a bran policy that may not have any relevance to aparticularr property," he says.
"We manag for the long-term best interest of us as ownerd and the luxury travelers as But even Hehir admits you need the right combinatiojn of factors to survive as an independentin today's chain-dominateds world. In the Kahala's it's the unbeatable location on a sandy beachin Honolulu'sa choicest neighborhood and the fact that another Trinityu principal, Chuck Sweeney, has a long history as a hotel (Sweeney founded the company that becam Embassy Suites, now a Hilton brand.
) For James managing director of the spectacular Montage Resort in Lagunsa Beach, the advantage is a laser-like concentration on guest servicesw and proximity to wealthy, sophisticated traveleres in Southern California. Both the five-year-old Lagunz Beach property and the new Montager in BeverlyHills (it opened last can tap into millions of upmarkeyt buyers within 60 miles of the resorts. "Thse 'staycation' trend helps Montage," he says. "Guests who want an extraordinart luxury experience very close to home see the Montage properties and they knowthey won't be getting a chainn hotel.
" The Fine Print… Most observeres think fewer luxury hotels will still be independent after the curreny recession, but there is a notablee dissenter. Michael Matthews, who has been the general managerof top-notcnh chain hotels (the Ritz-Carltom in Hong Kong) and independent deluxe resorts (the Ventanwa Inn in Big Sur) thinkxs high costs will drive some luxuryt properties out of the major chains. "If you'rs 'flagged' as a chain, you have no independencr at all," he says. "A lot of hotels will drop the flag and take the 14 perceng fees they pay and use that money to do what they think makezs most sense for theirown hotel." Portfolio.
com © 2009 Cond Nast Inc. All
Well, the 230-year-old lodging icon has succumbed. The owner, railroad companyh CSX Corp., put the Greenbrier into Chaptee XI bankruptcy inlate March, claiming $90 millionj in losses during the last six years. And CSX promptly callexd in—you guessed it—Marriott. CSX is so desperate to unloac the hotel that it will provide Marriott with as muchas $50 millioh to operate the Greenbrier during the first two years. Marriotg will then buy the resort within seven years forbetween $60 million and $110 Pending bankruptcy court approval, the deal could close by Now, no one is aghastt at the prospect of a chain runningf the Greenbrier. The unions seem amenable to Marriott'sw arrival.
West Virginia governor Joe Manchij publicly applaudedthe deal. Newspapers statewide have cast Marriott'se arrival as a "rescue." And locals in hardscrabblw Greenbrier County support anything that will savethe resort's approximatelgy 1,300 jobs. Like all luxury hotels that have hit the economi c andemotional skids, the Greenbrier's tale is CSX has been a distracted and ham-fisted battling both the hotel's unions and the resort's formere president, who sued for $50 million. The sprawling resor t is physically isolated and expensiveto (CSX recently spent $50 million on improvements in a misguidedf attempt to regain the fifth Mobip Guide star it lost in 2000.
) And despite the loyalty of generations of repeaft visitors and fanatic golfers, the Greenbrie was disproportionately dependent on corporate meetings, a travel category that has been devastatedd by the weak economy and the "AIyG Effect." But the Greenbrier's sale to Marriott also raisee a more universal question: Can any luxuryu hotel or resort thrive—or even survive—ase an independent property? In a worlx where a handful of global hotelo chains—Hilton, Marriott, Starwood, Hyatt, Accor of France, and InterContinentalo of Britain—dominate the lodging market, can a singlew property, no matter how stand alone? At least on the surface, the answe is no.
About half of the propertieas onthe Condé Nast Traveler Gold List and half of thoser that earn the prestigious five-star rating from the Mobil Guide are part of chains now, albeit luxury and ultra-deluxe operators such as Four Seasonse or Fairmont of Mandarin Oriental and Peninsula of Hong Kong; Aman Resortas of Singapore; and Taj of The Blackstone Group, which owns many of the world's best-known luxuryg independents as well as Hilton Hotels, is buildinv a deluxe brand too.
It is aligningt its independents like the Boca Ratonn Resort in Florida and the Bouldersw in Arizona with the WaldorcAstoria Collection, which was createde by Hilton using the cachet of its eponymoux New York hotel. Other luxuryh brands have huge corporatesparents too. St. Regis is owned by Starwood, best know for its W and Sheraton hotels. Ritz-Carltoh is owned by Marriott. And some luxury hotels you may thinkl of as independent are actually part of a The Plaza inNew York, whicyh reopened last year, is managec by Fairmont. The Pierre, which reopens in New York this is operatedby Taj.
The newly renovated Mauna Kea Beacn Hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii is run by Princ Hotelsof Japan. The Dorchester in London? It's part of the Dorchestef Group, which is aligned with the Beverly Hills the Plaza Atheneein Paris, and the Principe di Savoiaa in Milan. "Chains always outperform" independent hotels, says LodgeWorks Tony Isaac, a man who knows the industry from both sides ofthe fence. LodgeWorkse manages hotels in the Hyatt and Hilton helped create the Residence Innbrand (now ownex by Marriott), and is building its own Hotel Sierra But Isaac has just built an upscalw independent hotel too.
The Avia opened in January in Savannayh and was promptly named a greag romantic getaway by Travel Leisure magazine. Why does a guy who admitx chains outperform independents go ahead and open anindependentf anyway? "Chains add aboutg 10 points to your occupancy rate. But if you're part of a you pay 12 to 14 percengt for the frequent guest thereservation service, and other brand programs," he explains. "If you're in the rightg market, it's not too much of an economicx disadvantage to bean independent—and then you have the flexibilitt to do what you wish and manage as you choose.
" That's the argument made by Sean Hehir, managing director of Trinity a real estate firm that purchased Honolulu's iconic Kahalqa Resort in 2006. The beachfront property openerd as a Hilton hotel in 1964 and spent most of its recentf history as aMandarin Oriental. But Hehir believes the Kahala has uniques advantages that appeal to the luxurg travelerwho isn't interested in brands. "We'rse not subject to a bran policy that may not have any relevance to aparticularr property," he says.
"We manag for the long-term best interest of us as ownerd and the luxury travelers as But even Hehir admits you need the right combinatiojn of factors to survive as an independentin today's chain-dominateds world. In the Kahala's it's the unbeatable location on a sandy beachin Honolulu'sa choicest neighborhood and the fact that another Trinityu principal, Chuck Sweeney, has a long history as a hotel (Sweeney founded the company that becam Embassy Suites, now a Hilton brand.
) For James managing director of the spectacular Montage Resort in Lagunsa Beach, the advantage is a laser-like concentration on guest servicesw and proximity to wealthy, sophisticated traveleres in Southern California. Both the five-year-old Lagunz Beach property and the new Montager in BeverlyHills (it opened last can tap into millions of upmarkeyt buyers within 60 miles of the resorts. "Thse 'staycation' trend helps Montage," he says. "Guests who want an extraordinart luxury experience very close to home see the Montage properties and they knowthey won't be getting a chainn hotel.
" The Fine Print… Most observeres think fewer luxury hotels will still be independent after the curreny recession, but there is a notablee dissenter. Michael Matthews, who has been the general managerof top-notcnh chain hotels (the Ritz-Carltom in Hong Kong) and independent deluxe resorts (the Ventanwa Inn in Big Sur) thinkxs high costs will drive some luxuryt properties out of the major chains. "If you'rs 'flagged' as a chain, you have no independencr at all," he says. "A lot of hotels will drop the flag and take the 14 perceng fees they pay and use that money to do what they think makezs most sense for theirown hotel." Portfolio.
com © 2009 Cond Nast Inc. All
Tuesday, 2 October 2012
Study: More CEOs say good works boost recruiting - Tampa Bay Business Journal:
vanbeekdulejos1771.blogspot.com
This marks a shift in corporate philanthropy since the Roundtable released its in which noted that corporate responsibility was beginning to evolvre from community impact to bottomline impact. The most recent repory shows thatthe evolution, has taken place. Boston struggles to maintai its college grads as they move into the and the Round Tabled report underscores that philanthropy is a factofr making some local companies more attractive toyoungetr workers. The Roundtable issued the reporty in collaboration with the University of Massachusettx Boston EmergingLeaders Program.
A team from the Emerging Leaders Program started working on the report last interviewing 20 Massachusetts companies about their corporate socia l responsibilityactivities -- predominantlhy large companes and representing a cross-sectioj of industries. “Historically CEOs would engage in philanthropy becausew it was the right thingto do. They wanted to be good corporate citizens,” said J.D. Chesloff, deputy director of the MassachusettBusiness Roundtable. “Now there’s a good businese case to incorporating it into theirbusiness plan. There’ s a bottom line impact to it, in addition to being good for all the othetrcommunity reasons.
” Based on the findingse from the 20 companies included in the research, the reporyt suggests five ways companieds can build a culture of sociak responsibility: • Create a clea r link to the company’s mission and secure endorsement at the executivew level. • Engage employees at all levelsas decision-makers in relation to corporate social responsibilityh targets and activities. • Leverage employees’ skills to make positive contributionsa tothe community.
• Provide opportunitiex for employees to developnew “A lot of it is arounsd a company being authentic about wanting to do somethingf in the community and listening to what the employeee are interested in doing and connecting it to the valuex of the company,” said Ellen Remmer, CEO of The , a nonprofit that promotes strategic philanthropy and advises
This marks a shift in corporate philanthropy since the Roundtable released its in which noted that corporate responsibility was beginning to evolvre from community impact to bottomline impact. The most recent repory shows thatthe evolution, has taken place. Boston struggles to maintai its college grads as they move into the and the Round Tabled report underscores that philanthropy is a factofr making some local companies more attractive toyoungetr workers. The Roundtable issued the reporty in collaboration with the University of Massachusettx Boston EmergingLeaders Program.
A team from the Emerging Leaders Program started working on the report last interviewing 20 Massachusetts companies about their corporate socia l responsibilityactivities -- predominantlhy large companes and representing a cross-sectioj of industries. “Historically CEOs would engage in philanthropy becausew it was the right thingto do. They wanted to be good corporate citizens,” said J.D. Chesloff, deputy director of the MassachusettBusiness Roundtable. “Now there’s a good businese case to incorporating it into theirbusiness plan. There’ s a bottom line impact to it, in addition to being good for all the othetrcommunity reasons.
” Based on the findingse from the 20 companies included in the research, the reporyt suggests five ways companieds can build a culture of sociak responsibility: • Create a clea r link to the company’s mission and secure endorsement at the executivew level. • Engage employees at all levelsas decision-makers in relation to corporate social responsibilityh targets and activities. • Leverage employees’ skills to make positive contributionsa tothe community.
• Provide opportunitiex for employees to developnew “A lot of it is arounsd a company being authentic about wanting to do somethingf in the community and listening to what the employeee are interested in doing and connecting it to the valuex of the company,” said Ellen Remmer, CEO of The , a nonprofit that promotes strategic philanthropy and advises
Monday, 1 October 2012
Commercial real estate deal drought in Silicon Valley stuns industry - Triangle Business Journal:
jiqatili.wordpress.com
All told, a mere $9 million in office transactions traded durintg the first quarter inSiliconn Valley, a 98 percent drop comparex with the first quarter of 2008 when $716 millioj was sold. The star performer was the industrialk market, with $67 million traded. Still, that was down abou 65 percent from ayear ago. The otherd two sectors — retail and multifamily were off by 56 percent and 96 percent respectively, as reported by LoopNeft Inc. in partnership with Real CapitaolAnalytics Inc. LoopNet tracks sales of $2.5 million or The South Bay was notalone — the markegt “virtually stopped” across the country, with some regionss registering zero transactions.
“I was worse than anyone said Hessam Nadji, managing directoer of research services forMarcue & Millichap. “It was almost impossible to predict the freezinvg ofthe market.” Experts hope the low numbers mean the bottok is near. A LoopNet survey released May 27 revealed that 40 percentg ofits 1,500 members who responde d to the question when the marketf will turn believe it will happebn in 2010, but more than a quarter said it may not happen untik 2011. The survey reveals an interesting saidMike Manning, LoopNet’s marketiny vice president. “In the breakdown between ownerasand investors, the owners are far more he said.
“That’s partly why transactiones have ground toa halt, there are differenf expectations.” Don Little, senior vice president of Opus West Northerhn California, said the gap between buyers and sellerx is unbridgeable in the currenyt market. Sellers are not willinh to come downin price, and buyerx do not have access to capital that will support the future value of the property. “(Assets) will traded for the cost of debt, or Little said. “That means the top 20 or 30 perceng of value will getknocked off. We will have blownj through the equity and will be inthe debt.
” Not much has changed as the second quarter draws to a Eric Fox, senior vice president for CPS Corfacc International, said the handful of properties on the market have gottenb very little interest. “Sales will be relativelh stagnantuntil there’s a point of he said. “I don’t know when that will happen.” The markert is not there yet. Ownerd remain in control of theirt properties with foreclosures in the commercial sector a rarityyso far. “There’s not a lot of desperation on the side,” Little said. While that coulf be read as a good it really only perpetuatesthe situation.
Fox said that owners aren’tr willing to discount on performing meaning tenants are paying their rent and the debt isbeinbg serviced, to ensure a “If property is performinbg at a high level, the buyers aren’t there,” Fox said. As the recession deepens and joblosses accelerate, Nadji said owners will reconsider their options. “Hanging on doesn’tt fit what they need to he said. “There’s a lot of owners with maturin debt that with the credit cruncbh will not be able to refinance with favorablenough terms.
So they are deciding to sell the
All told, a mere $9 million in office transactions traded durintg the first quarter inSiliconn Valley, a 98 percent drop comparex with the first quarter of 2008 when $716 millioj was sold. The star performer was the industrialk market, with $67 million traded. Still, that was down abou 65 percent from ayear ago. The otherd two sectors — retail and multifamily were off by 56 percent and 96 percent respectively, as reported by LoopNeft Inc. in partnership with Real CapitaolAnalytics Inc. LoopNet tracks sales of $2.5 million or The South Bay was notalone — the markegt “virtually stopped” across the country, with some regionss registering zero transactions.
“I was worse than anyone said Hessam Nadji, managing directoer of research services forMarcue & Millichap. “It was almost impossible to predict the freezinvg ofthe market.” Experts hope the low numbers mean the bottok is near. A LoopNet survey released May 27 revealed that 40 percentg ofits 1,500 members who responde d to the question when the marketf will turn believe it will happebn in 2010, but more than a quarter said it may not happen untik 2011. The survey reveals an interesting saidMike Manning, LoopNet’s marketiny vice president. “In the breakdown between ownerasand investors, the owners are far more he said.
“That’s partly why transactiones have ground toa halt, there are differenf expectations.” Don Little, senior vice president of Opus West Northerhn California, said the gap between buyers and sellerx is unbridgeable in the currenyt market. Sellers are not willinh to come downin price, and buyerx do not have access to capital that will support the future value of the property. “(Assets) will traded for the cost of debt, or Little said. “That means the top 20 or 30 perceng of value will getknocked off. We will have blownj through the equity and will be inthe debt.
” Not much has changed as the second quarter draws to a Eric Fox, senior vice president for CPS Corfacc International, said the handful of properties on the market have gottenb very little interest. “Sales will be relativelh stagnantuntil there’s a point of he said. “I don’t know when that will happen.” The markert is not there yet. Ownerd remain in control of theirt properties with foreclosures in the commercial sector a rarityyso far. “There’s not a lot of desperation on the side,” Little said. While that coulf be read as a good it really only perpetuatesthe situation.
Fox said that owners aren’tr willing to discount on performing meaning tenants are paying their rent and the debt isbeinbg serviced, to ensure a “If property is performinbg at a high level, the buyers aren’t there,” Fox said. As the recession deepens and joblosses accelerate, Nadji said owners will reconsider their options. “Hanging on doesn’tt fit what they need to he said. “There’s a lot of owners with maturin debt that with the credit cruncbh will not be able to refinance with favorablenough terms.
So they are deciding to sell the
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