Retiring Sens. Snowe, Bingaman: Political Center Is Disappearing – Video
Posted: March 22, 2012 at 7:36 pm
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Retiring Sens. Snowe, Bingaman: Political Center Is Disappearing - Video
Fernando Gonzalez Retirement Tribute Video – Video
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Fernando Gonzalez Retirement Tribute Video - Video
ReadyForZero Helps Americans Pay Down $12.5 Million in Personal Debt in its First Year
Posted: at 7:35 pm
SAN FRANCISCO, March 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ReadyForZero (www.readyforzero.com), the leading online platform for controlling and reducing personal debt, today announced that it has helped Americans to pay down more than $12.5 million in personal debt in just over one year of operation. The free service creates a customized plan using personalized financial data that helps Americans better stay in control and accelerate their repayment. Regular users repay debts twice as fast using ReadyForZero. This increases the likelihood that they will repay their debts, thereby preventing difficult financial situations like bankruptcies and defaults.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110202/SF40934LOGO)
As a testament to its efficacy, ReadyForZero has experienced an average organic growth of 13 percent each month, and now has nearly $200 million of its user's debt under management.
"ReadyForZero is incredibly proud to have helped our users reach this $12.5 million milestone in just over a year. This milestone proves that both our technology and our methodology work, as thousands of ReadyForZero users can attest," said Rod Ebrahimi, CEO of ReadyForZero. "We're expanding our mandate beyond helping people pay down their debts by offering financial products that provide real savings through trusted partners that are uniquely tailored to people's situations. Given recent regulatory and economic changes, we believe this is how banks and their customers will need to work together in the future."
To this end, ReadyForZero has introduced a sophisticated and 'intelligent' savings platform where ReadyForZero users can receive financial offers that are tailored to their specific financial situations directly from financial institutions, and decide whether or not to accept the terms with minimal effort.
Whereas most financial offers use a single filter like a credit score to estimate whether users might qualify for an offer, and then recommend products that generate the largest referral bonus for their companies, the ReadyForZero savings platform analyzes actual performance criteria such as payment history, cash flow, debt-to-income ratio, behavioral data and other financial triggers and delivers only those financial products that would have a positive impact for an individual's situation. ReadyForZero pre-qualifies each user for each offer, and empowers users to decide which ones to pursue. This prevents the unnecessary sharing of sensitive financial data or personal information with banks or other third-parties, no data is exchanged.
The ReadyForZero savings platform API (application programming interface) allows financial institutions to easily integrate with ReadyForZero to set up triggers for each offer and track its performance. In the first week of testing, ReadyForZero's savings platform delivered more than $330,000 in targeted offers with an average potential savings of $770 per person, and consolidated over $100,000 in high interest debt.
Ebrahimi continues, "When we find a way to save our users money, we present the offer directly to them so that they can decide what to do - without sharing any personal data. If the offer makes sense, given their specific situation, they can accept it and connect with that financial provider. Until then, the provider doesn't know a thing about you or your account with ReadyForZero. We're confident that this new savings platform will open up more ways for us to use our technology to help people improve their financial lives and reach their goals."
About ReadyForZero
ReadyForZero is a free, online program that helps the more than 100 million Americans with debt and challenging financial situations better control their debts and credit reputations. Launched in February 2011, ReadyForZero users are paying off debt twice as fast as people not using the program. The company is headquartered in San Francisco. For more information visit http://www.readyforzero.com. Visit our blog http://blog.readyforzero.com/ to check out real product success stories.
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ReadyForZero Helps Americans Pay Down $12.5 Million in Personal Debt in its First Year
Tagetik Launches New Corporate Identity: 'Performance With Passion'
Posted: at 7:35 pm
LUCCA, Italy, March 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --
New tag-line, website, video, and awareness campaign for the most specialized, innovative, leading-edge vendor in the Performance Management market
Tagetik, a global provider of enterprise software solutions for Performance Management, Enterprise Governance, Risk & Compliance and Business Intelligence, today announced its new corporate identity 'Performance with Passion' and in conjunction unveiled a completely revamped website (http://www.tagetik.com), a 'performance with passion' themed video,and an extensive awareness campaign. The focal point of the company's restyled image and messaging is customers' and partners' signatures as validation that Tagetik's dedication, innovation and unrivaled passion is a proven recipe for success.
"It all stems from our passion for doing things well," says Manuel Vellutini, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer at Tagetik(http://www.tagetik.com/about/company/management/manuel-vellutini). "In a supermarket-like sector full of standardized products, homogenized, complex solutions, and weak personal relationships, Tagetik acts as a 'global boutique' (or say: a specialized craftsman) focused on only one thing, performance management software, and doing it well. Our specialization and 'one-to-one' service enable us to satisfy specific needs through an ever-changing, simplifying, performance management product. This specialization and passion is something we firmly believe are key differentiators in the market, which is why we selected 'Performance with Passion' as the new foundation of our corporate identity."
"Our philosophy is that mutual success is merely the first point of commitment, because a signed agreement with Tagetik goes far beyond the contract," he continues. "The signature represents a unique bond and dedication to success that we have forged with our customers and partners. Many customers such as Panalpina, Grontmij, Bobrick, OCLC, M+W Group, Peuterey, Unieco, Bolton and partners like PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Alper & Schetter have contributed their signatures and are sharing their success stories to help us communicate the value 'Performance with Passion' brings to the performance management market."
Dave Kasabian, Corporate Vice President, Product Marketing at Tagetik (http://www.tagetik.com/about/company/management/dave-kasabian), adds: "Customers and partners choose us because of the quality of our software solution, our ability to quickly understand and address their needs, and the dedication of the company to their success. Our decision to exclusively focus on Finance processes and finding innovative ways to address the specific challenges of the Office of the CFO in a single unified product has created a strong passion in our customer base for what we do and how we do it. 'Performance with Passion' and the signature campaign give us the opportunity to share the passion and success of our customers and partners with the performance management software marketplace. In our opinion there is no better way to communicate this than through the words and signatures of our customers and partners."
Related content: 'Tagetik re-asserts its passion for Performance Management' by Gary Simon, FSN.
To learn more, browse: http://www.tagetik.com
About Tagetik
Tagetik is 100% dedicated to simplifying and streamlining business processes for the Office of Finance to accelerate informed decisions that achieve strategic goals. Our award-winning Tagetik 4.0 Performance Management software is the ideal solution for global companies that seek a clearly superior level of financial expertise in a single unified solution for planning, forecasting, consolidation, close, reporting, profitability management, disclosure, governance, risk, compliance, and analysis.
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Tagetik Launches New Corporate Identity: 'Performance With Passion'
GAIN Fitness Launches the Ultimate Digital Personal Trainer
Posted: at 7:35 pm
SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire -03/22/12)- GAIN Fitness today introduced GAIN 3.0, a major evolution of its digital personal trainer app for iPhone. GAIN 3.0 expands on the app's unique ability to personalize workouts by adding "GAIN Plan" -- a custom, 4-week workout plan; as well as the "Expansion Packs Store" -- a platform for multiple training styles and specialized equipment upgrades.
GAIN Fitness is free in the Apple iTunes App Store, and Expansion Packs are available as in-app purchases for $1-5 apiece.
While other fitness apps simply track workout details or offer "canned" routines, GAIN truly acts like a "digital personal trainer" by creating workouts customized in real time to each user's experience level, schedule, goals and equipment available. GAIN Plan extends this concept from single workouts to entire training plans. The new app also integrates audio coaching, high-definition exercise images and trainer cues into the guided workout experience.
"There's a clear market shift taking place as fitness companies move from a dated 'tracking' approach to a more helpful 'workout guidance' system," says Founder & CEO Nick Gammell. "GAIN has always been a quant-based company at heart, and is better positioned to lead this market than any other platform. GAIN is miles ahead of the competition due to its data-driven infrastructure, customization algorithms and open platform approach."
The new "Expansion Packs Store" lays the groundwork for a broader fitness-coaching platform by integrating multiple styles of exercise and matching them to users' goals and ability levels.
The fitness industry for years has debated over which type of exercise is the "best" overall approach. Bodybuilders argue with boot camp aficionados, who argue with sports performance coaches. Triathletes, CrossFitters, kettlebell enthusiasts and yogis all fight over why they have the "better" system for getting fit. GAIN takes an unbiased, 3rd party approach by looking at the science of exercise and pairing users' specific goals with training styles best suited to each individual.
With Expansion Packs, users get access to new bundles of exercises, instructional media, and training techniques to build the workout that's right for them. GAIN's initial set of Expansion Packs target specific muscle groups with advanced bodypart training, or add the ability to work out using specialized equipment, such as kettlebells.
In the future, Expansion Packs will bring yoga workouts, sport performance training, postural/rehabilitative programs and many other popular training styles. New Expansion Packs will be added frequently on an ongoing basis.
Built on cutting-edge "cloud in your pocket" architecture, GAIN is one of the first apps of any kind to use technology that combines the best of "cloud" computing with the reality that mobile apps must function offline. The database gives users the advantages of website access (at gainfitness.com) and a powerful server cluster backend for analytics, while also carrying a copy of the "cloud" in their pocket for offline access. The app functions in the deepest basement gym and syncs seamlessly to the cloud server whenever an internet connection becomes available.
Despite all this complexity, GAIN's team, anchored by Co-founder Robert Bailey, designer of Google-acquired Picasa, has managed to create a drop-dead simple, best-in-class UI and user experience.
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GAIN Fitness Launches the Ultimate Digital Personal Trainer
SAI Global in Conjunction With the Personal Care Products Council Announces the Official Launch of the Personal Care …
Posted: at 7:35 pm
CLEVELAND, March 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- SAI Global in conjunction with the Personal Care Products Council ('the Council') announces the official launch of the Personal Care Manufacturing Assessment Program (PCMAP).
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111109/MM03609LOGO )
Developed in alliance with the Council with extensive input from product manufacturers and ingredient suppliers, PCMAP is the first customized industry-wide assurance program that provides cosmetic and personal care product manufacturers with the tools to evaluate the effectiveness of the various processes that contribute to product quality and to demonstrate their adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Council and industry requirements and other applicable cosmetic product quality standards.
The program includes training, an implementation guidance document, the option for pre-assessments and the option to choose either an 'Assessment' or an 'SAI Global Certified Assessment' depending on the organization's preference and their customer's requirements.
PCMAP is based on the international standard ISO 22716 which provides Guidelines on Good Manufacturing Practices for the Cosmetics industry. The guidelines cover the quality aspects relating to production, control, storage and shipment of cosmetic products, with the objective of meeting defined quality specifications and reducing the risk of adulteration of cosmetic products at all stages.
In addition to the requirements of ISO 22716, the assessment criteria have been enhanced by incorporating quality requirements / specifications based on input from the Council's QA Sub-Committee, industry members and other sources, including FDA, IPEC-PQG, ICH and other GMP Guidelines with the intent of promoting adherence to high standards and allowing a more evidence based assessment.
PCMAP is designed to address the unique needs of different manufacturers / supplier categories based on the potential risk levels, taking into account the types of products / ingredients manufactured and the extent of control exercised at various stages in the supply chain.
The Council has identified six main categories for cosmetic product and ingredient manufacturers and has defined specific assessment criteria for each of these categories. The manufacturing categories include packaging manufacturers, manufacturers of cosmetic ingredients, OTC excipients, OTC active ingredients, and cosmetic and OTC contract manufacturers.
Customized public and onsite PCMAP training has been developed to help individuals understand, implement and audit the program.
The PCMAP Understanding and Implementing Course is an interactive training course that describes the essential components required to implement a quality and safety management system that ensures the proper production, control, storage and shipment of cosmetic products.
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SAI Global in Conjunction With the Personal Care Products Council Announces the Official Launch of the Personal Care ...
Business and Life Coach Simone Mancuso To Inspire Non-Profits At Local Lunch and Learn
Posted: at 7:35 pm
Louisville success coaching expert Simone Mancuso will show local non-profits how to inspire at-risk women and men to achieve fulfilling and independent lives.
Louisville, KY (PRWEB) March 22, 2012
On April 4th, 2012 at noon at The Bristol Downtown, Mancuso is slated to speak at a special Lunch & Learn event. This special event will bring together local chapters of many local and national charities in an effort to help at-risk women and men discover the inner strength they need to lead successful lives filled with independence and joy.
As business partner to Bob Proctor, author of the best-selling phenomenon You Were Born Rich, Mancusos in-demand success coaching strategies have already earned her a reputation for connecting clients with powerful and positive life skills. By sharing these strategies with the non-profits at Lunch and Learn, its Mancusos ultimate goal to reach out to people who need the emotional and mental support required to lead independent and successful lives.
The goal of this special Lunch and Learn event is to show these wonderful non-profits the benefits of Life Coaching for people who are on public assistance, Mancuso points out. By connecting these people with successful life skills, we can provide them with the support they need to end their need for public assistance.
As a certified LifeSuccess Coach, Mancuso has shown her clients how the power of positivity and the Law of Attraction can help manifest a successful and rewarding lifestyle. Now at this special Lunch and Learn event, shes ready to show non-profits how these exact strategies can help people avoid abusive relationships, become responsible homeowners, and other vital life skills.
So why connect these non-profits with life success coaching?
Most of these non-profits have fantastic educational programs, Mancuso answers. But until we change these peoples self-image, the education and knowledge they are being given will be of no use. What I would do as a Life Coach is to make permanent changes in their behaviors and actions, and help them discover what their burning desire is."
Up until this point in their lives, theyve heard many reasons why they cant do something. Im here to tell them that they can and show them how, she adds.
Mancusos Lunch and Learn event will be held on April 4th, 2012 at The Bristol Downtown, which is located at 614 West Main Street, Louisvllle,KY. The event is complimentary for all attendees, and lunch will be included.
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Growing Kenyan Anionic Surfactant Market Holds Greater Potential than Mature South African Market, Finds Frost …
Posted: at 7:33 pm
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The anionic surfactant market for home care and personal care products, in South Africa, is restrained by fluctuating exchange rates, environmental and health concerns, and oligopolistic supply. While little can be done about the exchange rates, FMCG manufacturers need to educate final consumers on the safety of chemical ingredients found in their products.
The Kenyan market, on the other hand, is restrained by its reliance on imports, a depreciating currency and price-sensitivity. This situation could be partially remedied by the introduction of manufacturers who produce good quality, cosmetic-grade anionic surfactants. It is also crucial that FMCG manufacturers have a good understanding of the needs of their final consumers.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.chemicals.frost.com), Analysis of the Anionic Surfactant Market for Home and Personal Care Products and its Importance to FMCG Manufacturers, finds that the market generated revenues of $137.5 million and $31.2 million in 2010, for South Africa and Kenya respectively, and estimates this to reach $193.3 million and $45.7 million for the respective countries in 2015.
"The functionality of anionic surfactants is the overarching driver in the South African market," notes Frost & Sullivan Research's Chemicals, Materials and Food Research Analyst Carolyn Krynauw. "While functionality is still important in the Kenyan market, the emergence of consumer trends is set to be the greater driver there. Other important trends that should be noted in Kenya include the move towards greater contract manufacturing, the development of niche markets, and the increased focus on the environment."
As the South African anionic surfactant industry is in the maturity phase and almost entirely self-sufficient, emphasis is placed on the functionality, or performance of these surfactants, and growth is stable. Kenya shows higher growth rates as consumers pay more attention to personal grooming and are changing from laundry bars to toilet soaps and laundry detergents.
However, media concerns regarding certain anionic surfactants can be detrimental to FMCG manufacturers in South Africa. Other restraints include the importation of raw materials for local anionic surfactant production amidst fluctuating exchange rates, and lack of competition as two major local suppliers dominate the anionic surfactant market.
"Chemical ingredients used in personal care products must be listed on the packaging," indicates Krynauw. "This can become detrimental to manufacturers, should consumers remain uneducated about the chemicals and different grades used. Although South Africa has yet to ban certain ingredients, FMCG manufacturers who maintain a reactive approach to potential legislative changes may well find themselves in troubled times in future."
Kenya faces its own set of constraints. The country is plagued by a depreciating currency that hurts local manufacturers and a high dependency on imports, both for anionic surfactants and final products. This trend stems not only from the lack of local supply, but also from the perception by FMCG manufacturers that the quality of the local cosmetic-grade anionic surfactants is inferior. In addition, the market is restrained by the limited purchasing power of its citizens.
"In both South Africa and Kenya, it is important that local FMCG manufacturers take the initiative and refrain from using substances banned on the international market," concludes Krynauw. "Moreover, in Kenya, there remains an opportunity for a local manufacturer to produce good quality, cosmetic-grade anionic surfactants to drive local supply."
If you are interested in more information on this study, please send an e-mail with your contact details to Samantha James, Corporate Communications, at samantha.james@frost.com.
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Growing Kenyan Anionic Surfactant Market Holds Greater Potential than Mature South African Market, Finds Frost ...
Willis North America Adds to Personal Lines in Northern California
Posted: at 7:33 pm
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Willis North America, a unit of Willis Group Holdings, named Max Gilman regional operations officer in Willis Personal Lines Practice in San Francisco, Calif.
Willis provides employee benefit and risk management solutions across a range of industries. The Willis Personal Lines Practice provides personal risk solutions and placement services to individuals and families with complex risks. The practice includes roughly 250 private client professionals located across the United States and Canada.
Gilman will have operational responsibility for Willis Associates serving clients in the personal lines and private client practices across Washington, California and Arizona. He will also be responsible for brand awareness and leading business development in Northern California. He will report to Sandra Bravo, CEO, of Willis Personal Lines.
Prior to Willis, Gilman served as vice president at Marsh Private Client Services. He has also held leadership roles at Applied Underwriters and Nextel Communications. Gilman is based in San Francisco.
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Willis North America Adds to Personal Lines in Northern California
Football, a rich source of hope
Posted: at 7:33 pm
Football for Hope is a global initiative supporting programmes which combine football with community development projects. The initiatives methods include direct financial support, the provision of equipment, and projects providing training, expertise and an exchange of information on fundraising, networking, personal development and communication.
A new Football for Hope Centre opens its doors in Ghana this Saturday, 24 March. To coincide with the inauguration ceremony, FIFA.com today presents a film documenting the Football for Hope Festival in South Africa.
During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the world governing body, the local Organising Committee and streetfootballworld staged the first Football for Hope Festival as a component of the programme supporting the global tournament. A total of 32 mixed-gender teams gathered in Johannesburg, joining forces in the fight for a better future in their home countries.
The 15 to 18-year-old youths enjoyed two exhilarating weeks, including discussion groups, health education courses, cultural events and also a football tournament, played entirely without referees. At the end, the winners were declared to be everyone involved, as none of the youngsters will ever forget their 14 days in Africa's southernmost nation.
Now join us and experience the thrill and joy of Football for Hope for yourself, as were once again reminded of football's power to promote togetherness and initiate change.
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Football, a rich source of hope