FASTSIGNS® to Exhibit at International Franchise Expo in New York - Franchising.com (press release)

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General Electric Company : General Electric : See Long-Term Business Opportunities In Myanmar - 4-traders (press release)

05/31/2012 | 05:23am

General Electric Co. (GE) hopes to get a license to operate in Myanmar by the end of this year as it sees long-term business opportunities in the Southeast Asian nation, Chief Executive of GE ASEAN Stuart Dean said Thursday.

The company is looking to provide power generator equipment to the country and is currently in talks with the Myanmar government to supply portable gas turbines, Dean told reporters on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum for East Asia in Bangkok.

Dean said he hopes talks with the government will conclude by the fourth quarter.

-By Payungsak Wiriyabunditkul, Dow Jones Newswires; 662-690-4200; payungsak.wiriyabunditkul@dowjones.com

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Indian Commerce Secretary Rahul Khullar visits Sri City - PRLog (free press release)

PRLog (Press Release) - Apr 28, 2012 -
Indian Commerce Secretary Dr Rahul Khullar visits Sri City, South India’s largest, emerging world-class Integrated Business City with a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and Domestic Tariff Zone (DTZ), to study the overall infrastructural developments, investment, employment and potential business opportunities at Sri City.

During the visit, Dr Khullar visited units of Kobelco Construction of Japan, Shan Solar of India, Amphenol of the US and Rockworth of Thailand. He also visited several utilities and social infrastructure facilities built by Sri City. After lighting the traditional lamp, Dr. Khullar conducted an open house with over 40 CEO’s-Unit heads attending the same.  

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Khullar said: “It gives me immense pleasure to witness the brisk pace of development taking place at Sri City. I see that Sri City’s customers represent some of the leading companies in the world – nationally and internationally. I am sure that in the next three years, the developments in Sri City are likely to transform the entire region into a vibrant, economically progressive zone".

Commenting on Dr Rahul Khullar’s visit, Ravindra Sannareddy, Managing Director, Sri City said: “It is an honour to have Dr Khullar with us. His keenness to know more about Sri City is very encouraging. We are also pleased to have with us other senior Government officials today. The overall economic development of this region will further improve resulting in better employment opportunities in the coming years. Today, Sri City is host to over 70 companies from 22 countries in a short span of three years. We are entering into the second phase of development in Sri City and we see phenomenal growth for this region as a whole".

Anil Kumar Bamba, Development Commissioner, Sri City SEZ, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to express my special thanks and gratitude to Dr Khullar for his valuable time and inputs. Sri City SEZ and DTZ currently provides direct and indirect employment to about 6,000 people and the estimated employment potential (direct and indirect) in the next three years will be around 50,000.

Sannareddy, Sanjeet Singh, Director, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Karikal Valaven, Commissioner of Industries, Government. of Andhra Pradesh, S Kishore, Development Commissioner, Vizag SEZ and Bamba received Dr Khullar.

Sri City is an emerging world-class Business City located 55-kms from Chennai. It has the distinction of being the largest private sector multi-product Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in South India with a Domestic Tariff Zone (DTZ) and a Free Trade and Warehousing Zone (FTWZ) built in functional partnership with the Government of Andhra Pradesh. Strategically located, Sri City offers the distinct advantage of well-established connectivity by rail, and road with proximity to three seaports and two airports. Today, Sri City as a whole is home to over 70 industries from 22 countries which is truly unique.

Built on the ‘Work-Live-Learn-Play’ concept and master-planned by Jurong Consultants, Singapore, Sri City is an integrated development of a world-class business city with lifestyle facilities. Well-demarcated industrial zones within the SEZ and DTZ include automotive, engineering, logistics and warehousing, aerospace, electronics, biotech-pharma and IT-BPO, renewable energy and other eco-friendly industries. The trading zone (FTWZ) will primarily cater to companies trading in imports and re-exports, packaging, storage and distribution in the local markets.

In addition, country specific enclaves are specially created to offer specific and exclusive facilities to companies from these countries. The enclave will include a gated community development that offers native-style homes, food-courts with native chefs, translators and an 18-hole golf course. Robust industrial infrastructure such as road, water, power, telecom and sewer networks will service these zones making Sri City a hassle-free operational zone. Residential areas, commercial hubs, world-class healthcare, educational institutions, recreation centres and all necessary amenities will support the industrial zones at Sri City making it a truly integrated development for business and lifestyle.  For more on Indian automotive and related industry news, visit automotivehorizon.sulekha.com.

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Rare Business Opportunity For Small Businesses in New Jersey - PRLog (free press release)

PRLog (Press Release) - Apr 26, 2012 -
People go straight to internet when they need information, want to find service providers or want to buy something locally. As a matter of fact, Google reported that local searches grew 500%.  

'Win Business Mobile Website in New Jersey' contest starts on April 26. It will end on May 15, 2012.

Every qualified contest participant will get a FREE coupon for e-book 'How Mobile Marketing Pushes Small Businesses to Prosperity'. The company does not need to win the contest to get the FREE coupon.

"This contest is a very good chance for qualified small businesses in New Jersey to step outside of everyday routine, look around and realize that there is new wind blowing in small business world. People go to internet using mobile phones and other mobile devices. This is the right time to update the business website and make it mobile devices friendly'   says Alla Goltsman.

Alla is a web developer who works with small businesses. Alla Goltsman designs search engines optimized mobile websites and runs mobile marketing campaigns.

Alla continued: "For those companies that do not have a website yet, this is the chance to get one and jump straight into marketing products and services to 5.4 billion mobile device users. A mobile website has to be part of the business strategy to beat competition".  

The winning company will receive digital goodies worth more than $2,000.00:
**Brand new custom designed mobile website
**Keyword Rich Domain
**Three unique custom-made QR (Quick Response) codes used in mobile  
advertising   online and offline
**FREE website hosting - 3 (three) months
**2 FREE email addresses
**Press Release coverage

There will be 1 (one) winner selected and 1 (one) business mobile website awarded. Enter the contest at http://mobiledeviceclients.mobi/contestnj.php

To submit a complete contest entry go to http://mobiledeviceclients.mobi/contestnj.php
click Enter the contest to win FREE Business Mobile Website and fill out every empty box on the form. Find the entry form at http://mobiledeviceclients.mobi/contest.php

Detailed article about the winning company will be published at    
http://BusinessNetworkingNJ.com and possibly on Yahoo Voices (subject to Yahoo
Voices acceptance)

Alla Goltsman is a web developer, small business internet marketer and a writer. She specializes in developing search engines optimized mobile websites. Alla helps Small Business owners to achieve maximum websites ROI by developing mobile websites and conducting unique straight to the point mobile and offline marketing campaigns.

She holds Master of Arts Degree in Linguistics from Kharkov University and has been trained as a Computer Programmer at New York University.

Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/11859822/1

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First Asset Canadian Dividend Opportunity Fund Press Release - msnbc.com

TORONTO, ONTARIO — First Asset Canadian Dividend Opportunity Fund (TSX:DOF.UN) (the "Fund") confirms that it will convert into an open-end mutual fund (the "Conversion") on April 19, 2012. The Fund's units will be delisted from the Toronto Stock Exchange at the close of business on April 13, 2012 in order to permit the completion of the Conversion.

© Marketwire 2012

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The Marque Group expands to a new office location in the heart of a urban community in the Northwest - PRLog (free press release)

PRLog (Press Release) - Apr 02, 2012 -
The west coast based branding and public relations group announced its expansion today into a new office space in the heart of a bustling urban community in Portland, Oregon. The Marque Group LLC; specializes in national brand marketing and public relations initiatives in both private and public industries.

The Marque Group’s distinctive brand marketing, public relations and advertising services cater to some of the most elite private and public organizations. President and CEO, Monique T. Norington says, “Our services work because we’ve developed an innovative cross platform model that will turn any business adversity into opportunity. When our clients work with us, we assist them pursuing current demands, spotting early trends and predicting emerging developments. The result: Innovation and Inspiration.”  

The Marque Groups creative brand marketing techniques will take any business vitality to a new level. With the expansion of the new office they hope to continue to provide excellent service for their current client base and growth opportunities.

Location Address:
4839  NE MLK BLVD, Suite 204
Portland, OR 97211
Office: 503-374-0675
Fax: 503-374-0674

For more information, please visit the website www.themarquegroupllc.com or contact info@themarquegroupllc.com or follow on twitter.com/themarquegroup

About the Marque Group

The Marque Group LLC provides distinctive brand marketing, public relations and advertising services to private and public industries. Our concept is simple: Corporations need to distinguish their brand from the competition and become invaluable to the consumer. The best way to accomplish this is through our cross-platform brand marketing, public relations and communications model.

The Marque Group LLC., is a exclusive brand management and public relations firm. We focus in urban, lifestyle and pop culture specializing and covering corporations, entertainment and nonprofit industries.

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Market Opportunities and Business Strategies in Private Label Branding in India - PRLog (free press release)

PRLog (Press Release) - Mar 29, 2012 -
The report provides top-level market analysis, information and insights into the Indian private label products market, including:
• Current, historic and forecast values for the Indian private label market
• Comprehensive, country-specific analysis of market attractiveness covering key macroeconomic trends plus benchmarking with other key global and Asian private label markets
• Detailed analysis of the key drivers for private label in India
• Detailed analysis of the challenges affecting the private label market in India
• Detailed analysis of retailer strategies by product categories and by retail format
• Case studies of the top private label retailers in India

Summary
The market for private label products in India is still in its nascent stages and accounted for just XX% of the overall retail market in 2011. The Indian retail market is highly fragmented and primarily consists of unorganized outlets such as ‘kirana’ stores. It is expected that organized retail is going to undergo a period of growth over the forecast period. Retailers entered the Indian private labels market by providing staples such as food and beverage products. The positive growth potential of these categories convinced many retailers to enter the personal care market in 2009. The main growth strategy of Indian retailers is to provide consumers with national brands as a trust exercise; as such brands provide a level of quality and assurance to consumers, who are then offered private labels as a discounted alternative. The Future Group recruited national sports icon, Sachin Tendulkar, to create a sub-brand named ‘Sach’. In this way, the Group expects to attain national recognition with some consumers and an emotional connection with others. This is the first instance of private label product endorsement in the Indian market. Growth in private labels has resulted in several conflicts between retailers and national brands, owing to issues such as margins, displays and shelf space. Retailers are more inclined to push the sales of private label products as they offer greater profit margins. Market Analysis

Scope
• This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the private label market within the consumer packaged goods industry in India
• It provides an overview of key global markets for private label
• It provides comparison of private label market share in India with Asian countries and with the key global markets
• It provides historical shares for the Indian private label market for the report’s 2007–2011 review period and forecast figures for the 2012–2016 forecast period
• It highlights the consumer, business and economic factors driving the private label market in India
• It covers a summary on the key challenges facing the private label market in India
• It details the business strategies of private label brands by retail store formats
• It discusses the key emerging product strategies in the Indian private label market
• It compares the pricing strategy adopted for private label products in key categories
• It outlines the future outlook for the Indian private label market
• It profiles the major retailers in the private label market in India

Reasons To Buy
• Make strategic business decisions using top-level historic and forecast market data related to the Indian private label market
• Understand the key consumer, business and economic trends within the Indian private label market
• Gain insights into the strategies adopted by retailers in different product categories and also across different retail formats
• Gain insights into the challenges facing the Indian private label market
• Gain insights into the upcoming trends in the Indian private label market

For more information kindly visit :
Market Opportunities and Business Strategies in Private Label Branding in India

Or

Bharat Book Bureau
Tel: +91 22 27810772 / 27810773
Fax: + 91 22 27812290
Email: info@bharatbook.com
Website: www.bharatbook.com
Follow us on twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Sandhya3B

Bharat Book Bureau is the leading business information aggregator providing market research reports and online databases. Bharatbook is also into the business of marketing conferences worldwide and undertakes custom research.

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Business and Investment Opportunity in the Brazilian Health Insurance Industry - PRLog (free press release)

PRLog (Press Release) - Mar 28, 2012 -
The report provides detailed market analysis, information and insights into the Brazilian health insurance industry, including:
• The Brazilian health insurance industry’s growth prospects with focus on key trends, drivers and challenges faced by the industry
• The future outlook of various distribution channels in the Brazilian health insurance industry
• The current competitive landscape in the Brazilian health insurance industry and the future outlook
• The customer targeting strategies and the product innovation strategies followed in the industry
• The profiles of the major companies in the industry
http://www.bharatbook.com/market-research-reports/insura ...

Summary
The Brazilian health insurance category increased from BRL9.8 billion in 2007 to BRL15.1 billion in 2011, recording a CAGR of 11.27% over the review period. Over the same period, the number of new policies sold in the Brazilian health insurance category increased from 69.14 million to 88.42 million. Overall, the category is expected to record a CAGR of 6.32% over the forecast period to reach a projected value of BRL16.2 billion in 2016. Over the same period, the number of new policies sold in the Brazilian health insurance category is expected to increase from 95.66 million in 2012 to 116.34 million in 2016. Industry Report

Scope
This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the health insurance market in Brazil:
• It provides historical values for Brazil’s health insurance industry for the 2007–2011 review period and forecast figures for the 2012–2016 forecast period
• It offers a detailed analysis of the key sub-segments in Brazil’s health insurance industry, along with market forecasts until 2016
• It covers an exhaustive list of parameters, including premium per capita, incurred loss, loss ratio and paid claims
• It entails the competitive landscape in the Brazilian health insurance industry along with the product innovation and customer targeting strategies followed
• It analyses the various distribution channels for health insurance products in Brazil
• It profiles the top health insurance companies in Brazil along with snapshots of their major products and services

Reasons To Buy
• Assess the overall healthcare sector in Brazil with focus on key trends such as medical tourism and online retail insurance
• Make strategic business decisions using top-level historic and forecast market data related to the Brazilian health insurance industry
• Understand the demand-side dynamics, key market trends and growth opportunities within the Brazilian health insurance industry
• Assess the competitive dynamics in the health insurance industry and the future outlook
• Gain insights into the key regulations governing the Brazilian insurance industry
• Understand the product innovation strategies and the customer targeting strategies followed in the industry

Key Highlights
• The Brazilian health insurance category increased from BRL9.8 billion in 2007 to BRL15.1 billion in 2011, recording a CAGR of 11.27% over the review period. Over the same new period, the number of new policies sold in the Brazilian health insurance category increased from 69.14 million to 88.42 million.
• During the review period, the penetration of Brazilian health insurance products increased from 0.34% in 2007 to 0.54% in 2011, as many new policies were sold across the country.
• The health insurance market is concentrated, with the leading eight companies accounting for a 69% share of the total retained premium in 2011.
• One of the key challenges for the health insurance market is financing insurance claims due to the increasing cost of healthcare services which is fuelled by rising medical inflation and a growth in the cost of medical equipment and technology.

Table of Contents
1 Executive Summary
2 Brazilian Health Insurance Category Attractiveness
2.1 The Healthcare Industry in Brazil
2.2 Market Size and Growth Potential
2.3 Health Insurance Category – Benchmarking with BRIC Countries
3 Brazil Health Insurance Market Trends and Drivers
3.1 Macroeconomic Fundamentals
3.1.1 Brazil – GDP at constant prices
3.1.2 Brazil – number of households
3.1.3 Brazil – inflation
3.1.4 Brazil – urban and rural population
3.1.5 Brazil – annual disposable income
3.1.6 Brazil – unemployment rate
3.2 Business Trends and Drivers
3.3 Consumer Drivers
3.4 Regulatory Framework
4 Competitive Landscape and Key Market Indicators

For more information kindly visit :
Business and Investment Opportunity in the Brazilian Health Insurance Industry: Analyses and Forecasts to 2016

Or

Bharat Book Bureau
Tel: +91 22 27810772 / 27810773
Fax: + 91 22 27812290
Email: info@bharatbook.com
Website: www.bharatbook.com
Follow us on twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Sandhya3B

Bharat Book Bureau is the leading business information aggregator providing market research reports and online databases. Bharatbook is also into the business of marketing conferences worldwide and undertakes custom research.

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Conference: Economic Recovery Underway: Will your Business Survive? - PRLog (free press release)

PRLog (Press Release) - Mar 24, 2012 -
News Release
Contact: Nelson Soler
Office: (414) 383-4633
soler@multiculturalinstitute.com

Small Business Marketplace Event
Economic Recovery Underway
Will Your Business Be Ready?

MILWAUKEE, March 24, 2011 -  Participation is welcome for the Small Business Marketplace event hosted by the The Latino Entrepreneurial Network (LEN) and the Multicultural Entrepreneurial Institute (MEI) on April 12 and 13, 2012 in Milwaukee, WI.  The two day event will start with the Grand Reception at Milwaukee’s Italian Community Center and will feature dinner, an Entrepreneurial Fair as well as key note speaker Mr. Wyman Winston, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Authority and will be speaking on Economic Recovery for business owners in Wisconsin.

Friday’s Business Conference will also be held at the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee and includes Breakfast and a Resource Fair that focuses on sharing opportunities with Entrepreneurs and connecting them with Corporate, Public and the Nonprofit Sector.  Various Concurrent Seminars will be held as well as speeches about economic conditions for small business will be given from Adrian Velazquez, President of Fi-Med Consulting. Fi-Med Consulting is one of the fastest growing companies in Wisconsin.

Topics of discussion include:
• Nontraditional Lending
• Strategies for Business Growth
• Strategies for Effectively Recruiting and Retaining Talent
• Incentive Programs for Hiring

LEN Executive Director, Nelson Soler stated “Empowering entrepreneurs through knowledge is vital for their success. This fifth conference provides them with relevant applied knowledge and strategies to grow their enterprise.”

Our current economy presents opportunities for small business owners and entrepreneurs who pursue strategic business practices, innovation, cost control maintenance, strategic marketing and consistently connecting for growth.  

“This conference aims to increase our understanding of our current economic recovery while providing participants valuable business concepts for our current in 2012 as well as an excellent business networking opportunity for all participants.”  stated Christopher Castillo, President, LEN and founding Board Member.

The event is sponsored by US Bank,Milwaukee Metro Sewage District, Educators Credit Union, the Walmart Foundation, the Helen Bader Foundation and the Multicultural Entrepreneurial Institute (MEI).

LEN is still seeking more sponsors, corporations to share procurement opportunities, exhibitors as well as government entities and agencies with opportunities and programs for Entrepreneurs. For More Info or Questions, Please call 414.383.4633 or email info@lenwi.org
About LEN

LEN’s mission is to bridge individuals, entrepreneurs and microenterprises with resources through strategic alliance formation, networking and sharing of business and financial practices. All members take a pledge to uphold the organization’s values of acting with integrity, maintaining high ethics, sharing knowledge, investing in our community and fostering professionalism.  

The Latino Entrepreneurial Network of Southeastern Wisconsin, Incorporated (LEN) was recently awarded the 2010 Best Small Chamber in the United States and the 2008-2009 Best Small Chamber of the Midwest by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) located in Washington DC.

For more information, please visit: http://www.growurbiz.org

Multicultural Entrepreneurial Institute, Inc. (MEI), a multicultural marketing and training firm which provides public outreach, internet and social media services, marketing research services and advertising strategic services.

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Case study - Innovation for future markets - Environmental Expert (press release)

MetaVu helps clients identify product and business risks and opportunities associated with increasing environmental awareness and regulation in the markets they serve. Increasing environmental awareness and regulation can change the demand for client products and services dramatically and quickly. MetaVu's Product and Business Innovation Practice helps clients identify risks that their products and/or businesses could fall victim to substitutes with lower environmental impact and develop and/or acquire products and businesses that opportunistically satisfy future customer needs, environmental preferences and environmental regulations.

Xcel Energy Renewable Distributed Generation (DG) Market Strategy
Xcel Energy, one of the largest electric and gas utilities in the United States, sought MetaVu's assistance in defining a strategy to maintain profit and reduce risk associated with growing competition from customer-sited renewable electric generation such as PV Solar systems. Working closely with client resources, MetaVu helped Xcel Energy identify and answer key questions about the PV Solar market:

How soon will PV Solar energy be competitively priced against grid energy?How does the estimate vary by geographic markets and customer types?What options are available for profiting from the growth in renewable DG?What capabilities does Xcel Energy need to implement these options?What is the roadmap for developing and implementing the renewable DG Strategy?

Shaw Industries Sustainability Strategy Framework
Shaw Industries, one of the world’s largest carpet manufacturers, retained MetaVu to help define and advance the client’s Sustainability Strategy. Using proprietary processes, MetaVu identified opportunities to increase shareholder value throughout the business value chain. In this particular engagement, product and business innovation strategies represented the greatest earnings opportunities. MetaVu's recommendations included conducting Life Cycle Assessments on products, integrating sustainable business concepts into the client’s innovation platform, educating the market/sales force/sales channels on client sustainability efforts, and advancing the role client products played in helping customers achieve their own environmental goals (such as LEED certification for new commercial construction).

Sustainable Innovation

Many corporations have already identified, implemented, and promoted changes to products or services that make product production and/or service use more environmentally sound.  But the markets for products and services, at both the business and consumer level, are becomming more environmentally aware and sophisticated every day.  These market changes present risks and opportunities that product portfolio and market strategies must ... » Read more    » Contact now / Request quote

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Corbel Estate Limited presents the investment opportunities at Hungarian real estate market - PRLog (free press release)

PRLog (Press Release) - Mar 16, 2012 -
The previous projects of the company proved the professionalism and reliability of the quite young business investor.

New business "predator", Corbel Estate Limited, heads to Hungarian real estate market. Investment department of the company chose this country for investing. Corbel Estate Limited has succeeded in positioning itself among the most stable investment financial companies in Europe. Though it's still quite young in comparison with top investment companies, it has already gained investors' trust and support, strengthening its position on European market with the ability to introduce innovative and unique business opportunities. Corbel Estate Limited provides full range of up-to-date reliable financial projects to invest in achieving all positive results and meeting customers' expectations and requests.

Customers may feel the fort of using all range of services provided by well-educated and experienced staff. Paying attention to the tiniest details Corbel Estate Limited managed to stay in black even during the hardest times completing tasks of different complexity. Project development department will help the clients to estimate all possible market opportunities to get maximum income even under crisis conditions while analysts will assist in creation of business-model that can survive the recession. Contributing to customers' financial growth company also develops.

Investment department is in constant search of new methods and mechanisms of getting the maximum profit out of best possible business opportunities represented on the market. Since the first day of its existence Corbel Estate Limited has strived to expand the range and quality of services searching for new investment opportunities and spheres to develop. With thousands of satisfied clients and customers Corbel Estate Limited continues its successful activity on investment market.

This month the head of the company gave order to create a portfolio for Hungarian domestic real estate market. Another Corbel Estate Limited objective - is to find a reliable business partner to cooperate with. This step will enable a new range of services and will give an advantage over other business competitors. The management hopes that all measures taken will bring Corbel Estate Limited to the world level and provide clients with unseen service.

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First Annual Bizness Branding Summit - PRLog (free press release)

Lady Bizness, Inc. and The Triad Social Academy present The first annual Bizness Branding Summit will be held on Friday, June 1, 2012 from 9 am-4 pm at the Galleria Events Galleria Events Center, 1325 S. Eugene Street, Greensboro, NC 27406.

Bizness Branding Summit June 1, 2012PRLog (Press Release) - Mar 03, 2012 -
Celebrate the First Annual Bizness Branding Summit

Showing up is only part of the mission for small businesses; the other part is Showing Out!  Lady Bizness, Inc. and The Triad Social Academy have teamed up to bring the businesses of the Triad a one day educational, networking, and promotional opportunity designed to make us all better at what we do.  The first annual Bizness Branding Summit will be held on Friday, June 1, 2012 from 9 am-4 pm at the Galleria Events Galleria Events Center, 1325 S. Eugene Street, Greensboro, NC 27406.  The program is created in support of small business development, creation of jobs, increasing the efforts of students seeking internship opportunities, and expanding entrepreneurship in the Triad.  

At 9 am the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce will present the official ribbon cutting ceremony for new Chamber Member, Lady Bizness, Inc. All organizations, Chamber members and high profile speakers will be in attendance to witness another small business making giant steps toward boosting the economy of North Carolina.
Online registration for the Bizness Branding Summit can be found at www.BiznessBranding.co or www.BizBrandingSummit.Eventbrite.com.  General registration on the day of the Summit begins at 9:30 am followed by our Real Bizness panel at 10 am, which will be comprised of Greensboro’s finest leaders of Greensboro based Business Incubators.  Our keynote speaker will be Mr. Angel Guerrero; professional speaker and owner of A.S. Web Pros.  Whether it is paving a new career path or growing an existing business, the Bizness Branding Summit will be rich with opportunities that can help professionals build a new reality by learning about potential new business ventures, social media marketing, online advertising, and by providing a forum for the exchange of information, services, education, and inspiration.
Entrepreneurs, Speakers, and Trainers are invited to participate in the Bizness Branding Summit.  Sponsors are welcome to display their services to the business community during our Summit Exhibition and our Bizness Branding Luncheon. There is no other business summit in North Carolina that will enhance individual brands, provide hands on training, and enable immediate actionable results like the Bizness Branding Summit.

At the conclusion of the Bizness Branding Summit attendees are invited to a complimentary Networking Soiree from 5 pm – 7 pm at Bin 33, located at 324 S. Elm Street, Greensboro, NC 27401.  Attendees must have a ticket for entry.  
The Bizness Branding Summit – Helping NC Businesses to Show Up & Show Out!

# # # Lady Bizness Corporate Offices are located in Greensboro, NC. Our goal is to create healthy relationships, business opportunities, and events for women & entrepreneurs in our community.
--- end ---
***@ladybizness.com 1325-B S. Eugene Street Suite 103Lady Bizness, triad, social, media, Business, develop, conference, academy, chamber of commerce, greensboro, piedmontDisclaimer:   Issuers of the press releases are solely responsible for the content of their press releases. PRLog can't be held liable for the content posted by others.   Report AbuseMore...

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Arras People Celebrate 10 Years in Business with Year Long Prize Draws - PRLog (free press release)

PRLog (Press Release) - Mar 01, 2012 -
Arras People, the project management recruitment specialists, are 10 years old in 2012 and to mark the occasion they have launched "Ten in Ten: A Celebration of Project Management" Prize Draws. For each and every month over the next 10 months, Arras People are giving the project management community an opportunity to win some great prizes.

Each month a Ten in Ten prize draw will feature an Arras People sponsor – chosen because of their links to the project management industry and Arras People over the last ten years. Those taking part include the Association for Project Management (APM), Gower Publishing, PMI UK, PMI Synergy, APMG, TCC Training & Consultancy, Parallel Project Training, DSDM Consortium and Management Concepts. Prizes include book bundles worth over £600, training courses, conference tickets and gadgets.  

Each visitor to the Ten in Ten web pages at Arras People has the opportunity to take part in the Prize Draw by completing a short 2 minute survey before being entered into the grand draw. Some months include runner up prizes too.

Ten in Ten is all part of Arras People’s year-long goal to celebrate its 10 years as the leader in project management recruitment by giving back to the larger project management community. Anyone within the PPM community are invited to join in the birthday celebrations at http://www.arraspeople.co.uk/free-project-management-pre ...

Project Management Recruitment Specialists, focused on programme management, project management and project support.

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Anand Balu, current student at Strathclyde SKIL Business School (MiM Programme) shares his Industry - PRLog (free press release)

PRLog (Press Release) - Feb 11, 2012 -
On a hot, sunny day in the first week of 2012, I got an opportunity to visit the Ford manufacturing plant located on a 350-acre plot near Chennai.

I could easily relate to widely-known social theories, often referred to asFordism and Taylorism and based on production and related socio-economic phenomena during my visit. It was more a first-hand learning experience than a theoretical one.

I was guided through my tour by a senior person from supply chain management. The factory visit started at the stamping section where sheet metal is pressed to form various body parts and progressed through the body shop, the paint shop, through the trims, chassis and final line, widely known as TCF. It is an assembly line manufacturing process, where parts are fed in a sequential manner and finally a brand new Ford emerges out of the line after stringent quality testing. The line is so flexible, different variants of a car – different product models – were assembled in a random manner. I was able to speak with my guide regarding their logistics and inventory management, and discuss their plans for their upcoming new launch, the EcoSport.

I also visited their engine plant and learned throughout Ford around the globe this is the only plant which makes both diesel and petrol engines on the same line.

Overall it was really an amazing industrial experience in ably assisted by a senior official in the middle of his busy schedule.

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New Direct Sales Company, Pink Zebra, Offers New Business Opportunity to Independent Consultants - PRLog (free press release)

PRLog (Press Release) - Feb 08, 2012 - Pink Zebra, the first direct sales candle company to have introduced the revolutionary wax sprinkles, was pleased to announce its new direct sales business opportunity, which is open to all interested consultants in the United States. Officially launched as a direct sales company in September 2011, Pink Zebra has managed to attract over 200 consultants before the end of 2011. Now, the company is open to accepting more sales consultants as they expand their operations across the country.

Tom and Kelly Gaines, who had previously worked with one of the biggest candle manufacturers in the industry, started Pink Zebra in their own homes. Eight years later, they were able to pool together enough funds to purchase the candle manufacturing company they previously worked for and launched Pink Zebra as a direct sales company.

Pink Zebra offers interested consultants with an opportunity to start their own candle business in direct sales. Their flagship product, the Pink Zebra wax sprinkles, come in the form of small pieces of wax made from premium soft soy wax and can be used with the company’s simmer pot collection. Aside from sprinkles, Pink Zebra also features more traditional candle designs such as container candles, pillar candles, and lantern candles. All Pink Zebra candles are made out of the same soft soy wax used for their sprinkles. The company also offers a line of kitchen products, which feature scented candles, sprinkles, hand soap, dish soap, and hand lotion infused with herbal and floral scents. These products are sold primarily through a team of independent sales consultants representing the company.

Pink Zebra currently offers two types of starter kits to those who are interested to join as independent consultants. The basic starter kit is available for $99 and comes with 1 large simmer pot, 6 different varieties of wax sprinkles, 2 flare candles, 1 glimmer kit, 1 apothecary candle and sample stickers of all their available fragrances. The deluxe starter kit is available for $199 and comes with over $375 worth of Pink Zebra merchandise. Both starter kits come with business tools including; product catalogs, brochures, new consultant sign up forms, and party invitations. The deluxe kit comes with a special consultant-rolling tote for carrying product inventories in. Aside from the starter kit, new consultants are also given their own Pink Zebra replicated website, which is offered for free within the first 30 days and $10 per month for the succeeding months. The consultant website is personalized for the consultant but features the same design and layout as the company’s official website.

Pink Zebra employs a multi-level marketing framework, which gives consultants the opportunity to earn from sponsoring new consultants. The company offers a base commission of 25% but consultants can earn up to 35% on personal sales commissions for meeting the required sales goals for each rate. Consultants are entitled to a sponsoring bonus of 7% for each new consultant they personally recruit for the company. Downline commissions range from 2% to 3% depending on generation levels and leadership rank. In addition, those who manage to reach the rank of executive managers and above can earn an additional 2% mentoring bonus. Consultants can sell their inventory products in three ways: through home parties, online, or through person-to-person selling. Pink Zebra Consultants are also free to employ other modes of marketing and selling for as long as they abide by industry standards and the DSA code of ethics.

Pink Zebra also employs the party-plan system of marketing, giving consultants the opportunity to sell their merchandise primarily through home parties. They are also pleased to introduce their hostess rewards program, which entitles hostesses to free merchandise and discounts for hosting qualified Pink Zebra parties. Hostesses can earn a portion of their party sales towards their own  Pink Zebra candles for as long as they meet the minimum requirement in sales.

In addition to their business opportunity, Pink Zebra was also proud to announce their HEROES program. The program helps support single moms by donating a portion of home party sales to daycare. “As founders of Pink Zebra we are most proud of our new charity. HEROES will help and support single moms throughout the United States by giving them one day of daycare from every $500+ party.” Said company founders Tom and Kelly Gaines. “Our goal is 1,000,000 days of daycare over the next 10 years” they added.

Those who are interested in the Pink Zebra Business Opportunity can visit their website at www.pinkzebrahome.com. Interested consultants can find an existing consultant to sponsor them on the company’s website. Those who want to check out the complete Pink Zebra catalog or learn more about hosting Pink Zebra home parties can also visit the website for more information.

About DirectSalesAid:

Direct Sales Aid offers information on new and upcoming Direct Sales Companies. Visit http://www.directsalesaid.com/ to find information on anything Direct Sales.

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Creating Opportunities for Youth, This Summer and Beyond - Whitehouse.gov (press release)

Michael Kempner, a member of the White House Council for Community Solutions, recently blogged about Summer Jobs+, the President’s push to partner with the private sector to create summer employment opportunities for more than 250,000 young Americans.  Michael rightly points out that a summer job means so much more than simply a paycheck – it provides “hope, [a] future, respect, and better lives for the nearly 7 million young people who…don’t attend school or have a job.”  His message challenges other business owners to consider the impact they could have in the life of a young person right now by offering them a chance at employment.

"Last week, President Obama kicked off of Summer Jobs+, the administration’s partnership with the private sector with the goal of creating 250,000 employment opportunities by this summer for our nation’s youth.

I was there with fellow member of the White House Council for Community Solutions, musician Jon Bon Jovi, to do a tweet-up about the importance of connecting young people with mentorship, teaching soft and hard skills, and providing employment this summer and beyond.

A summer job means hope, future, respect, and better lives for the nearly 7 million young people who, right now in the United States, don’t attend school or have a job.  Several of these young people were on hand at the event to share their stories, and what they said was exactly in line with what Jon Bon Jovi and I heard on our listening tour this past summer. Young people want jobs…they want opportunity. They are optimistic, they want to be seen as the hope for the future, not a burden to be dealt with.  But they don’t often know how to find the programs and help they need, or they have a past that gets in the way of their future.

Think back on your own summer jobs when you were young  – whether it was mowing lawns, caring for neighbor’s children, interning in local government, or flipping burgers – those jobs taught us discipline, work ethic, time management, budgeting – life skills that made us better employees and in some cases, eventually, employers.

But the recession has driven youth unemployment up to unprecedented levels. Only 25 percent of teens were employed this summer.  Where are young people learning these important skills?

The answer is, they aren’t. And it’s a dangerous trend for the future prosperity of our country. A “disconnected” youth will make about $400,000 less than their working, educated peers over a lifetime, along with other implications.

There are things we can do to put all young people on the right track. It might be difficult to think about summer jobs in the middle of winter, but those of us who run our own companies should be thinking about it now and planning ahead. If all the small and medium businesses provided just one internship or opportunity to one disadvantaged youth this summer we could change millions of lives.

Why wait? Provide one or two opportunities this winter. Something to think about…

To learn more visit www.dol.gov/summerjobs."

 Paul Monteiro is an Associate Director at the White House Office of Public Engagement.

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Business Opportunity - Short Sale Training Event - PRLog (free press release)

PRLog (Press Release) - Jan 20, 2012 -
Short Sale Training - What's Holding you Back?

When it comes to short sales many people hold back because of various reasons.  Are any of these objections holding you back?

Common Short Sale Objections and Myths

- You think short sales take too long?

- You think short sales are too complex?

- You lack the knowledge to do short sales?

- You lack the experience to do short sales?

- You lack the time to do short sales?

- You lack the money to do short sales?

- You think short sales are a lot of work?

- You think short sales are illegal?

- You think short sales don’t work?

- You heard in the media negative stories about short sales?

- Your friends and family are holding you back?

- You lack the trust in the short sale presenter or guru?

My name is Hunter Paschall and to be honest short sales are working.  I’ve been closing short sale deals for 15 years and have seen many changes in the real estate industry in the last 5 years.  I’ve seen changes in the sellers, buyers, banks, and government regulations.  To survive in this business, I had to stay on top on the latest changes especially with the banks and regulations.

If any of the above fears are holding you back then you need someone to help you overcome those fears.  I can help you be successful creating another stream of income for you and your family by attending my next event on January 28, 2012 in Lake Mary Florida.

Don’t be fooled by those who say they have a system that completely automates the short sale process.  To be successful in this industry you have put in some effort, have some knowledge, and are able to connect with people because this is a people to people business.  At the event you will gain a better understanding how and why short sales work.  Over the last seven years I’ve taught and mentored many folks who overcame their fears of doing short sales.  You can too!!

Short Sale Training - What's your next move?

When deciding to move forward in short sales you have several choices.

1) Do it yourself.  Short Sales are certainly not rocket science to learn.  But this option will take a very long time to master and you will initially waste a lot of time and money from rookie mistakes.  I don’t recommend this option.
2) Learn from someone who has hands-on knowledge and experience in short sales.  You will by-pass the common mistakes and avoid loss of time and money.  I highly recommend this option if the person you are learning from is knowledgeable, is experienced, is customer focused, and most importantly is trustworthy.

Short Sale Training - Choose your Mentor Wisely

You must select your mentor wisely.  You want to find a mentor who most importantly has a program that cares about you and your success.  A mentor who truly cares about you is the most important quality to look for.  Sure I can tell you about my experience and knowledge in short sales but that is minor compared to having someone you can trust.

Come to my next event and meet me to get a sense of my hands-on knowledge, experience, and commitment to your success.

Attend my next event to actually meet current and past students/partners and hear firsthand how I helped them overcome their real estate investing challenges.

Conclusion - Take Action Now and Jump Start 2012!   

2012 is just beginning so get a Jump Start on your success.  I scheduled the event early in the year to Jump Start your Wealth and Health in 2012.

Take action NOW and overcome your Challenges holding you back.  You must register to attend. Do not show up unannounced. You will not get in as there is only a limited space available.

Click here - Unique Short Sale Training Event Details
http://shortsalestrainingevents.homestead.com/Schedule.html

Looking forward to see you there!
Hunter Paschall

Hunter has been in the real estate business for over 15 years specializing in foreclosure short sales. Hundreds of students have been taught to successfully close deals. Act Now and become a student/partner with Hunter.

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New business opportunity is the cat's whiskers - PRLog (free press release)

PRLog (Press Release) - Jan 20, 2012 -
The Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotel is the world’s first boutique hotel group - for cats. It is the vision of 36 year old Abi Purser, who opened the first hotel in Welwyn Garden City in 2010 with help from husband Matt, who was instrumental in the hotel’s website. Abi was prompted to set up the business in response to the poor standard of care offered by most catteries in the UK, as she explains: “There are 11 million cat owners in the UK and only 2,000 registered boarding catteries for owners wanting a holiday or with a crisis and needing their cat to be looked after.

“We experienced this for ourselves and couldn’t find anyone offering what we were looking for. We wanted more than a cattery and to know that our cat would be loved and looked after while we were away. We couldn’t find it, so we created it ourselves!”

Abi cleverly spotted a gap at the luxury end of a market largely unaffected by fluctuations in the economy. She explains: “When we first set up the business, we knew that there was a demand for a truly 5 star cattery dedicated to looking after much loved feline guests while their owners are away.

“We just massively underestimated the level of that demand which led to the runaway success of the hotel. We are now ready to expand and are very excited about offering our successful and proven business formula to others who want to be cat hoteliers across the UK.”

Clearly the proposition works well for a mum with a young family, but it has also already attracted interest from people with completely different profiles. A retired lady is setting up the business to supplement her income, another is adding the hotel to her livery business, and someone in their 40s wants to run the franchise as an addition to a cleaning business run from home.

Aspiring business owners entering into this boutique cat hotel venture are buying into a “business in a box” with every aspect assessed with meticulous attention to detail.

As you would expect at any 5 star hotel, everything from the wrought iron designer cat beds with soft pillows and individually decorated bedroom suites to gourmet menus served on bone china, has been designed around the feline guest’s wellbeing and their owner’s peace of mind.

Longcroft has invested in the highest quality building materials for the modular hotel accommodation to ensure guests are warm in the winter and cool in the summer, with hygiene standards that are second to none. This has been road tested from planning application to final design and provides between six to nine suites.  Abi says: “You can only give a great service with small numbers, particularly when what we are offering is a far cry from just a feeding and cleaning exercise.”

Each new franchise partner joining the Longcroft family will be supported personally by Abi every step of the journey. In return, they will be expected to run their hotel with responsibility and a deep understanding of animal welfare and wellbeing.

Abi explains: “More and more people today are looking for a better work/life balance by running their own business from home.  We are looking for partners who want to operate a sustainable and profitable business, which fits perfectly around any type of lifestyle or family commitments.”

Visit www.longcroftcathotel.co.uk or call 01707 832000 for more information.

/ends

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Much imitated but never equalled, the success of Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotel lies in Abi Purser’s meticulous attention to detail. Her passion for perfection and personal involvement ensure that cats and their owners will experience the same high standards and outstanding VIP service in every hotel.  The testimonials from hundreds of grateful customers and their happy cats and the fact that Longcroft is booked out months and often even years in advance, is testament to the dedication and truly premium service of the business.

Esplin PR is a no-nonsense public relations and communications service using common sense and creativitiy to help position a brand, business or person in front of the audience they want to reach and in the places they want to be seen.

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New Year, New export and import opportunities - Prfire (press release)

 Businesses across Pennine Lancashire are being encouraged to think global at a series of International Trade Club events this year to maximise orders, profits and growth!

The events, organised by the International Trade Club, will help businesses reduce the risks, and enable delegates to deal more confidently with international orders and issues.

Ed Murphy, International Trade and Training Director of the Chamber of Commerce East Lancs, said: “East Lancs International Trade Club events offer all exporters, new or very experienced, the chance to expand or update their knowledge, be aware of new international opportunities and changes coming that could affect their companies, benefit from a wide range of informative presentations, talk to specialist presenters and network with fellow peers at informal, enjoyable meetings.  It has never been more important for companies to be internationally competitive, proactive and confident if they are to win.”

The International Trade Club events will be held at the Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel and include:

2nd February: Cyber Crime, Learn basic Russian and Discover Latin American Markets26th April: Product Recall – What to expect28th June: Kidnap & Ransom – The Negotiations Process29th September: Managing Risk/ International Finance7th December: 2012 International Trade Awards

1. To learn more about how the International Trade Team can help new and existing businesses, call 01254 356400 or visit www.internationaltradeclub.co.uk

2: The East Lancashire International Trade Club (formerly the East Lancs Export Club) is the oldest established International Trade Club in the country, has over 100 members and is managed by the International Trade Team of the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce.

3: Taylor Patterson Corporate Insurance established in 1991, sponsors of the International Trade Club are a truly independent local Insurance Broker and deliver impartial advice. Designated “Chartered Insurance Broker” in 2010 by the Chartered Insurance Institute.

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Businesses Qualify for $67 Million in Tax Credits - IGNN (press release)

CHICAGO - Illinois businesses qualified for $67 million in income tax credits after hiring individuals covered through the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today. The federal incentive reduces an employer’s cost of doing business while helping those most in need gain valuable work experience. IDES administers the federal program.

“This valuable program helps a business owner improve the bottom line and offers a hand up to those who want to make a better life for themselves and their family,” IDES Director Jay Rowell said. “This is real progress in helping businesses compete, assisting individuals to find gainful employment, and improving the Illinois economy. It also shows that employers increasingly view IDES as an employment agency.”

The WOTC incentives allow business owners to keep more of their money by hiring from historically disenfranchised groups. In 2011, the majority of the tax credit involved businesses who hired an individual receiving state financial assistance. In this way, the program benefits the state as a whole, as new jobs increase the likelihood that the state support will be reduced or no longer needed.

More than 27,000 individuals were hired under the WOTC program in 2011. Tax incentives range from $2,400 in one year to $9,600 over two years, depending on the new hire. The $67 million in savings represents 2011 activity that would be entered in federal tax returns in 2012.

The specific categories include individuals receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families; qualified military veterans; qualified ex-felons; a designated community resident who lives in a renewal zone; vocational rehabilitation referrals with a physical or mental impairment and who have received vocational or employment training; summer youth employees; qualified food stamp recipient; and a qualified supplemental security income beneficiary.       

Employers claim the federal tax credit using IRS Form 5884. Looking at 2012, businesses can apply for WOTC certification for a new hire in three steps. Pre-screen individuals using IRS Form 8850, called the “pre-Screening Notice & Certification Request for Work Opportunity Credit.” Then, complete the ETA Form 9061, called the “Individual Characteristics Form.” Finally, mail the original, signed forms to IDES’ WOTC Unit within 28 days of the new hire’s start state. It is recommended that copies of the form be kept with the business. Forms and details are available at www.ides.illinois.gov/wotc

The IDES supports economic stability by administering unemployment benefits, collecting business contributions to fund those benefits, connecting employers with qualified job seekers, and providing economic information to assist career planning and economic development. It does so through nearly 60 offices, including Illinois workNet centers.

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