oryzacody.wordpress.com
Voting on the five-year offer by membersx of United Food and Commercial Worker Local 7 will continuethrough Wednesday. Uniobn leaders are not making a recommendation to thei r members on the contract which the union complains would cut pensioj benefits by an averageof $100,000 -- a conclusiojn disputed by management. “It’s a good contractt in a normal economy. It’s a great contractr in this economy,” King Soopers spokeswoman Diane Mulligam saidlast week. She said roughly 65 percent of workersz would get raises underthe company’ s proposal. King Soopers is a Colorado unitof Cincinnati-basee (NYSE: KR).
Colorado workers for two other grocerychains Pleasanton, Calif.-based (NYSE: SWY) and Boise, Idaho-based (privatelyt held) — continue to negotiatde separate deals with their employers. If King Sooperx workers rejectthe chain’s latest they will continue working without a contract untip an agreement is reached or a strike is called. Their contracrt expired May 9.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
Career and College Readiness class schedule is set - Beaufort Observer
jaqezuweg.blogspot.com
Career and College Readiness class schedule is set Beaufort Observer ... Fall and in the Spring and Summer of 2013. To register for any of the three classes or for more information about upcoming Career and College Readiness classes, contact Weston at 940-6322, Marion Porter at 940-6299 or Penelope Radcliffe at 940-6325. |
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Untapped resource: natural gas in Berks - Reading Eagle
savimy.blogspot.com
Untapped resource: natural gas in Berks Reading Eagle A local role in the state's natural gas drilling boom isn't quite as far-fetched as it was a month ago, now that a federal report has identified some potential for an untapped supply beneath southern Berks County. The natural gas in question is ... |
Friday, July 27, 2012
Complaint claims lawyer solicited business in a hospital - Tampa Bay Business Journal:
cahijisebi.wordpress.com
The civil complaint alleges that Jeffrey Luhrsen and his persona injurylaw firm, Luhrsen Law Group, improperlu solicited representation from two victims of drunki driving accidents. Jack LaRoe, who lost a leg in a motoer vehicle wreck, and Jeanester Bryant, whose son, Raphaep Tatis, was killed in an alleged DUI filedthe lawsuit. The complaint alleges LaRoed was solicited after the accident whil e he was still recoveringat . Bryant was solicited at her home during a visi t by the wife of LuhrsenhLaw Group’s office manager, the May 14 lawsuit states.
Luhrsen endee up representing both victims, obtained settlement of their claimx and received contingency fees plusclaimed expenses, the complaint contends. The victims now want a courtf judgment for the fees and costs paidto him, plus interest. Luhrsemn vigorously contends thatneither he, his employeezs nor associates have been involved in any illegaol or improper solicitation. He has filed a motio to dismissthe complaint. “It’sd very simple,” Luhrsen said. “The lawsuit is completely It has no basis in fact and no basiesin law. We fully expecty it to be dismissed.
” The complaint does not include the amounty of contingency fees the plaintiffs are seekingg tohave returned. “You can safely assume it’ s more than a dollar and a half,” said Dennis a Sarasota attorney representing LaRoeand Bryant. Plewe declined further comment. The complaint alleges violations of rule prohibiting directr contact with prospective clients or allowing employee s or agents to solicit business onthe lawyer’x behalf. Luhrsen is accusecd of going to LaRoe’s hospital room whilee LaRoe was “under a significan amount” of narcotics and soliciting representation.
The complaint also alleges LaVonne the wife of thelaw firm’x office manager, was involved in solicitiny a personal injury claimant to become a client of the firm. Bower went to Bryant’a home “under the guise” of being a advocate for Mothers Against Drunk thelawsuit contends. As an advocate, Bower obtaine confidential victim contact informationthrough DUI-related crash reports before the 60-daty non-disclosure period expired, accordin g to the lawsuit. The complaint accuses Bower of telling Bryant that she knew a lawyerr who could help herget “justice” for her son’es death with monetary compensation. Bryant then hirefd Luhrsen.
Bower quit as a volunteere MADD victims’ advocate several months ago, but was “amongv the best,” said Don Murray, executive directoe of the Florida chapterof MADD. It was not usuall to have volunteers associated with alaw “Most volunteers have had some associatiobn with the criminal or civil side of a he said. “Many of our volunteers have associatione with civiltrial lawyers.” MADD does not favor any particular law firm and was not awars of any specific problems related to the lawsuit’s allegations, Murray said.
Thomad Carey, a Clearwater lawyer whoses wife was killed by a drunk driver in is a former MADD states president and often representsz claimants in personal injury cases involvinghDUI accidents. He has heard of peopler using drunk-driving accident reports to drum up legap representation that in some cases is illegalor unethical, whicn could lead to substantial penalties. But the solicitation can have lucrativre results. Contingency fees in cases such as thosr cited in the lawsuit range from a third of the amount recoveredf before court action to 40 percent after a complaintt has been filedand answered.
“Some law firmes actually have runnersin hospitals, handing out cards,” Carey “Improper solicitation is absolutely wrong. It’s a mattef of ethics.”
The civil complaint alleges that Jeffrey Luhrsen and his persona injurylaw firm, Luhrsen Law Group, improperlu solicited representation from two victims of drunki driving accidents. Jack LaRoe, who lost a leg in a motoer vehicle wreck, and Jeanester Bryant, whose son, Raphaep Tatis, was killed in an alleged DUI filedthe lawsuit. The complaint alleges LaRoed was solicited after the accident whil e he was still recoveringat . Bryant was solicited at her home during a visi t by the wife of LuhrsenhLaw Group’s office manager, the May 14 lawsuit states.
Luhrsen endee up representing both victims, obtained settlement of their claimx and received contingency fees plusclaimed expenses, the complaint contends. The victims now want a courtf judgment for the fees and costs paidto him, plus interest. Luhrsemn vigorously contends thatneither he, his employeezs nor associates have been involved in any illegaol or improper solicitation. He has filed a motio to dismissthe complaint. “It’sd very simple,” Luhrsen said. “The lawsuit is completely It has no basis in fact and no basiesin law. We fully expecty it to be dismissed.
” The complaint does not include the amounty of contingency fees the plaintiffs are seekingg tohave returned. “You can safely assume it’ s more than a dollar and a half,” said Dennis a Sarasota attorney representing LaRoeand Bryant. Plewe declined further comment. The complaint alleges violations of rule prohibiting directr contact with prospective clients or allowing employee s or agents to solicit business onthe lawyer’x behalf. Luhrsen is accusecd of going to LaRoe’s hospital room whilee LaRoe was “under a significan amount” of narcotics and soliciting representation.
The complaint also alleges LaVonne the wife of thelaw firm’x office manager, was involved in solicitiny a personal injury claimant to become a client of the firm. Bower went to Bryant’a home “under the guise” of being a advocate for Mothers Against Drunk thelawsuit contends. As an advocate, Bower obtaine confidential victim contact informationthrough DUI-related crash reports before the 60-daty non-disclosure period expired, accordin g to the lawsuit. The complaint accuses Bower of telling Bryant that she knew a lawyerr who could help herget “justice” for her son’es death with monetary compensation. Bryant then hirefd Luhrsen.
Bower quit as a volunteere MADD victims’ advocate several months ago, but was “amongv the best,” said Don Murray, executive directoe of the Florida chapterof MADD. It was not usuall to have volunteers associated with alaw “Most volunteers have had some associatiobn with the criminal or civil side of a he said. “Many of our volunteers have associatione with civiltrial lawyers.” MADD does not favor any particular law firm and was not awars of any specific problems related to the lawsuit’s allegations, Murray said.
Thomad Carey, a Clearwater lawyer whoses wife was killed by a drunk driver in is a former MADD states president and often representsz claimants in personal injury cases involvinghDUI accidents. He has heard of peopler using drunk-driving accident reports to drum up legap representation that in some cases is illegalor unethical, whicn could lead to substantial penalties. But the solicitation can have lucrativre results. Contingency fees in cases such as thosr cited in the lawsuit range from a third of the amount recoveredf before court action to 40 percent after a complaintt has been filedand answered.
“Some law firmes actually have runnersin hospitals, handing out cards,” Carey “Improper solicitation is absolutely wrong. It’s a mattef of ethics.”
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Free Chick-fil-A meal on July 10 - Birmingham Business Journal:
hegenefipa.blogspot.com
The giveaway is part of the Atlanta-basex chain’s fifth-annual Cow Appreciation Day, whichj honors its "Eat Mor Chikin" In a related promotion, parents can entee photos of their cow-clad children as part of a "Show Us the online photo contest, for a chanc e to win a $1,0009 U.S. Savings Bond. Between now and Aug. 31, childremn ages 10 and youngee are encouraged to work with an adult to submiy creative photos of themselves dresseedas cows. The contest Web site, www.CowAppreciationDay.com, has detailzs about uploading photos for the Once the picturesare uploaded, the public can vote for theird favorite photo through Aug. 31.
The 20 photographs that get the most Interner votes will benamed semifinalists. From the Chick-fil-A will select five finalists and one grand prizre winner based onoverall appearance, originality, creativity and The entrant's age will be taken into accounf for judging, Chick-fil-A said. The grand priz e winner will receivea U.S. Seriesa EE Savings Bond with a maturity value of a catered party for their free Chick-fil-A Kid's Meals for a year and a digitakl camera, among other gifts.
Also each Kid'es Meal from June 22 to July 25 will includs miniatureCow figurines, while supplies One out of every 100 of the cows will have gold spot s instead of the traditional black spots and will be packagee with a card redeemable for a free Ice
The giveaway is part of the Atlanta-basex chain’s fifth-annual Cow Appreciation Day, whichj honors its "Eat Mor Chikin" In a related promotion, parents can entee photos of their cow-clad children as part of a "Show Us the online photo contest, for a chanc e to win a $1,0009 U.S. Savings Bond. Between now and Aug. 31, childremn ages 10 and youngee are encouraged to work with an adult to submiy creative photos of themselves dresseedas cows. The contest Web site, www.CowAppreciationDay.com, has detailzs about uploading photos for the Once the picturesare uploaded, the public can vote for theird favorite photo through Aug. 31.
The 20 photographs that get the most Interner votes will benamed semifinalists. From the Chick-fil-A will select five finalists and one grand prizre winner based onoverall appearance, originality, creativity and The entrant's age will be taken into accounf for judging, Chick-fil-A said. The grand priz e winner will receivea U.S. Seriesa EE Savings Bond with a maturity value of a catered party for their free Chick-fil-A Kid's Meals for a year and a digitakl camera, among other gifts.
Also each Kid'es Meal from June 22 to July 25 will includs miniatureCow figurines, while supplies One out of every 100 of the cows will have gold spot s instead of the traditional black spots and will be packagee with a card redeemable for a free Ice
Monday, July 23, 2012
Sierra College program gets $1M endowment - Denver Business Journal:
iqukikofor.wordpress.com
The college’s program, also known as OLLI, received the $1 milliom endowment from the Bernard Osher which is the organization that has provide d initial funding to OLLI programs at 122 college anduniversities nationwide. Sierra College is the only communityh college in California and one of only three community colleges in the nation to receive the $1 million endowment. The Rocklin college received the endowmenft because it has been so successful with growing enrollment sinc e launching the program in springhof 2001. Sierra College has growjn the programto 5,580 enrollees last year, from 1,038 in 2001. Sierrwa College is scheduled to formallyy announce the endowmentJune 18.
This $1 millioh endowment will provide an ongoing budget that will enablde the college to offer lifelong learning programs in The foundation created by San Francisco philanthropist Bernard Osher gives OLLIprogramss $100,000 a year for up to four and then a $1 million endowment once they demonstrater potential for success and sustainability. OLLI programse provide classes, lectures and events to older adultsa who have a thirst for knowledge and The classes are designed for adults age 55 and but the Sierra program accepts anyadultg student.
Courses are offered at each of the Sierrs College campuses and at various communituy sites throughout Placer and Nevada Sierra College’s OLLI noncredit offerings are Additional topics are offered througg Club OLLI, where annual membership fees are $35. As the Businessz Journal reported in a featurse on local OLLI programsin 2007, other OLLI programsx can be found at California Stat e University Sacramento and at the UC Davis Extension. Much of the increasecd demand for OLLIs and similar lifelongg learning programs can be attributed to the growingf ranks ofolder Americans.
The college’s program, also known as OLLI, received the $1 milliom endowment from the Bernard Osher which is the organization that has provide d initial funding to OLLI programs at 122 college anduniversities nationwide. Sierra College is the only communityh college in California and one of only three community colleges in the nation to receive the $1 million endowment. The Rocklin college received the endowmenft because it has been so successful with growing enrollment sinc e launching the program in springhof 2001. Sierra College has growjn the programto 5,580 enrollees last year, from 1,038 in 2001. Sierrwa College is scheduled to formallyy announce the endowmentJune 18.
This $1 millioh endowment will provide an ongoing budget that will enablde the college to offer lifelong learning programs in The foundation created by San Francisco philanthropist Bernard Osher gives OLLIprogramss $100,000 a year for up to four and then a $1 million endowment once they demonstrater potential for success and sustainability. OLLI programse provide classes, lectures and events to older adultsa who have a thirst for knowledge and The classes are designed for adults age 55 and but the Sierra program accepts anyadultg student.
Courses are offered at each of the Sierrs College campuses and at various communituy sites throughout Placer and Nevada Sierra College’s OLLI noncredit offerings are Additional topics are offered througg Club OLLI, where annual membership fees are $35. As the Businessz Journal reported in a featurse on local OLLI programsin 2007, other OLLI programsx can be found at California Stat e University Sacramento and at the UC Davis Extension. Much of the increasecd demand for OLLIs and similar lifelongg learning programs can be attributed to the growingf ranks ofolder Americans.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Second recession deemed possible - New Mexico Business Weekly:
iqukikofor.wordpress.com
Those odds may seem low, but they’re actually high since double-dip recessions are rare and the U.S. economyu grows 95 percent of the saysthe chamber’s Marty Regalia. He predicts the currentt economic downturn will endaround September. However, the unemploymeng rate will remain high through the firsrt half of next year andinvestment won’t snap back as quickl y as it usually does after a recession, Regalia Inflation, however, looms as a potential problemk because of the federal government’ss huge budget deficits and the massive amount of dollars pumpedr into the economy by the Federal Reserve, he “The economy has got to be running on its own by the middle of next Regalia says.
Almost every major inflationary periodin U.S. historhy was preceded by heavydebt levels, he notes. The chancexs of a double-dip recession will be lower if Ben Bernankre is reappointed chairman of theFederal Reserve, Regalia says. If President Barack Obama appoints his economic adviser Larry Summers to chairthe Fed, that would signall the monetary spigot would remain open for a longert time, he predicts. A coalescing of the Fed and the Obamaw administrationis “not something the markets want to see,” Regaliz says. Obama has declined to say whetherd he will reappoint whose term endsin February.
Those odds may seem low, but they’re actually high since double-dip recessions are rare and the U.S. economyu grows 95 percent of the saysthe chamber’s Marty Regalia. He predicts the currentt economic downturn will endaround September. However, the unemploymeng rate will remain high through the firsrt half of next year andinvestment won’t snap back as quickl y as it usually does after a recession, Regalia Inflation, however, looms as a potential problemk because of the federal government’ss huge budget deficits and the massive amount of dollars pumpedr into the economy by the Federal Reserve, he “The economy has got to be running on its own by the middle of next Regalia says.
Almost every major inflationary periodin U.S. historhy was preceded by heavydebt levels, he notes. The chancexs of a double-dip recession will be lower if Ben Bernankre is reappointed chairman of theFederal Reserve, Regalia says. If President Barack Obama appoints his economic adviser Larry Summers to chairthe Fed, that would signall the monetary spigot would remain open for a longert time, he predicts. A coalescing of the Fed and the Obamaw administrationis “not something the markets want to see,” Regaliz says. Obama has declined to say whetherd he will reappoint whose term endsin February.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Coast Guard renews lease in Buzzard Point - Washington Business Journal:
eragywaqer.wordpress.com
As 2008 closed out, the Coast Guard agreeed to a 10-year renewal on its 592,00o0 square feet at the Transpoint Building, located on the Southwest waterfront at 21002nd St. SW. The deal representsx one of thelargest — if not the largest leases of 2008. The Coast Guard’s presence at the Transpoing Building spans back to theNixon administration, back when the originaol developer, Laszlo Tauber, owned the New York-based Monday Properties, in conjunctiohn with , bought the building for $169 million in 2006 from Arch Street Capital Advisors, a -led Since 2005, the and the Bush administration have been seekingy funding to consolidate dozens of Homeland Securitu agencies onto a single 176-acre site at the federallyu owned west campus of the old St.
Elizabethss Hospital, in the Anacostia section of Southeast Washington. The Coas Guard headquarters were part ofthat plan. "Wd just have to keep them in some quarterss until the campus is ready toreceive them," said Michaep McGill, a regional spokesman for the , whicuh handles leasing for most federak agencies. McGill said he expectd Coast Guard to go intoSt E's in late 2013 or earlt 2014. "We've got a little play in therse in case there are any he said. In 2007, the administration sough $345 million to go ahea d with the Coast Guard headquarters portion ofthe plan, but that request was cut from the fiscao year 2008 budget.
Accordinh to Congressional budget documents, in September 2008, Congresw allocated $97.6 million for a new Coast Guardc and Department of HomelandSecurith headquarters. “This is really a sign of how compledxthe St. Elizabeths development or consolidation has Monday Properties’ Executive Vice Presideng Tim Helmig said of the Coasyt Guard’s decision to renew its leasd for the long “And, in light of the Coast Guard needed to secure its headquarters for a period of time that linee up with potentially consolidating headquarters at St.
Elizabeths,” Helmig The lease agreement gives the Coast Guard the righg to terminate the lease after seven but only in the event of a majo r consolidation likethe St. Elizabeths Helmig said. The lengthy lease term shoulrd allow the Coast Guard to perfor needed renovations and security upgrades onthe 35-year-old The deal is the largesy lease the 10-year-old Monday Properties has ever executed, Helmigg said, calling the transaction “a landmark for the company.
Despite its New York Monday Properties is a key playerd in the Washington real estate and serves as landlord to dozens of federakl agencies at itslocal properties, the majoritty of which are located in Defense-centric “This deal furthermore underscores our commitment to our relationship with numerouz groups within the , particularly as we participates in the evolution of the Capitall Riverfront.” The Capital Riverfronf is the formal name for the mixed-usee neighborhood being built around the Washington baseball stadium. James Smale of the GSA, along with Bill Susan Hill andMauree O’Brien of represented the Coasg Guard in the lease renewal.
Pete Marcib and Brian Sullivan of representedthe building’s along with John Wharton and Tim Helmihg of Monday Properties. In additioj to the Coast Guard Monday re-signed and expanded leases with many of its tenantsz in 2008. Overall, Monday signed leaseds on approximately 30 percent of its4 million-square-foott regional portfolio last year. Like most leas transactions in the Washington regionblast year, the bulk of Monday’s leaseas were renewals, the company
As 2008 closed out, the Coast Guard agreeed to a 10-year renewal on its 592,00o0 square feet at the Transpoint Building, located on the Southwest waterfront at 21002nd St. SW. The deal representsx one of thelargest — if not the largest leases of 2008. The Coast Guard’s presence at the Transpoing Building spans back to theNixon administration, back when the originaol developer, Laszlo Tauber, owned the New York-based Monday Properties, in conjunctiohn with , bought the building for $169 million in 2006 from Arch Street Capital Advisors, a -led Since 2005, the and the Bush administration have been seekingy funding to consolidate dozens of Homeland Securitu agencies onto a single 176-acre site at the federallyu owned west campus of the old St.
Elizabethss Hospital, in the Anacostia section of Southeast Washington. The Coas Guard headquarters were part ofthat plan. "Wd just have to keep them in some quarterss until the campus is ready toreceive them," said Michaep McGill, a regional spokesman for the , whicuh handles leasing for most federak agencies. McGill said he expectd Coast Guard to go intoSt E's in late 2013 or earlt 2014. "We've got a little play in therse in case there are any he said. In 2007, the administration sough $345 million to go ahea d with the Coast Guard headquarters portion ofthe plan, but that request was cut from the fiscao year 2008 budget.
Accordinh to Congressional budget documents, in September 2008, Congresw allocated $97.6 million for a new Coast Guardc and Department of HomelandSecurith headquarters. “This is really a sign of how compledxthe St. Elizabeths development or consolidation has Monday Properties’ Executive Vice Presideng Tim Helmig said of the Coasyt Guard’s decision to renew its leasd for the long “And, in light of the Coast Guard needed to secure its headquarters for a period of time that linee up with potentially consolidating headquarters at St.
Elizabeths,” Helmig The lease agreement gives the Coast Guard the righg to terminate the lease after seven but only in the event of a majo r consolidation likethe St. Elizabeths Helmig said. The lengthy lease term shoulrd allow the Coast Guard to perfor needed renovations and security upgrades onthe 35-year-old The deal is the largesy lease the 10-year-old Monday Properties has ever executed, Helmigg said, calling the transaction “a landmark for the company.
Despite its New York Monday Properties is a key playerd in the Washington real estate and serves as landlord to dozens of federakl agencies at itslocal properties, the majoritty of which are located in Defense-centric “This deal furthermore underscores our commitment to our relationship with numerouz groups within the , particularly as we participates in the evolution of the Capitall Riverfront.” The Capital Riverfronf is the formal name for the mixed-usee neighborhood being built around the Washington baseball stadium. James Smale of the GSA, along with Bill Susan Hill andMauree O’Brien of represented the Coasg Guard in the lease renewal.
Pete Marcib and Brian Sullivan of representedthe building’s along with John Wharton and Tim Helmihg of Monday Properties. In additioj to the Coast Guard Monday re-signed and expanded leases with many of its tenantsz in 2008. Overall, Monday signed leaseds on approximately 30 percent of its4 million-square-foott regional portfolio last year. Like most leas transactions in the Washington regionblast year, the bulk of Monday’s leaseas were renewals, the company
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Opus West says it owes $1.46 billion - Portland Business Journal:
llrx-royce.blogspot.com
and some of its subsidiaries filed voluntar petitions late Monday for reorganization underChapter 11. Chapter 11 generally removes the threatf of lawsuits from creditors while a business seeks to rehabilitatde itself andcontinue operations. Opus West and its affiliates reportedabout $1.28 billion in total assets and $1.46 billion in total liabilities, according to bankruptcyh court filings. The corporation and its affiliates had combined revenue ofabout $405 million in 2008. The paren company lists 200 to 999 according tobankruptcy filings. Opus West Corp.
owns aboug 20 real estate development properties either directly or througb entities set up to holdthe properties, the courty filings say. The total debt on those properties isabout $414 million and the value of the propertiesx is about $403 million. In addition to Opus West the subsidiaries that have filed Chaptert 11 petitions are Opus West Construction OpusWest LP, Opus West Partners Inc. and O.W. Commerciap Inc. Opus West Corp. has guaranteed abouy $1.15 billion in loans for its subsidiaries andjoint ventures, and most of thoss loans are in default, the court filings say.
Steelp declines in commercial real estate values and difficulyt credit market conditions necessitatedfthe filing, said John Greer, chief restructuring officer of Opus West. Greer said Opus West will keepa "modesr presence" in Phoenix, Texas and Californiaz to work on asset dispositions and "While we began slowing the pace of new developmen t nearly two years ago in anticipation of difficult market conditions, we must now take additionalo measures to enable an orderly wind-dowjn of our portfolio, protect asset values and maximizer return on lenders' investment," Greer said in a preparefd statement.
Opus West and its subsidiaries have suffered declining financial performancesince 2008, resulting in defaults on certainn credit lines and constrained liquidity, according to an affidavit filed by Greer, managing membedr of New York-based Phoenix Capital which is the chief restructurintg officer of Opus West Corp. Gree r is also president of the Opus West Opus West Partnersand O.W. Commercial subsidiaries. Opus has focused on recapitalizing through projecty salesand refinancing, but has been unable to do so becausee of poor market Greer's affidavit says.
Sincde 1979, Opus West and its affiliatew have developed more than 52 million square feetof industrial, retail, multifamily, government and institutional projects, the affidavit The company's assets include interests in commerciap and residential real estate projectes across California, Arizona and Texas, including condominium, industrial, apartment and retail projects in various stage s of development, the affidavit says. Addison-based Opus West LP, formeed to develop real estate propertiesin Texas, owns seven propertiexs that consist of either vacany land, or a project undefr construction or completed projects.
The total debt on those propertied isabout $105 million and theifr value is about $134 million, Greer'e filing states. Opus has been dramatically scaling back its Nortyh Texas operations for more thana year. Opus spokeswoman Winston Hewett told the that the Addisom office has not started a new developmenyt in more than a year and has cut its staff in Dallaws to 12 employees from abourt 40 ayear ago. Opus West's overalll headcount had dropped to 40 as ofJuly 1, comparef to 291 two years ago, Hewetg said. Since April, dozens of subcontractor s have filed liens totaling morethan $4 million againsf Opus West Corp.
and Opus West Constructionh tied to TwoAddison Circle, a $23 198,000-square-foot speculative office building in The building was developed and is owned by Opus West The liens claim Opus owes the subcontractorsa for labor or materials provided in the course of The six-story Two Addison building on the west side of the Dallas North Tollway just north of Arapahi Road was recently completed, but has no The credit crunch and slowing demanf for office space left Opus unable to get permanent financiny to replace the short-term construction loan on the Addison project, Hewettg said. Other Opus West Corp.
projects in Nortjh Texas include 121 Lakepointe an office and industrial developmentin Lewisville; and Broadston e Parkway, a 5.8-acre mixed-use project at 5005 Gallerias Drive in North Dallas. Dallas area creditors includes RL Murphey Commercial Roof owed $1.24 million; Green Fire Systems of owed $856,660; and Ennis Steeol Industries Inc., owed and Tas Commercial Concrete owed $500,704, according to court Opus' troubles stem from the global economifc downturn, deterioration of the real estate marke and the credit crunch, whicuh has made it difficult for borrowers to get financinvg to fund real estatre projects or refinance existing projects, Greer's affidavit states.
The turmoil has scared buyers, leadinhg to excess supply andlower prices. The dramatic downturnh has caused Opus to be out of compliancs with terms of various loans and unablse torestructure them, and attempts to raise capital and sell assets have proven difficult, bringing about the Chapter 11 Greer's affidavit says. Opus' challenges vary considerably by region, said Mark chairman and CEO ofOpus "Opus West faced particularlt dramatic drops in real estate values in marketss such as California and Arizona, and has been particularly challenged by the sharpp downturn in the capital markets and availabilit y of refinancing," he said.
Rauenhorst said that two other independengt operating companies of OpusGroup -- and Opus Northwest LLC -- have been less affected by the economicf and capital market conditions becausw of their mix of project types and their location in strongetr markets. , which is based in Minnetonka, Minn., is a design-buildc development firm that specializesin industrial, retail, multifamily, government and institutional It also controls Washington-based LLC, which filexd for Chapter 7 liquidation in late Opus Group said its subsidiary, whicu is based in Atlanta, filed for reorganization in bankruptcy courgt on April 22.
and some of its subsidiaries filed voluntar petitions late Monday for reorganization underChapter 11. Chapter 11 generally removes the threatf of lawsuits from creditors while a business seeks to rehabilitatde itself andcontinue operations. Opus West and its affiliates reportedabout $1.28 billion in total assets and $1.46 billion in total liabilities, according to bankruptcyh court filings. The corporation and its affiliates had combined revenue ofabout $405 million in 2008. The paren company lists 200 to 999 according tobankruptcy filings. Opus West Corp.
owns aboug 20 real estate development properties either directly or througb entities set up to holdthe properties, the courty filings say. The total debt on those properties isabout $414 million and the value of the propertiesx is about $403 million. In addition to Opus West the subsidiaries that have filed Chaptert 11 petitions are Opus West Construction OpusWest LP, Opus West Partners Inc. and O.W. Commerciap Inc. Opus West Corp. has guaranteed abouy $1.15 billion in loans for its subsidiaries andjoint ventures, and most of thoss loans are in default, the court filings say.
Steelp declines in commercial real estate values and difficulyt credit market conditions necessitatedfthe filing, said John Greer, chief restructuring officer of Opus West. Greer said Opus West will keepa "modesr presence" in Phoenix, Texas and Californiaz to work on asset dispositions and "While we began slowing the pace of new developmen t nearly two years ago in anticipation of difficult market conditions, we must now take additionalo measures to enable an orderly wind-dowjn of our portfolio, protect asset values and maximizer return on lenders' investment," Greer said in a preparefd statement.
Opus West and its subsidiaries have suffered declining financial performancesince 2008, resulting in defaults on certainn credit lines and constrained liquidity, according to an affidavit filed by Greer, managing membedr of New York-based Phoenix Capital which is the chief restructurintg officer of Opus West Corp. Gree r is also president of the Opus West Opus West Partnersand O.W. Commercial subsidiaries. Opus has focused on recapitalizing through projecty salesand refinancing, but has been unable to do so becausee of poor market Greer's affidavit says.
Sincde 1979, Opus West and its affiliatew have developed more than 52 million square feetof industrial, retail, multifamily, government and institutional projects, the affidavit The company's assets include interests in commerciap and residential real estate projectes across California, Arizona and Texas, including condominium, industrial, apartment and retail projects in various stage s of development, the affidavit says. Addison-based Opus West LP, formeed to develop real estate propertiesin Texas, owns seven propertiexs that consist of either vacany land, or a project undefr construction or completed projects.
The total debt on those propertied isabout $105 million and theifr value is about $134 million, Greer'e filing states. Opus has been dramatically scaling back its Nortyh Texas operations for more thana year. Opus spokeswoman Winston Hewett told the that the Addisom office has not started a new developmenyt in more than a year and has cut its staff in Dallaws to 12 employees from abourt 40 ayear ago. Opus West's overalll headcount had dropped to 40 as ofJuly 1, comparef to 291 two years ago, Hewetg said. Since April, dozens of subcontractor s have filed liens totaling morethan $4 million againsf Opus West Corp.
and Opus West Constructionh tied to TwoAddison Circle, a $23 198,000-square-foot speculative office building in The building was developed and is owned by Opus West The liens claim Opus owes the subcontractorsa for labor or materials provided in the course of The six-story Two Addison building on the west side of the Dallas North Tollway just north of Arapahi Road was recently completed, but has no The credit crunch and slowing demanf for office space left Opus unable to get permanent financiny to replace the short-term construction loan on the Addison project, Hewettg said. Other Opus West Corp.
projects in Nortjh Texas include 121 Lakepointe an office and industrial developmentin Lewisville; and Broadston e Parkway, a 5.8-acre mixed-use project at 5005 Gallerias Drive in North Dallas. Dallas area creditors includes RL Murphey Commercial Roof owed $1.24 million; Green Fire Systems of owed $856,660; and Ennis Steeol Industries Inc., owed and Tas Commercial Concrete owed $500,704, according to court Opus' troubles stem from the global economifc downturn, deterioration of the real estate marke and the credit crunch, whicuh has made it difficult for borrowers to get financinvg to fund real estatre projects or refinance existing projects, Greer's affidavit states.
The turmoil has scared buyers, leadinhg to excess supply andlower prices. The dramatic downturnh has caused Opus to be out of compliancs with terms of various loans and unablse torestructure them, and attempts to raise capital and sell assets have proven difficult, bringing about the Chapter 11 Greer's affidavit says. Opus' challenges vary considerably by region, said Mark chairman and CEO ofOpus "Opus West faced particularlt dramatic drops in real estate values in marketss such as California and Arizona, and has been particularly challenged by the sharpp downturn in the capital markets and availabilit y of refinancing," he said.
Rauenhorst said that two other independengt operating companies of OpusGroup -- and Opus Northwest LLC -- have been less affected by the economicf and capital market conditions becausw of their mix of project types and their location in strongetr markets. , which is based in Minnetonka, Minn., is a design-buildc development firm that specializesin industrial, retail, multifamily, government and institutional It also controls Washington-based LLC, which filexd for Chapter 7 liquidation in late Opus Group said its subsidiary, whicu is based in Atlanta, filed for reorganization in bankruptcy courgt on April 22.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Responding to my critics - FCW.com (blog)
ycoguqi.wordpress.com
Responding to my critics FCW.com (blog) Steve Kelman responds to criticism and offers some guidance on how to think about policy proposals. |
Monday, July 16, 2012
Duke reaches Save-A-Watt settlement - Charlotte Business Journal:
houston-nearly.blogspot.com
The Southern Environmental Law Center, which was the lead legal team for theenvironmenta groups, announced the settlement Friday morning. It callws for Save-A-Watt to reducr energy demand by 2 percent over the nextfour years. It sets a targe of reducing demand by as much as 8 percentrby 2020. The environmental groups say that woulds be the equivalent of the annual outpu tfrom Duke’s 825-megawatt expansion at the controversiapl Cliffside coal plant on the border of Clevelanrd and Rutherford counties. The groups say that cappinb Duke’s profits will protect consumers from unreasonably high charges forenerg efficiency.
Greater conservation efforts and lower costzs were key issues for environmental groups and the Publicx Staff ofthe N.C. Utilities Commission, whichy represents customer interests in utility as they fought Duke for two yearswover Save-A-Watt. Michael Regan, southeasr regional air-policy expert for the Environmental Defens Fund says the environmental groupzs believe the settlement makes the program better for the environment andfor Duke. He says the groups want to support utilities in their efforts toprovide energy-efficiency And he says incentives built into the settlemeny that allow Duke to increas its rate of return baseds on achieving specified efficiency targets accomplisu that goal.
Duke also got what it considers animportanyt concession. Duke will be allowed to make a returnh on part of what it would have cost to builfd power plants to provide the energy the program Duke has said eliminating compensatioj based onsuch “avoided costs” would be a deal-breaker. Duke contends such compensation puts efficiency on a more equapl footing with electricity sales forgenerating profits. Without that kind of Duke has said, efficiency wouldd always take a back seat in business plans.
“The fact that the avoided-cost model is in that it’s based on pay-for-performance and that it is up to us to make sure the program really work were all keys to the settlementfor Duke,” says companyy spokesman Tim Pettit. The publi c staff and environmental groups had opposethe avoided-costs idea, largely on fearx that it could provide Duke with unreasonable profits. The publidc staff also worried about departing from standard regulatory InNorth Carolina, utilities are generally allowed to make a return on the money they An avoided-costs model breaks that connection and offerd Duke a return on money it does not But an important concessioh to the public staff was a decision to make Save-A-Watft a four-year pilot initiative.
The N.C. Utilities Commission will review the program at the end of that periof and decide whether it has performed well enough to be made The avoided costs outlined in the settlement will trac k the model Ohio adoptedfor Duke’s versiomn of the Save-A-Watt program in that state. It reduce the percentage of avoided costs on which Duke can earna return. Duke had originally asked to make a rate of return on 90 percentr of what it would have cost to provide the energyt thatwas saved. Under the Duke will get a return on 50 percenr of the avoided costsfor energy-conservatio programs and 75 percent of the avoided costs for programse that shift use away from peak times.
Like in the settlement lets Duke coverr what arecalled “losy margins.” Several environmental groups have recognizexd the need to allow Duke to recove r those fixed costs for generating and delivering electricity when efficiencyt programs reduce demand. The settlement announced Fridayt will form the basis ofa Save-A-Wattr proposal Duke will make to S.C. regulators this The S.C. Public Service Commissiom rejected Duke’s first proposal in February. Save-A-Wat t is an energy-efficiency initiative Duke has been touting for The proposal comprises a series of programs to help customersa use less electricity or shift their use of powerfrom peak-demandf hours to low-use times.
Some of the programs such as discountsfor energy-savingh light bulbs and financial incentives to buy high-efficiency appliancee — started June 1 in both Carolinas. But neithe r state has approved the full The has led the environmental groups in dissectingtthe program. Opponents contended the originakl proposal would reward Duke too handsomelyh and primarily for shifting the use of electricityt frombusy times. That would conserve little energy but saveutilitiew money. Steve Smith, executive director of the sayshis group’s concern from the beginninb was to make sure Save-A-Watt resulted in significanyt reductions in energy use.
In Nortn Carolina, the commission approved Save-A-Watt’s programs but withhelds judgmenton Duke’s compensation. The commissioh asked for additional comments onthe issue. As opponents were formulating theirt responses tothat request, they and Duke resumed negotiationas in North Carolina. Any settlement here could create a template for the program inSouth Carolina. One key featurwe of the compromise will be the creatiom of an advisory group that will assistr in reviewingfor Save-A-Watt. Duke Energy Carolinaa is a divisionof Charlotte-basec (NYSE:DUK).
The Southern Environmental Law Center, which was the lead legal team for theenvironmenta groups, announced the settlement Friday morning. It callws for Save-A-Watt to reducr energy demand by 2 percent over the nextfour years. It sets a targe of reducing demand by as much as 8 percentrby 2020. The environmental groups say that woulds be the equivalent of the annual outpu tfrom Duke’s 825-megawatt expansion at the controversiapl Cliffside coal plant on the border of Clevelanrd and Rutherford counties. The groups say that cappinb Duke’s profits will protect consumers from unreasonably high charges forenerg efficiency.
Greater conservation efforts and lower costzs were key issues for environmental groups and the Publicx Staff ofthe N.C. Utilities Commission, whichy represents customer interests in utility as they fought Duke for two yearswover Save-A-Watt. Michael Regan, southeasr regional air-policy expert for the Environmental Defens Fund says the environmental groupzs believe the settlement makes the program better for the environment andfor Duke. He says the groups want to support utilities in their efforts toprovide energy-efficiency And he says incentives built into the settlemeny that allow Duke to increas its rate of return baseds on achieving specified efficiency targets accomplisu that goal.
Duke also got what it considers animportanyt concession. Duke will be allowed to make a returnh on part of what it would have cost to builfd power plants to provide the energy the program Duke has said eliminating compensatioj based onsuch “avoided costs” would be a deal-breaker. Duke contends such compensation puts efficiency on a more equapl footing with electricity sales forgenerating profits. Without that kind of Duke has said, efficiency wouldd always take a back seat in business plans.
“The fact that the avoided-cost model is in that it’s based on pay-for-performance and that it is up to us to make sure the program really work were all keys to the settlementfor Duke,” says companyy spokesman Tim Pettit. The publi c staff and environmental groups had opposethe avoided-costs idea, largely on fearx that it could provide Duke with unreasonable profits. The publidc staff also worried about departing from standard regulatory InNorth Carolina, utilities are generally allowed to make a return on the money they An avoided-costs model breaks that connection and offerd Duke a return on money it does not But an important concessioh to the public staff was a decision to make Save-A-Watft a four-year pilot initiative.
The N.C. Utilities Commission will review the program at the end of that periof and decide whether it has performed well enough to be made The avoided costs outlined in the settlement will trac k the model Ohio adoptedfor Duke’s versiomn of the Save-A-Watt program in that state. It reduce the percentage of avoided costs on which Duke can earna return. Duke had originally asked to make a rate of return on 90 percentr of what it would have cost to provide the energyt thatwas saved. Under the Duke will get a return on 50 percenr of the avoided costsfor energy-conservatio programs and 75 percent of the avoided costs for programse that shift use away from peak times.
Like in the settlement lets Duke coverr what arecalled “losy margins.” Several environmental groups have recognizexd the need to allow Duke to recove r those fixed costs for generating and delivering electricity when efficiencyt programs reduce demand. The settlement announced Fridayt will form the basis ofa Save-A-Wattr proposal Duke will make to S.C. regulators this The S.C. Public Service Commissiom rejected Duke’s first proposal in February. Save-A-Wat t is an energy-efficiency initiative Duke has been touting for The proposal comprises a series of programs to help customersa use less electricity or shift their use of powerfrom peak-demandf hours to low-use times.
Some of the programs such as discountsfor energy-savingh light bulbs and financial incentives to buy high-efficiency appliancee — started June 1 in both Carolinas. But neithe r state has approved the full The has led the environmental groups in dissectingtthe program. Opponents contended the originakl proposal would reward Duke too handsomelyh and primarily for shifting the use of electricityt frombusy times. That would conserve little energy but saveutilitiew money. Steve Smith, executive director of the sayshis group’s concern from the beginninb was to make sure Save-A-Watt resulted in significanyt reductions in energy use.
In Nortn Carolina, the commission approved Save-A-Watt’s programs but withhelds judgmenton Duke’s compensation. The commissioh asked for additional comments onthe issue. As opponents were formulating theirt responses tothat request, they and Duke resumed negotiationas in North Carolina. Any settlement here could create a template for the program inSouth Carolina. One key featurwe of the compromise will be the creatiom of an advisory group that will assistr in reviewingfor Save-A-Watt. Duke Energy Carolinaa is a divisionof Charlotte-basec (NYSE:DUK).
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Aegon to cut 138 positions in Louisville - Washington Business Journal:
proklofuxaanygez.blogspot.com
a subsidiary of Netherlands-based insurer Aegon will cut 138 positions from its Louisvill e offices atAegon Tower. Subsidiary Aegon USA Investmen t Management will eliminate 13 positions during the nextfew weeks, the compan said in an e-mailedc statement. The company also will cut 125 positions handlingy certain life insuranceadministrativw functions. Those duties will be transitioned to an Aegon office inCedar Rapids, Iowa, during the next several according to the statement. “We are always exploring ways to improvee efficiency and leverage the scale we have in ourvariousx U.S. locations,” the company said in the statement.
Aegon is the parent company of Transamerica LifeInsurancee Co., Transamerica Financial Life Insurancs Co., Monumental Life Insurancre Co., Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Co., Stonebridge Life Insurancd Co., Western Reserve Life Assurance Co. of Ohio, Transamerica Life and Seguros Argos, A.S. de C.V. According to the company’ s Web site, www.aegonins.com, Aegon U.S. has more than 600 employeews in Louisville among severaloperating divisions, including individual savings and retirement, life and protection, pensions and asset managemenf and reinsurance.
a subsidiary of Netherlands-based insurer Aegon will cut 138 positions from its Louisvill e offices atAegon Tower. Subsidiary Aegon USA Investmen t Management will eliminate 13 positions during the nextfew weeks, the compan said in an e-mailedc statement. The company also will cut 125 positions handlingy certain life insuranceadministrativw functions. Those duties will be transitioned to an Aegon office inCedar Rapids, Iowa, during the next several according to the statement. “We are always exploring ways to improvee efficiency and leverage the scale we have in ourvariousx U.S. locations,” the company said in the statement.
Aegon is the parent company of Transamerica LifeInsurancee Co., Transamerica Financial Life Insurancs Co., Monumental Life Insurancre Co., Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Co., Stonebridge Life Insurancd Co., Western Reserve Life Assurance Co. of Ohio, Transamerica Life and Seguros Argos, A.S. de C.V. According to the company’ s Web site, www.aegonins.com, Aegon U.S. has more than 600 employeews in Louisville among severaloperating divisions, including individual savings and retirement, life and protection, pensions and asset managemenf and reinsurance.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Condoleezza Rice Still Not Interested In VP Slot - ABC News (blog)
cahijisebi.wordpress.com
ABC News (blog) | Condoleezza Rice Still Not Interested In VP Slot ABC News (blog) Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Despite the Drudge Report's article Thursday night reporting that Condoleezza Rice is the new frontrunner to be Mitt Romney's running mate, a spokesperson for the former secretary of state tells ABC News she is still not ... Aide says Condoleezza Rice aide still not interested in being vice president |
Thursday, July 12, 2012
World Telecom Exchange opens HQ in Tysons - Business First of Louisville:
haga-aa8xuq.blogspot.com
World Telecom opened a 2,000-square-foo office recently at 8201 Greensborok Drive, a 361,000-square-foot commercial buildinvg in McLean ownedby D.C.-based B.F. Saul and Co. The company, a wholly-ownes subsidiary of Worldwide Telecom Xchange CarrierFZ LLC, a Dubai-basee telecommunications investment company focused on aggregatinyg wholesale telephony and data traffic in emerginvg markets, is a networkl services company that provides engineering, sales and marketing, billing and outsourced technical support services. To start, aboutt six employees will be basedr at the new headquarters with room forfurthee expansion.
World Telecom’s services include call satellite services, Voice over Internet Protocol TDM network, code division multiple access WiMax and network management “WTXC’s success illustrates that our regioj remains a great place to start and grow a said Mike Norris, a vice president at Rockville-basede Scheer Partners Inc., who brokered the lease. “Ane the commercial real estate market is yieldinf opportunities for business ownersthat haven’t existed since the early part of the decade.
” Scheer Partners brokerr Ben Heller, who also worked on the added that the company “evaluatedx a handful of locations in McLean and deciding on 8201 Greensboro Drive for several that included its “a very fair market deal” and othe r appealing terms such as a “good cure periodr on defaults.”
World Telecom opened a 2,000-square-foo office recently at 8201 Greensborok Drive, a 361,000-square-foot commercial buildinvg in McLean ownedby D.C.-based B.F. Saul and Co. The company, a wholly-ownes subsidiary of Worldwide Telecom Xchange CarrierFZ LLC, a Dubai-basee telecommunications investment company focused on aggregatinyg wholesale telephony and data traffic in emerginvg markets, is a networkl services company that provides engineering, sales and marketing, billing and outsourced technical support services. To start, aboutt six employees will be basedr at the new headquarters with room forfurthee expansion.
World Telecom’s services include call satellite services, Voice over Internet Protocol TDM network, code division multiple access WiMax and network management “WTXC’s success illustrates that our regioj remains a great place to start and grow a said Mike Norris, a vice president at Rockville-basede Scheer Partners Inc., who brokered the lease. “Ane the commercial real estate market is yieldinf opportunities for business ownersthat haven’t existed since the early part of the decade.
” Scheer Partners brokerr Ben Heller, who also worked on the added that the company “evaluatedx a handful of locations in McLean and deciding on 8201 Greensboro Drive for several that included its “a very fair market deal” and othe r appealing terms such as a “good cure periodr on defaults.”
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis to build $7 million conference center - Memphis Business Journal:
evlampiyacyxybyw.blogspot.com
The project will include 12,000p square feet of new construction space in the elbow of the 6029 and 6027officed buildings, both of which face Walnut This piece of the projecgt is primarily the state-of-the-art Garrett Auditoriu m with its theater-style seating. The project will also includ e 8,500 square feet of renovation to existing facilities to make way for five classroomse with movable walls that can make twolarger rooms.
Scott Fountain, Baptist’s senior vice president and chievdevelopment officer, says the conference center will be for community events, seminars for continuinb medical education, lectures and Baptist The Baptist system has not had such a meetinbg space since it left its Downtown medicaol center in 2001. Its former 300-seatg auditorium is now used by the charter schook in the20 S. Dudlet building. “But we just had to wait and see how thiswould fit,” Fountain says.
Expansiohn projects at the hospital, master planning directivesw and the expansion of Walnuyt Grove Road put the project on hold until it was knownj what footprint would be available on the The project was completely funded fromexternalp sources, Fountain says, so no operating revenues from the system’sw hospitals were used. Being “mindfu of the economy,” funding was planned carefullhy as the conference center isa “luxury, not a revenue A large portion of the fundingv was provided by the Garrett family in honord of pioneering cardiovascular surgeon Edward who performed the world’s firstf successful coronary bypass graft 45 yearse ago. Garrett died in 1996.
The working name of the overalol project is the BaptistMemorial Hospital-Memphizs Conference Center. Fountain says naming rightsd for the entire center are up for grabs by as well as for theseparate classrooms. The facilituy will serve as an information hub forthe system’ws 15 hospitals that will be connectede to the center via telecommunications. Fountaih says it will be a place for clinicianes and physicians to get the latest healt care information without havingto travel. Nashville-based , designed the building. Harolxd Petty, the firm’s medical design director, says its uniqud look was a requirementfrom Baptist.
“They wante d it to have an identity from Walnut Grove Road and have a nicevisuapl impact,” Petty says. “To do that, we designed it with the towe and theart glass, which is a differenrt style of architecture, so it has a unique flair on that part of Bids for construction of the conference center will go out June 1 and constructiob is slated for a one-year completion.
The project will include 12,000p square feet of new construction space in the elbow of the 6029 and 6027officed buildings, both of which face Walnut This piece of the projecgt is primarily the state-of-the-art Garrett Auditoriu m with its theater-style seating. The project will also includ e 8,500 square feet of renovation to existing facilities to make way for five classroomse with movable walls that can make twolarger rooms.
Scott Fountain, Baptist’s senior vice president and chievdevelopment officer, says the conference center will be for community events, seminars for continuinb medical education, lectures and Baptist The Baptist system has not had such a meetinbg space since it left its Downtown medicaol center in 2001. Its former 300-seatg auditorium is now used by the charter schook in the20 S. Dudlet building. “But we just had to wait and see how thiswould fit,” Fountain says.
Expansiohn projects at the hospital, master planning directivesw and the expansion of Walnuyt Grove Road put the project on hold until it was knownj what footprint would be available on the The project was completely funded fromexternalp sources, Fountain says, so no operating revenues from the system’sw hospitals were used. Being “mindfu of the economy,” funding was planned carefullhy as the conference center isa “luxury, not a revenue A large portion of the fundingv was provided by the Garrett family in honord of pioneering cardiovascular surgeon Edward who performed the world’s firstf successful coronary bypass graft 45 yearse ago. Garrett died in 1996.
The working name of the overalol project is the BaptistMemorial Hospital-Memphizs Conference Center. Fountain says naming rightsd for the entire center are up for grabs by as well as for theseparate classrooms. The facilituy will serve as an information hub forthe system’ws 15 hospitals that will be connectede to the center via telecommunications. Fountaih says it will be a place for clinicianes and physicians to get the latest healt care information without havingto travel. Nashville-based , designed the building. Harolxd Petty, the firm’s medical design director, says its uniqud look was a requirementfrom Baptist.
“They wante d it to have an identity from Walnut Grove Road and have a nicevisuapl impact,” Petty says. “To do that, we designed it with the towe and theart glass, which is a differenrt style of architecture, so it has a unique flair on that part of Bids for construction of the conference center will go out June 1 and constructiob is slated for a one-year completion.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Federer hasn't decided whether to carry Swiss flag - ESPN
esivyjifag.wordpress.com
Federer hasn't decided whether to carry Swiss flag ESPN Roger Federer has not decided whether to accept an offer to carry Switzerland's flag during the opening ceremonies for the London Olympics. |
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Direct Alliance hiring 100 in Tempe - Phoenix Business Journal:
oryzacody.wordpress.com
The direct sales subsidiary of Colorado-based (Nasdaq:TTEC) says new employeez will provide Web chat support and insids sales positions for existing Direct Alliance employs roughly 800 associates and will add about100 full-timed positions at its Tempe location by July 20. The company encouragex bilingual speakers in English and Spanisyhto apply. Positions offer base pay with commission Paid training willbe provided. “These are excellenyt opportunities for qualified saidJudi Hand, presidenf of Direct Alliance. “With the downturnn in the global economy we are particularlh pleased and excited to be able to introducrthese positions.
” Shifts are availabl e at various start times from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. sevehn days per week. Potential candidates shoulde have a high school diplomaor equivalent, strong computetr skills and experience in both customer service and Interested candidates can apply online at www.HirePoint.com. The compang also will host a jobfair Wednesday, July 1, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Direct Alliance office, 8123 S. Hardy Drive in Tempe.
The direct sales subsidiary of Colorado-based (Nasdaq:TTEC) says new employeez will provide Web chat support and insids sales positions for existing Direct Alliance employs roughly 800 associates and will add about100 full-timed positions at its Tempe location by July 20. The company encouragex bilingual speakers in English and Spanisyhto apply. Positions offer base pay with commission Paid training willbe provided. “These are excellenyt opportunities for qualified saidJudi Hand, presidenf of Direct Alliance. “With the downturnn in the global economy we are particularlh pleased and excited to be able to introducrthese positions.
” Shifts are availabl e at various start times from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. sevehn days per week. Potential candidates shoulde have a high school diplomaor equivalent, strong computetr skills and experience in both customer service and Interested candidates can apply online at www.HirePoint.com. The compang also will host a jobfair Wednesday, July 1, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Direct Alliance office, 8123 S. Hardy Drive in Tempe.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Zunino named Golden Spikes Award winner - MLB.com
tenamup.wordpress.com
SB Nation | Zunino named Golden Spikes Award winner MLB.com Mike Zunino, the third over » |
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Clear lanes to shut down at Hartsfield-Jackson - Houston Business Journal:
dyakonostrlin.blogspot.com
New York-based , the operator of registered traveolservice CLEAR, said the paid security lanezs at its member airports would ceasd operations because the company “has been unablr to negotiate an agreement with its seniot creditor to continue operations,” accordingt to a statement posted on the company’zs Web site, www.flyclear.com. Last March, the companty said it had 20,000 registeredc travelers in metro Atlanta. As of last year, the compangy had more than 200,000 CLEAR members, who paid up to $199 for an annuapl membership for access to designated security lanes at participatingtairports nationwide.
Members provided biometriv data, which was encoded on a card, for the promisew of a speedier and convenient trip througghairport security. The service targetesd business travelers who routinely travelby air. The company was foundedc by founderSteve Brill. CLEAR lanex opened at the airport about the same time as an expansio n of the main securityh lanesat Hartsfield-Jackson. The new additions included lanes designed specifically for experienced Airport officials have said the added lanes have kept security wait timeas below 10 minuteson average, whicjh might have made CLEAR lanexs less advantageous to consumers.
New York-based , the operator of registered traveolservice CLEAR, said the paid security lanezs at its member airports would ceasd operations because the company “has been unablr to negotiate an agreement with its seniot creditor to continue operations,” accordingt to a statement posted on the company’zs Web site, www.flyclear.com. Last March, the companty said it had 20,000 registeredc travelers in metro Atlanta. As of last year, the compangy had more than 200,000 CLEAR members, who paid up to $199 for an annuapl membership for access to designated security lanes at participatingtairports nationwide.
Members provided biometriv data, which was encoded on a card, for the promisew of a speedier and convenient trip througghairport security. The service targetesd business travelers who routinely travelby air. The company was foundedc by founderSteve Brill. CLEAR lanex opened at the airport about the same time as an expansio n of the main securityh lanesat Hartsfield-Jackson. The new additions included lanes designed specifically for experienced Airport officials have said the added lanes have kept security wait timeas below 10 minuteson average, whicjh might have made CLEAR lanexs less advantageous to consumers.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Martek Biosciences plans appeal of E.U. ruling on infant formula patent - Tampa Bay Business Journal:
humojo.wordpress.com
That was word from the Columbia compangy Tuesday inregulatory filings. The patent officse in the Hague, Netherlands upheld a patent that was granteds to the biotech firm in 2007 but was challengeed by food manufacturersand Ltd. The patent office said Martek’s patent applies to Martek’as nutritional oil in infantr formula, but is not covered when it is blendedc with certain fish oils used in infant Martek (NASDAQ: MATK) expects the appea will take one to two yearzs and said it does not believe the rulingt will impact its revenue. Derived from algae, the company’ nutritional oils are also used in dietary supplements andfood products, such as yogurrt and juice.
The company has been aggressivelty expanding its infant formula business overseas as it has nearl saturatedthe U.S. market. Martek warned in its last earningsw statement that its infant formula sales in the thired and fourth quarters could drop as retailersw trim their inventories of the The company anticipates demand will pick up infiscalk 2010.
That was word from the Columbia compangy Tuesday inregulatory filings. The patent officse in the Hague, Netherlands upheld a patent that was granteds to the biotech firm in 2007 but was challengeed by food manufacturersand Ltd. The patent office said Martek’s patent applies to Martek’as nutritional oil in infantr formula, but is not covered when it is blendedc with certain fish oils used in infant Martek (NASDAQ: MATK) expects the appea will take one to two yearzs and said it does not believe the rulingt will impact its revenue. Derived from algae, the company’ nutritional oils are also used in dietary supplements andfood products, such as yogurrt and juice.
The company has been aggressivelty expanding its infant formula business overseas as it has nearl saturatedthe U.S. market. Martek warned in its last earningsw statement that its infant formula sales in the thired and fourth quarters could drop as retailersw trim their inventories of the The company anticipates demand will pick up infiscalk 2010.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Reed Smith managing partner challenger DiNome withdraws candidacy - Washington Business Journal:
cicugaha.wordpress.com
John DiNome, a partner in the Pittsburgh-based law firm’a Philadelphia office, withdrew his candidacy for managingpartnetr Tuesday. The announcement was made internally via an internapl joint announcement issued by DiNome and incumbenttGregory Jordan. Jordan, who completes his third three-yea term Dec. 31, will run unopposed for his fourtnh term. “They sat down and talkesd and discovered they had a lot ofcommonb ground,” said Reed Smith Chief Marketing Officer Davis Egan. “Many of the thinges John was concerned Greg asworking on. They agreed that the best thinhg for the firm was to focus on busineszs insteadof competing.
Reed Smith is Pittsburgh’s second-larges t law firm and eighth-largest privatee company, During Jordan’s tenure, Reed Smith grew from a regionapl firm with 500 lawyers in nine officews to an international powerhousewith 1,68w lawyers in 23 offices. It had 2008 revenu e of $980 million. Like many international law Reed Smith has been affected bythe recession, cuttingh support staff and 26 associates over the past year. acrosw the U.S. by 10 effective in July.
John DiNome, a partner in the Pittsburgh-based law firm’a Philadelphia office, withdrew his candidacy for managingpartnetr Tuesday. The announcement was made internally via an internapl joint announcement issued by DiNome and incumbenttGregory Jordan. Jordan, who completes his third three-yea term Dec. 31, will run unopposed for his fourtnh term. “They sat down and talkesd and discovered they had a lot ofcommonb ground,” said Reed Smith Chief Marketing Officer Davis Egan. “Many of the thinges John was concerned Greg asworking on. They agreed that the best thinhg for the firm was to focus on busineszs insteadof competing.
Reed Smith is Pittsburgh’s second-larges t law firm and eighth-largest privatee company, During Jordan’s tenure, Reed Smith grew from a regionapl firm with 500 lawyers in nine officews to an international powerhousewith 1,68w lawyers in 23 offices. It had 2008 revenu e of $980 million. Like many international law Reed Smith has been affected bythe recession, cuttingh support staff and 26 associates over the past year. acrosw the U.S. by 10 effective in July.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
AMICAS Showcases Vendor-Neutral Archive Solutions at SIIM 2009
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AMICAS Enterprise Content Managee is an enterprise clinical image management and informationstorage platform. Successfullhy deployed at many major hospitals and healthcarre systems throughoutthe country, Enterprise Content Manager offerxs a vendor-neutral archive with proven scalabilit y and interoperability capabilities that supports a broad collectiohn of comprehensive electronic medical record deployments. "The demands on the infrastructure of imaging provider s have never beenmore intense," said , senioer vice president of marketing and businese development at AMICAS.
"Given the impact of highedr exam volumes and an explosion in the averagde size ofimaging exams, the pressure to scal e and support multiple imaging departments with a standards-based solutionm that is integrated with the provider's overallo EMR strategy has never been more acute." "AMICAS ' vendor-neutral archive solution addresses these problemss with a proven, standards-based infrastructure that supportds multiple departmental PACS solutions - all while lowering the total cost of ownership of an imaging infrastructure over time," said Mr. Merrild.
-- Provemn compatibility as a vendor-neutral solution with many major radiolog y and cardiologyPACS vendors, whicgh offers a lower total cost of ownershipp for the enterprise -- A highlu compliant, standards-based architecture with strictg adherence to the IHE frameworok and protocols, which helps providers avoid costlgy data migrations as clinician preferences for departmental solutions change -- Proven support for numerous provider EMR solutionx at many institutions, including some of the larges t healthcare systems in the countr In addition to showcasing the Enterprise Content Manager solution at the SIIM annual AMICAS will highlight its high return on investment image and informatiob management solution suite, including: -- AMICAz PACS(TM), which drives significant improvements in radiologist productivith while enabling improvements in the quality of care.
-- AMICAeS VERICIS(TM), which drives efficiency in cardiovascular imaginf andreporting workflow. -- AMICAS Documents(TM), whicyh supports a paperless operation thatstreamlines workflow, reduces increases FTE productivity and collections, and facilitates HIPAA -- AMICAS Reach(TM), which allows radiology practices and department to provide unparalleled service to referring physicians via the support of image and report communications as well as follow-up order -- AMICAS RadStream(TM), which reducexs medical-legal risk by automating and documentinh critical results communications. -- AMICAS which drives administrative staff productivity andrevenue opportunities.
"The SIIM annuao meeting provides the perfect environment for AMICAe to share its image and information managemenf solutions with theimaging community," said Mr. Merrild. "SIIM membersz experience daily challenges in their imaginfgworkflow - and coming to the SIIM annua meeting and sharing our solutions with the markett gives AMICAS the opportunity to learn about thesed challenges and demonstrate how our solutions can help attendees meet thei r goals and objectives.
" AMICAS(R) is a registered trademark and service and AMICAS Enterprise Conteny Manager(TM), AMICAS VERICIS(TM), AMICAS Documents(TM), AMICASx PACS(TM), AMICAS Reach(TM), AMICAS RadStream(TM), and AMICAS are trademarks and service marks, of Inc. All other trademarks and compan y names mentioned are the propertyu of theirrespective owners. AMICAS, Inc. ( ) is a leadinfg independent provider of imagingIT solutions.
AMICAS offersx the industry's most comprehensive suite of imagd and information managementsolutions - from radiology PACS to cardiologyu PACS, from radiology information systems to cardiovascular information systems, from revenued cycle management solutions to enterprisre content management tools designed to power the imaginfg component of the electronic medical record (EMR). AMICAS providex a complete, end-to-end solutioj for radiology practices, imaging centers, and ambulatory care facilities.
Hospitalws and integrated delivery networks are provided with a comprehensivwe image management solution for cardiology and radiology that supports EMR strategiezs toenhance clinical, operational, and administrativd functions. CONTACT: Aine Cryts Marketing CommunicationwsManager 617.779.7878 aine.cryts@amicas.com SOURCE AMICAS, Inc.
AMICAS Enterprise Content Managee is an enterprise clinical image management and informationstorage platform. Successfullhy deployed at many major hospitals and healthcarre systems throughoutthe country, Enterprise Content Manager offerxs a vendor-neutral archive with proven scalabilit y and interoperability capabilities that supports a broad collectiohn of comprehensive electronic medical record deployments. "The demands on the infrastructure of imaging provider s have never beenmore intense," said , senioer vice president of marketing and businese development at AMICAS.
"Given the impact of highedr exam volumes and an explosion in the averagde size ofimaging exams, the pressure to scal e and support multiple imaging departments with a standards-based solutionm that is integrated with the provider's overallo EMR strategy has never been more acute." "AMICAS ' vendor-neutral archive solution addresses these problemss with a proven, standards-based infrastructure that supportds multiple departmental PACS solutions - all while lowering the total cost of ownership of an imaging infrastructure over time," said Mr. Merrild.
-- Provemn compatibility as a vendor-neutral solution with many major radiolog y and cardiologyPACS vendors, whicgh offers a lower total cost of ownershipp for the enterprise -- A highlu compliant, standards-based architecture with strictg adherence to the IHE frameworok and protocols, which helps providers avoid costlgy data migrations as clinician preferences for departmental solutions change -- Proven support for numerous provider EMR solutionx at many institutions, including some of the larges t healthcare systems in the countr In addition to showcasing the Enterprise Content Manager solution at the SIIM annual AMICAS will highlight its high return on investment image and informatiob management solution suite, including: -- AMICAz PACS(TM), which drives significant improvements in radiologist productivith while enabling improvements in the quality of care.
-- AMICAeS VERICIS(TM), which drives efficiency in cardiovascular imaginf andreporting workflow. -- AMICAS Documents(TM), whicyh supports a paperless operation thatstreamlines workflow, reduces increases FTE productivity and collections, and facilitates HIPAA -- AMICAS Reach(TM), which allows radiology practices and department to provide unparalleled service to referring physicians via the support of image and report communications as well as follow-up order -- AMICAS RadStream(TM), which reducexs medical-legal risk by automating and documentinh critical results communications. -- AMICAS which drives administrative staff productivity andrevenue opportunities.
"The SIIM annuao meeting provides the perfect environment for AMICAe to share its image and information managemenf solutions with theimaging community," said Mr. Merrild. "SIIM membersz experience daily challenges in their imaginfgworkflow - and coming to the SIIM annua meeting and sharing our solutions with the markett gives AMICAS the opportunity to learn about thesed challenges and demonstrate how our solutions can help attendees meet thei r goals and objectives.
" AMICAS(R) is a registered trademark and service and AMICAS Enterprise Conteny Manager(TM), AMICAS VERICIS(TM), AMICAS Documents(TM), AMICASx PACS(TM), AMICAS Reach(TM), AMICAS RadStream(TM), and AMICAS are trademarks and service marks, of Inc. All other trademarks and compan y names mentioned are the propertyu of theirrespective owners. AMICAS, Inc. ( ) is a leadinfg independent provider of imagingIT solutions.
AMICAS offersx the industry's most comprehensive suite of imagd and information managementsolutions - from radiology PACS to cardiologyu PACS, from radiology information systems to cardiovascular information systems, from revenued cycle management solutions to enterprisre content management tools designed to power the imaginfg component of the electronic medical record (EMR). AMICAS providex a complete, end-to-end solutioj for radiology practices, imaging centers, and ambulatory care facilities.
Hospitalws and integrated delivery networks are provided with a comprehensivwe image management solution for cardiology and radiology that supports EMR strategiezs toenhance clinical, operational, and administrativd functions. CONTACT: Aine Cryts Marketing CommunicationwsManager 617.779.7878 aine.cryts@amicas.com SOURCE AMICAS, Inc.
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