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Submit your press release for free, send your release in text, jpeg or PDF format to:

Contact:  Kelly Madaris                                                                                                                  7960 Ono Road

publicrelations@georgiacarry.org                                                                                             Fairburn, GA 30213

Phone: 770-289-3623                                                                                                                      www.georgiacarry.org

PRESS RELEASE

GeorgiaCarry.or announces the 2010, 2nd Annual Convention on August 20-21, 2010.

This convention is to bring members, non-members, local vendors, and special guests together.

Convention Registration Deadline is August 08, 2010. 

The Cost per ticket is:     Members:             $99

Non-Members:                  $114

Non-member’s may become members if they fill out an application at the convention !

 It will be held at the

Renaissance Waverly Hotel

2450 Galleria Parkway
Atlanta, Georgia 30339

You can register for the convention at the GeorgiaCarry.org’s Events page at:

http://www.gcoevents.org/registration/convention-registration/

Or you can register by mail at:

GEORGIACARRY.ORG, INC.
P.O. Box 501625
Atlanta, Georgia 31150
(Please be sure to note any guest names and let us know what day(s) you plan to attend.)

Please make sure your payment is mailed in time for GCO to receive it by August 8th.

If you plan on staying at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel you can register by using the group codes “gcogcoa”.

Their phone number is:  1-770-953-4500

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

XXXX

 GUCA SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS The GUCA Scholarship Foundation is pleased to announce the scholarships awarded to GUCA members children.  The Foundation has two scholarship types.  One is the industry scholarship awarded to students who are seeking an education degree related to the utility construction industry.  The other is a scholarship for graduating high school seniors entering into college to help promote and further their education. The Foundation gave two industry scholarships to students in construction and/or building construction programs for 2010.  The following received $2,000.00 each. Derek Buffardi, the son of Derek C. and Martha J. Buffardi, Godwin Pumps, Kennesaw, Georgia.  Derek is currently attending Georgia Institute of Technology majoring in civil/environmental engineering.  Darren’s goal is to obtain both his Bachelor and Master’s degree and work with waste systems in the utility construction industry. Daren Higginbotham, the son of Grady Higginbotham and Irene Erwin, Archer Western Contractors, Ltd., Atlanta, Georgia.  Sean is currently attending Southern Polytechnic State University majoring in construction management.  Daren’s goal is to work for one company so as to retire knowing his career work directly influenced the growth of that company. The Foundation also gave seven high school senior scholarships for 2010.  The following received $1,000.00 each. Christen Elise Carroll, the daughter of Clark and Lisa Carroll, Aiken Grading Company, Dallas, Georgia.  Christen graduated from Hillgrove High School and plans to attend Mercer University to obtain her Physicians Assistant certification. Sarah Kicklighter, the daughter of Brian and Jennifer Kicklighter, Southern Champion Construction, Inc., Savannah, Georgia.  Sarah graduated from Jupiter High School and plans to attend Palm Beach Atlantic University.  She plans to obtain a bachelors degree in art with a miner in childhood education.  Her goal is to teach elementary and middle school, specifically Spanish classes and theater arts. Cooper Lowe, the son of Eddie and Suzanne Lowe, McWane Cast Iron Pipe Co., Macon, Georgia.  Cooper graduated from Rutland High school and plans to attend Armstrong Atlantic State University.  He plans to major in computer engineering. Jacob Lowery, the son of Timothy and Susanne Lowery, City of Senoia, Senoia, Georgia.  Jacob graduated from East Coweta High School and plans to attend the University of West Georgia.  He plans to major in foreign languages to allow him to be a linguistic for the CIA. Cassandra Merrigan, the daughter of James Merrigan and Beth Cusick, Archer Western Contractors, Ltd., Atlanta, Georgia.  Cassandra attended the Blessed Trinity Catholic High School and plans to attend Georgia Institute of Technology.  She plans to focus on chemical engineering allowing her to apply her degree in a research field to help advance technology. Caleb Morris, the son of Buddy and Dawn Morris, Lenox Utility Contractors, LLC, Lenox, Georgia.  Caleb graduated from Cook High School and plans to attend Georgia Institute of Technology.  He plans to study mechanical engineering ranging from transportation to finance in business, government and universities.  His goal is to work in the automobile or agriculture industry and possibly one day own his father’s business. Nicole K. Young, the daughter of Lonnie and Kim Blackstone, Rhino Services, LLC, Palmetto, Georgia.  Nicole graduated from The Heritage School and plans to attend Savannah College of Art and Design.  Nicole would like to work for a company like Pixar upon graduation doing concept art or digital animation. The GUCA Scholarship Foundation is a 50/C (3) charitable foundation created to help advance the college opportunities of GUCA contractor and associate member’s employee’s children. The Scholarship Foundation is funded by proceeds from the Scholarship Foundation Sporting Clay Event and private donations. This year the GUCA held a very successful sporting clay event on April 12, 2010 where all proceeds went to benefit this Foundation. Individual and corporate pledges are available and endowments and honorable contributions can be established in memory or honor of any company or individual. X X X X

For additional information, please contact:

Katie Neal, Events Manager

Phone: (404) 362-9995/Email: katie@guca.com

fullname: Ed Gagnon
email: egg1seeker@comcast.net
comments:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

I AM OLD

Aging and death are inevitable; how we feel about aging and death is not. Our lives and our state of mind are matters of choice; matters of common sense. Old age should be a celebration of life; and author Ed Gagnon reveals that it can be, if we do the things that make our lives meaningful.

Aging is a law of physics that affects all things and all beings. It always ends in death. The inevitability of this law is not appreciated in youth, but it becomes real as we reach old age. With this realization of age and impending death come feelings of regret, sorrow, fear, and anger. The feelings are exacerbated as we also realize how little power we have to affect this natural process. Our remaining years become filled with feelings of self-dissatisfaction. It doesnt have to be this way. We can choose our feelings by choosing to do things that bring about our freedom of choice. I Am Old will teach you how to discover the meaning of life by living a life that has meaning.

I Am Old (ISBN: 978-1-60911-253-0) is now available for $19.95, and can be ordered through the publishers Web site: http://www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/IAmOld.html
Or at www.amazon.com or http://search.barnesandnoble.com

Wholesalers please e-mail BookOrder@AEG-Online-Store.com

About the Author:
Ed Gagnon is vice president at a manufacturing company in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. I Am Old is his fifth book; his previous book was The Value of Values.






Strategic Book Group
P.O. Box 333 Durham, CT 06422
http://www.Strategicbookpublishing.com  -  http://www.EloquentBooks.com - http://www.StrategicBookMarketing.com
http://www.Strategicbookgroup.com
###

Contact: Rontavis ShamarEmail: rshamar@gmail.com
Phone: 404-496-3906 
For Immediate Release:06/24/10 
R. Shamar Releases Your Best Day Today and Passion 101
R. Shamar, “The Minister of Motivation,” announces therelease of his newest book “Your Best Day Today,” a 30 DayDaily Devotional that leads the reader on a journey of selfdiscovery in hopes of granting them the permission to livetheir best day everyday. He has also released his latestMotivational CD “Passion 101: When They See YourPassion, They’ll Pay You,” available for download atwww.Passion101.info, iTunes, Napster, Rhapsody andwherever music is sold online. Passion 101 is all aboutliving in your purpose and allowing your passion to payyour bills.The accomplished author, speaker and entrepreneur hasalso published such books as “The Lost Works of a LostSoul” and “On Track, to the Kingdom,” as well as his firstMotivational CD “One Day at a Time.” Be sure to visitwww.RShamar.com to purchase copies of any of his work.R. Shamar is also available for speaking engagements,seminars and workshops.For more information or to schedule an interview contact R. Shamar at rshamar@gmail.com

or visit www.RShamar.com.

05/26/10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Program Offers Budget Savvy Gardeners Free Trees and Plants

Shipping Fees Benefit Workers with Disabilities Who Package Plants


LINCOLN, N.E.  ( May 24, 2010) There is such a thing as a free bunch – of
flowers, trees and shrubs – thanks to a one-of-a-kind program that benefits
gardeners, sheltered workshops and the environment.

Free Trees and Plants.com, started in February, 2004, obtains from growers and
nurseries some of the millions of unsold plants that are destroyed each year,
hires workers with disabilities to package them and then sends the plants for
free to anyone who orders them at www.freetreesandplants.com. Consumers simply
pay for processing and shipping costs, $7.95 for each unit of plants.

“We're thrilled to add a number of perennial plugs to our ever growing
collection of trees, shrubs and plants.  Gardeners from across the country may
reserve any of the more than ninety varieties of perennials, shrubs and trees
featured this spring,” said Cheryl Richter, a garden writer and photographer who
created the program with her husband, Greg, in their hometown of Lincoln, Neb.

The Richters’ industry contacts advise them of plants that have not been sold
and are scheduled for destruction. They then obtain the plants at little or no
cost and arrange for delivery to sheltered workshops that provide employment for
workers with disabilities. The workers process and package the items for
shipment.  “Every plant we save and select for our program is as good as, or
better than, those featured in garden centers and renowned garden catalogs,”
said Cheryl.

A visit to the Web site reveals a bounty of offerings, including evergreen,
flowering and shade trees, perennials such as columbine, fountain grass, and
hostas, shrubs that range from rose of sharon to mock orange.“Everything shown
has been selected as an easy-to-grow gardening or landscaping favorite,” added
Greg Richter.

“Our concept began when we recognized that there is a terrible waste of living
things when unsold plants are thrown away,” Greg said. “We have worked with
sheltered workshops on other projects in the past and the program quickly took
shape. We are believers in direct action and social responsibility, and we do
not ask for or accept donations. Our program does not seek charitable
designation.”

#  #  #

Media Contact:  Debra Ersch 402-429-9722 or 402-475-5631

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  -  PHOTO IMAGE ATTACHED

ROSWELL RESIDENT INDUCTED INTO HALL OF FAME

     John J. Vrionis, longtime resident at 265 Woodchuck Court, Roswell, Georgia, was one of six athletes inducted into the College of the Holy Cross (Worcester, Massachusetts) Hall of Fame on May 10, 2010, on the school campus.

     Vrionis was a multiple letter winner on both the varsity football and lacrosse teams during the years 1964-1968.  During his senior season he led the football team with 511 receiving yards and 42 points scored.  He was dubbed a member of the “TD Twins” by the local press.  In lacrosse, Vrionis led the team in scoring as a senior with 47 points on 36 goals and 11 assists in 11 games, ranking him in the top ten scorers nationally.  His eight goals against Worcester Polytechnic Institute on April 13, 1968, set a single-game school record that still stands.  Vrionis was also selected to play in the U.S. Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association North-South College All-Star Game following the conclusion of his senior year.

     John and his wife, Lori (Brady) Vrionis, will celebrate their forty-second wedding anniversary on December 28, 2010.  Their three adult children, Kristin, Johnny and Lisa, are married and live out of state.

      E N D

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact:    William Perry

                  843-815-6248

                  508-333-9339

                  wperry@hargray.com

For Immediate ReleaseContact: Kevin Foley              
678-570-5265 Pinetree Country Club Introduces Trial Membership and Family Summer “Staycation” Plan Pinetree Country Club in Kennesaw is offering six-month trial memberships and a special family “Staycation” plan, both designed to introduce the private club to prospective members. Founded in 1962, Pinetree Country Club is Cobb County’s friendliest private facility, featuring an 18-hole championship golf course that will host the 2013 Georgia State Amateur Golf Championship, eight lighted tennis courts and swimming in its Olympic sized pool, one of the largest in the state. Pinetree Country Club also offers a wide range of social activities throughout the year and is family friendly. The special six-month introductory trial is available for all categories of membership, including full golf, intermediate golf, tennis and social. There is no initiation fee. Trial members pay only monthly dues, which are priced at $525 per month for full golf, $375 for intermediate golf, $225 for tennis and $125 for social. Pinetree County Club is also offering a unique Summer “Staycation” for families looking for a way to enjoy time together without the time and expense of traveling.  For $300 for a family of four and $75 for each additional person, families can try out the private country club lifestyle for five days. Included is access to all dining facilities with a $50 credit; a private golf or tennis lesson for four or a round of golf with a cart; Friday Night “Dive In” family movie by the pool with refreshments; children’s activities at the pool; and Lazy Sunday by the pool with a BBQ for four. For more information, call 770-422-5902 or visit www.pinetreecc.org.

 

Gragg_Lee_sized.jpg

Palmetto, Georgia Police Sergeant in the Running for $10,000 Grand Prize in America’s Most Wanted All-Star Contest  April 26, 2010-Sergeant Lee Gragg has been named a finalist in the AMW All-Star Contest, sponsored by Sprint, after surviving a routine traffic stop gone wrong. On September 12, 2009, three officers from Palmetto, Georgia Police Department were conducting a road safety check when they encountered a driver without a license. Sgt. Gragg, the traffic stop supervisor, was called over to investigate further. As he approached the convertible, he noticed the driver was on his cell phone and asked him to end his call multiple times. The driver ignored his requests – and instead – revved his engine.  Sgt. Gragg acted quickly. He reached inside the vehicle in an attempt to subdue to the driver, but was instead thrown off-balance into the back of the convertible as the driver sped off. Three hundred yards later, the fleeing driver crashed into a brick mailbox, which flipped the car and killed him instantly. Sgt. Gragg was ejected from the vehicle and thrown 20 feet in the air. He broke his back, seventeen bones in his face and jaw, suffered a brain injury and lost his left eye as a result. Remarkably, after four months of recovery, Sgt. Gragg returned to light police duty to continue the important work he feels he was born to do. Even after staring life-threatening danger in the face, he continues to bravely protect and serve his community.  Sgt. Gragg is the sixth of eight weekly finalists to be chosen by the public in this year’s AMW All-Star Contest.  Each weekly finalist has been profiled on America’s Most Wanted (Saturdays, 9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT on FOX). Through online votes, the public will choose the grand-prize winner. In May, AMW Host John Walsh will present the 2010 AMW All-Star winner with a check for $10,000 at the NASCAR SPRINT Cup Series™ All-Star Challenge at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, North Carolina.  Members of the public may vote for their favorite first responder once a day, every day. Grand-prize winner voting will run from April 15th-May 3rd. Please visit AMW.com/AllStar for more information. Contact:Pat Dinotapdinota@amw.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 20, 2010

FROM: Masonic Information Center (MIC) of the Masonic Service Association of North America (MSANA) http://www.msana.com, 8120 Fenton Street, Suite 203, Silver Spring, MD 20910-4785 Tel: (301) 588-4010   Fax: (301) 608-3457, Email: msana@ix.netcom.com, Contact:  Richard Fletcher, PGM, VT, Executive SecretaryMasonic Information Center (MIC) Recognizes Roswell Masonic Lodge No. 165 of Roswell, GA as a 2009 Winner of the Mark Twain Award For Excellence in Masonic Awareness Roswell Masonic Lodge No. 165 of Roswell, GA claims national recognition for demonstrating excellence in 2009 Masonic activities. MIC acknowledges Lodges' superior efforts both to invigorate Freemasonry's identity throughout their communities and to enrich the quality of educational and fraternal experiences within Lodges. Silver Spring, MD. April 20, 2010 — The Masonic Information Center (MIC) of the Masonic Service Association of North America (MSANA) announces 2009 winners of the Mark Twain Award for Excellence in Masonic Awareness.  Completing its fourth year, the Twain Award Competition continues to draw increasing numbers of submissions while maintaining its high standards of evaluation.  Winners must distinguish themselves by exhibiting energy focused on three stages of work: planning, executing, and reflecting on activities directly related to enhancing Lodges’ Masonic identity.  Historically, the Masonic fraternity emphasizes the importance of education, self-improvement, good works, and fellowship. Roswell Lodge’s Master, Brad Williams says, “Our group of brothers is a driving force for Freemasonry as evidenced by our wide range of Masonic educational activities, family and friend events, and charitable acts.”  Lodge leaders laid the foundation for growth through 2008 planning.  “We improved our Lodge facility and made our website http://www.roswell165.com a source to communicate among our members.”  Jim Maultsby, Past Master, says, “Roswell Lodge No. 165 is on the move, bringing excitement into Lodge education and letting our community know we support them through numerous programs, including:  GACHIPS events, partnerships with local companies and civic groups, the 59th Annual Barbeque for charity, Lodge Widow’s celebration, and donations to local public works departments and to the Georgia Masonic Children’s Home.”  Williams adds, “Winning the Twain Award gives us an added incentive to continue improving both our Lodge members’ Masonic experiences and Masonry’s standing in the community.” MORE Richard E. Fletcher, Executive Secretary of the Masonic Information Center says, "The 2009 Twain Award competition attracted Lodge submissions from 35 states."  Fletcher continues, "As the Twain Award’s reputation grows, Lodges see its benefit as an incentive to create new ideas and generate more energy among members.”  The Twain Award does not set Lodges against other Lodges, rather, the competition asks Lodges to demonstrate that they have done their best to produce excellence in and understanding of their Masonic identity.  Winners receive a custom designed award and nationwide recognition through MSANA web and print publications.  Fletcher says, "Grand Lodge meetings frequently provide opportunities to make public presentations to members, who participated in achieving Twain Award winner status.”  "The Masonic fraternity is experiencing renewed public interest and increased exposure in popular movies, books, and media; the Twain Award helps us to communicate and to clarify the true identity of the Fraternity of Freemasonry with its roots in education and enlightenment,” says Fletcher.  He continues, “Our Fraternity’s Twain Award generates enthusiasm and builds relevance for Freemasonry in the 21st Century by providing ways for men from diverse backgrounds and across multiple generations to enjoy fellowship through Masonry." Most historians believe Freemasonry arose from stonemasons' guilds in the Middle Ages and began to flourish in the 1700's in Europe, the American Colonies and Canada.  Today, North America's Masonic Fraternity provides fellowship for over 1.4 million members.  Masons are known for their commitment to making good men better and doing good works.  Go to http://www.msana.com [Masonic Service Association of North America (MSANA)] for more information on Freemasonry and the Mark Twain Award.# # #

Have you recently completed a

Game/Media Room

renovation in your home?

Then HGTV is looking for you!

Home & Garden Television’s (HGTV) BANG FORYOUR BUCK is looking for fun and enthusiastic

homeowners in the greater Atlanta, GA area

RIGHT NOW!

Renovations must have taken place within the past three

years.

Each episode will tour three similar remodels at similar

price points in the same city. We’ll bring in our design

expert and real estate expert to determine how the

renovation impacts each home’s value. We’ll also provide

viewers with expert advice, answers on remodeling values,

and inspiring ideas for design.

Taping will begin shortly, so if you’re interested, please

apply immediately!

Please send photos of your Game/Media Room

and request an application at:

BSchledewitz@highnoontv.com

Or Brooke Schledewitz at (303) 712-3168

Bang For Your Buck is produced for HGTV by

High Noon Entertainment in Centennial, CO.

It airs Friday nights at 9:30/8:30c.

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 13, 2010

FROM: Masonic Information Center (MIC) of the

Masonic Service Association of North America (MSANA) http://www.msana.com

8120 Fenton Street, Suite 203, Silver Spring, MD 20910-4785
Tel: (301) 588-4010   Fax: (301) 608-3457 Email: msana@ix.netcom.com

Contact:  Richard Fletcher, PGM, VT, Executive Secretary

Masonic Information Center (MIC) Recognizes Roswell Masonic Lodge No. 165
of Roswell, GA as a 2009 Winner of the Mark Twain Award For Excellence
in Masonic Awareness Roswell Masonic Lodge No. 165 of Roswell, GA claims national recognition
for demonstrating excellence in 2009 Masonic activities. MIC awards Lodges' superior efforts both to
invigorate Freemasonry's identity throughout their communities and to enrich the quality of educational
and fraternal experiences within Lodges. 
Silver Spring, April 13, 2010 — The Masonic Information Center (MIC)
of the Masonic Service Association of North America (MSANA) announces 2009 winners of the Mark Twain
Award for Excellence in Masonic Awareness.  Completing its fourth year, the Twain Award Competition continues to draw increasing numbers of submissions while maintaining its high standards of evaluation.  Winners must distinguish themselves by exhibiting energy focused on three stages of work: planning, executing, and reflecting on activities directly related to enhancing Lodges’ Masonic identity.  Historically, the Masonic fraternity emphasizes the importance of education, self-improvement, good works, and fellowship. Roswell Lodge’s Sr. Master, Brad Williams says, “Our group of brothers is a driving force for Freemasonry as evidenced by our wide range of Masonic educational activities, family and friend events, and charitable acts.”  Lodge leaders laid the foundation for growth through 2008 planning. 
“We improved our Lodge facility and made our website http://www.roswell165.com a source of communicate among our members.” 
Jim Maultsby, past Sr. Master, says, “Roswell Lodge No. 165 is on the move, bringing excitement into Lodge education and letting our community know we support them through numerous programs, including:  GACHIPS events, partnerships with local companies and civic groups, the 59th Annual Barbeque for charity, Lodge Widow’s celebration, and donations to local public works departments and to the Georgia Masonic Children’s Home.”  Williams adds, “Winning the Twain Award gives us an added incentive to continue improving both our Lodge members’ Masonic experiences and Masonry’s standing in the community.”  Richard E. Fletcher, Executive Secretary of the Masonic Information Center says, "The 2009 Twain Award competition attracted Lodge submissions from 35 states."  Fletcher continues, "As the Twain Award’s reputation grows, Lodges see its benefit as an incentive to create new ideas and generate more energy among members.”  The Twain Award does not set Lodges against other Lodges, rather, the competition asks Lodges to demonstrate that they have done their best to produce excellence in and understanding of their Masonic identity.  Winners receive a custom designed award and nationwide recognition through MSANA web and print publications.  Fletcher says, "Grand Lodge meetings frequently provide opportunities to make public presentations to members, who participated in achieving Twain Award winner status.”  "The Masonic fraternity is experiencing renewed public interest and increased exposure in popular movies, books, and media; the Twain Award helps us to communicate and to clarify the true identity of the Fraternity of Freemasonry with its roots in education and enlightenment,” says Fletcher.  He continues, “Our Fraternity’s Twain Award generates enthusiasm and builds relevance for Freemasonry in the 21st Century by providing ways for men from diverse backgrounds and across multiple generations to enjoy fellowship through Masonry." Most historians believe Freemasonry arose from stonemasons' guilds in the Middle Ages and began to flourish in the 1700's in Europe, the American Colonies and Canada.  Today, North America's Masonic Fraternity provides fellowship for over 1.4 million members.  Masons are known for their commitment to making good men better and doing good works. 
[Masonic Service Association of North America (MSANA)] for more information on Freemasonry and the Mark Twain Award.# # # 

from: Pauline Russell 954-304-4336

  15th ANNUALATLANTA PEN SHOW
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, APRIL10-11 THE WRITE STUFF!
See, learn about and buy the world's hottest collectibles at The 15th Annual Atlanta Pen Show.
The south's largest, exhibitors from all over North  America, Europe, Israel, Japan and China,
to show, sell, buy and trade zillions of vintage and new pens. Nostalgia!
Find: Victorian; 1905-1915 Art Nouveau pens topped with gold or silver filigree, mother-of-pearl,
gems; bold-color 1920s Art Deco; 1930s Art Moderne streamliners; Mid-Century Modern pens. 
Trends! Select from a staggering variety of new models from dozens of manufacturers big and small.
Choices run the gamut: enamel, wood, Asian maki-e, gold, titanium, chrome, silver, celluloid, acrylic
 and hard rubber (ebonite); in styles from sporty to retro to glam to executive. Limited Editions!
Discover the latest collectibles as well as hard-to-find retired models. Instant Riches!
Free evaluation on items brougfht to the Show. Grandpa's keepsake pen might bring the money for
a cruise or even a new car!  On-Site Repairmen turn o0ldie-moldies into oldie-goldies. Hands-on!
Try dozens of pens with fine to extra-bold and italic points to find the best "fit" for your handwriting. 
Ink Spot! Dip into over 125 ink colors by dozens of makes to find just the right shade. 
Checkout fine writing paper, accessories, advertising memorabilia, unique gift items, desk sets, ephemera,
pen books, pen magazines and lots of really cool stuff. Meet owners and CEOs of some of the world's most
prestigious pen companies including Delta. 
SUPER GIVEAWAYS ·      Both Days:  free ink  Pen World magazines, t
ote bags, many other goodies; drawings for pens
Saturday, April 10 Grand Prize·      Win! $600.00 Shaw Pen scrimshaw-carved Vineyard Limited Edition. 
Sunday, April 11 Grand Prizes ·      Win! $995.00 Delta of Italy new Mapuche 2010 "Indigenous Peoples"
Limited Edition yearly series. This fountain pen honors the native peoples of  Chile and Argentina and
Mapuche female Machi “shaman.” She performs ceremonies to cure ills, banish evil, influence weather,
harvests, relationships and dreamwork. Machi also practice the cult of ritual and sacred stones.      
The pen is the color of striated granite set off with colorful stripes as on Machi ceremonial robes.
The high-relief embossing on the sterling or gold bands and cap's medallion reflect their garments' woven patterns.
The clip is carved like a Mapuche stone totem.18-kt. gold nib.·      100 Yafa $30 cartridge fountain pens to first 100 attendees.·     
$1,595.00 MetalWrite solid sterling pen with guilloche-engraved body and forged steel,
Damascus guilloche ends heat-treated to bring out the colors of the Damascus work.Must be present to win all prizes 
WHERE: Crowne Plaza Hotel Atlanta Perimeter NW; 6345 Powers Ferry Rd.; I-285 East; exit 22 
TEL # for publicTHE HOTEL: 770-955-1700
WHEN: Saturday-Sunday, April 10-11; 10 AM-5 PM 
DAILY ENTRY FEE $7, under 12 free with adult.

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release Contact: Kimberly Johnson

770.594.6282

kjohnson@roswellgov.com

Roswell Reads: The Changing Newspaper Beat

Roswell, GA (February 11, 2010)- The Roswell Library, a part of the Atlanta- Fulton Public Library System, the City of Roswell and the Roswell Reads Committee are sponsoring a program entitled "Journalism Today" aimed at budding journalists and anyone interested in the changing nature of news reporting today. The program will be held at 7 p.m. at the Roswell Library, 115 Norcross Street, on Tuesday, March 2.

Speakers include an editorial writer, a sports writer and a freelance writer who will each share insight into what their jobs are like and how they have adjusted to news reporting in the age of the internet.

Roswell Reads is based on the "One Book...One Community" reading programs held throughout the United States. Each year Roswell residents read and discuss a common book. This year's selection is Outcasts United: A Refugee Soccer Team, an American Town by Warren St. John.

These programs are all free and open to the public. For more information, call the Roswell Library at 770.640.3075.

###

Kristin J. Canders
BluePrint & Partners
kristin@blueprintandpartners.com
(207) 974-7744


Mortgage Network Hires Industry Veteran to Lead Growth in Southeast
Don Bartolomucci charged with finding best of the best
as Southeast  Regional Manager

ATLANTA, GA  February 16, 2010  Mortgage Network, Inc., the largest independent mortgage company in the Northeast, also known as MNET Mortgage Corporation, today announced that Don Bartolomucci has been named Southeast Regional Manager, bringing over 20 years of sales experience to the team.  Bartolomucci was specifically chosen for his expertise and ability to grow experienced teams, this time throughout the Southeast, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

Over the past two years, Mortgage Network has been steadily growing its team nationwide and is now focused on bringing their competitive products and services to the Southeast.

Our vision is to merge true mortgage professionals together, leveraging individual skills, influences and expertise creating trust and integrity in our mortgage profession, said Bartolomucci.  I am looking to build a team of the most professional loan officers who have interest in taking their business to the next level by merging them into our successful platform and leverage our strengths nationally, with their strengths locally.

Recent changes in the industry, brought on by new regulations and restrictions, have been making it increasingly difficult for independent mortgage bankers and brokers to offer loans with competitive rates and service.  As a private lender, Mortgage Network makes its own credit decisions and lends its own money all within a reasonable timeframe.

With todays property values well below the historical highs of 3 years ago, interest rates at record lows, and the stimulus tax credit, the housing market is more affordable today than in most peoples lifetime, said Bartolomucci.  The average person can purchase significantly more home right now than 3 years ago.  With this growing affordability, we are looking for additional professionals and experienced sales staff to help set the right expectations for homebuyers and close their transactions on time.

Bartolomucci comes to Mortgage Network from Waterfield Bank, where he was Vice President for over 3 years.  Prior to that, Bartolomucci was Vice President at Gateway Funding Diversified Mortgage Services where his responsibilities included branch manager of wholesale sales and operations.  His experience of mortgage banking dates back to 1988.  He has been recognized as a top retail and wholesale manager since 1999.  Bartolomucci has aired on weekly radio shows, was previously President of Southeast PA Mortgage Bankers Association and was also a member of the FNMA Advisor Council.

He has a B.S. in Math and Computer Science from Waynesburg College and an M.S. in Earth Science at California University of PA.
He can be reached by phone at: 407-341-1114 or by email at: dbartolomucci@mortgagenetwork.com.

Mortgage Network continues to offer the best rates and service, uniquely processing, underwriting and closing loans locally, without delay.  The company continues to attract top talent, accepting only those who are committed to delivering the best value and experience in the mortgage industry.


###



About Mortgage Network, Inc:  Mortgage Network, Inc is a private mortgage banking company founded in 1988 by Robert McInnes and Albert Paré III who have co-managed the Company since its inception. Mortgage Network is the largest independent mortgage company headquartered in New England.  The Companys unique combination of experience, product development, and commitment to providing great service has made Mortgage Network an industry leader.  The Company has established twenty-four regional lending offices providing retail mortgage services as a National Lender.  Mortgage Network can be found on the World Wide Web at:  www.mortgagenetwork.com.


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©2010 Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. The Running Ribbon is a registered trademark of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. For more information go to www.The3Day.org. Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure, 205 N Michigan Avenue, Suite 2630 Chicago, IL 60601-5927. All rights reserved.

AcquireVision

August 24, 2009

Department Of Driver Services (DDS) Sponsors Successful “Ask DDS Day”

Earlier this month, the Department of Driver Services (DDS) sponsored the third annual “Ask DDS Day” in Forsyth, Georgia.  This forum was for Driver Training, Third Party Testers, Risk Reduction, and Ignition Interlock Programs.

School owners, Directors, Instructors, Examiners, and Interlock Providers received updates on many initiatives and issues impacting their businesses.  More importantly, this open forum was an opportunity for the Regulatory Compliance Division team to address specific questions from the group.

Areas of interest included a legislative update, several new policies and upcoming changes such as the implementation of Ignition Interlock Noncompliance Report.  This new report standardizes how Ignition Interlock Providers submit violations to DDS.  The implementation of the new and improved Certification Cards and Vehicle Registration Cards was also discussed.  This new design is compact and printed on secure stationary. 

Upcoming changes included the newly redesigned applications.  All Regulatory Compliance Applications will be more user-friendly and have detailed explanation of the requirements.  The applications will also facilitate tracking and expedite processing.  The new applications can be downloaded from the DDS website on September 1.

Also reviewed were the new DUI Rules that recently went into effect.

DDS highlighted the newly designed driver’s licenses and IDs which will launch statewide before January.  One new security feature is the vertical orientation of cards for those customers “Under 21”.  This will aid retailers and law enforcement in identifying minors.

www.dds.ga.gov.

News Information for Immediate Release 

Contact:                      Barbara F. Hurst, Transportation Director

Organization: Coastal Regional Commission

Telephone:                 (912) 262 2830

Email:                         bhurst@crc.ga.gov

Fax:                             (921) 262 2313

Subject:                       Transportation Program to serve 10-counties in Coastal Georgia

 

By Andrew Murphy

Sixth Dimension Media Consultants, LLC

 

Previous to the Georgia Coast having roads, it was criss-crossed with Indian and game paths and trails.  These paths and trails evolved into a pastoral road system serving the populace from the time General James Oglethorpe created the earliest maps following his arrival in 1733 and publicizing his newly founded colony.

North-to-South and South-to-North travel commonly followed ridgelines and drainages to curtail stream, swamp and bottomland crossings along the harsh and irregular Georgia coast line.  These areas were more frequently navigated by boats thus the land remained rural and scattered with only villages and small towns.

Today, Interstate 95 (I-95) forms a ribbon of concrete and asphalt running from state-border-to-state border and is the most heavily travelled roadway within the region.   Interstate 16 (I-16) facilitates east-west mobility and provides the only direct freeway access into Savannah.  

Coastal Georgia is set to go through a positive change, according to Barbara Hurst, Transportation Director of the Coastal Regional Commission, formerly the Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center. Recently she talked in depth about a twofold transportation program that is moving from a study to an actual bus and van system. One is a reservation, on-demand system where one calls a dispatcher, makes a reservation and is picked up and delivered to a requested destination. The second, an industrial/employee vanpool program for workers to travel to-and-from the job place.

  

Stakeholders in Coastal Georgia transportation and advocates for improved travel are putting new dollars towards humanizing travel for the elderly, low-income residents, persons with disabilities and commuter workers, in a two-part program commencing soon and phased in over the next five years.

  

The Regional Rural Public Transit Program provides demand-response, advance reservation public transportation in nine of the ten coastal counties.  This reservation system facilitates passenger travel to-and-from doctor appointments, health care centers, and provides a ride for residents in assisted living or nursing homes, homebound or to visit family, friends, or a trip to the mall or grocery store.

  

Hurst said a feasibility study to determine the need for a regional rural and coordinated public transportation program was initiated in April of 2005 and completed in November 2005. The report states only 60 percent of estimated trip demands for the coastal Georgia area is being met. The report also states that approximately three percent of households in the region are without a vehicle and 15 percent live in households below the poverty level.

  

She added, the key objectives of the Regional Rural Public Transit Program are to establish a system to serve regional trips; consolidate funding resources for transportation services with public transit to offer a cost-effective general public service; increase efficiency and quality of the service; and to promote a system available to anyone, for any purpose, to any destination within the designated area.

  

Phase II of the study, initiated in September 2007 and now near completion, includes routing maps, establishing zones, designing a regional dispatch system, communication equipment, computer software and the placement of vehicles.

  

The fare for ridership on the rural public transit system is $3 one-way within the rider’s county of residence, ($6 round trip); with an additional $3 one-way for each county boundary crossed if the rider travels outside their county of residence. (For example, a rider from McIntosh County traveling to Liberty County will pay $6 one-way, $12 round trip.)

  

Mini vans and shuttle type buses are the main vehicles. To date, approximately sixty vehicles have been ordered and scheduled for delivery. 

  

When asked why implement a Regional Rural Public Transit Program, Hurst had very detailed answers:

·        It reflects the travel patterns of the entire region – services are not limited to one county or town.

·        It utilizes a regional mechanism to administer and implement these services, spreading the cost over the entire region.

·        Combines funding sources making the program more cost-effective and efficient to operate.

·        Meets the need for basic transportation for medical service, training and education, social services, employment, shopping, personal business, and friends and family.

·        It improves the safety, quality, and visibility of transporation services.

·        Greatly improves accessibility of persons with disabilities by providing ADA compliant shuttle buses or vans.

·        Provides a resource during an emergency, particularly if there is a need for evacuations, and,

·        It provides a foundation for future developments in transporation.

 

Commuter travel in the region often involves long commutes.  In addition to the Regional Rural Public Transit Program, a Regional Vanpool Program is designed to provide reliable and cost-effective transportation to employees commuting to and from work.  This program provides incentives for businesses and industries that elect to participate and also to the workforce for whom it’s designed to support.  Employer contributions are a part of the Regional Vanpool Program.

  

Commuter travel to and from the Savannah area constitutes the most significant travel pattern within the region.  This has driven traffic volumes and congestion on the primary commuter corridors leading to and from Savannah.  Physical and jurisdictional topography play a significant role in shaping travel patterns.  With large areas of marshlands, numerous rives the transportation system has natural constraints that either preclude or limit widening or construction of new facilities.  The Regional Vanpool Program accommodates eight to 15 employees per vehicle and can play a role in reducing traffic congestion as well as reduce individual costs of work commutes. Hurst pointed out that due to a reduction in the number of vehicles on the roads other benefits that can be realized are reduced wear and tear to roads and highways and, of course, a reduction in the number of required parking spaces.

  

Hurst added this could contribute to local economic growth by attracting potential business and industry, adding to job growth and job retention.

  

The cost per rider is contingent upon the number of employees (per vehicle) and the number of miles traveled. Regional Vanpool Program riders receive tax incentives and an “emergency ride home” in case of illness.

  

Director Hurst is a great choice for the post. Her background is business administration, however, she says, “My professional career has always been driven toward social work.  I worked in the medical field for more than 13 years, and my career moved to social work working with the Department of Family and Children Services as a Child Protective Services Case Manager and later as an investigator.”

 

 “I accepted employment with the Coastal Georgia Redevelopment Center Area Agency on Aging where I served as a Quality Assurance Specialist. When the opportunity became available I accepted the new position as Coordinated Transporation Manager, and later the Director of the Transporation Department.”

  

“Since that time I have worked with transportation and vanpool consultants to design programs for the coastal region and have initiated two feasibility studies to determine the need for rural public transporation and vanpool transporation in the coastal region,” said Hurst.

  

“Today with financing in place, vehicles are ordered and we are on the verge of the program literally hitting the road.”

 


Next we create public awareness of the program, Hurst said, by educating the public on the availability and use of the programs, and keeping cities and counties informed to ensure usage does not outstrip the availability of funding.

  

She added nine out of 10 counties in the coastal region recognize the need for the programs and agreed to contribute their respective share of local match to support the programs.  Both programs have been appropriately funded for successive years.

    

“As with any new program the Regional Rural Public Transit Program and the Regional Vanpool Program are a work in progress.  The programs can be modified according to what works as we move through the process.”

 

For more information about the Regional Rural Public Transit or the Regional Vanpool Program, contact Barbara Hurst, Transporation Director at bhurst@crc.ga.gov or by calling 921 262 2830.

 

~END~

88-Year-Old Chick-fil-A Founder Reaches $25 Million Scholarship Milestone; Honored at Aug. 24 Downtown Atlanta Ceremony 

Chain to Award $1.4 Million in Scholarships This Year Alone to Restaurant Team Members

 ATLANTA (Aug. 24, 2009) In the midst of companies looking for ways to trim costs and reduce budgets, Chick-fil-A continues its 36-year commitment to education with founder S. Truett Cathy reaching his
$25 million Leadership Scholarship milestone during a year when the restaurant chain has allocated $1.4 million in scholarships to be awarded to its restaurant team members.
On Aug. 24 at 10 a.m., Cathy will be joined by Ambassador Andrew Young and other local political and community leaders at a ceremony commemorating this milestone and acknowledgement of the 25,000th Leadership Scholarship to Chick-fil-A team member Jamie Dyche of Bossier City, La. The ceremony will be held at Atlanta’s downtown 23-foot Chick-fil-A "Climb with Care and Confidence" statue located in the Fairlie-Poplar Historic District, across from Woodruff Park.A plaque commemorating the milestone also will be unveiled at the statue that was commissioned in 1995 by Georgia State University art students to celebrate Cathy’s 10,000 scholarship milestone. The statue depicts people reaching upward, being helped by and helping others to climb an arch of books. The celebration will culminate that evening at the Gwinnett Braves’ game in Lawrenceville, Ga., where Cathy and Dyche will throw out the first pitch. Chick-fil-A Leadership Scholarship recipients from across the country have been invited to help honor Cathy’s milestone by attending the double-header game. The venue is an appropriate ending to the day as it reflects other educational programs the chain supports. Chick-fil-A and the Atlanta Braves are partners in the All-Star Student Achievers program which awards Braves tickets and Chick-fil-A coupons to Georgia’s high-achieving K-12 students.
In addition to Dyche, who works for franchised Operator John Roden at the stand-alone Bossier City
Chick-fil-A restaurant at I-220 & Airline Drive, Eddie White, Jonesboro, Ga., will also be part of the day’s milestone celebration. White, one of the earliest employees at Cathy’s first restaurant, the Dwarf Grill from which the Chick-fil-A chain was founded, was a recipient of a personal check Cathy wrote 54 years ago to help make up the lacking funds he needed to attend college. Granted scholarships that have now grown to include 25,000 restaurant team members benefitting from the founder's commitment to education with Chick-fil-A's Leadership Scholarship program formally organized in 1973.
 
“I realized very early in my career that our restaurants present an opportunity to do more than just provide great service and food. They enable us to mentor our restaurant team members by teaching them core values and how to achieve excellence, as well as encouraging continued education with scholarships,” said Cathy. “In these challenging economic times, we’re thrilled to be able to help Jamie and some 1,400 other team members this year reach
their academic goals so they will have the necessary tools to secure a bright future for themselves and our nation.”  
 Cathy will be joined by other milestone scholarship winners for the celebration including first Leadership Scholarship recipient Larry Jackson, Roswell, Ga., who worked at the first Chick-fil-A restaurant at Greenbriar Shopping Center and graduated with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in electrical engineering from Georgia Tech; and 20,000th recipient Erica Lampkin, of metro-Augusta, Ga., who graduated from Atlanta’s Spelman College in May and plans to attend medical school. Also attending the events is recipient Dr. David Vaillancourt, founder of the National Math Bee, who symbolizes the great achievements of many scholarship recipients who have carried out Cathy’s vision to have a positive influence on the world. Restaurant team members such as Dyche, who will be attending Centenary College in Shreveport, La., in the fall, have attended more than 2,400 colleges, universities and other educational institutions across the country with the aid of the Chick-fil-A Leadership Scholarship. In Georgia alone, more than 4,800 recipients have attended over 190 schools.
Following college graduation, many of these restaurant team members pursue full-time careers at
Chick-fil-A, such as franchisee Roden who also received one of the chain’s scholarships while working during high school for Chick-fil-A.
The Leadership Scholarship program provides $1,000 scholarships to its restaurant team members who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of work, education, community and personal leadership development.Chick-fil-A also awards S. Truett Cathy Scholar Awards, which provide additional $1,000 scholarships to the top 25 Chick-fil-A Leadership Scholarship recipients each year. Implemented in 1996 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Chick-fil-A’s scholarship program, this year’s S. Truett Cathy Award recipients brought the total awarded to $325,000.             Additionally, Chick-fil-A’s WinShape Foundation provides thousands of dollars in scholarships to qualifying students enrolled in Berry College in Rome, Ga.  WinShape’s partnership with Berry College offers joint four-year scholarship funding to students of up to $32,000. To date, the foundation has awarded approximately 951 scholarships to students from across the nation to attend Berry, one of the top regional liberal arts schools in the country.            The Council for Aid to Education has indicated that no other company in terms of size does as much in the scholarship area as Chick-fil-A. “Like the name of our foundation, WinShape, it has always been my goal to help shape winners out of young people,” added Cathy.   About Chick-fil-A, Inc.

Truett Cathy developed the original Chick-fil-A boneless breast of chicken sandwich in the early 1960s in his 24-hour Dwarf House® diner he opened near Atlanta in 1946.  He opened his first Chick-fil-A® restaurant in Atlanta’s Greenbriar Shopping Center in 1967. Since then, the chain has grown to include nearly 1,460 locations in 38 states and Washington, D.C. More information about Chick-fil-A is available on the chain’s websites, located at www.chick-fil-a.com, www.facebook.com/chick-fil-a, www.chick-fil-a.com/pressroom or www.truettcathy.com

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

“Advanced Maintenance Offers Business Opportunity, Not Just a Job”

 

Due to the growth of the trucking industry and the vital importance of truck maintenance, Advanced Maintenance is expanding their operations through franchising. While truck maintenance is not the typical franchise, it is a long-term, growing and repeat business.

 

“Trucks must be maintained on a regular basis,” said Chris Holman, COO of Advanced Maintenance. “It’s not seasonal. It’s not optional. The Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Motor Vehicles in each state will fine truck owners who do not maintain their trucks.”

Since 1998, Advanced Maintenance has been performing preventive, corrective and emergency maintenance on a wide variety of commercial fleet vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks, medium trucks, light trucks, buses, vans, forklifts, trailers and a variety of motorized farm equipment. The company provides maintenance and repairs ‘on-site’ at the customer’s location, and also offers 24-hour emergency roadside repairs.

 

“More than half of the vehicles registered in the United States have commercial plates,” Holman said. “Over 85 percent of the services and repairs these vehicles require can be provided on-site by our technicians and franchisees. The market will not be eliminated by technology and the service cannot be provided from overseas.”

 

Start-up costs are lower than many franchises, and previous experience in truck company management, truck repair education or small business ownership is not required. Advanced Maintenance franchisees are in business for themselves, but not by themselves.

 

“This can be an outstanding opportunity for the right people, such as talented husband and wife entrepreneurial teams, as well as veterans, including retired military,” said Holman. “It’s a casual-professional business. You don’t need to wear a suit to work, and you can bring your dog to the office.”

 

New franchisees receive two-weeks of training at the corporate shop in Wilmington, North Carolina. The training is conducted by members of Advanced Maintenance’s administration, service managers and sales managers. Franchisees learn every aspect of starting and operating the business, including how to get and keep customers, hire and develop service technicians, marketing, and more. Then, the training continues for an additional two weeks at the franchisee’s site as they set up their shop.

 

Advanced Maintenance has a good reputation with national fleets. Over the past 10 years, the company has developed and maintained a customer list of practically all the major freight carriers in the United States. Holman uses these contacts to jump start new franchise locations and generate business for them as soon as they open the doors. 

 

“We’re absolutely ‘in it to win it’ with our franchise owners,” Holman said. “We’re with them every step of the way and provide ongoing support. Truck maintenance is a different concept, but it’s a service that’s needed, and it’s not a fad.  Franchisees get a real business, not just a job like with some systems.”

 

For more information, call 888-452-9206 or visit www.advancedmaintenance.com.

 

###

 

CONTACT:

Chris Holman, COO and Director of Franchising

Advanced Maintenance

3127 Kitty Hawk Road

Wilmington NC 28405

Phone: 888-452-9206 Ext. 226

Fax: 910-251-0095

Website: www.advancedmaintenance.com

Email: cholman@advancedmaintenance.com

 

 

 

Following is a news release from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Historic Preservation Division.
DNR RSS news feeds: www.gadnr.org/news.aspx
Historic Preservation Divison media contact:
Helen Talley-McRae, public information coordinator - 404-651-5268; helen.talley-mcrae@dnr.state.ga.us

Buford Public School Auditorium Listed in National Register
ATLANTA (August 19, 2009) - The Buford Public School Auditorium, located in Buford in Gwinnett County, was listed in the National Register on August 5, 2009.  The property owner sponsored the nomination and prepared the nomination materials.
Buford, a small industrial town, was laid out along the Southern Railway line that runs through the center of town.   In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Allen family owned substantial real estate holdings and a number of manufacturing plants in town including a tannery, saddle and harness factory, and shoe and horse collar factory.  As the town prospered, a bond issue was approved in 1905 for a new school for $4,000, a waterworks for $6,000, and $10,000 for an electrical system.  The two-story, brick Buford Public School, completed in 1908 from these funds, served as the grammar school and high school until 1922, when a two-story brick high school building was built adjacent to the grammar school. 

Then in 1926, the Buford Public School Auditorium was built at the head of Church Street (now called Little Mill Road).  This large, two-story brick auditorium, located adjacent to the grammar school, hosted school events such as plays and assemblies, and community events that included public meetings, political rallies, and dramatic performances and musicals.   In 1946 a portion of the auditorium was converted for use as an undersized basketball court.  Between 1950 and 1955, a new elementary school, high school, and gymnasium were built on Hill Street in Buford and the Church Street school buildings and auditorium were sold to the public.  Today the auditorium is the only surviving building in the school complex.
The Buford Public School Auditorium is significant in the area of education and entertainment/ recreation because the auditorium was integral to the education of Buford students for nearly 30 years and because the auditorium was used for community functions through the middle of the 20th century. 
The Buford Public School Auditorium is significant in the area of architecture because it is a good representative example of an auditorium that includes the auditorium space, elevated stage, restrooms, ticket window, loggia, and a Renaissance Revival-style arcaded entrance.  The side elevations are lined with tall, arched windows.  The interior, which retains elements of the most significant spaces, was altered when the building was converted to office, manufacturing, and storage beginning in 1956.

The Historic Preservation Division (HPD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources serves as Georgia's state historic preservation office. Their mission is to promote the preservation and use of historic places for a better Georgia.  HPD's programs include archaeology protection and education, environmental review, grants, historic resource surveys, tax incentives, the National Register of Historic Places, community planning and technical assistance. 
The mission of the Department of Natural Resources is to sustain, enhance, protect and conserve Georgia's natural, historic and cultural resources for present and future generations, while recognizing the importance of promoting the development of commerce and industry that utilize sound environmental practices.   
# # #

Contact: Helen Talley-McRae, public information coordinator, 404-651-5268,

Saint Joseph’s Mercy Care Services to Host a Free Health Fair for the Homeless

ATLANTA - (August 11, 2009) - Health Care for the Homeless Day is August 12, and Saint Joseph’s Mercy Care Services is celebrating with a health fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Gateway Center, located at 275 Pryor Street in Atlanta. Mercy Care will offer a variety of free health screenings including adult blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol, HIV counseling and testing services, and more via its Mobile Medical Unit.

           

The event is sponsored by the National Association of Community Health Centers and the National Health Care for the Homeless Council and is held in conjunction with the National Health Center Week (August 9 through 15). The theme for Health Care for the Homeless Day is “Your Health Care Home.”  It is celebrated as an opportunity to fight for medically underserved individuals and also recognizes the importance of health care centers’ more than 40-year history of providing primary and preventive medical care to those in need.

For more information about the Health Fair, please contact Saint Joseph’s Mercy Care Services at (678) 843-8600.

About Saint Joseph’s Mercy Care Services

Sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and Saint Joseph’s Health System, located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, Saint Joseph’s Mercy Care Services has been serving this Atlanta community for more than 24 years. Through a system of two fixed and other mobile clinic sites, it offers health care and health related services to some of the city’s most needy citizens— the homeless, new immigrants, the uninsured and underinsured. In 2008, Mercy Care Services had 30,272 visits to its medical and also dental programs.

For more information, please visit www.StJosephsAtlanta.org.

About The Gateway Center    

The Gateway Center is a 24-hour facility that provides comprehensive services to the chronically homeless of Atlanta, and is the product of a successful collaboration of the Regional Commission on Homelessness, United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta, local foundations and numerous local agencies. Mercy Care Services operates a clinic at the Gateway Center on Mondays through Fridays. For more information, please visit www.gatewayctr.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Princeton Review Launches SAT Parent Challenge

Online Quiz Gives Parents A Chance To Experience A College Entrance Exam

NEW YORKAUGUST 10, 2009 To help parents of college-bound students better understand the challenges of the high-stakes SAT college entrance exam, The Princeton Review, Inc. (NASDAQ: REVU), announced today the official launch of its SAT Parent Challenge.

Providing a small sample of the kind of questions students will encounter when taking the SAT, the 12-question online quiz is intended to not only give parents the opportunity to test their academic acumen, but experience—if only for 15 minutes—some of the challenges their kids will face when they take the actual, nearly four-hour SAT exam. 

Available at http://inquiry.princetonreview.com/ugrad/satparentchallenge, the SAT Parent Challenge features questions from each of the three sections of the exam: Critical Reading, Math, and Essay Writing. After completing the quiz, parents will receive their results from The Princeton Review, as well as examples of techniques that may have helped them correctly answer specific questions.

“Not only is today’s SAT much harder than it used to be, but many colleges and universities have increased their average score requirements for first-year students,” says Robert Franek, Vice President/Publisher at The Princeton Review. “There’s also a growing reliance on college entrance exams to determine eligibility for grants and scholarships due to the dramatic increase in requests for financial aid this year. Given all of this, there’s no question that parents and their students must take these tests seriously and really prepare for them.

Franek noted that according to The Princeton Review’s 2009 “College Hopes and Worries Survey,” when asked to gauge their stress level about the college application process, student respondents indicated higher levels than their parents. Additionally, stress levels were the highest since The Princeton Review began the survey in 2003.


“Much of this stress can be eliminated if you understand that it's not always about learning more—or even remembering what you’ve learned—but knowing how to approach a question on a standardized test. Bottom line: the right attitude and preparation for taking these tests can be an extremely important influence and play a key role in helping a student achieve the college test score they need and deserve.”

As added incentive, parents who take the SAT Parent Challenge between July 3 and August 31, 2009 will be automatically entered into the Parent Challenge Sweepstakes, with three first place winners receiving a Princeton Review SAT Classroom Preparatory Course, valued at over $1,000. 

About The Princeton Review

The Princeton Review (Nasdaq: REVU) is a pioneer in the world of education. Founded in 1981 and headquartered in New York City, the Company offers private tutoring and classroom and online test preparation to help students improve their scores in college and graduate school admissions tests. The Company's free website, www.PrincetonReview.com, helps over half of university-bound students research, apply to, prepare for, and learn how to pay for their higher education. In addition, The Princeton Review works with school districts around the U.S. to measurably strengthen students' academic skills by connecting ongoing assessment with professional development and instruction and by providing districts with college and career resources for both students and guidance counselors. The Company also authors more than 200 print and software titles on test preparation, college and graduate school selection and admissions, and related topics.

 

# # #

Media Contact:

Antonia Caamaño

(646) 502-3530

acaamano@stantonprm.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

“Signal 88 Launches Area Developer Franchise Program”

 

(August 3, 2009) -- Signal 88 Franchise Group has launched an aggressive recruitment of Area Developers nationwide. The company currently has 16 locations, and plans to have more than 80 franchises by the end of 2010. Area Developers play a major role in this growth.

 

“This is an ideal opportunity for businesspeople with sales and training experience” said Reed Nyffeler, President of Signal 88 Security Group. “They can use their talents to generate a great income in a fast growing business segment.”

 

No law enforcement or security-related experience is necessary for Area Developers or franchisees. Training is conducted at corporate headquarters to cover every aspect of operating the business, along with ongoing support and site visits. Nationally, however, Signal 88 is owned and operated by previously certified law enforcement professionals.

 

“Area Developers sell and support Signal 88 franchises in their exclusive area,” Nyffeler said. “We’ve developed a very equitable and lucrative opportunity for the right people.”

 

Acting as an extension of the franchisor in a specific geographic market, the Area Developer is responsible for franchise sales, development and on-going support of franchises in the area being developed.

 

“Area Developers can generate excellent compensation from a much larger territory and generally have less overhead than franchisees,” said Nyffeler. “Area development is a very solid business opportunity with strong residual income potential.”

 

Founded in 2003, Signal 88 is establishing a higher standard of professionalism in the security industry. This is accomplished by recruiting higher quality personnel and training them in dealing with crucial security issues. Plus, the implementation of technologically-advanced tools has streamlined the logistics of managing personnel and holding them accountable.

 

“We offer an effective alternative to armed and unarmed security-based companies,” Nyffeler said. “Our primary clients are commercial properties and multi-family residential.”

 

In addition to highly trained officers, roving vehicle patrol tours and video surveillance, Signal 88 provides environmental security consulting. This service helps clients become more aware of their physical environment through lighting assessments, landscaping recommendations and general security precautions that reduce risk and liability.

 

For more information about becoming an Area Developer, call 877-498-8494 or visit www.signal88security.com.

 

###

 

Ccontact:

Reed Nyffeler

Signal 88

3880 S. 149th Street, Suite 108

Omaha NE 68144

Phone: 877-498-8494

Fax: 402-614-0748

Email: reed.nyffeler@signal88security.com

Website: www.signal88security.com

News Release

For Further Information:

Lyn Carden, Director of Marketing & Event Management
The McAleer Group
770-516-7885 Office

770-298-2243 Direct Line

www.TheMcAleerGroup.com/LynCarden@TheMcAleerGroup.com

Help is on the way for Atlanta’s ailing construction industry

For immediate release – June 16, 2009

Atlanta, GA  - “Thriving…Not Just Surviving, in the Recession” is workshop geared specifically to architects, interior designers, engineers and others in the ‘built industry’ who are out-of-work and in need of help. This all day workshop is scheduled for June 23rd at the Atlanta office of the Georgia AIA. 

This seminar is designed to help laid off industry professionals, graduating students with no job prospects and downsizing firms so hard hit by this recession.  Attendees will get hands on coaching to: create a customized resume that includes redesigning portfolios, mastering the interview, negotiating the deal, creating a professional image, self branding, stress management, choosing the right health insurance for your situation, better aligning your life and goals with the current and future economy climate, and much much more.

For more information, to register or sponsor please contact CareerDesign@TheMcAleerGroup.com or call 770-516-7885.  Space is limited for this greatly discounted workshop so please contact us today if you are interested. Firms, who have downsized are encouraged to scholarship individuals they were forced to lay off.   We have specials rates available and offer group discounts. Those interested in being a part or sponsoring are also encourage to contact The McAleer Group immediately.

Ms. McAleer intends to continue offering these workshops throughout the remainder of the recession, plans are currently underway for workshops in Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Seattle, New York, Dallas, San Francisco, Denver and Miami.

For more than 25 years, Felicia McAleer and The McAleer Group have provided recruitment, executive search, job placement, career counseling, outplacement, management consulting, training and adventure retreats for professional service firms, primarily the design and construction industries and related real estate companies. McAleer has also provided human resources solutions to select global corporations, professional associations, and universities as well.  She has served the “built” industry for decades winning an AIA “special award” for excellence, dedication and for providing quality services to the industry.

For more information or to arrange an interview with Ms. McAleer contact LynCarden@TheMcAleerGroup.com or call 770-516-7885

PRESS RELEASE Contact:

Tricia Reynolds

Planning & Local Government

Services Director

Coastal Georgia RDC

912-262-2870

treynolds@coastalgeorgiardc.org

Lupita McClenning

Coastal Plan Manager

Coastal Georgia RDC

912-262-2871

lmcclenning@coastalgeorgiardc.org


www.coastalgeorgiardc.org

 For Immediate ReleaseMay 18, 2009Coastal Georgia Comprehensive Plan Workshops Announced for Bulloch, Effingham, Long, & Screven Counties 

Brunswick, GA   - The Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center (RDC) is pleased to announce the second round of public workshops for the expansion of the Coastal Georgia Comprehensive Plan.  These workshops will focus on input from residents and stakeholders in Bulloch, Effingham, Long, and Screven Counties.  The same workshop will be repeated in each of the four counties to maximize opportunities for participation across the region.  All meetings will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

 

Monday, June 1 - Long County

Long Co. Senior Center

77 Thornton Drive NE, Ludowici

 

Thursday, June 4 - Screven County

Cail Community Center

320 Millen Road, Sylvania

 

Monday, June 8 - Bulloch County

Statesboro City Hall

50 East Main Street, Statesboro

 

Thursday, June 11 - Effingham County

Effingham Co. Administrative Complex

601 N. Laurel Street, Springfield

 

The public, elected officials, and all interested parties are invited and encouraged to attend.

This round of meetings will focus on the development of strategies to address issues and opportunities identified during the first round of meetings.  Participants will have an opportunity to discuss strategies at both at the local and regional levels. The goal is to develop a plan that benefits the region, as well as the individual communities within the region. 

 

The draft results of quality growth audits will also be presented at this meeting.  Quality growth audits were conducted for each of the seventeen local governments (cities and counties) in the four-county planning region.  These audits consist of a review of the development regulations for each jurisdiction to evaluate how these regulations compare to state and national quality growth standards. 

 

An online survey will also be released soon.  It will be available on the project website and to all subscribers of the e-newsletter.  The website also provides draft documents, background information, and meeting notices.  To sign up for regular updates via e-newsletters or for more information about this process, please visit http://www.coastalgeorgiardc.org/coastal_plan.html. 

 About the Coastal Georgia Comprehensive Plan 

On February 11, 2005, Governor Sonny Perdue signed an Executive Order directing DCA to complete a Coastal Comprehensive Master Development Plan by September 2007. As outlined in the Executive Order, the Plan outlines a vision for Georgia’s coastal area that promotes sustainable future development without compromising the region’s valuable and vulnerable natural environment.  This plan currently focuses on the six coastal counties of Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Glynn, Liberty, and McIntosh.  The next task is for the inland four counties of Bulloch, Effingham, Long and Screven to participate in the same planning process so that the two Agendas can be melded into the Coastal Regional Commission’s Regional Plan.

 

The Coastal Georgia Comprehensive Plan is scheduled to be complete by Fall 2009. Development of the Comprehensive Plan is directed by the Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center under contract with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.  Public involvement assistance is provided by Lott + Barber, a multi-disciplined firm specializing in architecture, community planning, visual communications, and integrated project delivery. 

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2009
Contact: Wendy Davis
770-446-2010

Today General David Poythress called upon Nathan Deal to join him in repudiating the GOP candidates for Governor who support Georgia’s secession from the United States.  Poythress is running for Governor in the Democratic primary; Deal is a Congressman and Republican candidate for Governor.

“I’ve always known Congressman Deal to be a gentleman but his failure to stand-up to the calls for Georgia’s secession from America calls his judgment into question.  That’s why I hope he’ll join me in saying that secession talk is childish and a slap in the face to every patriotic American,” said Poythress.

Poythress took on four of the six GOP candidates for Governor yesterday in a video he released to supporters and the media.   Poythress has a long record of public service to Georgia and America.  He has served as Georgia’s Deputy Revenue Commissioner, Secretary of State and Labor Commissioner.  General Poythress was the Commander of the Georgia National Guard on 9-11 and prepared his men and women to go to war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“United we stand, divided we fall.  As Governor I won’t cut and run from America; I’ll stand tall and proud under the American flag.  Because when I say the Pledge of Allegiance, I mean it.  I think deep down Congressman Deal feels the same way.  I just hope he has the political courage to stand up to these secessionist Republicans in his own party,” said Poythress.

###


BACKGROUND & COVERAGE

Poythress Video:  http://www.poythressforgovernor.com/secession

AJC, Galloway: http://blogs.ajc.com/political-insider-jim-galloway/2009/05/20/poythress-gop-talk-of-secession-is-childish-cowardice/

DailyKos: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/5/20/733837/-Georgias-Secessionist-ChickenHawks-get-Called-Out

AJC, Bookman: http://blogs.ajc.com/jay-bookman-blog/2009/05/21/poythress-calls-the-secessionists-bluff/?cxntfid=blogs_jay_bookman_blog

UGA Liberal: http://ugaliberal.blogspot.com/2009/05/poythress-taking-it-to-republican.html

Tondees Tavern: http://www.tondeestavern.com/200905201601/ouch-thats-gonna-leave-a-mark.html

Peach Pundit: http://www.peachpundit.com/2009/05/20/poythress-secession-rhetoric-a-slap-in-the-face-to-soilders/#comments

GriftDrift: http://griftdrift.blogspot.com/2009/05/poythress-punches.html

Down with Tyranny: http://downwithtyranny.blogspot.com/2009/05/crazy-adventures-of-texas-secessionist.html

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                        

MAY 18, 2009                                                                      

Contact: Michelle Selesky

  mselesky@newt.org

  (202) 258-3904        

                                                                                               

Gingrich Foundation Announces Charitable Contribution to

The Learning Makes a Difference Foundation

ATLANTA, G.A.—The Gingrich Foundation has made a charitable contribution to the Learning Makes a Difference Foundation in Atlanta, Georgia. 

The Learning Makes a Difference Foundation aims to accelerate and enhance student learning through innovative education strategies, such as the Learn, Earn and Achieve program, which provides small-group tutoring sessions and compensates students for their participation and increased grades.

“Learning Makes a Difference is committed to improving the future of our country by creating solutions to some of the most significant challenges in education,” said Callista Gingrich, President of the Gingrich Foundation. “Newt and I are thrilled to help students increase their commitment to education and prove that learning really does make a difference.”

"Thanks to the Gingrich Foundation's commitment to improving education, we have helped change the direction of nearly 75 underperforming math and science students in Atlanta,” said Heather White, Executive Director of Learning Makes a Difference. “We are grateful for the Gingrich Foundation’s support in helping our program to become a model for future innovative learning programs.”

Callista Gingrich is the President of Gingrich Productions, a performance and production company focusing on audio, video, and photographic production in Washington, D.C.  Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich is the General Chairman of American Solutions for Winning the Future, Chairman of the Gingrich Group, and Founder of the Center for Health Transformation in Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, Georgia. 

The Gingrich Foundation is a domestic non-profit corporation founded by Callista and Newt Gingrich to support charitable purposes.

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Contact: Andrea Proser                                                                          FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

678-996-2829

Andrea@tumblingwaters.org

Images Available  Tumbling Waters Recognized as Georgia’s Best Conference ResortVenue to be featured on the Official Best of Georgia travel show and website 

Clayton, Ga., (May 14, 2009) – Tumbling Waters Retreat & Conference Center has been named the “Official Best Conference Resort of Georgia,” and will be featured during the Saturday, May 16th airing of the Official Best Of Georgia (11:30-Noon on CBS-WGCL) and on the popular OfficialBestOf.com travel website.

 

“We’re delighted by this recognition and the opportunity to share our breathtaking campus and unique retreat offerings with a broader audience,” said Andrea Proser, Director of Tumbling Waters.

 

Tumbling Waters Retreat & Conference Center hosts all-inclusive meetings, conferences, teambuilding retreats, youth and school groups, and special events in the tranquility of the north Georgia mountains in Clayton. Tumbling Waters’ 122-acre campus features a waterfall, lake with boating opportunities, three dining rooms, deluxe hotel rooms, modern heated cabins and meeting space. Guests enjoy onsite recreation including an alpine tower and obstacle course; a 50-foot climbing wall; three basketball courts; four tennis courts; sand volleyball court; baseball and soccer fields; and seasonal swimming in our zero-entry swimming pool. Tumbling Waters also arranges yoga, spa services, and nearby golf, horseback riding, and whitewater rapids excursions for guests.

 

“Tumbling Waters is the perfect setting for an innovative strategic planning and teambuilding retreat that fosters collaboration, creativity and reinvigoration at affordable rates,” Proser said. “We also love hosting weddings and other special events that bring families and friends together for an extended celebration.”

 Recent Tumbling Waters guests include several Girls Scouts troops, Camp Sunshine’s Young Adult Retreat, the Women’s Spirituality Retreat of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, and a number of church groups. In the fall, Tumbling Waters will host several weddings, Woodward Academy, a women’s outdoor adventure group, and the innovative LimmudFest on Labor Day weekend. The retreat center’s calendar is filling up fast through 2010, so clients are advised to contact Tumbling Waters early for their choice of dates and accommodations.  

–More –


 

Page 2

 About Tumbling Waters Retreat & Conference Center  

Tumbling Waters Retreat & Conference Center hosts meetings, conferences, teambuilding retreats, youth and school groups, and special events in the tranquility of the north Georgia mountains in Clayton. Tumbling Waters’ 122 acres of unspoiled natural beauty, home to Camp Ramah Darom in the summer, includes a waterfall, lake with boating opportunities, three dining rooms, deluxe hotel rooms, modern heated cabins and meeting space. Guests enjoy onsite recreation including an alpine tower and obstacle course; a 50-foot climbing wall; three basketball courts; four tennis courts; sand volleyball court; baseball and soccer fields; and seasonal swimming in our zero-entry swimming pool. Tumbling Waters also arranges yoga, spa services, and nearby golf, horseback riding, and whitewater rapids excursions for guests. For more information, visit www.tumblingwaters.org .

  About The Official Best OfOfficial Best Of was started in 2004 by executive producer Brett Allen, a TV executive from St. Louis, Missouri. The production showcases outstanding "best" state attractions in a variety of categories, but no attraction can contact official Best Of for inclusion. A research staff studies online travel sites, press releases and other information sources to determine whether an attraction merits the "best" distinction ". One of the features that sets Official Best Of apart from many other travel sites is that it doesn't accept advertising in either its television or its online production. The selection of attractions is entirely by merit, and lesser known but worthy attractions are given the same attention as famous ones. Official Best Of not only researches best attractions but also produces TV features that can also be seen on our website, providing an in-depth resource for those planning a vacation or a day trip. Official Best Of is currently working its way through the fifty states. Its high definition half-hour televised airings command large audiences, and it receives more than 75,000 hits each month on its website. For more information, visit www.officialbestof.com. 

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News Information for Immediate Release 

CONTACT: Lupita McClenning, Senior Planner

ORGANIZATION: Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center

TELEPHONE: (912) 262 2871

Email: lmcclenning@coastalgeorgiardc.org

FAX: (921) 262 2313

SUBJECT: Practicum Series:  Making the Connection:  Linking Stormwater to Land Use

Attachment:  Six (6) photographs

 

Coastal Georgia - According to Lupita McClenning, Senior Regional Planner for the Coastal Georgia RDC, the Practicum Series hosted by the Coastal Georgia RDC helps to usher in strategies developed through collaborative efforts over the years from the business sector, governmental bodies, and environmental advocacy groups.  “The Practicum Series is designed to provide local government with tools and best practices that promote sustainable and informed land use decisions.   Many of our most complex challenges require a regional approach to developing comprehensive solutions.”

 

The next Practicum, fourth in a series of six, entitled, Making the Connection: Linking Stormwater to Land Use is scheduled for May 19 at the Brunswick-Glynn County Library, and May 20 at the Coastal Georgia Center, 305 Fahm Street in Savannah. The Practicum’s run from 8:30 a.m. to Noon and free of charge. 

 

McClenning explained that the implementation of the Clean Water Act (CWA) has shown success in controlling water pollution from point sources such as municipal wastewater treatment plants and industrial discharges. This progress is overshadowed, however, by the emergence of nonpoint source pollution as a main contributor to water quality problems.

 

Actually nonpoint source (NPS) pollution comes from many sources and originates when rainfall moves over the ground. As the runoff moves, it picks up and carries away natural and human-made pollutants, depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters, even underground sources of drinking water.

These pollutants include:

  • Excess fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides from agricultural lands and residential areas.
  • Oil, grease, and toxic chemicals from urban runoff.
  • Sediment from improperly managed construction sites, crop and forest lands, and eroding stream banks.
  • Bacteria and nutrients from livestock, pet wastes, wildlife, and faulty septic systems.
  • A host of other pollutants originating with a side variety of land based activities.
  

-continued-

 

According to research, these problems can largely be traced to activities that occur on the land. Whether the problem arises from lawn care chemicals, or motor oil and toxic metals from parking lots and streets, stormwater plays a large role in transporting pollutants to streams, drinking water sources, and other receiving water bodies.

 

Land development involves creation of impervious surfaces.  How and where development takes place can influence the ultimate degree of environmental impact from the streets, rooftops, and yards. Where development has occurred on forest and undeveloped land, critical areas for infiltration and aquifer recharge that soaked up rainwater prior to development now exports runoff to lower lying areas and local receiving water bodies.

 

Conventional construction practices have relied on mass clearing and grading. This practice compacts the soil surface and further prevents infiltration. Thus, the generation of stormwater volume, as well as the pollutant load carried in that volume is very much tied to how and where land is developed.

 

What do localities in Coastal Georgia need to do to implement stormwater best management practices?  What can be introduced into guidance documents and permits?  It is important to consider stormwater management within the context of watershed and understanding the link between watershed planning and stormwater management practices. Effective watershed planning and stormwater management also means addressing the issue of how growth impacts aquatic resources.

 

Speakers for the upcoming Stormwater Management Practicum include Michael Novotney, a professional water resource engineer with the Center for Watershed Protection and best known locally for authoring the Coastal Stormwater Supplement to the Georgia Stormwater Management Manual.   Curtis Burkett, PE is also a professional civil engineer and an accredited professional from the U.S. Green Building Council in leadership in energy and environmental design.  Burkett is making his second appearance at a Practicum making his first appearance at the Georgia on My Mind practicum February of this year.

 

McClenning is proposing that attendance to the Practicum Series count towards local governments performance standards.  She is also pursuing continuing education credits for certified planners to promote attendance. One of the Practicum’s charges is to increase public awareness and understanding of a whole-systems approach for land use.  “The practicum series has presented the best available speakers and science on the most pressing issues facing the region,” said McClenning. “The approach,” she says includes both “viable short term goals as well as embracing long-term action items that target and convey­ the real value of our natural resources.”

 Two Practicum’s scheduled in Brunswick and Savannah remain and include:
  • Staying “Well” Connected, Water Quality, Quantity, Surface and Ground Water are Interrelated, re-scheduled from April 15 and 16 to May 26 and 27.
  • The final Practicum, Model Ordinances: The Efficient and Effective Use of Land by Adoption of Model Ordinances is scheduled for June 23 and 24.

-continued-

Partners for the Coastal Georgia RDC Practicum Series include the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Coastal Resources Division and Environmental Protection Division; the University of Georgia Marine Extension, the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG); the Georgia Conservancy and funded in part by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. 

 

For more information or to register for the Coastal Georgia RDC Practicum Series, contact Lupita McClenning at 912.262.2871; write to lmcclenning@coastalgeorgirrdc.org or visit  www.coastalgeorgiardc.org/practicum.

   

  

-end-

News Information for Immediate Release 

CONTACT: Lupita McClenning, Senior Regional Planner

ORGANIZATION: Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center

TELEPHONE: (912) 262 2871

Email: lmmclenning@coastalgeorgiardc.org

FAX: (921) 262 2313

SUBJECT: The Environmental Evangelist

ATTACHMENTS:  (2) Two photos

 The Environmental EvangelistPreaching and Living the Green gospelAccording to Paul (Wolff)  

By Andrew Murphy

Sixth Dimension Media Consultants LLC

 

   Tybee Island, Georgia – He looks like a character from central casting for a biblical movie, but Tybee Island Councilman Paul Wolff “talks-the-talk and walks-the-walk.”  With flowing white hair and a trimmed beard, he is acknowledged locally as the “Lone Wolf” of the Tybee Island Council and on the Georgia Coast as the “Environmental Evangelist,” titles Wolff has earned through the years and wears with pride.

            Prior to sitting and discussing the Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center’s Comprehensive Plan, Wolff’s name was mentioned to residents who were going about their business in downtown Tybee Island.

            The man employed in the historic tourist community and giving parking tickets for failure to abide by the pay-to-park system was quick to respond when questioned about Councilman Wolff, “He gets things done around here and he is his own man,” he laughed.  He quickly added, “Wolff’s different approach has been good for the community.”

            The 30-year old making sandwiches in a shop across the street says, “He didn’t use to pay much attention to politics, but Wolff has been an eye opener.”  He added that there are a couple of councilmen he didn’t much care for, but likes Wolff … “the Lone Wolf,” said with a grin that showed the nom de plume is more than just a whimsical designation.

            Wolff, an environmental activist for a long time said he ran into a friend a number of years ago going to a Tybee Island Council meeting and urged Wolff to attend the meeting.  Wolff did attend and became actively involved.   He ran for the council and has been elected to two, two year terms and is getting ready to run for a third term in November.

            When asked if he felt he was an environmental guru to the council and the community, he replied, “I have been learning all my life and I am transmitting what I’ve learned to the community. We can’t move forward if we aren’t learning.”

            Wolff holds a B.A. in English (1973) from Vanderbilt University and has completed the University of Georgia Institute for Georgia Environmental Leadership (IGEL).  He has attended more workshops and belongs to more pro-active environmental groups than can be listed in this account.

            Wolff has remained a remarkable advocate for the environment– self possessed, focused and confident. These defining qualities have been put to use in his role as Environmental Evangelist and Tybee Island Councilman.  According to Wolff, he neither babies nor bullies his fellow councilmen or citizens.  Instead, he shares every opportunity to demonstrate how the Island can move forward while protecting its unique place in the planet.

When asked about the Coastal Georgia Regional Comprehensive Plan developed by the Coastal Georgia RDC, Wolff explained that the catalyst for the Plan was recognizing the challenges the Coast would face from the population growth projections and the need to protect Georgia’s environmental, cultural and historic assets. 

            The purpose of the plan is twofold: to examine the existing conditions of the coastal counties and to prepare for future growth utilizing best management practices for Georgia’s coastal region.

            When asked what the Regional Plan would do for: (1) the community of Tybee Island, (2) Chatham County; and (3) the Georgia Coast, Wolff slipped into an evangelistic mode. “They are all one in the same.  What is good about the Plan for Tybee Island is good for Chatham County and the coast,” he said.

             “The plan not only promotes smart growth principles and development and sustainability for the entire region, but it also provides information specific to each community through a Quality Growth Audit program.  It gives valuable insights into the importance of sustainable development. “We all share the same resources … beaches, marshes, hardwood forest, maritime forest - all the resources we love.”

            “Without proper planning we can easily destroy the resources we love,” he said emphatically.

            “In some places it is over developed.  Tybee is one of the worst examples … but it is not too late.   We have 15 barrier islands and four are over developed … Tybee, Jekyll, St. Simon and Sea Island. We need to set better guidelines.  As an example we have only a 25-foot building setback adjacent to a marsh.  It should be more,” he said.

            “The built environment and land development practices that shape it are critical to the state’s social, economic, and environmental health.  Non-point source pollution is the leading cause of water pollution in America today.  We must slow and halt non-point source pollution that is seeping into our water,” he added, stopping to take a breath.

             “I believe in a holistic approach to environmentally-conscious development: bringing the stakeholders of a project together early on and keeping their involvement throughout the process can help protects a community’s natural resources, and save valuable time and money for local governments and developers. Preserving what is known as “green infrastructure,” which includes marsh buffers and wildlife habitats and corridors, increases property values and maintains a quality of life for the community.”

“Regional cooperation is essential for maximizing the benefits of the methodology,” Wolff wrote in a recent letter to Allen Burns, Executive Director Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center in support of Center’s application for Smart Growth Implementation Assistance.  The contract for technical assistance will not impose any financial obligations and will benefit the implementation of the Coastal Georgia Comprehensive Plan for the ten counties and 35 cities.” 

Our actions today, or our lack of action, will determine the future of Coastal Georgia, he added.  Amen.

News information for immediate release

CONTACT: Lupita McClenning, Senior Planner

ORGANIZATION: Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center

TELEPHONE: (912) 262 2871

Email: lmmclenning@coastalgeorgiardc.org

FAX: (921) 262 2313

SUBJECT:  “Show Me the Money” Practicum: 

 Coastal Georgia – The Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center (CGRDC) is hosting “Show Me the Money,” practicum on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 from 8:30 a.m. until noon at the Coastal EMC in Midway.  The “Show Me the Money,” will highlight options available to finance infrastructure improvements and will introduce local governments to a range of State and Federal funding opportunities as well as provide local government with knowledge and tools to apply to secure resources.

Coastal Georgia has experienced significant growth over the last 20 years and is anticipated to experience further growth in the next 10 to 20 years. The anticipated growth will place stress and burden on local government’s existing and future infrastructure needs.

    • Water and Sewer capacity as well as routine maintenance will need the investment of additional financial resources to maintain the necessary level of service.  The same applies to transportation infrastructure needs. 
    • Coastal growth has also affected water and aquatic resources as a result of increased stormwater runoff impacts from development.  Additional financial resources are needed to manage and maintain drainage infrastructure issues and needs as well as to protect water quality, biology and aquatic resources.    
    • Economic development continues to be a critical driver for growth and prosperity in Coastal Georgia.  The ability of local governments to implement successful economic development programs will ensure continued vitality for the coastal economy into the future. 
    • The economic success, the protection of natural resources and the ability to meet local government’s infrastructure needs will be dependent on the ability of coastal Georgia communities to secure traditional and innovative funding sources to meet these various challenges. 
 

The April 29 Practicum will provide each attendee with the following: (1) an overview of the various funding sources that may be viable for communities in coastal

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Georgia; (2) contact information for the funding options; (3) information regarding the Federal stimulus bill and its potential application to coastal Georgia communities for the various areas in need of financial assistance and support.  

            The session is the third in a six part series sponsored by the Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center and funded in part by the Department of Community Affairs.  The Education, Outreach, and Technical Assistance Program of the Coastal Regional Development Center designed the Practicum’s to assist local governments in adopting best management practices. Speakers for “Show Me the Money” are exceptional and encompass enormous expertise in this area and this should be one of our best sessions, according to Lupita McClenning, CGRDC Senior Regional Planner.  She said the three speakers are Brennan Jones, P.E., Courtney Reich, AICP and Ron Feldner, P.E.            To register or for additional information about “Show Me the Money,” contact Lupita McClenning at lmcclenning@coastalgeorgia.org or call (912) 262 2871.                                                             -end-   

News Release For Immediate Release                                                                    Contact:  Teresa WolfApril 23, 2009                                                                          Giant Leaders Executive Coach                                                                                                            (770) 529-8184 Wolf Joins GiANT Leaders as an Executive Coach Atlanta, GA – April 23, 2009 --- Teresa Wolf, a leading Atlanta real estate professional known for her ability to develop nationally recognized Real Estate teams, is putting her experience as a Realtor coach and developer of a highly successful Realtor team to work for Giant Leaders as an Executive Coach. “We are excited to have Teresa joining our team of executive coaches,” said Ray E. Sanders, executive vice president for Giant Leaders.  “Anyone who has met Teresa knows she not only brings enthusiasm and entrepreneurial drive to an organization but she delivers positive results proven to maximize returns on investment.”   Thousands of organizations worldwide have implemented Atlanta-based GiANT Impact’s leadership principles based on the writings of best-selling author Dr. John C. Maxwell.  As a member of the GiANT organization, GiANT Leaders is a national team of experienced business leaders who work exclusively one-on-one with top executives helping them garner verifiable outcomes certain to impact a company’s bottom line while helping the executive maintain balance in both life and work.  A study published in Fortune magazine found that Fortune 1000 companies utilizing executive coaching saw a 53% increase in productivity, a 32% increase in the retention of senior personnel a 23% reduction in costs and a 22% increase in bottom line profitability. “We work exclusively with CEO’s, business owners, entrepreneurs or senior leaders who benefit from a trusted advisor who helps them maximize profits, minimize losses all while strengthening their leadership skills in both life and work,” Sanders went on to explain. “Teresa excels at helping executives achieve higher levels of performance.  She is especially passionate about working with married couples who operate their business together as a team, women executives who are challenged with the pressures of work and home and sales executives who want to win! To learn more about Teresa Wolf and her role with GiANT Leaders as an Executive Coach visit www.GiantLeaders.com or contact Teresa directly at (770) 529-8184 or twolf@giantleaders.com.   X   X   X    Media interested in interviewing Teresa regarding the benefits of executive coaching may contact her at the number provided above. 

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thru May 11th, 2009

For information contact:

Jeanine Chambers Biron 770-452-7958, ext. 3


2009 JIM SHAFER MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT OF ANGELS

YOU DRIVE, SO WE CAN FLY!


Atlanta (April 15, 2009) Tee up for the 2009 Jim Shafer Memorial Tournament of Angels, sponsored by Magnolia Plastics Inc., and your entry fee will support Angel Flight. This means every shot you take helps provide free air transportation to anyone who needs specialized medical care. 

Of course, a tournament this heavenly could only take place at equally divine courses: The Woodlands and Chateau Courses at Château Élan Golf Resort on Thursday, May 14th, 2009.  Registration begins at 9:00 AM, with a shotgun start at 11:00 AM.  A delicious boxed lunch will be provided by Publix and the day concludes with an awards banquet and fabulous dinner by

Fat Matt’s Rib Shack in the Pavilion!

Come enjoy a great round and help Angel Flight get people to the hope of potentially life-saving medical treatments!  The Angel Flight philosophy is that the cost of travel should never stand in the way of receiving medical care.  We are totally committed to our mission of removing the obstacle of transportation for individuals with medical and financial needs.  And, in addition to getting people to medical care on a daily basis, we are privileged to be a “first-responder” in times of national crisis.  By supporting the Tournament of Angels, you can help us fly patients from, to and through Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.  Our pilots will take flight to get patients to the hope of lifesaving treatment. And, all of our services are free!

Your participation will make a difference in the lives of the families that are touched by our service and all proceeds support Angel Flight.  Be sure and reserve your round today…You’ll never play a more rewarding game of golf!

Sponsorship and foursome opportunities are available.  Please visit our website @ www.AngelFlightSoars.org for additional information.


 

 Angel Flight is a non-profit 501(c)(3) volunteer pilot organization. They provide free air transportation for medical treatments that are not available locally and for other compassionate purposes for the benefit of the community. This service is available for any medically stable and ambulatory patient demonstrating a financial need and/or anyone who cannot utilize or access commercial transportation. They help families by eliminating the concern of how to get to necessary medical care, so they are able to focus on a resolution for the medical condition. Hopefully, this will help the patient to a more speedy recovery and will enable the family to resume participation in their communities and workplaces.  This organization of volunteer pilots and earth angels (ground volunteers) are totally committed to their mission and has increased over 733% in flights coordinated since the year 2000. The majority of the people served live in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.  Angel Flight and their service is funded entirely by corporate and private donations. To request a mission or support the cause, call 770.452.7958,

1-877-4-AN-ANGEL or go online at www.AngelFlightSoars.org.

Angel Flight   2000 Airport Road    PDK Airport   Suite 227    Atlanta, GA 30341      770.452-7958 Toll Free 1.877.4.AN.ANGEL                            www.AngelFlightSoars.org

Subscribe To Barron's Magazine

For more information, contact:

Billy Auer, billy.auer@kp.org, 404-869-5952

Low Blood Sugar Events Increase Dementia Risk in Elderly Patients with Type 2 Diabetes, Kaiser Permanente Study Finds

April 15, 2009 – Hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) episodes that require a visit to the hospital are associated with increased risk of dementia in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, according to a Kaiser Permanente Division of Research study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Though not a randomized clinical trial, this study provides additional information for the debate about how tightly blood sugar should be controlled in patients with type 2 diabetes, particularly in elderly patients, say the researchers. The study appears in the current diabetes mellitus themed issue of JAMA.

While several studies have shown low blood sugar to affect cognitive function in children with type 1 diabetes, this is the first study to evaluate the association in older patients with diabetes.

"We know that the brain becomes more vulnerable with age, and we need a better understanding of how glycemic control can affect brain health over the long term," said the study’s principal investigator, Rachel A. Whitmer, Ph.D., a research scientist with the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, Calif. "This study adds to the evidence base that perhaps we should rethink the notion of very tight glycemic control for our elderly patients with diabetes mellitus."

The study looked at 16,667 elderly patients with type 2 diabetes from the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Diabetes Registry. The average age for the study population was 66 years; 55 percent were male and 60 percent were white. The researches identified 1,465 patients in the cohort that were hospitalized or had an emergency room admittance at least once for hypoglycemia from 1980 to the end of 2002.

Compared to those with no hypoglycemic episodes, patients with one hypoglycemic episode had a 45 percent increased risk of being diagnosed with dementia after 2003. Those with two episodes had a 115 percent increased risk, and those with three or more episodes had a 160 percent increased risk of dementia. Adjustments were made for age, body mass index, race, education, gender, and duration of diabetes. The effect remained after further adjustments for hypertension, stroke, cardiovascular disease, end-stage renal disease, glycosylated hemoglobin levels, and treatment for diabetes.

Researchers were concerned that cognitive impairment from early dementia could be contributing to an increased likelihood of having a hypoglycemic episode. To address this, the researchers introduced various "lag" periods between the occurrence of hypoglycemic episodes and the initial diagnosis of dementia. In effect, researchers considered only hypoglycemic episodes in midlife (at an age where dementia is virtually impossible). Even when only considering hypoglycemic episodes in midlife (mean age 52), there remained a significant association between hypoglycemic episodes occurring before 1985 and onset of dementia in 2003 or later. Compared to those with no hypoglycemic episodes, those with one or more episode had a 32 percent greater risk of dementia (adjusted for age, body mass index, education, gender, duration of diabetes, co-morbidities, glycosylated hemoglobin and treatment for diabetes).

"Our findings suggest that pursuit of ‘tight’ glycemic control (i.e. to hemoglobin A1c levels less than 7 percent) may be inadvisable in older patients with type 2 diabetes if required treatment is causing hypoglycemia," explained Joe Selby, MD, MPH, a co-author on this study and the director of the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research.

Funded by the National Institutes of Health, this study adds additional information to a growing evidence base on this topic. Three recent trials -- the ACCORD Study, the ADVANCE Study and the VADT Study -- have shown clearly that tight glycemic control does not benefit all patients and may cause harm to some, especially to patients with more longstanding diabetes, with previous cardiovascular disease, and possibly to those with a history of severe hypoglycemia, Selby said. For these patients, the harms of tight glycemic control, in the form of cardiovascular disease and death, may outweigh any possible benefits, he added.

In view of these three trials, recent recommendations from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology have urged that treatment be individualized and that caution be exercised to prevent severe hypoglycemia. The guidelines further emphasize the critical importance of blood pressure control, lipid or cholesterol control, smoking cessation, and use of aspirin, said Selby.

Additional researchers on the Kaiser Permanente study include: Andrew Karter, Ph.D., and Charles P. Quesenberry Jr., Ph.D., both with the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research; and Kristine Yaffe, MD, with geriatric psychiatry at the UCSF-affiliated Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

About the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research (http://www.dor.kaiser.org/)

The Kaiser Permanente Division of Research conducts, publishes, and disseminates epidemiologic and health services research to improve the health and medical care of Kaiser Permanente members and the society at large. It seeks to understand the determinants of illness and well-being and to improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of health care. Currently, DOR’s 400-plus staff is working on more than 250 epidemiological and health services research projects.

About Kaiser Permanente Research

Kaiser Permanente's eight research centers comprise one of the largest research programs in the United States and engage in work designed to improve the health of individuals everywhere. KP HealthConnect™ , Kaiser Permanente’s electronic health record, and other resources provide population data for research, and in turn, research findings are fed into KP HealthConnect™ to arm physicians with research and clinical data. Kaiser Permanente's research program works with national and local health agencies and community organizations to share and widely disseminate its research data. Kaiser Permanente’s research program is funded in part by Kaiser Permanente’s Community Benefit division, which in 2007 directed an estimated $1 billion in health services, technology, and funding toward total community health.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is shaping the future of health care. We are America’s leading health care provider and not-for-profit health plan. Founded in 1945, our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care services to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 8.6 million members in nine states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information, go to www.kp.org/newscenter.

Immediate RELEASE

Upscale Bridal Show Hits Atlanta

The Atlanta Bridal Show 2009 guarantees elegance and excitement with ease.

Jacksonville, FL, April 13, 2009 – Recently engaged? Rejoice! The Atlanta Bridal Show

2009 is taking over the Westin Peachtree Plaza on Sunday, April 19, 2009 from 12 noon-

6 pm est.

For the first time ever, The Atlanta Bridal Show brings an upscale, one-stop shopping

experience to area brides and grooms. Patrons can walk along aisles of the area's

best wedding products and services in one location. "The Westin Peachtree Plaza is

honored to host the most elegant and exclusive bridal show in Atlanta to date,” says

hotel Catering Sales Manager Elizabeth Frazier.

With hands-on exhibits and on-site tastings, potential brides and grooms can sample

dozens of products all in one-place. From flowers to cakes to facilities, the Show is

designed to make bridal planning easier, and
give vendors a great showcase in thischallenging economy.

Coordinators estimate with all of the participating vendors, brides should wear

comfortable shoes, allocate 2-4 hours for shopping, and bring their entire wedding

parties because “you can plan your whole wedding in one day”. Oh yeah, moms

and dads, bring your checkbooks, because many vendors will be able to book your

services on-site.

While this is an adult-oriented event, children under ten will be admitted at no charge.

Three regular admission options are available. Advance tickets online are $8.50 per

person at
www.theatlantabridalshow.com. Tickets at the door are $10.00 per person.

For $30.00, attendees can add lunch at the Westin Peachtree’s luxurious Sun Dial

Restaurant.

For morning/talk show interview opportunities & in-studio previews, please contact

Nisa Dalmas at (904) 236-3907 or Nikki Alexander at (904) 755-7214.

About The Atlanta Bridal Show: In its' inaugural year, the coordinators have one simple yet elegant plan...to make

upscale wedding planning exciting, enjoyable, and easy. With more than 50 vendors featuring elaborate displays,

the Show is a guaranteed hit!

About Stuck in My Head Media: Led by native Chicagoans and opening its' doors in late 2008, this up-and-coming

advertising & PR agency represents clients of all sizes. The team is based in Jacksonville, Florida with virtual satellite

offices in Chicago and Los Angeles.

Contact:

Dee Dee Joseph (904) 236-3907

Stuck in My Head Media

deedee@stuckinmyheadmedia.com

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                 Contact: Wendy Davis

April 6, 2009                                                                                          Phone: 770-595-9164

BREAKING NEWS:

POYTHRESS RESPONDS TO PORTER


“I wasn’t surprised to see Dubose Porter join Thurbert Baker and throw his hat in the Governor’s race today.  Both will be serious opponents, but I am confident that I will win the Democratic primary. 

In his statement Dubose Porter said, ' … we must look past the primary and honestly ask who can win a general election.'

It’s ironic he led with this thought when Dubose Porter, as House Minority Leader, is the Democrat who seconded the nomination of Republican Glenn Richardson to become Speaker of the House.  He also left 81 House Republicans uncontested in the 2008 elections by not recruiting Democratic challengers.  This is an unforgivable offense given the tremendous turnout and historic year for Democrats.  And Dubose should tread lightly when talking about his alleged General Election viability especially since Republicans would have a field day over his 26 year voting record in the General Assembly.

As I stated last week, as Deputy Revenue Commissioner I led the first investigation of Organized Crime in Georgia.  As Secretary of State I modernized the office to create efficiency and even returned money to the state Treasury.   As Labor Commissioner I cut payroll taxes by more than $200 million.  As Adjutant General I was serving on 9-11 as Commander of the Georgia National Guard and led the effort to protect Georgia from future terrorist attacks while preparing our troops for war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Simply put, I’ve been tested, and I succeeded.

I’m confident that Georgia Democrats will support me because I am the candidate who can beat the Republicans next year.  And I believe that Democrats and Republicans alike will see that I have the vision and record of results that will return the Governor’s Chair to a common-sense leader who can return Georgia to economic prosperity.”

Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program (GMSP) Opens New Training Sites

Tifton and Valdosta now scheduling classes!

The Georgia Department of Driver Services’ Motorcycle Safety Program (GMSP) recently announced that two new South Georgia training sites are now offering rider education courses.  The two new sites are located in Tifton at the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and in Valdosta at the Valdosta Technical College. Both sites are convenient to I75, and they join GMSP’s other regional training sites in Albany, Thomasville, and Waycross as well as 15 other sites across the state.  Online registration is available at www.dds.ga.gov/training.

Basic Course

For beginners, The Basic Course highlights the safe operation of a motorcycle, with emphasis on the special skills and mental attitudes necessary for dealing with traffic. GMSP coaches guide students through straight-line riding, shifting and stopping, gradually progressing to turning swerving and emergency braking.  The GMSP supplies the motorcycles and the professional training for a new rider’s introduction to motorcycling (although some veteran riders say they learned more than they expected from a basic course).

Successful graduates receive a waiver of the DDS’ administered written test and on-cycle license test (customers must pass the vision test and pay any applicable fees).

Experienced Course

The Experienced Course is designed to improve skills in braking, evasive maneuvers and cornering. It provides the experienced motorcyclist with the "street strategies" necessary for survival.

Students ride their own motorcycles in the course and practice the techniques of managing traction, stopping quickly, cornering and swerving. Coaches and students discuss how to balance the mental and physical aspects of safe riding, manage risk, increase visibility and optimize lane position. This course also provides valuable information about protective gear, rider responsibility, motorcycle inspection and care, and the effects of alcohol and other drugs on riding.  Seasoned riders will benefit from new information and can identify bad habits to correct.

About GMSP

Real Riding…Real Skills. The Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program (GMSP) is a part of the Georgia Department of Driver Services. In addition to offering rider education programs, the GMSP also promotes motorist awareness programs, share the road campaigns, and is focused on highway safety issues affecting Georgia motorcyclists. The GMSP directly operates 20 training sites and certifies 11 private sites.

For more information call 770.918.6200 or visit www.dds.ga.gov/training.

P R E S S   R E L E A S E

PAX Academic Exchange
14 Willett Avenue
Port Chester, NY 10573

Exchange Program Appoints Local Representative

Yvonne Richter of Atlanta has been appointed Community Coordinator for this region by PAX--Program of Academic Exchange. Headquartered, in Port Chester, New York, PAX is a non-profit educational organization which invites high school students to the United States for an academic homestay. Richter was selected to represent PAX due to demonstrated enthusiasm, interest in foreign cultures, and desire to become more active in the community.

Richter is currently interviewing families in this area interested in sharing their lives with a young person from another country for the coming academic year. "All PAX students have been carefully screened, speak English, have full medical insurance, and come with their own spending money," says Richter. "We work with students from 35 different countries, including those in Eastern Europe, Asia, South America and Africa."

Host families are asked to provide the student with meals, a warm supportive environment, and a place to sleep and study. Richter, as the community coordinator provides local support to the host family and student. "We're looking for families who are interested in the world and in helping an exchange student learn more about America."

Anyone interested in learning more about hosting can contact Yvonne Richter at richter.yvonne@gmail.com or the PAX headquarters at (800) 555-6211.

CED Solutions, LLC to Provide Free Computer Training to Unemployed Professionals in Greater Atlanta Area - 4/1/2009

Out of Work? Get Up to Speed Fast!

PRESS RELEASE:  ATLANTA, GEORGIA – April 1, 2009 – CED Solutions, LLC is providing a free 5-day hands-on Microsoft Office computer training course to Greater Atlanta’s unemployed. The program will run through June at CED Solutions’ corporate headquarters located in Marietta, GA, one of the largest training centers in the nation. CED Solutions will offer a modified schedule of courses specifically aimed at enhancing core computer skills necessary in today’s work environment.  The 5-day course will include Introduction to Windows PC, Word, and Excel.  
 
The number of people seeking unemployment benefits is at a 26-year high and those recently laid off are finding they need broader and stronger skills in order to secure new jobs.  Richard Rodgers, President and CEO of CED Solutions, says "We view unexpected downtime resulting from layoffs as the opportunity for those unemployed to invest in professional development, enhance their basic technology skills and build their resumes.” He continues “CED Solutions is committed to supporting the Greater Atlanta business community during these challenging economic times.”

Student must have verifiable previous income, and verifiable notice of unemployment.   Class openings are based upon availability and are filled on a first-come, first-registered basis.  Class dates are subject to change or cancellation.   Offer may be cancelled at any time without notice.

Those interested in learning more about the program or taking advantage of these FREE TRAINING classes should visit www.cedsolutions.com/promotions or contact Linda Hamil at 800.611.1840 or 404.SOFT.WARE.

Attachment – From Left - Speaker Ray Bodrey, Saroyi Chandler Morris and Jeannie Lewis Rhodes (Butler)

News information for immediate release

CONTACT: Lupita McClenning, Senior Planner

ORGANIZATION: Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center

TELEPHONE: (912) 262 2871

Email: lmmclenning@coastalgeorgiardc.org

FAX: (921) 262 2313

SUBJECT:  The Message: ‘DoDo’ It Now, Septic Tank Management

Coastal Georgia – The Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center (CGRDC) hosted the ‘DoDo’ It Now Practicum, a second in a series of six practicum's held in Brunswick and Savannah in mid-March.  From left, Ray Bodrey, a non-point pollution specialist with the University of Georgia-Marine Extension Service in Brunswick and Saroyi Chandler Morris, the Environmental Health District Director for the Coastal Health District, and Jeannie Lewis Rhodes (Butler), Georgia Coastal Non-point Coordinator Environmental Protection Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, were the experts at the ‘DoDo’ It Now, Septic Tank Management practicum.             According to Bodrey, the University of Georgia Marine Extension Service has begun implementation of a program to conduct a comprehensive educational program for officials of local governments and homeowners concerning the relationship between individual septic systems and surface water quality. The program stresses the necessity for periodic inspection and maintenance by home owners.  The project is surveying and providing the geo-location of all drinking water wells and on-site disposal systems within the proximity of marshlands or other waters of the state in Effingham, Liberty, Long and Bryan counties.   This project is developed in conjunction with the Georgia Coastal Management Non-point Source Pollution Coordinator.   The goal of this project is to improve coastal water quality by reducing the capacity for on-site disposal systems failure in the proximity of marshlands and surface waters.  -more- -page two- This project includes the coastal counties of Effingham, Bryan, Liberty, and Long with auxiliary services extended to Chatham, Camden, and McIntosh counties.            Morris illustrated how septic tanks work, what can go wrong, how one can tell if there is a problem, and how one can protect their system and drain field.   Wastewater from toilets, sinks, dishwashers, garbage disposals flows from the house into the septic tanks.  Heavy materials are deposited on the bottom as sludge.  Lighter materials float to the top and form scum.  Clarified water (the middle layer) commonly called effluent flows to the drain field.  As a septic tank ages, the scum and sludge layers build up and the area devoted to the liquid effluent decreases.  At some time, layers may merge and scum and sludge may be sent to the drain field where it will clog pipes and cause them to fail.  A new drain field is the only option.  Pumping out septic tanks removes any accumulated sludge and scum, removes nutrients that could otherwise find their way to the local ground water or surface water and degrade the water.  The message, get it pumped out regularly. 

            The CGRDC is hosting “Staying ‘Well’ Connected, Water Quality, Quantity, Surface and Ground Water are Interrelated;” April 22, “Show Me the Money, Funding Infrastructure Improvements;” May 19 and 20, “Making the Connection: Linking Storm Water to Land Use;” and, June 23 and 24, “Model Ordinances: The Efficient and Effective Use of Land Resources by the Adoption Model Ordinances.”

            All six meetings will run from 8:30 a.m. through noon.  For more information, or to register contact the CGRDC at 912.262.2871.   

-End-

 

Atlanta, GA – THE TRILOGY TREND: AUTHOR STEPHANIE BOND AIMS TO PLEASE READERS WITH SPRING TRIO OF MYSTERIES Atlanta author Stephanie Bond is the creator of the BODY MOVERS humorous mystery series, in which main character Carlotta Wren works for Neiman Marcus by day, and helps her brother move bodies from crime scenes by night. The first three books in the series were well-received (2 Bodies for the Price of 1 was given a starred review by Publishers Weekly), but Bond was pelted with emails from readers frustrated by what they perceived as a "slow" once-a-year release schedule. Bond, a prolific novelist with over 40 mystery and romance novels to her name to-date, brainstormed with her publisher, Mira Books, on how to get more installments of the BODY MOVERS series on the market, faster.

A recent publishing trend in fiction is the back-to-back trilogy. The author writes three related manuscripts which the publisher stockpiles, then releases back to back to build momentum for a series and provide instant gratification to readers. But even if a writer is able to deliver back to back manuscripts, the publisher still has to make room in the publishing schedule for the trilogy, the art department has to develop related covers, the sales team has to strategize how to sell the trilogy, and booksellers must be willing to display the books together. Publishing a trilogy is a complicated process in which everyone up and down the line has to be on board; it’s also one case where the publication program itself is a marketing tool.

Since the BODY MOVERS series was already underway, to give the in-series trilogy (4 Bodies and a Funeral, 5 Bodies to Die For, and 6 Killer Bodies) something "extra," the trilogy features the same characters and continuing storylines as the previous books in the series, plus the additional element of a serial killer with a special signature: he leaves a charm in the mouth of each of his victims. Books 4, 5, and 6 in the BODY MOVERS series will be released April, May, and June 2009.

2

Bond is sympathetic to her readers and gratified that her publisher listened. "When readers get hooked into a series," Bond says, "they want more, faster! It’s like falling in love with a TV series—no one wants to wait until next season to find out what happens."

And while Bond is thrilled that readers are clamoring for more BODY MOVERS books, she laughingly laments the long hours it requires of the author. "I warned my friends and family that I would be unavailable for several months while I finished writing this trilogy. It was manic—I rarely left my home office, I didn’t watch TV, see a movie, read a book. I unplugged my phone, turned off email—I went underground to write these three books and get them out on time. But without my readers, the BODY MOVERS series wouldn’t exist, so I’m happy for the opportunity to publish this spring trilogy…at least I’m happy now that the books are written!"

__________________

Stephanie Bond was seven years into a systems engineering career and pursuing an MBA at night when an instructor remarked that she had a flair for writing. Intrigued, and with no formal training (her undergraduate degree is in computer programming), she began writing a novel in her spare time. In 1997, with ten sales under her belt to two publishers, Stephanie left her corporate job to write fiction full-time. To date, she has written over 40 romance and mystery novels for Harlequin Books, Bantam, St. Martin’s Press, HarperCollins, and Mira Books. Stephanie currently writes a humorous mystery series set in Atlanta called BODY MOVERS.

Permission to reprint. For more information or to arrange an interview with author Stephanie Bond, please contact Diane Schrage at CH Creative Studio (Atlanta and San Francisco), dianeschrage@empowering.com. Book cover images, author photo images, and advance reading copies of the BODY MOVERS trilogy are available.

4 Bodies and a Funeral 5 Bodies to Die For 6 Killer Bodies

News Release

For Further Information:

Andrea Thompson, 404-449-5691, andrea.thompson@hrblock.com

H&R Block to offer FREE Second Look®, Finding Missed Credits, Deductions That Can Cost Taxpayers Big
$30 million found this year in additional savings for taxpayers

For Immediate Release: March 23, 2009

            ATLANTA, GA. – H&R Block announces free professional, second opinions on completed tax returns.  This community service event is free and open to the public at participating H&R Block locations on March 27, 28, and 29 to have current or previous years’ tax returns reviewed. In this volatile economic climate, taxpayers cannot afford to claim less than they’re entitled to maximize their refund or lower their liability.

 “With the economy in flux and audits at a 10 year high, we want to help people in our community” said Andrea Thompson, H&R Block Regional Marketing Manager. “We want to make sure our clients’ returns are accurate and that they’ve claimed all eligible credits and deductions.  More than 5 million people are eligible for Earned Income Credit but overlook the credit.  That’s like burning money, and in today’s economy every dollar counts.”

  • Commonly overlooked tax deductions and credits include:
  • Recovery rebate credit
  • Education credits, including the Hope credit, Lifetime Learning credit and student loan interest
  • Earned income credit
  • Child tax credit
  • Saver’s credit
  • Medical expenses
  • State and local taxes
  • Self-employed business expenses.

“Don’t second guess, get a Second Look,” said Thompson. “Why wouldn’t you want to make sure you’re getting the maximum refund possible?”

In the past, H&R Block found errors in four out of five tax returns prepared by other people as part of the Second Look review service. Nearly half of those who re-filed with H&R Block received a bigger refund.**

            Taxpayers who did not use H&R Block, paid someone else to prepare their returns, used tax software or free online tax programs are eligible for the Second Look review. Taxpayers can amend a return for up to three years. If a taxpayer is owed a refund, the deadline to amend their 2005 tax return is April 15, 2009.

           Use the H&R Block Tax Professional Finder at www.hrblock.com to locate a preparer whose expertise and training match your needs.           

* Figure reflects clients who had a positive savings and re-filed with H&R Block from Jan. 1, 2009 to March 11, 2009.


**Error rates and average savings claims are for calendar year 2007. Individual results may vary. Additional fees apply if H&R Block corrects or amends a return. At participating offices.

# # #

The Tax Institute, a division of H&R Block, is a national leader in providing unbiased research, analysis and interpretation of federal and state tax laws. Staffed by Enrolled Agents, CPAs and Attorneys, The Tax Institute provides industry expertise for matters related to taxes and the professional tax preparation industry.

About H&R Block
H&R Block Inc. (NYSE: HRB) is the world’s preeminent tax services provider, having served more than 400 million clients since 1955 and generating annual revenues of $4.1 billion in fiscal year 2008. H&R Block provides income tax return preparation and related services and products via a nationwide network of approximately 13,000 company-owned and franchised offices and through TaxCut® online and software solutions. The company also provides business services through RSM McGladrey. For more information visit our Online Press Center at www.hrblock.com.

 

News Information for Immediate Release 

CONTACT: Lupita McClenning, Senior Planner

ORGANIZATION: Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center

TELEPHONE: (912) 262 2871

Email: lmcclenning@coastalgeorgiardc.org

FAX: (921) 262 2313

SUBJECT: ‘DoDo’ It Now, Septic Tank Management Practicum Series to implement the Regional Plan of Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center

 

Brunswick – At first glance one may think the subject for the second Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center practicum sounds whimsical, but in fact considered a serious problem facing the Georgia coast.  The information will be addressed in-depth by recognized professionals during the second of a six-series practicum to be held at the Brunswick-Glynn County Library.

The first practicum presented by the CGRDC in February, Georgia on My Mind, A Model Development, filled the meeting room to capacity, thus the second practicum has been moved to the Brunswick-Glynn County Library.  The ‘DoDo’ It Now practicum is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, with a second meeting scheduled the following day in Savannah.  Both practicum’s start at 8:30 a.m. and run through noon.

To register for ‘DoDo’ It Now, or any of the remaining practicum’s, contact the CGRDC at www.coastalgeorgia.org or phone (912) 262.2871.

Non-point source pollution is a major threat to water quality along the Georgia coast and can include storm water runoff, runoff of pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides from agricultural fields, residential lawns and golf courses, and fecal contaminations from faulty systems.  According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, since 1998 of Georgia’s 20 estuarine areas, 19 are closed to shellfish harvesting. Ten of these areas are closed due to fecal contamination from non-point sources.

These problems can potentially threaten coastal residents’ quality of life.  More importantly with the coast of Georgia’s populations’ projected to grow, so will these problems.

The speakers addressing the issues at the ‘DoDo’ It Now practicum each have tremendous expertise, according to Lupita McClenning, Senior Planner for the CGRDC.

Ray Bodrey is a non-point source pollution specialist and manages projects within the water quality program for The University of Georgia Marine Extension including managing the onsite disposal system project which consists of identifying the location, inspection and maintenance of systems.

Bodrey holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro and a Master of Agricultural Leadership from The University of Georgia.

Saroyi Chandler Morris is the Environmental Health District Director for the Coastal Health District and has served as chief technical resource for eight county health offices in establishing policies and regulations.

                                                                        -more-

 

                                                                        -page two-      

She acts as principal mediator in resolving complex environmental complaints establishes district-wide inspection procedures and administrative polices for environmental health programs.                                        

Morris has a Master of Health Science degree from Armstrong Atlantic State University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from California University in Pennsylvania.

Both speakers live in Brunswick.

McClenning said the CGRDC is expecting a large turnout and recommended early registration.

Additional GCRDC Practicum’s include:

·   Staying “Well” Connected, Water Quality, Surface and Ground Water are Interrelated, April 15 and 16;

·   “Show Me the Money,” Funding Infrastructure: Options Available to Finance Infrastructure Improvements, April 22;

·   Making the Connection: Linking Stormwater to Land Use, May 19 and 20;

·   Model Ordinances: the Efficient and Effective Use of Land Resources by the Adoption of Model Ordinances, June 23 and 24.

 

- end - 

 

New Indoor Golf Facility Boosts Local Economy

Kennesaw, Georgia (March 2009) At a time when we are berated with an endless supply of apocalyptic economic news, finally a positive story.  Right here in Kennesaw a new company is catching everyone’s attention by creating new business opportunities and new jobs, while helping the local community grow and thrive in these economic times. 

A light shines through the gloom of the recession, into a large glass building across from Town Center Mall, and it is ETC Golf.  Coming from recent bankruptcy layoffs, ETC Golf’s founders refused to wallow in self pity.  Instead they faced the future head on, joining together to create Atlanta’s Premier Indoor Golf Training & Practice Facility

ETC Golf features a 20,000 sq ft practice facility; private and group lessons taught by a Class-A PGA Professional; state of the art putting greens; chipping area with indoor lake; simulators with swing analyzing software and Tiger Woods Golf; custom fitted golf clubs; core fitness center; massage and spa services; concierge; entertainment area; snack bar; and the business is building every day. 

More than the physical features, ETC Golf serves as a resource for the entire family.  When schedules run amuck, families can spend quality time together playing a game everyone can enjoy.  There are clinics specific to women and youth players in an approachable, social format.  One of the first budget cuts when money is tight is entertainment costs.  ETC Golf offers family friendly entertainment for a fixed monthly fee that won’t break the bank, and golf training can lead to college scholarships.     

ETC Golf not only serves it growing membership but also neighboring businesses.  “There is a large network of entrepreneurs in Metro Atlanta who are willing to tough it out in a dismal economy so we knew we would be in good company.  This new venture allows us to serve not only our members, but the local business community as well,” says Steve Faust, owner of ETC Golf.  The club hosts quarterly B.L.O.K. (Business Leaders of Kennesaw) Parties, a networking and social event to strengthen local business relationships.  The belief is that businesses working together are the best way to keep our economy strong.  They must be right because while many industries are experiencing mass layoffs and downsizing, ETC Golf is hiring new staff and growing on a daily basis.           

Although starting a new business is a challenging endeavor in any economy, ETC Golf is staying positive and living by a simple mission statement: Do the right thing.  That is why they make a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital every time a new member makes an “Eagle Putt”, a hole in one on the 9th hole of their state of the art putting greens.  Their philanthropic endeavors don’t end there.  ETC Golf also donates their services to local schools and non profits and is leading the way in the green movement with an Eco Friendly golf shop.  There is no packaging and no plastic bags, which means no waste in their retail store.  The golf shop collects ink cartridges and electronic equipment for recycling, and their biggest sellers are bamboo golf tees, bamboo flex fit hats, and refinished Titleist Pro V 1’s, which sell for $1.00 each.

ETC Golf needs to be seen to be believed, so visit 2636 George Busbee Parkway in Kennesaw to see it in person or visit www.ETCgolf.com for a virtual tour.  

Atlanta, GA – THE TRILOGY TREND: AUTHOR STEPHANIE BOND AIMS TO PLEASE READERS WITH SPRING TRIO OF MYSTERIES

Atlanta author Stephanie Bond is the creator of the BODY MOVERS humorous mystery series, in which main character Carlotta Wren works for Neiman Marcus by day, and helps her brother move bodies from crime scenes by night. The first three books in the series were well-received (2 Bodies for the Price of 1 was given a starred review by Publishers Weekly), but Bond was pelted with emails from readers frustrated by what they perceived as a "slow" once-a-year release schedule. Bond, a prolific novelist with over 40 mystery and romance novels to her name to-date, brainstormed with her publisher, Mira Books, on how to get more installments of the BODY MOVERS series on the market, faster.

A recent publishing trend in fiction is the back-to-back trilogy. The author writes three related manuscripts which the publisher stockpiles, then releases back to back to build momentum for a series and provide instant gratification to readers. But even if a writer is able to deliver back to back manuscripts, the publisher still has to make room in the publishing schedule for the trilogy, the art department has to develop related covers, the sales team has to strategize how to sell the trilogy, and booksellers must be willing to display the books together. Publishing a trilogy is a complicated process in which everyone up and down the line has to be on board; it’s also one case where the publication program itself is a marketing tool.

Since the BODY MOVERS series was already underway, to give the in-series trilogy (4 Bodies and a Funeral, 5 Bodies to Die For, and 6 Killer Bodies) something "extra," the trilogy features the same characters and continuing storylines as the previous books in the series, plus the additional element of a serial killer with a special signature: he leaves a charm in the mouth of each of his victims. Books 4, 5, and 6 in the BODY MOVERS series will be released April, May, and June 2009.

2

Bond is sympathetic to her readers and gratified that her publisher listened. "When readers get hooked into a series," Bond says, "they want more, faster! It’s like falling in love with a TV series—no one wants to wait until next season to find out what happens."

And while Bond is thrilled that readers are clamoring for more BODY MOVERS books, she laughingly laments the long hours it requires of the author. "I warned my friends and family that I would be unavailable for several months while I finished writing this trilogy. It was manic—I rarely left my home office, I didn’t watch TV, see a movie, read a book. I unplugged my phone, turned off email—I went underground to write these three books and get them out on time. But without my readers, the BODY MOVERS series wouldn’t exist, so I’m happy for the opportunity to publish this spring trilogy…at least I’m happy now that the books are written!"

__________________

Stephanie Bond was seven years into a systems engineering career and pursuing an MBA at night when an instructor remarked that she had a flair for writing. Intrigued, and with no formal training (her undergraduate degree is in computer programming), she began writing a novel in her spare time. In 1997, with ten sales under her belt to two publishers, Stephanie left her corporate job to write fiction full-time. To date, she has written over 40 romance and mystery novels for Harlequin Books, Bantam, St. Martin’s Press, HarperCollins, and Mira Books. Stephanie currently writes a humorous mystery series set in Atlanta called BODY MOVERS.

Permission to reprint. For more information or to arrange an interview with author Stephanie Bond, please contact Diane Schrage at CH Creative Studio (Atlanta and San Francisco), dianeschrage@empowering.com. Book cover images, author photo images, and advance reading copies of the BODY MOVERS trilogy are available.

4 Bodies and a Funeral 5 Bodies to Die For 6 Killer Bodies

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –March 5, 2009

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Scott Martin

SAFEbuilt, Inc.

3755 Precision Drive, Suite 140

Loveland, Colorado 80538
Scott.Martin@SAFEbuilt.com
970-292-2206



 
Could Building Safety be at Risk?
 

During economically challenging times, building safety is no less important than it is during more prosperous times.  However, when municipal building departments are experiencing a drastic reduction of revenue, due to the reduced number of permit requests, building department staff layoffs are being considered.  With fewer qualified staff members, thorough code compliant plan reviews and building inspections may be unrealistic.

 

Building codes, such as those mandated by the International Code Council (ICC),  specify the minimum acceptable level of safety for buildings and other structures in order to protect public health, safety and general welfare.  Often there are additional codes or ordinances found in specific states or regions.

 

Enforcing building codes from design through construction is often the responsibility of the public agency in which the project will reside.  This governing body might be a town,

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Building Safety
Page 2 of 3

city or county.  Enforcement requires certifications, skill and a thorough process.

 

Without consistent enforcement, public safety can be at risk.  When safety is at risk, there is long-term potential for increased liability to the designers, architects, engineers, contractors, building owners and the community.   In other words, reducing qualified building department staff is a short-term fix with long-term implications.

 

There is good news. In the current economic climate, contract building department providers, sometimes referred to as third-party providers, are growing in popularity.

A contract provider offers a sustainable solution during times of budget shortfalls and peak building windows.  By covering the cost of expert staff, what were once fixed costs become variable costs that fluctuate appropriately with the building volume.

 

SAFEbuilt is one such provider that provides full-service building department services as well as supplemental plan review, project support and building code inspections for public agencies.

 

SAFEbuilt offers local governments benefits including:

• Full-support or supplemental building department services help keep a focus on service levels and public safety during slow and busy times

Services are paid for from permit fees, so costs never exceed revenues

• A constant and consistent outside labor pool eliminates emotional and financial costs of hiring and firing to match economic conditions

• A depth of resources nationwide guarantees mobile teams for special or unpredictable short-term projects, including natural disasters

  

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Building Safety
Page 3 of 3

 “Over the past five years, SAFEbuilt has been able to provide consistent and predictable services to a new and growing city of more than 100,000 residents.  SAFEbuilt allowed the City of Centennial to start-up its building department without a glitch, providing qualified, professional staff with the experience and expertise on how to operate an efficient and effective building department,” says Wayne Reed, Director of Planning and Development, City of Centennial, Colorado. SAFEbuilt has 17 offices, more than 80 employees and provides contract building department services to more than 90 public agencies in Washington, Colorado, Georgia, Louisiana and Florida.  In 2008, SAFEbuilt supported over $1.5 billion in residential and commercial building valuations, performed 5,125 plan reviews and approximately 85,000 inspections.    

White Papers Available at www.SAFEbuilt.com:

 Building Safety during Economic Downturns – A Fiscal Rationale for Continued Code Enforcement Building Departments Face Budget Crisis:  Contract Providers Offer a Solution  

-end-

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Norilana Books is proud to present RETURNING MY SISTER'S FACE: and Other Far Eastern Tales of Whimsy and Malice by Eugie Foster, a striking debut collection of short fantasy fiction with a Far Eastern flavor, with an introduction by Vonda N. McIntyre.

"Whimsy and malice--yes--also mystery, a very female sensuality, and wit. An elegant and entertaining book."

­Ursula K. Le Guin

"The tales are beautifully written, elegant, passionate, funny, and moving. The entire collection is a delightful, magical bridge across cultures. I hope many readers find their way to it."

­Patricia A. McKillip

RETURNING MY SISTER'S FACE:
And Other Far Eastern Tales of Whimsy and Malice
by Eugie Foster
Introduction by Vonda N. McIntyre

Cover Image Front:

http://www.norilana.com/ReturningMySistersFace-HC-Front.jpg

Full Cover Jacket:

http://www.norilana.com/ReturningMySistersFace-HC.jpg

Enchantment, peril and romance pervade the shadowy Far East, from the elegant throne room of the emperor's palace to the humble teahouse of a peasant village. In these dozen stories of adventure and magic from the Orient, a maiden encounters an oni demon in the forest, a bride discovers her mother-in-law is a fox woman, a samurai must appease his sister's angry ghost, strange luck is found in a jade locket, and dark and light are two sides of harmony.

"Noted short story author Foster offers a dozen enchanting and sometimes chilling tales alive with elegantly sketched characters and sensibilities drawn from Asian folklore . . . Readers who long for a break from European medieval fantasy will be charmed and entertained by Foster's tales."

­Publishers Weekly

Eugie Foster
calls home a mildly haunted, fey-infested house in metro Atlanta that she shares with her husband, Matthew, and her pet skunk, Hobkin. After receiving her master's degree in Psychology, she retired from academia and became a corporate computer drone. When her company asked her to leave the phantoms and fairies in the South and return to the dead-cold lands of the Midwest, she said "no" and retreated to her library to pen flights of fancy.

Eugie's fiction has been translated into Greek, Hungarian, Polish, and French; received the Phobos Award; and been nominated for the British Fantasy, Bram Stoker, and Pushcart awards. Her publication credits number over 100 and include stories in Realms of Fantasy, Interzone, Cricket, Cicada, Fantasy Magazine, Orson Scott Card's InterGalactic Medicine Show, Jim Baen's Universe, and anthologies Best New Fantasy (Prime Books), Heroes in Training (DAW Books), Magic in the Mirrorstone (Mirrorstone Books), and Best New Romantic Fantasy 2 (Juno Books).

Visit her online at
http://www.EugieFoster.com/

Cover artwork: "Kitsune" © 2009 by Ahyicodae.

Returning My Sister's Face: and Other Far Eastern Tales of Whimsy and Malice
by Eugie Foster
Introduction by Vonda N. McIntyre
Norilana Books Fantasy
Trade Hardcover
March 1, 2009
Retail Price:
$23.95 USD - £16.00 GBP
ISBN-13: 978-1-60762-010-5
ISBN-10: 1-60762-010-3
212 pages

Click for more information:

http://www.norilana.com/norilana-fantasy.htm#eugie


Order Your Copy:

- Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN=1607620103/ref=nosim/veranazariafantaA/

- Barnes & Noble

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?userid=Wl58yTNAzk&isbn=1607620103&itm=3

Norilana Books is a Los Angeles-based new independent publisher, owned and operated by Vera Nazarian since 2006. With over 220 books in print, Norilana Books specializes in beautifully packaged hardcover and trade paperback classics of world literature, quality fantasy, science fiction, romance and women's fiction, and young adult titles. For more information visit http://www.norilana.com/

Contact:

Vera Nazarian, Publisher
Norilana Books, P.O. Box 2188, Winnetka, CA 91396
service (at) norilana.com - http://www.norilana.com/
Catalog of Books in Print: http://www.norilana.com/norilana-catalog.htm
Blog: http://norilanabooks.livejournal.com/

                                                                               

News Release

For Further Information:

Lyn Carden

770-298-2243

LynCarden@hotmail.com

Millions of taxpayers can still cash in on last year’s rebate
In tough economy, rebates could mean hundreds of additional dollars

For Immediate Release: Feb. 18, 2009

            Roswell, GA. – An estimated 25 million – or 1 in 5 – taxpayers may have a second chance to cash in on rebate money still available from last year’s economic stimulus plan, even if they received money last year, according to The Tax Institute at H&R Block.

            Eligible taxpayers are taking home hundreds of additional dollars on their federal returns. Last year’s stimulus payment netted most eligible taxpayers an additional $600 for single filers; $1200 for joint filers, plus an additional $300 for each qualifying child.

 H&R Block (NYSE:HRB) alerts taxpayers to speak with a professional to see if they’re eligible. Among those who may qualify for additional rebate money this year:

·         First-time filers

·         Taxpayers who had a child in 2008

·         Taxpayers whose net tax liability increased in 2008 vs. 2007

·         Taxpayers who got married or divorced in 2008

·         People who share custody of a child, claiming on alternate year.

·         The 2.6 million who lost their job in 2008

·         People who aren’t required to file – and didn’t file a tax return last year    

In this tough economy, taxpayers want to get the most out of their refund,” said LaFaye Wiese, District Manager at H&R Block. “With last year’s tax law changes designed to boost the economy – and leftover money from the rebate – many taxpayers are taking home a windfall they really need.”

            When Americans received their rebate checks last year, those payments were based on 2007 tax return information. Taxpayers whose circumstances changed in 2008 may now qualify for the recovery rebate credit or qualify for additional money at a critical economic time.

In addition, taxpayers who don’t typically file a return – and failed to last year – may still be able to cash in on the rebate. Qualifying income such as Social Security or VA disability benefits of at least $3,000 could mean a minimum credit of $300 for single filers or $600 for joint filers.

Rather than sent as a separate check like last year’s stimulus payment, the rebate will be included as part of a 2008 refund or used to reduce a tax liability. Eligible taxpayers who have already filed their return this year – but failed to cash in on last year’s rebate – could file an amended return and still receive funds.

 One caveat: taxpayers need to verify with the IRS the amount they received last year. An erroneous entry could delay processing, so taxpayers are encouraged to check a special IRS Web site when they prepare their tax return or their tax professional can provide the necessary help.

Last year’s stimulus payment was actually an advance payment of the credit. If this year’s credit is calculated to be less than the stimulus payment the taxpayer received, the taxpayer does not have to pay the extra amount back. But if this year’s amount is more, the taxpayer can claim the additional amount. Also, the economic stimulus payments are not considered federal taxable income for 2008.

For more information about filing a tax return to get the recovery rebate credit, visit www.hrblock.com. To find a local, year-round H&R Block office, call 1-800-HRBLOCK.

# # #

About H&R Block
H&R Block Inc. (NYSE: HRB) is the world’s preeminent tax services provider, having served more than 400 million clients since 1955 and generating annual revenues of $4.1 billion in fiscal year 2008. H&R Block provides income tax return preparation and related services and products via a nationwide network of approximately 13,000 company-owned and franchised offices and through TaxCut® online and software solutions. The company also provides business services through RSM McGladrey. For more information visit our Online Press Center at www.hrblock.com.

 

For Immediate Release

Angel Flight provides free air transportation for people that have medical needs that cannot be filled in their local areas.  Our organization believes that the cost of travel should never stand in the way of receiving medical care.  Therefore, our angels will take flight to get people to the hope of lifesaving medical treatment and all of our services are free!



NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thru May 8th, 2009
For information contact:
Jeanine Chambers Biron 770-452-7958, ext. 3

2009 JIM SHAFER MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT OF ANGELS
YOU DRIVE, SO WE CAN FLY!


Atlanta (February 17, 2009) Tee up for the 2009 Jim Shafer Memorial Tournament of Angels, sponsored by Magnolia Plastics Inc., and your entry fee will support Angel Flight. This means every shot you take helps provide free air transportation to anyone who needs specialized medical care.


Of course, a tournament this heavenly could only take place at equally divine courses: The Woodlands and Chateau Courses at Château Élan Golf Resort on Thursday, May 14th, 2009. Registration begins at 9:00 AM, with a shotgun start at 11:00 AM. A delicious lunch will be provided by The Atlanta Bread Company at the Forum on Peachtree Parkway and the day concludes with an awards banquet and fabulous dinner by Fat Matt's Rib Shack in the Pavilion!


Come enjoy a great round and help Angel Flight get people to the hope of potentially life-saving medical treatments! The Angel Flight philosophy is that the cost of travel should never stand in the way of receiving medical care. We are totally committed to our mission of removing the obstacle of transportation for individuals with medical and financial needs. And, in addition to getting people to medical care on a daily basis, we are privileged to be a "first-responder" in times of national crisis. By supporting the Tournament of Angels, you can help us fly patients from, to and through Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Our pilots will take flight to get patients to the hope of lifesaving treatment. And, all of our services are free!


Your participation will make a difference in the lives of the families that are touched by our service and all proceeds support Angel Flight. Be sure and reserve your round today... You'll never play a more rewarding game of golf!

* * * * * * * * *

Angel Flight of Georgia is a non-profit 501(c)(3) volunteer pilot organization. They provide free air transportation for medical treatments that are not available locally and for other compassionate purposes for the benefit of the community. This service is available for any medically stable and ambulatory patient demonstrating a financial need and/or anyone who cannot utilize or access commercial transportation. They help families by eliminating the concern of how to get to necessary medical care, so they are able to focus on a resolution for the medical condition. Hopefully, this will help the patient to a more speedy recovery and will enable the family to resume participation in their communities and workplaces. This organization of volunteer pilots and earth angels (ground volunteers) are totally committed to their mission and has increased over 733% in flights coordinated since the year 2000. The majority of the people served live in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Angel Flight and their service is funded entirely by corporate and private donations. To request a mission or support the cause, call 770.452.7958,
1-877-4-AN-ANGEL or go online at www.AngelFlightSoars.org.

* * * * * *

Angel Flight 2000 Airport Road PDK Airport Suite 227 Atlanta, GA 30341 770.452-7958 Toll Free 1.877.4.AN.ANGEL www.AngelFlightSoars.org




  For Immediate Release: 02/17/09
The Society of Consumer Affairs Professionals (SOCAP) / Georgia Chapter
announced that it has unanimously elected Darlene Geller-Stoff, president of Direct Communication Specialists, as chapter president for a two year term. Darlene's wealth of experience in the customer care industry and in leading various association boards over the last 25 years will provide focused direction to the Georgia chapter.Darlene's energy, enthusiasm and forward thinking will be a key factor in taking the SOCAP to their next phase of growth within the region. SOCAP is an organization committed to promoting customer care and customer engagement as a competitive advantage in business by providing the educational tools and professional resources to help its members to drive business transformation within their companies. Additionally, SOCAP’s exclusive  network gives members access to thousands of customer care experts across the  globe. "It is a pleasure to welcome Darlene as our chapter president” said Tom Rocca, a past president and a current SOCAP National Board Director.  "She is a highly regarded executive with extensive organization management and leadership experience. We look forward to her contributions and believe that her insights will be of great benefit to the Georgia chapter and its members. Please join me in congratulating Darlene and wishing her every success in her new  role." In addition to Ms. Geller-Stoff Darlene, the 2009 SOCAP board will be:Wade Hauser of Prosodie Interactive, immediate past president; Dan Valentine of SoaDesk; Michele Jaffe of Coaching Systems; Mark Palmucci of Siemens; Bryan Taylor of Anderson-Taylor; Kelly Deases of Noble Systems; Robb Duke of Interactive Softworks; Jay Steinworth of GM Voices; Tom Rocca of KPI Group; and Jeffery Law of Assurant Solutions. Upcoming events:Membership Appreciation Night / March 26th
Product Recall Webinar / May 7
Annual Summer Social / June 18 For more information on SOCAP and upcoming event details, please visit www.socapgeorgia.org  

Media Contact:  Sean Ryan                                             FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Email: sryan2@mindspring.com

Work Phone:  678-989-3810

Cell Phone:  770-757-0384

ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION SETS BANQUET DATE

The Northeast Georgia Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) will hold its Fourth Annual Big Game Banquet and Auction at Gwinnett Center on February 28th, 2009.

Local chapters of the RMEF conduct annual banquets that feature a social hour with games, raffles, prizes, and a silent auction, followed by a dinner and then a lively benefit auction. Local volunteers in the North East Georgia area who are concerned about the future of wildlife and preserving our wildlife’s habitat have developed the chapter.  This is the 25th Anniversary of the RMEF and will be a spectacular banquet. 

Committee Chair Lee Maddox announced that the social hour would begin at 4:00 PM followed by dinner at 5:30 PM.  The fundraising auction, which begins after the meal, will feature several rifles, bows, limited edition wildlife prints, hunts, and other top quality items.  All proceeds from the banquet will benefit RMEF habitat conservation projects.  Several limited 25th Anniversary items will be auctioned off.    

Tickets are $65 for a single and $95 for a couple.  All tickets include your meal, a one-year RMEF membership and a subscription to Bugle magazine. 

For reservations and more information, please contact Michael Wright at 678-787-2467.  

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is an international, nonprofit conservation organization whose mission is to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat.  Founded in 1984, the Foundation now has more than 155,000 members who have helped generate the funds to conserve and enhance 5.5 million acres of wildlife habitat across North America.  This year, RMEF is celebrating its 25th Anniversary.  The RMEF has more than 2,900 critical wildlife and habitat conservation projects in the United States and Canada.  The RMEF has been instrumental in reestablishing elk in the Appalachian Mountains where they roamed over 200 years ago.  Kentucky now has a substantial population of over 7,500 elk with a hunting season and North Carolina has an established herd in the Great Smoky Mountain Park at Cataloochee.  Some other examples included management related research, habitat acquisitions, habitat improvement projects, and conservation education programs.  The RMEF also publishes a bimonthly magazine, Bugle – the only major national publication devoted exclusively to elk.  To learn more about the Elk Foundation, visit www.elkfoundation.org, or phone 1-800-CALL-ELK. 

News information for immediate release 

CONTACT: Lupita McClenning, Senior Planner

ORGANIZATION: Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center

TELEPHONE: (912) 262 2871

Email: lmcclenning@coastalgeorgiardc.org

FAX: (921) 262 2313

SUBJECT: Practicum Series to implement the Regional Plan of Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center

   

   Brunswick – An opportunity to learn, better understand and utilize the Education and Outreach Element of the Regional Plan of Coastal Georgia is being kicked-off Thursday, February 26 by the Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center (CGRDC) in Brunswick. It is the first Practicum (workshop) of a planned six-part series being offered free to elected and appointed officials, local governments, and interested citizens, according to Lupita McClenning, Senior Planner of the CGRDC.

   The first meeting is entitled “Georgia on My Mind, a Model Development,” and will be held in the meeting room of the Coastal Georgia RDC headquarters, 127 F Street in Brunswick. To register go to www.coastalgeorgiardc.org.

   Speakers include Beth Allgood Blalock, the Coastal Land Conservation Program Manager for the Georgia Conservancy, where she works on policy issues in the areas of land planning and coastal conservation; Beth Bradley, the Land Initiative Director for the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia and advisor to Georgia’s 159 county governments on various land management issues; Curtis R. Burkett, P.E., LEED, AP, a registered engineer with more than 23 years experience and an employee of Zev Cohen and Associates; and, McClenning, Comprehensive Plan Project Manager and the Senior Planner of the CGRDC.

   To implement the Regional Plan, the CGRDC identified topics to base education and offer opportunities for technical assistance by creating partnerships with state agencies.

   The meetings will feature key speakers with expertise in related fields ranging from septic tank management, water quality and quantity, funding infrastructure, storm water and model ordinances.  Meetings are free and open to the public, running from late February through June. 

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-page two-

    “Following a directive from the governor that state agencies work together in a spirit of cooperation, the CGRDC reached out to create strong partnerships with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), The University of Georgia Marine Extension, the Georgia Conservancy, the Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Association of County Commissioners (ACCG), and the Georgia Department of Environmental Protection to educate policy makers, local government staff and the general public about the region-wide efforts to usher in sound regulatory planning with the implementation of the Regional Plan,” McClenning said.

   She added, “The challenge is to develop strategies that not only encourage orderly growth and development in the appropriate areas, but also respond to development pressures, promote rural sustainability in communities, preserve sensitive lands and wildlife habitat, and make efficient use of public services. Without proactive initiatives, the result will be sprawling disconnected subdivisions.”

   The “Georgia on My Mind, A Model Development,” Practicum will be followed

March 24 and 25, by “DoDo’ It Now, Septic Tank Management;” April 15 and 16, “Staying ‘Well’ Connected, Water Quality, Quantity, Surface and Ground Water are Interrelated;” April 22, “Show Me the Money, Funding Infrastructure Improvements;” May 19 and 20, “Making the Connection: Linking Storm Water to Land Use;” and, June 23 and 24, “Model Ordinances: The Efficient and Effective Use of Land Resources by the Adoption Model Ordinances.”

   All six meetings will run from 8:30 a.m. through noon.

 

-end-

    Sixth Dimension Media Consultants, LLC - Andrew Murphy - (386) 689 0055    333andrew@bellsouth.net

  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

 

 

 

 

 

LANDLORDS LAUNCHES WEBSITE WITH A LIST OF BAD TENANTS

  

Ann Arbor , MI - The 'Do Not Rent To' (www.donotrentto.com) website was created to help landlords worldwide minimize the risks associated with renting to "bad tenants". The site, described as "genius" by landlords, who at times do not have a way of informing other landlords of "bad tenants".

 

Landlords will always take risks when renting their properties.  However, these risks can be minimized by allowing landlords to see if a potential renter has been added to the www.donotrentto.com list of bad tenants.  Landlords are obligated to inform other landlords of the problems encountered when renting properties to certain tenants.  

 

If someone would like to know if a candidate is a suitable renter for their property before they hand over the keys, then www.donotrentto.com is the best site for this information.  By pre-screening candidates through this site they will find out if the previous landlord experienced any of the following issues: Late Payments, Non-Payment of Rent, Destruction of Property, Theft, Refusal to Vacate Premises, or any other issues a landlord may have encountered.

 

 

 

As a member, landlords have unlimited tenant postings and unlimited tenant searches.  When posting tenant information, landlords are allowed to enter any comments they feel will best describe their experience with a certain renter.   Members will be able to contact other members via email to help verify certain tenant information, and this information will be useful to the landlord community of www.donotrentto.com in determining if the potential renter is a suitable candidate for their property.

 

 

 

Do not wait until the tenant has rented the property, and then experienced thousands of dollars in lost rent, stolen property, or property damage.   Become a member of www.donotrentto.com today and minimize all of these risks.   Rental property is a good way to provide extra income, do not let that income go out the window.   An investment is just that, an investment.    All tenants are not bad, but protect that investment, by pre-screening those tenants on www.donotrentto.com to insure that the potential renter has not been entered as a bad tenant by another landlord.   The benefits of joining www.donotrentto.com will be realized the first time a landlord does a search on a potential renter, and discovers that this potential renter has been entered as a bad tenant by their previous landlord. 

 

Remember, before a property is rented, it is always best to know who not to rent to!

 

###

If you would like more information about this website, or to schedule an interview with Joseph Collins please call 734/934-8001 or email Joseph at joseph.collins@donotrentto.com

 

 

News Release

For Further Information:

Lyn Michaels-Carden

Community Relations Coordinator

H&R Block
770-485-9049 home

770-298-2243 office

LynCarden@Hotmail.com

Tax talk may be best Valentine’s Day gift for newlyweds, exes

Falling in or out of love in 2008 could mean savings at tax time

For Immediate Release: (Feb. 13, 2009)

            (Roswell, GA)– What better way to say ‘I love you’ than… to discuss your taxes? Taxes may not be the most romantic topic on Valentine’s Day, but a wedding – or divorce – in 2008 may make a difference on your tax return.

            Taxpayers who were married or divorced in 2008 could be eligible for additional recovery rebate credit money, depending on their income level and economic stimulus payment they received. An estimated 1 in 5 – or 25 million taxpayers – may have a second chance for rebate money from last year’s economic stimulus plan, according to The Tax Institute at H&R Block. In addition, there are other tax implications.

“Most new couples are thinking about how to start their marriage off with a strong foundation, including a focus on money matters,” said LaFaye Wiese, District Manager, at H&R Block. “And as recent divorcees rebuild their lives, their financial situation is top of mind.”

For newlyweds, The Tax Institute recommends the following when preparing their first return as a married couple:

  • Filing status: Married taxpayers typically file a joint return because of the added tax benefits and credits. Filing separately is usually worse because many deductions and credits are reduced or lost. However, filing separately can actually lower a tax bill in certain cases. Taxpayers might want to figure out your taxes both ways to determine which is best. And don’t forget to figure your state taxes, too.
  • Name change: If you changed your name after you were married, apply for a Social Security card with your new name.
  • Moving: To avoid any delays in refunds or correspondence, inform the IRS if you moved.
  • Professional help: Visit a tax professional and have an estimate of your current-year tax done to find out if you should adjust your withholding.

A divorce or legal separation can complicate tax returns. Recent divorcees should understand the terms of their divorce and consider these issues when preparing their returns:

·         Head of Household status: If you are divorced as of the last day of 2008, paid more than half the cost of keeping up your home, and the qualifying dependent lived in your home more than half the year, you may be eligible to claim this status. If you are still married but your spouse did not live in the same house with you and your child, you may qualify to be treated as unmarried for tax purposed.

·         Children: Child support isn't deductible by the payer, and it's not income to the recipient. If you're the custodial parent, you can claim the child as a dependent. The noncustodial parent can claim the dependent exemption for the child only with consent of the custodial parent. You must attach the written consent to your tax return.

·         Alimony: Alimony is deductible by the payer and considered taxable income to the payee. The payer and recipient need to have alimony payments clearly defined in the divorce agreement. If your alimony payments decrease more than $15,000 in the first three years, see the recapture rules in IRS Publication 504, Divorced or Separated Individuals.

Whether you live in Valentine, Neb., or Loveland, Colo., not getting all the tax credits and deductions possible could be costing more than the Valentine Day’s confections, flowers and restaurants.

Visit www.hrblock.com/taxes/tax_tips and www.digits.hrblock.com or call 1-800-HRBLOCK for more information on helpful tax tips, or to locate one of H&R Block’s more than 13,000 locations nationwide.

# # #

About H&R Block
H&R Block Inc. (NYSE: HRB) is the world’s preeminent tax services provider, having served more than 400 million clients since 1955 and generating annual revenues of $4.1 billion in fiscal year 2008. H&R Block provides income tax return preparation and related services and products via a nationwide network of approximately 13,000 company-owned and franchised offices and through TaxCut® online and software solutions. The company also provides business services through RSM McGladrey. For more information visit our Online Press Center at www.hrblock.com.

 
CED Solutions, LLC to Provide Free Computer Training to Unemployed Professionals in Greater Atlanta Area - 2/5/2009Out of Work? Get Up to Speed Fast!PRESS RELEASE:  ATLANTA, GEORGIA – February 5, 2009 – CED Solutions, LLC today announced a program to provide a free 5-day hands-on Microsoft Office computer training course to Greater Atlanta’s unemployed. The program will run through May at CED Solutions’ corporate headquarters located in Marietta, GA, one of the largest training centers in the nation. CED Solutions will offer a modified schedule of courses specifically aimed at enhancing core computer skills necessary in today’s work environment.
 
The number of people seeking unemployment benefits is at a 26-year high and those recently laid off are finding they need broader and stronger skills in order to secure new jobs.  Richard Rodgers, President and CEO of CED Solutions, says "We view unexpected downtime resulting from layoffs as the opportunity for those unemployed to invest in professional development, enhance their basic technology skills and build their resumes.” He continues “CED Solutions is committed to supporting the Greater Atlanta business community during these challenging economic times.”

Student must have verifiable previous income, and verifiable notice of unemployment.   Class openings are based upon availability and are filled on a first-come, first-registered basis.  Class dates are subject to change or cancellation.   Offer may be cancelled at any time without notice.
Those interested in learning more about the program or taking advantage of these FREE TRAINING classes should contact Linda Hamil at 800.611.1840 or 404.SOFT.WARE.
 About CED Solutions:  Established in 2001, CED Solutions Software Training Center is located in Marietta, GA.  CED Solutions is a Microsoft Gold Partner, CISCO sponsored learning organization, CompTIA, Oracle, and EC-Council authorized training center, and a Prometric, Vue, and Certiport testing center.  CED Solutions offers both technical and application training on over 100 programs.    ###  Michele WatermanCED Solutions770-937-0140 ext. 154800-611-1840mwaterman@cedsolutions.com 

fullname: Glenn Weissmanemail: glenn@cgccs.comcomments: CGC Consulting Services, Inc.      List Brokerage/Management          Marketing Consulting5175 Performance Dr. Cumming, GA 30040 ph) 770-403-0123 email glenn@cgccs.comJanuary 30, 2009FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPARTY ART BAKERY SOLD!  CUSTOMERS IN UPROAR!  NEW OWNER SAYS DONT PANIC - THE SECRET CAKE RECIPE IS SAFE!Cumming, GA  For over 17 years Party Art Bakery, long known for its delicious and creative cakes, unique baked goods and the largest selection of home baking supplies, it is also one of the most established bakeries in northern Georgia. Frank Fernando, a dynamic and creative entrepreneur transplanted to Alpharetta, Georgia from London, England, is pleased to announce that he has purchased Party Art Bakery and has undertaken the monumental task of creating what could be the first location of a unique chain of themed bakery and desert cafés  Lets face it, most people love cake, says Frank.  Even in an economic downturn like the one we are experiencing now, people still love their baked goodies and sweets, he continued in his pleasing English accent.  I intend to take this business to a new level.  Franks past experience in business and his finely tuned business acumen tells him that this is a business that can thrive even in a downturn; Frank had spent hundreds of hours researching several food related industries and had no trouble deciding that this was the business for him.Although Frank came to this country with limited knowledge of the baking industry he has brought with him over 35 years of entrepreneurial experience and success.  Party Art Bakery will be renamed CREATIONS PATISSERIE AND DESSERT CAFE.  Mr. Fernando wants to assure all past, present, and new customers that CREATIONS  will maintain the same secret and original baking formulas that made Party Art Bakery so well known throughout Georgia for its wonderful and great tasting selection of custom, birthday, wedding and celebratory cakes. In the not too distant future, Mr. Fernando and his team will morph the retail store into a dessert café where you can have a slice of freshly baked delicious cake or pastry with a cup of hot Java, hot tea,  gelato and smoothies, together with other popular beverage concoctions in a relaxing atmosphere, and of course free WI-FI internet access will also be available.  Frank also intends to have bake and decorate your own cake parties for children as well as kids etiquette lessons, and a revamped website that will showcase CREATIONS full line of home baking products. .As part of its grand opening celebration CREATIONS will be offering FREE COFFEE from now until further notice. In addition, CREATIONS will offer a 10% discount on all custom cakes until the end of February to all customers who order a cake and mention Franks name.  But, look out!  You might get a special surprise with your order, in addition to a bountiful CHEERS MATE! from Frank. Frank continues We are now getting ready for what is known as the Valentines Day Crush. We are in a last minute dash preparing for Valentines Day.  We plan to have everything from double dipped chocolate strawberries, gift baskets, heart shaped cakes, caramel and chocolate covered apples, Belgium and Swiss chocolates and much, much more. It is recommended that you place your orders early to avoid any disappointment. So support your local bakery and taste the difference at CREATIONS where you can take your cake or eat it here tooCREATIONS are located at 101 Meadow Drive (just past Mr. Swiss and behind Movie 400 on Rte 9) in Cumming. Ph 770 887 4944 For more information or media inquiries contact:  Glenn Weissman  Ph.770-844-2106 or email glenn@cgccs.com getintouch: emailbest_time: 770-844-2106submit: Submitsubmit.y: 11

submit.x: 26

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT: Doug Wattenburger Task Force G.I. 1-800-804-9110 Info@TaskForceGI.org TaskforceGI.org

New Military Charity Promotes "Civilians for Service Members."

Task Force G.I. Concentrates on Creating Military Service Member Opportunity While Addressing Overseas Environment and Educational Needs.

Seattle, WA, January 27, 2009

Task Force G.I. is a non-profit Military charity that has been developed for the exclusive benefit of current and future members of the Armed Forces. Taskforce G.I. concentrates on five programs developed specifically to enhance overall overseas deployment environments and further the pursuit of obtaining educational degrees for enlisted members on active duty status with the five branches of service.

Taskforce G.I. has developed and promotes a lean operating platform designed to improve the return of all program investment. The focus is to use technology and volunteers to enhance the overall value received by Soldiers, Sailors, Airman and Marines. The website, TaskforceGI.org offers no obligation news letters to keep those interested in the progress of each Donor and Volunteer program. Interested parties can register for the news letters by visiting the website, no Donor obligation is necessary to participate. Taskforce G.I. welcomes all involvement, allowing the largest voice possible so they can effectively contribute toward the betterment of Military Service Member’s education and environment.

"A very important part of my life was serving overseas in extreme conditions and hostile environments with the 82
nd Airborne during Operation Desert Shield and the Persian Gulf War after reflection of that experience and consulting with others from current conflicts," said Task Force G.I. founder Doug Wattenburger, "we feel that the initial program offering, serves members of the Military well." Task Force G.I. has five specific programs designed to address topics relating to overseas environment issues and educational progress for enlisted personnel. Taskforce G.I. has setup detailed donor programs for Individuals and Businesses that will permit rewarding experiences for all stakeholders involved. Specific program names are as follows: Education, Overseas Environment, Tools of the Trade, Emergency Assistance and Patriot. Detailed information on each program can be found on the website at TaskforceGI.org.

###

For additional information on Task Force G.I. contact their Marketing department at 1-800-804-9110 ext 600 or visit www.TaskforceGI.org. ABOUT Task Force G.I. - Task force G.I. is a non profit Charitable 501 (c) (3) corporation existing solely for the current and future benefit of our Armed forces operating both at home and overseas. We pride ourselves on having a deep understanding of the critical needs of those members of the Armed forces currently deployed overseas. We have crafted five programs that will maximize the return of donor investment; in addition we are setting up a website specifically for Service Members at Serviceappreciation.org. This will allow us to work directly with members of the Armed forces in crafting and evolving our donor programs. Our not for profit business model takes pride in maximizing the value that the service member receives from every donation by minimizing the cost of our charitable platform; Task Force G.I.

- END -

Contact: 

David John Berndt

832-441-1734

davidjberndt@yahoo.com

 Author Donates Books to Support Alpharetta Firemen:

Charlotte Hughes' Nutcase Hero Fights Arson in Atlanta

Alpharetta, GA - January 26, 2009Best selling author Charlotte Hughes is donating hundreds of autographed copies of her book WHAT LOOKS LIKE CRAZY to fire houses in Georgia, including many stations in Alpharetta and North Fulton County. The male hero of the fictional series is a fireman in Atlanta, and in the most recent book, he is busy dealing with a serial arsonist.  Hughes, who is best known for the NY Times best selling FULL series she wrote with Janet Evanovich, said that her gesture was in honor of the sacrifice and risks firemen take every day, and the families who stand behind them.

In the series, WHAT LOOKS LIKE CRAZY introduced Kate Holly, a clinical psychologist and her husband Jay who is an Atlanta fireman.  The book is in the Romantic Suspense genre, but like much of Ms. Hughes' more then 40 novels, it is filled with humorous situations, and Kate Holly proves that the life of a psychologist can be a little crazy. In NUTCASE, the second, stand alone book in the series, Jay is confronted with a serial arsonist who is targeting firemen. Charlotte will be touring in support of NUTCASE and will be at the Barnes and Noble in Alpharetta 7660 Northpoint Parkway Feb 28th at 2:00 p.m.  

Charlotte noted, "It's not just the firemen who I wanted to thank, but especially their families who stand by them. While many of the first responders will find it a fun book, I suspect it is the spouses who will most enjoy it. I hope they have as much fun reading it as I did writing it."

It's no secret that award-winning author Charlotte Hughes "delivers an entertaining and fast-paced mystery" (Publishers Weekly)…and fans cannot get enough of her riveting romantic suspense, as evidenced by the blockbuster success of her compelling "Full" series, co-authored with New York Times bestselling author Janet Evanovich.  It's been said that Charlotte Hughes has "a gift for capturing the essence of southern life, while keeping suspense lovers glued to the page" (Romantic Times).   Early reviews of NUTCASE emphasize the fun: "I have never laughed so hard in my life," said Kathy Boswell of Fresh Fiction.

The book NUTCASE, by Charlotte Hughes is being published by Jove (Mar, 2009) and is 288 pages long in paperback (ISBN 978051514593). WHAT LOOKS LIKE CRAZY was also from Jove and was published in paperback in 2008 (ISBN 9780515144239).  More about Charlotte Hughes can be found on her website at www.charlottehughes.com . Her publicist is David Berndt and he can be reached at davidjberndt@yahoo.com.

PRESS RELEASE

01/07/08

 Representative Ron Stephens announced his intention to file legislation to increase Georgia’s cigarette tax by $1.00 on Tuesday January 6, 2009 at the State Capitol.   Dr. Matt Mumber and a large group of oncologists are among those who strongly support the move.  “Georgia is facing some tough decisions regarding our health care system and our budget”, said Mumber, a radiation oncologist and President of the Georgia Society of Clinical Oncology (GASCO), “We need to save lives by reducing smoking, and also by funding proven cancer prevention strategies.  The evidence strongly suggests that a significant increase in our cigarette tax would go a long way towards effectively addressing both.”  In addition to being the single most preventable cause of cancer, cigarette smoking has been linked with a number of costly healthcare ailments including low birth weight, asthma, respiratory infection, ear infections and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.  “The burden that cigarette smoking places on our health care resources—and subsequently our state budget-- is staggering” added Dr. Harvey Lebos, a Savannah based oncologist and past President of GASCO.  A recent Centers for Disease Control report showed that Georgia spent about $600 million dollars in 2006 treating tobacco related disease through its state Medicaid program.  “GASCO supports an increased tobacco tax because we see the devastating toll of tobacco use in our offices every day, but given the current state of our economy, the revenue implications are hard to ignore as well.”   A number of studies have shown that higher tobacco prices significantly reduce consumption while increasing state revenue.   A $1.00 increase in Georgia’s cigarette tax would decrease smoking by an estimated 6% and generate an estimated $440 million per year in new revenue for the state.  Georgia’s current cigarette tax of 37 cents per pack ranks Georgia as the 43rd lowest rate among the 50 states.  According to many economists, cigarette taxes are a more reliable and predictable source of revenue than other taxes such as state income or corporate taxes.  In fact, 44 states have increased their tobacco taxes since 2000, and in each case, revenue increased and cigarette consumption decreased.   “If that is not a “win-win” then I don’t know what is” said State Senator Don Thomas, a physician from Dalton Georgia who supports the bill.   “I have practiced medicine in Georgia for over 40 years and I can tell you that the healthcare reasons alone are enough to warrant this cigarette tax increase”, said Thomas.  “But the fact that Georgia may be confronted with employee layoffs, education cuts, larger class sizes, and cuts to corrections institutions, road projects and other projects vital to Georgia’s continued growth makes this a no brainer.  Last year we couldn’t fund a trauma care network.  This year we may be cutting health services.  But somehow, tobacco is untouchable?” said Thomas.  “I am trying to understand what is so important about cheap cigarettes. What are we willing to sacrifice at the altar of cheap tobacco?” Many other health organizations agree.  The Georgia Association of Family Physicians, Medical Association of Georgia, Academy of Pediatrics, Regional Cancer Coalitions, Georgia OB/GYN Society, and over 50 other organizations have all signed on to a resolution supporting the measure.  ##Media Inquiries:  Contact Andy Lord Georgia Society of Clinical Oncology 404-454-6373andylord@georgiacapitolsolutions.com

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Contacts:   Kenneth and Phlicia Keaton:
shsga@comcast.net, 678-807-7955              
                   Alan Shirk:
  alan@shirkcom.com or 610.736.9223.

Photo attached or available.
                 
Seniors Helping Seniors® In-Home Services
Establishes Latest Franchise to Serve Northeast Atlanta

Wyomissing Hills, Pa – To help meet the growing demand of older Georgians who want to remain in their own homes and stay as self-sufficient as possible, Seniors Helping Seniors® In-Home Services (SHS) has established a new franchise to serve northeast Atlanta, Ga., covering all of Forsyth County and part of Gwinnett County; Sugar Hill and Buford.

Seniors Helping Seniors--which has five regional owners and some 50 franchise partners in Georgia, New York, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, Michigan, Florida, Washington and California--is a national caregiver and companionship organization and the only one that matches seniors who need in-home care services with seniors who provide them.

The newest franchise is owned and operated by Kenneth and Phlicia Keaton in Suwanee, Ga. There is also a Seniors Helping Seniors franchise in McDonough, Ga., serving all of Henry and Spalding counties.

Kenneth Keaton retired as a master sergeant from the U.S. Air Force in July 2008 after a career of 21 years that included logistics/supply chain management and electrical civil engineering experience. He has a BS in business management from National-Louis University; Wheeling, Ill. Phlicia Keaton has a BS in business management from the University of Phoenix.  She has several years of experience in the human resources, staffing and guest services industries.

The couple has extensive experience working as volunteers, primarily with seniors—Kenneth Keaton for Christmas in April and Habitat for Humanity and Phlicia Keaton with her mother, who worked as a volunteer for seniors for several years.  In addition, she has volunteered her services with the Center for Children in Southern Maryland.

They chose a Seniors Helping Seniors franchise because it is an organization “they can believe in and stand behind,” she stated.  “When Kenneth retired, our goal was to pursue an opportunity that would enable us to contribute to the greater good while gaining a since of self-fulfillment.  We know that this will be very gratifying for us to be able to help seniors and caregivers.”

Kenneth Keaton believes Seniors Helping Seniors is important, especially in Georgia, which has the sixth fastest growing 60+ and 85+ populations among U.S. states. “It is important that we have organizations like Seniors Helping Seniors in place to provide a sense of assurance that seniors can remain independent with the dignity and respect they deserve.

“That goes both ways. Not only are we providing non-medical in home support to seniors who need it, but also giving seniors who can provide those services an opportunity to earn extra income,” he added.

“We want to be the Number One choice among seniors,” said Phlicia Keaton. “We want to be a strong, one-stop resource for the senior community in Forsyth and Gwinnett counties.”

Philip Yocom, who manages the national Seniors Helping Seniors franchise organization, said he is pleased to welcome the Keatons as franchise partners.  “They come to our Seniors Helping Seniors community with many years of management experience and a deeply personal knowledge about what it means to be a caregiver for seniors.  They will make an excellent addition to our franchise family, people who are dedicated to providing the Seniors Helping Seniors brand of loving, giving, caring and compassionate service and who will fulfill our mission in further expanding our care giving and companionship services in Georgia,” he said.

Added Kenneth Keaton; “Our services also give caregivers respite and peace of mind, knowing that their loved ones are receiving quality care and companionship from a trusted organization.”

Philip Yocom, and his wife, Kiran Yocom, co-founded Seniors Helping Seniors In-Home Services (SHS), which began as a non-profit organization serving Reading and Berks County, Pennsylvania.  That first non-profit organization today encompasses more than 250 senior providers helping more than 600 senior receivers.  In 2007, the non-profit Seniors Helping Seniors provided nearly 17,000 hours of service.

Philip Yocom said, “What began as a heartfelt mission to fill a need that was not being served by our local community is now being recognized as a prime business opportunity being fueled by the fastest growing demographic in our society.”

He said, “We want the existing Seniors Helping Seniors organization and any future franchises to be the first place that seniors in need of non-medical services and those seeking extra income call.”

“We will support all our franchisees with all of the expertise we have gained in running Seniors Helping Seniors.  We’ll also provide marketing, sales, management, and technology support.”

He added, “We believe we have found a practical, cost-effective way to help seniors remain independent and to continue contributing.  As we grow nationwide, we remain committed to providing our brand of loving, giving, caring, compassionate service.”

For more information, contact the Keaton’s by e-mail at shsga@comcast.net or by phone at 678-807-7955. For more information about franchises, visit www.seniorshelpingseniors.com, e-mail opportunities@seniorshelpingseniors.com or call 610-858-2556.

--  SHIRKcommunications
                           www.shirkcom.com  The GoggleWorks 2nd & Washington Streets Reading, PA 19601 (610)736-9223 Fax: (610)736-9224  Alan Shirk alan@shirkcom.com  Mike Shirk mike@shirkcom.com Cell: (610)574-0295

BinTech Partners Inc. and Bankers Insurance Group Host End of Hurricane Season Forum for Insurance Agents

Press Release December 11, 2008

ST. PETE BEACH, FL – BinTech Partners, Inc., an outsourcing company serving the insurance industry, hosted an End of Hurricane Season Forum as an educational tool for insurance professionals, agents, adjusting firms and reinsurers from around the country at the Sirata Resort on St. Pete Beach, December 2. “Improving from Lessons Learned” was the theme for the annual event, which included an impressive list of speakers within the industry.

The forum was hosted by David Meehan, President of Bankers Insurance Group and Chairman of BinTech Partners, Kathleen Batson, President of BinTech Partners and Nan Brunson, Vice President of BinTech Partners.

“For professionals like this to come together and share their ideas for improving the way the insurance industry handles catastrophes like hurricanes Katrina, Rita and, most recently, Gustav and Ike is an incredible opportunity for us all,” said BinTech President Kathleen Batson. “We appreciate the opportunity to share this information with our clients and competitors, and to learn a little something ourselves.”

There were more than 175 people in attendance from Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas and South Carolina. Speakers included: Ed Connor, Acting Federal Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency; John Wortman, CEO of Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corp. and Jeff Bragg, Director of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program. Additional speakers included Jo Ann Howard, CEO of H2O Partners; Julie Rochman, CEO of the Institute for Business and Home Safety; and Bay News Nine Meteorologist Brian McClure.

Julie Rochman spoke of the potential hazards of waterfront property, “We have $7 trillion in exposure from Texas to Maine and that’s growing,” she said. “When areas are hit, they become our laboratories,” she explains referencing the chance to learn from disasters how to build homes that will sustain a major storm.

Ed Conner talked about FEMA. “FEMA’s mission is to reduce the loss of life and property and that can’t happen without mitigation.” The idea behind mitigation is to lessen the impact of disasters. Conner also spoke about the need for lenders to explain the importance of flood insurance to homebuyers that may not be in a flood zone. Brian McClure talked about the difficulties of warning viewers of an upcoming storm without panicking them. Remaining speakers shared their expertise on Terrorism Insurance, Hurricane Ike and the history of Louisiana Citizens Property & Casualty Insurance.

BinTech Partners, Inc., a subsidiary of Bankers Insurance Group, Inc., was created to offer high-quality insurance outsourcing services to our expanding clientele of insurance companies. BinTech Partners specializes in support services for both personal and commercial lines products.

Bankers Insurance Group is a subsidiary of Bankers Financial Corporation and the corporate parent of our insurance companies. From modest beginnings in 1976, the Group has grown steadily into a recognized industry leader.  Based in St. Petersburg, Florida, BinTech Partners and Bankers conduct business nationwide.

Visit BinTech Partners web site at www.bintechpartners.com. Visit Bankers web site at www.bankersinsurance.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Tim Cabrera, COO

404-579-3041

Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008

 

 

 

Pride of Ownership Partners, Rent2OwnExpert.com Merge

to Offer Affordable Housing Options in Metro Atlanta

 

(ATLANTA) December 2, 2008 – Pride of Ownership Partners, LLC, a company dedicated to saving communities and helping individuals achieve homeownership through their lease purchase program, today announced a merger with Rent2OwnExpert.com, a local company based out of Decatur who has renovated and sold properties throughout metro Atlanta through lease purchase since 2007.

The merger is effective immediately and the company will operate under the name Pride of Ownership Partners. The company headquarters is located at 3781 Presidential Parkway, Suite 141, Atlanta, GA, 30340.

            Pride of Ownership Partners was established in July 2008. Through their plan, individuals can move into a home purchased and renovated by Pride of Ownership Partners, complete with new appliances, paint and lanscaping, with only a security deposit and first month’s rent. At any time during the lease, an option to buy at a fixed price is available with 50 percent of the total three years rental applied to a reduction in purchase price. Leases are cancellable at the end of the first and second year without penalty.

 According to Jeffrey Britz, Chief Executive Officer of Pride of Ownership Partners, the merger will assist potential homeowners throughout greater metro Atlanta who otherwise cannot qualify for a mortgage. “The service we offer is more relevant than ever, particularly in the current real estate environment and with the credit crunch,” said Britz.  “We look forward to restoring hope for families who might have thought that owning a home was beyond their grasp.”

Scott Oakley, former President of Rent2OwnExpert.com who will now serve as Executive Vice President of Operations for Pride of Ownership Partners, adds, “Our company seeks to turn around neighborhoods and communities that have been affected by the economy and to help the individuals move toward homeownership through free credit repair with our lease purchase program.”

Britz adds, “We believe that our program is a positive step toward the return of a stable real estate market in Atlanta. By improving the quality of life for the individuals and cultivating the pride of owning one’s own home for renters, we’re able to improve the community as a whole.”

            In addition to Britz and Oakley, Pride of Ownerships Partner’s senior management team is comprised of Timothy Cabrera, Chief Operating Officer, and Corrine Rhodes, President & Chief Acquisitions Officer.

            Pride of Ownership Partners will have a mortgage affiliate, Private Sale Mortgage, set up in house to assist interested parties in obtaining a mortgage. However, potential homeowners are under no obligation to use this company and may use any company they wish to obtain a mortgage.

Pride of Ownership Partners currently has inventory in DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett and Henry counties and are continuing to analyze homes and neighborhoods throughout Atlanta for future purchases.

Pride of Ownership Partners strives to save neighborhoods and to make the dream of homeownership a reality for those who might have otherwise been unable to achieve it. For more information, please visit their Web site at www.prideownership.com, or contact them at 770-484-8317.

 

# # #

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –December 2, 2008

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Scott Martin

SAFEbuilt, Inc.

3755 Precision Drive, Suite 140

Loveland, Colorado 80538
Scott.Martin@SAFEbuilt.com
970-292-2206



 

Building Departments Face Budget Crisis:

Contract Providers Offer a Solution

 

The causes are widely known.  Sub-prime mortgages, foreclosures, an unstable stock market, low consumer confidence, increased construction costs and ever-increasing employee costs — all creating stagnant building activity and a building department budget that is upside-down.

 

Building departments nationwide are being forced to lay off staff and reduce the level of service they can offer.  A simple Google search will net dozens, if not hundreds, of examples nationwide.  With public safety as the primary goal for any building department, the stakes are high.

 

With no money to support the ongoing costs of employees, building departments are shrinking. The City of Atlanta, in spite of indications of market stabilization, has had to eliminate 1,000 positions, affecting nearly 200 people. Smaller communities don’t have enough work to keep a staff of one or two professionals busy.

 

Out of a desire to balance the budget, service can easily suffer. In Oregon, the approval of Amendment 63, which was ultimately defeated, would have provided a minimum level at which a building permit is required. While measures such as this one address the issue of reduced manpower, will they compromise the safety of residents and public servants into the future? Departments are being forced to reduce expenses, but at what cost?

 

There is good news. In the current economic climate, contract building department providers, sometimes referred to as third-party providers, are growing in popularity.  SAFEbuilt is one such provider that provides full-service building department services as well as supplemental plan review, project support and building code inspections for public agencies.

 

A contract provider offers a sustainable solution during times of budget shortfalls and peak building windows.  By covering the cost of expert staff, what were once fixed costs become variable costs that fluctuate appropriately with the building volume.

 

SAFEbuilt offers local governments benefits including:

• Full-support or supplemental building department services help keep a focus on service levels and public safety during slow and busy times

Services are paid for from permit fees, so costs never exceed revenues

• A constant and consistent outside labor pool eliminates emotional and financial costs of hiring and firing to match economic conditions

• A depth of resources nationwide guarantees mobile teams for special or unpredictable short-term projects, including natural disasters

 

“Over the past five years, SAFEbuilt has been able to provide consistent and predictable services to a new and growing city of more than 100,000 residents.  SAFEbuilt allowed the City of Centennial to start-up its building department without a glitch, providing qualified, professional staff with the experience and expertise on how to operate an efficient and effective building department,” says Wayne Reed, Director of Planning and Development, City of Centennial, Colorado.

 

SAFEbuilt has 17 offices, more than 80 employees and provides contract building department services to more than 90 public agencies in Washington, Colorado, Georgia, Louisiana and Florida.  New location opportunities are being explored.

In 2007, SAFEbuilt supported over $1.2 billion in residential and commercial building valuations, performed 4,100 plan reviews and approximately 68,000 inspections. 

 

For more information about SAFEbuilt and contract providers, a white paper is available for download at www.SAFEbuilt.com.  Or you can email Scott.Martin@SAFEbuilt.com.

 

-end-

 

 

Press Release
Embargoed Until 12:01 a.m. 
December 3, 2008          

Contact: Alexander Haas: David King
404-525-7575, david@ahmp.com

Indiana University: Adriene Davis
317-278-8972, adrldavi@iupui.edu

Georgia State University, Dennis Young
404-413-0126, dennisyoung@gsu.edu

COMPREHENISVE ANALYSIS OF GEORGIA NONPROFIT SECTOR RELEASED
Georgians Give More on Average than Donors Nationally
Charitable Activity Varies Widely Across the State

ATLANTA - Collaboration between Georgia State University and the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University has resulted in the most comprehensive analysis ever made of Georgia's nonprofit sector and the giving patterns of Georgians.

Funded by grants from the Wilbur and Hilda Glenn Family Foundation, and coordinated by Atlanta fund raising firm Alexander Haas, these two studies - Georgia Gives and Nonprofit Georgia - examined giving patterns throughout the state, as well as comparative analysis of giving in Atlanta and other urban, suburban and rural areas of the state.

"Georgians have always been generous, and these two studies provide evidence that the tradition continues today," said David H. King, president of Alexander Haas. "Individuals in Georgia gave an estimated $5.58 billion in 2007 to meet vital needs and improve the quality of life in our communities and rural areas throughout the state and gave more than the national averages," he said.

Among the key findings of Georgia Gives:

  1. Georgia's total charitable giving by individuals, foundations and corporations in 2007 is estimated to be nearly $6.7 billion.
  2. Individual donors statewide ($2,381) and in Atlanta ($2,492) gave more on average than donors nationally ($2,247) in 2007
  3. 60 percent of household donations in 2007 came from the Atlanta Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes 54 percent of the state's population.
  4. 86 percent of Atlantans reported making gifts to charity in 2007, compared with 70.2 percent nationally and 68 percent in the rest of the state.
  5. 55.5 percent of household donations in 2007 went to religious organizations, which is slightly lower than the national level of 61 percent.
  6. The next largest share of Georgia household contributions (14 percent) was given to public-society benefit organizations such as United Way, compared to 10 percent of contributions nationally.
  7. In 2007, corporate giving in Georgia is was estimated at $503 million.

"The Georgia Gives report shows that individuals, foundations and corporations all play a critical role in supporting Georgia's thriving nonprofit sector," said Patrick M. Rooney, interim executive director of the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. "Georgia's more than 1,400 independent, operating and community foundations gave an estimated total of $615.8 million to charity in 2006," he added.

Among the key findings of Nonprofit Georgia:

Georgia's Public Charities

  1. 7,119 public charities in Georgia filed with the IRS in 2005. Total revenues in these charities amounted to $24.7 billion, up 36 percent in inflation-adjusted dollars from 2000.
  2. Fulton and DeKalb counties had a combined 2,429 charities.
  3. There were 12 counties with no reporting charities, and over one-third of all Georgia counties had fewer than five.
  4. The "urban-rural" divide in nonprofit resources is different than the "haves and have not" divide primarily because the lowest poverty rates in the state are in suburban counties. The 40 counties in Georgia with the highest poverty rates had an average $460 in public support per capita, while the 40 counties with the lowest poverty rates had $127. Similarly, the 40 counties with the highest poverty rates had an average $357 in government grants per capita, while the 40 with the lowest poverty rates had $41.
  5. On various, commonly accepted measures of financial health, public charities in rural counties appeared to be somewhat healthier than those in urban counties. This suggests that although there are fewer nonprofit organizations and revenues in rural areas, the nonprofits that are operating there are sound, and are relatively good risks for philanthropic investment.

Georgia's Foundation Grant-Making

  1. Georgia foundations are largely clustered around core urban areas in the state. While Fulton and DeKalb counties combined had 722, or 46 percent, of Georgia's foundations in 2005, 53 of Georgia's 159 counties-most of them rural-had no foundations.
  2. The majority (more than 70 percent) of grant dollars from Georgia-based foundations remain in the state of Georgia.
  3. Georgia foundations tend to give to the communities closest to their headquarters. The majority of grant dollars that go to rural counties originate in rural counties and the majority of grant dollars that go to urban counties originate in urban counties.

According to Dennis R. Young, Bernard B. and Eugenia A. Ramsey Professor of Private Enterprise, and Director of the Nonprofit Studies Program, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University: "Georgia's nonprofit sector has a powerful potential to transform the social and economic landscape of Georgia, but little is known about the capacity of the sector and the nature of its impact. Our Nonprofit Georgia study is intended to contribute to that understanding."

Complete information on the Georgia Gives study can be accessed on the web at www.georgiagives.com and more information on The Center on Philanthropy at www.philanthropy.iupui.edu.

Nonprofit Georgia study information can be accessed on the website of the Nonprofit Studies Program of Georgia State University at www.aysps.gsu.edu/nonprofit .

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Bodybuilding.com Announces Official 2008 Supplement Awards Winners

Boise, ID – September 29, 2008 – Bodybuilding.com, the world leader in sports nutrition, announced the 4th Annual 2008 Bodybuilding.com Supplement Awards winners live at The Olympia in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday. The Bodybuilding.com Supplement Awards are the industry standard for recognition of the best products and brands in the fitness and supplement industry.

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