URALCHEM HOLDING P.L.C. Reports IFRS Financial Results for the First Quarter of 2012

- Revenue increased to US $673 million, compared to US $566 million in Q1 2011.
- Operating profit increased to US $178 million, compared with US $160 million in Q1 2011.
- Adjusted EBITDA grew to US $207 million, compared to US $186 million in Q1 2011.
- Net profit amounted to US $354 million, compared with US $174 million in Q1 2011.

Moscow, Russia – May 31, 2012 -- URALCHEM HOLDING P.L.C. (hereinafter URALCHEM Holding or the Company), a Cypriot holding company of the URALCHEM Group (hereinafter the Group), one of the largest producers of nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers in Russia, announced its unaudited IFRS financial results for the first quarter of 2012 ending 31 March 2012.

Key Financial Figures for Q1 2012 and 2011 (US $ million)


Q1 2012
Q1 2011
Year-on-Year Change, %
Revenue
673
566
19%
Gross profit
375
317
18%
Gross profit margin
56%
56%
-
Operating profit
178
160
11%
Operating profit margin
26%
28%
-7%
Net profit
354
174
103%
Net profit margin
53%
31%
71%
Adjusted EBITDA
207
186
11%
Adjusted EBITDA margin
31%
33%
-6%
Net cash generated from operating activities
174
167
4%

Dmitry Konyaev, CEO of URALCHEM, OJSC (part of the Group), commented on the first quarter of 2012 results, “I am pleased with the Company’s results in the first quarter of this year. We are moving ahead as planned. Net profit in the first quarter of 2012 more than doubled compared to the same period last year. This happened due to the acquisition of Minudobrenia in Perm, as well as the reassessment of our share in the enterprise. Besides, the net profit figure was influenced by a considerable reduction in interest expenses on loans which became possible after we refinanced the loan portfolio last year.”

Financial Results

Revenue for the first quarter of 2012 grew 19% to US $673 million, compared to US $566 million in the first quarter of 2011. Operating profit amounted to US $178 million, or 26% of the revenue, compared with the operating profit of US $160 million, or 28% of the revenue in the first quarter of 2011.

Net profit for the first quarter of 2012 more than doubled, amounting to US $354 million, compared to US $174 million in the first quarter of 2011. Without the reassessment of the Company’s share in Minudobrenia, Perm the net profit growth comprised 15%.

During the first quarter of 2012, adjusted EBITDA reached US $207 million, compared to US $186 million the year before, a rise of 11%. Adjusted EBITDA margin for the first quarter of 2012 comprised 31% of revenue compared with 33% of revenue for the first quarter of 2011.

Markets

In the first quarter of 2012 the prices of fertilizers and intermediates showed significantly different dynamics. Prices for ammonia at the Yuzhny port fell to $70 / t due to low demand, both in agriculture and industry, which coincided with the launch of Qafco V. Market recovery began only in late March.

During January to early February the urea market repeated its dynamics in 2011. However, in mid-February a rapid increase in the price of urea started due to high demand in the U.S. The late Q1/early Q2 price level approached peak figures ??of 2011 even surpassing them at certain markets. Prospects for market development in the second quarter remain optimistic for market participants.

Prices for ammonium nitrate were stable during the first quarter due to high volumes of domestic market shipments.

The global market of phosphate fertilizers in the first quarter of 2012 was characterized by low activity, with prices going down slightly. European demand was limited due to severe weather conditions and financial instability. Moderate recovery in prices occurred in late Q1 due to higher demand in Latin America and the U.S. domestic market.

Sales

In the first quarter of 2012 the Group’s product sales amounted to 1.7 million tons, up 20% compared to the first quarter of 2011. Through the acquisition of OJSC Minudobrenia, Perm in January 2012, sales of urea and of ammonia increased significantly.

Sales of Commercial Products of URALCHEM Group in Q1 2012-2011 (thousands of tons)

Name of Product
Q1 2012
Q1 2011
Year-on-Year Change, %
Ammonium nitrate and its derivatives
651
640
2%
Urea
363
166
119%
Ammonia
204
115
78%
Phosphate based fertilizers
169
191
-12%
Complex fertilizers
143
175
-18%
Other chemicals, including ammonium nitrate for industrial use
191
153
25%
Total
1,721
1,440
20%

Financial Situation

Cash generated from operating activities grew by 4%, from US $167 million in the first quarter of 2011 to US $174 million in the first quarter of 2012.

On 31 March 2012, the Company’s net debt amounted to US $1,076 million. The weighted average interest rate in the loan portfolio for the first quarter 2012 decreased to 5.85% compared to annual 8.0% for the same period last year.

-Ends-

For more information, please visit the Company web site http://www.uralchem.com or use the following contact information:

PR department
URALCHEM, OJSC
Tel: +7 (495) 721 89 89

URALCHEM HOLDING P.L.C. is a holding company of the URALCHEM Group, which includes four fertilizer manufacturing facilities in Russia. URALCHEM Group is one of the largest producers of nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers in Russia and the CIS with production capacities of over 2.5 million tons of ammonium nitrate, 2.8 million tons of ammonia, 0.8 million tons of MAP and DAP, 0.8 million tons of complex fertilizers and 1.2 million tons of urea per year. URALCHEM Group is the second largest ammonium nitrate producer in the world and number one in Russia, the second largest producer of nitrogen fertilizers in Russia. URALCHEM Group’s key production assets include Azot Branch of URALCHEM, OJSC in Berezniki, Perm Region; OJSC Minudobrenia, Perm; MFP Kirovo-Chepetsk Chemical Works, OJSC Branch in Kirovo-Chepetsk, Kirov region; Voskresensk Mineral Fertilizers, OJSC in Voskresensk, Moscow region.

Some of the information in this press release may contain projections or other forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future financial performance of URALCHEM. We wish to caution you that these statements are only predictions. We do not intend to update these statements and our actual results may differ materially from those contained in our projections or forward-looking statements, including, among others, the achievement of anticipated levels of profitability, growth, cost and synergy of our recent acquisitions, the impact of competitive pricing, the ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals and licenses, the impact of developments in the Russian economic, political and legal environment, financial risk management and the impact of general business and global economic conditions.

Annex to the press release about the unaudited financial results for the first quarter of 2012

EBITDA is a profit / loss from financial and economic activities during the reporting period, before deduction of income tax on profits, income and interest costs, depreciation and amortization. "Adjusted EBITDA" is EBITDA for the reporting period before goodwill, profit / loss from associates, profit / loss on foreign exchange differences arising on financial performance and profit / loss on operations with derivative financial instruments. Adjusted EBITDA is operating profit before depreciation and amortization and financial results of operations with derivative financial instruments. In accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), depreciation and amortization are included in cost structure, and in the selling, general and administrative expenses. IFRS does not require the disclosure and does not describe the calculation of EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, among other financial indicators, so they can not substitute for net profit for the period when evaluating the results of operations or the measure of cash provided by operating activities when evaluating liquidity. Approach to the calculation of EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, as described earlier, may not coincide with the approaches used by other companies, therefore, comparability may be limited. We believe that EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA provide useful information to investors because they are indicators of the stability and efficiency of our business and our ability to fund discretionary spending such as capital expenditures, the acquisition of subsidiaries and other investments, as well as indicators of our ability to incur and service debt. IFRS classifies depreciation and amortization to operating costs, while in fact they are distributed to the current period non-cash expenses for the acquisition or creation of fixed assets, incurred in previous periods, and are not affiliated with the movement of funds.

Calculation of EBITDA for Q1 2012 - 2011 (Thousands of US$)


Q1 2012
Q1 2011


Net profit
354,154
173,854


Add:



Income tax expense
37,292
39,090

Interest income
(9,384)
(989)


Interest expense
21,258
33,263


Depreciation and amortisation
28,833
25,601


(Profit)/loss of associates
160
(12,760)

Gain from change in fair value of previously held interest
(153,458)
-

Foreign exchange gain from financing activities
(72,120)
(72,477)

Adjusted EBITDA
206,735
185,582

Zevrix Updates Package Central for InDesign CS6 Compatibility

Zevrix Solutions announces Package Central 1.6, a compatibility update to its file packaging workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign. Originally developed for a major publisher in the United States, the software automates InDesign packaging by processing files from hotfolders. Package Central offloads file packaging to a central system leaving operator workstations free from the collecting process. The new version adds compatibility to the recently released InDesign CS6.

Toronto (ON), Canada - May 30, 2012 - Zevrix Solutions today announces Package Central 1.6, a compatibility update to its document packaging workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign. Originally developed for a major publisher in the United States, the software automates InDesign packaging by processing files from hotfolders. Package Central offloads file packaging to a central system leaving operator workstations free from the collecting process.

The new version makes Package Central compatible with the recently released InDesign CS6. The update is free for licensed users of Package Central.

Under Package Central workflow, production artists, prepress operators and designers simply submit files to hotfolders that reside on the network. Package Central automatically collects the files from its station using hotfolder settings, and will auto-activate document fonts as well. Operator workstations will never again be tied up by the packaging process.

Package Central runs on a dedicated machine and watches hotfolders linked to its workflow settings. The software performs all its tasks automatically and can run absolutely unattended. It offers the following key features and benefits:
-Update modified links automatically
-Font auto-activation
-Create PDF and INX/IDML files on the fly
-Automatic e-mail notifications of process stages and errors
-Compose variable folder names
-Metadata-based processing
-Detailed processing logs
-Easy to install and use

Zevrix also makes BatchOutput Server software which automates printing and exporting from InDesign by processing files from hotfolders.

Pricing and Availability

Package Central can be purchased for $299.95 from Zevrix website, as well as from authorized resellers. Trial is also available for download. Package Central runs on Mac OS X 10.4.2-10.7, is a Universal Binary, and works with Adobe InDesign CS2-CS6.

About Zevrix Solutions

Located in Toronto, Canada, Zevrix Solutions provides productivity solutions for Adobe Creative Suite software, graphic file diagnostics and Microsoft Office on Mac OS. Zevrix Solutions is dedicated to helping professionals increase their profits through automating their everyday tasks, producing error-free documents, saving disk space and cutting production costs. For more information, visit http://www.zevrix.com.

Contact:
Leo Revzin
Owner
Zevrix Solutions
105 McCAUL St, Suite 301
Toronto Ontario M5T 2X4 Canada
858-206-0607

NanoMarkets Projects Significant Opportunities for LED Phosphors Driven by Shift Toward LED Lighting in General Illumination Markets

NanoMarkets announces the release of a new report, titled “Market Opportunities for LED Phosphors in Lighting Applications 2012,” that analyzes the moneymaking opportunities for LED phosphor suppliers in the lighting sector over the next eight years.

Glen Allen, Virginia - May 31, 2012 -- Industry analyst firm NanoMarkets announces the release of a new report, titled “Market Opportunities for LED Phosphors in Lighting Applications 2012,” that analyzes the moneymaking opportunities for LED phosphor suppliers in the lighting sector over the next eight years. NanoMarkets estimates that the total market value of LED phosphors used in lighting applications will grow from about $525 million in 2012 to a value of over $730 million by 2015 and to over $1.6 billion by the end of the forecast period in 2019. This growth represents a CAGR of over 17 percent over the eight-year forecast period.

Additional details about the report are available at: http://www.nanomarkets.net

About the Report:

This new NanoMarkets report provides an in-depth analysis and forecast of the LED phosphor market in the next eight years as it relates to the fabrication of white LEDs for lighting applications. It builds off the extensive experience that NanoMarkets has in the area of solid-state lighting and related materials. The report examines some of the latest market strategies, products and technical developments in the area of LED phosphors, and it identifies how performance improvements are growing some addressable markets for phosphors, especially in the general illumination segment(s). The report also includes NanoMarkets’ assessments of the strategies of several of the leading firms active in the LED phosphors space, and, as always with NanoMarkets reports, this report contains granular eight-year forecasts of the inorganic LED phosphors shipments in both volume and value terms, with breakouts by type of phosphor and by phosphor deposition technology.

Key players mentioned in the report include Seoul Semiconductor, Intematix, Mitsubishi, Nichia, Toyoda Gosei, Dow, Osram, GE, Philips, and others.

From the Report:

A major shift toward more efficient, long-lifetime LED lighting is underway and is expected to continue over next decade, with many governments around the world using the regulatory process to mandate higher efficiency lighting products. During this period, LED phosphor suppliers will enjoy an expanding market for their products, especially in the general illumination sectors. At the same time, the market value for LED phosphors in display backlighting is expected to decline, as growth in the underlying display markets are not expected to keep up with advancements that are leading to fewer LEDs-per-device and, hence, reduced consumption of phosphor materials.

NanoMarkets believes that the moneymaking opportunities for LED phosphor suppliers are centered on the following interrelated key characteristics. First, LED phosphors that provide better luminous efficacy, such as through higher internal quantum efficiency or reduced down-conversion loss, will help LED lighting better compete with fluorescent lighting for market share. Second, phosphors that provide better color rendering are also still in demand, especially in the general illumination and display backlighting markets, where LEDs still perform poorly in comparison to the traditional incandescent lighting. Finally, phosphors and phosphor blends that enable LED lighting component manufacturers to better provide application-specific color temperatures are also needed.

About NanoMarkets:

NanoMarkets tracks and analyzes emerging market opportunities in solid-state lighting, energy, electronics and other markets created by developments in advanced materials.

Visit http://www.nanomarkets.net for a full listing of NanoMarkets' reports and other services.

Media Contact:
Robert Nolan
NanoMarkets, LC
PO BOX 3840
Glen Allen, VA 23058
804-270-1718

Gold Sales Increase Off Back of China Demand, claims AAA

As investors all over the world continue to opt for alternative investment over traditional asset classes, demand for gold has increased by 16 per cent over 12 months. In response, AAA predicts demand will grow even further over the course of the year.

Boston, MA, USA, May 30, 2012 -- As investors all over the world continue to opt for alternative investment over traditional asset classes, demand for gold has increased by 16 per cent over 12 months. In response, Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) predicts demand will grow even further over the course of the year.

The amount spent on gold in the past 12 months has increased to $59.7 billion around the world, which AAA claims was given a healthy boost by China’s decision to hedge inflation by increasing its gold investment by 10 per cent.

The figures have been published by the World Gold Council in its Gold Demand Trends report, which also shows that demand for jewelry in China has driven the appetite for gold investment. “Demand for gold rises alongside appetite for alternative investments, but also increases when the population of a country gets wealthier and wants to diversify the risk in their portfolios by investing in tangible assets such as fine jewelry and precious metals,” explained AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

Much of the increase in gold buying took place among the Central Banks of the world’s emerging economies. These banks are looking for asset classes that will not necessarily follow the same patterns as stocks and bonds and other traditional investments.

Mr Johnson added, “And it’s not just financial institutions that are looking at alternative assets to balance out their portfolios, individual investors are now taking asset classes like gold, art, antiques, timberland, real estate and even wine and classic cars seriously.

“They know that these assets can hold their value during an economic downturn and, as a result, it’s a good idea to invest a large chunk of any portfolio in this sector - especially in such uncertain economic times.”

AAA, an alternative investment advocacy group, supports various alternative investment options, including timberland investment through sustainable projects like those run by Greenwood Management in Brazil.

About Alternative Asset Analysis:
The remit of Alternative Asset Analysis is to analyse and provide news on the global performance of a wide range of alternative asset classes including, but not restricted to, commodities, real estate, forestry, foreign exchange, hedge funds, private equity and venture capital.

Media Contact:
Anthony Johnson
Alternative Asset Analysis
71 Commercial St
Boston, MA 02109-1320
617-939-9596

TripInsurance.com Offers Twitter and Facebook Followers More Chances to Win Conquer the World Sweepstakes

Leading Travel Insurance Provider Offers More Chances To Social Media Followers To Win $5,000 Cash Toward a Dream Trip.

LOS GATOS, Calif. (May 30, 2012) -- TripInsurance.com, the most trusted online resource to help travelers find the trip coverage they need, has expanded its recently launched “Conquer the World” sweepstakes by offering Twitter followers additional chances to win a $5,000 cash prize for a dream vacation trip.

To enter the sweepstakes, participants simply go to TripInsurance.com and visit the sweepstakes link on the home page, or visit TripInsurance.com on Facebook. Twitter users get more chances to win by writing an original tweet about the sweepstakes; for every Twitter follower who enters through your tweet link, you get an extra chance to win. Sweepstakes entrants also will receive one additional entry into the drawing for each individual you invite to participate in the sweepstakes using the Invite a Friend option on Facebook; for every friend who enters the sweepstakes, you automatically receive an additional chance to win.

“More travelers are going online to research travel options and destinations, which is why we offer travel tips and alerts as well as competitive rates for travel insurance on our web site,” said Dan Skilken, founder and CEO of TripInsurance.com. “We launched the ‘#ConquerTheWorld’ sweepstakes to support our online followers with a chance to win $5,000 in cash toward their next vacation or anything they like. It’s our way of rewarding loyal customers who come back to us seeking unbiased advice on their best travel insurance options, as well as the best value and prices they'll find on the Web.”

The #ConquerTheWorld sweepstakes runs through June 25 and features a random drawing for $5,000 in cash, as well as 50 chances to win the “ultimate travel” duffel bag. There is no purchase necessary to enter the TripInsurance.com #ConquerTheWorld sweepstakes. Participants simply enter the promotion online from Facebook, Twitter, or TripInsurance.com by clicking on the sweepstakes tab and accepting the Sweepstakes Application. To be eligible, participants must be 18 years of age or older and legal residents or citizens of the United States.

The winner will be drawn at random and will receive a grand prize of $5,000 in cash to use on a dream trip to anywhere they choose. TripInsurance.com has also found the ultimate travel duffle made of water resistant heavy-duty “ballistic” nylon. Fifty of these handy travel bags will be awarded as second prizes worth $50 each.


About TripInsurance.com
TripInsurance.com is the online resource for comprehensive and affordable travel insurance. Most travelers really don't understand the details and benefits of travel insurance, and buy based on recommendations from a travel agent or a third party. TripInsurance.com simplifies buying travel insurance by providing comparison-shopping online for the best coverage at the lowest prices. TripInsurance.com is committed to making insurance terms easy to understand, providing the best available coverage categorized by customers’ specific needs, and allowing travelers to buy direct from leading underwriters to achieve savings of 40% or more. The company is fully licensed for Property and Casualty, Life, and Accident and Health insurance in all 50 states, and the staff are fully trained and licensed insurance professionals. For more information, visit http://www.tripinsurance.com.

Contact:
Dan Skilken
TripInsurance.com
(408) 337-2345

Tom Woolf
Gumas Advertising
(415) 621-7575

Phoenix Business Journal Ranks Rosendin Electric First Among Electrical Contractors for 2011

High-Profile Projects and State-of-the-Art Construction Techniques Put Rosendin Electric at Top of List for Second Year in a Row.

Tempe, AZ, USA - (May 30, 2012) -- The Phoenix Business Journal has named Rosendin Electric, one of the nation’s largest private electrical contractors and a 100% employee-owned company, the top electrical contractor for 2011 as ranked by gross sales. This marks the second year in a row that Rosendin Electric has been named the top electrical construction company by the Phoenix Business Journal. Rosendin Electric also ranked number two in 2009.

Based on an independent survey, the Phoenix Business Journal selected Rosendin Electric number one among the area contractors with $117 million in local sales for 2011, up $8 million from 2010 when Rosendin Electric took top honors with $109 million in annual regional sales. Even though Rosendin Electric has 30 percent fewer employees, the company outranked the second runner up by $24 million in revenue or more than 20 percent.

“Our reputation continues to grow, and our Arizona office has been instrumental in helping the company expand its business throughout the Southwest,” said Mike Greenawalt, Vice President of Southwest Operations for Rosendin Electric. “Our commitment to excellence, safety, and innovation, and our ability to complete work on time and within budget is what allows us to continue to outpace our competition. The fact that we have ranked at the top of the Phoenix Business Journal list of area contractors provides independent evidence of our ongoing success.”

According to Greenawalt, part of the success for the Tempe office is due to a number of high-profile projects, including wiring a new campus for a noted technology firm and construction work on the new Maricopa County Courthouse, which was completed in February 2012. The Rosendin Electric Tempe office has been setting new standards in electrical construction best practices, especially in Building Information Modeling (BIM). Fred Meeske, who was instrumental in bringing new computer modeling practices to the Maricopa County Courthouse project, was recently named to the newly created position of Corporate Director of Building Information Modeling (BIM) Services for Rosendin Electric with responsibility for training and setting new BIM standards for the entire company.

About Rosendin Electric
Rosendin Electric, Inc., headquartered in San Jose, California, is a 100% employee-owned electrical engineering, power and communications provider and is one of the largest privately held electrical contractors in the United States. With over 2,500 employees, Rosendin Electric has offices and experience nationwide and has built upon a 90-year reputation for quality design and installations. For additional information, visit http://www.rosendin.com.

Contact:
Shelly Goulart
Marketing Manager
Rosendin Electric, Inc.
880 Mabury Road
San Jose, CA 95133
(408) 534-2819

Luxury Travel Ltd Reveals Hot Luxury Deal Holiday for Luxury Shoppers in Vietnam

Luxury Travel Ltd Reveals Summer Holiday Trends and Recomends Discerning Holidaymakers to Exotic Beaches in Vietnam.

Hanoi, Vietnam, May 30, 2012 -- Travelers rave about Vietnam's exceptionally friendly people, unique 54 traditions, stunning landscape and gorgeous beach locations. But, discerning visitors often plan a trip to Vietnam with a single question in mind, “Is the summer a good time plan a visit?” The answer is “Yes!”.

Traditionally, the summer time in Vietnam was regarded as the 'low season' for tourism. This was because numerous potential vacationers were put off since June, July and August are the monsoon months. However, recently, travelers have come to learn that the central coast of Vietnam is at its very best temperatures, with blue skies, reduced humidity and mild onshore breezes.

Central Vietnam is a succession of spectacular coral sand beach locations ranging from fast paced seaside resorts to deserted hideaways and idyllic tropical islands. However, the region is a lot more than a beach destination. There is also a wide array of cultures, retailers, cuisine and natural beauty.

Accommodations in Central Vietnam are also different. Escape the crowds at the ultra-luxurious Nam Hai Resort and stay in many new luxury resorts at My Khe Beach. There is also the Kiem Resort in Nha Trang and Six Senses Nha Trang, with a lot of choices in between. The Phan Thiet Beach or Phu Yen may be just right for you, or try Furama in Danang or the superior-value Vinpearl Resort Nha Trang overlooking Nha Trang Bay on a private island.

Phu Quoc Island and Con Dao are newly emerging destinations for seaside breaks and beach front vacations. While cruising around Halong Bay, spending a night onboard a boat and relaxing on the Cat Ba Islands in North Vietnam are also amongst the favorite excursions for water loving travelers.

“Vietnam, an exotic destination, appeals to travelers with its unspoiled islands and beaches for holidaymakers. We are seeing interest in the An Lam Ninh Van Bay Villas near Nha Trang, as well as Hyatt Regency Danang, Intercontinental Danang Resort, Fusion Maia Resort Hoian, Ana Mandara Hue. The next upcoming destination in Vietnam is the archipelago of Con Dao where Six Senses has developed a resort. Con Dao’s beaches are undeveloped so you are among the first to discover it. And now, we are offering stays of five nights for the price of only three.” said Pham Ha, Founder and CEO of Luxury Travel Ltd.

Travelers will still need to take temperatures into account, as heavy rain has an effect on the north and south of Vietnam. Usually, clouds show up quickly, a solid breeze springs up, the sky darkens, and the rain pours down for about 20 minutes, leaving behind calm skies, and soon, the sunshine returns and the temperature rise once more.

“Try one of our summer vacation packages and get a nice price reduction. However, you will still receive superior service, as guides and customer service teams are readily available just about every minute of each day, to make sure that your trip goes off without a problem. This is all a standard part of Luxury Travel's service as an award winning luxury travel provider!” added Pham Ha.


Media Contact:
Link Doan
Luxury Travel Ltd
05 Nguyen Truong To Str.,
Ba Dinh Dist, Hanoi 84444
Vietnam
84439274120

Rousseff Government Vetoes Parts of Forestry Bill

In response to growing pressure from environmentalists all over the globe, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has vetoed parts of the controversial forestry bill, in a move that has been welcomed by FRA.

Seattle, United States, May 30, 2012 -- In response to growing pressure from environmentalists all over the globe, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has vetoed parts of the controversial forestry bill, in a move that has been welcomed by Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

The President had pledged to veto the bill if she won the election while on her campaign trail and pressure to fulfil her promise had been rising over the past month. The bill was passed through the country’s congress back in April and was threatening to allow land owners to develop more of the Amazon forest for agricultural purposes. It was also planning to introduce an amnesty for anyone who had been found illegally logging timber before 2008.

FRA, a research and analysis consultancy, said it welcomed the decision to partially veto the bill and particularly welcomed the dropping of the amnesty out of the plans. A total of 12 articles were removed from the bill. It is thought that Rousseff would have been partly persuaded to go ahead with the veto in light of the fact that Brazil is hosting the Rio+20 Summit later in the year, at which some of the world’s great leaders will gather to work on environmental issues.

FRA, which promotes investment in sustainable forestry and the reforestation of the Brazilian forests, said that Rousseff could have gone further but that the most damaging parts of the bill have been removed. Its analysis partner, Peter Collins, said, “Here at FRA, we welcome the veto and continue to support projects such as those run by Greenwood Management in Brazil.”

Greenwood Management runs plantation projects in Brazil which help to supply sustainably grown timber products and coal to domestic and overseas customers, including the Brazilian steel industry, who may otherwise depend on timber form the Amazon.

About Forestry Research Associates

Forestry Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry investment around the globe.

Media Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394

FPL Hosts First-Ever Storm Meteorologist Event

This event marked the first time FPL executives, TV meteorologists and government forecasters have met to discuss their shared responsibilities during hurricane season.

Juno Beach, FL (May 26, 2012) -- With hurricane season fast approaching, Florida Power & Light Company invited South Florida meteorologists to its new, category 5-resistant command center in Riviera Beach to meet its own meteorologist, Tim Drum, and to learn how weather forecasting drives FPL’s response to storms.

“FPL plays such an integral part in not only the hurricanes, but what we do before and after the hurricanes, that I think this communication and collaboration is fantastic,” said Steve Weagle, chief meteorologist for WPTV, Newschannel 5 in West Palm Beach.

Keith Hardy, FPL’s vice president of Distribution, welcomed the guests. “Weather impacts just about everything we do here at FPL,” he said.

Drum discussed how FPL works closely with its partners from the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center to develop forecasts before big storms and throughout the year.

“A big part of what Tim does is try to give us a heads up - ‘Hey, this is going to occur in this specific area today at this specific time, therefore we may need to call in additional resources or we may need to travel resources to a particular area,’” Hardy explained.

In advance of a tropical storm or hurricane, FPL’s forecasting allows it to preposition crews appropriately, so they are able to get to work restoring power to impacted customers immediately after a storm passes. Drum also showcased technology, including the Google-based “Restoration Spatial View,” which helps FPL leaders and field crews pinpoint exactly where the outages are located in the company’s expansive network of more than one million poles in 35 Florida counties.

This event marked the first time FPL executives, TV meteorologists and government forecasters have met to discuss their shared responsibilities during hurricane season. Drum praised the meteorologists as “important communicators” and valuable partners to help the company communicate with its 4.6 million customers before, during and after a storm. The invited guests said they found the tour and discussion valuable, too.

“We're all involved in the same thing, which is communicating information,” said John Matthews, chief meteorologist for WPEC-CBS 12 in West Palm Beach. “And I'm really pleased to see how FPL has really stepped up to the plate on this one.”

About Florida Power & Light Company
Florida Power & Light Company is the largest electric utility in Florida and one of the largest rate-regulated utilities in the United States. FPL serves 4.5 million customer accounts in Florida and is a leading employer in the state with approximately 10,000 employees. The company consistently outperforms national averages for service reliability while customer bills are below the national average. A clean energy leader, FPL has one of the lowest emissions profiles and one of the leading energy efficiency programs among utilities nationwide. FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Fla. - based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE). For more information, visit http://www.FPL.com.

Media Contact:
Chris de la Huerta
rbb Public Relations
355 Alhambra Circle, Suite 800
Coral Gables, FL 33134
305-448-7535

Sports Memorabilia represent Good Investment Opportunity claims AAA

AAA claims that sporting goods retailers and sporting memorabilia could be where the major money is for alternative investors.

Boston, MA, USA, May 26, 2012 -- Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) claims that sporting goods retailers and sporting memorabilia could be where the major money is for alternative investors.

The alternative investment advocacy group made the claim following news that a Jersey worn by baseball legend Babe Ruth recently sold for $4.4 million. The shirt was the earliest Yankees shirt belonging to the 1920s batter and has reached record sums at auction – outselling the superstar’s home, which went on market for just $1.6 million.

The jersey had been on display at the Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum in Baltimore for several years but was sold back in April by its private owner to an undisclosed bidder for the huge sum. The price beats the former highest price paid for sporting goods, which was a record held for the original rules of baseball written by Dr James Naismith - selling for $4.3 million in 2010.

“People are sports crazy at the moment,” claims AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson. He went on to add, “sports memorabilia is selling well, but sporting goods retailers are also outperforming the market.” Johnson is referring to firms like Dick’s Sporting Goods, which is investing heavily in expansion this year and stocks are rising in value.

Alternative asset classes of all kinds are proving increasingly popular with savvy investors who want to ensure that their portfolios are diversified against risks, explained AAA. Those interested in making money from their hobbies can invest in memorabilia or even wine, art, antiques or timber – all of which can regularly outperform stocks and shares.

“People are opting for alternative investments, through firms like Greenwood Management, which specialises in forestry investments, in order to reduce their exposure to equity markets, which are still proving volatile,” explained Johnson. The uncertainties surrounding Europe’s economic recovery is having repercussions all over the world and investors are aware that markets could take another tumble at any time.

About Alternative Asset Analysis:
The remit of Alternative Asset Analysis is to analyse and provide news on the global performance of a wide range of alternative asset classes including, but not restricted to, commodities, real estate, forestry, foreign exchange, hedge funds, private equity and venture capital.

Media Contact:
Anthony Johnson
Alternative Asset Analysis
71 Commercial St
Boston, MA 02109-1320
617-939-9596

Luxury Travel Reveals Summer Hot Deals and Recommends Discerning Holidaymakers to Exotic Beaches in Vietnam

Luxury Travel Ltd Reveals Summer Holiday Trends and Recommends Discerning Holidaymakers to Exotic Beaches in Vietnam.

Hanoi, Vietnam, May 26, 2012 -- Travelers rave about Vietnam's exceptionally friendly people, unique 54 traditions, stunning landscape and gorgeous beach locations. But, discerning visitors often plan a trip to Vietnam with a single question in mind, “Is the summer a good time plan a visit?” The answer is “Yes!”.

Traditionally, the summer time in Vietnam was regarded as the 'low season' for tourism. This was because numerous potential vacationers were put off since June, July and August are the monsoon months. However, recently, travelers have come to learn that the central coast of Vietnam is at its very best temperatures, with blue skies, reduced humidity and mild onshore breezes.

Central Vietnam is a succession of spectacular coral sand beach locations ranging from fast paced seaside resorts to deserted hideaways and idyllic tropical islands. However, the region is a lot more than a beach destination. There is also a wide array of cultures, retailers, cuisine and natural beauty.

Accommodations in Central Vietnam are also different. Escape the crowds at the ultra-luxurious Nam Hai Resort and stay in many new luxury resorts at My Khe Beach. There is also the Kiem Resort in Nha Trang and Six Senses Nha Trang, with a lot of choices in between. The Phan Thiet Beach or Phu Yen may be just right for you, or try Furama in Danang or the superior-value Vinpearl Resort Nha Trang overlooking Nha Trang Bay on a private island.

Phu Quoc Island and Con Dao are newly emerging destinations for seaside breaks and beach front vacations. While cruising around Halong Bay, spending a night onboard a boat and relaxing on the Cat Ba Islands in North Vietnam are also amongst the favorite excursions for water loving travelers.

“Vietnam, an exotic destination, appeals to travelers with its unspoiled islands and beaches for holidaymakers. We are seeing interest in the An Lam Ninh Van Bay Villas near Nha Trang, as well as Hyatt Regency Danang, Intercontinental Danang Resort, Fusion Maia Resort Hoian, Ana Mandara Hue. The next upcoming destination in Vietnam is the archipelago of Con Dao where Six Senses has developed a resort. Con Dao’s beaches are undeveloped so you are among the first to discover it. And now, we are offering stays of five nights for the price of only three.” said Pham Ha, Founder and CEO of Luxury Travel Ltd.

Travelers will still need to take temperatures into account, as heavy rain has an effect on the north and south of Vietnam. Usually, clouds show up quickly, a solid breeze springs up, the sky darkens, and the rain pours down for about 20 minutes, leaving behind calm skies, and soon, the sunshine returns and the temperature rise once more.

“Try one of our summer vacation packages and get a nice price reduction. However, you will still receive superior service, as guides and customer service teams are readily available just about every minute of each day, to make sure that your trip goes off without a problem. This is all a standard part of Luxury Travel's service as an award winning luxury travel provider!” added Pham Ha.


Media Contact:
Link Doan
Luxury Travel Ltd
05 Nguyen Truong To Str.,
Ba Dinh Dist, Hanoi 84444
Vietnam
84439274120

Zevrix Updates BatchOutput Server for Adobe InDesign CS6 Compatibility

Zevrix Solutions announces BatchOutput Server 4.8, a compatibility update to its output workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign. Awarded 4 out of 5 stars by Layers magazine, the software automates printing and exporting to PDF and PostScript by processing InDesign files from watched hot folders. BatchOutput Server offloads output to a central system leaving operator workstations free from the output process. The new update makes BatchOutput Server compatible with InDesign CS6.

Toronto (ON), Canada - May 24, 2012 -- Zevrix Solutions today released BatchOutput Server 4.8, a compatibility update to its powerful output workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign. Developed originally for a major magazine publisher in the United States to free up their operator computers from outputting InDesign files, the software automates InDesign workflow by processing files from hot folders. The software offloads printing and exporting to PDF and PostScript to a central system leaving operator workstations free from the output process.

The new update makes BatchOutput Server compatible with the recently released InDesign CS6 The update is free for licensed BatchOutput Server users.

"BatchOutput Server is an extremely useful utility for a busy production facility or advertising agency", writes David Creamer in Layers magazine, "It can save lots of time - which equates to money."

Under BatchOutput Server workflow, production artists and prepress operators simply submit InDesign files to hot folders that reside on the network. BatchOutput Server automatically outputs the files from its dedicated station using hot folder settings, and will auto-activate document fonts as well.

BatchOutput Server offers the following key features and benefits:
-Export as single pages
-Update modified links automatically
-Variable output file names
-Auto-activate document fonts
-Automatic e-mail notifications of process stages and errors
-Easy to install and set up

Pricing and Availability:
BatchOutput Server can be purchased from Zevrix web site for US$666.66, as well as from authorized resellers. Trial is also available for download. The update is free for licensed users. BatchOutput Server is a Universal Binary, runs on Mac OS X 10.4.2-10.6 and works with Adobe InDesign CS2-CS6.

About Zevrix Solutions

Located in Toronto, Canada, Zevrix Solutions provides productivity solutions for Adobe Creative Suite software, PDF and graphic file diagnostics, file delivery and Microsoft Office on Mac OS. Zevrix Solutions is dedicated to helping professionals achieve more while doing less through automating their everyday tasks, producing error-free documents, saving disk space and cutting production costs. For more information, visit http://www.zevrix.com.

Contact:
Leo Revzin
Owner
Zevrix Solutions
105 McCAUL St, Suite 301
Toronto Ontario M5T 2X4 Canada
858-206-0607

Training for Entrepreneurs.com Launches New Business Start Up Assistance Program

Training for Entrepreneurs.com assists aspiring entrepreneurs and start up enthusiasts with its Start-Smart Business Mentoring Program. Online classes begin June 12, 13, and 14, 2012.

Sarasota, Florida, USA - May 24, 2012 -- Training for Entrepreneurs.com (TFE), the online business skills training and business mentoring website, announced today the launch of their new Business Startup Training Program, Start-Smart Business Mentoring Program. Start-Smart Registration is now open for the Summer Sessions which begin June 12, 13, and 14, 2012. Enrollment is limited to the first 45 people who sign-up for this ten-week, online Group Mentoring Program.

Start-Smart Business Mentoring Program is a group mentoring program specifically designed for business startups. It is a simple yet comprehensive program that provides a foundation of knowledge and a blueprint for guiding you through the business startup process. Whether you are building a traditional, "bricks and mortar" business or an online business, Start-Smart Mentoring provides the step-by-step roadmap for starting, launching, and growing a successfully business.

"Regardless, if your new business is going to serve a local, national, or international market; the Start-Smart methodology helps you to overcome the obstacles that every new business owner faces," stated Terry H. Hill, the Chief Business Mentor of Start-Smart Mentoring and Co-founder of Training for Entrepreneurs.com. Start-Smart is a 10 week online Group Mentoring Program about company creation, business launch, and business growth strategy! It’s a virtual, online classroom environment where aspiring entrepreneurs and startup enthusiasts come together one evening a week to learn how to successfully turn their entrepreneurial dreams into viable business realities."

Hill continues, "In order to provide a closer, more personal interaction with my mentees, we limit our class size to 15 would-be entrepreneurs. During the 10-week Summer Session, we work will only three, 15-person teams. Our Team Tuesday, Team Wednesday, and Team Thursday groups met online every week on their designated day from 7:15 pm to 8:30 pm. From the comfort of their home and/or office, our aspiring entrepreneurs can access the Start-Smart Virtual Classroom via their Smartphone, laptop, desktop, or tablet."

To learn more about the Start-Smart Business Mentoring Program's training curriculum as well as to enroll in this powerful business startup assistance program, visit http://www.trainingforentrepreneurs.com/starting-a-new-business

About Training for Entrepreneurs.com

Training for Entrepreneurs.com (TFE) is a knowledge/relationship development website of Legacy Associates, Inc. (http://www.legacyai.com), a small business consulting and management services firm that is located in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, USA. TFE serves the world-wide web in three primary capacities: Facilitators of a web-based entrepreneurial development community, Creators & Publishers of educational content for small businesses, and Trainers & Mentors of online e-Learning courses and virtual mentoring programs.

As facilitators, TFE manages an online small business resource center and membership community that affords its Members access to digital content that is presented in text, graphics, audio, and video formats.

As publishers, TFE creates, develops, and publishes business informational and instructional content: articles, reports, e-Books, audio programs, live instructional presentations, instructor-narrated, self-paced e-Learning courses, and instructional material for virtual mentoring programs.

As trainers/mentors, TFE trainers teach a series of online, interactive soft skills business training and award certification for completion of e-Learning courses: Personal Productivity, Leadership Skills, Time Management, Interpersonal Skills, Project Management, Strategic Management, and Negotiation Skills. TFE Mentors conduct live virtual classroom mentoring programs for planning, starting, branding, growing, and exiting a business.

Contact Information:
Dolly A. Stevens
Executive Director
Training for Entrepreneurs.com
Tel: 941-556-1299
Fax: 941-866-1953