Billion Dollar Sales Expert Shares Secrets on How to Become a Sales Superstar

Author Daniel Milstein shares eight secrets for consistently reaching high sales levels and lays out in clear understandable language what it takes to be a Sales Superstar. You'll peer inside the mind of a successful sales talent so rare that universities will use this book for their business classes.

Ann Arbor, Michigan, July 25, 2011 -- Daniel Milstein, CEO of Gold Star Mortgage Financial Group, shares the secrets to his success in the newly-released book, The ABC of Sales.

Aspiring sales superstars will find several valuable reasons to read and study Milstein’s power-packed book:

- The author is ranked as the Number One loan officer in the nation for 2009 & 2010
- Dan Milstein is listed in the top 40 mortgage professionals in the nation
- GoldStar has been one of the Inc. 500 fastest growing companies in the U.S. for two consecutive years.

It’s for these reasons that when Daniel Milstein has something to say, top salespeople across the nation take interest. Milstein published The ABC of Sales (ISBN 978-0-9835527-0-3), Gold Star Publishing, 2011, $19.95, 196 pages, Kindle and Audio Book, http://www.ABCofSales.com as a guide for anyone who wants to soar to the top in sales, revive their sales careers, or position their companies among the elite.

Brian Tracy, one of the most renowned sales trainers ever says, “This inspiring book not only tells an exciting tale of success and achievement, it also gives you the tools and strategies you need to achieve all your goals.”

Former FOX News Producer Jess Todtfeld says “With this book, Dan Milstein will join Zig Ziglar, John Maxwell, Og Mandino, and Brian Tracy in the pantheon of salesmen we should all learn from.”

Born in Kiev, Ukraine, Daniel and his family relocated to the United States after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. He received his education with honors in business management and finance and graduated with a BBA from Cleary University, Ann Arbor.

Milstein worked his way up from assistant consumer lending manager, to general manager, to underwriter, to Chief Operating Officer and finally Chief Executive Officer within the various financial institutions.

But what truly motivates Milstein to continue pursuing business success is his sense of loyalty to his more than 400 employees and their family members who depend on Gold Star’s stability. That motivation has resulted in Gold Star being named by the Detroit Free Press as one of the Top Work Places in Michigan for employees from 2009-2010.

Gold Star has grown to 26 offices, with four new ones to open in 2011, and is licensed to originate mortgages in more than 20 states. Since 2005, revenues have increased 712 percent and Gold Star Mortgage Financial Group is currently closing more than a billion dollars in loans annually.

Among the gems in The ABC of Sales is Milstein’s adage that “Lunch is for Losers,” that if you “don't believe in oranges then sell apples” and that the Great Commandment of Sales is “Always Be Closing.”

“ABC-- Always Be Closing --is one of my favorite phrases,” says Milstein. “It is a motto I live by and is one of the prime reasons I have been successful as a sales professional. I never turn off my selling mindset; I'm always ready to engage a friend, colleague, or stranger in conversations that will lead to a sale.”

In the book Milstein shares eight secrets for consistently reaching high sales levels and lays out in clearly understandable language what it takes to be a Sales Superstar. The author also reveals what he has done to maintain his place among the Top 10 mortgage professionals in the U.S. for the past 10 years.

Milstein’s expertise makes it possible for Gold Star to offer lower rates for mortgages from major banks than if the customer dealt directly with that bank. While that is a major competitive advantage, Gold Star also excels year after year by putting customers first in all transactions and always being available when clients or potential customers call.

About Daniel Milstein
Daniel Milstein, author of The ABC of Sales, is CEO of Gold Star Mortgage Financial Group, 3879 Packard Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Milstein has been recognized as the #1 mortgage originator in the nation, has been among the top 40 finance professionals in America for 10 years, and has been named the top employer in Michigan for two years by the Detroit Free Press. Milstein serves on the Cleary College Board of Trustees and is a board member of several corporations, and his articles appear in several publications. He has achieved more than $3 billion in personal career mortgage sales, is a licensed mortgage lender in 20 states, and has 15 years in the banking industry as an executive, originator, underwriter, productions and operations manager with the highest track record in the industry. For more information about Daniel Milstein or Gold Star Mortgage Financial Group visit http://www.GoldStarFinancial.com.

Media Contact: Scott Lorenz, Gold Star Publishing, 3879 Packard Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Tel: 734-667-2090, E-Mail: scottlorenz(at)westwindcos(dot)com, Web: http://www.abcofsales.com.

Zevrix Releases Instant Backup 1.7.1: Adds Mac OS X Lion Support


Zevrix Solutions announces Instant Backup 1.7.1, a compatibility update to its simple and affordable solution to securely back up selected data online and locally. Instant Backup is designed to back up the most important and sensitive active projects - the ones users don't want to take any chances with. And FTP backup assures that the data won't be lost in the case of theft, fire or flood. The new version makes InPreflight compatible with Mac OS X 10.7 Lion.

Toronto (ON), Canada - July 24, 2011 -- Zevrix Solutions announces Instant Backup 1.7.1, a compatibility update to its simple and very affordable solution to securely back up selected data online and locally. Instant Backup is designed to back up the most important and sensitive active projects - the ones users don't want to take any chances with. For example, when users want to back up a project after specific changes, without waiting for their scheduled automatic backup. Or when users prefer to have a password protected copy of the project on an FTP site, in addition to all their regular local backups.

Instant Backup is not a replacement for the complete computer backup systems, such as Time Machine. The power of Instant Backup is in its simplicity and the ability to securely backup selected projects whenever needed. And FTP backup provides a secure offsite backup solution, protecting users data against theft, fire and other disasters that could affect their hardware.

Instant Backup offers the following key features and solutions:

-Back up files and folders by simple drag-and-drop
-Specify various FTP and local backup locations
-Back up data as password protected disk image (.dmg)
-Specify the number of recent backups to keep.

The new version makes InPreflight compatible with Mac OS X 10.7 Lion and introduces some interface improvements.

Pricing and Availability:
Instant Backup can be purchased from Zevrix website for US$4.95, as well as from authorized resellers. Trial is also available for download. Instant Backup is a Universal Binary and runs on Mac OS X 10.4.2-10.7.

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 makes it easier for professionals to achieve more while doing less by automating their everyday tasks, producing error-free documents, saving disk space and cutting down on 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
Tel: 858-206-0607

Seasons Juried Art Competition Announced by Online Art Gallery


Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery announces a Juried Competition with the theme “Seasons”.

Jupiter, Florida - July 23, 2011 -- Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery announces a Juried Competition with the theme “Seasons” which 2D artists (Including Photography & Excluding Video) from around the world are called upon to make online submissions for inclusion into the Gallery’s September 2011 online group exhibition.

Light Space & Time encourages entries from all 2D artists regardless of where they reside and regardless of their experience or education in the art field.

A group exhibition of the top five finalists will be held online at the Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery during the month of September 2011. Awards will be for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. In addition, Honorable Mention and Special Recognition awards will also be awarded. The theme for the August art competition is “Seasons”. The submission process and the deadline will end on August 29, 2011.

Winners of the Seasons Art Exhibition will receive extensive publicity in the form of email marketing, 70+ press release announcements, 55+ event site announcements, social media marketing and website traffic in order to make the art world aware of the artist’s accomplishments. There will also be links back to the artist’s website as part of this achievement.

All winners will be selected, announced and featured on the Light Space & Time website on September 1, 2011 and remain online in the gallery through September 30, 2011. Thereafter, the artworks will remain online in the Light Space & Time Archives with links to the artist’s websites.

Artists give us your best art now. Submit Here: http://www.lightspacetime.com - Deadline August 29, 2011.

-Ends-

About Light Space & Time Online Gallery

Light Space & Time Online Gallery conducts monthly themed art competitions and art exhibitions for new and emerging artists. It is Light Space & Time’s intention to showcase this incredible artistic talent in a series of monthly themed art competitions and art exhibitions by marketing and displaying the exceptional abilities of these worldwide artists. Their online gallery website can be viewed here: http://www.lightspacetime.com.

Contact:
John R. Math
Light Space & Time Online Gallery
118 Poinciana Drive
Jupiter, FL 33458
Tel: 888-490-3530

ESCATEC plans almost tenfold increase in R&D headcount and turnover by 2016

Launch of Integrated Product Design and Manufacturing Service.

Heerbrugg, Switzerland, July 22, 2011 -- ESCATEC, the EMS innovator, will be increasing its Research and Development operations significantly over the next five years growing the headcount from 30 to 200 and the turnover from $4 million to $40 million. This will enable the company to provide a fully integrated product design and manufacturing service that covers every stage from taking the initial idea for a product through R&D to product design, prototyping and then volume production in the company’s Asian facilities.

“We have identified R&D as being the key differentiator for ESCATEC that sets it apart from other contract manufacturing companies,” explained Daniel Pfeifer, who has just been appointed the Head of the new Global R&D Team at ESCATEC. “At one end of the product creation chain you have the design companies and at the other end you have the contract manufacturers but neither knows much about the other’s skills. As a result, product prototypes are created without being designed for manufacture, so that, when the prototype is handed over to a manufacturer, they find at a late stage that the design is not suitable for mass-production. By then, it is too late to fix it without significant cost and delay to the project. It is not joined up! We cover the gap in the market by working in partnership with customers at every step of the way to create and produce products.”

ESCATEC has been offering a contract R&D service to its customers for a number of years and the proven success of this offering has led to the decision to focus on a dramatic ramp up, which will enable the company to offer a full end-to-end product service to an even wider range of customers. The Heerbrugg facility will be the Global Headquarters for the R&D operation. “Being in Switzerland means that we are close to our European customers,” added Daniel Pfeifer. “We will be adding design centres in America, Asia and other European locations in order to support our customers close to their R&D headquarters and all co-ordinated from our Global R&D Headquarters. Also, by having R&D facilities around the globe, we can use the time zones to provide 24 hour continuous support.”

Gerhard Klauser, General Manager at ESCATEC Switzerland, added, “Companies have been outsourcing their manufacturing to third parties or using Original Device Manufacturers for some time now. The trouble is that they are losing the ability to differentiate and innovate as they often don't owe the all-important Intellectual Property (IP). Our service puts the customer in control of their destiny by ensuring that they own the IP that is developed for them, and enabling them to use their core knowledge and skills to come up with the product ideas that we then make real for them. It enables them to focus on what makes them different and unique.”

For further information about ESCATEC, one of Europe’s leading providers of design and manufacturing services: Web: http://www.escatec.com, E-Mail: enquiries@escatec.com

For press information, contact: Nigel Robson, Vortex PR, Tel: +44 (0) 1481 233080, E-Mail: nigel@vortexpr.com

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Graduates of the IAPAM's hCG Training are True hCG Experts


The IAPAM is committed to educating physicians in the industry’s best practices for hCG for weight loss. The scope of the IAPAM's hCG Training ensures that physicians who graduate have unsurpassed clinical and business knowledge on hCG and medical weight management. Attendees receive all the tools needed to launch an hCG for weight loss program, and graduates of the IAPAM's hCG Training are launching the most successful hCG Clinics in the country.

Las Vegas, NV, July 21, 2011 -- The IAPAM's physician-lead hCG Training Program (http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com/physician-hcg-weight-loss-training), provide physicians and their staff with a comprehensive hCG education centered around the IAPAM's hCG for Weight Loss Protocol, based on Dr. Simeons manuscript, Pounds and Inches. Physicians, like Dr. Suzanne Yee (http://www.drsuzanneyee.com/) and Dr. Larry Leverett (http://www.leverettmd.com/) have launched successful hCG programs in their medical practices, after attending the IAPAM's hCG Training. Physicians like Dr. James Long (http://drjameslong.com/blog/), testify to the value of engaging in expert training like the "excellent course" in hCG, "offered by the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine, of which [he is] a member."

The IAPAM's hCG Training ensures physicians learn hCG best practices from the IAPAM’s members and faculty (physicians, pharmacists, laser assisted lipolysis specialists and business experts), all of whom have years of experience utilizing hCG for weight loss, and also operate successful hCG weight loss clinics.

The IAPAM's program gives physicians "everything they need to start offering hCG and medical weight loss programs to their patients immediately upon returning to their practices," emphasizes Jeff Russell, Executive Director of the IAPAM (http://www.iapam.com), and one of the IAPAM faculty instructors presenting at the IAPAM's hCG training. The IAPAM seminar includes:

- A detailed overview of the exclusive IAPAM hCG Protocol & best practices;
- Understanding of VLCD/LCD diet programs;
- Patient selection criteria;
- Common medical contraindications;
- Current FDA status & requirements;
- Legal/Insurance considerations and special access to hCG Medical Malpractice Insurance Program; and
- hCG and Weight Loss Practice Advertising & Marketing Tips and Strategies.

Attendees also receive the following program resources:

- Patient hCG Program book to offer patients (with hCG friendly recipes, a food journal, tips, etc.);
- Weight Management Practice Operational Manual;
- New Patient PowerPoint presentations for the waiting room
- Phone scripts & call logs for your staff
- hCG ordering information and special pricing
- Access to the IAPAM's hCG "Ask the Expert" Question and Answer forum
- Patient Charting Forms, Medical History & hCG Consent Forms; and
- Special Pricing for hCG and Meal Replacement Products.

The IAPAM's full day hCG training is the only hCG training in North America approved for a special medical malpractice rate for those who have attended and have been certified by the IAPAM.

All of the IAPAM's 2010 and 2011 hCG Medical Weight Management seminars have sold out, so to register for the next session in Scottsdale, Arizona, please see http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com/physician-hcg-weight-loss-training, or contact the IAPAM at info@theiapam.com or 1-800-219-5108 ext 708.

About the IAPAM: The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine

The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine is a voluntary global association of physicians and supporters, which sets standards for the aesthetic medical profession worldwide. The goal of the association is to offer education, ethical standards, credentialing, and member benefits to members around the globe. IAPAM membership is open to all licensed medical doctors (MDs), doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs), physicians assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs). The IAPAM offers aesthetic medicine and hCG medical weight management programs, including: Botox training, medical aesthetic training, laser training, physician hCG training, and aesthetic practice business training. Additional information about the association can be accessed through the IAPAM’s website (http://www.iapam.com) or by contacting:

Jeff Russell, Executive-Director
International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM)
1-800-219-5108 x708

Websites:

FRA welcomes positive forestry news from EU

Forestry Research Associates (FRA) has has welcomed the positive announcements from the European Union about the state of the world’s forests.

Seattle, United States, July 21, 2011 -- Forestry Research Associates (FRA) has stated that there has been some positive talk in the European Union about the state of the world’s forests in recent weeks, which the research and analysis consultancy has welcomed.

The European Commission (EC) has stated this week that safeguarding the region’s forests will be a priority in light of the decision to roll out biofuels.

It’s statement said that the production of the biofuels must be sustainable and will not put the continent’s timberlands at risk. Günther Oettinger, the European Commissioners for Energy, said, "We need to make sure that the entire biofuels production and supply chain is sustainable. This is why we have set the highest sustainability standards in the world."

FRA added that although the move towards biofuels could be great for forestry – in that timber will be needed in the production of biomass, for example – it is imperative that the production methods are sustainable. “If we do not ensure production of biomass is sustainable, biofuel roll-out could have a disastrous impact on Europe’s forests,” stated FRA analyst Peter Collins.

He continued, “We welcome the statement from the EC that has reassured the forestry community that the utmost importance will be put on sustainable forestry practices.”

FRA’s comments also follow a statement from European Parliament member and UK Liberal Democrat MP, Catherine Bearder, who said that the United Nations should feel a sense of achievement in its fight against illegal logging around the world.

Ms Bearder said that, since 2005, illegal logging has fallen by 20 per cent. FRA said that although the results were impressive, there is still much to be done to help developing countries stop the illegal loggers.

“There is still room for improvement through the introduction of further carbon trade markets to help incentivise countries to leave their forests standing,” explained Mr Collins. He added, “The trade in illegal logging simply needs to stop to ensure that forests are protected and sustainable forest management is encouraged.”

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.

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

Zevrix Solutions Announces Adobe CS5.5 Compatibility of its Products

Zevrix Solutions announces that all its products are now compatible with the Adobe Creative Suite 5.5 software. Zevrix products include popular solutions for Adobe InDesign and Illustrator, such as BatchOutput, LinkOptimizer and InPreflight. The Zevrix products let users automate printing, exporting and file delivery from InDesign; save disk space and production time through image optimization and automated packaging; and eliminate errors with thorough preflighting.

Toronto (ON), Canada - July 19, 2011 -- Zevrix Solutions announced today the compatibility of all its products with the Adobe Creative Suite 5.5 software. Zevrix Solutions products include several popular solutions for Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator which help professionals increase their profits through automating their everyday tasks, producing error-free documents, saving disk space and cutting production costs.

The following products are now compatible with Adobe Creative Suite 5.5:

LinkOptimizer
LinkOptimizer is a workflow automation solution for InDesign that works with Photoshop to:
-reduce the size of links by eliminating excess image data
-perform essential image adjustments, such as color conversion and sharpening
-convert image formats.
LinkOptimizer lets users dramatically reduce the size of InDesign job, cut down on processing time and reduce production costs. A similar application, ArtOptimizer, is available for Illustrator.

BatchOutput
BatchOutput is a powerful solution to automate printing and exporting from InDesign:
-Print and export hundreds of documents automatically to various formats
-Output as single pages and assign complex variable file names
-Update modified links automatically and suppress warnings
-Preflight final PDF
-Send output files to remote and local destinations

BatchOutput Server
BatchOutput Server automates printing and exporting from InDesign by processing files from watched hot folders. The software offloads output to a central system leaving operator workstations free from the output process.

InPreflight
InPreflight is a powerful all-in-one solution to check InDesign documents and prepare them for final output and shipping:
-Quickly check documents for potential problems using powerful preflight presets.
-Package multiple documents and save disk space and production time by collecting all files into one folder.
-Print and save graphic PDF reports.

Package Central
Package Central automates document packaging from InDesign by processing files from hot folders and is perfect for companies that want to automate and streamline their project archiving and preparation for output.

Pricing and Availability
Zevrix products can be purchased from the Zevrix website as well as from authorized resellers. Trials are also available for download. All Zevrix products require Mac OS X 10.4.2 or later, are Universal Binaries, and work with Adobe CS2-CS5.5.

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 makes it easier for professionals to achieve more while doing less by automating their everyday tasks, producing error-free documents, saving disk space and cutting down on 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
Tel: 858-206-0607

New myCUsurvey.com White Paper Reveals Where Credit Unions Can Improve to Increase Member Loyalty


Findings of First Credit Union Member Satisfaction Survey Reveal Credit Unions Need to Recruit Younger Members and Branch Experience Is Key to Building Membership.

EMERYVILLE, Calif. (July 19, 2011) -- myCUsurvey, an innovator in providing cost-effective phone and web-based research tools to the credit union industry, has just issued a white paper profiling the results of its first nationwide survey measuring credit union member satisfaction. The white paper, available online at http://www.mycusurvey.com, highlights three key areas where credit unions are at risk, and reveals where credit unions offer a unique advantage in the financial services industry. It also shows that credit unions urgently need to take action to replace their aging member base.

The white paper profiles three key findings from the most recent national myCUsurvey member survey:

1.The size and location of the credit union is irrelevant. Unlike banks, where customers are concerned with convenience and service as measured by the size of the institution, credit unions have a level playing field. The survey shows that the size of the credit union as measured by assets or number of branches had no effect on member satisfaction. The inference is that credit union members are seeking something different from their financial experience, and are looking for a relationship with their institution, not just relationship banking.

2.Credit unions have to replace their aging membership. The white paper reveals that nearly 75 percent of all credit union members are age 50 or older. It also reveals that younger members (under age 35) are the least satisfied of all members. Clearly the growth opportunity for credit unions lies in their ability to increase satisfaction among younger members to increase membership and promote loyalty.

3.The in-branch experience is the key to improving member loyalty. Nearly three quarters of all respondents indicated that their last in-branch experience was “excellent,” which infers that credit union executives have an opportunity to increase member satisfaction and recruit younger members through their branches.

“Clearly, this member satisfaction survey reveals that credit union members are seeking something different from their credit union relationship,” said Dr. Jack Bieda, founder of myCUsurvey. “Any organization strives for 100 percent customer satisfaction, and for credit unions to improve their members satisfaction, they have to ask themselves how to engage more effectively with members, especially younger members, to give them the experience they want and keep them coming back.”

Dr. Bieda speculates that while tracking demographics and measuring the experience with service and employees are indicators, there are other factors that drive member satisfaction. He urges credit unions to assess additional performance factors such as employee knowledge and performance, loan rates, and availability of products and services. Establishing a baseline for satisfaction performance is the first step, which is the purpose of the most recent Member Satisfaction Survey.

The myCUsurvey Credit Union Member Satisfaction Survey polled more than 5,000 credit union members nationwide, and is designed to provide a benchmark for myCUsurvey customers to compare their own member satisfaction results. The survey was conducted using myCUsurvey’s integrated Web/IVR (interactive voice response) system. The survey measures six key areas, including likelihood to recommend, branch satisfaction, service satisfaction, and employee satisfaction. Regional scores are broken into the five NCUA geographic zones to make it easier to assess results on a regional basis.

myCUsurvey also offers other surveys designed for credit unions, including an Employee Engagement Survey. Other surveys, including an Overall Satisfaction Survey, Loan and Services Survey, Competitive Survey, and Lost Account Survey, are scheduled for release later this year. For more information, visit http://www.mycusurvey.com.

About MyCUsurvey.com

Developed specifically for use by credit unions, MyCUsurvey.com provides an affordable approach to conducting meaningful research about customer satisfaction. MyCUsurvey.com offers surveys designed by credit union professionals to provide insight that is relevant, timely, and actionable, and that is benchmarked against national, regional, and like-sized competitors.

MyCUsurvey.com is a division of PinPoint Research Corporation, a market research firm that has been using computer and IVR (interactive voice recording) technology to power research studies since 1986. Today, PinPoint Research manages more than 20 million surveys per year, including research for the top 35 research companies in the country.


Contact:
Lisa Biasotti
MyCUSurvey.com
510-703-7032

Kelley Donovan
MyCuSurvey.com
510-463-6723

Tom Woolf
Woolf Media & Marketing
415-259-5638

China becomes highest spending BC timber market - FRA

According to Forestry Research Associates, China has taken over from the US as the largest consumer of wood from British Columbia in Canada.

Seattle, United States, July 19, 2011 -- China has taken over from the US as the largest consumer of wood from British Columbia in Canada, according to Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

FRA, a research and analysis consultancy, has said that the new figures show how the region has diversified its markets for the key products generated from the local forestry industry. The market for forestry products in China is booming at the moment as the country struggles to keep up with its economic growth through construction. At the same time, the market in the US is reasonably stable, meaning that the Chinese are paying more for their timber.

During May, the US bought 835,000 cubic meters of British Columbia timber, which was the largest amount, in terms of volume. However, in terms of value, China bought $122 million worth of timber from the region, despite the volume only totalling 746,000 cubic meters.

“Asian markets are willing to pay more for their timber at the moment because demand is so incredibly high, “ explained FRA researcher, Peter Collins. He added, “Although China imported slightly less wood than the US, volumes were still up by an impressive 157 per cent on the same month a year age, while US imports dropped off by a significant 24 per cent.”

The figures illustrate how vital the Asian market is to Canadian, and indeed US, forestry industries. David Elstone, an industry analyst speaking to The Vancouver Sun, stated that May was something of a one-off as prices slid in general to enable China to exceed the US in terms of money spent on timber. However, the prices returned to their more normal levels in June 2011 and are not expected to slip back so much in the US until the Fall at the earliest.

Mr Elstone, of Equity Research Associates, added, “It could switch back and forth, depending on the volumes and the pricing [and] what’s happening in the U.S.”

FRA said that these latest results show that the appetite for timber products in China are still strong, which should be welcome news for forestry investors everywhere. “Those investing in sustainable forestry, through firms like Greenwood Management and Robinia Invest should be feeling positive about the market for forestry products at the moment, as economies in Asia continue to grow,” added Mr Collins of FRA.

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.

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

Y-cam shakes up security for a growing high street chain

Y-cam Solutions Ltd, has provided a system of network video cameras to ShakeTastic, a UK high street milkshake and juice bar chain.

Richmond, London - Tuesday 19th July, 2011 -- Y-cam Solutions Ltd, the UK’s leading provider of affordable and easy-to-use remote monitoring products for residential and small-to-medium sized businesses, has provided a system of network video cameras to ShakeTastic, a UK high street milkshake and juice bar chain, to provide security, improve costs and ensure a consistent high standard of service.

A rapidly expanding high-street brand, ShakeTastic delivers high quality bespoke beverages throughout a number of retail stores located across London. In order to maintain their current excellent standard of service and continued efforts to provide a safe and secure work environment, CEO Josh Kettle made a commitment to find a flexible monitoring solution that provided 24/7 security and remote access.

Installation across the ShakeTastic chain consists of multiple Y-cam Black SD IP cameras, with more scheduled to be installed - including an opening into the world’s largest toy store, Hamleys, on London’s Regent Street. The high quality internet cameras allow Josh to monitor all his stores from one location or on the move, letting him provide a safe and efficient environment for his business to grow.

“We installed the cameras after a personalised number plate was stolen from one of the company vehicles. We were so impressed by the high quality video and features available, we realised the full potential of such a system could be a huge benefit within all of our ShakeTastic store.” explains Josh Kettle, CEO of ShakeTastic. “The Y-cam system gives me great reassurance, as I receive security alerts out-of-hours from any of the stores, plus the ability to view live video remotely from wherever I might be; therefore I am always sure of the safety of my staff and customers during business hours.”

A Y-cam security system compiles high quality monitoring and a wealth of powerful features tailor-made for business owners - including indoor and outdoor models, night vision capabilities, motion detection alerts, ability to view on mobile phones, and they operate without the need for a PC or Mac to be left on permanently. Y-cam cameras can be used independently, and deployed in stages, plus some models support on-camera recording via microSD memory card negating any additional equipment. As a bonus, Y-cam cameras can connect to virtually any NAS drive via Y-cam’s unique NAS-Ready™ feature.

“It’s great to be able to view all five stores at the same time from the office or from my iPhone. To me, this is one of the reasons why I can't praise this system enough; it’s great knowing that I can look into the shops at anytime, on the move, in the office, from my house... It’s perfect! I'll never open another store without a Y-cam again”.

ShakeTastic now has a high quality, flexible and easy-to-use security system that has also provided unforeseen business benefits for the owner. Josh now enjoys peace of mind knowing that he will be instantly alerted to any theft or vandalism to one of his shops around the clock.

Customers wanting to find out how Y-cam Solutions can help them improve their business should visit http://www.y-cam.com/retail for more information and free downloadable case studies.

For further press information on this announcement or other successful Y-cam retail installations, please visit our Retail micro site http://www.y-cam.com/retail or contact: James Hunt, Marketing Manager, Y-cam Solutions Ltd, Telephone: +44 (0)20 8334 7368, Email: james@y-cam.com.

-Ends-

About Y-cam Solutions Ltd

Y-cam Solutions Ltd is a British manufacturer of affordable and easy-to-use remote monitoring solutions designed for residential and small-medium business users. Founded in 2005, Y-cam is a young and dynamic company with rapid growth and award-winning products. Website: http://www.y-cam.com.

About ShakeTastic

ShakeTastic are a vibrant beverage franchise specialising in milkshakes and juices, based across London. They provide a great customer experience based on mixing fresh selected ingredients - enabling all their customers to enjoy a bespoke, quality product delivered with a passionate and personal service. Website: http://www.shaketasticbars.com.

Zevrix Releases Deliver Express 2.1.6: Improves E-mail Notifications

Zevrix Solutions announces Deliver Express 2.1.6, a feature update to its automated solution to send and share files across the Internet and local networks. Deliver Express processes files automatically from hot folders and supports FTP, MobileMe and other services. The software can run totally unattended and offers e-mail notifications, multi-destination delivery, file compression and more. The new version adds new variable email tokens for date and time, and addresses some connectivity issues.

Toronto (ON), Canada - July 16, 2011 -- Zevrix Solutions today announces Deliver Express 2.1.6, a feature update to its automated solution to send and share files easily across the Internet and local networks. Deliver Express processes files automatically from watched hot folders and supports various remote and local services. The software can run absolutely unattended and offers variable e-mail notifications, delivery to multiple destinations, automatic file compression and encryption, and much more.

The new update introduces new variable e-mail tokens for date and time elements, giving users the flexibility to use their preferred format for date and time info in email notifications. In addition, it addresses some proxy-related connectivity issues and improves reliability of information stored in delivery history.

"What's great about Deliver Express for organizations is the unattended nature of using a hot folder," writes Jeffrey Mincey on Mac360.com. "It's perfect for all kinds of file delivery. Sensitive documents, encrypted files, financial information, graphic files, photographs, large files and so on."

Being used by such major ad agencies as BBDO, MacLaren McCann and Innocean, Deliver Express is ideal for companies and users that constantly send files to specific destinations. For example: ad agencies, photographers, audio/video studios, printers, etc. As a company-wide server solution, Deliver Express can run on a dedicated station processing files from network-based hot folders. Users only need to copy files to the hot folders, and they will be sent automatically with customizable e-mail confirmations issued upon delivery. The files can be easily retrieved through the link in notification e-mail.

Deliver Express offers the following key features:

-Automate both external and internal delivery tasks with hot folder processing
-Supports FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, Amazon S3, MobileMe, AFP, SMB and local destinations
-Automatic e-mail notifications with link to retrieve the file
-Submit files from both Mac and PC stations
-Automatic file compression
-Detailed delivery history

Pricing and Availability:
Deliver Express can be purchased from Zevrix website as well as from authorized resellers. The license prices are based on the maximum number of destinations and range from US$29.95 to $299.95. Trial is also available for download. Deliver Express is a Universal Binary and available for Mac OS X 10.5 and later.

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 is dedicated to help professionals increase their profits through automating 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
Tel: 858-206-0607

Indonesia makes positive steps to boost forest community rights

Forestry Research Associates, the sustainable forestry research organization, has backed moves by Indonesia to renew commitments to forestry protection.

Seattle, USA, July 15, 2011 -- Forestry Research Associates (FRA) has backed moves by Indonesia to renew commitments to forestry protection.

The President of Indonesia's Special Delivery Unit head, Kuntoro Mangkusubroto, has announced that the government will renew efforts to protect the country’s forest communities.

The pledge has been welcomed by forestry experts worldwide as an indication that Indonesia is growing more committed to safeguarding its forests and the communities that live within the forested regions.

Speaking at an event organized by the Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI), the International Tropical Timber Organization and the Ministry of Forestry, Mr Mangkusubroto said the country will prioritize the Adat rights of the indigenous people who live in the forests. He stated, "My role has enabled me to look cross-sectorally, across walls, to make sure that things happen on the ground. I want to ensure that the President’s Special Delivery Unit lives up to its name – delivers.”

FRA, a research and advisory consultancy specializing in forestry and forestry investment issues, welcomed the announcement. Its analyst, Peter Collins, stated, “FRA is pleased that Indonesia is taking the needs of its forest communities seriously as protecting those who live within the forests is as important as protecting the forests themselves.”

FRA claims that investment in sustainably managed plantations can help to take the pressure off densely forested countries that still allow logging of native forests. Projects in other developing countries, like Brazil, that attract foreign investment in non-native timber plantations, such as those run by Greenwood Management, are useful in providing alternative timber and charcoal for an expanding market.

The announcement from the government followed a report published a week earlier stating that the country’s lack of progress on safeguarding the rights of forest people had held back its plans to establish manage forestry and reduce deforestation.

Dominic Elson of Trevaylor Consulting, the report’s author, stated, “There is ample evidence that communities are reliable managers of natural resources and forests, yet for some reason Indonesia has yet to embrace the concept of local tenure rights with any seriousness.” He added, “Until addressed, it will be hard to make more than token progress on the pressing issues facing the land use sector, such as deforestation, conflict and misguided investments that undermine development.”

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.

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

Evalynn J. Alu Featured in the Light Space & Time Artist Showcase

Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery is very proud to announce that Evalynn J. Alu is now featured in the Gallery’s Artist Showcase.

Jupiter, Florida - July 15, 2011 -- Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery is very proud to announce that Evalynn J. Alu is now featured in the Gallery’s Artist Showcase. Her works are sweeping abstract representations of her thoughts and visions allowing form, shape, and color to flow from her mind though the brush in hand as she adds layer upon layer to her paintings.

It has been said of Evalynn’s work that “A mysterious quality permeates her art, as if each painting tries to record an abstract event taking place, without revealing specific details. The viewer is drawn in for closer contemplation and varied interpretation.” Evalynn has been a regular Light Space & Time gallery participant and in each competition that she has entered her art, her artwork has placed in each exhibition.

Evalynn J. Alu has been creating art for over 40 years. Evalynn states “I have always been fascinated with shapes, forms, color, light and shadows that are always present in nature. Creating movement filled with emotion of the moment becomes an intriguing experiment laced with my ever-expanding knowledge of technique. I am always searching for answers in my art. I know, should I find these answers, that my need to create will be no more.”

Her preferred mediums include sculpture, ceramics, watercolors, oils, acrylic, lithographs, assemblages, and photography. Alu received an AA from Santa Ana College and a BA from California State University, Fullerton in 1982. Evalynn has shown in solo shows as well as in many juried shows and winning competitions in both local and international events. She currently is a member of the Orange County Center of Contemporary Art. View Evalynn’s rich, awe inspiring abstract art at her website http://www.evalynnjalu.com.

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About Light Space & Time Online Gallery

Light Space & Time Online Gallery conducts monthly themed art competitions and art exhibitions for new and emerging artists. It is Light Space & Time’s intention to showcase this incredible artistic talent in a series of monthly themed art competitions and art exhibitions by marketing and displaying the exceptional abilities of these worldwide artists. Their online gallery website can be viewed here: http://www.lightspacetime.com.

Contact:
John R. Math
Light Space & Time Online Gallery
118 Poinciana Drive
Jupiter, FL 33458
Tel: 888-490-3530