IAPAM Announces NEW March 2012 Symposium Dates - March 3-4

Over 950 physicians (MDs, DOs, NPs and PAs), as well as their accompanying medspa managers, registered nurses, and assistants, have attended the IAPAM’s weekend Aesthetic Medicine Symposiums and Friday hCG Physician Training sessions. There are over 15,000 patients who have successfully lost weight on the IAPAM’s Exclusive hCG Protocol and under the supervision of IAPAM trained doctors. To meet this continually growing demand for expert training in botox ® and the other minimally-invasive treatments, as well as hCG for weight loss, the IAPAM announces the addition of NEW March 2012 dates for its respected Aesthetic Medicine Symposiums with Botox ® training, and hCG Training programs: March 2 and March 3&4, 2012.

Las Vegas, Nevada, January 18, 2012 -- The number of patients turning to minimally invasive procedures like: Botox ® (http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com), dermal filler injections, microdermabrasion, chemical peels and hCG for weight loss, continues to increase. To assist physicians in entering the aesthetic medicine field, the IAPAM (http://www.iapam.com) is entering its 6th year of educating physicians on the most profitable ways to add aesthetic medicine procedures and hCG for weight loss to their existing practices.

Physicians who complete the IAPAM’s Symposium with hands-on Botox ® Training and/or the IAPAM’s Physician hCG Training (http://www.hcgtraining.com) have a competitive advantage. By attending the IAPAM’s comprehensive botox ® courses and hCG training seminars (based on Dr. Simeons Pounds and Inches protocol), physicians can profitably add a cash based cosmetic injectable, aesthetic medicine or weight loss program to a medical practice.

The Symposium provides physicians:

- dedicated instruction from board-certified dermatologists, who are true experts of the skin and cosmetic injectables.
- hands-on practice in the best injection techniques.
- delivery of the botox ® training at a medical practice, not in a hotel room.
- an environment that does not allow exhibitors, giving doctors more time for education.
- the opportunity to attend the Symposium’s Aesthetic Practice Startup Workshop, which is the only medical spa program highlighting the latest information on medspa business development and social media marketing as taught by Harvard Business School.
- the unique opportunity to attend the full-day session on hCG and Medical Weight Management (http://www.hcgtraining.com). This session will cover hCG for weight loss, prescription appetite suppressants, ketogenic diet based programs, meal replacement and B6/12 injections.
- a set of DVDs from the IAPAM’s Aesthetic Medicine Procedure Training series, covering:

1. Botulinum Toxin for Cosmetic Patients – lecture.
2. Botulinum Toxin and Dermal Fillers for Cosmetic Patients – live demonstration.
3. Chemical Peel and Microdermabrasion – live demonstration of techniques.

Physicians who have attended the Aesthetic Medicine Symposium testify to its comprehensiveness, which includes:

1. The latest trends in aesthetic medicine and how to use them to one’s advantage.
2. Steps on how to integrate medical aesthetics procedures into a practice or build a patient base.
3. How to perform aesthetic patient consultations.
4. How to add the most profitable cosmetic injectable procedures, including: Botox ®, and dermal fillers (i.e. Juvederm ®, Restylane ®, and Perlane ®), chemical peels, and physician directed skin care.
5. Hands-on Botulinum Toxin Type A (i.e. Botox ®, Dysport ®, Xeomin ®) training.
6. Hands-on IPL / laser training.
7. Hands-on medical microdermabrasion training.
8. How to maximize profits by offering Chemical Peels and Physician-grade Cosmeceutical Skin Care lines.

Physicians rave that, “the support one gets from the IAPAM afterwards definitely makes the course different than the others.” Indeed, the benefits from attending an IAPAM Symposium and membership in the IAPAM endure beyond the weekend, including:

a. Access to the IAPAM’s impressive member only web resource portal, containing all the resources an aesthetic physician would require.
b. Access to AMA CAT 1 PRA Aesthetic Medicine and Obesity/Weight Management CMEs.
c. Advanced Hands-On Aesthetic Medicine Training: Botox ® training, Dysport ® training, Advanced Dermal Filler training (Juvederm ®, Restylane ®, Perlane ®), cosmetic laser training, chemical peel training, microdermabrasion training, ultrasound and laser liposuction training, medical spa business training.
d. Access to a clinical video library, covering the following procedures: Botox ® Injection to Crows Feet & Eyelids, Restylane ® Injection for Fuller Lips with Dental Block for Comfort, Restylane ® injection for fuller lips, Cheek enhancement with Juvederm ®, Eyebrow shaping/lift with Juvederm ®, Tear trough correction with Juvederm ®, Neurological Uses of Botox ®, Lower facial reshaping with Botox ® and Lipodissolve, and many more.
e. Unlimited access to the most comprehensive Aesthetic Medicine on-line training system for attendees and their staff.
f. Access to aesthetic practice forms and protocols.
g. Access to clinical white papers and clinical studies, including: Long-Distance Retrograde Effects of Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A, Recognizing Melanoma, Laser lipolysis to melt localized fat and improve skin laxity, dermatologic conditions that can be worsened by lasers and light sources, Botox ® with over 65 patients, medical weight management, and many more.

For additional information or to register for an upcoming Aesthetic Medicine Symposium, please contact the IAPAM at 1-800-219-5108 ext. 704, or visit http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com.

Botox, Botox Cosmetic and Juvederm are trademarks of Allergan, Inc. Dysport, Restylane, Perlane are trademarks of Medicis, Inc. Xeomin is a trademark of Merz Pharma GmbH & Co KGaA.

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

The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine is a voluntary association of physicians and supporters, which sets standards for the aesthetic medical profession. The goal of the association is to offer education, ethical standards, credentialing, and member benefits. IAPAM membership is open to all licensed medical doctors (MDs), dentists (DDSs/DMDs) 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 x704
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Experts Connection Webinar Explains How to Leverage Twitter to Build Your Business

Author and Twitter Expert Neal Schaffer Reveals the Secrets to Building a Successful Twitter Campaign into Your Marketing Strategy.

NOVATO, Calif. (January 17, 2012) -- Experts Connection for Business (http://www.experts-connection.com/business.aspx) will host a webinar entitled “Twitter for Business: A Step-by-Step Guide to Understanding, Leveraging & Maximizing Twitter.” Hosted by NETSHARE® (http://www.netshare.com), the 90-minute session will feature guest speaker Neal Schaffer, social media strategist and author of “Understanding, Leveraging & Maximizing Twitter.” The webinar is scheduled for Tuesday, January 24, from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. ET, (1:00 - 2:30 p.m. PT).

Twitter has generated a lot of buzz since it was first launched, and although the concept of “microblogging” is simple the practical applications of Twitter remain confusing to many marketing professionals. This webinar will provide specific strategies and a step-by-step approach to get the most out of Twitter for business.

Schaffer will share many of the secrets that major brands are embracing to leverage Twitter marketing for their businesses. The webinar will include:

- What opportunities Twitter provides to business.
- How Twitter currently permeates corporate organizations.
- How to create an effective Twitter marketing strategy.
- Integrating Twitter into a broader marketing program.
- Case studies of effective Twitter campaigns.
- Everything you wanted to know about hashtags, Twitter chats, and how to build a following.
- Recommended Twitter tools to make Tweeting more efficient.

“Twitter may be the most misunderstood and underrated of the popular social media platforms, especially among business users,” said Katherine Simmons, CEO of NETSHARE and host of the Experts Connection webinars. “Neal has made a unique study of Twitter and its potential for building brands, and he has uncovered a number of strategies that are highly effective for promoting business. This webinar will be invaluable to anyone who is considering using Twitter to promote their brand.”

The Experts Connection teleseminar series allows business professionals to connect with experts in a wide range of areas, gathering information about business-critical topics presented with an eye toward the practical, not just the theoretical. Experts Connections recruits the most knowledgeable specialists to address problems facing small companies, multi-national corporations, B2B, B2C; businesses of any size serving any market. The cost of the seminar is $100, and access is provided via web and telephone. For more information, visit the Experts Connection online at http://www.experts-connection.com/business.aspx.

About Neal Schaffer
Neal Schaffer helps organizations strategically leverage and maximize return on investment from social business. He is currently Senior Vice President of Social Media Strategy for Social 5150 and Vice President of Social Media Strategy for Green Dream Social, as well as the author of two books on LinkedIn and the soon-to-be-published “Understanding, Leveraging & Maximizing Twitter”. Neal is a frequent speaker at media events sponsored by ABC and CBS and quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Business Week, Yahoo! and the American Express Open Forum. He also has counseled Fortune 500 companies and celebrities with nearly one million social media fans.

About NETSHARE
NETSHARE (http://www.netshare.com) is a confidential, membership based organization dedicated to providing executives across all disciplines and industries with quality $100K plus job lists. NETSHARE also offers networking opportunities and a community of peers for the exchange of strategic information related to job search, professional development and best practices. NETSHARE has been recognized by Fortune and Forbes magazines as the best online destination for executive positions.

Contact:
Annette DiSano
NETSHARE, Inc.
(415) 883-1700

Tom Woolf
Woolf Media & Marketing
(415) 259-5638
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Rosendin Electric Begins Construction of Martin Luther King Junior High School in Pittsburgh

New Design-Build Project Latest in Rosendin Electric's Growing List of Bay Area Public Works Projects.

PITTSBURGH, Calif. (January 17, 2012) -- Rosendin Electric (http://www.rosendin.com), one of the nation’s largest private electrical contractors and a 100% employee-owned company, today announced the start of construction on the new Martin Luther King Junior High School.

The new Pittsburgh Unified School District middle school is being built by Webcor Builders and Rosendin Electric holds the $3.3 million design-build electrical contract, which includes telecommunications, audio-visual wiring, fire alarm, and the infrastructure for a later photovoltaic installation. The new Martin Luther King Junior High School project also includes construction of an 87,000-square-foot building accommodating 32 classrooms, 5,000 square feet of administrative offices, a 7,000-square-foot cafeteria, a 5,000-square-foot library, a gymnasium/common room with 12,000 square feet, and playfields. The first phase of the project is scheduled for completion in August 2012.

Included in the project specifications are the latest audio-visual and lighting features, including state-of-the-art smart controls for each classroom that are linked to the AV system to automatically dim the lights when necessary, or automatically lower audio volume to accommodate public announcements. The contract also calls for wiring the entire school for data access.

“We love these local contracts, since our electricians often live and work in the school district,” said Todd Mazza, Division Manager for Rosendin Electric. “The Martin Luther King Junior High School is the kind of project that allows Rosendin Electric to demonstrate our design-build expertise and best practices, and make a contribution to the local community as well.”

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
880 Mabury Road
San Jose, CA 95133
(408) 534-2819
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Sven Frøkjær-Jensen Now a Light Space & Time Featured Artist

Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery announced today that the Danish artist, Sven Frøkjær-Jensen was chosen for the Gallery's most recent Artist Showcase.

Jupiter, Florida - January 16, 2012 -- Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery announced today that the Danish artist, Sven Frøkjær-Jensen was chosen for the Gallery's most recent Artist Showcase.

Sven Frøkjær-Jensen has had a very thorough university education as a professional historian, which has been a great advantage for him in his love of art. He started out with a vivid and strong fascination of the Cobra art movement, but through his studies of Byzantine paintings and the art of the native people of Bali and Australia, he created for himself a new language of art, in which he combines the precise knowledge of his medium with the highest degree of intense artistic expression. He often uses unconventional materials when he creates his art works.

Sven is an extraordinary talented painter who produces wonderfully vibrant abstracts. His paintings interpret his subjective thoughts and deep feelings with bold splashes of color. Besides his brilliant abstracts, Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery was fortunate to have observed the full range of Sven’s artistic talent when he participated in our past “Figurative” exhibition with his classic nude drawing entitled “Trulla”. Sven also was a contributor in our “Landscape” exhibition with his oil painting “Winter” which strongly depicts the harsh winter landscape of his native Denmark.

“Overall, we are quite pleased to have had Sven as a regular contributor to our art gallery and we follow his art career from afar and we applaud his recent acceptance into the prestigious Danish juried exhibition of Kunstnernes Sommerudstilling. Sven will always be a welcomed artist at the Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery”, said John Math, the gallery’s Director.

Sven lives and works in Slagelse, Denmark and his beautiful artworks can be viewed on his website at http://www.svenfroekjaer.com.

About Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery

Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery conducts monthly art competitions and monthly art exhibitions for new and emerging artists on a worldwide basis. It is Light Space & Time’s intention to showcase this incredible talent in a series of monthly themed art competitions and art exhibitions by marketing and displaying the exceptional abilities of these worldwide artists.

The art 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
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Canadian timber construction initiative attracts support from AAA

A new scheme to encourage construction with timber in Canada has been welcomed by AAA, which claims the scheme could boost returns for forestry investors.

Boston, MA, USA, January 16, 2012 -- A new scheme to encourage construction with timber in Canada has been welcomed by Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA), which claims the scheme could boost returns for forestry investors.

The Atlantic WoodWORKS! Initiative is being launched by the Canadian government, in conjunction with several provinces, including Nova Scotia, Labrador and Newfoundland.

The campaign is intended to extend the already successful WoodWORKS! Scheme to the Atlantic region and could help to bring more cash and investment into the Atlantic region’s forestry industry, claims AAA, which advocates alternative investments, including forestry investment.

Under the Business Development Program, the initiative is receiving CA$500,000 over a two-year period by way of support from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

“This initiative, if successful, will provide a major boost for the forestry industry of the region, with more commercial and public buildings using solid timber in construction projects helping to increase the value of thee timber products”, stated AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

AAA also support the environmental benefits of these kinds of projects, as they help to encourage tree planting and reforestation, which adds to the carbon sequestration properties of a country. Encouraging sustainable forestry management methods is also vital for the safeguarding of forestry industries for generations to come, added Johnson.

Among other schemes, AAA backs forestry plantation schemes in Canada, including the one run by Greenwood Management, a group based in Denmark. The scheme enables investors to buy up sections of land which is then planted with quick-growing sustainable timber stock, which grows in value over a relatively short amount of time. At maturity, the timber is sold off and cash is returned to investors.

This kind of alternative asset class is becoming increasingly popular among those who want to avoid putting their cash in stocks and shares in light of the recent volatility of the equity markets.

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
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IAPAM Announces 2012 Symposiums with Botox ® Training for January 28-29 and March 3-4

In its Aesthetic Medicine Trends 2012 overview, the IAPAM forecasts that in 2012, patients are more likely to opt for minimally-invasive, less expensive anti-aging treatments such as Botox ®, dermal fillers, laser skin rejuvenation & laser hair removal, microdermabrasion and chemical peels. To help physicians enter this lucrative market, the IAPAM offers the industry’s leading dermatologist-led Aesthetic Medicine Symposium with Botox ® Training in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 28-29 and March 3-4, 2012. At the IAPAM’s Symposiums, physicians learn and receive everything they need to start offering Botox ® and other in-demand aesthetic medicine procedures this New Year.

Las Vegas, Nevada, January 13, 2012 -- As reported by the IAPAM (http://www.iapam.com) in its Top Aesthetic Medicine Trends for 2012, “the market for anti-aging treatments will continue to grow in 2012. With new technologies, as well as new ways to bundle and market existing procedures, the trend toward more minimally invasive procedures does not appear to be going away any time soon.” The IAPAM’s Jeff Russell shares that, “as we have seen with our past annual trends predictions, the key is creating an anti-aging program for each patient’s needs. Patients just do not come in for Botox ®, they want a combination anti-aging treatments which often includes: neurotoxins, dermal fillers and skin rejuvenation with chemical peels, microdermabrasion and skin care.”

Therefore, the IAPAM’s Aesthetic Medicine Symposiums http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com are specifically designed by physicians for physicians, to educate and train on the top cosmetic procedures like: Botox ®, dermal filler injections, lasers for skin rejuvenation & laser hair removal, medical microdermabrasion, and medical grade chemical peels. The IAPAM’s Symposiums have integrated the most important clinical, aesthetic medicine business, and Botox ® training ALL into one weekend, including:

- dedicated instruction from board-certified dermatologists, who are true experts of the skin and cosmetic injectables;
- hands-on practice in the best injection techniques;
- Botox ® training at a multi-million dollar medical practice, not in a hotel room; and
- an environment that does not allow exhibitors, giving physicians more time for education.

Attendees also have the opportunity to:

1. Attend the IAPAM’s Aesthetic Practice Start-Up Workshop (http://www.iapam.com/bootcamp.html) on Monday, January 30 or March 5, 2012, a program highlighting the latest information on medspa business development and social media marketing.
2. Attend the IAPAM’s hCG Training (http://www.hcgtraining.com) on Friday, January 27 or March 2, 2012, which covers hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) for weight loss, prescription appetite suppressants, ketogenic diet based programs, meal replacements and B6/12 injections.

To date, over 950 physicians (MDs, DOs, NPs, PAs etc.) and their staff (RNs, MAs, practice managers, etc.), have attended the IAPAM’s Aesthetic Medicine Symposiums and hCG Training http://www.hcgtraining.com seminars. The dates for the next Aesthetic Medicine Symposiums are January 28-29 and March 3-4, 2012, in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona.

Consider adding aesthetic medicine modalities to your medical practice this New Year! Physicians who have attended the Aesthetic Medicine Symposiums with Botox ® Training testify (http://www.iapam.com/category/testimonials) to their comprehensiveness, and the year of practice support from the IAPAM definitely makes this program different than the others.

For additional information or to register for the January 28-29 or March 3-4, 2012 Aesthetic Medicine Symposiums, please contact the IAPAM at 1-800-219-5108 ext. 704, or visit http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com.

Botox, Botox Cosmetic and Juvederm are trademarks of Allergan, Inc. Dysport, Restylane, Perlane are trademarks of Medicis, Inc.

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

The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine is a voluntary association of physicians and supporters, which sets standards for the aesthetic medical profession. The goal of the association is to offer education, ethical standards, credentialing, and member benefits. IAPAM membership is open to all licensed medical doctors (MDs), dentists (DDSs/DMDs) 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 x704
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FRA welcomes news on successful Brazilian deforestation policies

FRA has welcomed news that anti-deforestation policies in Brazil seem to be working, according to new figures.

Seattle, United States, January 13, 2012 -- Forestry Research Associates (FRA), a research and analysis consultancy, has welcomed news that anti-deforestation policies in Brazil seem to be working, according to new figures.

The latest data from a report published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Science show that as the deforestation rate of rainforest in the Mato Grosso region reduced, the rate of food production increased.

FRA claims that this illustrates how the policies introduced by the government of Brazil have helped to encourage more sustainable use of already-deforested areas.

The figures were compiled by Marcia Macedo of the University of Columbia after analysing deforestation rates and comparing them with soya production between 2001 and 2010. The analysis showed that some 91 per cent of the soya production increase in the last half of the period occurred in previously cleared rainforest, rather than on land cleared at the time for the purpose.

The report’s authors wrote: "The land-use transitions observed during the post-boom period-and the case of 2009 in particular-suggest that when market conditions favoured expansion, producers expanded into areas previously cleared for pasture rather than forest areas."

FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins, announced FRA’s take on the situation. “We are pleased to see that there is now more evidence to support the Brazilian government’s efforts to try to reduce deforestation in the Amazon.”

He added, “We support several reforestation projects and forestry investment projects in the Amazon region, which are also being helped along by the government’s policies.”

An example is the plantation project run by Greenwood Management, which offers investors the chance to buy up sections of plantation forest, which is planted with non-native timbers. Government policies that ban government subsidies for steel firs that use charcoal made form native timbers has increased use of plantation-grown timber in the steel industry, explained 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.

Media Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Tel: (206) 316 8394
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Art is 'better investment bet than equities' claims AAA

A new index shows that art is indeed one of the top alternative investment options for 2012, according to AAA.

Boston, MA, USA, January 13, 2012 -- A new index shows that art is indeed one of the top alternative investment options for 2012, according to Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The Mei Moses All Art index showed that the art market outperformed the equities market for the second year in a row, with art growing in value over the year by an impressive 11 per cent.

AAA claims that this increase, which is measured through an analysis of the price at which artworks sold in auction houses throughout 2011, shows alternative investments are becoming serious contenders against traditional asset classes. AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson explained, “A few years ago, anyone but the super-rich would have overlooked art as a possible way to make cash from investments, but this is all changing, as alternatives become more and more mainstream.”

This is, according to AAA, down to the fact that stocks and shares are simply not as attractive as they used to be. Mr Johnson continued, “The average investor may still have a bad taste left in their mouths as a result of the global economic crisis and may well be looking for somewhere less volatile or more ethical and independent to put their cash.”

Art has received a boost from the growing Chinese market, as the population in the Asian country gets wealthier as their economic power strengthens. The Financial Times, explained, "Strong growth in Chinese demand and high prices for the work of popular artists such as Andy Warhol."

AAA supports ethical and alternative investments all over the world, with an emphasis on those that can have a positive impact the environment and communities in developing countries. One example is the forestry investment project run by investment firm Greenwood Management. They offer investors the chance to buy up sections of plantation forests in Brazil that are planted with non-native timber crops that bring in returns once felled and also provide alternatives to timber and charcoal from native species.

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
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Winners Announced: Ten Best: 2012's Top Ethical Destinations in the Developing World

Report names highest performers in human rights, environmental protection.

Nonprofit group Ethical Traveler announces the top 10 ethical destinations for 2012. The goal of the annual Ethical Destinations report is to identify destinations who are working to protect human rights and the environment, and to encourage travelers to support these destinations with their vacation spending. The group seeks to build awareness of responsible travel among consumers, thus influencing governments and businesses.

Berkeley, USA (January 12, 2012 – Travel-Newswire.com) -- From a shortlist of 30 finalists, an annual report released today highlights 10 tourism destinations for their accomplishments in the areas of environmental protection, social welfare, and human rights.

Ethical Traveler congratulates the countries that make up our 2012 list of The Developing World’s 10 Best Ethical Destinations. The winners (in alphabetical order, not in order of merit) are:

Argentina
The Bahamas
Chile
Costa Rica
Dominica
Latvia
Mauritius
Palau
Serbia
Uruguay

Every year Ethical Traveler conducts a study of developing nations, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. The research team first identifies the best tourism destinations in the developing world. Next, using publicly available data, countries are rated in the areas of environmental protection, social welfare, and human rights. For more on the methodology, please see the full report at EthicalTraveler.org.

Report co-author and Ethical Traveler executive director Jeff Greenwald says, “It’s always an honor to compile this list. It gives us great pleasure to express our admiration for these countries, and we hope they'll reap real economic and social benefits as a result of our endorsement."

As researcher Natalie Lefevre points out, “None of these countries are perfect, but the countries that are on this list deserve their spots -- thanks to their effort to ensure that tourism has a positive impact on their country and their people."

Ethical Traveler noted some surprises in 2012. According to Greenwald, "The steady trend we're seeing toward green practices and support for sustainable tourism - by governments and travelers alike -- is a fantastic development, and shows a real coming-of-age in the international tourism community."

Island nations and South American countries did well again this year. New on the list for 2012 were Serbia, Palau and the Bahamas.

Greenwald notes, “One thing that was interesting this year - and unfortunate - was that some otherwise excellent countries in Latin America and Africa didn't make the list because of their draconian anti-gay laws."

Ethical Traveler encourages travelers to use their vacations to reward these countries by visiting them, and enjoying the wonderful sights, cultures and activities they offer.

Report co-author Natalie Lefevre says, “I hope that the countries that didn't make it onto 2012 year’s list will feel motivated to work harder on their environmental, social and human rights records, so they might be reconsidered in 2013."

The 2012 winners were initially announced at the Commonwealth Club of California. To view the full 2012 Ethical Destinations report and accompanying photo gallery, please visit http://www.ethicaltraveler.org/destinations.

-Ends-

About Ethical Traveler: An all-volunteer, non-profit project of the Earth Island Institute, Ethical Traveler's mission is to use the power of tourism to protect human rights and the environment. For more information, please visit http://www.ethicaltraveler.org.

Pre-cleared photos and interviews with report authors available on request.

Media Contact:
Michael McColl
Director of Communications
Ethical Traveler
P.O. Box 5883
Berkeley, CA 94705
+1 (510) 451 0267
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Prediction of Social Media's impact on Businesses in 2012

Websites, like BusinessVibes, allowing businesses to share content, look for partners, suppliers and clients would start to develop much faster due to demand of having more specialized websites.

London, UK, January 11, 2012 -- Social media not only became more and more popular websites full of interesting content provided by users willing to interact with their friends and broaden their interest, but also nowadays it is hard to find a brand, which doesn't include social media in its marketing activity. Not only, though, this tool dominated lives of individuals, but its influence on businesses is getting bigger every month. According to BtoB Magazine report 93 percent of all B2B marketers are currently using some means of social media marketing. Enormously fast pace of social media development raise the question about the directions of its growth in 2012.

First of all specialization will jump into the world of social media platforms. The great boom started when Facebook and Twitter appeared on the Internet, but apart from those major ones a lot of smaller, specialized websites, like Foursquare or BusinessVibes(http://www.businessvibes.com) showed up. Greater choice of platforms would make users want to be visible only on those ones, which really matter for their activity. With more than 800 million users, Facebook has become a powerful marketing tool, but in fact, only 45% of B2B comparing to 67% of B2C companies has acquired customers via Facebook. Businesses may turn towards smaller yet specialized platforms and leave the bigger platforms to sign up on those strictly adapted to their business needs and mission. Try to name needs and expectations of your company when it comes to social platforms and get yourself involved in the most appropriate ones for your business.

Marketing itself will move more towards real time marketing, where marketers would no longer have few months to prepare campaigns and what is even more important - the time of reaction on customer needs will significantly shorten. Time-consuming research on customers’ preferences would be slowly replaced by analysis of social media and looking for the signs of customers necessities hidden in their activity on social media platforms. On the other hand do not get too excited on social media itself. Solid strategy and plan of action combining both: digital and traditional approach for marketing would still be one of the most important things to be done in marketing strategy.

Following the previous prediction, social media and online marketing in general will play more and more significant role in marketing strategies of many companies. It will not only be additional tool supporting the product promotion but will be most likely used for the big campaigns and for marketing research as well.

Increasing number of social media users would enforce the development of additional application supporting that kind of website. The bar for technical, functional and usability requirements for social media websites would go higher and higher. More and more of them, would become available on mobile phones.

Higher demand of clients would move social media more into interactive - networking site. Networking would influence individuals sharing content and collecting friends and will affect companies. Websites, like BusinessVibes, allowing businesses to share content, look for partners, suppliers and clients would start to develop much faster due to demand of having more specialized websites.

Contact:
Marta Munia
Marketing Executive - Europe
Infiniti Research Limited
8 Wimpole Street
London W1G 9SP
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How to Meet Your Valentine in 2012 Singles Convention

Rich Gosse, America's foremost authority on finding a romantic partner, keynotes the 2012 Meet Your Valentine Convention.

San Rafael, CA, January 11, 2012 -- Contact: Tom Andrews, 415/507-9962

Rich Gosse, America's foremost authority on finding a romantic partner, will keynote the Meet Your Valentine Convention, Friday, February 10, 2012, 7:30pm-Midnight, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 1333 Bayshore Hwy, Burlingame CA 94010. His topic is “How to Meet Your Valentine in 2012.”

“Singles are LAZY about looking for love,” says Mr. Gosse. “They spend more time searching for a new car than for a lasting relationship. They believe in the ENCHANTED EVENING MYTH: they will see a stranger across a crowded room, fall in love, and live happily ever after. This really happens… to 1% of the population. The other 99% winds up dying of loneliness, waiting for the Enchanted Evening.”

Mr. Gosse will reveal the THREE RULES FOR MEETING YOUR VALENTINE:

1. GET OUT OF THE HOUSE. “Most singles stay home seven nights a week and complain they never meet anyone.”

2. GO WHERE THE DUCKS ARE. “Most singles go where the ducks AREN'T. They make the mistake of going where there lots of people of their own s*x to compete against, and very few of the opposite s*x from whom to choose.”

3. INITIATE CONTACT. “Some poor fool has to make the first move and risk rejection.”

Rich Gosse is the author of eight books on dating, including You CAN Hurry Love, Singles Guide to the Bay Area, and A Good Man Is EASY to Find “This is a great book!” Oprah Winfrey). His expert advice has been featured by ABC, CBS, CNBC, CNN, Oprah, Donahue, Cosmopolitan, Newsweek, Playboy, Playgirl, The Wall Street Journal, The London Times, The Australian, The New Zealand Herald, etc. His website is http://www.RichGosse.com. Mr. Gosse is available to the news media for interviews by calling 415/479-3800.

The Convention begins at 7:30pm with the Keynote Address, followed by a Dance Party, 9pm-Midnight. Adults of all ages are welcome. The Convention is sponsored by The Society of Single Professionals, the world's largest non-profit singles organization. The cost to attend is $20 at the door. Anyone wishing more information about this and many more events for singles may visit http://www.ThePartyHotline.com or call 415/507-9962.

Contact:
Rich Gosse
Society of Single Professionals
205 Mark Twain Avenue, San Rafael CA 94903
Tel: 415-507-9962
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Engage PEO Expands Team in Two Florida Markets

Vice Presidents of Sales added in Palm Beach and Tampa Territories.

St. Petersburg, FL - January 11, 2012 -- Engage PEO, a leading professional employer organization providing HR outsourcing solutions to small and mid-sized businesses, today announced two additions to its team as part of an expanded presence in Tampa and Palm Beach, Florida. Michael Erstling joins the company as vice president of sales, Tampa, and Lauralee Longstaff joins as vice president of sales, Palm Beach.

“These two markets have always been strong for the PEO industry, which is why we located our operational and sales headquarters in each of these cities as well,” said Jay Starkman, chief executive officer of Engage. “In addition to superior client service, Engage’s model is built upon the top sales professionals in the industry, and Mike and Lauralee, with their combined 20 years of PEO sales experience, certainly fit that mold.”

“I'm thrilled to have joined Engage,” said Erstling. “It’s not every day you find an entrepreneurial company telling the market that they should expect more and then delivering on that higher expectation. It’s very exciting to be a part of such a solid team.”

“I was with my prior company for over a decade and had no real plans to leave,” said Longstaff. “I was so attracted to Engage’s focus on delivering the highest level service and building it around top people in every discipline that I couldn't pass up the opportunity. I'm looking forward to helping this company become an industry leader.”

About Engage PEO
Engage PEO delivers comprehensive HR solutions to small and mid-sized businesses, sharpening their competitive advantage. Comprised of the industry’s most respected veteran professional employer organization executives, certified HR professionals and attorneys, Engage PEO provides hands-on, expert HR services and counsel to help clients minimize cost and maximize efficiency for stronger business performance. The company’s superior service offering includes a full range of health and worker’s compensation insurance products, payroll technology and tax administration, risk management services and best-of-breed technology as part of an extensive suite of HR services. For more information visit http://www.EngagePEO.com.

Media Contact:
Sandra Fine
Engage PEO
3001 Executive Drive Suite 340
St. Petersburg, FL 33762
(305) 567-0535
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Despite Dismal Economy First Edition Design eBook Publishing Soars

eBook master distributor expands to industry leading role while other businesses bemoan economic woes.

Sarasota, FL - January 10, 2012 -- First Edition Design eBook Publishing has released their updated distribution list http://www.firsteditiondesignebooks.com/html/distributionchannels.html, which now positions them as the world’s largest distributor of eBooks. They now submit eBooks to over 100 top online booksellers, along with public libraries, academic libraries, schools, colleges, universities and government agencies, resulting in over 100,000 distribution points world-wide.

“We are aggressive; we work hard and efficiently,” said First Edition Design Publishing’s CEO Deborah E. Gordon. “While others may sit on the sidelines to see what will happen next with the unfavorable economy, we have been adding more features that benefit our clients in spite of the prevailing poor economic conditions. We are selective and invest our resources into people and technology that grow our business. By keeping our operating costs down and our margins tight we gained a competitive edge and increased volume.”

First Edition Design eBook Publishing and First Edition Design Publishing are subsidiaries of First Edition Design, Inc. headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, USA. First Edition Design Publishing is a licensed and approved aggregator for Apple, Sony, Amazon, Google, Ingram, Baker & Taylor, Nielsen and numerous others to distribute ebooks through them. They are also licensed Microsoft Solution Providers and Apple Developers.

Media Contact:
Tom Gahan
First Edition Design Publishing
PO Box 20217
Sarasota, FL 34276
Tel: +1 (631)369-0063
Fax: +1 (941) 866-7510
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New (Green) E-Newspaper being Launched

The Wilco Area Times E-Newspaper of Georgetown, Texas is starting publication to focus content on the good things happening in personal, local, national and international areas.

Georgetown, TX - January 10, 2012 -- The E-newspaper is focused on providing stories of public interest about good deeds of people, non-profits and organizations.

Wilco Area Times is primarily an area newspaper but since news really has no boundries the paper publishes news from all sources and areas.

In an efforts to get younger children interested in reading the paper publishes articles about pets, wild animals, new technologies, sports, and community events for both children and their parents. An example article is on Finger Monkeys which people can google at Wilco Area Times - Finger Monkeys.

Subscription is free by simply going to website http://www.wilcoareatimes.com.

Wilco Area Times encourages article contributions from it's subscribers about special people they know about, non-profits they support or any newsworthy item of public interest.

Media Contact:
Gail Duncan
Publisher
Wilco Area Times
120 Nolan Dr.
Georgetown, TX 78633
512-818-7519
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Brazilian property is a good alternative investment bet, claims AAA

Alternative investment advocacy group, Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) has backed finding from The Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate (AFIRE), that suggest Brazil is a safe bet for buying property.

Boston, MA, USA, January 10, 2012 -- Alternative investment advocacy group, Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) has backed finding from The Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate (AFIRE), that suggest Brazil is a safe bet for buying property.

The organisation’s 20th yearly survey concluded that Brazil is becoming a contender for the top spot in terms of capital appreciation on property investment.

The report stated, "Brazil jumps 14.2 percentage points from fourth place in last year's survey, to be named the second best country for capital appreciation, pushing China into third position.” It added that Sao Paulo was particularly strong: "Sao Paulo rose from 26th place to be named investors' fourth global city for real estate investment dollars in 2012."

Hanging on to the top spot was the US, largely due to the growth in the rental market. However, 8.6 per cent of those questioned in the survey said that they consider Brazil to be the best bet in terms of return on investment for real estate. “In fact, Brazil was ranked number one in the ‘emerging market for real estate category’ showing that now is the time to buy,” stated AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

AAA supports a range of alternative investment opportunities in Brazil, not least the forestry plantation projects that have helped to attract foreign investment to the developing country and reduce deforestation of native rainforests.

AAA’s support of projects like the one run by Greenwood Management , stems from a belief that investing in ethical projects can generate good returns while helping projects, that may not get off the ground otherwise, to flourish. Real estate is just one of many alternative asset classes that have attracted the attention of mainstream investors in recent years due to the volatility of the stock markets and general uncertainty about the global economy.

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
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