English news - The ING Life Companies launched today its first-ever Executive Benefits and Business Planning Symposium for life insurance producers and distributors. The two-day program offers practical topics to help the participants who want to expand their business in this segment of the market.
"When it comes to business planning, we're in a different game today. We are in the midst of a paradigm shift. Businesses are under more pressure to reduce costs and meet expectations. This could include retaining key associates or development of a supplemental retirement plan. Even experienced producers have found that the environment and rules of the game have changed and that they need to reinvent themselves," said Kurt Fasen, senior vice president and head of ING Life Sales Support. "Given our renewed focus on business- and executive-benefit planning and our in-house expertise, we're able to pass on the knowledge to those who want to help their business clients with today's solutions."
Examples of topics offered at the program include:
* Diagnosing your clients' needs
* Split-dollar plans that work
* Tax-deductable plan design
* Premium-financed executive benefits
The executive benefits and business-planning program complements two on-site academies offered by ING Life Companies, the Case Design Academy and the Premium Finance Academy. In addition, the company offers a robust online offering of practical topics to help life insurance producers of a variety of experience levels grow their business in today's marketplace.
"To be successful, you need more than great products," said Randy Kemnitz, manager of Business Planning and Executive Benefits – ING Life Sales Support. "The successful producer understands a broad range of client solutions, has resources available to support his or her sales efforts, and keeps current on the latest tools in the marketplace. At ING Life Companies, we arm the financial professionals with the tools they need to best help their clients."
For more information about ING Life Companies' executive benefits and business-planning products or other ING services, contact ING Life Sales Support at 1-866-ING-SELL begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-866-ING-SELL end_of_the_skype_highlighting
ING is a global financial institution of Dutch origin offering banking, investments, life insurance and retirement services to over 85 million private, corporate and institutional clients in more than 40 countries. With a diverse workforce of about 105,000 people, ING is dedicated to setting the standard in helping our clients manage their financial future.
English news online - In the U.S., the ING (NYSE: ING) family of companies offer a comprehensive array of financial services to retail and institutional clients, which includes life insurance, retirement plans, mutual funds, managed accounts, alternative investments, direct banking, institutional investment management, annuities, employee benefits and financial planning. ING holds top-tier rankings in key U.S. markets and serves nearly 30 million customers across the nation. For more information, visit www.ing.com/us.
The ING Life Companies are represented by ReliaStar Life Insurance Company (Minneapolis, MN), ReliaStar Life Insurance Company of New York (Woodbury, NY) and Security Life of Denver Insurance Company (Denver, CO). Within the state of New York, only ReliaStar Life Insurance Company of New York is admitted, and its products issued. All are members of the ING family of companies.
English news
Wednesday, 13 October 2010
NC4 Unveils Comprehensive Risk Management Solution at ASIS International, Booth #3457
English news online - NC4, the leader in Situational Readiness solutions for risk management, today announced the unveiling of the NC4 Risk Center™ solution at ASIS International. This electronic warning service can be configured with a variety of powerful components to better support the needs of corporate security, business continuity, supply chain and travel managers.
Real-time situational awareness and alert notifications have been a hallmark for NC4 over the past decade. Operating from redundant 24x7 east and west coast Incident Monitoring Centers, these real time alerts will continue to be at the core of the NC4 Risk Center. These functions are now augmented with global predictive intelligence, enhanced analysis and threat information. In addition, a travel risk management component provides organizations with a comprehensive view of travel risk exposure for employees and expatriates.
"U.S. and global corporations are seeing increasing risks to their domestic and international operations, traveling employees, and supply chains," said Jim Montagnino, President and CEO of NC4. "We have assembled a powerful set of components that customers can leverage within the NC4 Risk Center solution to better manage their operational risk."
By configuring the solution to customer's specific needs, NC4 supports a holistic view of operational risk to enable customers to quickly learn about risks threatening assets, operations, suppliers, and employees. The NC4 Risk Center helps organizations to ensure business continuance, protect the health, life, safety and productivity of employees, streamline risk-related decision-making processes, and reduce labor costs. In addition, other optional NC4 components, such as the capability for secure communication and collaboration, may be incorporated into NC4 Risk Center to further enhance an organization's Risk Management program.
Genzyme's security team, long time users of NC4 services, is at the forefront of Enterprise Risk Management with their business-based approach to security and risk mitigation. "NC4's Risk Center helps us in our efforts of improving our capabilities for monitoring, analyzing and responding to threat information. With NC4's Risk Center, we are in a better position to deliver actionable business intelligence to the enterprise to help us protect our corporate interests worldwide," says Bhavesh Patel, Senior Director of Global Risk and Business Resources. Bhavesh adds, "We work with many technologically savvy companies such as NC4. What sets NC4 apart is that not only do they have superb technology, but they also listen and react to their customer's needs."
NC4 is previewing the new NC4 Risk Center capabilities this year at the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) International Conference to be held in Dallas, Texas, October 12th through 14th in booth #3457. Individuals are invited to stop by the booth for additional information or to contact NC4 at info@nc4.us for a personalized demonstration.
English news - About NC4
NC4's Situational Readiness offerings revolutionize how government and businesses collect, manage, share and disseminate information to mitigate risks, manage incidents, and securely communicate and collaborate with one another.
English news
Real-time situational awareness and alert notifications have been a hallmark for NC4 over the past decade. Operating from redundant 24x7 east and west coast Incident Monitoring Centers, these real time alerts will continue to be at the core of the NC4 Risk Center. These functions are now augmented with global predictive intelligence, enhanced analysis and threat information. In addition, a travel risk management component provides organizations with a comprehensive view of travel risk exposure for employees and expatriates.
"U.S. and global corporations are seeing increasing risks to their domestic and international operations, traveling employees, and supply chains," said Jim Montagnino, President and CEO of NC4. "We have assembled a powerful set of components that customers can leverage within the NC4 Risk Center solution to better manage their operational risk."
By configuring the solution to customer's specific needs, NC4 supports a holistic view of operational risk to enable customers to quickly learn about risks threatening assets, operations, suppliers, and employees. The NC4 Risk Center helps organizations to ensure business continuance, protect the health, life, safety and productivity of employees, streamline risk-related decision-making processes, and reduce labor costs. In addition, other optional NC4 components, such as the capability for secure communication and collaboration, may be incorporated into NC4 Risk Center to further enhance an organization's Risk Management program.
Genzyme's security team, long time users of NC4 services, is at the forefront of Enterprise Risk Management with their business-based approach to security and risk mitigation. "NC4's Risk Center helps us in our efforts of improving our capabilities for monitoring, analyzing and responding to threat information. With NC4's Risk Center, we are in a better position to deliver actionable business intelligence to the enterprise to help us protect our corporate interests worldwide," says Bhavesh Patel, Senior Director of Global Risk and Business Resources. Bhavesh adds, "We work with many technologically savvy companies such as NC4. What sets NC4 apart is that not only do they have superb technology, but they also listen and react to their customer's needs."
NC4 is previewing the new NC4 Risk Center capabilities this year at the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) International Conference to be held in Dallas, Texas, October 12th through 14th in booth #3457. Individuals are invited to stop by the booth for additional information or to contact NC4 at info@nc4.us for a personalized demonstration.
English news - About NC4
NC4's Situational Readiness offerings revolutionize how government and businesses collect, manage, share and disseminate information to mitigate risks, manage incidents, and securely communicate and collaborate with one another.
English news
Banking Site DepositAccounts.com Now Tracks 60,000 Bank Rates, Launches New Features
English news - DepositAccounts.com announced today that the number of unique bank and credit union rates the site is now tracking has exceeded 60,000. The site, which helps individuals find and compare the best Checking, CD, Money Market, Savings account and IRA rates, has also launched several new features – including a "Bank Health Rating" section.
"60,000 is a milestone for our users," says DepositAccounts.com's primary blogger – noted banking industry watchdog, Ken "The Bank Deals Guy" Tumin. "Particularly given the total objectivity of our rate tables. When users search our site for the best rates in any category, that's exactly what they'll find. Our rankings are never impacted by advertising relationships, and that simply isn't the case with a lot of other sites."
DepositAccounts.com enables visitors to search and compare various products' rates, either locally or nationally, based on a number of optional criteria. This includes a table for high-yield Rewards Checking accounts offering APY as high as 4.01% (as of 10/4/10).
English news Online - Tumin typically posts, on his blog, information for 3 - 5 new rate deals each day, as well as broad commentary on the banking industry. Tumin launched the blog in 2005. To date, the blog contains more than 7,500 posts and 34,000 user comments.
DepositAccounts.com's new "Bank Health Rating" feature offers a simple search form for finding, (free of charge) updated FDIC and NCUA data for every federally insured bank and credit union.
This section provides current and historic numbers on Assets & Liabilities; current Quarterly Profit Margins; and each institution's overall health scores (on a scale of 0 to 5) – as well as scores for Texas Ratio, Texas Ratio Trend, Deposit Growth and Capitalization. Also in this section, site users are given an option to "Write A Review", and rate institutions (on a scale of 1 to 5).
English news
"60,000 is a milestone for our users," says DepositAccounts.com's primary blogger – noted banking industry watchdog, Ken "The Bank Deals Guy" Tumin. "Particularly given the total objectivity of our rate tables. When users search our site for the best rates in any category, that's exactly what they'll find. Our rankings are never impacted by advertising relationships, and that simply isn't the case with a lot of other sites."
DepositAccounts.com enables visitors to search and compare various products' rates, either locally or nationally, based on a number of optional criteria. This includes a table for high-yield Rewards Checking accounts offering APY as high as 4.01% (as of 10/4/10).
English news Online - Tumin typically posts, on his blog, information for 3 - 5 new rate deals each day, as well as broad commentary on the banking industry. Tumin launched the blog in 2005. To date, the blog contains more than 7,500 posts and 34,000 user comments.
DepositAccounts.com's new "Bank Health Rating" feature offers a simple search form for finding, (free of charge) updated FDIC and NCUA data for every federally insured bank and credit union.
This section provides current and historic numbers on Assets & Liabilities; current Quarterly Profit Margins; and each institution's overall health scores (on a scale of 0 to 5) – as well as scores for Texas Ratio, Texas Ratio Trend, Deposit Growth and Capitalization. Also in this section, site users are given an option to "Write A Review", and rate institutions (on a scale of 1 to 5).
English news
New Capital Ideas Blog Offers Advice for Selling, Financing a Business
English news - Allegiance Capital Corporation has launched the Capital Ideas blog to offer M&A tips to entrepreneurs and business owners who need to sell a company, recapitalize, and/or make acquisitions.
"Our Capital Ideas blog will be a robust combination of practical M&A advice, and 'war stories' about entrepreneurs who have had amazing successes and colossal failures. No one will be bored reading it," said David Mahmood, Chairman.
Mahmood has built eight companies and has been advising privately-held, closely-held companies on M&A and financing strategies for the past 25 years. Collectively the bankers at Allegiance Capital have advised on more than 200 private and public transactions with an aggregate value of more than $20 billion.
Subscribe to the Capital Ideas blog by visiting: www.allcapcorp.com/blog .
About Allegiance Capital - English news online
Allegiance Capital Corporation is a full-service investment banking firm specializing in the middle market (companies with revenue from $20 million to $500 million), with offices in Chicago, Dallas, New York, Madrid, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Seattle, and Shanghai. Through its global network, Allegiance Capital assists companies in every aspect of selling and financing a business, including debt restructuring, mezzanine financing, executing leveraged buyouts, strategic partnering, consulting and other related services. Its Special Situations group handles financial restructuring and distressed mergers and acquisitions. For more information, refer to the company website, www.allcapcorp.com, and its Facebook page.
English news
"Our Capital Ideas blog will be a robust combination of practical M&A advice, and 'war stories' about entrepreneurs who have had amazing successes and colossal failures. No one will be bored reading it," said David Mahmood, Chairman.
Mahmood has built eight companies and has been advising privately-held, closely-held companies on M&A and financing strategies for the past 25 years. Collectively the bankers at Allegiance Capital have advised on more than 200 private and public transactions with an aggregate value of more than $20 billion.
Subscribe to the Capital Ideas blog by visiting: www.allcapcorp.com/blog .
About Allegiance Capital - English news online
Allegiance Capital Corporation is a full-service investment banking firm specializing in the middle market (companies with revenue from $20 million to $500 million), with offices in Chicago, Dallas, New York, Madrid, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Seattle, and Shanghai. Through its global network, Allegiance Capital assists companies in every aspect of selling and financing a business, including debt restructuring, mezzanine financing, executing leveraged buyouts, strategic partnering, consulting and other related services. Its Special Situations group handles financial restructuring and distressed mergers and acquisitions. For more information, refer to the company website, www.allcapcorp.com, and its Facebook page.
English news
GMAC Mortgage Statement on Independent Review and Foreclosure Sales
English news - GMAC Mortgage is committed to preserving the integrity of the foreclosure process and in that spirit has engaged several leading legal and accounting firms to conduct independent reviews of its foreclosure procedures in each of the 50 states.
In addition, foreclosure sale files nationwide receive an additional review by a specialized team to ensure that: home preservation procedures have been fully followed; the timing and substance of the foreclosure is appropriate; and the file itself is in good order and complies with all laws and requirements of the state of jurisdiction.
English news Online.
Foreclosure is a very serious matter and only implemented when all other home preservation options have been fully exhausted. We are taking these additional steps to restore confidence in the process, which is critical for the stability of the home and mortgage industry.
In addition to the nationwide measures, the review and remediation activities related to cases involving judicial affidavits in the 23 states continues and has been underway for approximately two months. As each of those files is reviewed, and remediated when needed, the foreclosure process resumes. GMAC Mortgage has found no evidence to date of any inappropriate foreclosures.
GMAC Mortgage is committed to working through this matter diligently and encourages borrowers with questions to contact a customer service representative at 866-304-4682 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 866-304-4682 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or loan.assist@gmacm.com. Additional information can be found by visiting www.gmacmortgage.com
English news
In addition, foreclosure sale files nationwide receive an additional review by a specialized team to ensure that: home preservation procedures have been fully followed; the timing and substance of the foreclosure is appropriate; and the file itself is in good order and complies with all laws and requirements of the state of jurisdiction.
English news Online.
Foreclosure is a very serious matter and only implemented when all other home preservation options have been fully exhausted. We are taking these additional steps to restore confidence in the process, which is critical for the stability of the home and mortgage industry.
In addition to the nationwide measures, the review and remediation activities related to cases involving judicial affidavits in the 23 states continues and has been underway for approximately two months. As each of those files is reviewed, and remediated when needed, the foreclosure process resumes. GMAC Mortgage has found no evidence to date of any inappropriate foreclosures.
GMAC Mortgage is committed to working through this matter diligently and encourages borrowers with questions to contact a customer service representative at 866-304-4682 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 866-304-4682 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or loan.assist@gmacm.com. Additional information can be found by visiting www.gmacmortgage.com
English news
Encore Capital Group, Inc. to Announce Third Quarter 2010 Results on October 26
English news Online - Encore Capital Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: ECPG), a leading consumer debt buying and recovery company, announced today that it will release its financial results for the third quarter of 2010 on Tuesday, October 26, 2010, after the market closes. The Company will also host a conference call the same day at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the reported results.
Members of the public are invited to listen to the event via the Internet. To access the live webcast, log on at the Investor Relations page of the Company's website at www.encorecapitalgroup.com. A replay of the webcast will be available online shortly after the conclusion of the live event.
About Encore Capital Group, Inc. - English news
Encore Capital Group is a leader in consumer debt buying and recovery. We purchase portfolios of defaulted consumer receivables from banks, credit unions, consumer finance companies, commercial retailers, auto finance companies and telecommunication companies and manage them by partnering with individuals as they repay their obligations and work toward financial recovery.
Headquartered in San Diego, we are a publicly traded NASDAQ Global Select company (ticker symbol: ECPG) and a component stock in the Russell 2000 and the Wilshire 4500. Our performance derives from our sophisticated and widespread use of analytics, our investments in data and consumer intelligence, our cost leadership position (based on our enterprise-wide, account-level cost database as well as our India facility), and our commitment to see principled intent drive every consumer interaction. More information on the Company can be found at www.encorecapitalgroup.com.
English news
Members of the public are invited to listen to the event via the Internet. To access the live webcast, log on at the Investor Relations page of the Company's website at www.encorecapitalgroup.com. A replay of the webcast will be available online shortly after the conclusion of the live event.
About Encore Capital Group, Inc. - English news
Encore Capital Group is a leader in consumer debt buying and recovery. We purchase portfolios of defaulted consumer receivables from banks, credit unions, consumer finance companies, commercial retailers, auto finance companies and telecommunication companies and manage them by partnering with individuals as they repay their obligations and work toward financial recovery.
Headquartered in San Diego, we are a publicly traded NASDAQ Global Select company (ticker symbol: ECPG) and a component stock in the Russell 2000 and the Wilshire 4500. Our performance derives from our sophisticated and widespread use of analytics, our investments in data and consumer intelligence, our cost leadership position (based on our enterprise-wide, account-level cost database as well as our India facility), and our commitment to see principled intent drive every consumer interaction. More information on the Company can be found at www.encorecapitalgroup.com.
English news
Thursday, 20 May 2010
Court lifts BA cabin crew strike ban
British Airways cabin crew have been given the go-ahead to strike after a court overturned the airline’s injunction to stop the industrial action.
BA had won a high court injunction to stop the strikes which were due to start on Tuesday as part of a series of four separate five-day strikes, in a long running dispute over pay and working conditions.
BA said in a statement after the decision today that it would run a full programme at Gatwick and London City, while at Heathrow more than 60% of its longhaul operation and more than 50% of shorthaul would operate.
However, BA flights were disrupted earlier in the week even though the court had originally ruled against the strikes.
Tony Woodley, Unite joint general secretary, said: ‘We are delighted to have won today. Justice has been secured. Had it not been, the right to strike would now be hanging by a thread.’
BA had won a high court injunction to stop the strikes which were due to start on Tuesday as part of a series of four separate five-day strikes, in a long running dispute over pay and working conditions.
BA said in a statement after the decision today that it would run a full programme at Gatwick and London City, while at Heathrow more than 60% of its longhaul operation and more than 50% of shorthaul would operate.
However, BA flights were disrupted earlier in the week even though the court had originally ruled against the strikes.
Tony Woodley, Unite joint general secretary, said: ‘We are delighted to have won today. Justice has been secured. Had it not been, the right to strike would now be hanging by a thread.’
Shares drop on rumours of a Europe-wide ban on riskier trading
Shares, commodities and European currencies fell sharply in early afternoon deals with traders saying rumours that European governments are ready to impose a Europe-wide ban on some riskier trading practices had caused 'panic' across trading floors.
Yusuf Heusen, senior sales trader at IG Index said: 'There is talk of a Brussels blanket ban. Any rumour at the moment is going to lead to exaggerated moves.'
Yesterday, shares dropped after shock news Germany has banned some riskier forms of trading in financial shares and government bonds until March next year to try and restore order to global markets.
Today, traders noted rumours coming from Brussels that other European markets will also ban so-called naked short-selling.
A spokeswoman from Belgium's financial market regulator CBFA said the agency is in talks with other national regulators through the Committee of European Securities Regulators about whether all EU countries should follow suit, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Yusuf Heusen, senior sales trader at IG Index said: 'There is talk of a Brussels blanket ban. Any rumour at the moment is going to lead to exaggerated moves.'
Yesterday, shares dropped after shock news Germany has banned some riskier forms of trading in financial shares and government bonds until March next year to try and restore order to global markets.
Today, traders noted rumours coming from Brussels that other European markets will also ban so-called naked short-selling.
A spokeswoman from Belgium's financial market regulator CBFA said the agency is in talks with other national regulators through the Committee of European Securities Regulators about whether all EU countries should follow suit, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Friday, 29 January 2010
Advisory Board "2015: Women and Expo": an Initiative to Promote Women's Development in the World, Davos, 29 January 2010
The Advisory Board "2015: Women and Expo" met this morning in Davos to launch a five year plan to promote women's entrepreneurial creativity in the world, particularly in relation to the theme of the Expo "Feed the Planet, Energy for Life".
The Board is headed by Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan, who is co president with Government Extraordinary Commissioner for Expo 2015 Letizia Moratti of Milan. Among its members are Cherie Blair and Former EU Commissioner Emma Bonino.
The goal of the initiative is promoting projects related to women's issues all over the world, advancing cooperation among different countries and cultures at the same time. The projects will have concrete objectives, offering a contribution to the solution of problems like hunger, malnutrition and lack of access to clean water. The projects will be approved by the scientific committee of the Expo and be consistent with the theme of the Expo "Feed the Planet, Energy for Life".
The Board, composed of illustrious women from all over the world, aims to bring down the barriers still hindering the development of women. President of the board is Queen Rania of Jordan, co-president Letizia Moratti, the Government Extraordinary Commissioner for Expo 2015. Emma Bonino and Stefania Prestigiacomo have been appointed vice-presidents.
Among the other members: Diana Bracco, President of Expo 2015 SPA and the Italian Committee "2015: Women and Expo", Emma Marcegaglia, President of the Italian Industrial Association; Cherie Blair, President of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women and of the Loomba Trust, Geeta Rao Gupta, President of the International Centre of research on women, Iweala Ngozi Okonjo, Director General of the World Bank, Viviane Wade, wife of the President of Senegal and President of the Foundation "Agir pour la Sante et l'Education", Margarita Cedeno de Fernandez, First Lady of the Dominican Republic and Josette Sheeran, Executive Director of the World Food Programme.
Members of the Board include also: Kerry Kennedy, Director of the Robert F. Kennedy Foundation of Europe; Valentina Matviyenko, Governor of St. Petersburg; Laurence Parisot, President of MEDEF; Rhoda Peace Tumusiime, African Commissioner of Rural Economy and Agriculture; Sandra Pupatello, Minister for Economic Development of Ontario; Petra Roth, Mayor of Frankfurt and Yalcindang Arzuhan Dogan, member of the Association of Turkish Industrialists.
Periodical meetings will take place to check the progress of the work and plan future strategies. Between now and 2015 the Board will also organise relevant annual conferences, starting with Shanghai.
The first operative meeting of the board will be held in Milan in May.
The Board is headed by Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan, who is co president with Government Extraordinary Commissioner for Expo 2015 Letizia Moratti of Milan. Among its members are Cherie Blair and Former EU Commissioner Emma Bonino.
The goal of the initiative is promoting projects related to women's issues all over the world, advancing cooperation among different countries and cultures at the same time. The projects will have concrete objectives, offering a contribution to the solution of problems like hunger, malnutrition and lack of access to clean water. The projects will be approved by the scientific committee of the Expo and be consistent with the theme of the Expo "Feed the Planet, Energy for Life".
The Board, composed of illustrious women from all over the world, aims to bring down the barriers still hindering the development of women. President of the board is Queen Rania of Jordan, co-president Letizia Moratti, the Government Extraordinary Commissioner for Expo 2015. Emma Bonino and Stefania Prestigiacomo have been appointed vice-presidents.
Among the other members: Diana Bracco, President of Expo 2015 SPA and the Italian Committee "2015: Women and Expo", Emma Marcegaglia, President of the Italian Industrial Association; Cherie Blair, President of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women and of the Loomba Trust, Geeta Rao Gupta, President of the International Centre of research on women, Iweala Ngozi Okonjo, Director General of the World Bank, Viviane Wade, wife of the President of Senegal and President of the Foundation "Agir pour la Sante et l'Education", Margarita Cedeno de Fernandez, First Lady of the Dominican Republic and Josette Sheeran, Executive Director of the World Food Programme.
Members of the Board include also: Kerry Kennedy, Director of the Robert F. Kennedy Foundation of Europe; Valentina Matviyenko, Governor of St. Petersburg; Laurence Parisot, President of MEDEF; Rhoda Peace Tumusiime, African Commissioner of Rural Economy and Agriculture; Sandra Pupatello, Minister for Economic Development of Ontario; Petra Roth, Mayor of Frankfurt and Yalcindang Arzuhan Dogan, member of the Association of Turkish Industrialists.
Periodical meetings will take place to check the progress of the work and plan future strategies. Between now and 2015 the Board will also organise relevant annual conferences, starting with Shanghai.
The first operative meeting of the board will be held in Milan in May.
BOMA/Chicago Announces Winners of Inaugural Gold Circle Awards and 'The Office Building of the Year' (TOBY) Awards
The Building Owners and Managers Association of Chicago (BOMA/Chicago) announced the winners of its first-ever Gold Circle Awards and its annual "The Office Building of the Year" (TOBY) Awards last night at the BOMA/Chicago Gold Circle Awards Gala held at the Palmer House Hilton.
The Gold Circle Awards were created to honor individual excellence within Chicago's commercial real estate community in six categories, including Property Management Professional of the Year, Building Engineer of the Year, Security Professional of the Year, Emerging Leader of the Year, Affiliate Member of the Year and the Board of Directors Award.
Nominated by an executive within their organization, applicants were required to complete an extensive award application and submit two letters of recommendation. The finalists were evaluated by a panel of local real estate leaders based on a wide range of criteria including the applicants' professional accomplishments, positive impact on Chicago's commercial real estate community and involvement in BOMA/Chicago. The awards were extremely competitive, with more than thirty applications received in the Gold Circle Award's first year.
The 2010 Gold Circle Award winners include:
Property Management Professional of the Year: Laura Bossert, general manager of 737 North Michigan, was nominated by Katherine Scott of U.S. Equities Realty for the renovation of 737 North Michigan's exterior entrance and lobby. The renovations were the central components of the building's successful repositioning campaign. The Property Management Professional of the Year Award recognizes excellence in property management for professionals charged with managing the day-to-day operations and maintenance of BOMA/Chicago member buildings.
Building Engineer of the Year: Matt McManus, chief engineer at University Center, located at 525 South State Street, was nominated by Bill Vail of U.S. Equities Student Housing for spearheading a variety of sustainability initiatives, including utilizing low-VOC paint and recycled carpeting throughout the building. McManus also upgraded University Center's lighting system with motion sensors to increase the overall energy efficiency of the building. The Building Engineer of the Year Award honors operational excellence of engineering professionals overseeing the systems and infrastructure of Chicago's commercial buildings.
Security Professional of the Year: Keith Kambic, director of security at Willis Tower, was honored for overseeing a dramatic overhaul of security and life safety at the building. Kambic's security program reduced annual operating costs by more than $1.5 million dollars through staff reductions and the implementation of advanced technology and procedures. Kambic was nominated by Dean Johnson of U.S. Equities Realty for the Security Professional of the Year Award, which recognizes excellence in building security management.
Emerging Leader of the Year: Mason Taylor, assistant general manager of 353 North Clark, was named Emerging Leader of the Year, an award recognizing leadership achievement by BOMA/Chicago's building and affiliate members with less than five years of experience in the commercial real estate industry. Taylor was nominated by Lori Olson of Jones Lang LaSalle for his success recruiting sponsors of the Emerging Leaders Committee and its members. During the past year, Taylor's efforts have secured more than $10,000 in contributions to support BOMA/Chicago's Emerging Leaders.
Affiliate Member of the Year: Bobby Graham of Facility Solutions Group was recognized for his exemplary service to BOMA/Chicago as an active affiliate member. Graham was nominated by Robert Six of Zeller Realty for his efforts to promote affiliate members as a valuable resource to BOMA/Chicago building members.
Board of Directors Award: Janice Goldsmith, senior vice president of Zeller Realty Group, was honored with the Board of Directors Award for her extraordinary contributions to BOMA/Chicago and its members through her long-term service as the vice chair of the Codes Committee. Goldsmith led BOMA/Chicago's efforts to update elevator safety and inspection protocols for the City of Chicago and spearheaded the development of new self-certification processes for routine building inspections.
"BOMA/Chicago's members and member buildings continue to set the highest standards of achievement for the regional and national commercial real estate community," said Michael Cornicelli, executive vice president of BOMA/Chicago. "These individuals and property management teams comprise the best-of-the-best in our industry, and we are grateful for their leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence."
BOMA/Chicago also honored local TOBY winners for excellence in office building management and sustainability initiatives based on building size and facility type. The following buildings were recognized in eight respective categories for their achievements:
100,000 – 249,000 Square Feet Category: 20 North Michigan, managed by U.S. Equities Realty and owned by 12 North Venture, LLC.
250,000 – 499,000 Square Feet Category: 550 West Washington, managed by Jones Lang LaSalle and owned by Beacon Capital Partners.
500,000 – One Million Square Feet Category: 191 West Wacker, managed by Manulife Financial and owned by John Hancock Life Insurance Company.
Over One Million Square Feet Category: The Aon Center, managed by Jones Lang LaSalle and owned by Piedmont Office Realty Trust.
Government Building Category: The Ralph H. Metcalfe Federal Building, located at 77 West Jackson Boulevard. The building is owned and managed by the General Services Administration.
Renovated Building Category: 11 South LaSalle, managed by CB Richard Ellis, Inc. and owned by Prime LaSalle/Madison Partners, LLC.
Earth Award Category: 350 West Mart Center, managed by Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. and owned by Vornado Realty Trust.
Historical Building Category: 680 North Lake Shore, managed and owned by Golub Realty Services, LLC.
TOBY Award nominees were required to submit a detailed application and undergo an extensive building inspection process by a team of TOBY judges. In addition, the building's management team was interviewed by a judging panel regarding its tenant relations programs, work order systems, emergency preparedness and security standards, budgeting, recordkeeping and staff experience and training.
The Chicago TOBY Award winners will compete in the north central regional TOBY competition, which includes local TOBY winners from Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. Regional competition winners will qualify to compete in the international TOBY awards later this year, considered by many in the industry to be one of the highest honors the commercial real estate industry can bestow.
The Gold Circle Awards were created to honor individual excellence within Chicago's commercial real estate community in six categories, including Property Management Professional of the Year, Building Engineer of the Year, Security Professional of the Year, Emerging Leader of the Year, Affiliate Member of the Year and the Board of Directors Award.
Nominated by an executive within their organization, applicants were required to complete an extensive award application and submit two letters of recommendation. The finalists were evaluated by a panel of local real estate leaders based on a wide range of criteria including the applicants' professional accomplishments, positive impact on Chicago's commercial real estate community and involvement in BOMA/Chicago. The awards were extremely competitive, with more than thirty applications received in the Gold Circle Award's first year.
The 2010 Gold Circle Award winners include:
Property Management Professional of the Year: Laura Bossert, general manager of 737 North Michigan, was nominated by Katherine Scott of U.S. Equities Realty for the renovation of 737 North Michigan's exterior entrance and lobby. The renovations were the central components of the building's successful repositioning campaign. The Property Management Professional of the Year Award recognizes excellence in property management for professionals charged with managing the day-to-day operations and maintenance of BOMA/Chicago member buildings.
Building Engineer of the Year: Matt McManus, chief engineer at University Center, located at 525 South State Street, was nominated by Bill Vail of U.S. Equities Student Housing for spearheading a variety of sustainability initiatives, including utilizing low-VOC paint and recycled carpeting throughout the building. McManus also upgraded University Center's lighting system with motion sensors to increase the overall energy efficiency of the building. The Building Engineer of the Year Award honors operational excellence of engineering professionals overseeing the systems and infrastructure of Chicago's commercial buildings.
Security Professional of the Year: Keith Kambic, director of security at Willis Tower, was honored for overseeing a dramatic overhaul of security and life safety at the building. Kambic's security program reduced annual operating costs by more than $1.5 million dollars through staff reductions and the implementation of advanced technology and procedures. Kambic was nominated by Dean Johnson of U.S. Equities Realty for the Security Professional of the Year Award, which recognizes excellence in building security management.
Emerging Leader of the Year: Mason Taylor, assistant general manager of 353 North Clark, was named Emerging Leader of the Year, an award recognizing leadership achievement by BOMA/Chicago's building and affiliate members with less than five years of experience in the commercial real estate industry. Taylor was nominated by Lori Olson of Jones Lang LaSalle for his success recruiting sponsors of the Emerging Leaders Committee and its members. During the past year, Taylor's efforts have secured more than $10,000 in contributions to support BOMA/Chicago's Emerging Leaders.
Affiliate Member of the Year: Bobby Graham of Facility Solutions Group was recognized for his exemplary service to BOMA/Chicago as an active affiliate member. Graham was nominated by Robert Six of Zeller Realty for his efforts to promote affiliate members as a valuable resource to BOMA/Chicago building members.
Board of Directors Award: Janice Goldsmith, senior vice president of Zeller Realty Group, was honored with the Board of Directors Award for her extraordinary contributions to BOMA/Chicago and its members through her long-term service as the vice chair of the Codes Committee. Goldsmith led BOMA/Chicago's efforts to update elevator safety and inspection protocols for the City of Chicago and spearheaded the development of new self-certification processes for routine building inspections.
"BOMA/Chicago's members and member buildings continue to set the highest standards of achievement for the regional and national commercial real estate community," said Michael Cornicelli, executive vice president of BOMA/Chicago. "These individuals and property management teams comprise the best-of-the-best in our industry, and we are grateful for their leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence."
BOMA/Chicago also honored local TOBY winners for excellence in office building management and sustainability initiatives based on building size and facility type. The following buildings were recognized in eight respective categories for their achievements:
100,000 – 249,000 Square Feet Category: 20 North Michigan, managed by U.S. Equities Realty and owned by 12 North Venture, LLC.
250,000 – 499,000 Square Feet Category: 550 West Washington, managed by Jones Lang LaSalle and owned by Beacon Capital Partners.
500,000 – One Million Square Feet Category: 191 West Wacker, managed by Manulife Financial and owned by John Hancock Life Insurance Company.
Over One Million Square Feet Category: The Aon Center, managed by Jones Lang LaSalle and owned by Piedmont Office Realty Trust.
Government Building Category: The Ralph H. Metcalfe Federal Building, located at 77 West Jackson Boulevard. The building is owned and managed by the General Services Administration.
Renovated Building Category: 11 South LaSalle, managed by CB Richard Ellis, Inc. and owned by Prime LaSalle/Madison Partners, LLC.
Earth Award Category: 350 West Mart Center, managed by Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. and owned by Vornado Realty Trust.
Historical Building Category: 680 North Lake Shore, managed and owned by Golub Realty Services, LLC.
TOBY Award nominees were required to submit a detailed application and undergo an extensive building inspection process by a team of TOBY judges. In addition, the building's management team was interviewed by a judging panel regarding its tenant relations programs, work order systems, emergency preparedness and security standards, budgeting, recordkeeping and staff experience and training.
The Chicago TOBY Award winners will compete in the north central regional TOBY competition, which includes local TOBY winners from Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. Regional competition winners will qualify to compete in the international TOBY awards later this year, considered by many in the industry to be one of the highest honors the commercial real estate industry can bestow.
Get More Taxes Back, and Avoid Costly Refund Anticipation Loans this Tax Season
Goodwill Industries International urges workers to check whether they qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) today, EITC Awareness Day. EITC can be the financial boost families need in these tough economic times —- providing tax breaks to working people who earn low or moderate incomes, whether single or married, and resulting in as much as $5,657 in refunds for some families.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090716/DC47803LOGO)
Through a partnership with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Goodwill® will offer free tax preparation Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites nationwide to workers who earn low incomes and individuals with disabilities, among others.
In supporting an array of efforts to help workers, so that they have more funds available to cover essential family expenses, Goodwill also encourages people to avoid high-interest, short-term Refund Anticipation Loans (RALs). According to the Consumer Federation of America, RALs drained the refunds of nearly 9 million employees who earned low incomes in 2008, costing them $900 million.
"Goodwill hopes qualified workers will take advantage of the free tax preparation services at VITA sites," said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. "The IRS estimates that nearly 20 to 25 percent of eligible families still don't claim the credit and we need to make sure that working families get back every dollar for which they are eligible to help cover transportation costs, education, and food, and to save for long-term expenses such as housing, education and other family expenses."
Gibbons added, "We are also doing our best to encourage hard working Americans to avoid the pitfalls of refund anticipation loans, which offer quick access to refunds, but at a high cost that is ultimately detrimental to individuals and their families."
In 2009, Goodwills across the country helped put more than $10 million in the pockets of hard-working families through the EITC. In addition, they prepared more than 19,000 returns, 1,700 of those for people with disabilities. Families are able to file for the EITC as far back as three years if they have not previously filed. More than 100 Goodwill agencies across the United States are engaged in tax preparation services and providing information on tax credits.
"Goodwill is ideally positioned to reach the target population of these workers so that they can correctly identify themselves as eligible for the credit, file a tax return and benefit from these refunds," said Gibbons.
Goodwill's goal is to help individuals receive the tax refunds they are due from the federal government — without loans, fees or interest charges.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090716/DC47803LOGO)
Through a partnership with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Goodwill® will offer free tax preparation Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites nationwide to workers who earn low incomes and individuals with disabilities, among others.
In supporting an array of efforts to help workers, so that they have more funds available to cover essential family expenses, Goodwill also encourages people to avoid high-interest, short-term Refund Anticipation Loans (RALs). According to the Consumer Federation of America, RALs drained the refunds of nearly 9 million employees who earned low incomes in 2008, costing them $900 million.
"Goodwill hopes qualified workers will take advantage of the free tax preparation services at VITA sites," said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. "The IRS estimates that nearly 20 to 25 percent of eligible families still don't claim the credit and we need to make sure that working families get back every dollar for which they are eligible to help cover transportation costs, education, and food, and to save for long-term expenses such as housing, education and other family expenses."
Gibbons added, "We are also doing our best to encourage hard working Americans to avoid the pitfalls of refund anticipation loans, which offer quick access to refunds, but at a high cost that is ultimately detrimental to individuals and their families."
In 2009, Goodwills across the country helped put more than $10 million in the pockets of hard-working families through the EITC. In addition, they prepared more than 19,000 returns, 1,700 of those for people with disabilities. Families are able to file for the EITC as far back as three years if they have not previously filed. More than 100 Goodwill agencies across the United States are engaged in tax preparation services and providing information on tax credits.
"Goodwill is ideally positioned to reach the target population of these workers so that they can correctly identify themselves as eligible for the credit, file a tax return and benefit from these refunds," said Gibbons.
Goodwill's goal is to help individuals receive the tax refunds they are due from the federal government — without loans, fees or interest charges.
Thomson Reuters Industry-Leading Checkpoint Platform Becomes More Intuitive Than Ever Before
The Tax & Accounting business of Thomson Reuters has made Version 8.9 of its award-winning online Checkpoint® platform available to tax professionals. "We continually update Checkpoint to keep it filled with the latest and most thorough analysis of tax, accounting and corporate finance materials. Checkpoint's new natural language search feature will help users conduct searches on Checkpoint in a way that will bring them to their answers more quickly than ever before," said Steve Mendelsohn, Senior VP and General Manager, Online Media.
The natural language search enhancement offers users the option to conduct searches in plain English, in a format using questions, phrases, or a series of words. Natural language searches will produce 100 of the best matches to the search criteria.
Checkpoint 8.9 also offers new content in the international, corporate finance, and accounting and auditing areas. "Because of globalization, accountants and attorneys are practicing in the international market more than ever before. Those who are not considered international taxation specialists are still faced with clients with international issues," said Mendelsohn. "Thomson Reuters is addressing this by providing professionals with thorough materials that enable them to meet their client's growing need to work in the international arena, and simultaneously grow their businesses."
New international products include:
IBFD Global Tax Libraries on Checkpoint, which include IBFD Global Tax Explorer, IBFD Global Tax Explorer Plus, and IBFD Global Taxation & Investment. All of these products cover all regions and provide survey-level information, as well as primary source and current awareness materials,
IBFD World Tax Journal, a journal for academic research that includes articles from world-class tax academics in law, economics, policymakers and professionals, covering European taxation from a legal and an economic perspective, and
U.S. International Taxation for Individuals and Small Businesses Library on Checkpoint. This is an ideal resource for non-international tax practitioners who are increasing billable hours by providing international services as the need increases.
New corporate finance and accounting and auditing products on Checkpoint 8.9 include:
IASB Standards for Small and Medium Enterprises.
PPC's Single Audit Compliance Program Creator (a.k.a. SCAI), which can turn hundreds of pages of the Compliance Supplement into an easy-to-use audit program, tailored to the user's own federal award program and entity. The user answers quick questions on his or her client and federal award program to receive a customized audit program.
SEC Standards Tracker. Using Checkpoint's Create-a-Chart function, users will now instantly:
Check for recent standard setting or regulatory activity and how it impacts upcoming SEC filings,
Sort and filter results to conduct faster, more accurate research, and
Link directly from the chart to relevant pronouncements and standards, or to WG&L editorial analysis of those standards. Checkpoint users can create charts that list not only the issuing body, document and summary, status, and issue and effective dates, but also list SEC items and forms that are affected.
For more information on Checkpoint, visit http://ria.thomsonreuters.com.
The natural language search enhancement offers users the option to conduct searches in plain English, in a format using questions, phrases, or a series of words. Natural language searches will produce 100 of the best matches to the search criteria.
Checkpoint 8.9 also offers new content in the international, corporate finance, and accounting and auditing areas. "Because of globalization, accountants and attorneys are practicing in the international market more than ever before. Those who are not considered international taxation specialists are still faced with clients with international issues," said Mendelsohn. "Thomson Reuters is addressing this by providing professionals with thorough materials that enable them to meet their client's growing need to work in the international arena, and simultaneously grow their businesses."
New international products include:
IBFD Global Tax Libraries on Checkpoint, which include IBFD Global Tax Explorer, IBFD Global Tax Explorer Plus, and IBFD Global Taxation & Investment. All of these products cover all regions and provide survey-level information, as well as primary source and current awareness materials,
IBFD World Tax Journal, a journal for academic research that includes articles from world-class tax academics in law, economics, policymakers and professionals, covering European taxation from a legal and an economic perspective, and
U.S. International Taxation for Individuals and Small Businesses Library on Checkpoint. This is an ideal resource for non-international tax practitioners who are increasing billable hours by providing international services as the need increases.
New corporate finance and accounting and auditing products on Checkpoint 8.9 include:
IASB Standards for Small and Medium Enterprises.
PPC's Single Audit Compliance Program Creator (a.k.a. SCAI), which can turn hundreds of pages of the Compliance Supplement into an easy-to-use audit program, tailored to the user's own federal award program and entity. The user answers quick questions on his or her client and federal award program to receive a customized audit program.
SEC Standards Tracker. Using Checkpoint's Create-a-Chart function, users will now instantly:
Check for recent standard setting or regulatory activity and how it impacts upcoming SEC filings,
Sort and filter results to conduct faster, more accurate research, and
Link directly from the chart to relevant pronouncements and standards, or to WG&L editorial analysis of those standards. Checkpoint users can create charts that list not only the issuing body, document and summary, status, and issue and effective dates, but also list SEC items and forms that are affected.
For more information on Checkpoint, visit http://ria.thomsonreuters.com.
Pelosi: 'Today's GDP Numbers Are Sign of Economic Progress and Step Forward on Road to Recovery'
Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today on news that the gross domestic product expanded at an annual rate of 5.7 percent in the fourth quarter, the fastest pace the economy has grown in more than six years.
"Today's GDP numbers are a sign of economic progress, marking another step forward on the road to recovery and job creation, clear evidence that our efforts to revitalize the economy are starting to pay off.
"From the first days of the 111th Congress, we have worked to create and save jobs, help small businesses, restore opportunity and economic security to the middle class, and lay a stronger foundation for the future. Economists of every stripe agree that our actions helped avert even greater economic catastrophe — from the Recovery Act and Cash for Clunkers to the first-time homebuyer tax credit.
"Despite today's good news, millions of Americans remain out of work and still struggle to make ends meet. Moving forward, we will continue to place jobs and our middle class at the center of our agenda — by completing work on initiatives that help small businesses start hiring, invest in infrastructure, create 4 million new jobs with affordable health care, create clean energy jobs, and protect Main Street from the recklessness of Wall Street."
"Today's GDP numbers are a sign of economic progress, marking another step forward on the road to recovery and job creation, clear evidence that our efforts to revitalize the economy are starting to pay off.
"From the first days of the 111th Congress, we have worked to create and save jobs, help small businesses, restore opportunity and economic security to the middle class, and lay a stronger foundation for the future. Economists of every stripe agree that our actions helped avert even greater economic catastrophe — from the Recovery Act and Cash for Clunkers to the first-time homebuyer tax credit.
"Despite today's good news, millions of Americans remain out of work and still struggle to make ends meet. Moving forward, we will continue to place jobs and our middle class at the center of our agenda — by completing work on initiatives that help small businesses start hiring, invest in infrastructure, create 4 million new jobs with affordable health care, create clean energy jobs, and protect Main Street from the recklessness of Wall Street."
Thursday, 28 January 2010
Walmart Foundation Tax Preparation Partnership Expects to Yield More Than $1 Billion in Tax Savings for Consumers
The Walmart Foundation, United Way Worldwide, One Economy Corporation and National Disability Institute (NDI) have partnered to bring free tax preparation and filing services to consumers nationwide. The initiative will also help educate consumers, and provide free preparation and filing for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a federal income tax credit of which many are unaware.
A $4 million grant from the Walmart Foundation will be shared among the program partners and is expected to help return $1 billion in total tax refunds, credits and tax preparation savings. In 2009, a similar effort from the Walmart Foundation helped more than 650,000 people receive tax refunds, credits and tax preparation savings totaling more than $950 million.
"The Walmart Foundation is building on the success of last year's program to again put savings and EITC refunds back in taxpayers' pockets," said Margaret McKenna, president of the Walmart Foundation. "As many continue to feel the impact of the challenging economy, our goal is to establish a more integrated and accessible program that helps Americans live better lives."
"EITC can be a financial boost for working people hit by hard economic times," said Julie Garcia, Director of the IRS Stakeholder Partnerships, Education and Communication division. "One in four eligible taxpayers overlooks the credit and this partnership is helping those who need it most."
Through this effort, a series of activities will take place:
United Way Worldwide will assist Americans who earn less than $49,000 with free tax and EITC filing at 91 community-based tax preparation sites.
Tax-payers earning less than $58,000 per year can take advantage of the MyFreeTaxes.com national tour. Equipped with One Economy's online tax filing technology and IRS-trained tax professionals, the tour will visit 30 communities across the U.S.
The NDI's Real Economic Impact Tour will assist qualifying taxpayers with disabilities who earn $49,000 or less. Funding from the Walmart Foundation allows NDI to expand its disability-inclusive tax assistance programs, including making free tax preparation sites and online tools accessible to disabled filers.
For additional information on United Way tax preparation sites, the MyFreeTaxes.com National Tour, the NDI's Real Economic Impact Tour and eligibility requirements visit www.walmartfoundation.org or www.myfreetaxes.com.
A $4 million grant from the Walmart Foundation will be shared among the program partners and is expected to help return $1 billion in total tax refunds, credits and tax preparation savings. In 2009, a similar effort from the Walmart Foundation helped more than 650,000 people receive tax refunds, credits and tax preparation savings totaling more than $950 million.
"The Walmart Foundation is building on the success of last year's program to again put savings and EITC refunds back in taxpayers' pockets," said Margaret McKenna, president of the Walmart Foundation. "As many continue to feel the impact of the challenging economy, our goal is to establish a more integrated and accessible program that helps Americans live better lives."
"EITC can be a financial boost for working people hit by hard economic times," said Julie Garcia, Director of the IRS Stakeholder Partnerships, Education and Communication division. "One in four eligible taxpayers overlooks the credit and this partnership is helping those who need it most."
Through this effort, a series of activities will take place:
United Way Worldwide will assist Americans who earn less than $49,000 with free tax and EITC filing at 91 community-based tax preparation sites.
Tax-payers earning less than $58,000 per year can take advantage of the MyFreeTaxes.com national tour. Equipped with One Economy's online tax filing technology and IRS-trained tax professionals, the tour will visit 30 communities across the U.S.
The NDI's Real Economic Impact Tour will assist qualifying taxpayers with disabilities who earn $49,000 or less. Funding from the Walmart Foundation allows NDI to expand its disability-inclusive tax assistance programs, including making free tax preparation sites and online tools accessible to disabled filers.
For additional information on United Way tax preparation sites, the MyFreeTaxes.com National Tour, the NDI's Real Economic Impact Tour and eligibility requirements visit www.walmartfoundation.org or www.myfreetaxes.com.
Standard & Poor's Launches S&P GSCI Enhanced Sub-Indices; Licenses BNP Paribas to Track the Indices
Continuing to offer a wide variety of new and innovative investable commodity indices, Standard & Poor's, the world's leading index provider, announced today the launch of seven single commodity sub-indices of the S&P GSCI Enhanced Index: Brent Crude Oil, Heating Oil, Natural Gas, Chicago Wheat, Corn, Lean Hogs and Live Cattle. These sub-indices are designed to alleviate the impact of negative roll returns – a situation that occurs when the price of the commodity's futures contract is higher than its spot price.
Standard & Poor's also announced that it has licensed BNP Paribas to track the S&P GSCI Enhanced sub-indices. BNP Paribas is the Euro-zone's leading bank in terms of deposits, and a global-scale European leader in financial services.
"With this launch, S&P Indices now offers all of the commodities with enhanced roll schedules from the S&P GSCI Enhanced Index as stand alone mono-indices," says Michael McGlone, Senior Director of Commodity Indexing at S&P Indices and author of the Market Attributes Commodities posted monthly to www.spgsci.standardandpoors.com. "The solid performance and robust methodology of the S&P GSCI Enhanced Index is certainly attracting attention."
The S&P GSCI Enhanced Index is calculated on a basis similar to that of the S&P GSCI, with modifications made in order to apply certain dynamic, timing, and seasonal rolling rules. Dynamic rolling rules are designed to yield enhanced returns when the WTI Crude Oil and Brent Crude Oil futures markets demonstrate wide contango conditions. Contract roll schedules are seasonally altered for Heating Oil, Natural Gas, Chicago Wheat, Corn, Lean Hogs, and Live Cattle to alleviate potential rolling expenses and to reflect the seasonal demand for the commodities.
The S&P GSCI is the most closely followed benchmark for investment performance in the commodity markets. For more information on the S&P GSCI, please visit: www.spgsci.standardandpoors.com.
Standard & Poor's also announced that it has licensed BNP Paribas to track the S&P GSCI Enhanced sub-indices. BNP Paribas is the Euro-zone's leading bank in terms of deposits, and a global-scale European leader in financial services.
"With this launch, S&P Indices now offers all of the commodities with enhanced roll schedules from the S&P GSCI Enhanced Index as stand alone mono-indices," says Michael McGlone, Senior Director of Commodity Indexing at S&P Indices and author of the Market Attributes Commodities posted monthly to www.spgsci.standardandpoors.com. "The solid performance and robust methodology of the S&P GSCI Enhanced Index is certainly attracting attention."
The S&P GSCI Enhanced Index is calculated on a basis similar to that of the S&P GSCI, with modifications made in order to apply certain dynamic, timing, and seasonal rolling rules. Dynamic rolling rules are designed to yield enhanced returns when the WTI Crude Oil and Brent Crude Oil futures markets demonstrate wide contango conditions. Contract roll schedules are seasonally altered for Heating Oil, Natural Gas, Chicago Wheat, Corn, Lean Hogs, and Live Cattle to alleviate potential rolling expenses and to reflect the seasonal demand for the commodities.
The S&P GSCI is the most closely followed benchmark for investment performance in the commodity markets. For more information on the S&P GSCI, please visit: www.spgsci.standardandpoors.com.
Caribbean Calypso for Trayport(R) Exchange Systems as it Signs Contracts With the Barbados Stock Exchange and Dutch Caribbean Securities Exchange
Trayport Exchange Systems today announced two new contracts with the Barbados Stock Exchange and the Dutch Caribbean Securities Exchange N.V. Trayport’s Exchange Trading System will provide both exchanges with a fully integrated trading platform allowing them to develop their markets in debt and equity securities.
Trayport Exchange Systems will replace an existing exchange system at the Barbados Stock Exchange (BSE). It will supply an advanced equities and bonds trading system which will also support clearing, settlement, depository, and registry through integration with the Depend product from Percival Systems.
BSE is headquartered in the capital city of Bridgetown and was established in June 1986. It is among four major regional Caribbean stock exchanges. The others are the exchanges of Jamaica, the Eastern Caribbean, and Trinidad and Tobago. It is working with the Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago exchanges in a cooperation programme known as the Caribbean Exchange Network (CXN), which will facilitate the establishment of a regional capital market in the Caribbean.
“The Barbados Stock Exchange had been diligently seeking an adaptable and modern electronic trading platform offering us the ability to expand our trading of equities, bonds and other investment instruments. The Trayport Exchange Trading system met our criteria, and with some minor enhancements for our specific market requirements, will provide tangible benefits to us. In addition, the integration with Percival’s Depend product will allow us to expand our capability with state of the art clearing systems as we seek to establish an International Securities Market,” said Marlon Yarde, C.E.O. & General Manager Barbados Stock Exchange.
The Dutch Caribbean Securities Exchange (DCSX) is a newly formed exchange in Curacao, Netherlands Antilles and plans to become an International Exchange for listing and trading domestic and international securities. DCSX will provide a time and cost efficient listing and trading service for international and regional corporations and investment funds. This will enhance Curacao’s position as a leading financial services jurisdiction.
Trayport Exchange Systems won the contract with DCSX after a formal tender process. Contracts were agreed following a design study and agreement of project and system scope. Trayport will be deploying its Exchange Trading System with some minor enhancements for local market requirements and expect a go-live in the first quarter of 2010.
Luis Santine, CEO for the Dutch Caribbean Securities Exchange, said, “We were impressed by Trayport Exchange System’s ability to support both our current and future requirements. Complementing the services offered by the financial institutions and service providers in the Dutch Antilles, Trayport’s Exchange Trading System will enable DCSX to offer services to issuers of government-owned bonds wishing to tap the local and regional capital markets. This supports the development of our equity, ETF and bond markets. The flexibility and scope of the system were major factors in our procurement decision. We spoke to a number of exchange suppliers, but believe Trayport is the only one which will enable and foster our growth as a leading exchange in the region.”
Adrienne Muir, Head of Trayport Exchange Systems, said, “The contract with Barbados Stock Exchange and the Dutch Caribbean Securities Exchange is part of our growing partnership with exchanges in the Caribbean, as they develop their business in the region. Trayport’s Exchange Trading System now gives exchanges a fully integrated front to back solution with support for clearing, settlement, depository, and registry. This reflects the importance markets worldwide place on our systems allowing exchanges to grow as their markets develop.”
Trayport Exchange Systems will replace an existing exchange system at the Barbados Stock Exchange (BSE). It will supply an advanced equities and bonds trading system which will also support clearing, settlement, depository, and registry through integration with the Depend product from Percival Systems.
BSE is headquartered in the capital city of Bridgetown and was established in June 1986. It is among four major regional Caribbean stock exchanges. The others are the exchanges of Jamaica, the Eastern Caribbean, and Trinidad and Tobago. It is working with the Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago exchanges in a cooperation programme known as the Caribbean Exchange Network (CXN), which will facilitate the establishment of a regional capital market in the Caribbean.
“The Barbados Stock Exchange had been diligently seeking an adaptable and modern electronic trading platform offering us the ability to expand our trading of equities, bonds and other investment instruments. The Trayport Exchange Trading system met our criteria, and with some minor enhancements for our specific market requirements, will provide tangible benefits to us. In addition, the integration with Percival’s Depend product will allow us to expand our capability with state of the art clearing systems as we seek to establish an International Securities Market,” said Marlon Yarde, C.E.O. & General Manager Barbados Stock Exchange.
The Dutch Caribbean Securities Exchange (DCSX) is a newly formed exchange in Curacao, Netherlands Antilles and plans to become an International Exchange for listing and trading domestic and international securities. DCSX will provide a time and cost efficient listing and trading service for international and regional corporations and investment funds. This will enhance Curacao’s position as a leading financial services jurisdiction.
Trayport Exchange Systems won the contract with DCSX after a formal tender process. Contracts were agreed following a design study and agreement of project and system scope. Trayport will be deploying its Exchange Trading System with some minor enhancements for local market requirements and expect a go-live in the first quarter of 2010.
Luis Santine, CEO for the Dutch Caribbean Securities Exchange, said, “We were impressed by Trayport Exchange System’s ability to support both our current and future requirements. Complementing the services offered by the financial institutions and service providers in the Dutch Antilles, Trayport’s Exchange Trading System will enable DCSX to offer services to issuers of government-owned bonds wishing to tap the local and regional capital markets. This supports the development of our equity, ETF and bond markets. The flexibility and scope of the system were major factors in our procurement decision. We spoke to a number of exchange suppliers, but believe Trayport is the only one which will enable and foster our growth as a leading exchange in the region.”
Adrienne Muir, Head of Trayport Exchange Systems, said, “The contract with Barbados Stock Exchange and the Dutch Caribbean Securities Exchange is part of our growing partnership with exchanges in the Caribbean, as they develop their business in the region. Trayport’s Exchange Trading System now gives exchanges a fully integrated front to back solution with support for clearing, settlement, depository, and registry. This reflects the importance markets worldwide place on our systems allowing exchanges to grow as their markets develop.”
TD Bank Financial Group CEO to Present at TD AMERITRADE Institutional 2010 National Conference
Ed Clark, President and Chief Executive Officer, TD Bank Financial Group (TDBFG), will present at the TD AMERITRADE Institutional 2010 National Conference in Orlando, Florida, on February 4, 2010.
Ed Clark's presentation will begin at 3:15 p.m. ET. A live audio webcast will be available on the Investor Relations section of TDBFG's website at www.td.com/investor. The webcast will be archived at www.td.com/investor/calendar_arch.jsp.
About TD Bank Financial Group
The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its subsidiaries are collectively known as TD Bank Financial Group. TD Bank Financial Group is the sixth largest bank in North America by branches and serves more than 18 million customers in four key businesses operating in a number of locations in key financial centres around the globe: Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking, including TD Canada Trust and TD Insurance; Wealth Management, including TD Waterhouse and an investment in TD Ameritrade; U.S. Personal and Commercial Banking, including TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank; and Wholesale Banking, including TD Securities. TD Bank Financial Group also ranks among the world's leading online financial services firms, with more than 6 million online customers. TD Bank Financial Group had CDN$557 billion in assets on October 31, 2009. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades under the symbol "TD" on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges.
Ed Clark's presentation will begin at 3:15 p.m. ET. A live audio webcast will be available on the Investor Relations section of TDBFG's website at www.td.com/investor. The webcast will be archived at www.td.com/investor/calendar_arch.jsp.
About TD Bank Financial Group
The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its subsidiaries are collectively known as TD Bank Financial Group. TD Bank Financial Group is the sixth largest bank in North America by branches and serves more than 18 million customers in four key businesses operating in a number of locations in key financial centres around the globe: Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking, including TD Canada Trust and TD Insurance; Wealth Management, including TD Waterhouse and an investment in TD Ameritrade; U.S. Personal and Commercial Banking, including TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank; and Wholesale Banking, including TD Securities. TD Bank Financial Group also ranks among the world's leading online financial services firms, with more than 6 million online customers. TD Bank Financial Group had CDN$557 billion in assets on October 31, 2009. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades under the symbol "TD" on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges.
Freddie Mac Prices $1 Billion Reopening of 2.875% Five-Year Reference Notes(R) Security
Freddie Mac (NYSE: FRE) announced today that it auctioned a $1 billion reopening of its 2.875% five-year USD Reference Notes® security that matures on February 9, 2015. The stop yield for the issue, CUSIP 3137EACH0, was 2.714%, priced at 100.748022, or approximately 28.5 Basis points more than five-year U.S. Treasury Notes. The bid-to-cover ratio was 3.86 to 1.
After the reopening, which was conducted via an Internet-based auction, the outstanding size of the 2.875% five-year Reference Notes security will be $5 billion. The issue will settle on February 1, 2010, and is listed on the Euro MTF market of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.
This announcement is not an offer to sell any Freddie Mac securities. Offers for any given security are made only through applicable offering circulars and related supplements, which incorporate Freddie Mac's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 11, 2009, and all documents that Freddie Mac files with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c) or 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, excluding any information "furnished" to the SEC on Form 8-K.
Freddie Mac's press releases sometimes contain forward-looking statements. A description of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in these and other forward-looking statements can be found in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 http://www.freddiemac.com/investors/infostatand its reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K, filed with the SEC and available on the Investor Relations page of the company's Web site at www.FreddieMac.com/investors and the SEC's Web site at www.sec.gov.
Freddie Mac was established by Congress in 1970 to provide liquidity, stability and affordability to the nation's residential mortgage markets. Freddie Mac supports communities across the nation by providing mortgage capital to lenders. Over the years, Freddie Mac has made home possible for one in six homebuyers and more than five million renters. www.FreddieMac.com
After the reopening, which was conducted via an Internet-based auction, the outstanding size of the 2.875% five-year Reference Notes security will be $5 billion. The issue will settle on February 1, 2010, and is listed on the Euro MTF market of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.
This announcement is not an offer to sell any Freddie Mac securities. Offers for any given security are made only through applicable offering circulars and related supplements, which incorporate Freddie Mac's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 11, 2009, and all documents that Freddie Mac files with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c) or 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, excluding any information "furnished" to the SEC on Form 8-K.
Freddie Mac's press releases sometimes contain forward-looking statements. A description of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in these and other forward-looking statements can be found in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 http://www.freddiemac.com/investors/infostatand its reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K, filed with the SEC and available on the Investor Relations page of the company's Web site at www.FreddieMac.com/investors and the SEC's Web site at www.sec.gov.
Freddie Mac was established by Congress in 1970 to provide liquidity, stability and affordability to the nation's residential mortgage markets. Freddie Mac supports communities across the nation by providing mortgage capital to lenders. Over the years, Freddie Mac has made home possible for one in six homebuyers and more than five million renters. www.FreddieMac.com
TD Charitable Foundation Replenishes Food Banks and Helps Fight Hunger with $680,000 Donation
After the first of the year food bank shelves and pantries are often bare from the large volume of requests that occur during the holiday season. The TD Charitable Foundation is helping replenish these shelves by donating a total of $680,000 to 32 food banks in support of families throughout the TD Bank footprint from Maine to Florida. Food banks across the region reported a 30 percent increase in demand for 2009 compared to 2008. A $25,000 donation is equivalent to 100,000 meals.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090121/PH60962LOGO-a )
In January, local TD Bank executives presented the following 32 food banks with donations to address the needs of their communities that are faced with an unprecedented surge in requests for food assistance.
The organizations and the total grants per market, include:
Connecticut: $25,000 total donated to Friendly Hands Food Bank, Inc.; Town of Colchester for the benefit of Colchester Business Association/Food Partnership Program; Connecticut Food Bank, Inc.
Delaware: $50,000 total donated to Food Bank of Delaware, Inc.
District of Columbia: $30,000 total donated to Capital Area Food Bank.
Florida: $32,500 total donated to Jewish Federation of Broward County for the benefit of the W.E.C.A.R.E Food Pantry; Feeding South Florida, Inc.
Massachusetts: $25,000 total donated to Lower Cape Outreach Council, Inc. for the benefit of its Centralized Food Storage Expansion; Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Inc.; Self Help, Inc.
Maine: $72,000 total donated to Good Shepherd Food Bank, Inc.; Preble Street Resource Center.
Maryland: $30,000 total donated to Maryland Food Bank, Inc.
New Hampshire: $70,000 total donated to New Hampshire Food Bank, Inc.; Seacoast Family Food Pantry, Inc.
New Jersey: $105,000 total donated to Community Food Bank of New Jersey, Inc.; Mercer Street Friends Center; Jewish Family & Vocational Service of Middlesex County, Inc. for the benefit of its Essential Needs Food Pantry.; Center for Vocational Rehabilitation Inc. for the benefit of its Eatontown Food CO-OP; Northwest New Jersey Community Action Program, Inc.
New York: $95,000 total donated to Columbia Opportunities Inc.; Food Bank for New York City; Food Bank of the Hudson Valley; Help from People to People, Inc. for the benefit of its People to People Food Pantry; The Queens Galley; The Salvation Army
Pennsylvania: $60,000 total donated to Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley, Inc. for the benefit of its Second Harvest Food Bank; Philabundance
Vermont: $55,000 total donated to Vermont Foodbank, Inc.
Virginia: $30,000 total donated to Food for Others, Inc.
"The TD Charitable Foundation is committed to making a difference and supporting the basic needs of our communities," said Elizabeth Warn, president of TD Charitable Foundation and executive vice president of community development for TD Bank. "We offer our help with the hope that no one goes hungry anytime of year."
A staunch commitment to active involvement in the local community is a vital element of the TD Bank philosophy. TD Bank provides financial and other support to affordable housing initiatives, financial literacy and education, and the environment, many of which focus on improving the welfare of children and families.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090121/PH60962LOGO-a )
In January, local TD Bank executives presented the following 32 food banks with donations to address the needs of their communities that are faced with an unprecedented surge in requests for food assistance.
The organizations and the total grants per market, include:
Connecticut: $25,000 total donated to Friendly Hands Food Bank, Inc.; Town of Colchester for the benefit of Colchester Business Association/Food Partnership Program; Connecticut Food Bank, Inc.
Delaware: $50,000 total donated to Food Bank of Delaware, Inc.
District of Columbia: $30,000 total donated to Capital Area Food Bank.
Florida: $32,500 total donated to Jewish Federation of Broward County for the benefit of the W.E.C.A.R.E Food Pantry; Feeding South Florida, Inc.
Massachusetts: $25,000 total donated to Lower Cape Outreach Council, Inc. for the benefit of its Centralized Food Storage Expansion; Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Inc.; Self Help, Inc.
Maine: $72,000 total donated to Good Shepherd Food Bank, Inc.; Preble Street Resource Center.
Maryland: $30,000 total donated to Maryland Food Bank, Inc.
New Hampshire: $70,000 total donated to New Hampshire Food Bank, Inc.; Seacoast Family Food Pantry, Inc.
New Jersey: $105,000 total donated to Community Food Bank of New Jersey, Inc.; Mercer Street Friends Center; Jewish Family & Vocational Service of Middlesex County, Inc. for the benefit of its Essential Needs Food Pantry.; Center for Vocational Rehabilitation Inc. for the benefit of its Eatontown Food CO-OP; Northwest New Jersey Community Action Program, Inc.
New York: $95,000 total donated to Columbia Opportunities Inc.; Food Bank for New York City; Food Bank of the Hudson Valley; Help from People to People, Inc. for the benefit of its People to People Food Pantry; The Queens Galley; The Salvation Army
Pennsylvania: $60,000 total donated to Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley, Inc. for the benefit of its Second Harvest Food Bank; Philabundance
Vermont: $55,000 total donated to Vermont Foodbank, Inc.
Virginia: $30,000 total donated to Food for Others, Inc.
"The TD Charitable Foundation is committed to making a difference and supporting the basic needs of our communities," said Elizabeth Warn, president of TD Charitable Foundation and executive vice president of community development for TD Bank. "We offer our help with the hope that no one goes hungry anytime of year."
A staunch commitment to active involvement in the local community is a vital element of the TD Bank philosophy. TD Bank provides financial and other support to affordable housing initiatives, financial literacy and education, and the environment, many of which focus on improving the welfare of children and families.
LeClairRyan Attorneys Discuss New Corporate Political Free Speech Rights in Webinar
The upset victory in Massachusetts by a Republican candidate in the race for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the death of Democratic Senator Ted Kennedy is ramping up interest in what already promised to be heated 2010 Congressional races. With the recent Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, things become even more interesting. Attorneys from LeClairRyan's Political Activity Law team will explore the decision's implications for expanded free speech rights for corporations in "Corporate Political Speech and Activities Post-Citizens United: New Opportunities and Familiar Pitfalls," a free webinar on Friday, January 29, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. EST.
"For corporations, the implication of Citizens United is a clear right to use general treasury funds to advocate for the election or defeat of candidates for the office of the presidency of the United States and for seats in the U.S. Congress," says Lee E. Goodman, a shareholder in LeClairRyan, based in the firm's Washington office. "The decision also frees corporations to contribute to other organizations, such as non-profit advocacy groups and trade associations, for use in such efforts. It overturns 30 years of restrictions on corporations from engaging in such express advocacy in federal elections. Prior to Citizens United, corporations were barred from even referring to clearly identified federal candidates during certain 'blackout periods' before primary and general elections."
Chris Ashby, a partner in the firm, notes that many state laws restricting corporate political expenditures will likely be repealed or struck down in the wake of the Citizens United decision. "However, until that happens, corporations should continue to plan and review their state-level expenditures carefully," he warns. Additionally, Ashby stresses that the decision does not overturn other provisions of federal election and campaign finance law. "The ban on direct and in-kind contributions to federal candidates remains intact," he points out, as do the disclaimer, disclosure and reporting requirements that apply to corporate-funded political advertisements and independent expenditure campaigns.
While opening the door for increased involvement by corporations in political races, the decision also raises significant questions, many of which will be explored at the webinar. Among the issues the LeClairRyan attorneys plan to discuss are:
What corporations can do now that they couldn't do before?
What registration, reporting and disclaimer obligations still apply to corporate political expenditures?
What impact is the decision likely to have on state and local restrictions on corporate political participation?
How do the implications of Citizens United differ for tax-exempt and for-profit corporations?
Can corporations make contributions to candidates?
How will the role of political action committees (PACs) be affected?
How can corporations avoid "coordination" and other pitfalls?
What remains of the Bi-Partisan (McCain-Feingold) Campaign Reform Act?
What will be the new front in the battle to roll back federal regulation of political campaign finance?
How are Congress and reformers likely to respond?
Other practical implications of the new political freedom.
To register for the free webinar, go to https://leclairryanevents.webex.com
"For corporations, the implication of Citizens United is a clear right to use general treasury funds to advocate for the election or defeat of candidates for the office of the presidency of the United States and for seats in the U.S. Congress," says Lee E. Goodman, a shareholder in LeClairRyan, based in the firm's Washington office. "The decision also frees corporations to contribute to other organizations, such as non-profit advocacy groups and trade associations, for use in such efforts. It overturns 30 years of restrictions on corporations from engaging in such express advocacy in federal elections. Prior to Citizens United, corporations were barred from even referring to clearly identified federal candidates during certain 'blackout periods' before primary and general elections."
Chris Ashby, a partner in the firm, notes that many state laws restricting corporate political expenditures will likely be repealed or struck down in the wake of the Citizens United decision. "However, until that happens, corporations should continue to plan and review their state-level expenditures carefully," he warns. Additionally, Ashby stresses that the decision does not overturn other provisions of federal election and campaign finance law. "The ban on direct and in-kind contributions to federal candidates remains intact," he points out, as do the disclaimer, disclosure and reporting requirements that apply to corporate-funded political advertisements and independent expenditure campaigns.
While opening the door for increased involvement by corporations in political races, the decision also raises significant questions, many of which will be explored at the webinar. Among the issues the LeClairRyan attorneys plan to discuss are:
What corporations can do now that they couldn't do before?
What registration, reporting and disclaimer obligations still apply to corporate political expenditures?
What impact is the decision likely to have on state and local restrictions on corporate political participation?
How do the implications of Citizens United differ for tax-exempt and for-profit corporations?
Can corporations make contributions to candidates?
How will the role of political action committees (PACs) be affected?
How can corporations avoid "coordination" and other pitfalls?
What remains of the Bi-Partisan (McCain-Feingold) Campaign Reform Act?
What will be the new front in the battle to roll back federal regulation of political campaign finance?
How are Congress and reformers likely to respond?
Other practical implications of the new political freedom.
To register for the free webinar, go to https://leclairryanevents.webex.com
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