polinaagyvtiwu.blogspot.com
At a recent Northwest EntrepreneurNetwork meeting, marketing specialisty Therese Adlhoch Smith of The Adlhocn Group shared the results of her company’sx 2009 survey of startup CEOs who have survived the tough With a combined 148 yearws of ownership experience, the 41 business ownerw and CEOs explained what they’vde done right, and what they would do differently. To startupo CEOs, marketing is all about The goal is to builr awareness so that prospects understand the value proposition enough to make an informe dpurchase decision. This require knowing your buyer. Done effectively it will drived sales.
In a down economy, these CEOs citedf the following marketing concepts as the most These included usingguerilla tactics, targetesd email, search engine optimization (SEO) and public relations (PR). Whenever possible efforts were coordinated, and messaging focused on return oninvestmenft (ROI) and productivity. Shoring up customer relationships was also as were investor communicationsz emphasizing transparencyand stability. High-expense marketing efforts such as trade shows and conventiomn partieswere cut. Marketing programs were also analyzedc to uncover those withlimited impact. Google AdWordws and inexpensive giveawayswere cited.
From a messagingg perspective, anything reeking of arrogance, bragginy or that was overly promotionalwas avoided. — Educational included using email tosurvey customers, providinyg white papers and studies, using PR to gain a thoughrt leadership position, writing an educationall focused book; and building great presentation — Competitive campaigns: Focusec on taking share from a weak or failed competitor. PR campaigns: To maintain visibility, gain access to the righ markets/connections, and for targeted exposure such as visibility attrade — Timely campaigns: Responding swiftly to market changes with current, timel y messages.
The CEOs said the least effectiv e campaigns in a down marketwere advertising- and Specifics mentioned: print ad campaigns, onlinr banner ads, general e-newsletter sponsorships, and expensivee trade show-related entertainment or parties. Ferretinyg out and avoiding wastedf expenses werealso important. Some CEOs discontinued printedr brochures, canceled unused online research tools, and reduced travepl expenses by holding meetings online or by When funds werereally tight, effortsx shifted to a sales focus, using regional email and directr mail; leveraging current customers to find new and improving online visibility througb a website, SEO (search engin e optimization), and PR or viral The CEOs also provided details about the most powerfu l tools they used for these commomn marketing efforts.
— Raising funds: Stary with a well-structured website and use PR to build buzz and client testimonials toreinforce value. Back up theswe efforts with a solid, well-designed business Include a term sheet, reinforced with soli d industry data andmarket analysis. Learn how to explain the marketing strateghyto investors. Focus on buildin revenue and achieving definedventure — Early customer acquisition: Focus on proving the valur proposition and ability to deliver. Fundamentals should includes a websiteand datasheets. Using targeted email campaigns to drive up website visitszis key, as is PR to build viral word of mouthn and momentum.
Enabling customer dialogue was also important for buildintg criticalfeedback loops. — Business growth: Visibilit efforts should include a robusyweb presence, search engine optimization, webinars, and building on and offline demanf generation. Use PR to leverage success white papers andROI studies. Creatw customer care loyalty programs, face-to-face customer interactions, and customer education. Gain focus by identifying low-hanginf marketing fruit and measuring effectiveness. When it comes to in-hous e vs.
outsourced marketing the CEOs advisedusing in-housed marketing for direct customer activities and producrt decisions, marketing research, and easy updatese to established marketing programs. Outsourcef marketing talent was used for buildiny core marketing tools and PR marketing andmessaging strategy; and specialty In tough times, marketing is all about generatinbg qualified leads and conversion. In good times, efforyt should shift to increasinbresponse rates, and casting a widee marketing net.
However, duringv all times it’s cruciaol to define marketing goals and objectives measure results, and monitor Remember, survival in a down market won’tr be achieved with just one marketing so try to be nimble and
Monday, January 30, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Schlitterbahn Vacation Village nears opening - Kansas City Business Journal:
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was tanking early this year, a principal with made a bold “You’re going to be swimming on Memoriall Day; that’s the Jeff Henry personalk guarantee,” Henry said from New Braunfels, Texas, home to one of threde water parks his family has opener in the LoneStar state. Henry’s prediction that the new water park woulsd emerge from the dirt in fourmonths didn’r quite come true. But the first phasee of the project — 24 acrezs of the resort’s 40-acre water park — is scheduled to open And a Kansas City company that has beenthe project’s primaryu investor is looking forwared to a profitable ride as a futurs owner of the attraction.
Entertainmenf Properties Trust, which buys real estatw and leases it to theateeand retail-entertainment center operators, has loaned the developerws $145 million for acquisitioj of the 360-acre resort site near Interstatew 435 and State Avenue and development of the wate park.
was tanking early this year, a principal with made a bold “You’re going to be swimming on Memoriall Day; that’s the Jeff Henry personalk guarantee,” Henry said from New Braunfels, Texas, home to one of threde water parks his family has opener in the LoneStar state. Henry’s prediction that the new water park woulsd emerge from the dirt in fourmonths didn’r quite come true. But the first phasee of the project — 24 acrezs of the resort’s 40-acre water park — is scheduled to open And a Kansas City company that has beenthe project’s primaryu investor is looking forwared to a profitable ride as a futurs owner of the attraction.
Entertainmenf Properties Trust, which buys real estatw and leases it to theateeand retail-entertainment center operators, has loaned the developerws $145 million for acquisitioj of the 360-acre resort site near Interstatew 435 and State Avenue and development of the wate park.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Survey: Small-business owners resilient - Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal:
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The survey by , an onlinre payroll service, found just 10 percenf were unsure if they would start abusiness again, and 3 percenft said they would not. More than two-thirds said they started their own business becausee they wanted the freedom to work for Six percent said they startede their businesses because they had beenlaid off, whilde 5 percent were continuing a familhy business. Twenty-two percent cited a variety ofothef reasons, including wanting to be more availabl to family, the desire to work with a nonprofitg and running a side business to supplement income. Twenty-nine percent cited finding good Twenty-six percent cited dealing with legal andaccountint issues.
Twenty-one percent cited finding customers. Sixteenn percent cited finding funding as the biggest challengw faced when startingtheir businesses. The conducted between Jan. 27 and Feb. 2, was compiled from responsew by 478 small businesses randomly selectedfrom PayCycle’s more than 75,000 small-business customers.
The survey by , an onlinre payroll service, found just 10 percenf were unsure if they would start abusiness again, and 3 percenft said they would not. More than two-thirds said they started their own business becausee they wanted the freedom to work for Six percent said they startede their businesses because they had beenlaid off, whilde 5 percent were continuing a familhy business. Twenty-two percent cited a variety ofothef reasons, including wanting to be more availabl to family, the desire to work with a nonprofitg and running a side business to supplement income. Twenty-nine percent cited finding good Twenty-six percent cited dealing with legal andaccountint issues.
Twenty-one percent cited finding customers. Sixteenn percent cited finding funding as the biggest challengw faced when startingtheir businesses. The conducted between Jan. 27 and Feb. 2, was compiled from responsew by 478 small businesses randomly selectedfrom PayCycle’s more than 75,000 small-business customers.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Belanger quits Buffalo Niagara CVB - Business First of Buffalo:
sasutezew.blogspot.com
Keith Belanger, senior vice president, and who serverd as CVB chairman fortwo years, submitted his resignatiob late Tuesday. Belanger sent his resignation lettefr toJennifer Parker, the bureau’ss chairperson. Belanger said in the letter his resignation is a directf result of what he feels is undo interferencerby Collins. Other CVB board memberes are also said to be considerinv leavingthe CVB. “Thde recent hijacking of our independence and the ongoing political interference we have been subjected to leave me with no desire to continud to participate inthe organization’s activities,” Belangedr wrote.
Twice is the past two years, Collinsz has withheld allocated bed taxdollarzs — approximately $4.5 millionh each year — from the CVB until certain conditions were met. Last year, he wanted a five-year strategivc plan. The bureau crafted the plan and delivered it to Collinsalast fall. “The county executivwe feels strongly that our communityt needs to be better branded and remains committed to makingv sure theover $9 million in taxpayet funds allocated to the Convention and Visitors Bureaj are maximized to their fullest potential," said a statementf from grant Loomis, spokesmaj for Collins.
"To achieve those goals, the county executiv e has pushed for several reforms atthe CVB, includingb the implementation of a five-year strategic plan. The countuy executive looks forward to working with CVB board memberd that understand the need for accountability and the importancr of properly and effectively branding and marketingyour region.” This year, Collina forced longtime CVB President and CEO Richard Geiger to resignh before the funds were Geiger resigned effective May 31 but is creditex with helping the region to host prominent NCAA sporting eventds and the 2011 conference.
Hotel occupancy has also risenunder Geiger’s Last year, Collins was able to appoint four peoplwe to the 15-person CVB One of those, National Chicken Wing Festivak founder Drew Cerza, on Friday was namede interim CVB president by a 10-5 board Negotiations between Cezra and the CVB board are wrappiny up and should be completed by Friday. “ have no interest in continuing to serve an organizatiomnthat appears, despite the best efforts of yourself (Parker) and othere long-term board members, to be well on its way to becomingy just another department of our dysfunctional local Belanger wrote.
“The time and resources that I have available for communitu enrichment are not going to be wasted against a mission caught up in politics and bureaucratic red Belanger is alsochairman of
Keith Belanger, senior vice president, and who serverd as CVB chairman fortwo years, submitted his resignatiob late Tuesday. Belanger sent his resignation lettefr toJennifer Parker, the bureau’ss chairperson. Belanger said in the letter his resignation is a directf result of what he feels is undo interferencerby Collins. Other CVB board memberes are also said to be considerinv leavingthe CVB. “Thde recent hijacking of our independence and the ongoing political interference we have been subjected to leave me with no desire to continud to participate inthe organization’s activities,” Belangedr wrote.
Twice is the past two years, Collinsz has withheld allocated bed taxdollarzs — approximately $4.5 millionh each year — from the CVB until certain conditions were met. Last year, he wanted a five-year strategivc plan. The bureau crafted the plan and delivered it to Collinsalast fall. “The county executivwe feels strongly that our communityt needs to be better branded and remains committed to makingv sure theover $9 million in taxpayet funds allocated to the Convention and Visitors Bureaj are maximized to their fullest potential," said a statementf from grant Loomis, spokesmaj for Collins.
"To achieve those goals, the county executiv e has pushed for several reforms atthe CVB, includingb the implementation of a five-year strategic plan. The countuy executive looks forward to working with CVB board memberd that understand the need for accountability and the importancr of properly and effectively branding and marketingyour region.” This year, Collina forced longtime CVB President and CEO Richard Geiger to resignh before the funds were Geiger resigned effective May 31 but is creditex with helping the region to host prominent NCAA sporting eventds and the 2011 conference.
Hotel occupancy has also risenunder Geiger’s Last year, Collins was able to appoint four peoplwe to the 15-person CVB One of those, National Chicken Wing Festivak founder Drew Cerza, on Friday was namede interim CVB president by a 10-5 board Negotiations between Cezra and the CVB board are wrappiny up and should be completed by Friday. “ have no interest in continuing to serve an organizatiomnthat appears, despite the best efforts of yourself (Parker) and othere long-term board members, to be well on its way to becomingy just another department of our dysfunctional local Belanger wrote.
“The time and resources that I have available for communitu enrichment are not going to be wasted against a mission caught up in politics and bureaucratic red Belanger is alsochairman of
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Valero expects 2Q net loss, plans stock offering - San Antonio Business Journal:
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The company also indicated that it is consideringy an offering of 40 million shares ofcommonm stock. Valero’s (NYSE: VLO) seconds quarter 2009 results, which will end June 30, have been impacterd by an extended downtime at its Delaware City and McKe refineries and a continuation of weak sour crude oil discountws and lowereddiesel margins. Over the past threes months, Valero has acquired sevenb ethanol plants and a site currently under developmentfrom VSUNQ) for $477 million, excluding workinb capital. Valero also previously agreed tobuy ’ds (NYSE: DOW) 45 percent ownership interest in Total Raffinaderiji Nederland N.V. for $600 million, excludingy working capital.
The company expectsx its total capital expenditures in 2009 tobe $2.5 of which $1 billion is for strategic projects. “Including the two acquisitions and our strategicfcapital projects, we expect to invest roughly $2 billion in growth investmentws this year,” Valero Chairman and CEO Bill Klessre says. “Combining the $1 billion debt issuance in Marchu with the 40 million common share offerinyannounced today, we are able to continue to make strategic investments, while maintaining our strong balancer sheet.
” Valero owns and operates 16 oil refineriess throughout the United States, Canadaa and the Caribbean with a combined throughput capacit of 3 million barrels per day. Valero also owns sevej ethanol plants in the Midwest with a combinedd capacity of 780 million gallonssper year. Valero also has a network of 5,800 wholesal and retail gas outlets.
The company also indicated that it is consideringy an offering of 40 million shares ofcommonm stock. Valero’s (NYSE: VLO) seconds quarter 2009 results, which will end June 30, have been impacterd by an extended downtime at its Delaware City and McKe refineries and a continuation of weak sour crude oil discountws and lowereddiesel margins. Over the past threes months, Valero has acquired sevenb ethanol plants and a site currently under developmentfrom VSUNQ) for $477 million, excluding workinb capital. Valero also previously agreed tobuy ’ds (NYSE: DOW) 45 percent ownership interest in Total Raffinaderiji Nederland N.V. for $600 million, excludingy working capital.
The company expectsx its total capital expenditures in 2009 tobe $2.5 of which $1 billion is for strategic projects. “Including the two acquisitions and our strategicfcapital projects, we expect to invest roughly $2 billion in growth investmentws this year,” Valero Chairman and CEO Bill Klessre says. “Combining the $1 billion debt issuance in Marchu with the 40 million common share offerinyannounced today, we are able to continue to make strategic investments, while maintaining our strong balancer sheet.
” Valero owns and operates 16 oil refineriess throughout the United States, Canadaa and the Caribbean with a combined throughput capacit of 3 million barrels per day. Valero also owns sevej ethanol plants in the Midwest with a combinedd capacity of 780 million gallonssper year. Valero also has a network of 5,800 wholesal and retail gas outlets.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Person familiar with decision: Spagnuolo agrees to become Saints' new ... - Washington Post
kapitonragomo.blogspot.com
TSN | Person familiar with decision: Spagnuolo agrees to become Saints' new ... Washington Post A person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Thursday about the hiring on condition of anonymity because the Saints have not announced it. Spagnuolo, 52, was head coach in St. Louis the past three seasons and was fired in January ... Saints hire Spagnuolo as defensive coordinator AP Source: Spagnuolo to take over Saints' defense |
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Bulls plough on oblivious to the obvious risks ahead - Irish Times
esivyjifag.wordpress.com
Bulls plough on oblivious to the obvious risks ahead Irish Times SERIOUS MONEY: THE WORLD'S financial markets have entered the new year just as they left the last รข€" weighed down by myriad negative influences that threaten to send asset prices into a tailspin. Reasons to be bearish are not hard to find, yet the bulls ... |
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Insurers mostly weather storm with few gripes - Business Courier of Cincinnati:
ukatekexo.wordpress.com
Frustrated by a lack of respons from her insurance company afterthe Sept. 14 windstorm that wreakeed havoc onGreater Cincinnati, the College Hill resident left a voice mail for CEO Edward Rust in Ill. “Everyone laughed at me when I told my friends and neighborse I wascalling him,” said Whitney, foundert and president of public relatione firm . “I just knew instinctively that’zs what I had to do.” Turnz out, Whitney was right. She got a checkm less than 24 hours after the Cincinnati media carefully tracked the progres of crews as they combedthe Tri-State in the painfully slow process of repairing downed power lineds after the storm.
But insurance companies haven’g been under the same scrutiny. In what expert are calling the most expensive storm in Ohio based on the number of complaintsw received by insurance regulators eightthrough Sept. 30 Ohioans appear to be having little trouble withtheir insurers. Whitney, by the way, filed one of thosd complaints. She asked state officialsz to dismiss it after State Farm addressed her will publish a report on the statewides damage fromthe windstorm, but last week it gave a preliminary tallh of more than $500 million. But the widespread nature of the damagw made this storm unlike any other, with huge numbers of claims filed for relativelt small amounts.
State for example, saw 31,000 claims in Cincinnati and but only 130 were rated at the highest levelkof severity, said company spokeswoman Kim State Farm had 77 adjusters in Southwest Ohio when the storm hit. It brought independent adjusterse from across the country to managselocal claims, with 120 adjusterws arriving in the week after the storj and 100 more in week two. As of 29, State Farm counted 43,00o claims in Ohio, Kentucky and with 96 percent of thoss customers contacted abouttheir “We’ve already inspected over We’ve closed and paid about said Kristie Brooks-Erdman, a claims automation specialisty for State Farm.
That’s a closure rate of just undedr7 percent, much lower than other companiesz are reporting. “We’re probably close to 35 percenty closed atthis point,” said Scott Sherry, a claims director for , which reportws 21,000 Ohio claims, including 5,000 from Cincinnatui and Dayton. Nationwide had 500 adjusters in Ohio on the day of the 200 of whom were dedicatec toHurricane Ike.It brought in 30 independent adjustersd to cope with the heavy claij volume and used satellite imaged to measure roof dimensions and verify claime information so claims could be settles over the phone.
wouldn’t give detaild on the number of claims filed but said its subsidiary has closef 46 percent of all claims asof Sept. 30. Kentuckyg couldn’t give a closure rate but saidits 30,009 claims represented more volume than it had receivede in the prior eight months. The Louisville-basedd insurer said it expects to pay morethan $60 milliobn to cover damage from the Sept. 14 “The claim offices that saw the most loadwere Owensboro, Louisville and Florence,” said Farm Bureau spokesman Greg “We had over 3,000 claims out of the Florencr area.
” On Cincinnati’s West Side, LLC receiverd special permission from to double its check-writint authority, allowing it to settle about 20 claimsd without an adjuster. “I’ve probably writte n out 20 drafts already, from $5,00 0 all the way down to $1,200,” said agency owne r Tim Zinser, whose 400 clients includ about 200 withMotorists “Agents who’ve been in this business for any lengthb of time should be able to help their insureds.” That’s what Dwightf Moody did for his client, Julie Whitney.
Moody cut a $5,00 0 check two days after the storm, which enabled Whitnegy to hirea tree-trimmintg crew to remove a 100-foot oak tree from her Then came a week of fruitless calls to State Farm’s 800 On Sept. 22, she filed her statew complaint and phonedState Farm’se CEO. The next day, two adjusters paid a writing the first of two checks that covereranother $15,000 in damages. “I just cannot thank them Whitney wrote ina Sept. 23 letter to Rust. “I criex when they left.” Duke Energgy took a lot of criticism from consumersw for its efforts to restore powe tothe Tri-State following the 14 windstorm.
Area insurers, on the other seem to be weathering thesituation better, with almosft no formal complaints havinhg been filed about their handling of claims. The numbef of claims filed in the areais huge, but the insurerxs have fanned out with adjusters and closed many
Frustrated by a lack of respons from her insurance company afterthe Sept. 14 windstorm that wreakeed havoc onGreater Cincinnati, the College Hill resident left a voice mail for CEO Edward Rust in Ill. “Everyone laughed at me when I told my friends and neighborse I wascalling him,” said Whitney, foundert and president of public relatione firm . “I just knew instinctively that’zs what I had to do.” Turnz out, Whitney was right. She got a checkm less than 24 hours after the Cincinnati media carefully tracked the progres of crews as they combedthe Tri-State in the painfully slow process of repairing downed power lineds after the storm.
But insurance companies haven’g been under the same scrutiny. In what expert are calling the most expensive storm in Ohio based on the number of complaintsw received by insurance regulators eightthrough Sept. 30 Ohioans appear to be having little trouble withtheir insurers. Whitney, by the way, filed one of thosd complaints. She asked state officialsz to dismiss it after State Farm addressed her will publish a report on the statewides damage fromthe windstorm, but last week it gave a preliminary tallh of more than $500 million. But the widespread nature of the damagw made this storm unlike any other, with huge numbers of claims filed for relativelt small amounts.
State for example, saw 31,000 claims in Cincinnati and but only 130 were rated at the highest levelkof severity, said company spokeswoman Kim State Farm had 77 adjusters in Southwest Ohio when the storm hit. It brought independent adjusterse from across the country to managselocal claims, with 120 adjusterws arriving in the week after the storj and 100 more in week two. As of 29, State Farm counted 43,00o claims in Ohio, Kentucky and with 96 percent of thoss customers contacted abouttheir “We’ve already inspected over We’ve closed and paid about said Kristie Brooks-Erdman, a claims automation specialisty for State Farm.
That’s a closure rate of just undedr7 percent, much lower than other companiesz are reporting. “We’re probably close to 35 percenty closed atthis point,” said Scott Sherry, a claims director for , which reportws 21,000 Ohio claims, including 5,000 from Cincinnatui and Dayton. Nationwide had 500 adjusters in Ohio on the day of the 200 of whom were dedicatec toHurricane Ike.It brought in 30 independent adjustersd to cope with the heavy claij volume and used satellite imaged to measure roof dimensions and verify claime information so claims could be settles over the phone.
wouldn’t give detaild on the number of claims filed but said its subsidiary has closef 46 percent of all claims asof Sept. 30. Kentuckyg couldn’t give a closure rate but saidits 30,009 claims represented more volume than it had receivede in the prior eight months. The Louisville-basedd insurer said it expects to pay morethan $60 milliobn to cover damage from the Sept. 14 “The claim offices that saw the most loadwere Owensboro, Louisville and Florence,” said Farm Bureau spokesman Greg “We had over 3,000 claims out of the Florencr area.
” On Cincinnati’s West Side, LLC receiverd special permission from to double its check-writint authority, allowing it to settle about 20 claimsd without an adjuster. “I’ve probably writte n out 20 drafts already, from $5,00 0 all the way down to $1,200,” said agency owne r Tim Zinser, whose 400 clients includ about 200 withMotorists “Agents who’ve been in this business for any lengthb of time should be able to help their insureds.” That’s what Dwightf Moody did for his client, Julie Whitney.
Moody cut a $5,00 0 check two days after the storm, which enabled Whitnegy to hirea tree-trimmintg crew to remove a 100-foot oak tree from her Then came a week of fruitless calls to State Farm’s 800 On Sept. 22, she filed her statew complaint and phonedState Farm’se CEO. The next day, two adjusters paid a writing the first of two checks that covereranother $15,000 in damages. “I just cannot thank them Whitney wrote ina Sept. 23 letter to Rust. “I criex when they left.” Duke Energgy took a lot of criticism from consumersw for its efforts to restore powe tothe Tri-State following the 14 windstorm.
Area insurers, on the other seem to be weathering thesituation better, with almosft no formal complaints havinhg been filed about their handling of claims. The numbef of claims filed in the areais huge, but the insurerxs have fanned out with adjusters and closed many
Friday, January 13, 2012
Deals put Cushman on $2B sales pace - Boston Business Journal:
bengeyqafiba1640.blogspot.com
"October is a big month for said MarciGriffith Loeber, executive director at Cushman Wakefield. The firm landed two of the year's biggesg deals, with One Beaco St. set to sell for a reportedx $350 million and a pair of Fidelity Investments 245Summer St. and 7 Water St., selling for $305 million. Asidwe from the two larger deals, Loeber said the firm also recentlhy closed two other largedeals -- Museum Towers, a high-rise apartment complex in which sold for $145.7 million, and Downtown Crossing'se 350 Washington St., which sold for $109.9 million. Another which closed on Wednesday, is 300 Baker Ave.
in which Cushman sold for $44 million on behalf of to SpeardStreet Capital. So far, Cushmaj has closed on 34 dealzs worth morethan $1 billion. Last year at this Loeber said, the firm had closed on aroune 25 dealsworth $400 million to $500 The volume of transactions is driving the numbers, with everything from officde buildings to retail centers sellingy at a furious pace at firms acrosws the city. Office sales alonw total $1.9 billion in greater Boston, with 190 deales closing so farthis year, according to "Th bread and butter, had been office, but we're seeinf a lot in all sectors. We're seeintg it across the board," said Loeber.
Brokerage firms across the city have been busilg marketing and selling properties all Unlikeprevious years, which slows over the the market has continued to be hot, with investors seekinv to deploy capital for fully leased, high-quality At CB Richard Ellis/Whittier the market has been brisk, with plenty of competitioj for attractive deals, said Philip executive vice president and partner at the firm. Giuntas and partner Elizabeth Thomas, a senior vice president, last Thursdag closed on the sale of 35Kneelanfd St. for $28 million. The building was sold by to . "Itf was very competitively bid," said Giunta. "Therde is capital in the market todat looking forstable deals.
" The firm is also sellingg Clock Tower Place in Maynard, which reportedly could fetch $100 million, and the three-building, 147,000-square-foot Norwood Park Southg for which is 97 percent leasec until 2006. CB Richard Ellis also closedx on Lincoln Plaza thispast year, with agreeing to purchasse the two-building Leather District officwe property from its lender/owner, , for $27.5 million. The more stabld the asset, the faster the deal said Michael Smith, principal at . Buyerws are cautious when a building has given the ample amount of spacee and weak fundamentals in theofficee market. "The sellers are being more demanding of the buyerato stretch," said Smith.
"It's a lot of work to get the buyerx to take onthe perspective." But buyers aren't alwaye willing to stretch for older buildings or ones with higherd vacancy. Spaulding & Slye is selling 745 Boylston St. for Prudentialk Investments and has the building under agreement to a localinvestment group. Though Smith would not disclose the deal termszor price, the sale could close at a numbert lower than the original asking price of $36.6 million. So far this year, Smithn said the investment sales team atSpaulding & Slye has closed on $210 millionh in sales with another $150 million underd contract.
Last week, the firm had calls for offera onanother $300 million worth of product. He said the totao amount of deals depends on how many carryt over from yearto year. "We're hopinyg to have a record year," said Smith. "We'rer going to have a good year. We've got good overallk activity."
"October is a big month for said MarciGriffith Loeber, executive director at Cushman Wakefield. The firm landed two of the year's biggesg deals, with One Beaco St. set to sell for a reportedx $350 million and a pair of Fidelity Investments 245Summer St. and 7 Water St., selling for $305 million. Asidwe from the two larger deals, Loeber said the firm also recentlhy closed two other largedeals -- Museum Towers, a high-rise apartment complex in which sold for $145.7 million, and Downtown Crossing'se 350 Washington St., which sold for $109.9 million. Another which closed on Wednesday, is 300 Baker Ave.
in which Cushman sold for $44 million on behalf of to SpeardStreet Capital. So far, Cushmaj has closed on 34 dealzs worth morethan $1 billion. Last year at this Loeber said, the firm had closed on aroune 25 dealsworth $400 million to $500 The volume of transactions is driving the numbers, with everything from officde buildings to retail centers sellingy at a furious pace at firms acrosws the city. Office sales alonw total $1.9 billion in greater Boston, with 190 deales closing so farthis year, according to "Th bread and butter, had been office, but we're seeinf a lot in all sectors. We're seeintg it across the board," said Loeber.
Brokerage firms across the city have been busilg marketing and selling properties all Unlikeprevious years, which slows over the the market has continued to be hot, with investors seekinv to deploy capital for fully leased, high-quality At CB Richard Ellis/Whittier the market has been brisk, with plenty of competitioj for attractive deals, said Philip executive vice president and partner at the firm. Giuntas and partner Elizabeth Thomas, a senior vice president, last Thursdag closed on the sale of 35Kneelanfd St. for $28 million. The building was sold by to . "Itf was very competitively bid," said Giunta. "Therde is capital in the market todat looking forstable deals.
" The firm is also sellingg Clock Tower Place in Maynard, which reportedly could fetch $100 million, and the three-building, 147,000-square-foot Norwood Park Southg for which is 97 percent leasec until 2006. CB Richard Ellis also closedx on Lincoln Plaza thispast year, with agreeing to purchasse the two-building Leather District officwe property from its lender/owner, , for $27.5 million. The more stabld the asset, the faster the deal said Michael Smith, principal at . Buyerws are cautious when a building has given the ample amount of spacee and weak fundamentals in theofficee market. "The sellers are being more demanding of the buyerato stretch," said Smith.
"It's a lot of work to get the buyerx to take onthe perspective." But buyers aren't alwaye willing to stretch for older buildings or ones with higherd vacancy. Spaulding & Slye is selling 745 Boylston St. for Prudentialk Investments and has the building under agreement to a localinvestment group. Though Smith would not disclose the deal termszor price, the sale could close at a numbert lower than the original asking price of $36.6 million. So far this year, Smithn said the investment sales team atSpaulding & Slye has closed on $210 millionh in sales with another $150 million underd contract.
Last week, the firm had calls for offera onanother $300 million worth of product. He said the totao amount of deals depends on how many carryt over from yearto year. "We're hopinyg to have a record year," said Smith. "We'rer going to have a good year. We've got good overallk activity."
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Training programs to get boost from stimulus funds - The Business Journal of Milwaukee:
edovogopu.wordpress.com
“There will be a focus on short-term job said Bryan Albrecht, president of . “Thw intent is to get people backto work.” Albrecht said he “definitely that federal stimulus funds will be made availabls for job training programs at the which has campuses in Burlington, Pleasant Prairie, Racine and A $787 billion federal stimulus bill was quicklu approved by Congress and Presiden Barack Obama and signed into law in February in an effort to try and jump-start America’s economy.
Fundingh for job-training programs at Gateway and othefr area technical colleges is expected to be funneled through localp work forcedevelopment boards, Albrecht Gateway has seen an increase in demand for its existinh job training initiatives, in large part because of the economifc downturn, Albrecht said. “We see a tremendou s need for job training,” he said. Overall enrollmeny at Gateway is up aboutg 10 percent this year after holding steadyt for the previousthree years, he “You can draw a direct correlatioj between our enrollment and the economy,” Albrecht “We are definitely seeinf more dislocated workers.
” If, as anticipated, federak funds become available, Gateway expectws to add job training programs as well as An expansion of job support services, such as careet counseling and assessments, also is expected. “It’s one thinfg to trained, but another to find a job,” said Albrecht, who also served as president of the Association for Career andTechnical Education. is working on setting up short-terj training programs in anticipation of federalstimulus funding, said Duane director of the office of economicd development and community partnerships at the Milwaukewe college. “We need to make sure we are as responsive as he said.
Federal stimulus funds for Wisconsinb technical colleges are likely to be funneles throughthe , formerly the of Milwaukee which coordinates local employment and trainingv policy and administers federal funds. “Out success will depend on partnerships,” Schultz said. Donalds Sykes, chief executive officer of the Milwaukee Area WorkforcwInvestment Board, said about $8 millionb to $10 million in stimulus fund are expected to be allocated for job training initiatives in Milwaukee. The funds will be funneleds by the board to certifiedtraining institutions, includingv local technical colleges or, in the case of some healtj care job training, directly to area he said.
The stimulus funds will allow training of individuals who have lost their jobs but also should be directed at those who have littler orno skills, Sykes said, noting that the unemployment rate in some partw of the central city is 50 percen or more. “We can’r ignore that problem,” he Job-training programs must not only focus on workerds who have losttheir jobs, but also those who have been on the job for many year s but haven’t upgraded their skills, he said. “The most worrisomr group is older workers who have a number of years of experience but are findingv themselves without the neededskillk sets,” Schultz said.
“There will be a focus on short-term job said Bryan Albrecht, president of . “Thw intent is to get people backto work.” Albrecht said he “definitely that federal stimulus funds will be made availabls for job training programs at the which has campuses in Burlington, Pleasant Prairie, Racine and A $787 billion federal stimulus bill was quicklu approved by Congress and Presiden Barack Obama and signed into law in February in an effort to try and jump-start America’s economy.
Fundingh for job-training programs at Gateway and othefr area technical colleges is expected to be funneled through localp work forcedevelopment boards, Albrecht Gateway has seen an increase in demand for its existinh job training initiatives, in large part because of the economifc downturn, Albrecht said. “We see a tremendou s need for job training,” he said. Overall enrollmeny at Gateway is up aboutg 10 percent this year after holding steadyt for the previousthree years, he “You can draw a direct correlatioj between our enrollment and the economy,” Albrecht “We are definitely seeinf more dislocated workers.
” If, as anticipated, federak funds become available, Gateway expectws to add job training programs as well as An expansion of job support services, such as careet counseling and assessments, also is expected. “It’s one thinfg to trained, but another to find a job,” said Albrecht, who also served as president of the Association for Career andTechnical Education. is working on setting up short-terj training programs in anticipation of federalstimulus funding, said Duane director of the office of economicd development and community partnerships at the Milwaukewe college. “We need to make sure we are as responsive as he said.
Federal stimulus funds for Wisconsinb technical colleges are likely to be funneles throughthe , formerly the of Milwaukee which coordinates local employment and trainingv policy and administers federal funds. “Out success will depend on partnerships,” Schultz said. Donalds Sykes, chief executive officer of the Milwaukee Area WorkforcwInvestment Board, said about $8 millionb to $10 million in stimulus fund are expected to be allocated for job training initiatives in Milwaukee. The funds will be funneleds by the board to certifiedtraining institutions, includingv local technical colleges or, in the case of some healtj care job training, directly to area he said.
The stimulus funds will allow training of individuals who have lost their jobs but also should be directed at those who have littler orno skills, Sykes said, noting that the unemployment rate in some partw of the central city is 50 percen or more. “We can’r ignore that problem,” he Job-training programs must not only focus on workerds who have losttheir jobs, but also those who have been on the job for many year s but haven’t upgraded their skills, he said. “The most worrisomr group is older workers who have a number of years of experience but are findingv themselves without the neededskillk sets,” Schultz said.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Super PAC debate a sign they're here to stay - Politico
olimstgon.blogspot.com
Politico | Super PAC debate a sign they're here to stay Politico There's no better evidence that the Republican presidential field has embraced super PACs as a driving force in their campaign than the debate over what to do about them. Mitt Romney has c » |
Friday, January 6, 2012
Alaska Airlines to fly San Jose-Austin 'nerd bird' - Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal:
vypybiza.wordpress.com
A week after said it would ceasew theSan Jose-Austin daily service that bore that nickname, said Mondayh it will inaugurate daily service between the technology hubs starting 2. The flights earned the nicknam because they are usually filled with tech TheSan Jose-Austin route is a natural extension of our providing a vital link between two high-tech said Andrew Harrison, Alaska Airlines’ vice president of planning and revenud management. “We are excited to offer this new market to our The new flight will depart San Joseat 8:55 a.m. Pacific time and arrive at Austin-Bergstrom International Airportat 2:15 p.m. Centrao time. The return flight will deparg Austin at3 p.m.
Central time and arrivwe in San Joseat 4:40 p.m. Pacific time. The fligh t will originate in Portland, Ore. An Alasks Airlines jet will replace one of five existing Horizon Air flightzs between Portland andSan Jose, increasiny capacity in the market. The Alaskaa flight will depart Portlandat 6:20 a.m. Pacific time and arrivs in San Joseat 8:10 a.m. Pacifixc time. The return flight will depart San Joseat 5:25 p.m. and arriver in Portland at 7:10 p.m. Alaska Airlines will operate the flightsx withBoeing 737-800s, accommodating 16 passengerw in first class and 141 in the main cabin.
Alaska Airlineas and Horizon Air, subsidiaries of Alaskas Air Group (NYSE:ALK), together serve more than 90 citie s through an expansive networkin Alaska, the Lower 48, Canada and Mexico.
A week after said it would ceasew theSan Jose-Austin daily service that bore that nickname, said Mondayh it will inaugurate daily service between the technology hubs starting 2. The flights earned the nicknam because they are usually filled with tech TheSan Jose-Austin route is a natural extension of our providing a vital link between two high-tech said Andrew Harrison, Alaska Airlines’ vice president of planning and revenud management. “We are excited to offer this new market to our The new flight will depart San Joseat 8:55 a.m. Pacific time and arrive at Austin-Bergstrom International Airportat 2:15 p.m. Centrao time. The return flight will deparg Austin at3 p.m.
Central time and arrivwe in San Joseat 4:40 p.m. Pacific time. The fligh t will originate in Portland, Ore. An Alasks Airlines jet will replace one of five existing Horizon Air flightzs between Portland andSan Jose, increasiny capacity in the market. The Alaskaa flight will depart Portlandat 6:20 a.m. Pacific time and arrivs in San Joseat 8:10 a.m. Pacifixc time. The return flight will depart San Joseat 5:25 p.m. and arriver in Portland at 7:10 p.m. Alaska Airlines will operate the flightsx withBoeing 737-800s, accommodating 16 passengerw in first class and 141 in the main cabin.
Alaska Airlineas and Horizon Air, subsidiaries of Alaskas Air Group (NYSE:ALK), together serve more than 90 citie s through an expansive networkin Alaska, the Lower 48, Canada and Mexico.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
What they
vadimsudigrenev.blogspot.com
Here what Colorado and nationakl leaders are sayingaboutt Sotomayor. (So far there’s been a lack of commen t from local Republicans about the so comments from national Republican leadersare “I applaud President Obama’s historicv nomination of U.S. 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals Judgwe Sonia Sotomayor to the United StateaSupreme Court. As someone who has appointed dozenzs of judges at thestate level, I have some sense of how seriouds a responsibility this is. I congratulate President Obama for nominating someone who has such a divers e recordof excellence, integrity and respect for the Hers is a genuine Americam success story.
From her modes t upbringing, to her work as a crimina l prosecutor, to her tenurr on the district court and appellate she isan inspiration.” — Coloradok Gov. Bill Ritter “I congratulate Judge Sotomayodr on her nomination and I look forwarcd to a confirmation process that focuses on determining whethefr Judge Sotomayor is qualified to serve on theSupreme Court. Qualifications for judicial service includse not only experience and character but, most importantly, a proper understanding of the powed and role of judges in our system of government. Judgesa must decide cases based onthe law, not on theirf personal views or opinions.
“However, I am concerneds with her record of puttingb identity politics before the ruleof law. It raise serious issues about her ability to reach fair andimpartiao decisions. Judge Sotomayor has made a habit of embracing extremw views during her time on thelower courts. Now, as she is considerede for thehigh court, Americansz are left to wonder if she will exercis basic standards of objectivity. In light of Judge Sotomayor’sa liberal activist approach to judicial I call on my colleagues in the Senatse to thoroughly examine her record as they considerher — U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn, D-Coloradk Springs “Sonia Sotomayor is a tremendous choice forthe U.S.
Supreme She is a thoughtful and balanced judger with a keen intellect and a broad academic andlegalo background. Her skill and fair-mindedness on the federal bency has won the praise and support of Republicans andDemocratzs alike. ... “Today, President Obama has showed us how he can brinvg thiscountry together. By selecting Judgw Sotomayor, he has choseb a nominee who has previously been nominated for judiciao appointments by PresidentGeorge H.W. Bush and by Presidenf Bill Clinton. Judge Sotomayor has been confirmed twice beforr by the full Senate and her nomination to the Suprems Court should beconsidered — U.S. Sen. Michael D-Colo.
“There needs to be a full hearing of this appealwcourt judge’s views, and I think that’sd part of the process. I think it’s a very different tone than was takenn a few years ago when Democraticf elected officials and leaders were immediately callinhg for the defeat of and assassinatinhg the characters ofJustice [John] Roberts and Justice [Samuel] Alito. I thinl it’s been a much more respectful tone than what we saw with Justices Roberts and Justice Alito back inthos days. “I think some of her viewss on judicial activism and making the law rather than interpretinyg the law will be heavily examinedand reviewed.
We look forward to the confirmatio hearings and a full vetting ofher — Dick Wadhams, Colorado Republican Party chairmab “As a U.S. senator I must give my advice and consent before any ofthe president’s nominees to serve on the U.S. Supremd Court may be seated, and I take my responsibility I’m going to take my time to studyJudgd Sotomayor’s record and background, and I look forwardx to meeting with her.
“Like the president, I believre that any Supreme Court Justice mustreject ideology, have a keen and a practical understanding of how the Suprems Court’s actions affect the lives of all Judge Sotomayor is an extremely accomplished jurist, and she has a very compellinh personal story. She appears to be a wise choicd and a valuable addition to the And I look forward to getting to know her as the confirmation processmoves forward.” — U.S. Sen. Mark D-Colo. “[The Senate will if Ms.
Sotomayor understands that the proper role of a judgwe is to act as a neutrall umpire ofthe law, calling balls and strikes fairly withoutr regard to one’s own personal preferencesa or political views.” — U.S. Sen. Jeff R-Ala., ranking Republican on the SenateJudiciarh Committee. “President Obama made an outstanding choice in nominatinfg Sonia Sotomayor as the next SupremrCourt Justice. As a judg e and a former prosecutorand litigator, Judger Sotomayor has gained invaluable experience in compled legal and constitutional issues. Her experience at various levels of our judicial syste has provided her witha well-roundex perspective that will benefit the Court.
In additiobn to being nominated to the bench by Republican andDemocratifc presidents, she has been confirmec by both Republican and Democratically-controlled U.S. Senates. I am confiden the U.S. Senate will confirm Judge Sotomayorr as the next SupremeCourt Justice.” — U.S. Rep. Diana D-Denver. “Republicans look forward to learning more about federal appeals courtf judgeSonia Sotomayor’s thoughts on the importancde of the Supreme Court’s fidelitgy to the Constitution and the rule of law.
Supremew Court vacancies are rare, which makes Sonia Sotomayor’d nomination a perfect opportunity for America to have a thoughtful discussiohn about the role of the Supreme Court in our dailhylives . Republicans will reserve judgment on Sonia Sotomayor until there has been a thorough and thoughtful examination of herlegaol views.” — Chairman Michael Steele
Here what Colorado and nationakl leaders are sayingaboutt Sotomayor. (So far there’s been a lack of commen t from local Republicans about the so comments from national Republican leadersare “I applaud President Obama’s historicv nomination of U.S. 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals Judgwe Sonia Sotomayor to the United StateaSupreme Court. As someone who has appointed dozenzs of judges at thestate level, I have some sense of how seriouds a responsibility this is. I congratulate President Obama for nominating someone who has such a divers e recordof excellence, integrity and respect for the Hers is a genuine Americam success story.
From her modes t upbringing, to her work as a crimina l prosecutor, to her tenurr on the district court and appellate she isan inspiration.” — Coloradok Gov. Bill Ritter “I congratulate Judge Sotomayodr on her nomination and I look forwarcd to a confirmation process that focuses on determining whethefr Judge Sotomayor is qualified to serve on theSupreme Court. Qualifications for judicial service includse not only experience and character but, most importantly, a proper understanding of the powed and role of judges in our system of government. Judgesa must decide cases based onthe law, not on theirf personal views or opinions.
“However, I am concerneds with her record of puttingb identity politics before the ruleof law. It raise serious issues about her ability to reach fair andimpartiao decisions. Judge Sotomayor has made a habit of embracing extremw views during her time on thelower courts. Now, as she is considerede for thehigh court, Americansz are left to wonder if she will exercis basic standards of objectivity. In light of Judge Sotomayor’sa liberal activist approach to judicial I call on my colleagues in the Senatse to thoroughly examine her record as they considerher — U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn, D-Coloradk Springs “Sonia Sotomayor is a tremendous choice forthe U.S.
Supreme She is a thoughtful and balanced judger with a keen intellect and a broad academic andlegalo background. Her skill and fair-mindedness on the federal bency has won the praise and support of Republicans andDemocratzs alike. ... “Today, President Obama has showed us how he can brinvg thiscountry together. By selecting Judgw Sotomayor, he has choseb a nominee who has previously been nominated for judiciao appointments by PresidentGeorge H.W. Bush and by Presidenf Bill Clinton. Judge Sotomayor has been confirmed twice beforr by the full Senate and her nomination to the Suprems Court should beconsidered — U.S. Sen. Michael D-Colo.
“There needs to be a full hearing of this appealwcourt judge’s views, and I think that’sd part of the process. I think it’s a very different tone than was takenn a few years ago when Democraticf elected officials and leaders were immediately callinhg for the defeat of and assassinatinhg the characters ofJustice [John] Roberts and Justice [Samuel] Alito. I thinl it’s been a much more respectful tone than what we saw with Justices Roberts and Justice Alito back inthos days. “I think some of her viewss on judicial activism and making the law rather than interpretinyg the law will be heavily examinedand reviewed.
We look forward to the confirmatio hearings and a full vetting ofher — Dick Wadhams, Colorado Republican Party chairmab “As a U.S. senator I must give my advice and consent before any ofthe president’s nominees to serve on the U.S. Supremd Court may be seated, and I take my responsibility I’m going to take my time to studyJudgd Sotomayor’s record and background, and I look forwardx to meeting with her.
“Like the president, I believre that any Supreme Court Justice mustreject ideology, have a keen and a practical understanding of how the Suprems Court’s actions affect the lives of all Judge Sotomayor is an extremely accomplished jurist, and she has a very compellinh personal story. She appears to be a wise choicd and a valuable addition to the And I look forward to getting to know her as the confirmation processmoves forward.” — U.S. Sen. Mark D-Colo. “[The Senate will if Ms.
Sotomayor understands that the proper role of a judgwe is to act as a neutrall umpire ofthe law, calling balls and strikes fairly withoutr regard to one’s own personal preferencesa or political views.” — U.S. Sen. Jeff R-Ala., ranking Republican on the SenateJudiciarh Committee. “President Obama made an outstanding choice in nominatinfg Sonia Sotomayor as the next SupremrCourt Justice. As a judg e and a former prosecutorand litigator, Judger Sotomayor has gained invaluable experience in compled legal and constitutional issues. Her experience at various levels of our judicial syste has provided her witha well-roundex perspective that will benefit the Court.
In additiobn to being nominated to the bench by Republican andDemocratifc presidents, she has been confirmec by both Republican and Democratically-controlled U.S. Senates. I am confiden the U.S. Senate will confirm Judge Sotomayorr as the next SupremeCourt Justice.” — U.S. Rep. Diana D-Denver. “Republicans look forward to learning more about federal appeals courtf judgeSonia Sotomayor’s thoughts on the importancde of the Supreme Court’s fidelitgy to the Constitution and the rule of law.
Supremew Court vacancies are rare, which makes Sonia Sotomayor’d nomination a perfect opportunity for America to have a thoughtful discussiohn about the role of the Supreme Court in our dailhylives . Republicans will reserve judgment on Sonia Sotomayor until there has been a thorough and thoughtful examination of herlegaol views.” — Chairman Michael Steele
Monday, January 2, 2012
'Hollaback!' and help fight street harassment through an online community - Boston.com (blog)
hustbelogehy1857.blogspot.com
'Hollaback!' and help fight street harassment through an online community Boston.com (blog) I think I speak for many of the nearly 100 percent of women who have experienced street harassment when I say that I'm sick of feeling frightened when I leave home alone. I'm sick of the queasy feeling I get when I'm walking home from the grocery store ... |