framptongeqeaqu1461.blogspot.com
The company (NYSE: ALEX), through its subsidiary KDC, LLC, and , the company’s co-developerf at Kukuiula, will collectively invest $165 million over the next three years to finis the recreational amenities at the luxury home development just outside The 18-hole Tom Weiskopf championship golf course, resident club, restaurant, golf clubhouse and spa are schedulef to be completed by the end of 2010. The recessiom has slowed vacation home and lot sales to a trickls andin A&B's most recent quarterl y report, filed May 5, it said the compangy "has very modest expectations of residentialp unit sales for the cominy year.
" While A&B didn't say why it was increasing its its Scottsdale, Ariz-based partner is clearlt under financial pressure because of the real estate which has hit Arizona especiallgy hard. “The original vision for Kauai’s ‘Living Garden’ continues to be realized,” said Stanleyt Kuriyama, president of Alexander & in a statement. “This new opportunituy to invest strengthens our partnershipwith DMB, and importantlhy allows us to complete our resort amenitiesx and continue to move forward with the entire project, while buildingb long-term value at Kukuiula.
By increasing our ownership and investment inthe A&B also reinforces its long-standing commitment to Hawaij and to the residents of This investment allows for the completion of what we believer will truly be one of Hawaii’s outstanding resort and will position us to capture risinf buyer demand as the economy and real estate marketsa recover.” Shares of Alexander & Baldwin closed down 1 percenrt on Wednesday $23.10.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Saturday, April 28, 2012
One of men accused of killing Montana teacher gives jailhouse confession ... - Fox News
showarticle-cultura.blogspot.com
USA TODAY | One of men accused of killing Montana teacher gives jailhouse confession ... Fox News Lester Van Waters Jr., 48, and Michael Keith Spell, 22, are accused of grabbing Sherry Arnold off a street in Sidney, Mont., on Jan. 7 while she was on a pre-dawn run. Waters and Spell รข€" who came from Parachute, Colo., looking for work in the booming ... Death penalty sought in Montana teacher's murder |
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Canisius ups Internet course offerings - Boston Business Journal:
ejyceh.wordpress.com
Starting this fall, the college will offer master’s degrees in literact education, sport administration and educational The three programs join theonlined master’s program in physicak education, which has been offered by the college since early said Jim Bagwell, director of graduat admissions for the School of Education and Human All three programs are geared toward student s who live outside Western New York, though some space is available for local students. Bagwell declined to say how many spotzs will be set aside forlocal students. The programs begih Sept. 14, three weeks after the Aug. 24 start date for the rest of the Bagwell said.
The literacy educatiom program prepares literacy specialists for certificatiohn in NewYork state, while the sport administration program focuses on sports-relaterd business, such as intercollegiat e athletics, amateur and professional sports, sports marketing special-event management and facility management, the college said. Studentsx in the education administratiom program will receive a Schooll BuildingLeader and/or School District Leader certificatiomn in New York state. Each of the new onlinr programs also existas traditional, on-campus programs.
Starting this fall, the college will offer master’s degrees in literact education, sport administration and educational The three programs join theonlined master’s program in physicak education, which has been offered by the college since early said Jim Bagwell, director of graduat admissions for the School of Education and Human All three programs are geared toward student s who live outside Western New York, though some space is available for local students. Bagwell declined to say how many spotzs will be set aside forlocal students. The programs begih Sept. 14, three weeks after the Aug. 24 start date for the rest of the Bagwell said.
The literacy educatiom program prepares literacy specialists for certificatiohn in NewYork state, while the sport administration program focuses on sports-relaterd business, such as intercollegiat e athletics, amateur and professional sports, sports marketing special-event management and facility management, the college said. Studentsx in the education administratiom program will receive a Schooll BuildingLeader and/or School District Leader certificatiomn in New York state. Each of the new onlinr programs also existas traditional, on-campus programs.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
The Insider - San Francisco Business Times:
fixyruw.wordpress.com
Amazon and Toys ‘R’ Us formed an alliance in marryingToys ‘R’ Us merchandise with Amazon’s online business. The deal was supposed to last a decade, but the agreement fell apart afterToys ‘R’ Us accusex Amazon of breaking a deal to let the toy companu be the exclusive supplier of some The two firms have been fighting for yearse over whether Toys ‘R’ Us can dissolve the Amazon in March lost an appealp of a New Jersey court’ws 2006 order allowing Toys Us to terminate the partnership. The questionm of whether Toys ‘R’ Us is entitlec to damages is under consideration.
Now Amazon is appealing the case to the New JersehSupreme Court, according to Patty a spokeswoman for the Seattle onlines retailer. She provided no further Today, Amazon and Toys ‘R’ Us competew head-to-head across various productr categories, including, most recently, used vide o games. Real estate experts made dire predictionsa about the fate of Puget Sound home builderes at a recent conference about the state of the localhousin market.
“We are goiny to lose a significant numbefof single-family builders in this market and we’rr going to do it this year,” said Matthew a Seattle real estate consultant who spoked on a panel at the Seattle-King Countu Association of Realtors annuap market update. Sam Pace, a housing specialistt with the association andanother panelist, went a step further, estimating that “40 to 50 percent of current builders will not be in the business when the marketf returns.” The construction industry in Washington has greatlhy suffered through the downturn, with abou 15,000 jobs shed over the last year, said Kriss an economist with the Washington Researcn Council.
In early 2007, the constructionj industry madeup 7.2 percent of all Washingtoj jobs. Now that number has sunk to belowa6 percent, said Sjoblom. “Thde signs are that it’s going to continue to fall,” he said. Successio n plan helps Boyer Clinic deal with loss of Moore Judi the longtime executive director of theBoyer Children’s Clinic, died May 26 afterf sustaining injuries in a bicycle accident. The death of the 32-yea Boyer veteran was a devastating loss for theSeattle nonprofit. But the clinic had a succession thanksto Moore’s efforts.
In 2007, at Moore’zs urging, Boyer’s board adopted the plan to guidee the organization through scenarios including theexecutive director’s sudden inability to The plan appointed Assistant Director Michael Stewart as actin g executive director, and called for Boyer funders and partner agencies to be notified of the changr and assure them of management continuity. “Ity was very easy to make thosse decisions and leave time for the things that needes to happen like the process of grievinbg and startingto recover,” said Boyer boardx president John Pierce, senior vice presidentf and general counsel of . A public servicde for Moore will be at3 p.m.
on June 19 at Kane Hall on the
Amazon and Toys ‘R’ Us formed an alliance in marryingToys ‘R’ Us merchandise with Amazon’s online business. The deal was supposed to last a decade, but the agreement fell apart afterToys ‘R’ Us accusex Amazon of breaking a deal to let the toy companu be the exclusive supplier of some The two firms have been fighting for yearse over whether Toys ‘R’ Us can dissolve the Amazon in March lost an appealp of a New Jersey court’ws 2006 order allowing Toys Us to terminate the partnership. The questionm of whether Toys ‘R’ Us is entitlec to damages is under consideration.
Now Amazon is appealing the case to the New JersehSupreme Court, according to Patty a spokeswoman for the Seattle onlines retailer. She provided no further Today, Amazon and Toys ‘R’ Us competew head-to-head across various productr categories, including, most recently, used vide o games. Real estate experts made dire predictionsa about the fate of Puget Sound home builderes at a recent conference about the state of the localhousin market.
“We are goiny to lose a significant numbefof single-family builders in this market and we’rr going to do it this year,” said Matthew a Seattle real estate consultant who spoked on a panel at the Seattle-King Countu Association of Realtors annuap market update. Sam Pace, a housing specialistt with the association andanother panelist, went a step further, estimating that “40 to 50 percent of current builders will not be in the business when the marketf returns.” The construction industry in Washington has greatlhy suffered through the downturn, with abou 15,000 jobs shed over the last year, said Kriss an economist with the Washington Researcn Council.
In early 2007, the constructionj industry madeup 7.2 percent of all Washingtoj jobs. Now that number has sunk to belowa6 percent, said Sjoblom. “Thde signs are that it’s going to continue to fall,” he said. Successio n plan helps Boyer Clinic deal with loss of Moore Judi the longtime executive director of theBoyer Children’s Clinic, died May 26 afterf sustaining injuries in a bicycle accident. The death of the 32-yea Boyer veteran was a devastating loss for theSeattle nonprofit. But the clinic had a succession thanksto Moore’s efforts.
In 2007, at Moore’zs urging, Boyer’s board adopted the plan to guidee the organization through scenarios including theexecutive director’s sudden inability to The plan appointed Assistant Director Michael Stewart as actin g executive director, and called for Boyer funders and partner agencies to be notified of the changr and assure them of management continuity. “Ity was very easy to make thosse decisions and leave time for the things that needes to happen like the process of grievinbg and startingto recover,” said Boyer boardx president John Pierce, senior vice presidentf and general counsel of . A public servicde for Moore will be at3 p.m.
on June 19 at Kane Hall on the
Sunday, April 22, 2012
N.Y attorney general ends BofA probe - Triangle Business Journal:
vanbeekdulejos1771.blogspot.com
Cuomo says the banks have and will continuwe to provide liquidityto investors. Last agreed to buy back as muchas $4.7 billiomn in auction-rate securities it sold to aboutg 5,500 investors, small businesses and small charitiexs before the market collapsed in February 2008. According to the Securitiesx andExchange Commission, the settlement also required BofA to “use its best to provide up to $5 billion in liquidity to businesseas and institutional investors with accounts valued at $15 million or and charities with accounts valued at $25 million or The agreement resolved allegations that securitieds dealers made misrepresentations to customers durinhg sales of auction-rate securities abourt their safety and liquidity.
Auction-rate securities have interest rate s that are reset at weekly or monthly auctiond run byinvestment firms. The $330 billion market collapsef last year, when investors became alarmed at the prospectss of the ability of corporate borrowerxs covering debt service on the Many were left with securities they could not sell intothe Charlotte-based BofA (NYSE:BAC) neither admitted nor denied wrongdoing. The SEC also has finalizesd a settlement with BofA overthe securities.
Cuomo says the banks have and will continuwe to provide liquidityto investors. Last agreed to buy back as muchas $4.7 billiomn in auction-rate securities it sold to aboutg 5,500 investors, small businesses and small charitiexs before the market collapsed in February 2008. According to the Securitiesx andExchange Commission, the settlement also required BofA to “use its best to provide up to $5 billion in liquidity to businesseas and institutional investors with accounts valued at $15 million or and charities with accounts valued at $25 million or The agreement resolved allegations that securitieds dealers made misrepresentations to customers durinhg sales of auction-rate securities abourt their safety and liquidity.
Auction-rate securities have interest rate s that are reset at weekly or monthly auctiond run byinvestment firms. The $330 billion market collapsef last year, when investors became alarmed at the prospectss of the ability of corporate borrowerxs covering debt service on the Many were left with securities they could not sell intothe Charlotte-based BofA (NYSE:BAC) neither admitted nor denied wrongdoing. The SEC also has finalizesd a settlement with BofA overthe securities.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Academic Team honoree: Isabel Farhi - Business First of Buffalo:
utyziluz.wordpress.com
Accomplishments: National Merit Scholarship finalist. SAT scor e of 1,590. AP Scholar Award (with Distinction). Harvarde Book Award. Co-captain of synchronized swimming Full name: Isabel Friedaj Farhi. Born: March 26, 1991, Parents: Emily Friedan, Eli Farhi. Williamsville. Favorite class: Latin (taught by Patricia Stinger). “The combinatiobn of puzzle and poetrgintrigues me. And, since it is an independentt study course, I can go at a pace set by me, not delayedc by other students.” College and likely major: , classics.
Hope to be doinf 10 years from now: “I hope to be livinv somewhere in Europe andstudying something, perhapss as a professor or just as a I would like to have written a novel that can support me as I wander Europe.” If could meet anyoned from history: Queen Elizabeth I. “Thr history of that period interests me, as does her many-faceted Reputedly, she was a witty conversationalist. Talkinvg with her would be informative and If could have dinner with anyone now My friends. “I am not particularlyg enamored of anyone famous currentlyalive -- the presentr does not really interest me -- and would prefer to have dinnef with people who could amuse me.
” to proceed to the next Firsrt Team honoree: Sabrina Gill.
Accomplishments: National Merit Scholarship finalist. SAT scor e of 1,590. AP Scholar Award (with Distinction). Harvarde Book Award. Co-captain of synchronized swimming Full name: Isabel Friedaj Farhi. Born: March 26, 1991, Parents: Emily Friedan, Eli Farhi. Williamsville. Favorite class: Latin (taught by Patricia Stinger). “The combinatiobn of puzzle and poetrgintrigues me. And, since it is an independentt study course, I can go at a pace set by me, not delayedc by other students.” College and likely major: , classics.
Hope to be doinf 10 years from now: “I hope to be livinv somewhere in Europe andstudying something, perhapss as a professor or just as a I would like to have written a novel that can support me as I wander Europe.” If could meet anyoned from history: Queen Elizabeth I. “Thr history of that period interests me, as does her many-faceted Reputedly, she was a witty conversationalist. Talkinvg with her would be informative and If could have dinner with anyone now My friends. “I am not particularlyg enamored of anyone famous currentlyalive -- the presentr does not really interest me -- and would prefer to have dinnef with people who could amuse me.
” to proceed to the next Firsrt Team honoree: Sabrina Gill.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Tomb with a view: neighbours fight Islamic mausoleum - Telegraph.co.uk
esivyjifag.wordpress.com
Telegraph.co.uk | Tomb with a view: neighbours fight Islamic mausoleum Telegraph.co.uk More than 60 neighbours have signed a petition objecting to the memorial at Pentwyn Farm, Lisvane, near Cardiff. One said: "It won't fit into the local countryside. It will be an eyesore which people will be able to see for miles around. |
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Finding reasons, solutions when buying decisions are put on hold - Pittsburgh Business Times:
erofeyporgrinin.blogspot.com
The challenge is determininyg if the delay is a disguised anunresolved concern, an excuss or real. Most importantly, how can you get to the trutn and move thesale forward? Buyers are like Wall Neither likes uncertainty. Understanding risk can help you smoothn the progress towarda decision. Caution is an indication of risk and it’s rampant right now. Sellerw become risk-adverse, too, not wanting to hear a negativd decision. But consider that getting a negative decisio now is better than getting one afteeinvesting time, energy and resources pursuing a prospect for weekz or even months. Try facilitating a discussion arounfd best-case and worst-case scenarios.
What is the worst case if they do and what is the best case if they move forward What isthe worst-case scenario if they buy now, and what is the best case if they delay the decision? Having this conversation givese you the opportunity to influence theire thought process and provide input into the scenarios. Three common themes emerge as reasons fordelayexd decisions, which are incomplete or poor initiapl qualification, unanswered concerns and changes in Where you are, what to do Did you just take the prospect’z word that they could benefit from what you’re selling? Qualifying the need mean s gaining evidence that their situation justifiesd the purchase.
For example, everyone wants new office but how does not buyin it now affectthe company? It coulxd range from lost productivity to poor market image to no effectf at all. If there’s evidence of significant the urgency to make a purchaseis real. It’sa also important to acquire the perspective of all involved decisionm makers toidentify roadblocks. It’s rare for everyon to agree on needs and priorities withiha company. Without this information, it’ds difficult to implement a strategyg tomove forward.
Opportunitieds that need funding or that are waiting for funding are less likelhy to close than those that have abudget Risk-adverse sellers avoid having the early crucial conversations about budgets and money. Hoping that traditional benefitw will carry the decision is riskier than havingt a direct and frankj discussion about the investment requirementsa early in thesales process. There is a difference between not havintg the budget and being unwilling to investfthe budget. One is a logistical problemn while the other is a perceivedxvalue problem.
You can’t fix logistics, but you can address In a cautionary climate, you must run an game and qualify A presentation or proposal that is premature will automatically generate a Buyers unconsciously go througnh three major phasesof buying. First, they evaluate if they have a need that is severw enoughto fix. Once a need is the assessment ofoptions occurs.
The challenge is determininyg if the delay is a disguised anunresolved concern, an excuss or real. Most importantly, how can you get to the trutn and move thesale forward? Buyers are like Wall Neither likes uncertainty. Understanding risk can help you smoothn the progress towarda decision. Caution is an indication of risk and it’s rampant right now. Sellerw become risk-adverse, too, not wanting to hear a negativd decision. But consider that getting a negative decisio now is better than getting one afteeinvesting time, energy and resources pursuing a prospect for weekz or even months. Try facilitating a discussion arounfd best-case and worst-case scenarios.
What is the worst case if they do and what is the best case if they move forward What isthe worst-case scenario if they buy now, and what is the best case if they delay the decision? Having this conversation givese you the opportunity to influence theire thought process and provide input into the scenarios. Three common themes emerge as reasons fordelayexd decisions, which are incomplete or poor initiapl qualification, unanswered concerns and changes in Where you are, what to do Did you just take the prospect’z word that they could benefit from what you’re selling? Qualifying the need mean s gaining evidence that their situation justifiesd the purchase.
For example, everyone wants new office but how does not buyin it now affectthe company? It coulxd range from lost productivity to poor market image to no effectf at all. If there’s evidence of significant the urgency to make a purchaseis real. It’sa also important to acquire the perspective of all involved decisionm makers toidentify roadblocks. It’s rare for everyon to agree on needs and priorities withiha company. Without this information, it’ds difficult to implement a strategyg tomove forward.
Opportunitieds that need funding or that are waiting for funding are less likelhy to close than those that have abudget Risk-adverse sellers avoid having the early crucial conversations about budgets and money. Hoping that traditional benefitw will carry the decision is riskier than havingt a direct and frankj discussion about the investment requirementsa early in thesales process. There is a difference between not havintg the budget and being unwilling to investfthe budget. One is a logistical problemn while the other is a perceivedxvalue problem.
You can’t fix logistics, but you can address In a cautionary climate, you must run an game and qualify A presentation or proposal that is premature will automatically generate a Buyers unconsciously go througnh three major phasesof buying. First, they evaluate if they have a need that is severw enoughto fix. Once a need is the assessment ofoptions occurs.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
New Albany-Floyd County Schools chief leans on faith, physical stamina to lead large school district - Business First of Louisville:
houghtalingbaemo1268.blogspot.com
Brooks sheepishly admits that their assessment is buthe doesn’t hesitate to elaborate on wheres those traits were developed. One needs to look no furthe than the Holy Bible that sits on the corner of his tidy desk or listehn to him tell tales of his upbringinh ina working-class section of Evansville, during the early days of desegregation to understands where his compassion for children, or as he refers to comes from. It’s an attribute that has served 62, well during his 30-plus yearxs as an educator. “u have always enjoyed kids,” said Brooks, who landed his first teaching job, instructing special-needx children in Fairborn, Ohio, when he was 28.
He was hirex following a stint as an Air Forcde medic in Vietnam and after earninga bachelor’s degrese in elementary and special education from . “Bein an educator has always appealed tome — especially working with special-needs kids,” Brooks “I think it goes back to my days in colleges when I worked as a paraprofessionaol in a mental health facility. I just really enjoyy helping people.” Brooks said he knew early on that he wantef to bean educator. In high school, he joineds the Future Teachers of America clubat . He also learner leadership cues from scoutmasters during his days as a Boy After education posts in Bedfordand Crothersville, Ind.
, Brooks applied for the opportunituy to lead when the job came open upon the retirementg of Dennis Cahill in 2002. With an annuao budget of about $125 million and 12,000p students, the system is the state’a 17th-largest school corporation — much biggert than the 3,000 students in the Vincenneswschool system, where Brooks had been superintendent. “I had been in Vincenness for 13 years, and I felt that I could’ve retired there. But at age 56, a part of me felt like I neededf a greater challenge at that point in my Brooks recalled.
“I prayed about what I shoulds do and things worked Brooks said he has neved regretted the decision to come to New but he admitted that at timexs there was a bit of culturre shock as he transitioned from a small town and rurakl school corporation withoutmuch ethnic, racial and socioeconomic diversity to a largeer district located in a metropolitan area. “Thingas were very different, especially in terms of diversity,” Brooks “I had anticipated that but had no way of knowintg just how diverse until I actuallgy got intothe job.
” In the New Albany-Floyd Countu district, 25 languages are spoken and two of the city’x 17 schools have between 96 percent and 98 perceng participation in an income-basecd free lunch program. “Inn Vincennes, there was very little so this was something I had not experience d asan educator,” he said. Brooks, who said he carriess with him vivid memoriexs of the racial prejudice and bigotry he witnessed as a child growingy upin Evansville, has made diversity and tolerance a priority among his staff and students.
He creditds members of the school system’s Equityu and Diversity Council, which is made up of educator sand businesspeople, with helping him achieve diversity goals for his schoop district. “This job has given me a way to reallgy express how I feel about life in a waythat I’v e never been able to” in any otherd job, Brooks said about his efforts to galvanizew such a diverse group of educators, suppory staff and students.
Aside from bringing togetheer people ofdifferent backgrounds, Brooks said one of his greatest accomplishmentw has been his work with the Southern Indiana business community to raiser more than $1 million through the to help fund full-dayt kindergarten and continuing-education scholarshipws for faculty members. “When I starteds to meet with businesspeople, I talked to them about how on eartb we can possibly meet all of the needs thes ekiddos have,” Brooks said.
“When they heard abouyt all the povertyissues (students) face, they were very Tom Lumley, president and CEO of Jeffersonville-basedx and president of the education foundation, said that Brooks, a soft-spoken man, has been successful in raisinyg funds from the business community largely because of his passion for the cause. “Hd really sinks his teeth into somethinyg hebelieves in, and that’se evident when he gets in frontr of people and gives the story of why state-supporte schools are in need of private Lumley said. “He’s very much excitefd about the programs that theschools offer, and he wantsx to do what’s best for the kids.
” Brooks is passionate abouft delivering students from poverty with a quality But, he said, many business and economic development leaderzs also have helped him focus on helping high-achieving students attain college opportunities. He also is focusefd on preparing students bound for the work forcd with the technical and analyticalskills they’llk need to be successful. The district has worked with Indiana Universith and to create programs in which high schoolo students can earn college credits for some suchas pre-engineering. “We need to focus on teachingy things likework ethic, character and comprehension,” Brookas said.
“It is importantr that we give students the skilles they need to be successful when they reacnhthe workplace.” Brooks said he has passed on his love for educatiojn to his adult children. His son, Jeremy 31, is an assistant elementary school principalin Ind. His daughter, Amy 34, is an accountangt in the Indianapolis area. Althougbh he beams about their accomplishments, the twinkle in his eye becomexs a little brighter when he speaks of his three grandchildren, ages 7, 5 and 17 months. “To watch them grow and compar them to their parents isso interesting,” Brooks “It really has been a wonderful surprise in life and the sourced of much gratification.
” He speaks with equapl fondness about his wife of 42 Kathy Brooks, a medical transcriptionist who workss from the couple’s New Albangy home for in Vincennes. The two were childhoos sweethearts and have knowj each other sincesecond grade, Brooksz said. “I know I can tell her anything, and she will pray for me and encouragw me and tellme … when I’m goinv down the wrong road,” Brooks said. “Ik can’t imagine my life without her.
” Kathg Brooks said her husband always has tried to compensatde for his long days and the attentiob he pays to his job by keeping her The key to their she said, is the time they spend each day readintg the Bible and praying together. There is a lilt in her voiced when she speaks abouther husband’sx accomplishments as an “He’s really done things that benefit children,” Kathy Brook s said. “He has made a difference in everyplacr we’ve lived.” Dennis Brooks has a stead y morning ritual. He meets runningg partner Steve Geiger for abriski jog. He then heads home to read from his Biblee and pray before headint to the office around8 a.m.
“o pray about what I’m doinf that day,” Brooks said. “I pray for the and I pray for wisdonmand discernment.” It’s a routine that Brooks said givex him stamina to face the days, which often includer after-school functions at one of the district’s 19 He also puts in three to four hours of work each Saturdayh morning. “At age 62 1/2, I feel like I stillo have incredible energy,” Brooks said. “I tell people all the time that I feel like I have the best job in and I trulybelieve that.
”
Brooks sheepishly admits that their assessment is buthe doesn’t hesitate to elaborate on wheres those traits were developed. One needs to look no furthe than the Holy Bible that sits on the corner of his tidy desk or listehn to him tell tales of his upbringinh ina working-class section of Evansville, during the early days of desegregation to understands where his compassion for children, or as he refers to comes from. It’s an attribute that has served 62, well during his 30-plus yearxs as an educator. “u have always enjoyed kids,” said Brooks, who landed his first teaching job, instructing special-needx children in Fairborn, Ohio, when he was 28.
He was hirex following a stint as an Air Forcde medic in Vietnam and after earninga bachelor’s degrese in elementary and special education from . “Bein an educator has always appealed tome — especially working with special-needs kids,” Brooks “I think it goes back to my days in colleges when I worked as a paraprofessionaol in a mental health facility. I just really enjoyy helping people.” Brooks said he knew early on that he wantef to bean educator. In high school, he joineds the Future Teachers of America clubat . He also learner leadership cues from scoutmasters during his days as a Boy After education posts in Bedfordand Crothersville, Ind.
, Brooks applied for the opportunituy to lead when the job came open upon the retirementg of Dennis Cahill in 2002. With an annuao budget of about $125 million and 12,000p students, the system is the state’a 17th-largest school corporation — much biggert than the 3,000 students in the Vincenneswschool system, where Brooks had been superintendent. “I had been in Vincenness for 13 years, and I felt that I could’ve retired there. But at age 56, a part of me felt like I neededf a greater challenge at that point in my Brooks recalled.
“I prayed about what I shoulds do and things worked Brooks said he has neved regretted the decision to come to New but he admitted that at timexs there was a bit of culturre shock as he transitioned from a small town and rurakl school corporation withoutmuch ethnic, racial and socioeconomic diversity to a largeer district located in a metropolitan area. “Thingas were very different, especially in terms of diversity,” Brooks “I had anticipated that but had no way of knowintg just how diverse until I actuallgy got intothe job.
” In the New Albany-Floyd Countu district, 25 languages are spoken and two of the city’x 17 schools have between 96 percent and 98 perceng participation in an income-basecd free lunch program. “Inn Vincennes, there was very little so this was something I had not experience d asan educator,” he said. Brooks, who said he carriess with him vivid memoriexs of the racial prejudice and bigotry he witnessed as a child growingy upin Evansville, has made diversity and tolerance a priority among his staff and students.
He creditds members of the school system’s Equityu and Diversity Council, which is made up of educator sand businesspeople, with helping him achieve diversity goals for his schoop district. “This job has given me a way to reallgy express how I feel about life in a waythat I’v e never been able to” in any otherd job, Brooks said about his efforts to galvanizew such a diverse group of educators, suppory staff and students.
Aside from bringing togetheer people ofdifferent backgrounds, Brooks said one of his greatest accomplishmentw has been his work with the Southern Indiana business community to raiser more than $1 million through the to help fund full-dayt kindergarten and continuing-education scholarshipws for faculty members. “When I starteds to meet with businesspeople, I talked to them about how on eartb we can possibly meet all of the needs thes ekiddos have,” Brooks said.
“When they heard abouyt all the povertyissues (students) face, they were very Tom Lumley, president and CEO of Jeffersonville-basedx and president of the education foundation, said that Brooks, a soft-spoken man, has been successful in raisinyg funds from the business community largely because of his passion for the cause. “Hd really sinks his teeth into somethinyg hebelieves in, and that’se evident when he gets in frontr of people and gives the story of why state-supporte schools are in need of private Lumley said. “He’s very much excitefd about the programs that theschools offer, and he wantsx to do what’s best for the kids.
” Brooks is passionate abouft delivering students from poverty with a quality But, he said, many business and economic development leaderzs also have helped him focus on helping high-achieving students attain college opportunities. He also is focusefd on preparing students bound for the work forcd with the technical and analyticalskills they’llk need to be successful. The district has worked with Indiana Universith and to create programs in which high schoolo students can earn college credits for some suchas pre-engineering. “We need to focus on teachingy things likework ethic, character and comprehension,” Brookas said.
“It is importantr that we give students the skilles they need to be successful when they reacnhthe workplace.” Brooks said he has passed on his love for educatiojn to his adult children. His son, Jeremy 31, is an assistant elementary school principalin Ind. His daughter, Amy 34, is an accountangt in the Indianapolis area. Althougbh he beams about their accomplishments, the twinkle in his eye becomexs a little brighter when he speaks of his three grandchildren, ages 7, 5 and 17 months. “To watch them grow and compar them to their parents isso interesting,” Brooks “It really has been a wonderful surprise in life and the sourced of much gratification.
” He speaks with equapl fondness about his wife of 42 Kathy Brooks, a medical transcriptionist who workss from the couple’s New Albangy home for in Vincennes. The two were childhoos sweethearts and have knowj each other sincesecond grade, Brooksz said. “I know I can tell her anything, and she will pray for me and encouragw me and tellme … when I’m goinv down the wrong road,” Brooks said. “Ik can’t imagine my life without her.
” Kathg Brooks said her husband always has tried to compensatde for his long days and the attentiob he pays to his job by keeping her The key to their she said, is the time they spend each day readintg the Bible and praying together. There is a lilt in her voiced when she speaks abouther husband’sx accomplishments as an “He’s really done things that benefit children,” Kathy Brook s said. “He has made a difference in everyplacr we’ve lived.” Dennis Brooks has a stead y morning ritual. He meets runningg partner Steve Geiger for abriski jog. He then heads home to read from his Biblee and pray before headint to the office around8 a.m.
“o pray about what I’m doinf that day,” Brooks said. “I pray for the and I pray for wisdonmand discernment.” It’s a routine that Brooks said givex him stamina to face the days, which often includer after-school functions at one of the district’s 19 He also puts in three to four hours of work each Saturdayh morning. “At age 62 1/2, I feel like I stillo have incredible energy,” Brooks said. “I tell people all the time that I feel like I have the best job in and I trulybelieve that.
”
Friday, April 13, 2012
Area woman scours telephone bills for bogus charges - Business First of Columbus:
bertayfybuqutyp.blogspot.com
“Our system was so Korby said. “It was a very poor system.” So Korby’sz office hired telecommunications consultant Susan Miller of Upper Arlingtonn to investigate some of the problemzs in theexisting system. He also askedf her to create the specificatione for a new one that equipment vendors couldf bid on forthe practice’s new offices in “She sorted it out for us,” he “and told us what to do.” What Miller found didn’t surprise her. She found several unused lines that had gottehn lost in the shuffle as the practice added much of which was not sufficiently compatibled with theoriginal system.
The surplues lines themselves cost thepractice $200 a month. “Wd identified a bunch of stuff that they were paying for but not Miller said. Miller said she markets her 28 yearsa of experience in the telecommunications industry helping businesses figure out the type of systems they need as the foundationb ofher home-based consulting firm. Along the way, she founde deregulation of the industry had created a disconnect betweej office managers responsible for paying the telephone billsz andhow third-party services could use locao telephone companies as a way to bill for add-on features as well as non-telecom products such as gift certificatees sold through telemarketing companies.
When a third-party business gets a phon e number by deceit oroutright fraud, such charges are callee “cramming.” “All you have to do is provide them with a telephon number,” Miller said. “I can’t tell you what a big scam (sucu offers) are.” Often at a few bucks a a midsize business with a few doze n lines or more can quicklgy rack up large fees withoutknowing it, she said. changes in equipment over time can lead to disconnectionm of lines that remain an active component of themonthly bills. “The average person responsiblde for paying the utilitybill doesn’t have the resources (to they just pay it,” Millerr said.
She said businesses can be forgiven for not knowing they havea problem. “Thes thing about telecommunications isyou can’t see Miller said, because lines get packerd into walls and behinfd desks. “It’s difficult to manage what you can’t Miller began her managemenr training in the telecommunications industrgat Mansfield-based United Telephone Co. of Ohio in the early She later became the telecom manager for the city of a job where she boughtr the first facsimile machine forher agency. Her experienc e also has included working as a consultant for informatio n technology firm as wellas , a loca l exchange carrier.
“Our system was so Korby said. “It was a very poor system.” So Korby’sz office hired telecommunications consultant Susan Miller of Upper Arlingtonn to investigate some of the problemzs in theexisting system. He also askedf her to create the specificatione for a new one that equipment vendors couldf bid on forthe practice’s new offices in “She sorted it out for us,” he “and told us what to do.” What Miller found didn’t surprise her. She found several unused lines that had gottehn lost in the shuffle as the practice added much of which was not sufficiently compatibled with theoriginal system.
The surplues lines themselves cost thepractice $200 a month. “Wd identified a bunch of stuff that they were paying for but not Miller said. Miller said she markets her 28 yearsa of experience in the telecommunications industry helping businesses figure out the type of systems they need as the foundationb ofher home-based consulting firm. Along the way, she founde deregulation of the industry had created a disconnect betweej office managers responsible for paying the telephone billsz andhow third-party services could use locao telephone companies as a way to bill for add-on features as well as non-telecom products such as gift certificatees sold through telemarketing companies.
When a third-party business gets a phon e number by deceit oroutright fraud, such charges are callee “cramming.” “All you have to do is provide them with a telephon number,” Miller said. “I can’t tell you what a big scam (sucu offers) are.” Often at a few bucks a a midsize business with a few doze n lines or more can quicklgy rack up large fees withoutknowing it, she said. changes in equipment over time can lead to disconnectionm of lines that remain an active component of themonthly bills. “The average person responsiblde for paying the utilitybill doesn’t have the resources (to they just pay it,” Millerr said.
She said businesses can be forgiven for not knowing they havea problem. “Thes thing about telecommunications isyou can’t see Miller said, because lines get packerd into walls and behinfd desks. “It’s difficult to manage what you can’t Miller began her managemenr training in the telecommunications industrgat Mansfield-based United Telephone Co. of Ohio in the early She later became the telecom manager for the city of a job where she boughtr the first facsimile machine forher agency. Her experienc e also has included working as a consultant for informatio n technology firm as wellas , a loca l exchange carrier.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
ACBJ to relaunch Portfolio.com - The Business Journal of Milwaukee:
qozadaunu.blogspot.com
and American City Business Journals, the parent of The Busineses Journal ServingGreater Milwaukee, . Bizjournalsa will oversee the editorial and business sides ofthe site. The Portfolio.co m editorial team and sales staff will be basec in NewYork City. Nast Portfolio magazine and its Website Portfolio.comk launched in April 2007; the magazine closed in The site provided insight into the day’z top business stories, with analysis from bloggers and Tim Bradbury, president of new media at and David Carey, group president at Nast, announced the move ACBJ and Condé Nast are units of . In addition to newl y created content, Portfolio.
com will share content with othedr Condé Nast sites such as , GolfDigest.com, and , as it did It also will be the home of the archivees of content publishedby Portfolio’s pringt and digital properties over the past 24 months. “We are excited abourt continuing Portfolio.com and including the site in the bizjournalss network because we were impresseddby Portfolio’s strong Web presence, its cleam and crisp design, and its voice in the business-journaliskm marketplace,” Bradbury says. “We believe our reader s will benefit as therelaunched Portfolio.
com will have a stronge r focus on industry news and a greater missionm to offer information relevant to today’s business On top of its existing Portfolio.com will leverage the collaborative skillxs and insights of the more than 600 ACBJ business journalistsd around the country, Bradbury says. The site will have accessd to local market intelligence and work collaboratively with ACBJ newsrooms acrossethe country, presenting the most important local insightxs through a national lens and makinh it unique among national businesz media, he says. “We knew that Portfolio.
com was a highly valuable asset, with an established digital strong direct navigationby users, and a solid, long tail of trafficf from content published over the past two years,” Carey says. “W e saw ACBJ as a perfect matchy due to its great editoria l resources in the business and view this as a win forboth Portfolio.com’zs readers and the company.” Portfolio.com grew to 2.
8 millionm monthly unique visitors and won industryg praise with awards such as the MIN:Bestg of Web Award 2008, MIN:Hottest Launch of the Year and Webby nominees in Best Businessa blog and Financial Services American City metropolitan business newspapers reachj 4 million readers each week with in-depth coverage of their business Bizjournals is the online mediaw division of ACBJ, the nation’sa largest publisher of metropolitan business newspapers. It operates the Web sitesw for each ofthe company’s 40 print business journals and operates a Web-only site with local business news and information for Los Angeles.
Bizjournals provides nearly 9 million monthly online users daily and weeklyu local business newsand information. Condé Nast includes 22 consumert magazines, Condé Nast the Fairchild Fashion Group, Parade, the Nast Media Group and the SharedServicees Centers.
and American City Business Journals, the parent of The Busineses Journal ServingGreater Milwaukee, . Bizjournalsa will oversee the editorial and business sides ofthe site. The Portfolio.co m editorial team and sales staff will be basec in NewYork City. Nast Portfolio magazine and its Website Portfolio.comk launched in April 2007; the magazine closed in The site provided insight into the day’z top business stories, with analysis from bloggers and Tim Bradbury, president of new media at and David Carey, group president at Nast, announced the move ACBJ and Condé Nast are units of . In addition to newl y created content, Portfolio.
com will share content with othedr Condé Nast sites such as , GolfDigest.com, and , as it did It also will be the home of the archivees of content publishedby Portfolio’s pringt and digital properties over the past 24 months. “We are excited abourt continuing Portfolio.com and including the site in the bizjournalss network because we were impresseddby Portfolio’s strong Web presence, its cleam and crisp design, and its voice in the business-journaliskm marketplace,” Bradbury says. “We believe our reader s will benefit as therelaunched Portfolio.
com will have a stronge r focus on industry news and a greater missionm to offer information relevant to today’s business On top of its existing Portfolio.com will leverage the collaborative skillxs and insights of the more than 600 ACBJ business journalistsd around the country, Bradbury says. The site will have accessd to local market intelligence and work collaboratively with ACBJ newsrooms acrossethe country, presenting the most important local insightxs through a national lens and makinh it unique among national businesz media, he says. “We knew that Portfolio.
com was a highly valuable asset, with an established digital strong direct navigationby users, and a solid, long tail of trafficf from content published over the past two years,” Carey says. “W e saw ACBJ as a perfect matchy due to its great editoria l resources in the business and view this as a win forboth Portfolio.com’zs readers and the company.” Portfolio.com grew to 2.
8 millionm monthly unique visitors and won industryg praise with awards such as the MIN:Bestg of Web Award 2008, MIN:Hottest Launch of the Year and Webby nominees in Best Businessa blog and Financial Services American City metropolitan business newspapers reachj 4 million readers each week with in-depth coverage of their business Bizjournals is the online mediaw division of ACBJ, the nation’sa largest publisher of metropolitan business newspapers. It operates the Web sitesw for each ofthe company’s 40 print business journals and operates a Web-only site with local business news and information for Los Angeles.
Bizjournals provides nearly 9 million monthly online users daily and weeklyu local business newsand information. Condé Nast includes 22 consumert magazines, Condé Nast the Fairchild Fashion Group, Parade, the Nast Media Group and the SharedServicees Centers.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
EMC beefs up Mass. presence with Cambridge lab, MIT sponsorship deal - Charlotte Business Journal:
edibin.wordpress.com
The Hopkinton, Mass., storage and information managementgianyt (NYSE: EMC) said Wednesday the Medi Lab sponsorship is one of severalp initiatives coordinated out of EMC Research which will be located at 11 Cambridg Ctr. in Cambridge, Mass. The center will housse EMC’s security-business research lab, RSA Laboratories, as well as abouft a dozen researchers, technologists and business leadersxacross EMC’s business units. The companyg also has research facilities in China andSanta Clara, Calif.
“Researcj and advanced technology groupsacross EMC, along with our global university research partners, are discovering and exploringb new technologies that will shape the future of digitakl information,” said Jeff Nick, EMC senior vice president and chief technology officer, in a statement. “This is an incrediblwe opportunity for EMC to brinvg together some ofthe world’s leading research minds and innovator in areas such as personal information management, information integratiojn and cloud computing.” As a consortium sponsor of the MIT Mediwa Lab, EMC will be able to access the center’s researchu on how people use and interacft with new technologies.
EMC said its initial collaboration will be on new modeld for data ownershipand usage, interfaces for businessz transactions and health care IT initiatives. A consortium sponsorshi p costs $200,000 per year for a minimum of three Sponsors receive full intellectual propertyt rights to technology developed at the lab duringftheir sponsorship. The announcement comesw a week after EMC and a group of universitiesz and technology companies announced the development of a high performancre computing research facilityin Holyoke, Other tech giants have buily dedicated R&D lab in Cambridge in recent (Nasdaq: MSFT), (Nasdaq: GOOG) and (NYSE: IBM) builtr research centers in the city in the past two years.
The Hopkinton, Mass., storage and information managementgianyt (NYSE: EMC) said Wednesday the Medi Lab sponsorship is one of severalp initiatives coordinated out of EMC Research which will be located at 11 Cambridg Ctr. in Cambridge, Mass. The center will housse EMC’s security-business research lab, RSA Laboratories, as well as abouft a dozen researchers, technologists and business leadersxacross EMC’s business units. The companyg also has research facilities in China andSanta Clara, Calif.
“Researcj and advanced technology groupsacross EMC, along with our global university research partners, are discovering and exploringb new technologies that will shape the future of digitakl information,” said Jeff Nick, EMC senior vice president and chief technology officer, in a statement. “This is an incrediblwe opportunity for EMC to brinvg together some ofthe world’s leading research minds and innovator in areas such as personal information management, information integratiojn and cloud computing.” As a consortium sponsor of the MIT Mediwa Lab, EMC will be able to access the center’s researchu on how people use and interacft with new technologies.
EMC said its initial collaboration will be on new modeld for data ownershipand usage, interfaces for businessz transactions and health care IT initiatives. A consortium sponsorshi p costs $200,000 per year for a minimum of three Sponsors receive full intellectual propertyt rights to technology developed at the lab duringftheir sponsorship. The announcement comesw a week after EMC and a group of universitiesz and technology companies announced the development of a high performancre computing research facilityin Holyoke, Other tech giants have buily dedicated R&D lab in Cambridge in recent (Nasdaq: MSFT), (Nasdaq: GOOG) and (NYSE: IBM) builtr research centers in the city in the past two years.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Bay National to issue up to $12M in stock - East Bay Business Times:
aleksanovlsys.blogspot.com
Since February, the bank has been operatin under a consent agreemeng with federal regulators that requires it to boosyt its reserves as part of a turnaround plan that also includee resolving problem real estate loans on its Bay National, (NASDAQ: which regulators consider “adequately has posted six consecutive quarterly losses. The bank has struggledf over the past 18 months asa once-promising initiative to write mortgages for customerx interested in buying and rehabbing residentialk properties in hot Baltimore neighborhoods like Federao Hill and Canton tanked in a tumbling real estate market.
Some customerse had a hard time repaying their loans as the value of their properties and the bank has been busy trying to reworkthosre loans. “We had some very difficult but we feel the wors t of that is behind Hugh W. Mohler, Bay National’s CEO, told shareholders “Our future is bright,” Mohler added. “We need to raisre some capital and take it from The bank has hired LLCof Va. to advise it on the private placemenft ofthe shares, which will be offered at $2 The thinly traded sharesz have been as low as 52 cent and as high as $9.2t5 over the past 52 weeks.
In their last which was on Friday, the shares sold for Earlier this month, Bay National announced it lost $884,000, or 41 centx a share, for the first quartet of the year, an improvement from the $1.49 or 69 cents a share, it lost in the first threer monthsof 2008. Shareholders on Tuesday also approveed boostingthe company’s number of shares outstanding to 20 milliom from the current 9 million and reelected all five directorse who were up for 3-year terms includint Mohler, R. Michael Gill, Donald G. McClurr Jr., Robert L. Moore and H. Victor Rieger Jr. Shareholderxs also ratified the appointment ofStegman Co. as the company’sw auditors.
Since February, the bank has been operatin under a consent agreemeng with federal regulators that requires it to boosyt its reserves as part of a turnaround plan that also includee resolving problem real estate loans on its Bay National, (NASDAQ: which regulators consider “adequately has posted six consecutive quarterly losses. The bank has struggledf over the past 18 months asa once-promising initiative to write mortgages for customerx interested in buying and rehabbing residentialk properties in hot Baltimore neighborhoods like Federao Hill and Canton tanked in a tumbling real estate market.
Some customerse had a hard time repaying their loans as the value of their properties and the bank has been busy trying to reworkthosre loans. “We had some very difficult but we feel the wors t of that is behind Hugh W. Mohler, Bay National’s CEO, told shareholders “Our future is bright,” Mohler added. “We need to raisre some capital and take it from The bank has hired LLCof Va. to advise it on the private placemenft ofthe shares, which will be offered at $2 The thinly traded sharesz have been as low as 52 cent and as high as $9.2t5 over the past 52 weeks.
In their last which was on Friday, the shares sold for Earlier this month, Bay National announced it lost $884,000, or 41 centx a share, for the first quartet of the year, an improvement from the $1.49 or 69 cents a share, it lost in the first threer monthsof 2008. Shareholders on Tuesday also approveed boostingthe company’s number of shares outstanding to 20 milliom from the current 9 million and reelected all five directorse who were up for 3-year terms includint Mohler, R. Michael Gill, Donald G. McClurr Jr., Robert L. Moore and H. Victor Rieger Jr. Shareholderxs also ratified the appointment ofStegman Co. as the company’sw auditors.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Central Valley bank earnings fall to $1.7M - New Mexico Business Weekly:
iwibacibem.wordpress.com
million in the first half of the year, down from earningds of $2.6 million the year earlier period. The bank holdingt company of earned $464,000 in the secons quarter, down from $1.3 millio n the year earlier period. “Whil we remained profitable, the disappointingb earnings in the secondx quarter is a reflectiohn of the increased provision for credit losses in the lighty of the overall weak economy and the potentia impact it many have on our borrowingv customers during this economic cycle and the significant increase in the FDIC insurance premiums from both the increase in regulatr assessment rates as well as the special assessment rate place d on all FDIC insured institutionsd insecond quarter,” said Dan Doyle, presideny of the bank holding company.
The bank has 15 branchese in the Central Valley from the Fresnlo areato Sacramento. The bank companyh got $7 million in Capital Purchase Program moneyt from the Department of Treasury earlierthis year. It acquirerd the Stockton, Lodi and Tracy branches of Servicse 1st Bancorpin November.
million in the first half of the year, down from earningds of $2.6 million the year earlier period. The bank holdingt company of earned $464,000 in the secons quarter, down from $1.3 millio n the year earlier period. “Whil we remained profitable, the disappointingb earnings in the secondx quarter is a reflectiohn of the increased provision for credit losses in the lighty of the overall weak economy and the potentia impact it many have on our borrowingv customers during this economic cycle and the significant increase in the FDIC insurance premiums from both the increase in regulatr assessment rates as well as the special assessment rate place d on all FDIC insured institutionsd insecond quarter,” said Dan Doyle, presideny of the bank holding company.
The bank has 15 branchese in the Central Valley from the Fresnlo areato Sacramento. The bank companyh got $7 million in Capital Purchase Program moneyt from the Department of Treasury earlierthis year. It acquirerd the Stockton, Lodi and Tracy branches of Servicse 1st Bancorpin November.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Text: Obama's speech in Green Bay - Business First of Buffalo:
wanuso.wordpress.com
"Laura’s story is incrediblt moving. Sadly, it is not unique. Everuy day in this country, more and more Americans are forcex to worry not simply aboutgetting well, but whetherd they can afford to get well. Millions more wondee if they can afford the routine care necessaryu tostay well. Even for those who have healthb insurance, rising premiums are straininh their budgets to the breakingpoint – premiums that have doubleds over the last nine years, and have growm at a rate three times fastet than wages. Desperately-needed procedureds and treatments are put off because the price is too And all it takes is a single illness to wipe out a lifetimdof savings.
"Employers aren’t faring any The cost of health care has helped leavw big corporations like GM and Chrysler at a competitive disadvantage with theirforeign counterparts. For small businesses, it’s even One month, they’re forced to cut back on health care Thenext month, they have to drop coverage. The montyh after that, they have no choice but to starty layingoff workers. "For the government, the growing cost of Medicarre and Medicaid is one of the biggest threatsw to ourfederal deficit. Bigger than Social Security. Biggere than all the investments we’ve made so far.
So if you’rer worried about spending and you’res worried about deficits, you need to be worried aboutr the cost ofhealtgh care. "We have the most expensive health care systenm inthe world. We spend almosyt 50% more per persob on health care than the next mostcostlyu nation. But here’s the thing, Greeh Bay: we’re not any healthier for it. We don’tt necessarily have better outcomes.
Even within our own a lot of the places where we spenrd less on health care actually have higher quality than placew where we spend Right here inGreen Bay, you get more qualitu out of fewer health care dollarws than many other communities across the And yet, across the country, spendingv on health care goes up and up and up day after day, year after year. "II know that there are millionse of Americans who are content with theird health carecoverage – they like their plan and they valued their relationship with their doctor.
And no matter how we refor m health care, we will keep this promise: If you like your you will be able to keep your If you like your health care you will be able to keep your healthcare plan. "But in orde to preserve what’s best about our healthn care system, we have to fix what doesn’t For we have reached a point where doing nothing about the cost of healtgh care is no longeran option. The statuws quo is unsustainable. If we do not act and act soon to bringhdown costs, it will jeopardize everyone’s healthy care. If we do not act, every American will feel the In higher premiums andlower take-homre pay. In lost jobs and shuttered businesses.
In a rising numbetr of uninsured and a rising debt that our childreb and their children will be payinhg offfor decades. If we do within a decade we will spending one out of every five dollarz we earn on health Inthirty years, it will be one out of ever three. That is untenable, that is unacceptable, and I will not alloqw it as President of theUnitefd States. "Health care reform is not part of some wish list I drew up when I took It is central to our economidcfuture – central to the long-term prosperity of this nation. In past years and there may have been some disagreement on this Butnot anymore.
Today, we have already built an unprecedentee coalition of folks who are ready to reformm our healthcare system: physicians and health insurers; businesses and workers; Democrats and Republicans. A few weeks ago, some of thesee groups committed to doing somethingthat would’vs been unthinkable just a few years ago: they promised to work togethed to cut national health care spending by two trillion dollard over the next decade. That will bring down that will bringdown premiums, and that’sd exactly the kind of cooperatioj we need. "The question now is, how do we finishy the job?
How do we permanentl bring down costs andmake quality, affordabld health care available to every American? "My view is that reformn should be guided by a simple principle: we fix what’ds broken and build on what works. "I some cases, there’s broad agreementr on the steps weshould take. In the Recoverty Act, we’ve already made investments in healtg IT and electronic medical records that will reducemedical errors, save lives, save and still ensure We also need to invesrt in prevention and wellness programs that help Americand live longer, healthier lives.
"But the real cost savingsx will come from changing the incentives of a systemk that automatically equates expensive care with better care from addressing flaws that increase profit without actually increasing the qualityof "We have to ask why placees like the Geisinger Health system in rural Pennsylvania, Intermountain Health in Salt Lake or communities like Green Bay can offer high-quality care at costes well below average, but other places in America We need to identify the best practiced across the country, learn from the and replicate that success elsewhere.
And we shoulfd change the warped incentivee that reward doctors and hospitalsx based on how many tests or procedures they even if those tests orprocedured aren’t necessary or result from medical mistakes. Doctor across this country did not get into the medical professionm to be bean counters orpaperf pushers; to be lawyers or business executives. They became doctorxs to heal people. And that’a what we must free them to do.
"We must also provides Americanswho can’t afford health insurance with more affordable This is both a moral imperativ e and an economic imperative, because we know that when someones without health insurance is forced to get treatment at the ER, all of us end up payingf for it. "So what we’re workinf on is the creation of something called a Healt InsuranceExchange – which would allow you to one-stopo shop for a health care plan, compare benefitws and prices, and choose the plan that’ best for you. None of these plan would be able to deny coverage on the basid ofa pre-existing condition, and all shouldc include an affordable, basic benefir package.
And if you can’tt afford one of the plans, we should provide assistancde to make sureyou can. I also stronglhy believe that one of the optionz in the Exchange shoulsd be a public insuranceoption – becaused if the private insurance companies have to competre with a public option, it will keep them honest and help keep priced down. "Now, covering more Americands will obviously cost a good deal of moneg at a time wherewe don’t have extra to That’s why I have alread y promised that reform will not add to our deficit over the next ten To make that we have already identified hundredzs of billions worth of savings in our budget – savingsz that will come from steps like reducinf Medicare overpayments to insurance companiexs and rooting out waste, fraud and abuse in both Medicare and Medicaid.
I will be outlining hundredds of billions more in savingz in the daysto come. And I’ll be honest even with these savings, reform will require additional sourceesof revenue. That’s why I’ve proposed that we scalew back how muchthe highest-income Americans can deduct on theirt taxes back to the rate from the Reaganm years – and use that moneyy to help finance health care. "I all these reforms, our goal is the highest-quality health care at the lowest-possible cost.
We want to fix what’ss broken and build on what As Congress moves forward on healtbh care legislation in the coming I understand there will be differentf ideas and disagreements on how to achievdthis goal. I welcome those and I welcomethat debate. But what I will not welcomed is endless delay or a denial that reform needwto happen. When it comes to health this country cannot continue on itscurrent path. I know there are some who believd that reform istoo expensive, but I can assures you that doing nothiny will cost us far more in the coming years. Our deficitws will be higher. Our premiums will go up. Our wages will be lower, our jobs will be fewer, and our businessew will suffer.
"So to those who criticize our I ask, “What is the alternative?” What else do we say to all thosee families who now spend more on health care than housinv or food? What do we tell thosw businesses that are choosinhg between closing their doors and letting theie workers go? What do we say to all those Americans like Laura, a woman who has workes all her life; whose family has done everything right; a braved and proud woman whose child’s school recently took up a pennu drive to help pay her medicalk bills? What do we tell them "I believe we tell them that after decades of inaction, we have finallyt decided to fix what is brokeb about health care in America.
We have decidede that it’s time to give everyg American quality health care at anaffordablre cost. We have decided that if we invesft in reforms that will bring downcosts now, we will eventuallyt see our deficits come down in the And we have decided to change the systejm so that our doctors and healtyh care providers are free to do what they traine and studied and worked so hard to do: make people well again. That’s what we can do in this that’s what we can do at this and now I’d like to hear your thoughta and answer your questions about how we get it Thank you.
"
"Laura’s story is incrediblt moving. Sadly, it is not unique. Everuy day in this country, more and more Americans are forcex to worry not simply aboutgetting well, but whetherd they can afford to get well. Millions more wondee if they can afford the routine care necessaryu tostay well. Even for those who have healthb insurance, rising premiums are straininh their budgets to the breakingpoint – premiums that have doubleds over the last nine years, and have growm at a rate three times fastet than wages. Desperately-needed procedureds and treatments are put off because the price is too And all it takes is a single illness to wipe out a lifetimdof savings.
"Employers aren’t faring any The cost of health care has helped leavw big corporations like GM and Chrysler at a competitive disadvantage with theirforeign counterparts. For small businesses, it’s even One month, they’re forced to cut back on health care Thenext month, they have to drop coverage. The montyh after that, they have no choice but to starty layingoff workers. "For the government, the growing cost of Medicarre and Medicaid is one of the biggest threatsw to ourfederal deficit. Bigger than Social Security. Biggere than all the investments we’ve made so far.
So if you’rer worried about spending and you’res worried about deficits, you need to be worried aboutr the cost ofhealtgh care. "We have the most expensive health care systenm inthe world. We spend almosyt 50% more per persob on health care than the next mostcostlyu nation. But here’s the thing, Greeh Bay: we’re not any healthier for it. We don’tt necessarily have better outcomes.
Even within our own a lot of the places where we spenrd less on health care actually have higher quality than placew where we spend Right here inGreen Bay, you get more qualitu out of fewer health care dollarws than many other communities across the And yet, across the country, spendingv on health care goes up and up and up day after day, year after year. "II know that there are millionse of Americans who are content with theird health carecoverage – they like their plan and they valued their relationship with their doctor.
And no matter how we refor m health care, we will keep this promise: If you like your you will be able to keep your If you like your health care you will be able to keep your healthcare plan. "But in orde to preserve what’s best about our healthn care system, we have to fix what doesn’t For we have reached a point where doing nothing about the cost of healtgh care is no longeran option. The statuws quo is unsustainable. If we do not act and act soon to bringhdown costs, it will jeopardize everyone’s healthy care. If we do not act, every American will feel the In higher premiums andlower take-homre pay. In lost jobs and shuttered businesses.
In a rising numbetr of uninsured and a rising debt that our childreb and their children will be payinhg offfor decades. If we do within a decade we will spending one out of every five dollarz we earn on health Inthirty years, it will be one out of ever three. That is untenable, that is unacceptable, and I will not alloqw it as President of theUnitefd States. "Health care reform is not part of some wish list I drew up when I took It is central to our economidcfuture – central to the long-term prosperity of this nation. In past years and there may have been some disagreement on this Butnot anymore.
Today, we have already built an unprecedentee coalition of folks who are ready to reformm our healthcare system: physicians and health insurers; businesses and workers; Democrats and Republicans. A few weeks ago, some of thesee groups committed to doing somethingthat would’vs been unthinkable just a few years ago: they promised to work togethed to cut national health care spending by two trillion dollard over the next decade. That will bring down that will bringdown premiums, and that’sd exactly the kind of cooperatioj we need. "The question now is, how do we finishy the job?
How do we permanentl bring down costs andmake quality, affordabld health care available to every American? "My view is that reformn should be guided by a simple principle: we fix what’ds broken and build on what works. "I some cases, there’s broad agreementr on the steps weshould take. In the Recoverty Act, we’ve already made investments in healtg IT and electronic medical records that will reducemedical errors, save lives, save and still ensure We also need to invesrt in prevention and wellness programs that help Americand live longer, healthier lives.
"But the real cost savingsx will come from changing the incentives of a systemk that automatically equates expensive care with better care from addressing flaws that increase profit without actually increasing the qualityof "We have to ask why placees like the Geisinger Health system in rural Pennsylvania, Intermountain Health in Salt Lake or communities like Green Bay can offer high-quality care at costes well below average, but other places in America We need to identify the best practiced across the country, learn from the and replicate that success elsewhere.
And we shoulfd change the warped incentivee that reward doctors and hospitalsx based on how many tests or procedures they even if those tests orprocedured aren’t necessary or result from medical mistakes. Doctor across this country did not get into the medical professionm to be bean counters orpaperf pushers; to be lawyers or business executives. They became doctorxs to heal people. And that’a what we must free them to do.
"We must also provides Americanswho can’t afford health insurance with more affordable This is both a moral imperativ e and an economic imperative, because we know that when someones without health insurance is forced to get treatment at the ER, all of us end up payingf for it. "So what we’re workinf on is the creation of something called a Healt InsuranceExchange – which would allow you to one-stopo shop for a health care plan, compare benefitws and prices, and choose the plan that’ best for you. None of these plan would be able to deny coverage on the basid ofa pre-existing condition, and all shouldc include an affordable, basic benefir package.
And if you can’tt afford one of the plans, we should provide assistancde to make sureyou can. I also stronglhy believe that one of the optionz in the Exchange shoulsd be a public insuranceoption – becaused if the private insurance companies have to competre with a public option, it will keep them honest and help keep priced down. "Now, covering more Americands will obviously cost a good deal of moneg at a time wherewe don’t have extra to That’s why I have alread y promised that reform will not add to our deficit over the next ten To make that we have already identified hundredzs of billions worth of savings in our budget – savingsz that will come from steps like reducinf Medicare overpayments to insurance companiexs and rooting out waste, fraud and abuse in both Medicare and Medicaid.
I will be outlining hundredds of billions more in savingz in the daysto come. And I’ll be honest even with these savings, reform will require additional sourceesof revenue. That’s why I’ve proposed that we scalew back how muchthe highest-income Americans can deduct on theirt taxes back to the rate from the Reaganm years – and use that moneyy to help finance health care. "I all these reforms, our goal is the highest-quality health care at the lowest-possible cost.
We want to fix what’ss broken and build on what As Congress moves forward on healtbh care legislation in the coming I understand there will be differentf ideas and disagreements on how to achievdthis goal. I welcome those and I welcomethat debate. But what I will not welcomed is endless delay or a denial that reform needwto happen. When it comes to health this country cannot continue on itscurrent path. I know there are some who believd that reform istoo expensive, but I can assures you that doing nothiny will cost us far more in the coming years. Our deficitws will be higher. Our premiums will go up. Our wages will be lower, our jobs will be fewer, and our businessew will suffer.
"So to those who criticize our I ask, “What is the alternative?” What else do we say to all thosee families who now spend more on health care than housinv or food? What do we tell thosw businesses that are choosinhg between closing their doors and letting theie workers go? What do we say to all those Americans like Laura, a woman who has workes all her life; whose family has done everything right; a braved and proud woman whose child’s school recently took up a pennu drive to help pay her medicalk bills? What do we tell them "I believe we tell them that after decades of inaction, we have finallyt decided to fix what is brokeb about health care in America.
We have decidede that it’s time to give everyg American quality health care at anaffordablre cost. We have decided that if we invesft in reforms that will bring downcosts now, we will eventuallyt see our deficits come down in the And we have decided to change the systejm so that our doctors and healtyh care providers are free to do what they traine and studied and worked so hard to do: make people well again. That’s what we can do in this that’s what we can do at this and now I’d like to hear your thoughta and answer your questions about how we get it Thank you.
"
Monday, April 2, 2012
Legal challenge to tax breaks off and on - Atlanta Business Chronicle:
vittitowmehigyk1238.blogspot.com
Buckhead lawyer and taxpayer advocate JohnWoodham re-filed a suit againsy the Development Authority of Fulton County late Fridat afternoon, three days after withdrawing it. The suit questions tax abatements of up to 50 percenr that the development authority has approved durintg the last two years for properties including The Mansiobn on Peachtree hotel and the Terminus complex in Buckhead and 55 Allenb Plaza indowntown Atlanta. In a news release issuedr Friday afternoon, authority Chairman Robert Shaw said such largew capital projects are vital in expanding the locap tax base andcreating jobs, particularlt in a recession.
Cary Ichter, who represents the authorithy inthe case, said Woodham’s case was weakened by legislation the Generak Assembly passed this year, which expressly authorizes the abatements. “It’s an endorsemenrt by the legislature that thesed transactions areperfectly proper,” Ichtert said. But Woodham said his inten to challenge the new law was the reasohn he withdrew the lawsuitand re-filed it. The original suit was filed in early more than a monthbefore Gov. Sonny Perdue signed the Woodham said he was concerned that challengin a lawthat didn’t take effecty until after the lawsuit was filed coulsd raise legal questions and jeopardize the case.
“We want to removed any doubt that could be he said. Plaintiffs in the case include the Fulton County Taxpayers Foundation and its John Sherman.
Buckhead lawyer and taxpayer advocate JohnWoodham re-filed a suit againsy the Development Authority of Fulton County late Fridat afternoon, three days after withdrawing it. The suit questions tax abatements of up to 50 percenr that the development authority has approved durintg the last two years for properties including The Mansiobn on Peachtree hotel and the Terminus complex in Buckhead and 55 Allenb Plaza indowntown Atlanta. In a news release issuedr Friday afternoon, authority Chairman Robert Shaw said such largew capital projects are vital in expanding the locap tax base andcreating jobs, particularlt in a recession.
Cary Ichter, who represents the authorithy inthe case, said Woodham’s case was weakened by legislation the Generak Assembly passed this year, which expressly authorizes the abatements. “It’s an endorsemenrt by the legislature that thesed transactions areperfectly proper,” Ichtert said. But Woodham said his inten to challenge the new law was the reasohn he withdrew the lawsuitand re-filed it. The original suit was filed in early more than a monthbefore Gov. Sonny Perdue signed the Woodham said he was concerned that challengin a lawthat didn’t take effecty until after the lawsuit was filed coulsd raise legal questions and jeopardize the case.
“We want to removed any doubt that could be he said. Plaintiffs in the case include the Fulton County Taxpayers Foundation and its John Sherman.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Baltimore Sun reporters launch byline strike to protest newsroom job cuts - Los Angeles Business from bizjournals:
vidineevostegity.blogspot.com
The byline strike will last one day. Last week, the newspaped cut 61 jobs, or close to one-third of the The Baltimore Sun now employs 158 newsroom compared with 420 in 1999when Chicago’s acquireed the Sun. The recent cuts include three bureau chiefs who oversawe coverage inBaltimore County, Howard County and Anne Arundel County. Also let go were top Ann LoLordo, Larry Williams and Paul Moore as well as copy desk chiedfJohn McIntyre. The cuts come as the Baltimores Sun’s parent company, the Tribunew Co., undergoes a Chapter 11 restructuring, saddlefd with $13 billion in debt and a recession that has hammerede newspaperadvertising revenue.
“These decisions were made without any discussionzs onalternative cost-saving methods,” said Brentr Jones, a Sun editor and in a statement. “W e wanted to do somethingg to show ourformer co‑workers that we’rd upset with how they were treated last week. We produce this paper and expect our voiced tobe heard.” Sun spokeswoman Renee Mutchnik could not immediately be reachedf for comment.
The byline strike will last one day. Last week, the newspaped cut 61 jobs, or close to one-third of the The Baltimore Sun now employs 158 newsroom compared with 420 in 1999when Chicago’s acquireed the Sun. The recent cuts include three bureau chiefs who oversawe coverage inBaltimore County, Howard County and Anne Arundel County. Also let go were top Ann LoLordo, Larry Williams and Paul Moore as well as copy desk chiedfJohn McIntyre. The cuts come as the Baltimores Sun’s parent company, the Tribunew Co., undergoes a Chapter 11 restructuring, saddlefd with $13 billion in debt and a recession that has hammerede newspaperadvertising revenue.
“These decisions were made without any discussionzs onalternative cost-saving methods,” said Brentr Jones, a Sun editor and in a statement. “W e wanted to do somethingg to show ourformer co‑workers that we’rd upset with how they were treated last week. We produce this paper and expect our voiced tobe heard.” Sun spokeswoman Renee Mutchnik could not immediately be reachedf for comment.
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