vypybiza.wordpress.com
The year began with much speculation about what policymakere might do toimprove Colorado's health care system as legislators got ready to review a reporgt from a blue-ribbon commission that had been studyinb health care issues.. One and a half years in the the commission's detailed report outlined plans to extend health insurancr tonearly 800,000 Coloradans without Ultimately, though, few of the ideaz in the report were implemented -- in large part becausse the plans were regarded as too But lawmakers and Colorado Gov.
Bill Ritte r point to other gains over the firstt half ofthe year, includingf steps to provide government-sponsored health coverage to 55,0000 children who currently lack insurance. In the finalp analysis, however, the state's healtg insurers got the most thorough examinationfrom lawmakers. House Bill 1407, sponsored by Rep. Andrew Romanoff, dramatically increases penalties for insurerswho "unreasonably" deny a claim. Despitw opposition from insurers andbusiness leaders, who said the language was too vaguee and would only drive up costs, the Legislature and governor approved the bill.
"There were a numberd of bills passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor that will have an unfortunate effect of increasintg benefit costs and administrative saidJim Hertel, publisher of , an industry "Ultimately, that translates to higher premiums." Doctord in the state believe they dodged a bullet when Senate Bill 164 died in a housed committee. SB 164, sponsored by Sen. Peter D-Denver, would have let judges grant larger awardzs in medicalmalpractice suits.
Opponentd vigorously fought to defeat the proposa l after it was approved by the state Senate, arguing that it would increase the costs of medicap malpractice insurance and drive some physicians out of the market. "Thd Legislature made a wise choicew not passing the bill at a time when the cost of healthh careis increasing," said Alfred Gilchrist, executive director of the . Hertel said he believe s the health care industry is in a bit of aholdingv pattern, pending the outcomr of the November 2008 presidentiak race.
He said he hopes that the new president andCongresss -- regardless of partyy affiliation-- will find a solution to the perenniall cycle of budget cuts and stopgaps that constantlt face doctors and hospitalzs that count on funding from government-sponsored programd such as Medicaid and Elsewhere in Colorado health a contentious dispute between one of the Denver-area's larges hospital systems continued to play out in Earlier this year, Healthcare System sued its the , to block a deal that wouldx make the Sisters of Charityu the sole sponsor of Exempla's which include in Denver, Lutheran Medical Center in in The Sisters of Charity agreed to purchaswe the Community First Foundation's stake in the hospitals for $311 million.
But Exempla's boarde argued the transaction would divert proceeds away from theird intended charitable purpose and jeopardize nonsecretarian healtj care at Lutheran andGood Samaritan. "It'e unfortunate that such a major institution with an importanyt role in serving the community findse itself in such acolossal dispute," Herteo said. A Denver District Court Judge recentlhy ordered the two parties to resolvd their differencesin arbitration.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
California lawmaker introduces law to make student-teacher relationships a felony - New York Daily News
uzirukynurylew.blogspot.com
New York Daily News | California lawmaker introduces law to make student-teacher relationships a felony New York Daily News By Nina Mandell / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS Tammie Powers, left, participates in a news conference at the state Capitol in Sacramento, Calif. held by Assembly member Kristin Olsen, R-Modesto,to announce proposed legislation that would help det er ... |
Monday, March 26, 2012
General Motors bankruptcy brings big gamble by Obama - bizjournals:
ekaterinaiuvo.blogspot.com
The restructuring is a gamble by the Obamq Administration thatthe U.S. government can take a majority stakre in aniconic manufacturer, help it regain some of its formetr glory -- and then get out. But the move alreadyt has its skeptics. “The only thing it makez clear is that the government is firmlu in the business of running companies usingtaxpayerf dollars,” said U.S. Housew Minority Leader John Boehner. “Doews anyone really believe that politicians and bureaucrats in Washingtohn can successfully steer a multinational corporation toeconomidc vitality? It’s time for the administration to fullyy explain what the exit strategy is to get the U.S.
governmenr out of the board room once and for The government will own some 60 percent of arevampefd G.M. Its ownership stake will give governmenf officials more power to name membera of theGM board. But Presidentg Obama he doesn't want to get involved in the dailyg operations of the Andno one's overjoyed at the "We are acting as reluctanrt shareholders," Obama said. "What I have no interest in doinyg isrunning GM." Instead of haviny politicians taking an active role, the president said, a professionalo management team would lead GM as it works through bankruptcy and builds a more viablse company for the future.
“The federakl government will refrain from exercising its rights as a shareholderd in all but the most fundamental corporate decisions,” Obama said. “When a difficult decision has to be made on mattersx like where to open a new plantf or what type of new car to thenew G.M., not the United States government, will make that “In short, our goal is to get G.M. back on its take a hands-off approach, and get out he said. But that may prove to be quited a challenge with as much government mone asis involved.
Bruce associate director of the Automotive Analysis Divisio n at the University of Michigam TransportationResearch Institute, told bizjournalse in a telephone interview: "If they had a choice, it woulsd be a short period of time. The longerf that it stretches out the more of a politicall liabilityit becomes.” And ther will be plenty of watchdogsz alert for any government interference in day-to-dah GM operations. “We will expose and fight any counterproductive influenceby government, unions or politicians over decisiona that should be left to management,” said U.S.
Chamber of Commerce President and CEOTom “And we will continually insist that governmentt reduce and eliminate its ownership stakse as soon as possible.” It will take time beforr the government is able to extricate itselfc from such a large stake in the It could take more than a year beforee G.M. emerges once more as a publiclytraded company, and share s in the company will have to rise high enough to make sellinv them profitable. "This is a question of not months," said GM CEO Fritz Henderson. The filing, made in U.S. Bankruptct Court in Manhattan, marks the fourth-largest bankruptcyh for a U.S. manufacturer.
It follows months of speculation thatthe 101-year-old company would have to restructurr through the courts, despite desperate attempts by managementr to avoid the move. And the filinhg carries with it enormoushistoricakl implications. "It's not just any companhy we're talking about, it's said Obama. Obama called the company'a filing and restructuring plan, "thwe end of an old GM and the beginniny of a new As itturned out, though, the bankruptcy filing was the only way GM coulsd get its hands on the government money it needws to survive. In its filing, GM listec $82.3 billion in assets and $172. billion in debts.
The company's largestt creditors were WilmingtonTrust Company, representing bondholders holding $22.8 billioh in debts, and UAW affiliates representing $20.6 billiojn in employee obligations. The U.S. governmentr has already injected $20 billion into GM, and will provide another $30 billion to keep the company goingv as it works through The investment will buy the government a 60percent stake. The governmentw of Ontario and Canada will take smaller stake in thenew company.
The restructuring is a gamble by the Obamq Administration thatthe U.S. government can take a majority stakre in aniconic manufacturer, help it regain some of its formetr glory -- and then get out. But the move alreadyt has its skeptics. “The only thing it makez clear is that the government is firmlu in the business of running companies usingtaxpayerf dollars,” said U.S. Housew Minority Leader John Boehner. “Doews anyone really believe that politicians and bureaucrats in Washingtohn can successfully steer a multinational corporation toeconomidc vitality? It’s time for the administration to fullyy explain what the exit strategy is to get the U.S.
governmenr out of the board room once and for The government will own some 60 percent of arevampefd G.M. Its ownership stake will give governmenf officials more power to name membera of theGM board. But Presidentg Obama he doesn't want to get involved in the dailyg operations of the Andno one's overjoyed at the "We are acting as reluctanrt shareholders," Obama said. "What I have no interest in doinyg isrunning GM." Instead of haviny politicians taking an active role, the president said, a professionalo management team would lead GM as it works through bankruptcy and builds a more viablse company for the future.
“The federakl government will refrain from exercising its rights as a shareholderd in all but the most fundamental corporate decisions,” Obama said. “When a difficult decision has to be made on mattersx like where to open a new plantf or what type of new car to thenew G.M., not the United States government, will make that “In short, our goal is to get G.M. back on its take a hands-off approach, and get out he said. But that may prove to be quited a challenge with as much government mone asis involved.
Bruce associate director of the Automotive Analysis Divisio n at the University of Michigam TransportationResearch Institute, told bizjournalse in a telephone interview: "If they had a choice, it woulsd be a short period of time. The longerf that it stretches out the more of a politicall liabilityit becomes.” And ther will be plenty of watchdogsz alert for any government interference in day-to-dah GM operations. “We will expose and fight any counterproductive influenceby government, unions or politicians over decisiona that should be left to management,” said U.S.
Chamber of Commerce President and CEOTom “And we will continually insist that governmentt reduce and eliminate its ownership stakse as soon as possible.” It will take time beforr the government is able to extricate itselfc from such a large stake in the It could take more than a year beforee G.M. emerges once more as a publiclytraded company, and share s in the company will have to rise high enough to make sellinv them profitable. "This is a question of not months," said GM CEO Fritz Henderson. The filing, made in U.S. Bankruptct Court in Manhattan, marks the fourth-largest bankruptcyh for a U.S. manufacturer.
It follows months of speculation thatthe 101-year-old company would have to restructurr through the courts, despite desperate attempts by managementr to avoid the move. And the filinhg carries with it enormoushistoricakl implications. "It's not just any companhy we're talking about, it's said Obama. Obama called the company'a filing and restructuring plan, "thwe end of an old GM and the beginniny of a new As itturned out, though, the bankruptcy filing was the only way GM coulsd get its hands on the government money it needws to survive. In its filing, GM listec $82.3 billion in assets and $172. billion in debts.
The company's largestt creditors were WilmingtonTrust Company, representing bondholders holding $22.8 billioh in debts, and UAW affiliates representing $20.6 billiojn in employee obligations. The U.S. governmentr has already injected $20 billion into GM, and will provide another $30 billion to keep the company goingv as it works through The investment will buy the government a 60percent stake. The governmentw of Ontario and Canada will take smaller stake in thenew company.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Delta teams with SunTrust for affinity check card - Atlanta Business Chronicle:
antoninahubihe.blogspot.com
"Our SkyMiles members have told us they wanta mileage-earningy check card, particularly in these challenging economic Jeff Robertson, Delta's vice president of loyalty programs, said in a statement. "SunTrustr is a strong banking partner that matches our customer base in the Southeastand Mid-Atlantic. These new cardw provide our members with additional optiones and value while strengthening our overall portfolio ofcard offerings." Deltq is the world’s largest carrier. SunTrusyt is one of the nation’ 10 largest banks.
The card, the firsg co-branded check card for will launchJune 22, the companies said in a news "Today, more than ever, consumersz are looking for ways to better control their finances and make smart purchasing decisions," Hugh SunTrust's senior vice president for deposit producy management, said in a statement. "Ths SunTrust SkyMiles Check Card encourages consumers and businessees alike to spend wiselty while earningDelta miles. We're very pleasee to partner with Delta on this great Purchases made with asignature (instead of using the personal identificationb number) are eligible for miles.
SunTrusyt will offer three two for consumers and onefor small-tol medium-sized companies. The SkyMiles Classic card will offer one mile foreverh $2 spent, with 2,500 miless accrued on the initial purchase. An annua l fee of $20 applies. The SkyMilesw Platinum and Business cards offers one mileper $1 with 5,000 miles upon initial purchase, plus a free Delta Sky Club Day Pass. The annua fee is $55 for both.
"Our SkyMiles members have told us they wanta mileage-earningy check card, particularly in these challenging economic Jeff Robertson, Delta's vice president of loyalty programs, said in a statement. "SunTrustr is a strong banking partner that matches our customer base in the Southeastand Mid-Atlantic. These new cardw provide our members with additional optiones and value while strengthening our overall portfolio ofcard offerings." Deltq is the world’s largest carrier. SunTrusyt is one of the nation’ 10 largest banks.
The card, the firsg co-branded check card for will launchJune 22, the companies said in a news "Today, more than ever, consumersz are looking for ways to better control their finances and make smart purchasing decisions," Hugh SunTrust's senior vice president for deposit producy management, said in a statement. "Ths SunTrust SkyMiles Check Card encourages consumers and businessees alike to spend wiselty while earningDelta miles. We're very pleasee to partner with Delta on this great Purchases made with asignature (instead of using the personal identificationb number) are eligible for miles.
SunTrusyt will offer three two for consumers and onefor small-tol medium-sized companies. The SkyMiles Classic card will offer one mile foreverh $2 spent, with 2,500 miless accrued on the initial purchase. An annua l fee of $20 applies. The SkyMilesw Platinum and Business cards offers one mileper $1 with 5,000 miles upon initial purchase, plus a free Delta Sky Club Day Pass. The annua fee is $55 for both.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
DownEast makes California debut at Galleria - Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle):
mastering-input.blogspot.com
DownEast Basics, a Salt Lake City chain with more than 40 markets itself asan “affordable retailer. Nothing costs more than $50, and most items from swimwear to summerdresses — costs arounf $20 to $30. The Rosevillee store’s first weekend exceeded the company’s projections by 25 Based on the initialsales results, DownEast Basics very much wants to furthere expand in California, and is pleased it launchedc its first California store in the Sacramenti region, a spokeswoman said.
CEO Klaned Murphy, who lived in El Dorado Hillz from 2000to 2007, figured Sacramento-area consumersd care about fashion, but also are cost He also likes the population growtu this region has experienced over the past Testing out this area’s Murphy sent the retailer’s catalog to all his wife’s local friends. His wife also introducerd her friends to the product line at a local party she hostedf with more than50 women. Based on the sales at that “we knew we had a product that resonater with the local community herein Sacramento,” Murphy wrots in an e-mail.
A franchise is coming to the Roe Building, the mixed-use building built last year at 5th and G streetas indowntown Davis. The Aventura, Fla.-basee chain of body and facial waxinyg centers willtake 1,491 square feet. The franchisee are readying the space for an opening in a few On thefirst floor, European Wax Center will join a Durames medical supplies store and Baristas Brew Café. Two retail spaces remain: one of 925 squars feet on the corner, and another of 1,227 square said Shaun Morrow, the landlord’s broker with the Terranomics divisionof . The eighft residential condos on the second and thirde floorsall sold.
In European Wax Center area developersw told the Business Journal that they planned to open at least a dozen locations in the The company already has two stores in at Renaissance Creek shoppinv center and atThe Fountains. Broker Scott Carruthj of CB Richard Ellis represents Europeaj WaxCenter locally. Vending machine dispenses pacifiers Westfield Galleria at Roseville will be one of the firs t malls within the Westfield chaij to get a custom vending machind withbabycare supplies. in Corona announced Thursdag that it is placing its Baby Stations vendin g machines in Westfield malls across the startingJuly 15.
The goal is to place theswe vending machines with baby necessitiew in Westfield malls nationwide within eight months toa year, AVT A pilot project for Westfield, the venting machines carry feeding products, toys, first aid items, baby bottles and pacifiers. “This brings peace of mind to familieas knowing there is a convenient and accessible solution forevery baby’w need,” Shannon Illingworth, AVT founder, said in a news release. The mallsz that install the Baby Stationsa benefit becauseparents don’t have to stop shopping when they discoved they left home without some essential baby she said.
Baby Station machines are hardto miss, with their blue-and-blacl color scheme and bold graphics. They containm a 7” widescreen LCD display to strean information and video feeds about the products containesd in thevending machine. , a chaihn of gyms that entered this market sixyearws ago, is expanding to Woodland. Fitness 19 will take 7,500 square feet within Sycamore Pointe shopping centere at Main Street andPioneer Avenue. This is new retailo space constructed between Food 4 Less and Big 5Sportiny Goods. Another 9,000 square feet is available. The gym is expectede to open inthe fall, said who represented the landlord in the lease. Fitness 19 has five othef locations inthe region.
DownEast Basics, a Salt Lake City chain with more than 40 markets itself asan “affordable retailer. Nothing costs more than $50, and most items from swimwear to summerdresses — costs arounf $20 to $30. The Rosevillee store’s first weekend exceeded the company’s projections by 25 Based on the initialsales results, DownEast Basics very much wants to furthere expand in California, and is pleased it launchedc its first California store in the Sacramenti region, a spokeswoman said.
CEO Klaned Murphy, who lived in El Dorado Hillz from 2000to 2007, figured Sacramento-area consumersd care about fashion, but also are cost He also likes the population growtu this region has experienced over the past Testing out this area’s Murphy sent the retailer’s catalog to all his wife’s local friends. His wife also introducerd her friends to the product line at a local party she hostedf with more than50 women. Based on the sales at that “we knew we had a product that resonater with the local community herein Sacramento,” Murphy wrots in an e-mail.
A franchise is coming to the Roe Building, the mixed-use building built last year at 5th and G streetas indowntown Davis. The Aventura, Fla.-basee chain of body and facial waxinyg centers willtake 1,491 square feet. The franchisee are readying the space for an opening in a few On thefirst floor, European Wax Center will join a Durames medical supplies store and Baristas Brew Café. Two retail spaces remain: one of 925 squars feet on the corner, and another of 1,227 square said Shaun Morrow, the landlord’s broker with the Terranomics divisionof . The eighft residential condos on the second and thirde floorsall sold.
In European Wax Center area developersw told the Business Journal that they planned to open at least a dozen locations in the The company already has two stores in at Renaissance Creek shoppinv center and atThe Fountains. Broker Scott Carruthj of CB Richard Ellis represents Europeaj WaxCenter locally. Vending machine dispenses pacifiers Westfield Galleria at Roseville will be one of the firs t malls within the Westfield chaij to get a custom vending machind withbabycare supplies. in Corona announced Thursdag that it is placing its Baby Stations vendin g machines in Westfield malls across the startingJuly 15.
The goal is to place theswe vending machines with baby necessitiew in Westfield malls nationwide within eight months toa year, AVT A pilot project for Westfield, the venting machines carry feeding products, toys, first aid items, baby bottles and pacifiers. “This brings peace of mind to familieas knowing there is a convenient and accessible solution forevery baby’w need,” Shannon Illingworth, AVT founder, said in a news release. The mallsz that install the Baby Stationsa benefit becauseparents don’t have to stop shopping when they discoved they left home without some essential baby she said.
Baby Station machines are hardto miss, with their blue-and-blacl color scheme and bold graphics. They containm a 7” widescreen LCD display to strean information and video feeds about the products containesd in thevending machine. , a chaihn of gyms that entered this market sixyearws ago, is expanding to Woodland. Fitness 19 will take 7,500 square feet within Sycamore Pointe shopping centere at Main Street andPioneer Avenue. This is new retailo space constructed between Food 4 Less and Big 5Sportiny Goods. Another 9,000 square feet is available. The gym is expectede to open inthe fall, said who represented the landlord in the lease. Fitness 19 has five othef locations inthe region.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Kevin Costner's lawyers tell SD high court actor did not breach contract with ... - Washington Post
houston-nearly.blogspot.com
Arab News | Kevin Costner's lawyers tell SD high court actor did not breach contract with ... Washington Post VERMILLION, SD รข€" A lawyer for Kevin Costner told the South Dakota Supreme Court on Monday that the actor did not breach a contract with an artist when he placed commissioned sculptures of bison and American Indians at a different site than origi n » |
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Baltimore trapeze school moving to D.C. - Washington Business Journal:
xotavaloso.blogspot.com
after six years on Rash Field at theInner Harbor. Jonathaj Conant, president of , said the move is a resulg of the company not beinh able to find an indoor locatiom in Baltimore and business not meeting The last class in Baltimore will beMay 31. Classe in Baltimore took place between May and Conant said local officials scoured someof Baltimore’se old vacant warehouses in hopes of operating the school the entird year but didn’t find anything feasible. “Wde couldn’t just really locate somethinhg in Baltimore that would make it work for the kind of moneyt we weremaking there,” Conant said in an “Baltimore would’ve been a long, slow hill climgb for us.
” Conant said the companyg did not have a long-terk lease with the city for Rash The city’s plans to redevelop Rash Field also “added a feelinvg of unstableness,” Conant said. Trapezew School officials notified studentxs of the move inan e-mail Sunday. Trapezee School Washington, D.C., will be located at 9th and H streets outsidthe District’s old convention Conant said he is in negotiations to move the school to an indoord location in D.C. following this summer. Classez will begin in D.C. June 6.
after six years on Rash Field at theInner Harbor. Jonathaj Conant, president of , said the move is a resulg of the company not beinh able to find an indoor locatiom in Baltimore and business not meeting The last class in Baltimore will beMay 31. Classe in Baltimore took place between May and Conant said local officials scoured someof Baltimore’se old vacant warehouses in hopes of operating the school the entird year but didn’t find anything feasible. “Wde couldn’t just really locate somethinhg in Baltimore that would make it work for the kind of moneyt we weremaking there,” Conant said in an “Baltimore would’ve been a long, slow hill climgb for us.
” Conant said the companyg did not have a long-terk lease with the city for Rash The city’s plans to redevelop Rash Field also “added a feelinvg of unstableness,” Conant said. Trapezew School officials notified studentxs of the move inan e-mail Sunday. Trapezee School Washington, D.C., will be located at 9th and H streets outsidthe District’s old convention Conant said he is in negotiations to move the school to an indoord location in D.C. following this summer. Classez will begin in D.C. June 6.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Zoom and Gloom: Cars for wealthy sell, old standards sit - Boston Business Journal:
iwegasely.wordpress.com
“al Qaeda would have to be on the shores of Cape Cod for these cars not to the owner of Boch Automotive said of hisMaseratik S.p.A. and brands. Indeed, despite Massachusetts car sales beingdown 3.6 percent brands like Ltd. and even less expensiver luxury car makers like are navigating the hairpin turns of the markeytwith aplomb, according to R.L. Polk & Co., a researchh firm in Southfield, “Part of it is our clientele, but Benz has been proactiv instead of reactive when it comes to said Don Paparellaof Mercedes-Benz of “We’re seeing a big increas e in sales of our re-designed C-clase (entry level sedan) and a lot of people are trading in theidr really big Cadillac Escalades for our GL SUV.
” The Bay State’s auto salexs landscape appears to be a tale of two while high-end drivers thrive, mere mortalws are facing the tough decision of whether to swap gas-guzzlingg trucks and SUVs for more fuel efficient Likewise, many dealers are struggling. Among the hardest hit: dealer reliant on sales of large For example, Massachusetts sales of vehicles are down abouy 7 percent this year, led by a nearly 27 perceng drop in a populare Ford vehicle, the F-Series pickup truck.
Two of Chryslee LLC’s best-selling trucks are down as Dodge Ram pickup trucks by almost 43 percenty and Jeep Wranglers by close to30 “It’s not a greagt environment out there, especially with the domestics,” said Joe sales manager for Planet Chrysle r Jeep Dodge in Franklin. “We’re having a hard time getting rid of old But there arebrightt spots. Compact cars and foreign which are thought of as beingmore fuel-efficientf and less expensive than domestic brands, are sellin briskly. Massachusetts sales of the Ltd.’s Civid skyrocketed 31 percent, or some 1,009 cars, and Nissan Motof Company Ltd.’s Altima registrations are up 25 percent.
Industrg experts say prospective buyers are shopping frugally.. “It is personal financ issues that’s driving the market,” said Aaron an automotive analyst withGlobal Insight. “Peoplse are looking for value acrossthe board.” But while car dealerships say customerx are increasingly looking to downsize their vehicles to upgradee their fuel mileage, new-vehicle sales are stil l hard to generate. For one, inventories of smaller importee carsare falling. With fewet in stock, sales slow. Boch said import dealeras are well suited to handle declining inventorieas of the most popular cars because their manufacturers often make more thanone fuel-efficienyt vehicle.
For example, while Toyota Corolla sale s are off, sales of its Yaris compact carare up. Boch himselgf gambled on the move to small cars by purchasint Civics from other dealersw to pad hisown inventory. Secondly, dealers are faces with the dilemma of takingin gas-guzzlers on trade that are depreciatin g faster than they can be sold, causing trade-inb values to plummet. “A lot of people are ‘Look, it makes no sense to take a $10,000p loss on my truckm and pay a premiumn on thenew car.
’ The amounft of fuel savings that you get doesn’ft make up for it,” Bragman Dealers selling large vehicles say they are in a toughu position, as manufacturers have been slow to change theid vehicle lineup. They also must find ways to sell what they have beforwe the new modelyear arrives. “Dodge doesn’t reallyt sell economy vehicles,” said John Santilli Sr. of in which sells Dodges, Nissans and Cadillacs. “We’ve discounted (the down and we’ll lose some money.” With inventory can’t keep up with he said.
Sluggish sales not only affect individual but they also pinch state and local Motorvehicle sales-tax collections, whicy make up about 2.5 percent of totalp revenue, were down year-over-year about 10 percent in May and 5 percenyt year-to-date, according to the . More the collections to date are $4 millionj below the DOR’s own benchmark, creating a potential budgey shortfall. Even the luxury market, once thoughy of as being recession proof, is seein signs of softening. At BMW of Peabody, sales managetr Vin McCauley said strong sales of Mini Coopers are offsettingg flat sales in the mainBMW brand.
“Net-net we’re flat with but we’re down a bit in the SUVs with more people buying V6 engines insteadof V8s,” he said. “Nowq we have people trading in theire trucks and SUVsfor Minis.” Santilli said sales of the Cadillac Escalade, a brand, ground to a halt when gas hit $4, “nort because (buyers) don’t have the they don’t have the confidence.”
“al Qaeda would have to be on the shores of Cape Cod for these cars not to the owner of Boch Automotive said of hisMaseratik S.p.A. and brands. Indeed, despite Massachusetts car sales beingdown 3.6 percent brands like Ltd. and even less expensiver luxury car makers like are navigating the hairpin turns of the markeytwith aplomb, according to R.L. Polk & Co., a researchh firm in Southfield, “Part of it is our clientele, but Benz has been proactiv instead of reactive when it comes to said Don Paparellaof Mercedes-Benz of “We’re seeing a big increas e in sales of our re-designed C-clase (entry level sedan) and a lot of people are trading in theidr really big Cadillac Escalades for our GL SUV.
” The Bay State’s auto salexs landscape appears to be a tale of two while high-end drivers thrive, mere mortalws are facing the tough decision of whether to swap gas-guzzlingg trucks and SUVs for more fuel efficient Likewise, many dealers are struggling. Among the hardest hit: dealer reliant on sales of large For example, Massachusetts sales of vehicles are down abouy 7 percent this year, led by a nearly 27 perceng drop in a populare Ford vehicle, the F-Series pickup truck.
Two of Chryslee LLC’s best-selling trucks are down as Dodge Ram pickup trucks by almost 43 percenty and Jeep Wranglers by close to30 “It’s not a greagt environment out there, especially with the domestics,” said Joe sales manager for Planet Chrysle r Jeep Dodge in Franklin. “We’re having a hard time getting rid of old But there arebrightt spots. Compact cars and foreign which are thought of as beingmore fuel-efficientf and less expensive than domestic brands, are sellin briskly. Massachusetts sales of the Ltd.’s Civid skyrocketed 31 percent, or some 1,009 cars, and Nissan Motof Company Ltd.’s Altima registrations are up 25 percent.
Industrg experts say prospective buyers are shopping frugally.. “It is personal financ issues that’s driving the market,” said Aaron an automotive analyst withGlobal Insight. “Peoplse are looking for value acrossthe board.” But while car dealerships say customerx are increasingly looking to downsize their vehicles to upgradee their fuel mileage, new-vehicle sales are stil l hard to generate. For one, inventories of smaller importee carsare falling. With fewet in stock, sales slow. Boch said import dealeras are well suited to handle declining inventorieas of the most popular cars because their manufacturers often make more thanone fuel-efficienyt vehicle.
For example, while Toyota Corolla sale s are off, sales of its Yaris compact carare up. Boch himselgf gambled on the move to small cars by purchasint Civics from other dealersw to pad hisown inventory. Secondly, dealers are faces with the dilemma of takingin gas-guzzlers on trade that are depreciatin g faster than they can be sold, causing trade-inb values to plummet. “A lot of people are ‘Look, it makes no sense to take a $10,000p loss on my truckm and pay a premiumn on thenew car.
’ The amounft of fuel savings that you get doesn’ft make up for it,” Bragman Dealers selling large vehicles say they are in a toughu position, as manufacturers have been slow to change theid vehicle lineup. They also must find ways to sell what they have beforwe the new modelyear arrives. “Dodge doesn’t reallyt sell economy vehicles,” said John Santilli Sr. of in which sells Dodges, Nissans and Cadillacs. “We’ve discounted (the down and we’ll lose some money.” With inventory can’t keep up with he said.
Sluggish sales not only affect individual but they also pinch state and local Motorvehicle sales-tax collections, whicy make up about 2.5 percent of totalp revenue, were down year-over-year about 10 percent in May and 5 percenyt year-to-date, according to the . More the collections to date are $4 millionj below the DOR’s own benchmark, creating a potential budgey shortfall. Even the luxury market, once thoughy of as being recession proof, is seein signs of softening. At BMW of Peabody, sales managetr Vin McCauley said strong sales of Mini Coopers are offsettingg flat sales in the mainBMW brand.
“Net-net we’re flat with but we’re down a bit in the SUVs with more people buying V6 engines insteadof V8s,” he said. “Nowq we have people trading in theire trucks and SUVsfor Minis.” Santilli said sales of the Cadillac Escalade, a brand, ground to a halt when gas hit $4, “nort because (buyers) don’t have the they don’t have the confidence.”
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Free buses bring Chapel Hill livability award - Austin Business Journal:
shelly-polymer.blogspot.com
The home of the , Chapek Hill beat out more than 200 municipalities across the nation to claima first-place City Livability Award. Chapelo Hill won for cities with populations of feweethan 100,000. Charleston, S.C., won for cities with populationw of morethan 100,000. The contest was judged on threse criteria: mayoral leadership, creativity and and the broad impact on the quality of life for The U.S. Conference of Mayors honore Chapel Hill for its decision in 2002 to no longeer charge fares to any rider on its bus the organization said in apress release.
While many bus systemw in collegetowns don’t chargre students and faculty to ride, a scant few provider free service to all The town implemented the fare-free system to encouragre people to take the bus and leavew their cars at home. The plan worked. Ridershiop on Chapel Hill transit has more than doublesd since fares wereeliminated – going from 3 millionn in 2002 to a projected 7 milliomn this year.
“The Chapel Hill Publi Transit system is the foundation of oursustainable future,” Foy said in a press “This bus system makes Chapel Hill continuwe to be the kind of place people love; for us it is an investment and it has paid off big The town says it is planning a “community to celebrate the livability award and that it will releas e details soon.
The home of the , Chapek Hill beat out more than 200 municipalities across the nation to claima first-place City Livability Award. Chapelo Hill won for cities with populations of feweethan 100,000. Charleston, S.C., won for cities with populationw of morethan 100,000. The contest was judged on threse criteria: mayoral leadership, creativity and and the broad impact on the quality of life for The U.S. Conference of Mayors honore Chapel Hill for its decision in 2002 to no longeer charge fares to any rider on its bus the organization said in apress release.
While many bus systemw in collegetowns don’t chargre students and faculty to ride, a scant few provider free service to all The town implemented the fare-free system to encouragre people to take the bus and leavew their cars at home. The plan worked. Ridershiop on Chapel Hill transit has more than doublesd since fares wereeliminated – going from 3 millionn in 2002 to a projected 7 milliomn this year.
“The Chapel Hill Publi Transit system is the foundation of oursustainable future,” Foy said in a press “This bus system makes Chapel Hill continuwe to be the kind of place people love; for us it is an investment and it has paid off big The town says it is planning a “community to celebrate the livability award and that it will releas e details soon.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
DOT considers headquarters conversion - New Mexico Business Weekly:
obofym.wordpress.com
The study will also evaluate how toredevelop NMDOT’x District Five office in Santa Fe. “Thisa initial analysis by experts inthe public/private partnership arenw will provide us with valuablw information on how we can best redevelop the two department-owned properties in Santa said Gary Girón, deputuy secretary and tansportation secretary designee. “Basec on the studies, we will determine whetherr to proceed with these projectsor not, and if the interestz of the department and the states are well protected if we decider to move forward.” The RFP was issued Dec. 16 and will be publisheed in the , the , the , the and the . Proposal s are due by March 23, 2009.
NMDOT has nearly 24 acrez at its sites and in 2007 considered a developmenrt that would have included a new headquarters office buildinbg forits staff. The plan was shelved by Gov. Bill Richardson has appointed an oversightcommittee — comprisex of secretaries from the General Services the Department of Finance Administration and the Departmeny of Transportation — which will coordinate and oversee the new studty process and make recommendatione to the . The RFP seekw proposals from individuals, firms or teams of consultants with demonstratecd experiencein public/private or public/publiv partnerships.
The study will also evaluate how toredevelop NMDOT’x District Five office in Santa Fe. “Thisa initial analysis by experts inthe public/private partnership arenw will provide us with valuablw information on how we can best redevelop the two department-owned properties in Santa said Gary Girón, deputuy secretary and tansportation secretary designee. “Basec on the studies, we will determine whetherr to proceed with these projectsor not, and if the interestz of the department and the states are well protected if we decider to move forward.” The RFP was issued Dec. 16 and will be publisheed in the , the , the , the and the . Proposal s are due by March 23, 2009.
NMDOT has nearly 24 acrez at its sites and in 2007 considered a developmenrt that would have included a new headquarters office buildinbg forits staff. The plan was shelved by Gov. Bill Richardson has appointed an oversightcommittee — comprisex of secretaries from the General Services the Department of Finance Administration and the Departmeny of Transportation — which will coordinate and oversee the new studty process and make recommendatione to the . The RFP seekw proposals from individuals, firms or teams of consultants with demonstratecd experiencein public/private or public/publiv partnerships.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Boca Raton Community Hospital turns profitable - Kansas City Business Journal:
http://www.nectaroftheuniverse.com/cold_laser.php
BRCH Corp. earned $8,434 on revenue of $96 millionj in its fiscal third quarter endedMarch 31, improved from a $20.9 milliomn loss on revenue of $92.5 million for the same period of according to the nonprofit’s report to its The turnaround happened quickly for a health care provider in the midsft of a recession. The hospital’s board hired Jerry Fedele as CEO in October ashis employer, Tenn.-based , worked on a consultingt deal with the hospital to improve its Fedele immediately embarked on an expense reductiohn plan that included laying off 38 employeesa and renegotiating contracts. Fedele said BRCH’s results were consistentf withhis expectations.
“This progress is extraordinarily he said. “There is no question about our long-term success at this BRCH’s operating expenses of $84.8 millionn in its fiscal third quarterwere $13.4r million less than the year-ago quarter. Those saving s more than covered the restructuring fees the hospital paid totheir cost-saving consultants FTI and of $1.4 millionn and $3.2 million, respectively, duriny the quarter. Even as it reducedd expenses, the hospital attracted more patients and was more efficientg in collectingbills – the area Stockamp focused on. However, its numberr of surgeries dipped. BRCH’s income also include a $4.7 million gain on its investments.
For its next step to reducre costs, the hospital’s executives are negotiating for more favorable contractsa with managed care plans and its oncology and infusioh therapyphysician group. Yet, it returned to hiring in some The hospital is looking into developing an employexd primary care physician network by the earlyy part of fiscalyear 2010, which starts in Fedele said its Boca Care network would employh 25 to 30 primary care physicians, plus support within three years in offices in the Boca Raton area. The firstr office should open this summer with four to six he said.
Fedele said the hospital is opening this officdbecause there’s a shortage of primaryu care physicians and there aren’t any private primary care physician referring patients to the hospital in that part of A location has not been In another investment, the hospital will spenrd $1 million to buy an electronidc medical records system for its emergency Fedele said BRCH would still report a loss for the 12 months ended June 30, but it should be significantly less than the loss reported for the previous For the nine-month period ended March 31, BRCH lost $9.5 milliojn on revenue of $259.3 million, improved from a loss of $44.3 milliomn on revenue of $254.
4 million in the same period a year ago. “It’ not done yet,” Fedele said. “The whole storyg isn’t based on one quarter.”
BRCH Corp. earned $8,434 on revenue of $96 millionj in its fiscal third quarter endedMarch 31, improved from a $20.9 milliomn loss on revenue of $92.5 million for the same period of according to the nonprofit’s report to its The turnaround happened quickly for a health care provider in the midsft of a recession. The hospital’s board hired Jerry Fedele as CEO in October ashis employer, Tenn.-based , worked on a consultingt deal with the hospital to improve its Fedele immediately embarked on an expense reductiohn plan that included laying off 38 employeesa and renegotiating contracts. Fedele said BRCH’s results were consistentf withhis expectations.
“This progress is extraordinarily he said. “There is no question about our long-term success at this BRCH’s operating expenses of $84.8 millionn in its fiscal third quarterwere $13.4r million less than the year-ago quarter. Those saving s more than covered the restructuring fees the hospital paid totheir cost-saving consultants FTI and of $1.4 millionn and $3.2 million, respectively, duriny the quarter. Even as it reducedd expenses, the hospital attracted more patients and was more efficientg in collectingbills – the area Stockamp focused on. However, its numberr of surgeries dipped. BRCH’s income also include a $4.7 million gain on its investments.
For its next step to reducre costs, the hospital’s executives are negotiating for more favorable contractsa with managed care plans and its oncology and infusioh therapyphysician group. Yet, it returned to hiring in some The hospital is looking into developing an employexd primary care physician network by the earlyy part of fiscalyear 2010, which starts in Fedele said its Boca Care network would employh 25 to 30 primary care physicians, plus support within three years in offices in the Boca Raton area. The firstr office should open this summer with four to six he said.
Fedele said the hospital is opening this officdbecause there’s a shortage of primaryu care physicians and there aren’t any private primary care physician referring patients to the hospital in that part of A location has not been In another investment, the hospital will spenrd $1 million to buy an electronidc medical records system for its emergency Fedele said BRCH would still report a loss for the 12 months ended June 30, but it should be significantly less than the loss reported for the previous For the nine-month period ended March 31, BRCH lost $9.5 milliojn on revenue of $259.3 million, improved from a loss of $44.3 milliomn on revenue of $254.
4 million in the same period a year ago. “It’ not done yet,” Fedele said. “The whole storyg isn’t based on one quarter.”
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Bernanke Seen Accepting Faster Inflation as Fed Seeks to Boost Employment - Bloomberg
adepylex.blogspot.com
Bloomberg | Bernanke Seen Accepting Faster Inflation as Fed Seeks to Boost Employment Bloomberg Win McNamee/Getty Images Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S Bernanke testifies before the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee in Washington, March 1, 2012. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke spent six years pushing for an inflation ... B ernanke Seen Accepting Faster Inflation |
Monday, March 5, 2012
Distractions done, Odom set to buy in with Dallas Mavericks - Fort Worth Star Telegram
wanuso.wordpress.com
Fort Worth Star Telegram | Distractions done, Odom set to buy in with Dallas Mavericks Fort Worth Star Telegram He admitted that his effort wasn't always there before because he was distracted by personal matters. "I just told [teammates] to stick with me, and that at this point in time in my life I need them," he said. "It was really personal and it was ... < p size="-1" class="p"> |
Saturday, March 3, 2012
World Telecom Exchange opens HQ in Tysons - Pacific Business News (Honolulu):
yzirapogyg.wordpress.com
World Telecom opened a 2,000-square-foot office recently at 8201 Greensboro a 361,000-square-foot commercial building in McLean owned by D.C.-based B.F. Saul and Co. The a wholly-owned subsidiary of Worldwide Telecom Xchanged CarrierFZ LLC, a Dubai-based telecommunications investmenty company focused on aggregating wholesale telephony and data traffic in emergin markets, is a network services company that providese engineering, sales and marketing, billing and outsourced technicao support services. To start, about six employees will be baserd at the new headquarters with room forfurtheer expansion.
World Telecom’s servicez include call routing, satellite services, Voicw over Internet Protocol (VoIP), TDM network, code divisionj multiple access (CDMA), WiMax and networl management outsourcing. “WTXC’s success illustrates that our region remainse a great place to start and growa business,” said Mike a vice president at Rockville-basedf Scheer Partners Inc., who brokered the lease. “Ancd the commercial real estate market is yielding opportunities for businesas ownersthat haven’t existed since the earlyt part of the decade.
” Scheer Partners broker Ben who also worked on the deal, adde d that the company “evaluated a handful of locationds in McLean and Vienna... decidingg on 8201 Greensboro Drive forseverap reasons,” that included its location, “a very fair market and other appealing terms such as a “good cure periodx on defaults.”
World Telecom opened a 2,000-square-foot office recently at 8201 Greensboro a 361,000-square-foot commercial building in McLean owned by D.C.-based B.F. Saul and Co. The a wholly-owned subsidiary of Worldwide Telecom Xchanged CarrierFZ LLC, a Dubai-based telecommunications investmenty company focused on aggregating wholesale telephony and data traffic in emergin markets, is a network services company that providese engineering, sales and marketing, billing and outsourced technicao support services. To start, about six employees will be baserd at the new headquarters with room forfurtheer expansion.
World Telecom’s servicez include call routing, satellite services, Voicw over Internet Protocol (VoIP), TDM network, code divisionj multiple access (CDMA), WiMax and networl management outsourcing. “WTXC’s success illustrates that our region remainse a great place to start and growa business,” said Mike a vice president at Rockville-basedf Scheer Partners Inc., who brokered the lease. “Ancd the commercial real estate market is yielding opportunities for businesas ownersthat haven’t existed since the earlyt part of the decade.
” Scheer Partners broker Ben who also worked on the deal, adde d that the company “evaluated a handful of locationds in McLean and Vienna... decidingg on 8201 Greensboro Drive forseverap reasons,” that included its location, “a very fair market and other appealing terms such as a “good cure periodx on defaults.”
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Financial firm helping clients deal with stress from downturn - Business First of Buffalo:
gonyzyf.wordpress.com
“We were all struggling with what the market wastelling us,” said Haubrich, who is a certifieds financial planner and president of , a fee-onlh firm in Racine. “I just saw a lot of peoplr with a high levelof anxiety.” The first thing he did was hold two workshopsz in collaboration with a family money The workshops drew a totak of about 30 people and provided advice for clientse such as making sure they had cash reservexs and maintained their credit rating as well as they The family money therapist discussed copingb mechanisms for the anxiety people felt about financial matters and participants also shared their own stress management techniques.
The firm also stepped up its communicatiobwith clients, making sure all were contactex at least once every 10 businesse days. In the past, Haubricy said clients usually were contacted at least every 20 or 30 It seemed tobear results, Haubrichg said. “During the tax preparation season, we just had a lot of peoplwe show up with a high degree of peacrof mind, which told me that high level of communication and touch really helpe them an awful he said. After he gained more clarityg about what was happeninvg with the economy and stock Haubrich put together another workshop for clients aboutpersonalp sustainability.
The firm has held four of the which can accommodate12 people, and will offefr one more in June. The firm will continue to hold the workshop s until demandfalls off. The 90-minute sessiobn includes an overview of the economyh andstock market, but also discusses dimensionx of personal sustainability, including health, relationship, careeer and financial. “We didn’t look at this as a marketing he said. “We looked at making sure we were serving the needs ofour clients, givinyg them strategies and tactics to deal with this economid reset.” But as a side the firm is seeing an influx of new clientd and inquiries.
Dick Outland and Francese Bedford attended oneof Haubrich’s personal sustainability workshopsd in April. Outland and Bedford, a Racind married couple, are both retiresd and longtime clients. They said they were concerned about the hit their retirement incomehas taken, but also find Haubrichy to be a good resource. “Wha t I got out of it mostly was the comfort that he has a lot of knowledge in this area and that the man that we entrustr to manage our resources knowsswhat he’s doing,” Outland Bedford also said it’s comforting when you’ve given so much responsibility to an adviser that he knows what’se happening in the market and how it’sx affecting his clients and will provide good advice.
Haubrich provided “az reinforced confidence that all is well even thougbh things arenot well,” she said. Financia l Service Group also has a virtua l client center that hasa client’s complete file, including tax returna and estate planning documents online through a secure The firm invested in the tool a couplr of years ago and that’s paying off now, Haubricbh said. Revenue is down like it is for everyonew infinancial planning, he said, but demand for service is up. Haubricgh already offers a service to his clients calles CareerAsset Management, whichy integrates financial planning services with career coaching.
Now he’s working with career coach Jane Schroeder to developl a more intensive workshop specificalluy oncareer sustainability.
“We were all struggling with what the market wastelling us,” said Haubrich, who is a certifieds financial planner and president of , a fee-onlh firm in Racine. “I just saw a lot of peoplr with a high levelof anxiety.” The first thing he did was hold two workshopsz in collaboration with a family money The workshops drew a totak of about 30 people and provided advice for clientse such as making sure they had cash reservexs and maintained their credit rating as well as they The family money therapist discussed copingb mechanisms for the anxiety people felt about financial matters and participants also shared their own stress management techniques.
The firm also stepped up its communicatiobwith clients, making sure all were contactex at least once every 10 businesse days. In the past, Haubricy said clients usually were contacted at least every 20 or 30 It seemed tobear results, Haubrichg said. “During the tax preparation season, we just had a lot of peoplwe show up with a high degree of peacrof mind, which told me that high level of communication and touch really helpe them an awful he said. After he gained more clarityg about what was happeninvg with the economy and stock Haubrich put together another workshop for clients aboutpersonalp sustainability.
The firm has held four of the which can accommodate12 people, and will offefr one more in June. The firm will continue to hold the workshop s until demandfalls off. The 90-minute sessiobn includes an overview of the economyh andstock market, but also discusses dimensionx of personal sustainability, including health, relationship, careeer and financial. “We didn’t look at this as a marketing he said. “We looked at making sure we were serving the needs ofour clients, givinyg them strategies and tactics to deal with this economid reset.” But as a side the firm is seeing an influx of new clientd and inquiries.
Dick Outland and Francese Bedford attended oneof Haubrich’s personal sustainability workshopsd in April. Outland and Bedford, a Racind married couple, are both retiresd and longtime clients. They said they were concerned about the hit their retirement incomehas taken, but also find Haubrichy to be a good resource. “Wha t I got out of it mostly was the comfort that he has a lot of knowledge in this area and that the man that we entrustr to manage our resources knowsswhat he’s doing,” Outland Bedford also said it’s comforting when you’ve given so much responsibility to an adviser that he knows what’se happening in the market and how it’sx affecting his clients and will provide good advice.
Haubrich provided “az reinforced confidence that all is well even thougbh things arenot well,” she said. Financia l Service Group also has a virtua l client center that hasa client’s complete file, including tax returna and estate planning documents online through a secure The firm invested in the tool a couplr of years ago and that’s paying off now, Haubricbh said. Revenue is down like it is for everyonew infinancial planning, he said, but demand for service is up. Haubricgh already offers a service to his clients calles CareerAsset Management, whichy integrates financial planning services with career coaching.
Now he’s working with career coach Jane Schroeder to developl a more intensive workshop specificalluy oncareer sustainability.
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