Metal Buildings

York Region, Ontario (PRWEB) May 15, 2012

The spring of 2012 weather has been exceptionally dry, making it a busy time for Rockwood General Contractors Ltd, a construction company in York Region. Ground breaking preparations for two projects have begun early for the Rockwood construction crew due to the exceptionally warm and dry weather in Southern Ontario this spring.

Pete Hary of Rockwood General Contractors says, “With this warm, dry spring weather, we’ve really got a jump on our construction projects this year.” Rockwood has already begun work on a major sewer installation and have started construction of a 10,000 sq. ft. addition to an automotive repair shop in Markham. Preparations are also under way in Uxbridge, Ontario where Pete and crew will begin construction of a new 15,000 sq. ft. commercial facility. Pete offers, “Whether it’s excavation services, demolition or grading, the early start this year has kept our equipment and our work force busy. Both building construction projects involve structural steel pre-engineered buildings complete with re-enforced concrete foundation design.”

This unusually mild and dry spring weather will enable an earlier than expected completion of all storm sewer construction work on the Uxbridge site, which should be done by the end of April. While the foundation work will be completed in Markham by the end of April also.

When it comes to students, Rockwood knows that the future of the construction industry requires an influx of skilled trades. And a perfect way to hone one’s skills is through on-the-job training. Pete knows that most students, either existing students or graduates, are studying to learn skills that are similar to the skills needed on the Rockwood construction sites.

Pete offers, “The Students we hire in the summer continually work at improving processes on our construction projects in York Region that can sometimes help us to be more efficient.” Pete adds, “We know students are being taught skills at their schools, but we can help refine those skills – in the real world. Students are also taught entrepreneurial skills at school that can help them in the future too.” Students are enthusiastic team-players gaining technical knowledge in the classroom and fine-tune their skill in their working environment.

Pete understands that there’s simply no replacement for real world practice. He also knows that students are eager to learn. Once they step outside the classroom into actual jobs, they’ll understand what it’s like to work in their chosen fields with the experience they’ve learned with summer employment. Says Pete, “We help students to learn their respective trade skills, and they help us too!”

Situated in Uxbridge Ontario, Rockwood General Contractors is a family-owned and operated business servicing the Toronto, GTA and York Region and Durham Region areas since 1993. Rockwood can be contacted at 905 642-8821 or at by visiting their website at rockwoodgeneralcontractors.com.

Search Engine Optimizing solutions in Toronto.

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Singapore Company Registration Specialists

Singapore (PRWEB) May 17, 2012

According to the recently-published Global Software Piracy Study by Ipsos Public Affairs, IDC and the Business Software Association (BSA), 33% of programs used in Singapore offices and homes last year were pirated. Furthermore, the study furnished that business decision makers are more likely than other users to use pirated software more frequently and are more likely to install software for one computer on other computers in the office. At the same time, the commercial value of unlicensed software has increased to US$ 255 million last year.

Singapore company registration specialist Rikvin has observed that Singapore firms, especially small businesses that are concerned with keeping business costs low, are in good stead to earn 400% tax deduction or a 60% cash payout when they invest in any authentic software listed in the Productivity and Innovation Credit (PIC) Automation Equipment List.

Under the PIC scheme, the acquisition or leasing of prescribed automation equipment includes software adoption and the types of approved software are as follows:

office systems software
software for office automation service
enterprise resource planning (ERP)
customer relationship management (CRM)
inventory and record management
knowledge management (KM)
human resource and payroll management (HRM)
business management
accounting and assets management
personnel business travel request and management
computer-aided design system software
computer-aided manufacturing system software and
automated warehousing software.

For example, if a small Singapore incorporated company were to spend S$ 600 on an office systems software, the business owner has the option to choose between a 1) 400% Singapore corporate tax deduction or 2) 60% cash payout. If the business owner were to choose option 1, he is eligible for S$ 408 in tax credit {17% corporate tax rate x (S$ 600 x 400%)}. This means that he saves $ 408 in his company taxes and will be therefore effectively paying only S$ 192 for the software. If he were to choose option B, he would receive S$ 360 in cash payouts (60% x S$ 600). Hence, he only pays S$ 240 for the software.

“Software piracy is especially unnecessary in Singapore as companies can easily tap the Productivity and Innovation Credit (PIC) scheme for software spending. Furthermore, similar deductions are granted in costs if a firm invests in R&D for developing software (excluding those used for internal routine administration of business) even if they are not meant for resale. With such benefits already in place, it does not make financial sense for companies to risk infringements of the Copyright Act,” said Mr. Satish Bakhda, Head of Rikvin’s Operations.

“Under the amended Copyright Act, it is now a criminal offence for companies to wilfully infringe copyrights for a commercial advantage. First-time offenders can face a fine of up to S$ 20,000 or imprisonment of up to six months, or both. BSA has also announced a S$ 20,000 reward for every lead which ends with successful enforcement action. We are optimistic that with the PIC Scheme in place, Singapore businesses are positioned to lead global anti-piracy efforts,” added Mr. Bakhda.

ABOUT RIKVIN:

Established in 1998, Rikvin has since partnered with thousands of investors, entrepreneurs and professionals in their pursuit to access business opportunities overseas. Rikvin’s areas of expertise include Singapore company incorporation, offshore company setup, accounting, taxation and other related corporate services. Rikvin also provides Singapore work visa and immigration services for foreign professionals who wish to relocate to Singapore.

20 Cecil Street, #14-01, Equity Plaza, Singapore 049705

(65) 6320 1888

http://www.rikvin.com

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Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Atlanta, Georgia (PRWEB) May 15, 2012

The study was conducted in United States and Germany by the marketing research firm Nielsen Company and the advertising agency RAPP Germany. It study focused on the effectiveness of different mailing appeals to potential customers. It tested how various types of direct mail compared with each other, and with e-mail solicitations. With today’s customers being bombarded with so many messages, the two companies wanted to see which packaging was opened most often and responded to the best.

They did this by creating a fictional travel agency called Top Travel Tours and sending advertisements to 1,800 people in the U.S. and Germany. The mailing tested five different versions of direct mail: a standard envelope, a self-mailer, a wrapper, an e-mail and a brochure in a creatively printed envelope with the prominent logo of the company name and a color photo on the front of a vacationing couple walking a beach.

The promotion was a customized holiday package, and they tested it with mailings to individuals expected to be interested in such matters along with a secondary group that was expected to be uninterested.

The ad piece that was opened and read most often was the brochure in a creative printed envelope. It was opened and read by 84.5 percent of the recipients.

Second was the e-mail message, opened and read by 80 percent of the recipients. The standard envelope was third, with 75.6 percent, the self-mailer fourth with 71.4 percent and the wrapper last with 71.2 percent.

The physical brochure in a printed envelope was also the most likely to be valued enough to be passed on to others. This happened in 14.2 percent of the printed envelopes opened and read, almost twice as often as the e-mail recipients.

The study results also emphasize the importance of sending mail to a specific addressee rather than an impersonal mass mailing. People who got non-individualized mailings were three times more likely to throw them into the trash unopened. More than 44 percent of the people who received the personally addressed brochure in the custom-printed envelope said they would investigate the offer further on line, while only 36.6 percent of the people who read non-individualized mailing recipients said they would do likewise. The people who received individually addressed mailings were also more likely to pass the brochure on to someone else.

Those expected to be uninterested in the vacation package turned out to be far more likely to throw the letter away without reading it, although the ones that did read the brochure recalled its contents as well as those expected to be interested in it. Using a mailing list provider to target an audience and personalize a message is an essential component in getting a message across.

The data paints a clear picture of the modern customer holding a handful of mail or scanning a long list of fresh e-mail messages. The first impression is a key element that demands attention, because the message is not even opened and read if the recipient doesn’t find it attractive and interesting.

While not as fast and easy to develop and distribute as email, physical mail in a compelling envelope addressed directly to the customer has the greatest appeal and is most likely to be read and remembered by the customer.

The study also found that older people tend to open their e-mail advertisements more often than younger recipients, who tend to expect more from their communications. “Younger audiences know both the advantages and disadvantages of electronic communication,” the study concluded. Younger people tend to find physical mail more genuine and appreciate the change in mediums living in a technology driven society.

Think about which advertisements leave a lasting first impression and what it is that stimulates that reaction. Maybe it had to do with personalization and related to a lifestyle factor?

About AccurateLeads

AccurateLeads is a leading provider of direct marketing services that helps businesses grow their client basis. Founded in 1984, AccurateLeads has developed a unique process that helps businesses create an individualized multichannel marketing plan to stimulate growth and out brand competition.

For additional information feel free to call our toll free number at any time: (800) 685-4787

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, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Hall County, Ga., key-handing ceremony for 20 school buses fueled by propane autogas

Hall County, Ga. (PRWEB) May 10, 2012

This morning state legislators and dignitaries, including Governor Nathan Deal and Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle, recognized Hall County School System as Georgia’s first school district to fuel their fleet with clean-burning propane autogas. The school district purchased 20Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision school buses fueled by domestically produced propane autogas to reduce the community’s carbon footprint and lower the county’s costs for school bus fuel and maintenance.

The theme of the event, “Georgians supporting Georgians for a greener community,” emphasized the need to produce and use products that support a clean and healthy environment, by and for the state of Georgia. Manufactured in Georgia, the72-passenger Blue Bird Propane-Powered Visions, each featuring a ROUSH CleanTech liquid propane autogas fuel system, reduce nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and total hydrocarbons emissions, and virtually eliminate particulate matter, when compared to school buses powered by conventional fuels.

“We choose propane autogas because not only does it represent significant reduced fuel costs and clean-burning properties, but also because the source, natural gas, is in abundant supply right here in America,” said William Schofield, superintendent of the Hall County Schools. “With today’s tight school budgets, using a transportation fuel that saves taxpayers money, keeps the environment clean, and keeps jobs within our national borders is a win-win for everyone. Plus, our drivers love how quiet the propane buses perform.”

According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, children are among those most susceptible to the health effects of exhaust exposure as a result of the child’s developing body and lungs, narrower airways, faster metabolism, and faster breathing rates than adults.

“Schools across the nation are experiencing the environmental and economic benefits of Blue Bird’s propane buses,” said Phil Horlock, president & CEO of Blue Bird Corporation. “We are proud to deliver a bus that not only provides school children with a reliable, safe and environmentally-friendly ride to and from school every day, but also fuels economic development in Georgia. We are especially thankful to our partner and dealer, Yancey Bus Sales and Service, for their terrific support of all Blue Bird’s customers throughout Georgia.”

Compared to their $ 3.50 per gallon cost for diesel, Hall County pays less than $ 2.00 per gallon to fuel with propane autogas. The school district expects to save $ 36,000 in fuel costs for their 20 new propane buses in 2012 alone. Propane autogas, which costs up to 50 percent less than diesel fuel, offers reduced maintenance costs and extend engine life potential due to its clean-burning properties.

“These propane autogas buses really deliver — less noise, reduced costs and fewer air pollutants — all while running on an American-made fuel,” said Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing for ROUSH CleanTech. “The propane autogas fuel system technology ROUSH CleanTech has developed delivers reliable, safe and consistent operation to the end-user. We’re excited to be working with Hall County Schools on this important initiative.”

Ninety percent of U.S. propane supply is produced domestically, with an additional seven percent from Canada, and noise levels are decreased by 50 percent when compared to diesel counterparts, giving drivers fewer distractions. Propane autogas refueling infrastructure is less expensive than any other alternative fuel; in fact the school district has chosen to install three 1,000-gallon propane autogas refueling stations on their school properties, each with state-of-the-art dispensers and operation systems.

“Ferrellgas is proud to be the propane provider for Hall County Schools. Our local employee-owners live and raise their families in this community,” said Woody Wilkins, Georgia’s account manager for Ferrellgas, who demonstrated the ease of refueling with propane autogas during the event. “We’re pleased to help deliver a solution that saves Hall County money, significantly reduces local greenhouse gas emissions and helps lessen our nation’s reliance on foreign oil.”

Shooter Roberts, territory manager for Yancey Bus Sales, agreed. “After two years of planning and extensive analysis, we are thrilled that Hall County, a long-time Blue Bird customer, is taking possession of their Propane-Powered Vision buses.”

Other dignitaries in attendance included State Senator Butch Miller, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce President Kit Dunlap, Director of Pupil Transportation Carlton Allen, Board of Education Vice Chair Craig Herrington, and Peach County Commissioner Michael Dinkins.

About Hall County: The Hall County School District serves 25,780 students in 33 schools made up of 20 elementary, six middle, six high, and one career academy. Hall County school buses travel more than 3.5 million miles per year, transporting more than 20,000 students daily using 220 school buses and almost 6,000 bus stops on over 3,500 streets. The district’s primary mission is to ensure the safest possible transportation system for its students while exploring avenues to make the operation as efficient as possible. According to the Georgia Department of Pupil Transportation, Hall County is currently the second most efficient bus transportation department in Georgia. Contact Gordon Higgins, 678.316.3137, gordon.higgins(at)hallco(dot)org.

About Blue Bird: Blue Bird offers a complete line of Type A, C and D school buses in a variety of options and configurations. For 85 years, Blue Bird Corporation has continued to set industry standards with its innovative design and manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, Blue Bird provides comprehensive financial solutions through Blue Bird Capital Services. Today, Blue Bird has more than 1,500 employees, Georgia-based manufacturing facilities and an extensive network of dealers and service-parts facilities throughout North America. Its global presence can be seen in more than 60 countries through sales into Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit the Blue Bird Corporation web site at http://www.blue-bird.com. Contact Erin Lake, 478.822.2578, erin.lake(at)blue-bird(dot)com.

About Ferrellgas: Overland Park, Kansas-based Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. is a Fortune 1000 company and, through its operating partnership, Ferrellgas, L.P., serves the residential, industrial/commercial and agricultural propane needs of approximately one million customers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Ferrellgas employees indirectly own more than 20 million common units of the partnership through an employee stock ownership plan. Under the trade name Blue Rhino, Ferrellgas is also the nation’s largest provider of propane by portable tank exchange. More information about the company can be found at http://www.ferrellgas.com, http://www.ferrellautogas.com and http://www.bluerhino.com. Contact Scott Brockelmeyer, 913.661.1830, scottbrockelmeyer(at)ferrellgas(dot)com.

About ROUSH CleanTech: Based in Livonia, Mich., ROUSH CleanTech offers dedicated liquid propane autogas fuel systems for a variety of light- and medium-duty Ford vans and trucks, and for the Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision and Micro Bird G5 school bus. Currently offered through authorized Ford dealerships around the country, the ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas fuel system delivers the same factory Ford performance characteristics and serviceability with a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty. Customers can lower operating costs significantly while reducing vehicle emissions. Complete details on ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas offerings can be found online at ROUSHcleantech.com or by calling 800.59.ROUSH. Contact Julie Puckett, 703.675.0520, roush(at)thesales(dot)net.

About Yancey Bros. Co.: Headquartered in Austell, GA, Yancey Bros. Co. is recognized as the nation’s oldest Caterpillar dealer. Family owned and operated since 1914, Yancey offers Caterpillar, International, and Blue Bird products, parts and service in Georgia, and Blue Bird products, parts and service in Alabama. Our team of committed employees strives to deliver unmatched customer service in the markets we serve including Alabaster, Alabama and twenty-one Georgia communities; Albany, Augusta, Austell, Blackshear, Bloomingdale, Brunswick, Calhoun, Columbus, Conley, Dacula, Griffin, Jefferson, Kennesaw, Macon, Resaca, Savannah, Statesboro, Tifton, Valdosta, Washington and Waycross.

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Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

A fun day of rafting on Maine’s Kenenbec River with Northern Outdoors!

The Forks, ME (PRWEB) May 10, 2012

Kennebec River Spring Rafting – Northern Outdoors

Northern Outdoors’ Value Season Vacation Deals offer up to 35% off whitewater rafting regular summer rates at Maine’s most popular adventure resort. Early season adventurers get the same top quality lodging and whitewater rafting on the Kennebec and Penobscot Rivers with savvy savings that can go toward future holidays.

Despite the oddly warm winter, spring releases are on target and offering big whitewater rafting fun for friends and families looking for adrenaline-pumping adventure under the guise of Mother Nature’s beauty.

“We created our Spring Value Season Deal to give our New England neighbors and far away friends as an easy, early way to shake off winter and get into nature with the same outstanding service and accommodations as always.” says Russell Walters, President of Northern Outdoors.

Spring Value Season runs May 5th through July 12th on the Kennebec and Penobscot Rivers with Northern Outdoors. Read more information on whitewater rafting with Northern Outdoors.

Northern Outdoors is Maine’s Premier Adventure Resort and winner of Yankee Magazine’s 2011 Best New England Adventures Award. Established in 1976, Northern Outdoors offers year-round affordable, Maine adventure vacations and is the first and most experienced rafting adventure company in Maine. Summer season activities offered include whitewater rafting, river floats, hiking, ATV trails, and fishing. Lodging options include rustic to luxury cabins and riverside camping. The resort includes the Kennebec River Brewery, featured on the Maine Beer Trail. Northern Outdoors is located 4 hours from Boston, on Route 201, The Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway.

http://www.NorthernOutdoors.com

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, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Suzana Stankovic

New York, NY (PRWEB) April 24, 2012

Artist-entrepreneur and native New Yorker Suzana Stankovic, described by audiences and critics as “fearless”, “brilliant”, “enormously talented” and “an inspiration”, will speak on self-empowerment for today’s independent artist on May 6, 2012 from 3:00-7:00pm at Vlada Lounge, 331 west 51st Street in New York City. Proceeds benefit Stray From the Heart dog rescue.

The talk is entitled ‘Self-Producing: Owning Your Voice and Manifesting Your Vision’, for performing and visual artists who want to self-produce a public presentation of their work. The four-hour event will consist of Ms. Stankovic’s talk, a meal break, post-talk Q&A and networking opportunity among the attendees.

Tickets are available by donation with a suggested donation of $ 45 per person and can be purchased at the door or via EventBrite.com (advance purchase is strongly recommended to guarantee a seat).

100% of proceeds from ticket sales benefit Stray From the Heart.

“Stray From the Heart is a non-profit dog rescue founded in 2000. To date, we have rescued 2,400 dogs from abuse and neglect and placed them in loving homes, all without a shelter facility. We rely entirely on volunteers and foster parents. Donations go directly toward food and medical care.” – Toni Bodon and Beth Silberg, Founders, Stray From the Heart

In addition to donating use of their private event space, Vlada Lounge will contribute .50 from every drink purchase and $ 1.00 from every food purchase to Stray From the Heart.

“Vlada Lounge proudly supports animal welfare.” – Billy Hannon, Jr., Manager, Vlada Lounge

About Suzana Stankovic’s Talk:

The talk will consist of an instructional and inspirational component to empower artists to self-produce a public presentation of their work.

Ms. Stankovic will speak on the logistics of self-producing. She will cover the stages of pre-production, production and post-production and offer proven, time-tested tools, tips and how-to’s for self-producing on any budget. Topics include planning, acquiring resources and funding, budgeting, team-building, marketing, audience development and self-branding, to name a few.

Moreover, Ms. Stankovic is particularly excited to speak on matters of the heart and what she calls “the artist’s seat of power”, the inner qualities of love, vision, self-knowledge, integrity and courage, which she believes are essential to all artists during every stage of their career.

“It’s about more than just learning the mechanics of producing. It’s about taking charge and doing something amazing. Self-producing is an invitation to own your voice and deliver your personal best, to stand courageously on your ground and give of what is uniquely yours. When you do that you move and inspire people.” – Suzana Stankovic

Ms. Stankovic’s talk is intended as a goodwill offering in honor of her beloved dog Luca, who passed away on Thanksgiving 2011, and in support of her two great passions- the arts and animal welfare.

About Suzana Stankovic (partial biography):

Suzana Stankovic is an artist, entrepreneur, producer, teacher and leader. She is a formally trained actress and dancer and an independent dance-theater artist with a voice of her own. She has created, produced and performed her own material on many of New York City’s finest stages to widespread praise.

A driven woman with a clear vision and the courage and leadership to carry it out, Suzana Stankovic is making a statement both as an artist and with her larger message of self-determination.

Among her credits, ‘Backstage’ took notice of Suzana in 2009 and invited her to write personal essays from her life as an artist. Writing enabled her to share her message in a new way, which resulted in subsequent talks and workshops.

Suzana Stankovic is also the founder and director of The Stankovic Ballet Company, Inc., a non-profit arts organization she founded in 2003, currently expanding its mission and programming to include guidance and support for self-producing artists in every discipline. The company’s new name and identity will be unveiled in the near future.

Audiences, critics and industry professionals have often described Suzana as a powerhouse- a fearless artist of astonishing range and conviction, and a woman who makes this happen.

For complete information about Suzana Stankovic:

http://www.iAmSuzana.com

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Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Continuum South Beach N 3202

Miami Beach, FL (PRWEB) May 03, 2012

Zilbert International Realty, a Miami-based luxury real estate brokerage company, announced today that it has started general sales and marketing of Unit 3202 at the Continuum North Tower Condominium in Miami Beach, located at 50 South Pointe Drive. Zilbert has the worldwide exclusive rights to market the property.

Priced at $ 13.75M, the condo apartment offers five bedrooms, each with unobstructed views through 10-foot-high windows. It occupies one-half of the thirty-second floor of Continuum’s North Tower, and is served by four private elevators that open into one of two elevator foyers. Its flow-through design is rarely seen at The Continuum.

The buyers of this condo will also have exclusive and private rights to a poolside villa, a one-of-a-kind, standalone structure that appears to float in its own lagoon. The villa is a two-level, loft-style cabana that features a sleeping area, full bathroom and separate kitchen.

The combined condo and poolside villa offer a total living area of just-under 6000 square feet.

The condo’s full details and photos may be viewed on Zilbert’s website at http://www.ZILBERT.com/3202

The Continuum is a complex of two luxury condo towers that sit on approximately twelve acres of oceanfront land in South Beach (Miami Beach) at the most southernmost point. It is a gated community that offers spacious grounds, two massive pool areas, tennis courts, a world-class health club and full restaurant.

ABOUT ZILBERT INTERNATIONAL REALTY

Zilbert International Realty is full-service, premium real estate brokerage that works with clients from around the world, helping them to buy and sell properties. It specializes in South Florida luxury estates, condos, homes and vacation properties from the greater Miami area up to the Palm Beaches. Zilbert currently holds the Miami Beach condo sales record, selling a penthouse at Miami Beach’s Setai Resort and Residences for $ 21.5M in December 2011. Through its alliance with the Who’s Who of Luxury Real Estate and LuxuryRealEstate.com, Zilbert’s global reach extends to over 70,000 real estate professionals in over 85 countries. Collectively, Zilbert and its network partners sell over $ 190B annually.

The company’s website, http://www.Zilbert.com is a popular tool for its customers, with over 50,000 visitors each month, and over 10,000 properties that are updated continuously.

Zilbert’s sales associates are an elite team of real estate professionals, recruited through a specialized, invitation-only selection process. The company is also a leader in the use of technology and social media to help it engage with its clients. Its core business philosophy is to build personalized, one-on-one relationships with buyers and sellers of real estate, and to partner with them through every stage of a real estate transaction. Its People-and-Technology approach to the real estate market enables it to provide an exceptionally-high level of customer service and customer satisfaction.

Zilbert International Realty was founded in 2003 by Montreal-born Mark Zilbert, a technology innovator who realized almost a decade ago that to prosper in real estate would require a strong adoption of technology. Having worked for such customer-focused technology companies such as Siebel Systems (now part of Oracle Corp.), Mr. Zilbert embraced technology and real estate, and developed tools to help buyers and sellers of real estate understand and engage in real estate transactions. Mr. Zilbert has appeared on numerous national news programs including ABC’s 20/20, CNBC, CBS’ Morning Show, ABC’s Nightline. He has also been featured in the Wall Street Journal.

The firm offers a number of ways for its customers to interact with it. Its traditional business operation offers buyers and sellers of real estate access to sales professionals via its offices, by telephone, on the web, and in person. Its new Zilbert Realty Store is a retail-like shopping experience where buyers can interact with professional sales associates in a casual setting.

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Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

NASA’s famous “Blue Marble” image. NASA/Rob Simmons

Ann Arbor, MI (PRWEB) April 19, 2012

The first Earth Day, April 22, 1970, brought the environment into a focus never achieved before. Forty-two years later the epiphany of Earth Day is still alive in the programs and opportunities of companies like JOURNEYS International, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The first image of earth, broadcast by astronauts on the moon and endlessly reproduced by the media, revealed Earth as a blue marble with a thin layer of life spinning through vast, cold space. This beautiful, fragile, lonely image inspired both concern and curiosity. Concern focused on pollution, population growth and destruction of natural areas. Curiosity led people to explore the environment not as conquerors, but as curators.

JOURNEYS grew from the experiences of its founders Joan and Will Weber, who were active organizers of the first Earth Day in 1970 while they were students at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. After college, through serving in the Peace Corps and teaching in Nepal, the Webers witnessed close-up both the threat and opportunity that resulted from visitors with wealth arriving in fragile and endangered environments.

Foreign leisure travel, prior to the 1970s, was very much an exercise in bringing the travelers’ own culture, values, foods and accommodation standards with them. The rare Himalayan trek or African safari was a full-scale logistics operation with the burden of extensive imported goods to make travelers feel comfortable and protected from perceived dangers of local people and environments. This kind of travel was highly consumptive of local resources, and served as showcase for the stereotypical “ugly American” values. The inspiration of Earth Day introduced a bit of traveler modesty, fostered a sense of shared stewardship, and affirmed that the wisdom and traditions of other cultures are at least as valuable as our own.

In 1978 JOURNEYS’ first trek to the Mount Everest area of Nepal was advertised with fliers at the University of Michigan where the Webers were graduate students. Eight adventurers signed on for a four-week Himalayan trek, followed by elephant-riding in the jungles of Chitwan National Park in southern Nepal. The idea was not to see a place in spite of local obstacles, cultures and environmental adversity, but because the local culture and environment offered unique experiences. The Webers’ Sherpa friends from their Peace Corps days were in charge of the 1978 trip, and that first trip cemented a model of sustainable ecotourism that was later extended in trips to India, Bhutan and Sri Lanka, and then to Southeast Asia, Africa and the Americas.

Each eco-tourism trip emphasizes learning about cultures and environments from the local people who know them best. Trips often minimize time in big cities, shun luxury and business hotels and resort-style enclaves in favor of one-of-a-kind inns and nature lodges. You are more likely to travel in 4-wheel drive jeeps, minivans or by hiking and bicycling as preferable alternatives to whirlwind big bus tours. Many JOURNEYS trips support local environmental or cultural projects.

While the national and international prominence and impact of Earth Day as a news event may have faded over the years, institutions like JOURNEYS, and a vast ecosystem of non-profit organizations, private companies, government agencies, ecologically sensitive products, recycling and carbon footprint awareness have all grown from the awareness of Earth as a fragile, finite and destructible home for all known life. Earth Day is our reminder that changing human awareness and behavior is necessary, possible and underway.

Today, on the 42nd anniversary of the first Earth Day, JOURNEYS International offers travel in Earth friendly modes to more than 50 destinations.

About JOURNEYS International:

JOURNEYS International is the longest standing family-owned global ecotourism company in the US. JOURNEYS offers full-service exotic, guided cross-cultural explorations, nature safaris, treks and eco-tours in remote corners of Asia, Africa, the Americas and the Pacific. Founded by current directors Will and Joan Weber in 1978, JOURNEYS boasts an extraordinary record of client and staff satisfaction and several industry awards.

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Washington (PRWEB) May 02, 2012

CBS News recently reported that Defense Secretary Leon Panetta believes there is a strong likelihood that Israel will launch a preemptive attack on Iran’s nuclear sites in April, May or June. In his new book Live by the Sword: Israel’s Struggle for Existence in the Holy Land (published by WestBow Press), Lt. Colonel James Rothrock examines the dire consequences of such an attack on Iran with a high probability of a devastating retaliatory attack against Israel. Rothrock foresees such a strike unleashing a conflagration that could involve the whole region and even major world powers.

Live by the Sword portrays Israel’s struggle for existence in the Holy Land since becoming a Jewish state in 1948. Colonel Rothrock draws on his military experience, travels in the Middle East and academic background to present an authentic picture of the Jewish people’s quest for a homeland in Palestine, their fight for survival against multiple Arab invasions, the hundreds of indiscriminate terrorist attacks and the ominous threats to their very existence today.

Colonel Rothrock was inspired to write this book by the incredible courage and iron will of the Israeli people in their fight for survival against overwhelming odds. He was also moved by the incredulous way the people of Israel have endured the daily threat to their lives from invasions and terrorist attacks. The inspiration for the title comes from the former Israeli Minister of Defense, Moshe Dayan, who once remarked that his generation was condemned to live by the sword for the foreseeable future.

About the Author

As a career U.S. Air Force officer, Colonel Rothrock served abroad for 11 years and traveled extensively in the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Pacific. He is a former university professor of world geography. His professional military education includes Air War College, Air Command and Staff College and National Security Management at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

Live by the Sword is available from local booksellers and on-line retailers.

WestBow Press is a strategic publishing alliance of Thomas Nelson, Inc., the world’s largest Christian publisher, and Author Solutions, Inc. (ASI). Through this partnership, authors benefit from the rich publishing heritage of Thomas Nelson and the speed-to-market advantages of the ASI publishing model. Titles published through WestBow Press are evaluated for sales potential and considered for publication under the Thomas Nelson imprint. Thomas Nelson, Inc. continues to “inspire the world” with distribution of products in more than 100 countries worldwide. For more information, or to start publishing today, visit http://www.westbowpress.com or call (866)-928-1240. Follow us @westbowpress on Twitter for the latest news.

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, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Santa Clarita, Calif. (PRWEB) April 26, 2012

Princess Cruises has revealed story #17 on its blog “Inspired to Cruise,” featuring a woman who finally quit smoking while on a cruise to Alaska.

In the story, “I Kicked the Habit at Sea,” found at http://www.InspiredtoCruise.com, Robin Tawfall of Paradise, California, tells how she took the place of her friend’s husband on a Alaska cruise after he passed away of smoking-related complications. In his honor, she kicked the habit herself during the cruise, after many years of trying.

Each week during 2012 the blog will feature a new reason to cruise, gradually sharing a total of 52 inspiring passenger stories about what compelled them to take a cruise vacation.

The blog also showcases a short “Escape Inspiration” video about a favorite moment at sea. This week’s video, introduced by Luigi Pascale, maitre d’ aboard Sea Princess, features an onboard birthday celebration.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company’s website at http://www.princess.com.

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About Princess Cruises:

One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 16 modern ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, all provided in an environment of exceptional customer service. A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess carries 1.3 million passengers each year to destinations around the globe ranging in length from seven to 107 days. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc.

Find us:

Blog: InspiredToCruise.com

Facebook: facebook.com/PrincessCruises

Twitter: twitter.com/PrincessCruises

YouTube: youtube.com/princesscruises

Flickr: flickr.com/photos/princesscruises

Pandora: princess.com/radio

Newsroom: princess.com/news

Google+: https://plus.google.com/112949289750199509638/posts


For further information contact:

Karen Candy, kcandy(at)princesscruises(dot)com, 661-753-1540

Julie Benson, jbenson(at)princesscruises(dot)com, 661-753-1530

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.