The Best Market Barometer of All—Follow the Transports

The S&P 500 Index is inching its way back up to the 1,300 level, and this makes me feel a whole lot better about the health of the equity market. Recent trading action in both stocks and commodities suggests to me that we did in fact experience a correction, albeit one without a catalyst. The sovereign debt issue in Europe certainly weighed on sentiment and domestic economic data haven’t been strong. But, I do get the feeling that the tide is changing and institutional investors want to be buyers of stocks.
As I’ve written, second-quarter earnings season can’t come soon enough. Investors are desperate to read what companies are saying about their businesses. The marketplace wants some reassurance that earnings will be there and, more importantly, it wants some direction on the future, because it can’t figure one with the current economic data.
The second and third quarters of a year aren’t typically good ones for the stock market and I think this well-known trend will play itself out again this year. We might even get range-bound trading for the rest of the year, which is why large investors have been buying yield. The argument is that they might as well get some return on their investment.
The Dow Jones Transportation Average (one of the most important benchmark indices for investors to follow) performed a bit of a miracle recently. The index broke the 5,400 level pretty hard at the beginning of the month, dropping almost to the 5,000 mark. Very recently, this index climbed back to over 5,300. At the end of April, this index hit an all-time high, which was very close to the level the index was trading at in 2007 and 2008, before the financial crisis began.
Unless second-quarter earnings are well below expectations and there isn’t a major shock to the financial system (like a country debt default), I think this market is setting itself up to go higher. It may not happen until September or later, but we could experience a solid year-end rally in stocks based on very reasonable valuations, solid earnings growth, and decent prospects for the future. The economy still has a long way to go before it fully corrects itself. What the Federal Reserve does in terms of stimulus is rather irrelevant going forward. The business cycle has to be left to play itself out and the economy has to get solid footing for growth on its own. We’re getting there, and the best barometer of all is the Dow Jones Transportation Average. Right now, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE/NSC) and Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE/UNP) are trading right around their 52-week highs. This is all the confirmation I need for an S&P 500 Index at 1,500 by the end of the year.
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Analytix Solutions Joins Intacct Partner Program

Analytix Solutions, a leading provider of accounting, bookkeeping and virtual CFO-level services, today announced it has joined the Intacct Partner Program to provide affordable cloud computing-based financial solutions to mid-size businesses. The agreement enhances Analytix's comprehensive business services offering by leveraging the benefits cloud financial applications deliver to mid-size businesses that want to improve their overall productivity.

"Mid-size businesses are struggling with how to manage their accounting and bookkeeping efforts in a cost-effective way as their companies grow," says Satish Patel, president and founder of Analytix Solutions. "Cloud-based financial management is the future. By partnering with Intacct, Analytix can provide companies with comprehensive, highly-customized offerings that allow them to achieve a broad range of objectives, such as reinvesting in their business and eliminating the need for additional headcount."

Through the partnership, Analytix Solutions will deploy Intacct's industry-leading cloud financial applications to help clients improve performance, take better advantage of financial advice, and make better and faster business decisions. As a cloud-based system, Intacct also enables Analytix's clients to dramatically reduce IT and operating costs and achieve a far lower total cost-of-ownership than with traditional on-premises financial software.

"Intacct's cloud financial applications are ideally suited for firms like Analytix Solutions that offer virtual CFO services - allowing firm employees and clients to access financial information and collaborate in real-time from anywhere in the world via the Web," said Taylor Macdonald, VP of Channels for Intacct. "We’re excited Analytix Solutions has joined the Intacct Partner Program and look forward to working with them to help mid-sized businesses move to cloud financials and improve their overall business performance."

About Intacct
Intacct is a market and technology leader in web-based financial management and accounting applications for businesses and CPA firms. Bringing cloud computing to finance and accounting, Intacct's award-winning applications are the preferred financial applications for AICPA business solutions. Intacct applications are used by thousands of businesses from startups to public companies and are designed to improve company performance and make finance more productive. The Intacct system includes accounting, contract management, revenue recognition, inventory, purchasing, vendor management, financial consolidation and financial reporting applications, all delivered over the Internet via cloud computing. Intacct is headquartered in San Jose, California. For more information, please visit http://www.intacct.com or call 877-437-7765.

About Analytix Solutions
Analytix Solutions is a professional services firm providing virtual accounting, bookkeeping and CFO-level services to small to mid-size companies. In addition, Analytix also offers a full range of secondary financial and IT support services including data entry, data migration, systems integration, payroll services and application development. The company is jointly owned and operated by a CPA and an IT expert with over 40 years of combined experience. Analytix Solutions was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts. For more information, please visit http://www.analytixsolutions.com.

New Educational Report Shows The Top 50 Ways to Maximize LinkedIn for Business

This truly concise report, “Top 50 Ways to Maximize Linkedin for Business", gives readers the valuable information that is rarely discussed. This empowers readers to harness the full power of the world's largest B2B website!. Additionally, it provides excellent advice on Job Hunting and multiplying your contact base.

Business Relationship Coach and author John H. Lee has authored and is now publishing a free report titled “Top 50 Ways to Maximize Linkedin for Business", now available on his website at: http://allnetworkevents.com/top50linkedinways.html

This original report gives its readers the unique benefit of gaining an unfair advantage via the powerful insights included. Readers are finding it very beneficial because of the rapid growth of social media and new ways to utilize it. It may even revolutionize the way to approach lead generation and targeted relationship growth.

Don't Think Companies Need Trade Show Stands? Skyline Publishes White Paper On Trade Show Value

Skyline Exhibits, a company known for its dynamic trade show displays, recently published a white paper outlining the value exhibitors and attendees alike can get out of attending a trade show. The 24-page white paper, titled 'The Value of Trade Shows,' was produced in partnership with Expo Magazine.

The results were uncovered from extensive surveys of over 500 trade show exhibitors and attendees. The study found that exhibitors and attendees both find significant value in trade shows and that they expect to find value in trade show exhibits for years to come. The research found that:
•   Exhibitors plan to increase their budget by nearly 10% to attend more events in 2011.
•   Over 60% of exhibitors rate conventions as extremely or very valuable.
•   Over 90% of exhibitors think that trade shows will remain critical to their company's marketing plans in the next five years.
•   Around 90% of attendees find trade shows an essential part of product sourcing, comparing products and meeting suppliers.
•   Over 70% of attendees think trade shows are extremely or very valuable.
•   Attendees plan to increase their travel budgets by over 4% for 2011.
•   Nearly 60% of attendees make a major purchase within three months of an event. 

"Our new white paper is an excellent resource for anyone wanting to learn more about trade shows and how to make the most out of their trade show exhibits. The exhibitors we surveyed told us how they were increasing their trade show participation, why trade shows are important to their business and how they are exhibiting better at trade shows than ever before. The attendees we surveyed told us how they use trade shows to find products, but most importantly, they told us exactly how exhibitors could capture their attention. It's important information that can mean the difference between a triumphant or unsuccessful show," said Michael Thimmesch of Skyline Exhibits (http://www.skyline.com).

Skyline Exhibits is known for designing trade show stands that help companies stand out among others at a convention. The company has a number of different trade show booth designs and a network of over 1500 employees who can provide worldwide service and support. Skyline Exhibits realizes that a trade show exhibit can be a major purchase for any business and offers rental exhibits at a number of its Skyline Regional Service Centers.

Anyone interested in learning more about white paper's findings can request the document at http://www.skyline.com/request/the-value-of-trade-shows.

TAG Names Technology Legislators of the Year

The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), the state’s leading association dedicated to the promotion and economic advancement of Georgia’s technology industry, today announced that Georgia Senator Barry Loudermilk (R-Cassville) and Representative Mike Dudgeon (R-Suwanee) have been awarded with the 2011 Technology Legislator of the Year Award. The award is given annually to lawmakers who demonstrate superior support and understanding of Georgia’s technology issues and industry.

“Senator Loudermilk and Representative Dudgeon are two of the strongest supporters of the technology industry at the Capitol. They understand the important issues that impact technology firms and work tirelessly to see that Georgia is not only open for business, but open for innovation,” said Tino Mantella, president and CEO of TAG.

Mantella continued, “Senator Loudermilk was the sponsor of Senate Resolution 68, which will develop a strategic plan for Georgia’s science and technology industry and help make our state a nationwide leader for technology job and business development. His focus on restoring and growing Georgia’ economy was demonstrated through his sponsorship of SR 68.

Rep. Dudgeon, in his first year, has already proven to be an effective leader in the state. His pro-business, pro-technology attitude, coupled with his knowledge of our education system, will continue to allow him to make Georgia a better place to start and grow a business.”

“The technology industry is critical to growing our economy and putting Georgians back to work,” said Senator Loudermilk. “As this industry grows, it is vital that we develop a structure that will not only support, but encourage its development statewide. I am very appreciative of this award and will continue to work to see that Georgia is a nationwide leader in technology.”

“Having graduated from Georgia Tech and worked in Atlanta’s technology sector for more than 20 years, I understand the impact this industry has on our state. We must ensure that Georgia fosters an environment that ripe for the high-paying jobs that come with technology businesses. This award is a true honor,” said Rep. Dudgeon.

The awards will be presented to both lawmakers before a crowd of top technologist and stakeholders at a special gathering on June 14 held at GE Energy.

About The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG)
The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) is the leading technology industry association in the state, serving more than 13,000 members and hosting over 170 events each year. TAG serves as an umbrella organization for 30 industry societies, each of which provides rich content for TAG constituents. TAG’s mission is to educate, promote, and unite Georgia’s technology community to foster an innovative and connected marketplace that stimulates and enhances a tech-based economy. The association provides members with access to networking and educational programs; recognizes and promotes Georgia’s technology leaders and companies; and advocates for legislative action that enhances the state’s economic climate for technology. Additionally, the TAG Education Collaborative (TAG’s charitable arm) focuses on helping science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education initiatives thrive. For more information visit the TAG website at www.tagonline.org or TAG’s community website at http://www.tagthink.com. To learn about the TAG-Ed Collaborative visit http://www.tagedonline.org.

New Book, The H-Factor, a Business Guide to Positive Psychology and Happiness Published

Using the latest research from the most talented minds in the field of Positive Psychology, author Douglas Mason has written The H- Factor, A Business Guide to Positive Psychology.  Mason shows how increasing the happiness levels of employees will reduce expenses, increase profits, and help create a thriving organization.  Mason believes that leaders, supervisors, managers, and business owners need to use their positions to lead the way to happiness for their team since many employees do not actually know what will make them happy. 

Douglas Mason has over 35 years of experience in corporate consulting, retirement plan and healthcare sales, management, and customer service. He has received numerous sales awards and recognition throughout his successful career in corporate America.

The benefits of a happier workforce are significant and The H-Factor presents these benefits, as well as, specific steps to help employees become happier.  From the latest research, to thought provoking anecdotes and experiences, Doug charts a course that will give you the competitive edge by having The H-Factor as your secret advantage.

To learn more about The H-Factor, A Business Guide to Positive Psychology, visit http://www.thehfactor.biz where it is available for sale. The H-Factor is also available through Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com in both paperback and e-book format.

The Power Formula for LinkedIn Success

Once a skeptic and now an outspoken proponent of LinkedIn, seasoned businessman and “LinkedIn Guru” Wayne Breitbarth is passionate about helping business professionals harness the immense power of this leading-edge tool.

As a nationally recognized speaker, Wayne has trained more than 10,000 people across the country in how to use LinkedIn. He shares his passion for social media with others through private business consulting as well as dynamic presentations to local and national audiences.

Wayne is a CPA and holds an MBA from Marquette University, and as a businessman himself, Wayne helps other business professionals use the professional networking site to build a brand, network, and grow a business.

In March of this year Wayne released his book "The Power Formula for LinkedIn Success." Join our listening audience to learn more about Wayne and about this useful tool that won't cost you a penny!

Co-Communications Garners Six Big W Awards

Co-Communications, Inc., a full-service marketing communications firm, was recognized with six Big W awards by the Ad Club of Westchester, during its annual gala at Abigail Kirsch at the Tappan Hill Mansion in Tarrytown, NY on June 8, 2011.

Co-Communications received Ad Club of Westchester (ACW) awards in the PR category for the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester, Westchester Library System, The GYM in Armonk, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Hospice & Palliative Care of Westchester and Food Bank for Westchester.

Co-Communications picked up four gold ACW awards for The Guiding Eyes for the Blind (33rd Annual Golf Classic), The GYM in Armonk (Breast Cancer Awareness campaign), Hospice & Palliative Care of Westchester (Ongoing campaign), and Food Bank for Westchester (Ongoing campaign).  Silver awards were garnered for the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester (Ongoing campaign) and Westchester Library System (13th annual African-American Writers & Readers Literary Tea).

This is the second consecutive year that Co-Communications Guiding Eyes for the Blind campaign received recognition. The firm’s 2010 Guiding Eyes campaign received ACW’s “Best of Show.”  The campaign generated more than 300 media results (print, broadcast, online), reaching an audience of over 30 million. Major media included CBS Sunday Morning, ABC, NBC, Sports Net New York, New York Post, The Journal News, USA Today and The Today Show.

“It is an honor to be recognized by our peers for the work we have developed on behalf of all of our clients,” said Stacey Cohen, President, Co-Communications. “Once again this year we find ourselves in good company with a number of other remarkable marketing communications firms in Westchester and Connecticut and feel honored to receive these awards.”

Awarded annually, the Ad Club of Westchester’s Big W awards recognize outstanding advertising, marketing and public relations campaigns throughout Westchester County, New York, New York City and Fairfield County, Connecticut.

OtterBox CEO Named Ernst & Young Finalist

Curt Richardson, OtterBox® founder and CEO, was selected as an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2011 Mountain Desert region award finalist. Richardson was selected by a panel of independent judges. Award winners will be announced at a special gala event on Thursday, June 16, 2011 at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

According to Ernst & Young LLP, the award program recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

“It’s certainly an honor to be a finalist, but the honor is for OtterBox,” Richardson said. “One person can’t achieve recognition like this. It takes a whole company.”

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Program celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, recognizing business leaders in more than 140 cities and more than 50 countries across the world.

Regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year National Award. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the Entrepreneur Of The Year overall National Award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, Calif., on November 12, 2011. The awards are the culminating event of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum®, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies, which will be held November 9 to 13, 2011.

About OtterBox:

Built upon fundamentals of hard work, innovation and perseverance, OtterBox is a leader in the production of premier protective solutions for global handheld manufacturers, wireless carriers and distributors.

Incorporating creativity and cutting-edge design into every product, OtterBox creates sleek and durable cases that offer reliable device protection to complement any lifestyle.

OtterBox was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colo.

For more information, visit www.otterbox.com or call 888-695-8820. We’ve Got Technology Covered.

Canadian Company - Nonna Pias Awards U.S. Order Fulfillment to Pacific NW Print & Fulfillment, Inc.

Today's headline story began years ago... inspired by his mother, kids grandmother,  Nonna Pia,  a man named Norman Strim, studied and worked hard to become a certified Red Seal Chef. His work for a prominent gourmet restaurant chain, eventually afforded him the opportunity to tour various vineyards manufacturing olive oil and balsamic vinegar in Modena, Italy.

During the visit, he had the good fortune of sampling 100 year old balsamic vinegar. This vinegar was very robust in flavour, quite viscous and had very low acidity... a little on the sweet side. After arriving back in Canada, and for 15 years following through trial and error, Nonna Pias is proud to bring that same aged flavour and body of that 100 year old nectar to the United States market.

The result of this inspired work are hand-crafted Infused Balsamic Vinegar Reductions produced from 6 year old balsamic vinegar, imported from Modena, Italy. Offered in three flavours, Classic (straight balsamic reduction), Strawberry Fig (the most complex blend), and Rosemary (fresh rosemary infused over 12 hours).

Building on the brand's popularity in Canada, Nonna Pias recently seleted Pacific to be it's order fulfillment and distribution business parther to the United States market.

Commenting on why Pacific was chosen as their premier fulfillment vendor, Natasha their marketing representative replied, "We have chosen Pacific Northwest as our business partner simply becuase we feel that they are honest and are cognisant of our individual needs as an exporter. Their response to our questions are very efficient and for us they had the most economical rates, the simplest fee structure and the quickest turn around time for orders placed."

Pacific welcomes Nonna Pias into it's family of fulfillment business partners and looks forward to serving them and their customers for years to come!

For more information on Nonna Pias, please visit: http://www.nonnapias.com/about.php

For information about Pacific, please visit: http://www.pacificpaf.com/home

Milana Ellison, Fitness Expert Looks Forward to Role as Motivational Speaker

Milana Ellison Fitness has long been recognized for its fitness consulting work with forward thinking firms, film stars and high overall performance athletes. Now, Milana Ellison has announced that she will take the group’s vision to the public. Now, founder and CEO, Milana Ellison, has announced that she will take the group’s message to a far more interpersonal level by opening time as a guest speaker for forums nationwide.

Ellison is available as a motivational speaker, workshop or seminar presenter, and for other sports enterprise related speaking events. Her engaging speaking style draws in his audience and opens their eyes to several practical fitness solutions that they can embrace and immediately execute in their very own organizations.

Ellison remarks, “As a cutting edge fitness consultant, I am properly versed in the work of the terrific fitness strategists that have driven widespread practices in most sports organizations. Nonetheless, when contemplating that 80% of all corporate strategic fitness plans fail to deliver their intended benefits, I knew there was an opportunity to boost athletic performance across the board. My goal| is to share with other folks what I’ve discovered about building a strategic fitness course of action that consistently and predictably delivers on its meant benefits.”

Current speaking engagements consist of such topics as:

From Typical to Superior!

Master how to create game-altering strategies throughout your fitness regimen, transforming the norm into athletes.

Lessons in the Background of athletics: What if you could avoid the mistakes that 4 out of 5 men and women make?

Background has taught us numerous lessons about strategy and body transformation and this insightful and entertaining presentation brings these lessons into focus so that you can evolve to become greater performing by avoiding the blunders of others.

“There is no reason athletes will need to settle for such a dismal record when there are genuine life examples of other people who have attempted forward-thinking fitness planning methodologies, yielding drastically improved outcomes,” remarks Ellison.
For much more information and facts go to www.milanaellison.org

Evacusafe UK is seeking new partners and distributors for their range of evacuation products

The UK based company who manufacture innovative evacuation chairs, transit chairs, evacuation sliders and ski-pads, is keen to talk to prospective partners and distributors who are looking to stock, sell and maintain its range of evacuation chairs and equipment.

Evacusafe products are designed to facilitate the safe evacuation of mobility impaired people, who may not be able to take the stairs, from buildings in the event of lift failure. The Evacusafe range enables quick and easy evacuation of people in wheelchairs, those with injuries or mobility problems, or during pregnancy.

Having already established business partners in key areas across the globe, including many parts of Europe, the Middle East and Australasia, Evacusafe UK is looking to source new distributors and partners throughout South America, Canada, France, Germany and Sweden.

If you are interested in becoming a distributor or partner please contact Paul Mitchell or Tony Gill on;

Office +44 (0) 1256 332723
Email info@evacusafe.net
Website: http://www.evacusafe.net

New England Sports Academy - Summer Camps Schedule

New England Sports Academy is a sports academy with the most comprehensive facilities and provides you children the opportunity to train, improve and enjoy a healthy sporting life. NESA is organizing various camps during the summer months. Which sport are you interested in? Soccer, Lacrosse or Tennis?

NESA is organizing various events and camps in this month. You can get the details for the same from http://www.nesacademy.com


Here is a small list of the newly announced classes and camps:
- NEW Tennis classes and Camp
- NEW Adult Soccer Boot Camp
- NEW Table Tennis Open Play every Monday from 5:30pm to 9:30pm
- Bully Proof Camp DEMO Day! On June 11th at 5pm, meet the coaches and check out what this camp is all about
- New England Sports Academy Welcomes CHEER EXCITEMENT STARS! TRYOUTS will be held on Sunday June 19th from 1 pm – 3 pm

This is the brief of various sports camps. You can find various sports camp through the website of NESA. And register for your favorite sports camp. For detail information and registration please visit http://www.nesacademy.com

About NESA

New England Sorts Academy is one of the young and rapidly growing academies in the New England Region with a talented pool of coaches and sports professionals. They are dedicated to provide most refined and comprehensive facility to enable the children the opportunity to get training, grow and enjoy life with lots of fun. Disseminating the message of sports, wellness and fitness they look forward to achieving many milestones in the years to come.

Please visit http://www.nesacademy.com to learn more about this summer camp.

Show Off Your Green House Features

Green houses are selling these days, unlike most traditional homes that are spending far too long on the market. Buyers who are after a green house will come and take a look, but you must be clear in your house description that your house is, indeed, a green one.

The terms low VOC’s, passive heat gain, FSC certification, solar powered, etc. are what green oriented buyers are looking for when they peruse the online house sale listings. Most of the online real estate sites, in fact, now have the boxes you can check for green features to narrow your search. You will want to have your house included in those searches.

There are many areas of the country where this is particularly true. New York City, Colorado, and California, for example, have many eco-conscious citizens who are either in energy inefficient houses now and want to buy newer and better green systems, or they are already living green and want to continue when they move. Many other states have pockets of interest in ecologically sound living and more of those areas are popping up every day.

Don’t let this selling point slip by you. If you have a solar panel to heat your swimming pool or spa, advertise it. If you have put in south facing windows or a garden room off the kitchen to catch the heat of the sun in winter, advertise that, too. Can you boast of a micro garden in your patio area? Do so.

If you don’t have much in the way of green energy in your house and you want to put some in, there are a number of things you can add or do when you replace another appliance. Use only Energy Star rated appliances when you replace the old ones. Try installing a tankless hot water heater when you must replace the old one that’s just about worn out. These appliances are just slightly more expensive than buying traditional appliances without good energy ratings.

Look for sales on appliances to get the green versions as opposed to paying full price for the older types. Don’t replace the heat pump on the pool without checking on the possibility of a solar heating panel. You might be surprised at the cost if you look for bargains and it will be worth your while. You will be able to advertise your house’s green features when you put it on the market for sale.

We buy houses in the Washington, DC area. We buy houses in all price ranges, both ugly and pretty, in all areas. We can pay cash and make decisions quickly and we have attractive options to those looking to sell a property quickly, without doing any repairs. http://www.we-buy-houses-washingtondc.com

We buy houses fast and easy, often in as little as 7 days. We can close quickly and most importantly, relieve your stress and help you regain peace of mind. http://www.we-buy-houses-washingtondc.com

A Live Chat Service Provider Launches Blog on Tips to Increase Your Conversion Rate

WebGreeter.com, a Chicago basedlive chat service provider and a subsidiary of LiveAdmins LLC, has launched a weblog to help individuals and businesses looking to increase their website’s conversion rate. The new blog is aimed at providing expert opinion and useful tips on customer support services, online support services and increasing the marketing return on investment.

Announcing the launch of the new live support services blog (http://www.webgreeter.com/blog), LiveAdmins CEO, Frank Azhar said“Many of our live chat service customers have been seeking advice from our customer support experts on how to engage their website visitors effectively to enhance their conversion rate and get more sales and leads. We have gained extensive experience in helping individuals and businesses over the last decade and we wanted to share our knowledge with others. Therefore, we decided to launch a blog where we could share our own experiences and provide a platform for other industry experts to come and share their knowledge with our visitors.”

As more businesses realize the importance of inbound marketing, most modern businesses are becoming publishers. By offering free and helpful advice, business organizations have a better chance of gaining trust of their existing as well as potential customers. According to a recent research, 45% digital marketers and entrepreneurs believed their biggest marketing challenge was to enhance their website’s conversion rate. “WebGreeter.com’s blog is aimed at such an audience,” Frank reiterated.

LiveAdmins LLC (http://www.liveadmins.com/) has been providing live chat and live support services to individuals and businesses looking to proactively engage their website visitors and add a human touch to their online shopping experience for the last 9 years around the world. They have a global presence, with offices in the US, Philippines, and South Asia. WebGreeter.com specializes in providing live help services to the website visitors of lawyers, auto dealers, real estate, colleges, education and ecommerce websites in multiple languages including English and French.

To find more about WebGreeter.com live chat support services (http://www.webgreeter.com/servicest.aspx) visit webgreeter.com.

Free eBook Detailing How to Start an Online Business Successfully

Well-known Internet marketer, Maureen Rainford, has announced the release of her new eBook, “Internet Business for Newbies.” The publication provides essential information for anyone who wants to learn how to start an online business and make money. Maureen is giving away free copies of her eBook for a limited time.

“starting a online business is not difficult and if you are willing to put in the work, it can change your life beyond your wildest imagination,” said Maureen Rainford, author and owner of the website, CreateOnlineBusinessEasily.com. “It did for me and it’s given me financial independence.”

Loss of jobs and the desire of people to own their own business is at a fever pitch. Individuals can make money easy online if they have the knowledge and tools to do so. Maureen has been an Internet marketer since 2007, and “Internet Business for Newbies” walks readers step-by-step through the process of establishing a successful online business.

Maureen doesn’t mince words or skimp on details in her eBook. Written in plain English, the information is easy to understand and implement, even for those who have no marketing experience.

Maureen explains how to start a new business, as well as steps that must be taken prior to going online. She shares information about the most important factor that affects sales of those who want to work online and make money.

Successful business owners know how to stand out from the competition in their chosen industry. The eBook helps readers explore ways they can distinguish their business to make money easy online.

To make sales, businesses must have traffic to their websites. The most sophisticated online site is no good without a steady stream of visitors that can be converted to buyers. Maureen examines proven methods for generating traffic, from website SEO techniques to press releases.

Those who want to work online and make money are cognizant of the importance of building and maintaining a customer base. It’s critical for the long-term success of any enterprise and “Internet Business for Newbies” explains in detail how to build a customer base for future success.

Maureen’s new publication is available as an eBook that can be downloaded for instant access. The free eBook offer is only available for a limited time, and is recommended reading for anyone with the desire to work online and make money.

“Internet Business for Newbies” provides the knowledge, tools and techniques needed to make money easy online. Maureen examines a wide range of topics essential to creating a successful online business, from prelaunch phase to profits. The free eBook provides a comprehensive guide that can be used by anyone who wants to work online and make money.

For more information, visit the website at http://www.createonlinebusinesseasily.com.

Bayview Construction secures USDA project

Ken Ringe, president of Bayview Construction Corporation, announced today that Bayview Construction has been awarded a $300,000 design/build tenant improvement for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Fort Pierce, Fla.

The Stuart-based construction firm is converting the interior of a former Perkins Restaurant, located on Crossroads Parkway in Fort Pierce, into administrative offices to house approximately 45 USDA employees. Improvements to the existing 6,000 square foot building include the installation of high-efficiency HVAC and lighting, low water usage plumbing, doors constructed of recycled materials, and low emission flooring and cabinetry.

"The architect, Crossroads Architecture, has designed energy and sustainable features into this project to achieve U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED Silver Certification," said Bayview Construction project manager Charles Cangianelli.

The fast-track project began this month and will be completed within 30 days to meet the move-in requirements of the USDA.

Bayview Construction, headquartered in Stuart, Florida is a certified state-licensed general contractor. A national award-winning company in construction and safety, and a Treasure Coast Builders Association Builder (TCBA) of the Year award recipient, Bayview has been in operation for more than 32 years. For more information on the company and its capabilities, visit http://www.bayviewconstruction.com

Loss Prevention Academy coming in July

Finally, E-Learning courses for the Retail Loss Prevention industry!  In July of 2011 we will be introducing our new site, www.LossPreventionAcademy.com. 

Our on-line, e learning training is what we call position based training.  Our first course will be a 2 hour course for hourly employees on shortage and safety basics on their role in reducing losses in these areas.  The next course will be a 10 hour course on how to become an undercover loss prevention detective.  And lastly, LP for Managers will be a 10 hour course for Store, Asst. and LP Managers and will be a comprehensive course on shortage/safety programs.

In addition, we will be offering 12 awareness posters for shortage and safety via the academy and also under www.LPPosters.com. These were designed to increase awareness in today's 17 to 22 year old employee by utilizing modern day communication styles.

Westchester Receives Top Honors for ‘Intellectual Capital’ Marketing Campaign from NYS EDC

The Westchester County Office of Economic Development took top honors for its groundbreaking “Intellectual Capital” marketing campaign at the New York State Economic Development Council’s (NYSEDC) annual meeting held May 26 in Cooperstown.
  
The County Office of Economic Development won the top prize in its class for each of the three categories in which it was entered, including Best Development Brochure, Best Printed Advertising Material and Best Website. The annual awards recognize achievements in business marketing among the state's leading economic development organizations.

Under the leadership of Laurence P. Gottlieb, the County’s Director of Economic Development, the Westchester County Office of Economic Development initiated an innovative branding campaign last fall that is focused on Westchester’s highly skilled and educated workforce.

At the center of the branding platform is the trademarked slogan “Westchester County – New York’s Intellectual Capital.” The print ads feature elements of people’s everyday lives – a picket fence, a coffee cup, and someone’s own hand – adorned with complex mathematical, chemical and engineering formulas. In the ad featuring the coffee cup, the headline reads “In Westchester, brilliance happens all the time.” The marketing campaign was created and implemented by Thompson & Bender, a full service public relations and advertising agency in Briarcliff Manor.

“We are very proud and honored to have received this prestigious award and statewide recognition for our marketing and branding campaign. The campaign has clearly positioned Westchester County as ‘New York’s Intellectural Capital‘ and plays to our strengths in today’s hot growth sectors of biotech, finance, health care, information technology and green technologies,” said Mr. Gottlieb.

“Economic development remains a cornerstone of my administration, so these awards – judged by our peers from across the state – reaffirm that Westchester is taking a bold, aggressive approach to retaining and attracting businesses to the county,” stated Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino. “Congratulations to Economic Development Director Larry Gottlieb, and the creative agency Thompson & Bender, for a job well done.”

Initial Findings of 2011 Architectural Study Show Signs of Recovery

DiCicco, Gulman & Company LLP (DGC) of Woburn, Mass., a CPA and business consulting firm specializing in the architecture and engineering (A&E) industry, has released initial findings of its 2011 Architectural Study. The annual survey benchmarks financial performance based on input from over 30 prominent firms in the Greater Boston marketplace. The study contains some of the most comprehensive, historical data available for New England firms.

This year’s study is evidence that the A&E industry is beginning to rebound. On average, firms saw approximately 7.5% of their net fees drop to the bottom line compared to last year when the average firm realized a meager 0.4% of net fees, with half of the firms operating at a loss. The DGC 2011 Architectural Study reports that the average utilization of A&E firms for 2010 increased to 61.5% after dropping to 58.9% in 2009, the lowest chargeability rate on record. The direct labor billing multiple is a healthy 3.23, however, this may be artificially high when compared to historical trends because of the impact of pay cuts. Average total hourly wage rates were relatively flat in 2010 compared to 2009.

In addition, project pricing continues to be a challenge as some firms have sought to “buy” work with lower rates. There was a slight decrease in average billing rates during 2010. It will be difficult for firms to return to historical profit levels until we see more improvement in the utilization rate, which is still low at 61.5%. As a result, firms have continued to run very lean and this will likely continue until the industry sees more consistent improvement. 

“All in all, it’s encouraging,” said David M. Sullivan, the partner in charge of the A&E group at DGC. “Recovery may be slow, but we believe the worst is behind us.”

"Going forward, firms will need to evaluate their strategies,” adds Chad DaGraca, a principal in the A&E group at DGC. “They will need to think about their business model, the types of markets they are in, and how they can leverage their talent and resources to give them a competitive edge.”

The DGC Architectural Study highlights the firm’s expertise and in-depth knowledge of the architecture and engineering industries. DGC experts analyze financial data from prominent firms in the Greater Boston region, focusing on operational performance metrics and identifying emerging trends. Elements of the study will be discussed at DGC’s upcoming A&E Summit on June 9 at the Westin Waltham. For details, visit www.dgccpa.com/aesummit.

Bridge the Culture Gap Between Commercial & Federal Markets

The language of federal contracting is frequently obscure and nearly impossible to interpret.
•   Federal buying rules and contract compliance requirements are burdensome and littered with red tape.
•   Government contracting officers need to demonstrate that bidding is competitive; how to avoid being nit-picked to death during negotiations is a mystery to most companies.
•   The mindset of buyers for the federal government is quite different from that of people making buying decisions in the commercial sector.
•   Proposal writing decisions--when to bid, how to price, what elements are required to ensure your effort is considered “responsive” and compliant—make it a different world than commercial proposal writing.
•   Once you have a contract with the federal government, figuring out the reporting requirements, how to stay in contract compliance, and which contract clauses are important and which you can more or less ignore is difficult to discern without guidance.

Fedmarket's 2-day federal sales and contracting survival camp teaches the fundamentals of how to succeed in the federal marketplace.

Designed for executives and sales managers, this full-immersion course covers all of the critical elements of federal sales and contracting. The goal of the 2-day event is to provide you with core knowledge about the federal market: the pluses and minuses of market entry, sales are made, and what works and what doesn't. Topics presented in one hour segments include:

•   Federal sales strategies and how they differ from the commercial market.
•   Opportunity identification and sales planning
•   The new trend toward multi-vendor contacts
•   Small business preference programs: Who qualifies, and how to qualify
•   GSA schedule contracts--the small business route to federal sales
•   Contract risks and how to avoid them
•   Cost accounting requirements
•   Proposal writing: It’s a unique game and how to play it
•   Proposal pricing, contract types and how to price them
•   Security clearances, who may get them and how
•   Bid protests: When and when not to protest

Summer 2011 Special - Free SharePoint 2010 consulting to customize SharePoint

Award winning SharePoint 2010 consulting firm ConvergePoint (http://www.convergepoint.com), announces the summer 2011 special free no obligation SharePoint consulting session aimed solely at organizations looking to develop SharePoint 2010 intranets, customize SharePoint portals and & SharePoint extranets to address specific business needs.

Summer 2011 is finally here. The free SharePoint consulting session is specially designed for organizations to talk with expert SharePoint consultants to determine how best to customize SharePoint & InfoPath. ConvergePoint SharePoint consultants are experts in Microsoft Office SharePoint™ 2010 and InfoPath™ 2010 technologies. Our customers have leveraged our extensive experience in developing SharePoint workflow & SharePoint web part enabled business collaboration tools that allow for creating, gathering, sharing and approval of information across the organization.

Businesses looking to develop highly efficient collaborative Microsoft SharePoint Portals and Microsoft SharePoint Intranets for their business users, customers and vendors are strongly recommended to consider the special summer offer from experienced SharePoint consultants at Converge Point.

Founded in 2002, New York headquartered  ConvergePoint partners with organizations to perform SharePoint related business process analysis, plan SharePoint migration strategies, install SharePoint servers, architect SharePoint site structures, customize SharePoint to confirm to marketing & branding guidelines, develop business SharePoint business applications and deploy SharePoint to business users in a cost effective manner.

June 22 Seminar to Help Businesses Understand, Comply with Employment Laws

For many businesses, employment laws are an alphabet soup of acronyms, bureaucratic minutiae and incomprehensible legalese. Unfortunately, what employers don’t know about these laws can hurt them.

A June 22 seminar at Jannsen + Company, “Employment Laws - What Should You Know?,” will provide an overview of important state and federal employment laws, cutting through regulatory jargon and legal language to explain how they really affect businesses. The 8 a.m. seminar will also address recent regulatory changes and pending employment legislation.

“Employment Laws – What Should You Know?” will be held at the Jannsen Center, W239-N3490 Pewaukee Road (southeast corner of Capitol Drive and Highway 164), Pewaukee. The seminar cost is $25. Interested attendees should call (262) 513-9292 or e-mail marketing@jannsen.com to reserve a spot.

Ann Mazer, a veteran human resources consultant with more than 15 years’ experience helping employers, will lead the seminar. Mazer, who joined Jannsen + Company in 2006, is recognized as a Senior Professional of Human Resources by the Human Resources Certification Institute.

“Employment laws and regulations are constantly changing, and it’s understandably difficult for many employers to keep up with them,” Mazer said. “This seminar’s goal is to help businesses understand the primary laws that affect them, and avoid making common mistakes that can inadvertently lead to costly penalties and enforcement actions.”

Businesses with employees are regulated by more than 50 federal employment laws and nearly a dozen Wisconsin laws, Mazer said. The seminar will cover many of them, including the Family and Medical Leave Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Age Discrimination and Employment Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act and COBRA. Attendees will learn which laws apply to them, and how they are interpreted and enforced.