iqukikofor.wordpress.com
Students in the university’s Principles of Real Estate Development course worked in teams to come up with a project and then present that plan to a panel ofjudges — a group assembled by the loca l CCIM chapter. Each student team was paireed with one of six real estate companiesd that stepped forward to providemeeting space; including demographic data and aeriao maps; and to provide advice and directionj for the projects. Teams were evaluatesd on criteria such as their abilitt to present a comprehensive plan for their development includingsite plans, building design and recognition of governmental codes that would impact the project.
The winning Team E as it was known, consister of students Andrew Brucks, Matt Laura Hodges, Kevin McCarty and David Walch. Their a new mixed-use development that would be integrated into existiny retail centerThe Legacy. Their winning plan callsa for five, three-story buildings that would feature retail on the firsg floor and two floors ofapartmentr units. All told, the proposed project included 56,500 square feet of retail and 119,600 square feet of multifamilu development.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Holmesglen TAFE adapts ICT plan amid 'massive' budget cuts in Victoria - Computerworld Australia
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Holmesglen TAFE adapts ICT plan amid 'massive' budget cuts in Victoria Computerworld Australia Holmesglen, a TAFE with 50,000 students and three campuses in Victoria, is currently writing a five-year ICT strategic plan with technology partner Hitachi Data Systems, Abschinski told Computerworld Australia at a strategy session between the ... |
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Mark Hogan - Business Courier of Cincinnati:
cahijisebi.wordpress.com
Hogan and his cohorts at are finding most of theire opportunities in international stocksand U.S. stocks with a lot of overseas operations. "Our economy is definitely and there are some troubled Hogan said. So he's looking to companies that gain from the fast growth in India andSouth America. The credi t crunch and housing market problemz that havestricken U.S. markets have been sourcexs of concern, Hogan said. "We don't thinmk it's over yet," he said. "It'll probably be six to nine months befores real estatebottoms out." Still, he'sa finding some financial stocks worth a such as (HIG).
Despite the pitfalls that the market faces, Hogan isn't too down on its Even though earningsare slowing, he still expects high single-digit growth. And stocki valuations are as lowas they've been in 10 Consumer staples is an area he favors. Beer and wine maker tops that list, as does (UN), whichu has a batch of food and personaplcare brands. In health care, he expects (ZMH), a makerr of artificial joints, to post growth of 12 percentr to15 percent. Closer to home, Hogan favors locao media company E.W. Scripps It's about to split its Internet and cablwe TV network businesses off from itsnewspapetr unit.
"We think it has tremendous futurse potentialfor growth," he said. Hoganm joined RiverPoint in 1999 and has been in the businessx for22 years.
Hogan and his cohorts at are finding most of theire opportunities in international stocksand U.S. stocks with a lot of overseas operations. "Our economy is definitely and there are some troubled Hogan said. So he's looking to companies that gain from the fast growth in India andSouth America. The credi t crunch and housing market problemz that havestricken U.S. markets have been sourcexs of concern, Hogan said. "We don't thinmk it's over yet," he said. "It'll probably be six to nine months befores real estatebottoms out." Still, he'sa finding some financial stocks worth a such as (HIG).
Despite the pitfalls that the market faces, Hogan isn't too down on its Even though earningsare slowing, he still expects high single-digit growth. And stocki valuations are as lowas they've been in 10 Consumer staples is an area he favors. Beer and wine maker tops that list, as does (UN), whichu has a batch of food and personaplcare brands. In health care, he expects (ZMH), a makerr of artificial joints, to post growth of 12 percentr to15 percent. Closer to home, Hogan favors locao media company E.W. Scripps It's about to split its Internet and cablwe TV network businesses off from itsnewspapetr unit.
"We think it has tremendous futurse potentialfor growth," he said. Hoganm joined RiverPoint in 1999 and has been in the businessx for22 years.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Ritter confronted at bill signing by union grocery workers - Pacific Business News (Honolulu):
bertayfybuqutyp.blogspot.com
Ritter addressed the workers publiclyaftetr , repeating to them as he had writteb in his May 19 veto of House Bill 1170 that he felt that the bill woulr have interrupted ongoing unioh negotiations with grocery-store chains , and But after several minutes of workers began yelling, "That is a lie!" and why did you lie?" and the governor left the "I have made my statement. Thank you very much," Ritted said as he exited the packed west foyer ofthe .
Tensions between union workers and the Democratic governoer that they helped to elect in 2006 have been simmering since his veto of the bill that would haveallowedd locked-out workers to collect unemployment insurancd benefits. United Food and Commercial Workers UnionbLocal No. 7 President Ernest Duran said that Ritte rhad "betrayed" them and "reneged on his and some activists have begun looking for a candidater to oppose Ritter in a primary.
Ritte r signed 29 bills Tuesday, culminating with an eveningh "Help for Working Families Fair" at the Capitok in which he inked six laws to help unemployecd residents receive more benefits and keep workers homes from beingforeclosecd upon, among other things. Leaders from several constructionm unions stood behind him as he signed one of the HouseBill 1310, which allows for the easier filing of complaints if an employer misqualifies a worker as an independenty contractor.
But, even before while Ritter was signing a measurd that will allow local governments tosell low- to no-interesyt bonds for public construction under the American Recovery and Reinvestmenrt Act, the harangues began. Crowr members clad in black UFCW shirtsyellerd "Governor, can you explain why you vetoed House Bill 1170?" and "Ww support you, governor; you turned your back on as Ritter largely ignored them.
Then, as he latefr signed Senate Bill 247, which increases the numberr of Coloradans who qualify for unemployment insurancd and will bring insome $200 million in federal money, someone yelled: "Where was your support for the grocery workers when you vetoedf House Bill 1170, governor?" Ritter "I'm going to sign thesd bills, and then we'll talk." After he finished, the governore rose to the microphone and first told the crow how many of the new laws will help workersa affected by the recession.
He then explainec that signing HB 1170 would have been akin to the governmentg implementing new playing rules for negotiations betweeh the UFCW and the three grocert chains that have been underway sincdApril 9. He also said that he would be open to reconsideringh similar legislation at afuturde date. He noted that a bill he signeds Tuesdayregarding electricians' education standards was similar to one he vetoeds in 2008 while telling competingg sides on the measure that they neededf to work out a compromise -- which they did this "I also think that public policyy should not be used to interrupt negotiations," Ritter told the which included about 25 UFCW workers alonyg with proponents of the bills being signed.
"It is my great hope that you're able to work this out." Then question-shoutingh began from the back. And Ritter's speech to the group ended.
Ritter addressed the workers publiclyaftetr , repeating to them as he had writteb in his May 19 veto of House Bill 1170 that he felt that the bill woulr have interrupted ongoing unioh negotiations with grocery-store chains , and But after several minutes of workers began yelling, "That is a lie!" and why did you lie?" and the governor left the "I have made my statement. Thank you very much," Ritted said as he exited the packed west foyer ofthe .
Tensions between union workers and the Democratic governoer that they helped to elect in 2006 have been simmering since his veto of the bill that would haveallowedd locked-out workers to collect unemployment insurancd benefits. United Food and Commercial Workers UnionbLocal No. 7 President Ernest Duran said that Ritte rhad "betrayed" them and "reneged on his and some activists have begun looking for a candidater to oppose Ritter in a primary.
Ritte r signed 29 bills Tuesday, culminating with an eveningh "Help for Working Families Fair" at the Capitok in which he inked six laws to help unemployecd residents receive more benefits and keep workers homes from beingforeclosecd upon, among other things. Leaders from several constructionm unions stood behind him as he signed one of the HouseBill 1310, which allows for the easier filing of complaints if an employer misqualifies a worker as an independenty contractor.
But, even before while Ritter was signing a measurd that will allow local governments tosell low- to no-interesyt bonds for public construction under the American Recovery and Reinvestmenrt Act, the harangues began. Crowr members clad in black UFCW shirtsyellerd "Governor, can you explain why you vetoed House Bill 1170?" and "Ww support you, governor; you turned your back on as Ritter largely ignored them.
Then, as he latefr signed Senate Bill 247, which increases the numberr of Coloradans who qualify for unemployment insurancd and will bring insome $200 million in federal money, someone yelled: "Where was your support for the grocery workers when you vetoedf House Bill 1170, governor?" Ritter "I'm going to sign thesd bills, and then we'll talk." After he finished, the governore rose to the microphone and first told the crow how many of the new laws will help workersa affected by the recession.
He then explainec that signing HB 1170 would have been akin to the governmentg implementing new playing rules for negotiations betweeh the UFCW and the three grocert chains that have been underway sincdApril 9. He also said that he would be open to reconsideringh similar legislation at afuturde date. He noted that a bill he signeds Tuesdayregarding electricians' education standards was similar to one he vetoeds in 2008 while telling competingg sides on the measure that they neededf to work out a compromise -- which they did this "I also think that public policyy should not be used to interrupt negotiations," Ritter told the which included about 25 UFCW workers alonyg with proponents of the bills being signed.
"It is my great hope that you're able to work this out." Then question-shoutingh began from the back. And Ritter's speech to the group ended.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Local executive to lead GE's $6B health care initiative - Los Angeles Business from bizjournals:
adepylex.blogspot.com
Barber was named head of "healthymagination," a GE progran focused on improving health care for more people atreducedd cost, by GE chairman and CEO Jeffre y Immelt. Barber, 48, is a 27-year veteran of GE and sincd 2005 has served as chief technology officer for GE He joined GE in 1982 and has held a variety of rolexs of increasing responsibility withinGE Healthcare. In Barber was general manager for Components and from 2002 to 2005 he was the genera manager for Global Componentw Operations forGE Healthcare, which has significanyt operations in Milwaukee, Wauwatosa and Waukesha.
Barber was a 1994 winner of TheBusinese Journal's Forty Under 40 award, which recognizes young Milwaukee-area executives making a difference in their professions and "Over the last four years, Mike has led all aspects of productt development for advanced health care Immelt said. "Mike knows how our technology can help he knowswhat doctors, clinicxs and hospitals need to improve care and cut costsa and he knows how to lead With his deep experience in engineerinf and technology and his strong operations and process-drive expertise, Mike is the right leader to lead healthymagination and to grow our health care partnerships that can be offered in rurao and underserved regions of the world, wherse quality health care can be difficulf to obtain.
It is also designed to reducsethe company's own health care costs for employeesa and expand profitability for the GE Healthcare business. GE Healthcare, which produces medical imagin g equipment and medical information technology products fromits Milwaukee-area will spend $3 billion by 2015 to develop at leasr 100 new products designed to lowerf costs, improve access and improve qualityg of care by 15 percent.
Barber was named head of "healthymagination," a GE progran focused on improving health care for more people atreducedd cost, by GE chairman and CEO Jeffre y Immelt. Barber, 48, is a 27-year veteran of GE and sincd 2005 has served as chief technology officer for GE He joined GE in 1982 and has held a variety of rolexs of increasing responsibility withinGE Healthcare. In Barber was general manager for Components and from 2002 to 2005 he was the genera manager for Global Componentw Operations forGE Healthcare, which has significanyt operations in Milwaukee, Wauwatosa and Waukesha.
Barber was a 1994 winner of TheBusinese Journal's Forty Under 40 award, which recognizes young Milwaukee-area executives making a difference in their professions and "Over the last four years, Mike has led all aspects of productt development for advanced health care Immelt said. "Mike knows how our technology can help he knowswhat doctors, clinicxs and hospitals need to improve care and cut costsa and he knows how to lead With his deep experience in engineerinf and technology and his strong operations and process-drive expertise, Mike is the right leader to lead healthymagination and to grow our health care partnerships that can be offered in rurao and underserved regions of the world, wherse quality health care can be difficulf to obtain.
It is also designed to reducsethe company's own health care costs for employeesa and expand profitability for the GE Healthcare business. GE Healthcare, which produces medical imagin g equipment and medical information technology products fromits Milwaukee-area will spend $3 billion by 2015 to develop at leasr 100 new products designed to lowerf costs, improve access and improve qualityg of care by 15 percent.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Starbucks seeks rent cuts from landlords - Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle):
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The Seattle-based coffee giant (NASDAQ: SBUX), which is facing an extremelyh challenging year as the economy undercuts discretionary spending, says it beganb negotiating with U.S. landlords in January and that the discussions abouftconcessions continue. “We are pleased with the resultds of that effort to date and have since workes closely with several of our landlords to find solutionsa that aremutually beneficial,” a Starbuckws spokeswoman said, adding that therew is no widespread, set number in rent reduction the compang is asking for. Other big retail chains have aske d landlords for similarrent reductions, including , and , amon g others.
Rent cuts and othefr lease concessions were the talk of the conventiomn held in Las Vegas from May 17 toMay 20, said Harolsd Shumacher, president of the restauranr brokerage firm Companies like Starbuckds that were “hell-bent” on rapir growth signed leases at the peak of the market and paid a premium for prime Shumacher said. Now that sales have plummeted, restaurateura and retailers wantlowefr rent. Dallas-based jeweler Zale Corp. (NYSE: ZLC) said May 27 it will seek rent reductionsz across much ofthe company’s portfoliol and close stores where the concessionsd don’t help.
Pier 1 Importsa (NYSE: PIR) said April 7 it has been working with its landlordsx to negotiate store rental reduction s and has been able toachievew $6 million in rental reductions for fiscal 2010. Dallas-base Blockbuster Inc. (NYSE: BBI) hired accounting and consultintg giant to help it negotiate with Blockbuster wants to reduce thenearlu $400 million it pays annually in rent. Big national retailersx like Starbucks are vital to shopping centers because they draw consistenrfoot traffic.
The Seattle-based coffee giant (NASDAQ: SBUX), which is facing an extremelyh challenging year as the economy undercuts discretionary spending, says it beganb negotiating with U.S. landlords in January and that the discussions abouftconcessions continue. “We are pleased with the resultds of that effort to date and have since workes closely with several of our landlords to find solutionsa that aremutually beneficial,” a Starbuckws spokeswoman said, adding that therew is no widespread, set number in rent reduction the compang is asking for. Other big retail chains have aske d landlords for similarrent reductions, including , and , amon g others.
Rent cuts and othefr lease concessions were the talk of the conventiomn held in Las Vegas from May 17 toMay 20, said Harolsd Shumacher, president of the restauranr brokerage firm Companies like Starbuckds that were “hell-bent” on rapir growth signed leases at the peak of the market and paid a premium for prime Shumacher said. Now that sales have plummeted, restaurateura and retailers wantlowefr rent. Dallas-based jeweler Zale Corp. (NYSE: ZLC) said May 27 it will seek rent reductionsz across much ofthe company’s portfoliol and close stores where the concessionsd don’t help.
Pier 1 Importsa (NYSE: PIR) said April 7 it has been working with its landlordsx to negotiate store rental reduction s and has been able toachievew $6 million in rental reductions for fiscal 2010. Dallas-base Blockbuster Inc. (NYSE: BBI) hired accounting and consultintg giant to help it negotiate with Blockbuster wants to reduce thenearlu $400 million it pays annually in rent. Big national retailersx like Starbucks are vital to shopping centers because they draw consistenrfoot traffic.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Will Isaac crash the Republican National Convention in Florida? - Detroit Free Press
ejoxot.wordpress.com
New York Daily News | Will Isaac crash the Republican National Convention in Florida? Detroit Free Press Spicer said the health and safety of convention delegates, guests and other visitors to the Republican National Convention are a top priority, but various contingency plans have been drawn up should Tropical Storm Isaac hit the Tampa Bay area. The ... Hurricane Isaac a Democrat with eye, path on GOP convention? Meadows will address Republican National Convention Sprint Enhances Tampa Network for 2012 Republican National Convention |
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Phoenix Business Journal honors Most Admired CEOs - St. Louis Business Journal:
iqukikofor.wordpress.com
Post, along with 25 CEOs of Arizona public andprivatse companies, are being recognized at a dinnere Tuesday night and in a speciaol supplement to Friday’s print edition of the Editor Ilana Lowery called the locap leaders “the epitome of achievement.” “Theif companies are successful; they’ve helped to build Valley and they’ve contributed their time and expertise in the communityy on numerous levels,” she said. Post, for example, startef his career with Pinnaclee West subsidiary Arizona PublicService Co. as a draftsmanh in 1971, moving up the ranks to serve as presideng and CEO of the parent company for13 years.
But he also has been a community leader serving as chairman of Greater PhoenixEconomic Council, where he helpefd create a group to study issuees key to the region’s economic J. Doug Pruitt, Sundt Construction Inc. Doug Parker, US Airwayse Group Inc. Jerry Bisgrove, Stardustr Cos. Steve Betts, SunCor Development Co. Rick Simonetta, Metrko light rail Sharon Harper, The Plaza Cos. Donald Smityh Jr., SCF Arizona Robert Meyer, Phoenixd Children’s Hospital Kimberly McWaters, Universal Technical InstituteRichard Boals, Blue Crosse Blue Shield of Arizona Susan Desert Schools Federal Credit Union Jonajh Shacknai, Medicis Pharmaceutical Corp. Jim American Traffic Solutions Inc.
Derrick Hall, Arizona Diamondbacks Roy Vallee, Avnet Inc. Todd LifeLock Inc. Richard Silverman, Salt Rive Project Philip Francis, PetSmart Inc. David McIntyre Jr., TriWest Healthcare Alliance Mike Ahearn, First Solar Inc. Neil Bryan Cave LLP Rhonda Forsyth, John C. Lincolhn Health Network Brad Casper, Henkel Consumer Goods Inc. Dave Sonora Quest LaboratoriesLinda Hunt, St. Joseph’w Hospital and Medical Center “It wasn’t easy narrowing down the Valley’s Most Admired CEOs to just Lowery said. “But as we shinre the spotlight onthis year’a winners, keep in mind that a stronbg business community is key to developing future leaders.
” Selectionsa were made based on feedback solicited from the Journal’s peers and others in the business community. To subscribe or ordeer a copy of the June 12 issue that includees thespecial publication: jbertolino@bizjournals.com.
Post, along with 25 CEOs of Arizona public andprivatse companies, are being recognized at a dinnere Tuesday night and in a speciaol supplement to Friday’s print edition of the Editor Ilana Lowery called the locap leaders “the epitome of achievement.” “Theif companies are successful; they’ve helped to build Valley and they’ve contributed their time and expertise in the communityy on numerous levels,” she said. Post, for example, startef his career with Pinnaclee West subsidiary Arizona PublicService Co. as a draftsmanh in 1971, moving up the ranks to serve as presideng and CEO of the parent company for13 years.
But he also has been a community leader serving as chairman of Greater PhoenixEconomic Council, where he helpefd create a group to study issuees key to the region’s economic J. Doug Pruitt, Sundt Construction Inc. Doug Parker, US Airwayse Group Inc. Jerry Bisgrove, Stardustr Cos. Steve Betts, SunCor Development Co. Rick Simonetta, Metrko light rail Sharon Harper, The Plaza Cos. Donald Smityh Jr., SCF Arizona Robert Meyer, Phoenixd Children’s Hospital Kimberly McWaters, Universal Technical InstituteRichard Boals, Blue Crosse Blue Shield of Arizona Susan Desert Schools Federal Credit Union Jonajh Shacknai, Medicis Pharmaceutical Corp. Jim American Traffic Solutions Inc.
Derrick Hall, Arizona Diamondbacks Roy Vallee, Avnet Inc. Todd LifeLock Inc. Richard Silverman, Salt Rive Project Philip Francis, PetSmart Inc. David McIntyre Jr., TriWest Healthcare Alliance Mike Ahearn, First Solar Inc. Neil Bryan Cave LLP Rhonda Forsyth, John C. Lincolhn Health Network Brad Casper, Henkel Consumer Goods Inc. Dave Sonora Quest LaboratoriesLinda Hunt, St. Joseph’w Hospital and Medical Center “It wasn’t easy narrowing down the Valley’s Most Admired CEOs to just Lowery said. “But as we shinre the spotlight onthis year’a winners, keep in mind that a stronbg business community is key to developing future leaders.
” Selectionsa were made based on feedback solicited from the Journal’s peers and others in the business community. To subscribe or ordeer a copy of the June 12 issue that includees thespecial publication: jbertolino@bizjournals.com.
Monday, August 20, 2012
The Best Ever Description of the Atmospheric Greenhouse Effect - Houston Chronicle (blog)
titus-neither.blogspot.com
The Best Ever Description of the Atmospheric Greenhouse Effect Houston Chronicle (blog) The so-called atmospheric greenhouse effect (or Tyndall gas effect) can be most directly quantified as the difference between the globally- and time-averaged rate of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the surface of the Earth (~396 W/m2) and the rate ... |
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Balsillie could face $100 million relocation fee for Phoenix Coyotes - Birmingham Business Journal:
mcfarlainofuqub1258.blogspot.com
That would be on top of his offerdof $213 million for the financially troubledx hockey team to Coyotes owner Jerry U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Redfield Baum is hearing argumente Tuesday on whether the Coyotes can move to Canada as part of their Chapter 11 bankruptcy Baum is not expected to rule on the matter but focused on rights and some kind of relocatiob fee to reimburse the league for its lost expansion team opportunitt in Hamilton should the Coyotexsmove there. The $100 millio n figure was cited incourt documents. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettmanb declined to comment outside the downtown Phoenix bankruptcu court onthe $100 million or what a relocation fee might entail.
The NHL and other pro sportz leagues are fighting the Coyotes move saying it coulf prompt other teams to file bankruptcy in an attempt to move toothere markets. Baum, however, noted that moves by the Baltimor Colts, San Diego Clippersz and others have not hada long-term detrimental impacty on pro sports. NHL representatives said Tuesday that the leagure will continue to fund the Coyotesw through next season ifneed be, and its priorit y is an ownership group that would keep the team in If that’s not possible, then bidders lookinyg to move the team could be officials said.
Balsillie contends that NHL hockey is not financialluy viable in the Phoenic market and is pushing for his offerr to be approved by the endof June. The Coyotee have lost more than $300 million sincwe moving to the Phoenix market in 1996 from The court hearing was slated to continued Tuesday afternoon including arguments against the Coyotee move from the city of whichowns Jobing.com Arena where the hockey team
That would be on top of his offerdof $213 million for the financially troubledx hockey team to Coyotes owner Jerry U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Redfield Baum is hearing argumente Tuesday on whether the Coyotes can move to Canada as part of their Chapter 11 bankruptcy Baum is not expected to rule on the matter but focused on rights and some kind of relocatiob fee to reimburse the league for its lost expansion team opportunitt in Hamilton should the Coyotexsmove there. The $100 millio n figure was cited incourt documents. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettmanb declined to comment outside the downtown Phoenix bankruptcu court onthe $100 million or what a relocation fee might entail.
The NHL and other pro sportz leagues are fighting the Coyotes move saying it coulf prompt other teams to file bankruptcy in an attempt to move toothere markets. Baum, however, noted that moves by the Baltimor Colts, San Diego Clippersz and others have not hada long-term detrimental impacty on pro sports. NHL representatives said Tuesday that the leagure will continue to fund the Coyotesw through next season ifneed be, and its priorit y is an ownership group that would keep the team in If that’s not possible, then bidders lookinyg to move the team could be officials said.
Balsillie contends that NHL hockey is not financialluy viable in the Phoenic market and is pushing for his offerr to be approved by the endof June. The Coyotee have lost more than $300 million sincwe moving to the Phoenix market in 1996 from The court hearing was slated to continued Tuesday afternoon including arguments against the Coyotee move from the city of whichowns Jobing.com Arena where the hockey team
Friday, August 17, 2012
Former Horizon Diagnostic Center manager sues company for whistleblower firing - Jacksonville Business Journal:
ejyceh.wordpress.com
million. The Middleburg military wife and mother of four was an officew manager at the MRI clinic for a and said she became concerned that faulty coils might harm She said physicians and radiologists had complained abour the poorimaging quality, and some had rejectecd scans or required them to be performed again, but the companyh refused to replace the coils. Price said she was a top performe for the company who regularlgy received bonuses for meeting volume targets forthe center, but was writteb up by her supervisor after repeatedly submitting repairr orders. She was fired in November for “poor work and says she was not paid for all the time she worked beforethe termination.
Pricr argues in the April 10 lawsuit she wasretaliated against, and is suing for unlawful retaliation, intentional infliction of emotional distress and failure to pay wage and “What I don’t understand is how they continually told us how greag we were doing, and I kept complaining about how we neededs to get this fixed, and then I got writtenh up and let go,” Price Ronald Hock, attorney for Sarasota-based , whichh owns the center, denied that Pricew was fired because she complained about the Hock said the case amounts to extortion, and supplied personnepl documents and repair fulfillment forms to The Jacksonville Businesxs Journal — documents that have not been submitte to the court — that he said will prove his client’sz case that Price was justly terminated and that the company actedr in good faith to repair the “Laura Price is a disgruntled former employee and we will be vigorouslt defending this lawsuit,” Hock said.
Both sides produced statementsfrom co-workers that support theirt cases. Price’s lawsuit includes affidavits from two employeee whosay they, too, were concerned abour MRI equipment, and were also unjustly fireed for voicing their concerns. The imaginv equipment at the Horizon Diagnostic Centet remains at the center of a second lawsuitbetween , which owned the MRI equipment at the and , the former ownerx of the company. Med Fund faileds to pay Hitachi for the equipmeng andservice contracts, and sold the company’s assets to new owner in the midst of Hitachi’s lawsuitg against the company. Hitachio continues to pursue court actiojn that would allow it to collecrta $3.
5 million verdic against the new owners of company. “I thino it’s important that the public know what they are Price said of herformer employer. “It’ss not about me, it’s about the fact that what they are doing is wrong and they need to I know what I didwas right.”
million. The Middleburg military wife and mother of four was an officew manager at the MRI clinic for a and said she became concerned that faulty coils might harm She said physicians and radiologists had complained abour the poorimaging quality, and some had rejectecd scans or required them to be performed again, but the companyh refused to replace the coils. Price said she was a top performe for the company who regularlgy received bonuses for meeting volume targets forthe center, but was writteb up by her supervisor after repeatedly submitting repairr orders. She was fired in November for “poor work and says she was not paid for all the time she worked beforethe termination.
Pricr argues in the April 10 lawsuit she wasretaliated against, and is suing for unlawful retaliation, intentional infliction of emotional distress and failure to pay wage and “What I don’t understand is how they continually told us how greag we were doing, and I kept complaining about how we neededs to get this fixed, and then I got writtenh up and let go,” Price Ronald Hock, attorney for Sarasota-based , whichh owns the center, denied that Pricew was fired because she complained about the Hock said the case amounts to extortion, and supplied personnepl documents and repair fulfillment forms to The Jacksonville Businesxs Journal — documents that have not been submitte to the court — that he said will prove his client’sz case that Price was justly terminated and that the company actedr in good faith to repair the “Laura Price is a disgruntled former employee and we will be vigorouslt defending this lawsuit,” Hock said.
Both sides produced statementsfrom co-workers that support theirt cases. Price’s lawsuit includes affidavits from two employeee whosay they, too, were concerned abour MRI equipment, and were also unjustly fireed for voicing their concerns. The imaginv equipment at the Horizon Diagnostic Centet remains at the center of a second lawsuitbetween , which owned the MRI equipment at the and , the former ownerx of the company. Med Fund faileds to pay Hitachi for the equipmeng andservice contracts, and sold the company’s assets to new owner in the midst of Hitachi’s lawsuitg against the company. Hitachio continues to pursue court actiojn that would allow it to collecrta $3.
5 million verdic against the new owners of company. “I thino it’s important that the public know what they are Price said of herformer employer. “It’ss not about me, it’s about the fact that what they are doing is wrong and they need to I know what I didwas right.”
Thursday, August 16, 2012
New York Times spotlights Tri-State, Duke wind-power plans - Denver Business Journal:
ejoxot.wordpress.com
"Rural electric co-operatives across the country are adding more wind but it is not always the Times's Kate Galbraith . "These rurapl electric utilities sit on top of a gold mine some of the best wind resources in the the Times quotes Jeff the manager of utility programs at the American WindEnergg Association, as saying. Charlotte, N.C.-based Duke Energy DUK) it plans to build the 51-megawatf Kit Carson Windpower Projec ton 6,000 acres near Burlington on Colorado'sx Eastern Plains by the end of 2010. The facility will supplty electricity to rural customersof Tri-State, the state'sz second-largest power supplier, under a 20-yeafr agreement.
"Many electric co-operatives — whic have origins in the New Deal’s rura electrification push — remainh dependent on coal but have come undeer pressure from customers in affluentplaces ... to add more renewabld energy and move awayfrom coal," the Times
"Rural electric co-operatives across the country are adding more wind but it is not always the Times's Kate Galbraith . "These rurapl electric utilities sit on top of a gold mine some of the best wind resources in the the Times quotes Jeff the manager of utility programs at the American WindEnergg Association, as saying. Charlotte, N.C.-based Duke Energy DUK) it plans to build the 51-megawatf Kit Carson Windpower Projec ton 6,000 acres near Burlington on Colorado'sx Eastern Plains by the end of 2010. The facility will supplty electricity to rural customersof Tri-State, the state'sz second-largest power supplier, under a 20-yeafr agreement.
"Many electric co-operatives — whic have origins in the New Deal’s rura electrification push — remainh dependent on coal but have come undeer pressure from customers in affluentplaces ... to add more renewabld energy and move awayfrom coal," the Times
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
House keeps cork in wine bill - Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle):
tenamup.wordpress.com
Senate Bill 2523, authored by Sen. Tommy Williams R-The Woodlands, quietly cleared the Texas Senate late last montbbut isn’t expected to The session ends June 1. The bill has proven controversiakl within therestaurant industry. Rep. Edmond R-Seguin, the bill’s sponsor in the House, sufferesd a massive heart attack the day the bill was slatedd for vote in the Housrin mid-May. Kuempel is but supporters don’t expect the bill will make it out of committeee in the waning days ofthe session.
Jerry Lasco is ready for the bill to be The ownerof , with locations in Housto n and Austin, considered the measurd an inappropriate intrusion into his business judgmen t and a threat to his wine-centrivc business model. “We sell retaipl as well, so our pricing is basef on retail pricing,” Lasco said. “Fof our business to survive, our pricess have to be competitive, and we have to do a largd volume” of wine sales. Lasco believese restaurants should have the option of allowingg or not allowing patrons to bring in theirtown wine.
Under the bill, restaurants woulsd have been allowed to chargew a corkage fee for openinb and serving the but the consumer coulctake what’s left after meal ends. The bill did not includee beer or otheralcoholic beverages.
Senate Bill 2523, authored by Sen. Tommy Williams R-The Woodlands, quietly cleared the Texas Senate late last montbbut isn’t expected to The session ends June 1. The bill has proven controversiakl within therestaurant industry. Rep. Edmond R-Seguin, the bill’s sponsor in the House, sufferesd a massive heart attack the day the bill was slatedd for vote in the Housrin mid-May. Kuempel is but supporters don’t expect the bill will make it out of committeee in the waning days ofthe session.
Jerry Lasco is ready for the bill to be The ownerof , with locations in Housto n and Austin, considered the measurd an inappropriate intrusion into his business judgmen t and a threat to his wine-centrivc business model. “We sell retaipl as well, so our pricing is basef on retail pricing,” Lasco said. “Fof our business to survive, our pricess have to be competitive, and we have to do a largd volume” of wine sales. Lasco believese restaurants should have the option of allowingg or not allowing patrons to bring in theirtown wine.
Under the bill, restaurants woulsd have been allowed to chargew a corkage fee for openinb and serving the but the consumer coulctake what’s left after meal ends. The bill did not includee beer or otheralcoholic beverages.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Carmike shuffles C-suite - Atlanta Business Chronicle:
humojo.wordpress.com
Smith has been a member of the Ga.-based theater owner and operator’s boardr since April 2002. He has been president and CEO of Atlanta-basesd (NYSE: WEN) and CEO of since September 2008. he was CEO of from June 2006 untilo September 2008 and the CEO of from April 2006 untiklSeptember 2008. “We are optimistic about our futurd prospectsunder David’s management based on Carmike’sd industry leadership in digital cinema and 3D cinema deployments,” Smith “The company has achieved significant financial and balance sheet improvement s including increases in total attendancee and average attendance per screen.
We believe these factora when combined with stricgt expense discipline and additional progres in reducing bank debt have positionesd us to further enhanceshareholder value.” Passmanm has been a Carmike director sinced June 2003. He recently retired from his position as president and CEOof , a book publishint and distribution company, where he had servede since June 2005. Prior, Passmanm was President of the Harlancd Printed Products and Harland Checks divisions of from 1999 to and also served as its CFO from 1996to 1999.
Carmikw (NASDAQ: CKEC) its first-quarter revenue rose, but a one-time chargee related to a severance agreement helpesd keep the company in the red for thefirstf quarter. It had a net loss of $4 milliojn on revenue of $121.9 million.
Smith has been a member of the Ga.-based theater owner and operator’s boardr since April 2002. He has been president and CEO of Atlanta-basesd (NYSE: WEN) and CEO of since September 2008. he was CEO of from June 2006 untilo September 2008 and the CEO of from April 2006 untiklSeptember 2008. “We are optimistic about our futurd prospectsunder David’s management based on Carmike’sd industry leadership in digital cinema and 3D cinema deployments,” Smith “The company has achieved significant financial and balance sheet improvement s including increases in total attendancee and average attendance per screen.
We believe these factora when combined with stricgt expense discipline and additional progres in reducing bank debt have positionesd us to further enhanceshareholder value.” Passmanm has been a Carmike director sinced June 2003. He recently retired from his position as president and CEOof , a book publishint and distribution company, where he had servede since June 2005. Prior, Passmanm was President of the Harlancd Printed Products and Harland Checks divisions of from 1999 to and also served as its CFO from 1996to 1999.
Carmikw (NASDAQ: CKEC) its first-quarter revenue rose, but a one-time chargee related to a severance agreement helpesd keep the company in the red for thefirstf quarter. It had a net loss of $4 milliojn on revenue of $121.9 million.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Problem gamblers' advocate wants more from tables - NECN
zuloraxelewo.blogspot.com
Problem gamblers' advocate wants more from tables NECN ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) รข€" Much of Maryland's debate on expanding gambling to include table games like roulette and craps has focused on who will get what, how much and when. A fund for problem gamblers, however, is not assured of getting anything from ... |
Saturday, August 11, 2012
The good: The Samsung M575 feature phone has a spacious QWERTY ... - CNET
ejyceh.wordpress.com
The good: The Samsung M575 feature phone has a spacious QWERTY ... CNET The good: The Samsung M575 feature phone has a spacious QWERTY keyboard and a budget prepaid price. The bad: A thick, heavy form factor, poor speakerphone, and low-end features don't make the M575 an attractive option. The bottom line: With basic ... |
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Flowers Foods, Inc. Company Profile | FLO Company Information
disqualify-sida.blogspot.com
Flowers Foods was founded in 1919 whentwo brothers--Williamk Howard and Joseph Hampton Flowers--opened Flowerd Baking Company in Thomasville, Ga. Flowers' operating strategy from the beginningy was to invest in technologicallyadvanced bakeries, to offer excellenf baked foods products, to build stronhg brands, to provide extraordinary service to customers, to offer a workplace that fosters a team to develop innovations to improve the and to grow through strategic acquisitions. In the earlyh years, Flowers focused its attention on the freshbakeruy business, growing through strategic acquisitions of bakeriew in the Southeast.
In Flowers Baking Company went public, became Flowerzs Industries, and began trading over-the-counter Less than a year Flowers listed on the AmericanStock Exchange. In the company listed on the New York Stocj Exchange under thesymbol FLO. In the Flowers Industries transformed itself from a stron regional baker into a national baked foods companu with the acquisition of KeeblerFoodss Company, one of the largest cookie and cracker companiesz in the United States, and Mrs. the country's top-selling frozej pie brand. By 1999, Flowers Industrieds had becomea $4.
2 billion national baked foodz company with three business units--Flowers Bakeries, a super-regionalk fresh baked foods company; Mrs. Smith's Bakeries, a nationa l frozen baked foods company; and Keebledr Foods. ...
Flowers Foods was founded in 1919 whentwo brothers--Williamk Howard and Joseph Hampton Flowers--opened Flowerd Baking Company in Thomasville, Ga. Flowers' operating strategy from the beginningy was to invest in technologicallyadvanced bakeries, to offer excellenf baked foods products, to build stronhg brands, to provide extraordinary service to customers, to offer a workplace that fosters a team to develop innovations to improve the and to grow through strategic acquisitions. In the earlyh years, Flowers focused its attention on the freshbakeruy business, growing through strategic acquisitions of bakeriew in the Southeast.
In Flowers Baking Company went public, became Flowerzs Industries, and began trading over-the-counter Less than a year Flowers listed on the AmericanStock Exchange. In the company listed on the New York Stocj Exchange under thesymbol FLO. In the Flowers Industries transformed itself from a stron regional baker into a national baked foods companu with the acquisition of KeeblerFoodss Company, one of the largest cookie and cracker companiesz in the United States, and Mrs. the country's top-selling frozej pie brand. By 1999, Flowers Industrieds had becomea $4.
2 billion national baked foodz company with three business units--Flowers Bakeries, a super-regionalk fresh baked foods company; Mrs. Smith's Bakeries, a nationa l frozen baked foods company; and Keebledr Foods. ...
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Work begins at GlobalFoundries site - Nashville Business Journal:
domnaofyvisyhojo.blogspot.com
billion chip fab marked the startg ofa two-year-long construction process for the Sunnyvale, company. About a dozen large piecew of equipment arrived Monday on the sitefor ground-clearinhg work that is scheduled to starty this week. As many as 1,600 workers will be employed duringthe two-year construction process. The chip fab is expected to open in 2012 andemploy 1,400 people when it’ running at full capacity in 2014. The 1.3-million-square-foor manufacturing facility—located on 223 acres in the in isthe park’s first tenant. “Having our anchor makes Luthee Forest a realtech campus. we had infrastructure,” said Michael president of Luther Forest.
Initially, abouft 100 people will work on theGlobalFoundries “We’ll work in the several-hundred range until the worst of said Rick Whitney, presidentg of ’s U.S. Operations. Germany-based M+W Zander is the project’sw general manager. “Those numbers will ramp up over the next six to nine he said. More than 1,000 people will be workingb on the project a yearfrom now. M+W Zander is preparingg to award the contract forstee work, Whitney said.
Separate bid packages to erect steel forthe 800,0000-square-foott building and neighboring utility building were sent to 12 Of the five companies that responded, two are one is a partnership with a locapl company and two are out-of-state. Whitney declines to disclose the price ranges ofthosee bids. of Gloversville won the contracf for the sitedevelopment work. The cost of that projecf is estimated atabout $15 Foundation work will be bid in the next few Whitney said. Steel work should begin in August.
billion chip fab marked the startg ofa two-year-long construction process for the Sunnyvale, company. About a dozen large piecew of equipment arrived Monday on the sitefor ground-clearinhg work that is scheduled to starty this week. As many as 1,600 workers will be employed duringthe two-year construction process. The chip fab is expected to open in 2012 andemploy 1,400 people when it’ running at full capacity in 2014. The 1.3-million-square-foor manufacturing facility—located on 223 acres in the in isthe park’s first tenant. “Having our anchor makes Luthee Forest a realtech campus. we had infrastructure,” said Michael president of Luther Forest.
Initially, abouft 100 people will work on theGlobalFoundries “We’ll work in the several-hundred range until the worst of said Rick Whitney, presidentg of ’s U.S. Operations. Germany-based M+W Zander is the project’sw general manager. “Those numbers will ramp up over the next six to nine he said. More than 1,000 people will be workingb on the project a yearfrom now. M+W Zander is preparingg to award the contract forstee work, Whitney said.
Separate bid packages to erect steel forthe 800,0000-square-foott building and neighboring utility building were sent to 12 Of the five companies that responded, two are one is a partnership with a locapl company and two are out-of-state. Whitney declines to disclose the price ranges ofthosee bids. of Gloversville won the contracf for the sitedevelopment work. The cost of that projecf is estimated atabout $15 Foundation work will be bid in the next few Whitney said. Steel work should begin in August.
Monday, August 6, 2012
State Fund files for 15% July 1 workers
ogarawo.wordpress.com
The new rates will apply to new and renewed policied effective on or afterJuly 1, officialsa said. State Fund has seen its premium volumwe dipfrom $2.3 billion in 2007 to just unded $1.7 billion last year, and its marke share tumble from about 26 percent to less than 23 said spokeswoman Jennifer Vargen. Some of the declinw could be healthy, sinces the organization and a numbeer of outside observers believed its market share grew too largd and too rapidly duringt theearly 2000s. In asking for an increasd lower thanthe 23.
7 percent July 1 increase recommende by the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Ratinbg Bureau, along with severap other comp insurers, State Fund may have reduced pressurw on Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner to clamp down on rate increased when he makes his own recommendationzs next month. , one of the bigger playersz in the Californiacomp niche, filed for a 4 percent July increase, and two entities have filed for 10.3 percenrt increases. Several Guard Insurance Group companies, filed for jumps in the 2.2 percent to 5 percentt range.
Poizner is expected to make his recommendatiohn after an upcoming publi c hearing onthe issue, and some industry observerds have told the San Francisco Business Times they expect him to reluctantl recommend a double-digit albeit one far smaller than the WCIRB’s recommendation, which was loweres from 24.4 percent to 23.7 percent last month. Last fall, Poizner cut the WCIRB’s recommender 16 percent Jan. 1, 2009, increasew to just 5 and most companies came in with rate jumpss inthat vicinity. California comp insurers aren’y required to follow the commissioner’s but they generally stick reasonably closde tothe commissioner’s advisory rate.
Jan State Fund’s president and chief executivde officer, blamed the 15 percent increase on rapidlyt increasing medical costs in the comp sector. Those costs have jumped about 16 percenf annually for the past three according to the most recentg report bythe WCIRB, an industry-supportedr advisory group. State Fund premiuj rates have fallen significantly since 2003 andearluy 2004, when reforms instituted by governors Gray Davis and Arnoldc Schwarzenegger took effect, officials said. Even afterf this increase, its rates will be 46 percent belo pre-reform levels. Still, that may be little consolation to policyholders battling a brutapeconomic slowdown.
The new rates will apply to new and renewed policied effective on or afterJuly 1, officialsa said. State Fund has seen its premium volumwe dipfrom $2.3 billion in 2007 to just unded $1.7 billion last year, and its marke share tumble from about 26 percent to less than 23 said spokeswoman Jennifer Vargen. Some of the declinw could be healthy, sinces the organization and a numbeer of outside observers believed its market share grew too largd and too rapidly duringt theearly 2000s. In asking for an increasd lower thanthe 23.
7 percent July 1 increase recommende by the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Ratinbg Bureau, along with severap other comp insurers, State Fund may have reduced pressurw on Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner to clamp down on rate increased when he makes his own recommendationzs next month. , one of the bigger playersz in the Californiacomp niche, filed for a 4 percent July increase, and two entities have filed for 10.3 percenrt increases. Several Guard Insurance Group companies, filed for jumps in the 2.2 percent to 5 percentt range.
Poizner is expected to make his recommendatiohn after an upcoming publi c hearing onthe issue, and some industry observerds have told the San Francisco Business Times they expect him to reluctantl recommend a double-digit albeit one far smaller than the WCIRB’s recommendation, which was loweres from 24.4 percent to 23.7 percent last month. Last fall, Poizner cut the WCIRB’s recommender 16 percent Jan. 1, 2009, increasew to just 5 and most companies came in with rate jumpss inthat vicinity. California comp insurers aren’y required to follow the commissioner’s but they generally stick reasonably closde tothe commissioner’s advisory rate.
Jan State Fund’s president and chief executivde officer, blamed the 15 percent increase on rapidlyt increasing medical costs in the comp sector. Those costs have jumped about 16 percenf annually for the past three according to the most recentg report bythe WCIRB, an industry-supportedr advisory group. State Fund premiuj rates have fallen significantly since 2003 andearluy 2004, when reforms instituted by governors Gray Davis and Arnoldc Schwarzenegger took effect, officials said. Even afterf this increase, its rates will be 46 percent belo pre-reform levels. Still, that may be little consolation to policyholders battling a brutapeconomic slowdown.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Health care reform details begin to emerge - Memphis Business Journal:
exceeding-commissioner.blogspot.com
percent of the cost of healtn insurance premiumsfor full-time employees under the health care reform bill beinfg considered by the House. They also would be required to pick up at leasy some of the tab forinsuring part-timer employees. Businesses that don't providr this minimum level of coverage would be required to pay the federal government a fee based on 8 percen t oftheir payroll. Small businessex under a yet-to-be-determined threshold would be exemptesd fromthis "play or pay" According to information from the House committees on Ways and Energy and Commerce, and Education and Labor, small businesses and individualx could comparison shop amongy private and public plans in a nationao health insurance exchange.
Employers coulc either provide health insurance to their employees or pay a fee bases on 8 percent of their payroll tothe government. Employers that offee coverage would have to pickup 72.5 percent of the cost of premiumds for full-time employees and 65 percent for a family Employers could contribute a share of the expenses of coverage for part-tims employees or contribute to the health insurance exchange. Smallp businesses under a size threshold yet to be determined would be exempterd from the employer responsibility Small businessesthat can't afford coverags would get a tax credit to help them pay for it.
The chairmen of three House committees with jurisdiction over healtj care introduced their draft legislationJune 19, offerinh the most details yet on how health care refor m could affect small businesses. Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., said the legislatiom would fixthe "completelyg dysfunctional insurance market" for small businesses, whicb face "unaffordable rate increases" every year. Waxman chairss the House Energy andCommerce Committee. Health insurance premiums for U.S. businesses increased by 9.2 perceny this year, and are expected to increass another 9 percentnext year, accordintg to PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Small businesses often face much higher rate While most small businesses agree the currentg health insurance marketis dysfunctional, there'ws a lot of disagreement over whether the House bill would cure the problemj or just make it worse. Mike who owns a retail clothinh store and design busines called Smash inDes Moines, likes what he sees in the bill. Draper thinks adding a public plan to the insurance mix woulcd hold down premiums by creating more competition inthe "I don't have a whole lot of confidence in the systemk we have now," Draper said.
Draper'a company currently doesn't offer health insurance to itssevenn full-time workers, but instead reimbursexs them for the cost of individualp policies that they buy on their own. That'as fine with his employees, who are in their 20s and don't want their insurance to be tied totheir job. The reimbursements now accountf for 6 percentof Smash's payroll, but that coulrd jump to 22 percent in four when Draper expects everyone on his management team to have children, creating the need for familt plans. His business couldn'tt handle that expense, he If the House bill were he would consider buying insurance throug h the exchange if it were easyto use.
But he mighf decide to pay the 8 percent payroll fee instead and then reimburse his employees for some of the cost of the policies they purchase throughthe exchange. Draper, who was scheduled to testify beforee the House Ways and Means CommitteseJune 24, thinks employers shoulx be required to help pay for theidr employees' health insurance. Like Social Security contributions, this sort of responsibilitty is "kind of what you signed up when you become abusiness owner, he Other small business owners, however, think the House bill imposes too tougg of a standard on small businesses. The requirement to pay 72.
5 percenft of an employee's premium for individuap coverage "is much too high for many smalpl businesses," said Karen Kerrigan, president and CEO of the SmalkBusiness & Entrepreneurship Council. The only way many smal l businesses can afford coverage is by makinfg employees pick up more ofthe cost, she Arlington, Va.-based Company Flowers Gifts Too!, for example, pays 50 percenft of the cost of healtn insurance for seven full-time employees. Even that may not be affordableenext year, because "our rates are going to co-owner John Nicholson told the House Small Business Committee earlier this month.
Small businessee with fewer than 200 employees paid an average of 86 percent of premiums for individual coveragein 2008, accordint to the Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Research Educational Trust. That share dropped to 66 percen t forfamily coverage, just above the 65 percent thresholds called for in the House Nicholson, who testified on behal of the National Federation of Independent Business, said insurancd market reforms, exchanges and tax breaka would help small businesses, but employer mandates would hurt low-margimn businesses and public plans coulf drive private insurers out of the market. Rep. Roberty Andrews, D-N.J.
, said the House plans to excludee very smallbusinesses -- such as barbershops, gas stations and delicatessenx -- from the employer mandate. "We certainly don'gt want to impose any burden on he said. Instead, the mandate is targeted at businessesxthat "have the wherewithal" to provide insuranc e but choose not to, he said.
percent of the cost of healtn insurance premiumsfor full-time employees under the health care reform bill beinfg considered by the House. They also would be required to pick up at leasy some of the tab forinsuring part-timer employees. Businesses that don't providr this minimum level of coverage would be required to pay the federal government a fee based on 8 percen t oftheir payroll. Small businessex under a yet-to-be-determined threshold would be exemptesd fromthis "play or pay" According to information from the House committees on Ways and Energy and Commerce, and Education and Labor, small businesses and individualx could comparison shop amongy private and public plans in a nationao health insurance exchange.
Employers coulc either provide health insurance to their employees or pay a fee bases on 8 percent of their payroll tothe government. Employers that offee coverage would have to pickup 72.5 percent of the cost of premiumds for full-time employees and 65 percent for a family Employers could contribute a share of the expenses of coverage for part-tims employees or contribute to the health insurance exchange. Smallp businesses under a size threshold yet to be determined would be exempterd from the employer responsibility Small businessesthat can't afford coverags would get a tax credit to help them pay for it.
The chairmen of three House committees with jurisdiction over healtj care introduced their draft legislationJune 19, offerinh the most details yet on how health care refor m could affect small businesses. Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., said the legislatiom would fixthe "completelyg dysfunctional insurance market" for small businesses, whicb face "unaffordable rate increases" every year. Waxman chairss the House Energy andCommerce Committee. Health insurance premiums for U.S. businesses increased by 9.2 perceny this year, and are expected to increass another 9 percentnext year, accordintg to PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Small businesses often face much higher rate While most small businesses agree the currentg health insurance marketis dysfunctional, there'ws a lot of disagreement over whether the House bill would cure the problemj or just make it worse. Mike who owns a retail clothinh store and design busines called Smash inDes Moines, likes what he sees in the bill. Draper thinks adding a public plan to the insurance mix woulcd hold down premiums by creating more competition inthe "I don't have a whole lot of confidence in the systemk we have now," Draper said.
Draper'a company currently doesn't offer health insurance to itssevenn full-time workers, but instead reimbursexs them for the cost of individualp policies that they buy on their own. That'as fine with his employees, who are in their 20s and don't want their insurance to be tied totheir job. The reimbursements now accountf for 6 percentof Smash's payroll, but that coulrd jump to 22 percent in four when Draper expects everyone on his management team to have children, creating the need for familt plans. His business couldn'tt handle that expense, he If the House bill were he would consider buying insurance throug h the exchange if it were easyto use.
But he mighf decide to pay the 8 percent payroll fee instead and then reimburse his employees for some of the cost of the policies they purchase throughthe exchange. Draper, who was scheduled to testify beforee the House Ways and Means CommitteseJune 24, thinks employers shoulx be required to help pay for theidr employees' health insurance. Like Social Security contributions, this sort of responsibilitty is "kind of what you signed up when you become abusiness owner, he Other small business owners, however, think the House bill imposes too tougg of a standard on small businesses. The requirement to pay 72.
5 percenft of an employee's premium for individuap coverage "is much too high for many smalpl businesses," said Karen Kerrigan, president and CEO of the SmalkBusiness & Entrepreneurship Council. The only way many smal l businesses can afford coverage is by makinfg employees pick up more ofthe cost, she Arlington, Va.-based Company Flowers Gifts Too!, for example, pays 50 percenft of the cost of healtn insurance for seven full-time employees. Even that may not be affordableenext year, because "our rates are going to co-owner John Nicholson told the House Small Business Committee earlier this month.
Small businessee with fewer than 200 employees paid an average of 86 percent of premiums for individual coveragein 2008, accordint to the Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Research Educational Trust. That share dropped to 66 percen t forfamily coverage, just above the 65 percent thresholds called for in the House Nicholson, who testified on behal of the National Federation of Independent Business, said insurancd market reforms, exchanges and tax breaka would help small businesses, but employer mandates would hurt low-margimn businesses and public plans coulf drive private insurers out of the market. Rep. Roberty Andrews, D-N.J.
, said the House plans to excludee very smallbusinesses -- such as barbershops, gas stations and delicatessenx -- from the employer mandate. "We certainly don'gt want to impose any burden on he said. Instead, the mandate is targeted at businessesxthat "have the wherewithal" to provide insuranc e but choose not to, he said.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Men's 100 starts with Bolt, Blake ... and Gatlin - Fox News
kittredgeihuhyla1951.blogspot.com
Men's 100 starts with Bolt, Blake ... and Gatlin Fox News As the premier track and field event of the London Games gets started with opening heats Saturday, it seems everyone has an opinion about who's going to win รข€" and the answers tend to be Bolt or Blake. There are other contenders. There's the third ... |
Thursday, August 2, 2012
BioMarin: Genzyme virus problem won
oryzacody.wordpress.com
Genzyme (NASDAQ: GENZ) founx a virus strain and stopped production of two drugs atthe Mass., facility. The strain, Vesivirus 2117, apparentlyg does not cause human infection but interrupts the growtu of cells that are used to make Aldurazyme — a treatment for MPS I, a rare and fatall disease caused by an enzyme deficiency — was last fillef at the Genzyme facility in September 2008, according to BioMarin (NASDAQ: BMRN). The compan has about 10 months of vialefd inventoryon hand, it said, and uses a secondx fill finish supplier.
A third supplier is expected to be qualifiedc laterthis year, BioMarin BioMarin makes the bulk material used in Aldurazymse at its Novato The Food and Drug Administration had inspected Genzyme’ s plant in September and October and reportedly was concernesd about controls to protect against contamination.
Genzyme (NASDAQ: GENZ) founx a virus strain and stopped production of two drugs atthe Mass., facility. The strain, Vesivirus 2117, apparentlyg does not cause human infection but interrupts the growtu of cells that are used to make Aldurazyme — a treatment for MPS I, a rare and fatall disease caused by an enzyme deficiency — was last fillef at the Genzyme facility in September 2008, according to BioMarin (NASDAQ: BMRN). The compan has about 10 months of vialefd inventoryon hand, it said, and uses a secondx fill finish supplier.
A third supplier is expected to be qualifiedc laterthis year, BioMarin BioMarin makes the bulk material used in Aldurazymse at its Novato The Food and Drug Administration had inspected Genzyme’ s plant in September and October and reportedly was concernesd about controls to protect against contamination.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Another BofA board member resigns - Los Angeles Business from bizjournals:
grearqakususi1426.blogspot.com
Robert Tillman, a former chief executive, resigned from the BofA board effectiveMay 29. The bank announcesd the move Thursday evening in a filing with the Securitieds andExchange Commission. The filing says Tillman’s resignationh was not related to a disagreement with the bank or its A reason for his decision has not been providedd bythe bank, and BofA officials could not be reached Thursdau evening. Tillman has been a director since 2005. During his he served on the asseg quality committee andexecutive committee. Late last the bank announced former lead independentdirector O. Temple Sloan had left the BofA didn’t disclose Sloan’s reason for resignation.
Sloan was a BofA directorr for13 years. During his tenure, he servedx as chairman of both the executivd committee and the compensation and benefits He also was a member of the corporate governance committee. BofA’s board has been under intense scrutiny in recent months as the bank sufferer through asharp stock-price decline after acquiring Merrilk Lynch & Co. The Charlotte, N.C.-baserd bank (NYSE:BAC) also has received $45 billionb in taxpayer aid. At the bank’s annuaol meeting in late April, . Walter Masseuy was installed as the new chairmam and has indicated the boarc needs tobe re-evaluated. Lewi s remains the bank’s CEO and president.
Robert Tillman, a former chief executive, resigned from the BofA board effectiveMay 29. The bank announcesd the move Thursday evening in a filing with the Securitieds andExchange Commission. The filing says Tillman’s resignationh was not related to a disagreement with the bank or its A reason for his decision has not been providedd bythe bank, and BofA officials could not be reached Thursdau evening. Tillman has been a director since 2005. During his he served on the asseg quality committee andexecutive committee. Late last the bank announced former lead independentdirector O. Temple Sloan had left the BofA didn’t disclose Sloan’s reason for resignation.
Sloan was a BofA directorr for13 years. During his tenure, he servedx as chairman of both the executivd committee and the compensation and benefits He also was a member of the corporate governance committee. BofA’s board has been under intense scrutiny in recent months as the bank sufferer through asharp stock-price decline after acquiring Merrilk Lynch & Co. The Charlotte, N.C.-baserd bank (NYSE:BAC) also has received $45 billionb in taxpayer aid. At the bank’s annuaol meeting in late April, . Walter Masseuy was installed as the new chairmam and has indicated the boarc needs tobe re-evaluated. Lewi s remains the bank’s CEO and president.
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