Tag Archive: industry


Summary Box: Investors again exit stock funds (AP)

Filed Under: Insurance News
Dec.14, 2011

STOCK INVESTORS RETREAT: Investors withdrew $16.1 billion more than they deposited into U.S. stock mutual funds in November, industry consultant Strategic Insight said Monday. It’s the seventh consecutive month of net withdrawals, after stock funds attracted cash in the first four months of the year.

BONDS ATTRACT CASH: Investors deposited a net $11.9 billion into bond funds in November. Some $9 billion of the total went into taxable bond funds, and $2.9 billion into municipal bond funds.

OVERSEAS APPEAL DIMS: A net $2.6 billion was withdrawn from funds investing in foreign stocks, amid persistent worries about the European debt crisis.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
read more

Summary Box: Investors again exit stock funds (AP)

Filed Under: Insurance News
Dec.14, 2011

STOCK INVESTORS RETREAT: Investors withdrew $16.1 billion more than they deposited into U.S. stock mutual funds in November, industry consultant Strategic Insight said Monday. It’s the seventh consecutive month of net withdrawals, after stock funds attracted cash in the first four months of the year.

BONDS ATTRACT CASH: Investors deposited a net $11.9 billion into bond funds in November. Some $9 billion of the total went into taxable bond funds, and $2.9 billion into municipal bond funds.

OVERSEAS APPEAL DIMS: A net $2.6 billion was withdrawn from funds investing in foreign stocks, amid persistent worries about the European debt crisis.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
read more

Sharper Lens on Black Men’s Lives: Nat’l Black Filmmakers Project Announces 2012 Fellows

Filed Under: Insurance News
Dec.12, 2011

OAKLAND, Calif., Dec. 12, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ – Today Forward Ever Media Center announced the Game Changers Project will return for another one-year cycle starting in January 2012. Established in the fall 2010 as a national fellowship for emerging Black filmmakers who provide media advocacy on behalf of non-profit organizations, the project selected a new class of fellows and will expand to two new cities in 2012 (Pittsburgh and Los Angeles).

“We know what we’re up against, but I am no longer concerned with providing a ‘counter-narrative’ and reacting to media stereotypes,” said Cheo Tyehimba Taylor, Founder of Forward Ever Media Center and Executive Producer of the Game Changers Project. “It’s time to tell universal stories of resiliency and truth. Let’s discover a ‘higher narrative’ about Black males in America.”

Having featured profiles on Hollywood actor/activist Malik Yoba, veteran news anchor/ juvenile justice reform advocate Dean Meminger of NY1 News, motivational author and NIKE, Inc. executive (Air Jordan Brand) Howard White, and many other unsung heroes, GCP will continue to present its “micro-documentaries” via its website (www.GameChangersProject.org) and via MSNBC’s theGrio.com.

“As a video-centric news site focused on telling stories that affect and reflect African-American experiences, theGrio.com is proud to continue its partnership with the Game Changes Project. We’re excited about surfacing these compelling videos on our platform,” said David Wilson, Managing Editor of the theGrio.com, a division of NBC News.

As the project launches into its second year, it’s sparked the interest of several industry producers. “I’m very excited to be working with the Game Changers Project,” said Amani Martin, GCP Consulting Producer. “Among the most important duties I’ve felt as an African-American producer of projects for HBO Sports and ESPN is the positive portrayal of Black athletes, whose most exceptional accomplishments are often the work they do off the field as fathers, entrepreneurs, and agents of community betterment.”

The Fellowship and GCP Community Partners
The purpose of the fellowship is to catalyze “activist storytellers” who will support non-profit organizations. They will shoot, edit, and produce four-minute films about Black men in America (incl. celebrities and athletes) who are “changing the game” in various areas such as education, justice, wellness, entrepreneurship, fatherhood, etc. During the three-month fellowship, fellows receive a stipend, digital media/advocacy training, and the opportunity to share their stories with an audience of millions online and at community screenings/festivals.

The Forward Ever Media Center has formed GCP partnerships with various social justice and media arts organizations across the country, including:

New York – The Brotherhood-SisterSol
Pittsburgh – 100 Black Men, WQED, Kelly-Strayhorn Theater, August Wilson Center
Milwaukee – The Urban Underground
Chicago – M.A.G.I.C.
Los Angeles – LA Community Action Network

The Sponsors
The Class of 2012 GCP Fellows is produced with the generous support of the Open Society Foundations and The Heinz Endowments.

“A critical success is in catalyzing a coordinated strategic communications framework that empowers Black men and boys to be masters of their own media,” said Shawn Dove, Campaign Manager, Open Society Foundations, Campaign for Black Male Achievement. “Investing in the innovative leadership of Cheo Tyehimba Taylor and the Game Changers Project certainly helps us to realize this vision for success.”

As the project expands to Pittsburgh, it will highlight unheralded models of black male achievement in the region. “Having the Game Changers Project in Pittsburgh presents a unique opportunity for African American men to tell stories that matter to them and their communities,” said Melanie Brown, Program Officer at The Heinz Endowments. “We are excited about supporting the creativity of these often overlooked voices.”

To learn more about the Class of 2012 GCP Fellows, please visit:
www.GameChangersProject.org
www.Facebook.com/GameChangersProject
www.Twitter.com/GameChangers007

SOURCE Forward Ever Media Center

Sharper Lens on Black Men’s Lives: Nat’l Black Filmmakers Project Announces 2012 Fellows | Chicago Press Release Services – Chicago’s leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.



Press release distribution via Chicago Press Release Services

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
read more

Five Foodservice Trends From Mintel Set to Shape Restaurant Menus in 2012

Filed Under: Insurance News
Dec.06, 2011

CHICAGO, Dec. 5, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ – Competition in the foodservice industry is always fierce and restaurant chains are constantly jockeying for your business, money and attention in an overcrowded marketplace. However, in 2012 five trends outlined by Mintel Menu Insights will shape how operators appeal to their customers with regional and imported menu options, double-sided menus, customization and time-intensive preparation methods.

(Logo:  http://photos.CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM.com/prnh/20100413/MINTELLOGO-a)

Eric Giandelone, foodservice director at Mintel notes the following:
“Our trends are designed to give both restaurant operators and food suppliers a thorough understanding of what’s coming in the foodservice industry. Our trends are based on original consumer research, developments among restaurants and trends observed in other industries. Our goal with these trend predictions isn’t merely to identify what’s going to happen, but to deliver a roadmap on how to take advantage of these trends.”

Here are five trends that will impact the foodservice industry in the coming year:

American regionalism
Consumers are not only more aware of global cuisine, they are also more aware and interested in the regional specialties that define American cuisine. Whether it’s Kansas City or Memphis barbecue, New England Chowder or Low Country grits, more consumers and restaurants are looking at the regions and cities in the US to identify the “Best of” cuisine.

Double-sided menus
It’s unlikely that consumers are going to start demanding absolutely healthy menus in the near future and even less likely that restaurants are going to solely list these absolutely healthy options. However, consumers want choices, and the Double Sided Menu trend illustrates that choice. Menus will continue to feature widely indulgent options, but will be balanced with healthier, better for you options. Additionally, this goes beyond healthy and indulgent to include premium and value pricing. Operators understand it’s not either or, it’s both, so we’ll continue to see both high priced and low priced options on the same menu.

Consumer control
Consumers expect that their voice will be heard and that their wants and needs will be met. And the surest way to listen to the customer and ensure their needs are met is to give them the ability to control their dining experience. Customized ordering systems will continue to flourish, as will greater flexibility in menu design.

Slow it down
Quick service restaurants are able to drive margins through their standardized efficiencies, but more and more we are seeing fast food restaurants return to more time-intensive preparation methods. As such, items described as “handmade” or “home style” are popping up on restaurant menus as consumers recognize that they want more from their dining experience than efficiency.

Importing ideas
For many restaurant chains, growth lies elsewhere, in international markets. And for those companies already with an international presence, menu concepts and product testing is taking place overseas. From there, good ideas are making their way to the US market, as was the case with McDonald’s recent McBites, which first started in Australia before entering the US market. Given the importance of international markets for growth, this is one trend that will continue to growth beyond this year.

For more information about these trends, register here for the webinar on this topic that will be presented by Eric Giandelone and Kathy Hayden, foodservice analysts at Mintel, December 8 at 2 p.m. CST. Or, if you miss the presentation contact the press office (press@mintel.com) for a copy of the recording and slides.

About Mintel Menu Insights
Mintel’s Menu Insights database tracks flavor, ingredient, marketing and nutritional claims from the 350 largest US chain restaurants and 150 independent restaurants. Our foodservice specialists have access to more than one million items on 2,400 food and drink menus, updated quarterly to track evolving menu trends. We also collect monthly limited time offer and menu additions descriptions. Mintel is a leading global supplier of consumer, product and media intelligence. For nearly 40 years, Mintel has provided insight into key worldwide trends, offering exclusive data and analysis that directly impacts client success. With offices in Chicago, New York, London, Sydney, Shanghai and Tokyo, Mintel has forged a unique reputation as a world-renowned business brand. For more information on Mintel, please visit www.mintel.com. Follow Mintel on Twitter: http://twitter.com/mintelnews

Contact:
Jennifer Ballard
Mintel Group
312-628-7946
jballard@mintel.com

SOURCE Mintel Group


http://www.mintel.com

Five Foodservice Trends From Mintel Set to Shape Restaurant Menus in 2012 | Chicago Press Release Services – Chicago’s leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.



Press release distribution via Chicago Press Release Services

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
read more

The Craftsman Brand Has The Award-winning Tools to Nail 2012 DIY Projects

Filed Under: Insurance News
Dec.02, 2011

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (Dec. 2, 2011) /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — It might not be time to make a New Year’s resolution just yet, but a recent study conducted by the Craftsman brand and Kelton Research showed that taking on a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) project will be on the 2012 to-do list of most men. According to the study, more than three-quarters of men (77 percent) plan on tackling some sort of DIY project in 2012. To help jump start the next phase of the DIY movement, the Craftsman brand has launched a record-breaking 70 new tools that will be in stores for this holiday season. This latest round of innovation has caught the eye of DIY industry experts – Craftsman tools secured 19 awards and recognitions in 2011, placing the brand at the top of its class across many categories.

The survey also identifies top DIY trends for 2012, ranging from projects big and small both in and outside of the home. Men said landscaping (49 percent), making property improvements, like building retaining walls or laying patio bricks (34 percent) or fixing a deck (27 percent) top the list of outdoor projects. Others plan to focus the work inside and will install shelves / storage systems (30 percent) or light fixtures (27 percent); assemble, repair or refinish furniture (24 percent); or install or repair appliances (23 percent).

“The Craftsman brand is serious about its commitment to build products that are innovative, high-quality, durable and that deliver great value to customers every day,” said Kris Malkoski, vice president and general manager of the Craftsman brand. “With Craftsman tools available through multiple channels and over 6,000 tools at Sears, DIYers can check off any project on their 2012 to-do list with confidence. The recent industry acknowledgements for Craftsman give customers peace of mind that they are buying a top-notch product.”

To get the job done right, guys will need the necessary equipment. However, only 15 percent of those surveyed are packing the newest tools – the remaining 85 percent are relying on a tool collection that’s old, outdated or at best, has a couple of new items thrown in the mix. Understandably, many tool-toting men would like to add or replace some items in their set in the coming year. Cordless power tools, like a cordless drill, are king according to the survey, with 29 percent of respondents choosing that category, followed by bench power tools such as a disc sander or table saw (20 percent) and ratchets and sockets (10 percent).

Now, upgrading a tool collection with confidence has never been easier. From power tools to hand tools to lawn and garden, the Craftsman brand has been honored with 19 recognitions for its top innovations, including “Power Tool Brand of the Year” by the Harris Poll 2011 EquiTrend® study and for the third consecutive year, “Top Hand Tool Brand” by the Popular Mechanics Reader’s Choice Award. In addition, Popular Science magazine bestowed its “Best of What’s New” recognition on its revolutionary Craftsman Quick Boost™ Charger.

For a full list of the Craftsman brand’s awards, visit Craftsman.com. Customers can now find these award-winning products at Sears – the home for Craftsman tools. Only Sears provides the service, shopping options and access to the full assortment of 6,000 Craftsman tools. ACE, Costco and Orchard Supply now offer select Craftsman tool lines.

To make shopping fast and easy, the Craftsman brand is identifying its top 25 tool gifts with a “Guys’ Favorites Guaranteed**” sign inside Sears stores. The items will be located in prominent areas of the tools department at Sears stores such as the 2011 Gift Bar, in main aisle bulk stacks, on holiday end caps or in line, making it simple for gift givers to find the Craftsman tools on their loved ones’ wish lists.

For more information on the survey, visit www.craftsman.com. For more information on the award-winning innovations and 84-year history of the Craftsman brand, log on to www.craftsman.com or www.facebook.com/craftsman.

*About the Survey
The Craftsman Tools Survey was conducted by Kelton Research between June 7th and June 14th, 2011 via email invitation and an online survey to a sample of 524 nationally representative American women ages 18+ and 552 nationally representative men ages 18+. Quotas were set to ensure reliable and accurate representation. Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results. In this particular study, the chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 4.3 percentage points (females) or 4.2 percentage points (males) from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample. All tools in the survey were Craftsman brand.

** If they don’t love it, the Sears store return policy has you covered. See return policy for details.

About Sears Holdings Corporation
Sears Holdings Corporation is the nation’s fourth largest broadline retailer with over 4,000 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada. Sears Holdings is the leading home appliance retailer as well as a leader in tools, lawn and garden, consumer electronics and automotive repair and maintenance. Sears Holdings is the 2011 ENERGY STAR® Retail Partner of the Year. Key proprietary brands include Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, and a broad apparel offering, including such well-known labels as Lands’ End, Jaclyn Smith and Joe Boxer, as well as the Apostrophe and Covington brands. It also has the Country Living collection, which is offered by Sears and Kmart. We are the nation’s largest provider of home services, with more than 11 million service calls made annually. Sears Holdings Corporation operates through its subsidiaries, including Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation. For more information, visit Sears Holdings’ website at www.searsholdings.com. |Twitter: @searsholdings |Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SHCCareers

###

The Craftsman Brand Has The Award-winning Tools to Nail 2012 DIY Projects | Chicago Press Release Services – Chicago’s leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.



Press release distribution via Chicago Press Release Services

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
read more

The Craftsman Brand Has The Award-winning Tools to Nail 2012 DIY Projects

Filed Under: Insurance News
Dec.02, 2011

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (Dec. 2, 2011) /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — It might not be time to make a New Year’s resolution just yet, but a recent study conducted by the Craftsman brand and Kelton Research showed that taking on a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) project will be on the 2012 to-do list of most men. According to the study, more than three-quarters of men (77 percent) plan on tackling some sort of DIY project in 2012. To help jump start the next phase of the DIY movement, the Craftsman brand has launched a record-breaking 70 new tools that will be in stores for this holiday season. This latest round of innovation has caught the eye of DIY industry experts – Craftsman tools secured 19 awards and recognitions in 2011, placing the brand at the top of its class across many categories.

The survey also identifies top DIY trends for 2012, ranging from projects big and small both in and outside of the home. Men said landscaping (49 percent), making property improvements, like building retaining walls or laying patio bricks (34 percent) or fixing a deck (27 percent) top the list of outdoor projects. Others plan to focus the work inside and will install shelves / storage systems (30 percent) or light fixtures (27 percent); assemble, repair or refinish furniture (24 percent); or install or repair appliances (23 percent).

“The Craftsman brand is serious about its commitment to build products that are innovative, high-quality, durable and that deliver great value to customers every day,” said Kris Malkoski, vice president and general manager of the Craftsman brand. “With Craftsman tools available through multiple channels and over 6,000 tools at Sears, DIYers can check off any project on their 2012 to-do list with confidence. The recent industry acknowledgements for Craftsman give customers peace of mind that they are buying a top-notch product.”

To get the job done right, guys will need the necessary equipment. However, only 15 percent of those surveyed are packing the newest tools – the remaining 85 percent are relying on a tool collection that’s old, outdated or at best, has a couple of new items thrown in the mix. Understandably, many tool-toting men would like to add or replace some items in their set in the coming year. Cordless power tools, like a cordless drill, are king according to the survey, with 29 percent of respondents choosing that category, followed by bench power tools such as a disc sander or table saw (20 percent) and ratchets and sockets (10 percent).

Now, upgrading a tool collection with confidence has never been easier. From power tools to hand tools to lawn and garden, the Craftsman brand has been honored with 19 recognitions for its top innovations, including “Power Tool Brand of the Year” by the Harris Poll 2011 EquiTrend® study and for the third consecutive year, “Top Hand Tool Brand” by the Popular Mechanics Reader’s Choice Award. In addition, Popular Science magazine bestowed its “Best of What’s New” recognition on its revolutionary Craftsman Quick Boost™ Charger.

For a full list of the Craftsman brand’s awards, visit Craftsman.com. Customers can now find these award-winning products at Sears – the home for Craftsman tools. Only Sears provides the service, shopping options and access to the full assortment of 6,000 Craftsman tools. ACE, Costco and Orchard Supply now offer select Craftsman tool lines.

To make shopping fast and easy, the Craftsman brand is identifying its top 25 tool gifts with a “Guys’ Favorites Guaranteed**” sign inside Sears stores. The items will be located in prominent areas of the tools department at Sears stores such as the 2011 Gift Bar, in main aisle bulk stacks, on holiday end caps or in line, making it simple for gift givers to find the Craftsman tools on their loved ones’ wish lists.

For more information on the survey, visit www.craftsman.com. For more information on the award-winning innovations and 84-year history of the Craftsman brand, log on to www.craftsman.com or www.facebook.com/craftsman.

*About the Survey
The Craftsman Tools Survey was conducted by Kelton Research between June 7th and June 14th, 2011 via email invitation and an online survey to a sample of 524 nationally representative American women ages 18+ and 552 nationally representative men ages 18+. Quotas were set to ensure reliable and accurate representation. Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results. In this particular study, the chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 4.3 percentage points (females) or 4.2 percentage points (males) from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample. All tools in the survey were Craftsman brand.

** If they don’t love it, the Sears store return policy has you covered. See return policy for details.

About Sears Holdings Corporation
Sears Holdings Corporation is the nation’s fourth largest broadline retailer with over 4,000 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada. Sears Holdings is the leading home appliance retailer as well as a leader in tools, lawn and garden, consumer electronics and automotive repair and maintenance. Sears Holdings is the 2011 ENERGY STAR® Retail Partner of the Year. Key proprietary brands include Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, and a broad apparel offering, including such well-known labels as Lands’ End, Jaclyn Smith and Joe Boxer, as well as the Apostrophe and Covington brands. It also has the Country Living collection, which is offered by Sears and Kmart. We are the nation’s largest provider of home services, with more than 11 million service calls made annually. Sears Holdings Corporation operates through its subsidiaries, including Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation. For more information, visit Sears Holdings’ website at www.searsholdings.com. |Twitter: @searsholdings |Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SHCCareers

###

The Craftsman Brand Has The Award-winning Tools to Nail 2012 DIY Projects | Chicago Press Release Services – Chicago’s leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.



Press release distribution via Chicago Press Release Services

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
read more

Hospitals and Health Systems Report Moderate Salary Increases

Filed Under: Insurance News
Nov.15, 2011

2011 Survey of Manager and Executive Compensation in Hospitals and Health Systems released by Sullivan, Cotter and Associates, Inc.

CHICAGO, Nov. 15, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Sullivan, Cotter and Associates, Inc., a health care compensation and human resource management consulting firm, has just published the 2011 Survey of Manager and Executive Compensation in Hospitals and Health Systems.  This is the nineteenth edition of the respected industry resource. More than 290 health systems and 930 hospitals participated in the survey, submitting data for nearly 23,900 executives and managers between March and July 2011.

A key finding of the survey was that among health systems and hospitals that participated in both 2010 and 2011, base salaries increased on average by 3.1% and 2.7%, respectively. These increases are consistent with the budgeted 2011 salary increases for health systems and hospitals of 2.9%. 

“Salary increases continue to be moderate,” noted SullivanCotter Managing Principal Tom Pavlik. “For next year; the data indicate average projected budgets of 3.0% for executives and 2.7% for managers in health systems and hospitals although these data were collected prior to the current economic turmoil. However, we did see around a 4.5% increase in total cash compensation levels.”

SullivanCotter’s Survey of Manager and Executive Compensation in Hospitals and Health Systems provides not only cash compensation data for executive and management jobs in hospitals and health systems, but also data on pay practices, annual incentive plans, supplemental benefits, perquisites, nonqualified retirement plans, and much more. 

The 2011 Survey of Manager and Executive Compensation in Hospitals and Health Systems is now available for purchase. The cost to health care organizations agreeing to participate in next year’s survey is $1,000 (includes hardcopy and CD format); for those not wishing to participate, the cost is $2,250 for a hardcopy and $250 for CD format. The survey is also available to non-health care organizations. To order a copy, please visit the Sullivan, Cotter and Associates website at www.sullivancotter.com or contact Jill St. Aubin, survey project coordinator, at 612/294-3638, or email jillstaubin@sullivancotter.com.

Sullivan, Cotter and Associates, Inc. specializes in the assessment and development of total compensation and reward programs for physicNEWS.GNOM.ES and executives in the health care industry. Since 1992, SullivanCotter has worked closely with health care organization executives, boards and compensation committees to devise innovative compensation solutions that attract and retain leadership talent while satisfying not-for-profit missions and regulatory requirements. A leader in independent consulting, benchmarking, trends and analyses, SullivanCotter has also developed the most widely recognized physician and executive compensation surveys in the United States. For more information, visit www.sullivancotter.com or call 888-739-7039. 

SOURCE Sullivan, Cotter and Associates, Inc.


http://www.sullivancotter.com/

Hospitals and Health Systems Report Moderate Salary Increases | Chicago Press Release Services – Chicago’s leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.



Press release distribution via Chicago Press Release Services

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
read more

FanFueled Launches Innovative Event Ticketing and Marketing Platform; Rewards Fan Engagement

Filed Under: Insurance News
Nov.15, 2011

CHICAGO, Nov. 15, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Today Chicago based FanFueled officially launched their answer to the live entertainment business: an event ticketing and marketing platform that incentivizes, tracks, and rewards fan engagement.  By harnessing the power of social media networks to spread the word, event organizers will see an increase in ticket sales and a decrease in marketing costs.  With this revolutionary model, fans spread the word and FanFueled spreads the wealth.  After successfully completing extensive beta testing, fans, artists, and organizers now have an alternative way to connect and get compensated for loyalty, while saving money.

(Logo:  http://photos.CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM.com/prnh/20111115/LA07088LOGO)

“We are excited to offer a new way of doing business that allows people to come together and leverage the word of mouth buzz to drive a more successful and efficient live entertainment industry,” Says Anderson Bell, FanFueled Founder & CEO.  ”Over 20% of our users share their ticket purchase with their social networks and each one of those shares is generating over 500 free peer-to-peer impressions for our events.”

As a ticketing option, FanFueled offers a mutually beneficial solution that slashes fees for event organizers, which are inevitably passed on to the ticket holder.  A $99 ticket for example, would carry a service fee of $3.  FanFueled’s patent-pending platform tracks all sharing on Facebook and Twitter from ticket purchases and rewards fans with rebates when additional purchases result from a share.  But it doesn’t stop there: FanFueled has the unique ability to track the ripple of influence of the original share and offers rewards on multiple degrees of separation.  At any time fans can apply their rewards toward future purchases or request a cash-out and FanFueled will send them a check.

As a marketing option, FanFueled Engage provides an opportunity for fans to talk about events they are attending and rewards them for doing what they love — sharing plans on Facebook and Twitter.  Fans receive points that may then be used toward exclusive merchandise or special marketing offers set up between the event and FanFueled.  Rewards run the gamut, whether an autographed photo, backstage pass, posters, t-shirts, meet-n-greet, VIP upgrade, or other traditional promotions.  FanFueled Engage has produced over 5 million peer-to-peer impressions for clients like Camp Bisco and the North Coast Music Festival.

FanFueled continues to raise capital in excess of a million dollars led by prominent New York angel investor William Lohse and Listen LLC. William Lohse is the founder of The Tomorrow Project, The Pivot Conference, and an investor with New York Angels.  Listen LLC is a brand and innovation consulting firm that invests time, expertise and capital in “ear to the ground ideas” such as: CouponTrade, Fango Software Systems, and DigitalAisle.

Music lovers may follow FanFueled at http://www.facebook.com/FanFueled and http://www.twitter.com/FanFueled to start earning rewards.

FanFueled provides event organizers with the ability to recognize their most important fans, the ones who turn an event into an experience through their influence, passion and loyalty. The data generated from this patent-pending marketing platform will allow clients to identify and reward fans in new ways based on their contribution to an event’s success.  This uniquely tailored information is also designed to augment strategies and create a valuable approach to marketing efforts and ticket sales, significantly lowering costs.

To schedule an interview with Anderson Bell please contact Andrea Kramer Kramer67@mac.com 602 617 8640.

SOURCE FanFueled

FanFueled Launches Innovative Event Ticketing and Marketing Platform; Rewards Fan Engagement | Chicago Press Release Services – Chicago’s leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.



Press release distribution via Chicago Press Release Services

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
read more

CCH’s David Bergstein Wins Leading Edge Alliance Innovation Award

Filed Under: Insurance News
Nov.14, 2011

RIVERWOODS, Ill., Nov. 14, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — CCH Director of Strategic Relationships David Bergstein has been selected as the 2011 recipient of the ”On the Edge” Innovation Award. The annual award recognizes industry leaders for their vision and significant contributions to the accounting profession and is sponsored by Leading Edge Alliance (LEA), one of the largest international professional associations of independently-owned accounting and consulting firms. CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business is a leading global provider of tax, accounting and audit information, software and services (CCHGroup.com)

The Innovation Award, which was recently presented as part of LEA’s 2011 Global Conference in New Orleans, recognized Bergstein for his industry leadership and forward thinking, as well as his impact on the profession and commitment to strengthening ties between LEA and CCH.

Bergstein, a 25-plus-year veteran of the accounting field, is both a CPA and a CITP. He is currently the Chair of the FICPA’s Financial Literacy Committee and a member of the Technology Section. He is a well-known and frequent speaker and trainer in the field of utilizing new technology to improve the efficiency of operations in tax, accounting, practice management and general operations of the accounting process. He contributes regularly to the Wolters Kluwer blog, Intelligent Solutions, which explores content, technology and new ideas in the global information industry. Bergstein also volunteers and participates in the IRS VITA program each year by teaching the tax program.

“We’re thrilled that Dave has been recognized with this honor,” said CCH President & CEO Mike Sabbatis. “At CCH, we take great pride in being a partner to accounting professionals and Dave has been instrumental in these efforts. He is a dedicated leader who truly goes above and beyond to make a difference in the industry.”

About Leading Edge Alliance

Leading Edge Alliance (www.leadingedgealliance.com) is ranked as the 2nd largest international professional association of independently-owned accounting and consulting firms. The Leading Edge Alliance enables member firms to access the resources of a multibillion dollar global professional services organization, providing business development, professional training and education, and peer-to-peer networking opportunities nationally and globally, around the corner, and around the world.

About CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business

CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business (CCHGroup.com) is a leading global provider of tax, accounting and audit information, software and services. It has served tax, accounting and business professionals since 1913. Among its market-leading solutions are The ProSystem fx® Suite, CorpSystem®, CCH® IntelliConnect®, Accounting Research Manager® and the U.S. Master Tax Guide®. CCH is based in Riverwoods, Ill. Follow us now on Twitter @CCHMediaHelp. Wolters Kluwer (www.wolterskluwer.com) is a market-leading global information services company. Wolters Kluwer is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands. Its shares are quoted on Euronext Amsterdam (WKL) and are included in the AEX and Euronext 100 indices.

SOURCE CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business


http://www.cchgroup.com

CCH’s David Bergstein Wins Leading Edge Alliance Innovation Award | Chicago Press Release Services – Chicago’s leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.



Press release distribution via Chicago Press Release Services

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
read more

How Much More are Consumers Willing to Pay for Sustainable Cuisine?

Filed Under: Insurance News
Nov.14, 2011

CHICAGO, Nov. 14, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Consumers want and need to eat out, and the foodservice industry has a huge carbon footprint. Getting industry operators and consumers on the “green” bandwagon is necessary to minimize the impact that restaurants have on the environment in the future, but how willing are patrons to embrace this change? According to a recent Mintel report, just more than half (57%) of respondents are willing to pay more for local and sustainable fare; however, the majority of those are only willing to pay a mere 1-5% more.

(Logo: http://photos.CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM.com/prnh/20100413/MINTELLOGO-a)

“Green and sustainable attributes pale in comparison to the leading restaurant decision drivers of menu selection, prices and convenient location,” notes Eric Giandelone, foodservice director at Mintel. “However, these initiatives support the leading attributes to help a restaurant stand apart and will become more important as the green movement continues to progress.”

When deciding where to eat, 74% of patrons based their decision on menu selection followed by pricing and convenient location at 69% and 67%, respectively. Local/organic ingredients and sustainable ingredients lagged severely behind with only 7% of people saying that drove them to a restaurant.

Going green and using local ingredients aren’t the only issues restaurants are facing today. For corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, patrons place the greatest importance on living wages. When Mintel respondents were asked to rate their top three CSR initiatives they named living wages, local ingredients and company-provided medical insurance.

“Employee treatment is considered a leading CSR initiative in the restaurant industry,” adds Eric Giandelone. “Despite the fact that those aged 18-24 are generally more in tune with green and sustainable initiatives, living wages rank as more important for older consumers.”

So, which part of the US is the greenest? According to Mintel, the West is best. The West has traditionally been a hotbed for healthier lifestyles and related culinary trends. Although still a small percentage of patrons are impacted, local or organic ingredients are particularly of interest to those living in Western states (11% versus 7% of the Northwest and only 4% of the Midwest).

About Mintel

Mintel is a leading global supplier of consumer, product and media intelligence. For nearly 40 years, Mintel has provided insight into key worldwide trends, offering exclusive data and analysis that directly impacts client success. With offices in Chicago, New York, London, Sydney, Shanghai and Tokyo, Mintel has forged a unique reputation as a world-renowned business brand. For more information on Mintel, please visit www.mintel.com. Follow Mintel on Twitter: http://twitter.com/mintelnews

SOURCE Mintel


http://www.mintel.com

How Much More are Consumers Willing to Pay for Sustainable Cuisine? | Chicago Press Release Services – Chicago’s leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.



Press release distribution via Chicago Press Release Services

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
read more
Powered by WordPress and Motion by 85ideas.