Written by Greg Crabtree
You have watched your newest hire work for their first 30 days and you are looking back at their great resume and 15 years of experience. All you can think is, “Does he really have 15 years of experience or just one year of experience 15 times?”
It was this experience that led us to make “you have to love training” one of our core values. As we tried to differentiate our CPA firm from our peers, we chose to have professional staff that could do 5 core areas of work instead of just audits or tax returns. Every time I would try to hire someone with experience, they would be competent in only one area out of the five. Since they also had “years” of experience, they demanded a premium pay that bore a poor relationship to profitability.
Instead of just passing on the cost to my clients of my paying too much for labor, I decided to solve the problem a different way. By growing my own talent, I would be able to keep access to our services more affordable and fulfill our mission of serving businesses between startup and $5 million in revenue. But, I would have to prove we could train people and stay profitable. We would also have to accept the slower growth curve that comes with growing your own talent.
The first step was to identify the 5 core areas we needed them to be competent in. For us, that was personal tax, business tax, accounting system implementation, financial statement preparation and forecast modeling. The next step was to identify the personality characteristics needed and screen for those with our test from Caliper (www.calipercorp.com). Using Caliper has been like having a corporate psychologist on staff. For a onetime fee of $285 for the test, we get an email with basic results within 24 hours and a call from their consultant to discuss the results. After the call, we get a written report with even greater detail findings within 3 days. Since we have tested all of our team with this service going back to 1998, the consultant can give us incredible feedback on how new hires will work with an existing member of our team as well as guidance (all included in the original cost of the test) as we transition existing team members into new roles.
Once we hired our prototype employee, we had to schedule the work for them to stretch but not break them. We employed a 70/20/10 training philosophy that we told them when they were hired. 10% of your training will be classroom, 20% will be one on one mentoring and 70% will be throw you off the deep end of the pool to see what you can do. You will take a lung of water, but we won’t let you die. Until I throw them off the deep end of the pool, I do not know what they really can do.
When we started this process in 2003, I had just asked some partners to leave that were not aligned around this mindset and we were at breakeven profitability, down to 9 employees and $1 million of revenue. Up to this point, when we added an expensive person with narrow experience, we could get some growth but no profit since they could not be used for more than one service offering and they were resistant to expanding their skill sets. When they would leave by our choice or theirs, we would start the crazy cycle all over again.
By 2010, we were on pace to do $1.8 million in revenue and had 21 employees and were on target for 10% pre-tax profit. The employee we hired as our prototype is still with us and is one of our top client managers. We had only one client manager leave to take a job with a client and only one new hire did not make the cut. Going from turning over 1 to 2 professional staff each year to turning over 2 professional staff in 7 years is a pretty good turn around. We have always had plenty of new business opportunities, our only bottleneck was how quickly we could add the right people. This process allowed us to peg our growth rate to our talent development rate.
What did we learn?
About the Author: Greg Crabtree has worked in the financial industry for more than 30 years. He founded Crabtree, Rowe & Berger, PC, a CPA firm dedicated to helping entrepreneurs build the economic engine of their business. Crabtree leads the business consulting team, helping clients align their financial goals with their profit model and their core business values. He is the author of Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits! For more information, please visit: http://www.seeingbeyondnumbers.com/
]]>The major Internet Company makes an annual revenue of approximately $88.3 million dollars off of its user review site, which allows users to personally review everything from restaurants, to shopping, to nightlife.
The company has seen wild success as a business, recently passing 25 million total reviews on its site, which are each cataloged, starred and ranked. Over 66 million unique visitors look at Yelp on a monthly basis, which is an outlandish feat in terms of foot traffic earned towards advertising revenue.
In addition, in an age where huge advertising bucks rest on the data mined from information mining, the site’s warehouse of user preferences make them an elite contender in the new internet market.
Other Content on Business Review USA
Facebook’s 200 Million Dollar Muralist
Yelp to Go Public; Files for $100 Million IPO
However, while Yelp as a business model holds up against its competitors including Facebook, Groupon and LinkedIn, many experts are saying the IPO estimate is way too high. Chief Investment officer at Harris Private Bank in Chicago, Jack Albin---who was interviewed by Bloomberg.com--claimed, “The initial valuation seems high relative to their peers. I’m not sure where their huge growth catalyst is going to come from.”
Accurate or not, the projections of Yelp’s initial offering indicate one thing: The boom of Internet IPO’s is not going anywhere, rather demand for web stocks are bound to only increase at exponential rates.
]]>(SAN DIEGO, CA, December, 2011) – Business Review USA, the top digital media source for American business news, explores the InterContinental San Francisco– an elegant luxury hotel that’s keeping an eye on innovation and a view of the San Francisco skyline.
“Located in the City’s lively South of Market (SoMa) district, the InterContinental is a towering landmark infused with the perfect balance of technology and intimacy,” the article reads. “Its 32 floors and 550 guest rooms are wrapped in floor-to-ceiling windows that have a cool, blue tone on the outside and provide access to dazzling sunlight and views of the City from within.
It’s no accident that the InterContinental is a business traveler’s paradise. The hotel’s original design incorporated feedback from business travelers and 250 building planners.”
Read the article here.
About Business Review USA
Business Review USA is a leading digital media source of news and content for C-level executives focused on business and industry-specific news throughout the United States. Business Review USA is the territory-dedicated arm of the White Digital Media Group. Founded in 2007 by entrepreneur Glen White, White Digital Media retains a diversified portfolio of websites, magazines, daily news feeds and weekly e-newsletters that leverage technology to innovatively deliver high-quality content, analytical data, and industry news.
Business Review USA is headquartered in San Diego, California, with an additional office in Boston. For more information, contact 1-760-827-7800 or visit http://www.BusinessReviewUSA.com.
Press Contact
Sharise Cruz
Business Review USA
Telephone: (760) 579-7875
Email: sharise.cruz@wdmgroup.com
(SAN DIEGO, CA, December, 2011) – Business Review USA, the top digital media source for American business news, takes a look at the best and worst Super Bowl commercials of all time in the February issue, available now.
“Perhaps the most remarkable branding benefit of a Super Bowl commercial is the high possibility of staying power. It’s not easy to retain the public’s interest over months, let alone years, but history has proven that a buzz worthy Super Bowl ad can keep a brand in the pop culture lexicon for decades.
This year’s Super Bowl XLVI ad slots officially sold out in early January and the pressure to deliver something memorable is as high as it’s ever been. In honor of this branding bonanza, we’re refreshing your memory with a look at some of the best and worst Super Bowl ads from past years,” Editor-in-Chief Sharise Cruz writes.
The article takes an in-depth look at ads that revolutionized modern television marketing—for better and for worse. Some Super Bowl commercials have the power to keep a brand name buzzing at the water cooler for years while some just turn out to be a colossal waste of money. “The average 30-second Super Bowl commercial slot now costs about $3.5 million dollars (excluding production expenses) and has the potential to create unprecedented brand buzz as the event’s captive audience grows with each passing year,” the article reads.
About Business Review USA
Business Review USA is a leading digital media source of news and content for C-level executives focused on business and industry-specific news throughout the United States. Business Review USA is the territory-dedicated arm of the White Digital Media Group. Founded in 2007 by entrepreneur Glen White, White Digital Media retains a diversified portfolio of websites, magazines, daily news feeds and weekly e-newsletters that leverage technology to deliver high-quality content, analytical data, and industry news.
Business Review USA is headquartered in San Diego, California, with an additional office in Boston. For more information, contact 1-760-827-7800 or visit http://www.BusinessReviewUSA.com.
Press Contact
Sharise Cruz
Business Review USA
Telephone: (760) 579-7875
Email: sharise.cruz@wdmgroup.com
(SAN DIEGO, CA, February, 2011) – Business Review USA, the top digital media source for American business news, discusses the biggest Super Bowl ad failures and successes of all time in the February issue.
The Super Bowl commercial has evolved into a battle for brand relevancy and marketing supremacy. Business Review USA’s February cover story takes an in-depth look at some of the commercials that kept people buzzing at their water coolers for years—for better and for worse.
This month, Business Review USA also takes you inside the InterContinental San Francisco—one of the nation’s most modern, innovative and spectacular business travel destinations—and provides insight on how innovation can lead to profitable growth for small-to-medium businesses.
Since there’s no better time than the present to get your finances on track, the February issue also explores the current US economic situation and reveals what can be expected for the rest of 2012. The outlook is brighter than you might think, especially if you happen to be one of the country’s most business-savvy athletes or one of the top ten sports franchise owners—all featured in this month’s issue of Business Review USA.
About Business Review USA
Business Review USA is a leading digital media source of news and content for C-level executives focused on business and industry-specific news throughout the United States. Business Review USA is the territory-dedicated arm of the White Digital Media Group. Founded in 2007 by entrepreneur Glen White, White Digital Media retains a diversified portfolio of websites, magazines, daily news feeds and weekly e-newsletters that leverage technology to deliver high-quality content, analytical data, and industry news.
Business Review USA is headquartered in San Diego, California, with an additional office in Boston. For more information, contact 1-760-827-7800 or visit http://www.BusinessReviewUSA.com.
Press Contact
Sharise Cruz
Business Review USA
Telephone: (760) 579-7875
Email: sharise.cruz@wdmgroup.com
Facebook was then just a fledgling, scrappy company who had not yet sprawled into its huge mega IPO status in the business world. So rather than feel elated with his decision, Chloe initially regretted taking the stock options in lieu of the cash. He later told the New York Times that his stock choice was, “ridiculous and pointless.”
Thank God for seemingly irrational artistic intuition. After Facebook famously went public, Choe's stocks totaled an approximate 200 million dollars. Shortly put: Choe is putting Van Gogh to shame.
Is Choe shucking off centuries of artistic poverty shackles? He even recently interviewed with Barbara Walters about the old myth of the suffering artist, dispelling the myth that genius equals pain. It seems his stance on art may be, like Facebook, entirely revolutionary.
BARBARA WALTERS INTERVIEW
His website bio paints a very different picture of the now mega-mogul artist stating, “[David] is currently homeless, wandering the earth, making good art and bad music.” From rags to riches is a total understatement; Choe almost instantaneously transformed from homeless street tagger to his elite spot as one of the world’s wealthiest artists.
He even has a biographical documentary coming out titled, “Dirty Hands: the Art and Crimes of David Choe” which will explore his unlawful, hustler life which even led to a three month stint in prison.
DIRTY HANDS THE ART AND CRIMES OF DAVID CHOE
Other Content in Network
Zuckerberg of Facebook May face $ 2 Billion Tax Punch
Facebook Files for $5 Billion IPO
Dave Choe, whom the art world considers an up-and-coming bad boy renegade artist, has a brilliant body of prolific work and in many ways is positioned to become this generation’s most relevant artist. More so, his success as a muralist is absolutely unprecedented in the art world, as even high-brow artists do not usually see great monetary rewards in their life time.
It seems like the wake of Facebook’s innovative emergence into society has not waned; only bled into other cultural fabrics and paradigms.
]]>
NEW HOLLAND, Pa., Feb. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Alouette® Cheese announced the introduction of a new line of deliciously spreadable cheddar cheeses. Featuring a full body and fine robust flavor, the new spreadable flavors – Sharp Cheddar Cheese and Bacon Cheddar Cheese – are both perfect for serving as a snack or for entertaining guests.
Available in a convenient, ready-to-serve 6 oz. container, the creamy, savory cheddars can be served with crackers or pretzels, spread on a sandwich or slice of bread, or used to add great flavor to a traditional mac 'n cheese dish. The new cheddars are available in the deli section of supermarkets across the country and retail for $4.99.
"Bacon is a top 10 food trend of the decade according to the Food Network, and cheddar is the world's best selling cheese," said Director of Marketing New Products, Cristina Anton Villa. "We are very enthusiastic to add two new cheddar flavors to an award-winning line up that already includes Alouette Garlic & Herbs and Alouette Savory Vegetable Soft Spreadable Cheese."
The new cheddar flavors offer the same quality and superior taste that consumers have come to expect from a beloved brand like Alouette. Several product attributes include:
Greg Gable, Executive Chef for Alouette, has created new serving suggestions incorporating the new cheddars. Alouette also offers recipes, serving suggestions, entertaining tips and nutritional values on www.alouettecheese.com.
About Alouette
The Alouette® brand has grown over the years, extending its unique line of cheeses to include a wide variety of Alouette Spreadable Cheese flavors as well as other specialty cheese products, such as the 2011 Chef's Best® award-winning Alouette Baby Brie. Today, Alouette is a leading brand in the Specialty Cheese Category in the United States and is the #1 brand of Premium Spreadable Cheese.
The Chef's Best Award for Best Taste is awarded to the brand rated highest overall among leading brands by independent professional chefs. For more information regarding American Culinary Chef's Best, visit www.chefsbest.org.
About Chef Greg Gable
Chef Greg Gable joined Alouette Cheese USA, LLC in 2007 as Executive Chef. Gable first acquired critical acclaim during his 13 years at Le Bec-Fin, one of Philadelphia's finest dining institutions. He has also received several accolades, such as the Philadelphia Inquirer's 3 Bells Award of Excellence and the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Gable is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y.
SOURCE Alouette
]]>Oscar Aubert, political scientist and expert on West Europe, Russia and CIS, has stated that Putin remains the most popular politician in Russia despite large-scale protests in Moscow.
"The European, and, in particular, the French press often describe the situation in Russia as "Russians protest against Putin's policy," "Russians are outraged by the election frauds," etc. But let's ask ourselves how many protesters, dissatisfied, or, as people now call them, "angry" Russians there are. A fair answer to this question will make many people look at the situation in Russia from a completely different angle.
"As a starting point we take the results of opinion poll, obtained by sociological research organization Levada Center. Unlike two other companies that also specialize in national polling, Levada Center is a private company that doesn't receive governmental funding; by the way, it regularly receives orders to make sociological studies for the Russian opposition. The survey cited below was conducted on January 20-23, 2012 - the "surprise effect" of the December protests had already passed by that time, the government and the opposition were systematically preparing their supporters for mass actions on February 4.
"Let's start with a question which will allow us to determine "the degree of opposition-intensity" of the Russian society towards Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who is going to retake the presidential chair on March 4: "Do you support the slogans "Russia without Putin" and "Putin should leave"? 6% of respondents gave the answer "definitely support", another 15% - "rather support". As a result 21% of Russians can be attributed to Vladimir Putin's opponents of various degrees of radicalism. On the other hand, the responses "rather don't support" and "don't support" were given by 29% and 32% respectively. It means that 61% of Russians can be attributed to Vladimir Putin's supporters of various degrees of loyalty. 17% found difficulty in replying.
"On a more specific question "Do you generally approve or disapprove of Vladimir Putin's activity as the Russian Prime Minister?", 64% of Russians gave the answer "approve", and only 34% answered "don't approve".
"It is obvious that in this case to speak of "a confrontation between the authorities and the people" today in Russia is at least not correct. But the expected victory of Vladimir Putin in the first round is a direct consequence of this sociology.
"Violations of law and/or fraud in the parliamentary elections in the Western and the French media were widely recognized, though of the opposition had a lot of problems with finding convincing evidence. But the Russian media convince us that "Russians protest against unfair elections." Yes, those who gather at the opposition rallies, protest against election frauds. But what about the rest? Again we turn to Levada Center's study which aked the Russians: "do you think that the elections in the State Duma of the Russian Federation, December 4, 2011 were fair?"
"The answer "fair" was given by 8% of Russians, the answer "rather fair" - by 35%. On the other "pole" are 23% that believe that the elections were "rather unfair", 14% gave the answer "unfair". 19% of respondents found difficulty in replying. Thus, the majority, though a relative one (43%), to one degree or another, believe that the parliamentary elections were fair.
"To sum up, it is necessary to mention once again - actively protesters, "angry" or even ones simply dissatisfied with Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's policy, Russians are a minority. They are, of course, can't be ignored, their voice should be heard by the authorities. But exactly to the extent that is respective to their share in the Russian society. After all, the democracy that we so willingly want to teach the Russians, first of all, is the will of the majority. And not the diktat of the minority, even if we, the West, like this protesting minority more than the majority of Russians that vote for Putin."
Oscar Aubert is a sociologist, political scientist, an expert for West Europe, Russia and CIS
SOURCE Russia Insights www.russia-insights.com
]]>Foreign exchange is one of the most popular traded financial products, providing attractive opportunities for savvy traders in Singapore, even in volatile market conditions.
Here we look at the top five forex trading tips with a focus on using FX Accucharts from City Index Asia as a trading tool.
1. Research & Analysis
Before jumping into an FX trade it is important to learn how to use technical and fundamental tools so that you can trade more effectively.
2. Trading Plan & Tools
Fortunately, there are a number of leading trading platforms to help you to achieve more consistent trading results, one of which is FX Accucharts; developed by City Index Asia.
FX Accucharts provides traders with the convenience of rapid and accurate analysis, whilst allowing you to benefit from professional features such as real-time price feeds and multiple time frame analysis to uncover potential future market directions.
Key features include:
3. Risk Management
Stop and limit orders can help you manage risk and protect potential profits by helping you get in or out of the market at specified prices.
4. Discipline
One of the most important parts of formulating a trading strategy can simply be to stick to it.
However, not every trade you make will be successful. In a losing situation, it is easy to let losses accumulate in the hope that prices will turn around.
Experienced traders tend to cut their losses quickly and run their profits to a level they expect the market to reach, using their trading strategy and trading plans to help enforce these rules.
5. Follow the News
Because your forex trades will move in tandem with the live market and are likely to be influenced by global, social and economic events, you will be in a much better position to open new trades or exit positions by keeping up to date with market events.
Summary
If you want to learn more about foreign exchange, or even start trading with City Index Asia, you can view more information here: http://www.cityindex.com.sg/fx-trading/start-trading-fx.aspx
Forex trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for some investors.
Trading CFD and FX on margin carries a high level of risk, which may not be suitable for some investors.
Consider your investment objectives, level of experience, financial resources, risk appetite and other relevant circumstances carefully. The possibility exists that you could lose some or all of your investments, including your initial deposits.
About City Index:
Today more and more individual traders are discovering the benefits of derivatives, and many of them are discovering them through a City Index trading platform.
City Index is a leading global provider of margined foreign exchange, CFD trading and in the UK, spread betting. As a group, we transact in excess of 1.5 million trades every month for individuals in over 50 countries worldwide. To learn more visit: http://www.cityindex.com.sg/
SOURCE City Index Singapore
]]>HOUSTON, Feb. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- David Braun, a Regional Vice President of GDF SUEZ Energy Resources, will be featured at the 16th annual Ohio Energy Management Conference Feb. 21-22 in Columbus.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100210/DA52541LOGO)
Braun, who oversees commercial and industrial sales in MISO and the western region of PJM for the company, will speak as part of a panel discussion entitled "Savvy Buyer…Electricity Procurement and Risk Management Best Practices." The session is scheduled for 3:15 p.m. on Feb. 21 at the Columbus Renaissance Hotel, which is hosting the two-day event.
"Although Ohio has had a deregulated environment for years, recent changes in the market present some real challenges for anyone responsible for procuring power," Braun said. "The ability to successfully meet those challenges – and to manage the risks and maximize the opportunities that come with a competitive marketplace – can have a major impact on energy strategies, usage, and costs."
Braun has more than two decades of experience in the energy and utility industries, and his remarks will focus on a broad range of issues critical to Ohio businesses. These include understanding how energy is priced; contract language and terms, including avoiding hidden costs and fees; pricing transparency; determining pricing risk tolerance; and identifying strategies to manage commodity market risks.
The Ohio Energy Management Conference is the largest event of its kind in the American Heartland, attracting over 6,700 attendees. This year's conference will include sessions on shale gas – considered an energy "game changer" – as well as best practices, case studies and instructional sessions on topics such as energy savings, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and funding and incentives for energy-efficiency projects.
The conference is being presented jointly by Industrial Energy Users-Ohio, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and the Manufacturers' Education Council. In addition to Braun's appearance, GDF SUEZ Energy Resources is also one of the event's sponsors.
About GDF SUEZ Energy Resources NA
GDF SUEZ Energy Resources NA is one of the largest non-residential retail electricity suppliers in the U.S. and currently serves commercial, industrial and institutional customers in 12 markets: Delaware, Texas, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Connecticut, Ohio, and Washington, D.C. The company serves over 80,000 accounts for customers having a peak demand ranging from 50 KW to more than 200 MW, with an estimated peak load totaling nearly 10,000 MW.
For more about GDF SUEZ Energy Resources, visit www.gdfsuezenergyresources.com or call 1-866-999-8374. Follow GDF SUEZ Energy Resources on LinkedIn, Twitter: @GDFSUEZEnergy and Facebook. GDF SUEZ Energy Resources is part of International Power, which in North America manages a range of energy businesses in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, including electricity generation and cogeneration, natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) distribution and sales, asset-based trading and origination, and retail energy sales and related services to commercial and industrial customers.
International Power is listed on the London Stock Exchange with ticker symbol IPR. GDF SUEZ holds a 70% interest in International Power plc. For more information, please visit www.iprplc-gdfsuez.com and http://www.gdfsuez.com.
SOURCE GDF SUEZ Energy Resources
]]>Enovos, official partner of the RADIOSHACK NISSAN TREK WorldTour Team, as part of the co-operation agreement with Leopard S.A., is supporting the up-and-coming generation as represented by the LEOPARD TREK Continental Team. The new team is made up mainly of successful newcomers, the next generation of professionals in the U23 category, and will serve as a training team to promote young talent and cycle sports in general in Luxemburg.
Together with Leo, NordENERGIE, and Steinergy, the Luxembourg sales companies which belong to the Enovos Group, Enovos is Luxembourg's leading provider of natural gas, electricity, and energy services. Customers include industry, SMB's, distributors and private households alike. As an energy supplier with a strong awareness of its responsibilities, Enovos is always acutely aware of future generations and sustainable energy supply by way of regenerative energy sources. "The up and coming generations are a particular concern for us. By way of this commitment, we have taken on responsibility for them, whilst remaining true to our company slogan: "Energy for today. Caring for tomorrow.", says Jean Lucius, CEO Enovos Luxembourg.
As well as the regional clientele, Enovos also attracts a significant number of customers in Germany, France, and Belgium.
The LEOPARD TREK Continental Team is made up of 11 riders of different nationalities and one triathlete. Enovos is particularly pleased to be supporting the Luxembourg riders Bob Jungels (team captain), Pit Schlechter, Alex Kirsch, Joël Zangerle, and Dirk Bockel (triathlete).
As an innovative concern where closeness to customers is a top priority, the Luxembourg energy provider knows very well how keen the nation is on cycle sports, and has already been actively involved with the sport for some time. As well as a range of different sports functions, Enovos has long been a sponsor of major events such as the "Gala Tour de France" and the "Skoda-Tour de Luxembourg".
Enovos wishes the whole team lots of energy for a successful season in 2012.
Enovos - Natural gas, electricity and services
As main energy supplier in Luxembourg, also active on the German, French and Belgian energy market, Enovos Luxembourg's mission consists of generating electricity, natural gas and renewable energy for the industry, SMB's, distributors and private households and in delivering it to them.
In addition to its traditional core business, the company is expanding its activities mostly in the field of renewable energy.
Enovos Luxembourg is 100% owned by Enovos International S.A., a holding company with its headquarters in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg which also acts as an umbrella for the management of the grid operator, Creos Luxembourg S.A.
Expressed in numbers, the Enovos International Group currently consists of more than 1,300 employees, more than 280,000 points of delivery (electricity and natural gas), more than 8,700 km of electric lines and more than 3,600 km of gas pipelines. In 2010, the group had a turnover of
EUR 1.5 billion.
25.44% of Enovos International S.A. belongs to Luxembourg State, 10.01% belongs to the state-owned investment bank SNCI and 8.00% belongs to the City of Luxembourg. ArcelorMittal owns 23.48%, RWE owns 18.36%, E.ON has 10.00% and Electrabel holds 4.71%.
For more information, please visit: enovos.eu
Our download service for you:
This press release can be downloaded here: enovos.eu/Presse/Luxembourg/Presse-Login
User: Enovos
Password: enovospress
SOURCE Enovos
]]>Across the Gem State, Tax-Aide sites open and ready to help low and middle income taxpayers file returns at no cost
BOISE, Idaho, Feb. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Tax season is here. And while it's no doubt a far cry from most Idahoans favorite time of the year, help is available to make it, well, less taxing. More than 280 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers in more than 57 Idaho communities are at the ready to help low to moderate income taxpayers of all ages prepare their 2011 Income Tax Returns at no cost.
Tax-Aide is the nation's largest volunteer-run tax preparation and assistance service available to low and moderate-income taxpayers of all ages with a special emphasis on assisting individuals 60 years of age and older, all free of charge. Volunteers are IRS trained and certified, and ready to prepare a variety of returns and have the ability to file electronically.
"The current economy has seen many people's financial picture change, which can have a large impact on their taxes," said Angel Cortez, Interim State Director for AARP in Idaho. "The Tax-Aide program and trained AARP volunteers are here to help Idahoans navigate the increasingly tricky waters of filing their income taxes for free."
Last year 286 volunteers across Idaho helped prepare and file more than 27,732 returns, helping them identify and receive deductions for which they may be eligible. Across the country in 2010, Tax-Aide volunteers helped people receive more than $233 million in Earned Income Tax Credit, a source of cash for people with limited resources.
The Tax-Aide program began in 1968 with four volunteers. Since that time, it has grown to a program that involves over 33,000 AARP volunteers who help nearly 3 million individuals nationwide file their federal, state, and local taxes each year.
Tax-Aide volunteers receive training from the Internal Revenue Service and are trained in filing the 1040 Form and the more standard schedules, including Schedules A and B. In addition, E-Filing is offered at most Tax-Aide sites without charge to the taxpayer. Most Tax-Aide sites begin operating in early-February and are operational until April 15th. The Tax-Aide program also has an online assistance tool where individuals can pose questions to Tax-Aide volunteers year-round.
If you are interested in finding out more about the Tax-Aide program or to find a Tax-Aide site near you, visit www.aarp.org/taxaide or call 1-888-AARP-NOW (1-888-227-7669).
AARP is Idaho's largest membership organization with more than 180,000 members.
Follow us on Twitter @AARPIdaho and Facebook: AARP Idaho
SOURCE AARP Idaho
]]>SKIPPACK, Pa., Feb. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- GeoInvesting.com today announced that it has made additional research and due diligence available on L & L Energy.
Since its initial report on January 17, 2012, the GeoTeam has continued to develop even more conclusive proof to support its case that L & L Energy never purchased the Ping Yi Mine. After the Chinese New Year holiday, the GeoTeam contacted Mr. Hu Shiwei and Mr. Zhang Baoguo, the Ping Yi Mine owners, who control a combined 70% of its equity. They said that they never transferred their interests of Ping Yi Mine to LLEN and/or its affiliated identities. The true owners of Ping Yi Mine provided the following:
For links to all of the relevant material, as well as the revealing video, please go here:
http://geoinvesting.com/companies/duediligence/true_owner_of_ping_yi_mine_speaks_out.aspx
GeoInvesting Contacts:
Dan David, Vice President
Ph. 484-991-8426
Web site: http://www.geoinvesting.com/
SOURCE GeoInvesting.com
]]>Shawn Andrews, Managing Director of Windsor stated, "The SBA enables banks to offer borrowers the loans they need to increase productivity, hire employees and benefit their local communities. This partnership with the SBA will ultimately provide the foundation for the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovation in the US. We at Windsor are proud to be part of the solution by allowing our bank clients to participate profitability in this great program."
In 2011, Windsor Advantage achieved its best year to date, generating over 84 million dollars in successfully completed transactions. This achievement is built on 150 years of collective experience working with SBA lending programs and a commitment to industry compliance as evidenced by Windsor's recent SOC 1 Type 2 certification. From offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, Charlotte, Kansas City and the corporate headquarters in Indianapolis, the Windsor Advantage team is poised to become the nation's preeminent SBA lender service provider.
To meet the demands of its growing business, Windsor Advantage made a significant investment in human capital, hiring five new professional staff members last year. Windsor's internal success in 2011 also resulted in meaningful growth for the United States economy. In partnership with its bank clients, Windsor helped to create or preserve over two thousand US jobs. Windsor has also played a pivotal role in the growth of the nearly 100 US small businesses represented in the loans closed and serviced by the company on behalf of its bank clients.
The responsible and real growth of Windsor Advantage in 2011 is a significant achievement that is made more significant by the company's success in job creation and preservation and in facilitating the flow of invaluable financial support to small businesses across the country. This is what makes Windsor Advantage a progressive industry leader.
About Windsor Advantage, LLC
Windsor Advantage provides a comprehensive outsourced SBA department solution to banks across the country. Services include application packaging, loan closing and compliance, secondary market sales, loan servicing and regulatory exam support. Windsor also provides continuing training and technical assistance to banks at no cost. With more than 150 years of collective SBA lending experience, cutting edge systems and rigid controls, Windsor Advantage is uniquely qualified to support its clients to develop and execute a thoughtful and profitable SBA 7(a) loan program.
The company is based in Indianapolis, Indiana with offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, Charlotte and Kansas City. For more information, call 317.602.6648 or visit www.WindsorAdvantage.com.
Media Contact:
Engage Group, Inc.
Al E. Canal
917-398-4600
Email: acanal@engagegroupinc.com
SOURCE Windsor Advantage, LLC
]]>Brooklyn tourists and residents can access Fort Greene Park's Wi-Fi near the visitor's center. The additional Central Park site joins Mineral Springs, Tavern on the Green and AT&T's seasonal Summer Stage deployment at Rumsey Playfield. Visitors to the Central Park Zoo will have access to AT&T Wi-Fi by the main entrance, food court and central garden areas.
"This initiative has been a huge success and we're thrilled that visitors to New York City's most popular parks can stay connected all year round," said Tom DeVito, AT&T vice president and general manager for New York and New Jersey. "We look forward to bringing even more parks online in the coming months so that more smartphone and tablet users can take advantage of this service."
The launch is part of a five-year digital initiative with Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and the City of New York to provide free Wi-Fi at 26 locations in 20 New York City parks across the five boroughs. In addition to Fort Greene Park and Central Park Zoo, New Yorkers can now access free AT&T Wi-Fi at many other park locations across all five boroughs including:
AT&T operates the nation's largest Wi-Fi network** with nearly 30,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots at popular restaurants, hotels, bookstores and retailers, including more than 650 hotspot locations in New York's five boroughs.
For more information on AT&T Wi-Fi locations and instructions on how to connect, visit AT&T Wi-Fi Access.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
** Largest based on company branded and operated hotspots. Access includes AT&T Wi-Fi Basic. A Wi-Fi enabled device required. Other restrictions apply. See www.attwifi.com for details and locations.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.
Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT.
© 2012 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.
Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Information set forth in this news release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update or revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.
SOURCE AT&T Inc.
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