Providence, RI (MMD Newswire) December 14, 2012 -- Andera, a financial software company that simplifies account opening and lending for banks and credit unions, announced that Central Star Credit Union has chosen oFlows, the first totally paperless platform for online account opening and loan applications.

Central Star Credit Union, headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, opened its doors over 71 years ago with fewer than 50 members and only $126 in assets. The goal of Central Star's founders was simple -- to provide low-cost financial solutions for aviation industry employees. Since then, Central Star has grown to thousands of members and $75 million in assets.

"Andera's platform allows us to reduce expenses and yet deliver quality services to our members anywhere, anytime," stated Central Star President Lee Williams.

"With the rapid movement we've seen to online and mobile banking, our ability to be global and mobile is key to our continued success and viability. As our members' financial needs change, we change as well. Andera gives us an additional platform for continuing our member promise of 'exceeding your expectation.'"

Andera CEO Charlie Kroll added, "The retail sales channel is evolving. Consumers want the ability to begin their banking relationships with the same ease and convenience that they have come to expect when buying goods and services in stores and on line. Technology makes that possible, bridging the gap between these consumers' expectations and financial institutions' ability to meet those expectations."

"In moving to oFlows, Central Star Credit Union is anticipating its members' needs by making it easy for them to conduct their banking business from wherever they happen to be and at any time of day or night."

About Andera

Andera pioneered online account opening in 2004 and now offers a multichannel platform to over 550 bank and credit union customers. Andera's oFlows platform radically simplifies account opening and lending in branches, online, out in the field, and over the phone. The oFlows platform is a four-time winner of the "Best in Show" award at Finovate.

Recently cited as "One of the Top Ten Tech Companies to Watch" by American Banker, Andera is privately held, headquartered in Providence, and has offices in San Francisco and New York. For more information, visit www.andera.com or register for an upcoming webinar.

Andera Contact

Laurie McLachlan

lmclachlan@andera.com

(617) 921-2916

Sydney, Australia (MMD Newswire) December 18, 2012 -- The 3rd and last US Pre-election Debate raised eyebrows, caused the nodding of heads and helped cement the views of tens of millions of US voters ready for November 6th.

So too, that Debate and the election outcome cemented Serenidad Consulting positioning itself for a US presence at the earliest opportunity. Nola Hennessy, Founding Managing Director and CEO, was present in Washington DC for the 3rd Debate, and attended the Driskill Hotel in Austin TX on election night to watch the election results unfold and enjoy a relaxing dinner.

After the last debate, in Washington DC Nola stated "Achieving peace through effective strategy, and resolving differences at all layers of humanity, is a far more sustainable outcome for our world than attempting (yet again) to achieve peace through a show of strength. War fighting simply exacerbates or treats the 'symptoms', but effective strategy will help us get to the root causes of conflicts so we can resolve these over time."

In No Boxing Allowed, Nola's first multi-award winning, "inspirational" and "spiritual" book, humanity's lack of emotional maturity is exposed and discussed. Nola extends to readers the powerful opportunity (a simple choice on their part) to learn more about, harness and then use their personal power in constructive and positive ways, thus enabling the healing, stabilization, nurturing and solidification of relationships at all levels of humanity.

Nola's sequel book, the award-winning, "How To" book, From PMS to PMA - A Change Management Guide for Women (and their Men) (i.e. From Pre-Menstrual Syndrome to Positive Mental Attitude,) focuses readers on a bright new light for change - one that will deliver refreshed and healthier relationships between men and women, provide strategies to remove unnecessary and unproductive power and control struggles, enable letting go of age-old excuses and baggage, and empower everyone to value themselves and others.

Nola's books are part of the solid base from which Serenidad Consulting has grown in strength and popularity over the last 3 years. These current and future books herald only positive change and are as enduring as Nola's companies ......................................here for the long haul!

Serenidad Consulting's strategic intent is clear and unwavering. During Nola's 2012 US book tour she solidified the 'foundation stone' relationships established in recent years and also forged brand new US alliances in the international security/counter-terrorism, education and mediation/alternative dispute resolution sectors, and with the US media and literary audiences more broadly. Nola plans to return to the USA in 2013 for further book promotion and signings, speaking and teaching engagements and media appearances.

Media References: One-Sheet, Articles, and Appearances/Events

# # #

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

EDITORS: For book review copies or interview requests, contact:

Nicholas Mostyn

Phone: +61 2 44556951

Email: media@serenidadconsulting.com

www.serenidadconsulting.com

(When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)

Mercury Medical is currently a non-exclusive distributor of Parker Medical's products throughout the U.S. Beginning on Feb. 1, 2013, Mercury Medical will become Parker's exclusive distributor in the following fourteen states: Virginia, Texas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Mississippi, Maryland, Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, Washington (District of Columbia), Arkansas and Alabama. For more information, please contact Mercury Medical at 800.237.6418

About Parker Medical

HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO - Parker Medical was established in 1994. Its primary focus is the design and development of innovative, life-saving, patented, airway management products. Parker's goal is to provide products which are faster and easier for medical professionals to use and safer for patients. Independent, comparative, clinical studies listed on Parker's website www.parkermedical.com have reported that Parker's Flex-Tip tubes cause "significantly less trauma and significantly less bleeding," and less post-intubation nasal pain after nasal intubation, when compared to standard-tip tubes. Other clinical studies comparing Parker Flex-Tip tubes to standard-tip tubes have reported that the Parker tubes facilitated significantly faster and easier intubations, with a 100% first-attempt success rate, little or no impingement on surrounding tissues, and less post-operative hoarseness. Parker recently launched the first DEHP-free, Flex-Tip tubes with thin polyurethane cuffs, and expects to launch several new, patented products in Q1, 2013, that will facilitate an unprecedented level of intubation speed and airway safety. Parker is headquartered in Colorado and has research facilities in Ohio. For more information, please visit www.parkermedical.com

About Mercury Medical

Mercury Medical was established in 1963. Its primary focus is to bring new and evolving medical technology/devices to the market, whether developed by outside individuals, companies or through its own design. Mercury recently launched the first self-contained disposable Neo-Tee®

T-piece resuscitation system as well as its Flowsafe® family of disposable CPAP systems. Mercury distributes its products in over 70 countries and is headquartered in Clearwater, Florida. For more information, please visit www.mercurymed.com.

Mercury Medical®

11300 - 49th Street North

Clearwater, Florida 33762-4807

Contact: George Howe,

Executive Vice President

800.237.6418

www.mercurymed.com

Las ciudades brasileñas caen en picada en la lista mundial de las más caras para empleados expatriados, mientras que el costo de vida en ciudades de Estados Unidos se eleva.

Tokio es la ciudad más cara del mundo

A lo largo del año, Santiago ha retrocedido 8 puestos y es ahora la 144.ª ciudad más cara del mundo para empleados expatriados, según la nueva encuesta sobre el costo de vida de ECA International, el líder mundial en desarrollo y provisión de soluciones de gestión y asignación de empleados en todo el mundo. En las Américas, Santiago es la 38.ª más cara de las ciudades encuestadas, por debajo del 30.º lugar que ocupaba el año pasado.

«El costo de los artículos que componen la canasta de bienes de consumo y servicios que ECA toma como base ha aumentado en un 3 % en Chile este año», explicó Lauren Smith, gerente general de la oficina de Nueva York de ECA International. «Un índice de aumento mucho más bajo que el de casi el 7 % registrado hace un año e inferior al aumento promedio del 6 % de toda América del Sur. Al mismo tiempo, el peso se ha debilitado un poco frente al dólar de EE. UU. En conjunto, estos factores hacen que a las empresas --en particular para las que tienen casa matriz en los EE. UU. o en países cuya moneda está vinculada al dólar de EE. UU.-- les resulte más barato enviar empleados a Chile.»

Por lo general, las empresas que envían empleados en asignaciones internacionales tratan de asegurar que mantengan su poder adquisitivo en su nuevo destino. El costo de vida de los empleados internaciones se ve afectado por la inflación, la disponibilidad de bienes y los tipos de cambio, todo lo cual puede ejercer un impacto significativo sobre los paquetes de remuneración de los empleados. Para ayudar a las empresas multinacionales a calcular los salarios de asignación, ECA lleva a cabo dos Encuestas de Costo de Vida al año, comparando el costo de una canasta de bienes y servicios comprados habitualmente por los empleados internacionales en más de 400 ciudades de todo el mundo.

«La encuesta no incluye ciertos costos de vida tales como alquiler de la vivienda, cargas de los servicios públicos (electricidad, gas, agua), compra de auto y matrículas escolares. Aunque estos elementos pueden hacer una gran diferencia en el consto de vida total, por lo general, se compensan por separado en los paquetes de remuneración de los expatriados, de modo que estos datos se investigan y publican por separado», explicó Smith.

La ciudad más cara entre las encuestas en las Américas es la capital de Venezuela, Caracas, que ocupa la 7.ª posición a nivel mundial.

Buenos Aires, en el 47.º lugar a nivel mundial, ocupa el 2.º puesto en la lista de las ciudades sudamericanas más cara para empleados expatriados. Le siguen Río de Janeiro (64.º) y Sao Paulo (69.º), que, sin embargo, han caído dramáticamente en la clasificación mundial, del 22.º y el 29.º lugar respectivamente.

«En los últimos 12 meses, la intervención gubernamental, la crisis de la deuda soberana de la eurozona y las decepcionantes cifras nacionales de desempeño económico han contribuido al debilitamiento del real frente al dólar de EE. UU. y otras monedas importantes», explicó Lauren Smith, gerente general de la oficina de Nueva York de ECA International. «Por otro lado, hemos observado que el costo de nuestra canasta de bienes, que usualmente consumen los expatriados, subió poco más de un 2,4 % en Brasil. Es la más baja tasa de crecimiento que hemos observado en América del Sur este año y por debajo del 4,7 % registrado el año pasado en Brasil.»

Las ciudades mexicanas se encuentran entre las más baratas de la región. En el ámbito mundial México DF está en el 201.º lugar y, en las Américas, ocupa el 55.º puesto.

En América del Norte, la ciudad canadiense de Vancouver es la más cara por segundo año consecutivo. La ciudad figura en el 35.º lugar a nivel mundial, seguida por Manhattan (36.º). El fortalecimiento del dólar de EE. UU. frente a las principales divisas ha llevado a todas las ciudades de Estados Unidos encuestadas a ascender en el ranking en los últimos 12 meses, a pesar de que el costo de los artículos que componen la canasta de referencia subió a un ritmo más lento que en muchas otras partes del mundo.

Lo más destacado en Asia: Tokio es la ciudad más cara del mundo

Durante los últimos tres años, las ciudades asiáticas han subido el ranking. Nueve ciudades figuran entre los primeros 50 lugares más costosos para empleados internacionales a nivel mundial. En 2009, solo cuatro estaban en este grupo, en el que no participaban Hong Kong, Singapur, Pekín, Shanghái ni Seúl.

Tokio sigue siendo el lugar más caro en Asia y en el mundo, a pesar de que Japón fue el único país asiático en que los precios cayeron este año. En promedio, el precio de los artículos que componen la canasta de referencia de ECA para Asia se han incrementado un 6,5 %, cifrasignificativamente más baja que la del aumento promedio del año pasado, de un 8,2 %.

Hong Kong, en el 32 º lugar del ámbito mundial, es ahora más cara que Manhattan (36.º) y París (42.º), aunque sigue siendo más barata que otros centros regionales, tales como Pekín (22.º), Shanghái (26.º), que también han ascendido en la clasificación, y Singapur (31.º).

Mientras Hong Kong (32.º a nivel mundial) ha dado uno de los mayores saltos de la región en el ranking de este año, algunas de las mayores caídas se han producido en Indonesia. El debilitamiento de la rupia frente a las principales monedas ha contribuido a que Yakarta retrocediera 32 lugares, al 123.º lugar entre las ciudades más caras para empleados expatriados.

Karachi (Pakistán) sigue siendo la ciudad menos cara de Asia.

Australasia: las ciudades de Australia siguen estando entre las más caras del mundo

Todas las ciudades australianas encuestadas están ahora entre las primeras 30 más caras del mundo. Sídney es la más costosa, en 16.º lugar a nivel mundial.

«Hace sólo tres años, ninguna de las ciudades de Australia de nuestro estudio aparecía ente las primeras 60. Desde entonces, el dólar australiano ha ascendido sin parar y continúa en alza. Esto hace que Australia sea un lugar caro para vivir: el costo de bienes y servicios en Sídney, por ejemplo, está un 12 % por encima del costo de bienes y servicios equivalentes en Hong Kong», dijo Smith.

Europa: ciudades de toda la región cayeron en el ranking mundial

Muchas ciudades de la región retrocedieron en la clasificación mundial, por el debilitamiento del euro y otras monedas europeas frente al dólar de EE. UU., aunque durante el año los precios aumentaran en promedio en Europa a un ritmo más lento que en otras regiones.

Las ciudades de Oslo y Stavanger (Noruega), clasificadas en 3.º y 8.º en el mundo, respectivamente, son las más caras de la región. Les siguen las ciudades suizas de Zúrich (9.º), Ginebra (10.º) y Berna (11.º), y Rusia (15.º).

La actual crisis financiera en Grecia y España ha hecho que Atenas cayera 47 puestos en 12 meses al 109.º lugar en el ranking mundial, al tiempo que Madrid retrocedió 44 lugares al 105.º. Una de las mayores caídas en el ranking mundial se ha visto en Portugal, otro país afectado por la crisis de la deuda soberana. Lisboa cayó del 98.ª al 158.º lugar durante el año.

Londres y las ciudades encuestadas Rusia, Turquía y Ucrania se han mostrado más resistentes. Londres subió 11 lugares y ahora ocupa el 58.º lugar a nivel mundial. Estambul ascendió 21 lugares al 34.º, mientras que la capital turca, Ankara, subió 31 puestos y está en el 121.º a nivel mundial, una de las mayores alzas en esta encuesta.

Chisinau, capital de Moldavia, sigue siendo la ciudad europea encuestada con costos más bajos.

África y Oriente Próximo: la ciudad angolana de Luanda es la más cara de África

La ciudad más cara de África es la capital de Angola, Luanda. A nivel mundial, la ciudad está nuevamente entre las 10 primeras del ranking tras haber ascendido desde la 11.º posición del año pasado al 4.º lugar. Le sigue la capital de Sudán del Sur, Yuba (14 .º), y la de la República Democrática del Congo, Kinshasa (19.º).

La capital egipcia, El Cairo, subió 15 lugares al 219.º mientras que las ciudades de Sudáfrica siguen cayendo en el ranking. Johannesburgo se encuentra actualmente en el 222.º lugar, habiendo caído del 204.º del año pasado.

A pesar de que cayó 13 posiciones a nivel mundial, la ciudad encuestada más cara del Oriente Próximo sigue siendo Tel Aviv, 45.º en el ranking general. Dubái ha subido 14 lugares a nivel mundial al 173.º mientras que Yeda, en el 224.º lugar, es la ciudad encuestada más barata de la región.

Notas a los editores

Las cifras empleadas en este comunicado fueron tomadas de la encuesta sobre costo de vida de ECA.

Siga a ECA en twitter: https://twitter.com/ecaintl

Información acerca de la encuesta sobre costo de vida de ECA

Los índices de costo de vida de ECA International se calculan en base a encuestas llevadas a cabo anualmente en marzo y septiembre, usando una canasta de bienes y servicios del día a día. Los datos mencionados se refieren a variaciones interanuales entre las encuestas ECA de septiembre de 2012 y 2011.

Los clientes de ECA usan estos datos para calcular los subsidios de costo de vida para los empleados en diferentes países. La encuesta abarca:

Alimentos: Provisiones; productos lácteos; carnes y pescados; frutas y hortalizas

Básico: Bebidas y tabaco; bienes diversos; servicios

General: Ropa; aparatos eléctricos; uso de auto; comer afuera

La encuesta no incluye ciertos costos de vida tales como alquiler de la vivienda, cargas de los servicios públicos (electricidad, gas, agua), compras de autos y matrículas escolares. Tales elementos pueden hacer una gran diferencia en los gastos, pero generalmente se compensan por separado en los paquetes de remuneración de los expatriados.

Esta comparación del costo de vida se ha calculado sobre una base compuesta de diferentes países desarrollados, de modo de reflejar un estilo de vida internacional. Otros índices de ECA reflejan comparaciones específicas entre ciudades y diferentes niveles de eficiencia comercial.

Información sobre ECA International

ECA es el líder mundial en desarrollo y provisión de soluciones de gestión y asignación de empleados en todo el mundo. A través de la provisión de datos, experiencia, sistemas y asistencia en la forma que mejor se ajusta a los clientes, la cartera de ofertas de ECA incluye un paquete externalizado completo de cálculos, asesoramiento y servicios para empresas con poca experiencia o recursos en gestión de asignaciones internacionales; suscripciones a exhaustiva información en línea y sistemas de software para empresas con requerimientos más amplios; y proyectos de política aduanera y desarrollo de sistemas para empresas que gestionan miles de empleados internacionales en todo el mundo.

Para obtener más información o convenir una entrevista con un portavoz de ECA International acerca de estos resultados, póngase en contacto con:

Síganos en twitter: @ECAintl

Para más información póngase en contacto con

Lauren Smith
Gerente general
ECA International Logical Link Control
Rockefeller Center
1230 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 730
Nueva York NY 10020
EE. UU.
lauren.smith@eca-international.com
Tel:  +1 212 582 2333

###

Custo de vida em localidades nos EUA cresce e Tóquio permanece sendo a cidade mais cara do mundo

Rio de Janeiro é o 64º local mais caro para agentes internacionais, tendo caído da 22ª posição no ano passado, de acordo com uma nova pesquisa de Custo de Vida da ECA International, líder mundial no desenvolvimento e fornecimento de soluções para a gestão e transferência de funcionários em todo o mundo. São Paulo ocupa a 69ª posição - tendo caído da 29ª lugar no ano passado.

"A intervenção do governo, a crise da dívida pública da Zona do Euro e números decepcionantes do desempenho econômicos nacional têm contribuído para o enfraquecimento do real em relação ao dólar e outras dentre as principais moedas nos últimos 12 meses", explica Lauren Smith, Gerente-Geral da ECA International em Nova York. "Além disso, temos presenciado o aumento do custo da nossa cesta representativa de bens para expatriados em pouco mais de 2,4% no Brasil. Esta é a menor taxa de crescimento que temos observado na América do Sul neste ano e representa uma redução de 4,7% com relação ao ano passado para o Brasil."

As empresas que enviam funcionários em transferências internacionais costumam visar para que o poder de compra do agente internacional seja mantido em sua nova localidade. O custo de vida para agentes internacionais é afetado pela inflação, disponibilidade de bens e taxas de câmbio, os quais podem ter um impacto significativo sobre os pacotes de remuneração do agente. Para ajudar as empresas multinacionais a calcular os salários de transferência, a ECA realiza duas Pesquisas de Custo de Vida por ano, comparando uma cesta de bens de consumo e serviços normalmente adquiridos pelos agentes internacionais em mais de 400 localidades em todo o mundo.

"Certos custos de vida, tais como aluguel, taxas de serviços públicos, compra de automóveis e mensalidades escolares, não estão incluídos neste levantamento. Embora tais artigos possam ter um efeito significativo no custo de vida global, eles em geral são compensados separadamente em pacotes para expatriados, de modo que tais dados são pesquisados e publicados separadamente", explica Smith.

"À medida que diminuem os custos de vida nas localidades brasileiras, o país torna-se mais atraente para as empresas que pretendem instalar-se na região, visto que os subsídios necessários para assegurar a seus empregados que o padrão de vida seja mantido em sua transferência o Brasil tendem a ser mais baixos agora para muitas empresas."

A cidade mais cara pesquisada nas Américas é a capital da Venezuela, Caracas, que ocupa a 7ª posição globalmente.

Dentre as outras localidades na América do Sul pesquisadas, Buenos Aires, na 47ª posição globalmente, é a segunda localidade mais cara da América do Sul para expatriados. O Rio de Janeiro e São Paulo são as seguintes.

Na América do Norte, a cidade canadense de Vancouver é a localidade mais cara pelo segundo ano consecutivo. A cidade ocupa a 35ª posição globalmente e é seguida por Manhattan (36ª). O fortalecimento do dólar contra as principais moedas fez com que todas as localidades dos EUA pesquisadas subissem no ranking nos últimos 12 meses - apesar do custo de itens no custo da cesta básica aumentar a um ritmo mais lento que muitas outras partes do mundo.

Destaques da região da Ásia - Tóquio, a localidade mais cara do mundo

Nos últimos três anos, as localidades da Ásia subiram no ranking. Nove localidades asiáticas agora aparecem dentre as 50 mais caras para agentes internacionais em todo o mundo. Em 2009, apenas quatro estavam nas 50 primeiras, nenhuma delas sendo Hong Kong, Cingapura, Pequim, Xangai ou Seul.

Tóquio ainda é o local mais caro na Ásia e no mundo - apesar de o Japão ser o único local na Ásia a passar por quedas de preços neste ano. Em média, os preços dos itens na cesta do Custo de Vida da ECA aumentaram 6,5% - significativamente menos do aumento médio do ano passado, de 8,2%.

Hong Kong, em 32º lugar globalmente, é agora mais caro que Manhattan (36º) e Paris (42º), embora continue a ser mais barato que outros centros regionais como Pequim (22º), Xangai (26º), que também deram um salto no ranking, e Cingapura (31º).

Embora Hong Kong (32º globalmente) tenha tido um dos maiores saltos da região no ranking deste ano, algumas das maiores quedas foram vistas na Indonésia. O enfraquecimento da rúpia contra as principais moedas contribuiu para que Jacarta caísse 32 posições, tornando-se a 123ª localidade mais cara do mundo para expatriados.

Karachi, no Paquistão, permanece a localidade asiática menos cara no ranking.

Australásia - As localidades da Austrália permanecem entre as mais caras do mundo

Todas as localidades australianas pesquisadas agora estão classificadas dentre as 30 mais caras do mundo. Sydney é a mais cara, ocupando a 16ª posição globalmente.

"Há apenas três anos, nenhuma das localidades australianas em nossa pesquisa apareciam nas 60 mais caras. Desde então, o dólar australiano tem se fortalecido cada vez mais e permanece em alta atualmente. Isso torna a Austrália um lugar caro para se viver: os custos dos bens e serviços em Sydney, por exemplo, agora são 12% maiores que os custos equivalentes em Hong Kong", afirma Smith.

Europa - localidades na região em queda no ranking global

Muitas localidades na região caíram no ranking global visto que o euro e outras moedas europeias enfraqueceram-se em relação ao dólar, enquanto os preços aumentaram em um ritmo mais lento na Europa, em média, que outras regiões ao longo do ano.

As localidades norueguesas de Oslo e Stavanger, classificadas como a 3ª e 8ª do mundo, respectivamente, são as mais caras da região. Elas são seguidas pelas cidades suíças de Zurique (9ª), Genebra (10ª) e Berna (11ª), bem como a Rússia (15ª).

A atual crise financeira na Grécia e na Espanha fez com que Atenas caísse 47 posições em 12 meses, chegando à 109ª posição no ranking mundial, enquanto Madrid caiu 44 lugares, chegando à 105ª. Uma das maiores quedas no ranking mundial ocorreu em Portugal - outro país atingido pela crise da dívida pública. Lisboa caiu a 98ª para a 158ª posição ao longo do ano.

Londres e as localidades pesquisadas na Rússia, Turquia e Ucrânia têm se mostrado mais resistentes. Londres subiu 11 posições e agora ocupa a 58ª posição globalmente. Istambul subiu 21 posições para a 34ª, enquanto a capital turca, Ancara, subiu 31 posições para a 121ª globalmente - um dos maiores aumentos neste levantamento.

A capital da Moldávia, Chisinau permanece sendo a cidade europeia menos cara pesquisada.

África e Oriente Médio - cidade angolana de Luanda, a mais cara da África

A localidade mais cara da África é a capital angolana, Luanda. Globalmente, a cidade está de volta às 10 mais caras, tendo subido da 11ª posição do ano passado para a 4ª. Ela é seguida pela capital do Sudão do Sul, Juba (14ª) e da República Democrática do Congo, Kinshasa (19ª).

A capital egípcia, Cairo, subiu 15 posições, chegando à 219ª, enquanto as localidades sul-africanas continuam a cair no ranking. Johanesburgo ocupa atualmente a 222ª posição - queda da 204ª posição no ano passado.

Apesar de cair 13 posições globalmente, a localidade mais cara pesquisada no Oriente Médio permanece sendo Tel Aviv, 45ª no ranking geral. Dubai subiu 14 posições para a 173ª em todo o mundo, enquanto Jeddah, na 224ª, é a localidade menos cara pesquisada na região.

Notas aos Editores

Os valores utilizados neste comunicado foram retirados da Pesquisa de Custo de Vida da ECA.

Siga a ECA no Twitter: https://twitter.com/ecaintl

Sobre a Pesquisa de Custo de Vida da ECA

Os índices de custo de vida da ECA International são calculados com base em pesquisas realizadas anualmente em março e setembro utilizando uma cesta de bens e serviços do dia-a-dia. Os dados utilizados acima se referem aos movimentos ano-a-ano entre setembro de 2012 e 2011 das pesquisas da ECA.

Os dados são utilizados por clientes da ECA para o cálculo do custo dos subsídios de vida para agentes internacionais. A pesquisa abrange:

Alimentos: mercearia; lacticínios; carne e peixe; frutas e legumes frescos

Itens básicos: bebida e fumo; bens diversos; serviços

Geral: vestuário: eletroeletrônicos; veículos; refeições fora

Certos custos de vida, tais como aluguel, taxas de serviços públicos (energia elétrica, água, gás), compra de automóveis e mensalidades escolares, não estão incluídos na pesquisa. Tais itens podem fazer uma diferença significativa de despesas, mas em geral são compensados em separado em pacotes para expatriados.

Esta comparação de custo de vida foi calculada sobre uma base composta de vários países desenvolvidos e é utilizada para refletir um estilo de vida internacional. Outros índices disponíveis da ECA refletem comparações específicas entre cidades e diferentes níveis de eficiência de compras.

Sobre a ECA International

ECA é líder mundial no desenvolvimento e fornecimento de soluções para a gestão e transferência de funcionários em todo o mundo. Ao fornecer dados, conhecimentos, sistemas e suporte em formatos que atendem a seus clientes, a oferta da ECA inclui um pacote externo completo de cálculos, assessoria e serviços para empresas com pouca experiência ou recursos para a gestão de transferência internacional; assinaturas para informações abrangentes online e sistemas de software para empresas com exigências maiores; e uma política e projetos de desenvolvimento de sistemas personalizados para empresas que gerem milhares de agentes internacionais em todo o mundo.

Para mais informações ou para uma entrevista com um porta-voz da ECA International sobre estas descobertas, entre em contato com:

Siga-nos no Twitter: @ECAintl

Para mais informações, entre em contato com:

Lauren Smith
General Manager
ECA International LLC
Rockefeller Center
1230 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 730
New York, NY 10020
EUA
lauren.smith@eca-international.com
Tel.: +1 212 582 2333

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Singapore (MMD Newswire) December 19, 2012 -- Manley Logan, CEO of Scalada Holdings Ltd., announced today his company's intention to enter the 2013 Artemis Top 50 Water Tech Competition aimed at identifying the most promising advanced water technology companies worldwide and to support their entry into the full scale of their markets. Scalada is already considered among the most innovative and cost effective providers for the treatment of wastewaters produced in oil and gas production.

The Artemis Top 50 is hosted by Artemis Water Strategy, a boutique consulting practice dedicated to working with advanced water technology companies that are driving a new wave of technology and economic development in the field.

"I am confident that Scalada Holdings' unique and patented Elemental Ionization System fits seamlessly with the Artemis mission," stated CEO Manly. "Our mission at Scalada is no less than the total clean up and recycling of wastewaters in a manner which is economically and environmentally viable and sustainable."

The Artemis Top 50 competition evaluates companies and their flagship products from three perspectives: Technology, Application, and Business Viability. Scalada's onsite technology supports all three criteria through a special combination of elemental ion chargers and non-contaminating additives to remediate, recycle, and reuse contaminated water in ways which are already considered faster, cleaner, and more efficient than any other company worldwide.

The 2012 Artemis Top 50 were awarded in September at the Water Innovation Summit in Berkeley, California in partnership with the Cleantech Group. Jurists included experts from Intel, Archer Daniels Midland, and IBM, as well as the CTO of Singapore's Public Utilities Board.

To learn more about Scalada Holdings Ltd. and its business of bringing green solutions to the global marketplace that produce sustainable outcomes, visit www.scaladaholdings.net.

Contact person: Jeremy Merritt, Vice President

Scalada Holdings Ltd

Contact Phone: +65 6809 2235

Contact Email: info@scaladaholdings.net

Website: www.scaladaholdings.net

###

ReflectX Services now offers a special bonus Butterfly Bucks Retention program for travel therapists. By accepting a travel position, therapists have the potential to earn up to $2500 in bonuses in their program. This is a great way for ReflectX Services to show appreciation for those willing to travel with their company. How this works is that travel therapists can earn an unlimited cash bonus for each hour worked with them.

Those that have been hired for travel physical therapy and occupational therapy jobs if they have signed on for a new assignment and are confirmed for a subsequent assignment on or before the end of the benefit eligibility period will receive Butterfly Bucks. These Butterfly Bucks are in the amount equal to $1.00 multiplied by the total number of hours worked in the most recent assignment. All subsequent assignments will receive Butterfly Bucks in the same way each time an additional assignment is confirmed. ReflectX Services also is proud of their loyalty bonus program of $500 after the completion of 2,080 hours of work.

ReflectX Services has continued to one of the leading healthcare job companies in the United States since 2001. They have also been recognized in 2007 as the 11th fastest growing small business in Entrepreneur Magazine's "Hot 500."

They can be contacted by telephone at (800) 806-6026 or online at www.reflectxstaffing.com.

With high and rising interest in LED Lighting, and in particular the changeover of LED spotlights and LED standard shaped bulbs and how it can reduce energy costs, replace CFL (low energy bulbs) which the majority find frustrating given the length of time that they take to warm up, and avoid more blown bulbs.

On Thursday 1st November they talked on LED lighting to the Epsom & Ewell Energy Group, and how they can help cut carbon emissions as well as costs. Groups such as these are leading the charge towards LED lighting as they are key first adopters of new technology that reduces the impact on the planet.

This then also highlights why LED can make such a huge difference, as unlike many renewable technologies and energy saving measures, it allows people to save carbon but also save money, its rated by McKinsey as having the best carbon abatement rating of all technologies (for the switch from incandescent to LED). This means that when looking at everything from lighting to solar to heat pumps to carbon capture, LED lighting offers the best combination of cutting CO2 levels while also offering a financial benefit.

For more information, visit LED Choice at http://www.ledchoice.co.uk Or contact their sales team at 0845 625 0331

LAS VEGAS (MMD Newswire) December 19, 2012 -- USA Dawgs, Inc. , is excited to announce the introduction of one of the world's lightest safety boots with composite features in the industry, with its new Ultralite Safety Line.

DAWGS development goal has been to aim high and protect the foot at all costs, from the inside out. By utilizing the latest technology in lightweight/comfort/stability and combining that with the Firestones legacy of sure grip technology in the Destination A/T tread design a master crafted safety boot line has been born.

By adhering to the strictest of safety standards while offering reinforcement and comfort, the DAWGS collection provides high-quality footwear for hard working professionals in all trades. Features of the Ultralite Safety Line include a CSA approved Grade 1 construction toecap, which is distinctly designed to protect the worker without the weight of steel. A Kevlar flex puncture shield, built in electrical shock resistant protection along with an oil and slip resistant Firestone outsole. These industrial strength boots are designed to get you through the day protected!

The product line consists of the Ultralite 8" Comfort Pro, which comes in two different styles- one that is waterproof and the other is constructed with a heavy-duty YKK side zipper for quick on and off ability. The Ultralite 6" Comfort Pro is the powerhouse of the group with its versatility. A major player in the collection is the Ultralite 3" Comfort Pro,which is an all leather shoe fit for any terrain. Its companion is the lighter weight nylon version, the Ultralite 3" Flex. Lastly, there is the Prolite 6" Pull On, the duty boot of the line which easily slips on and off, providing ultimate convenience comfort and style.

"We strived to produce a quality safety boot that will cater to the everyday demands of labor-based professions," said Steve Mann, CEO of DAWGS. "The Ultralite Safety Boot collection is strategically made for industry professionals requiring the utmost safety and protection without sacrificing comfort. Utilizing the durability of the Firestonetread design along with the comfort and support of DAWGS technology, these work boots will prove to be a top choice in footwear in the industry. "

TheDAWGS Ultralite Safety Boot line has suggested retails between $99 and $189. They are available in men's sizes ranging from 8-15. For more information, please visit www.usadawgs.com.

About DAWGS

DAWGS is a rapidly growing manufacturer and distributor specializing in high-quality and value-priced footwear, with North American offices in Las Vegas, NV and in Saskatoon, SK, Canada. DAWGS brand footwear label quickly became a leader in the shoe industry's evolution towards new comfort available at a reasonable price point. The six product lines, DAWGS Original, Premium DAWGS Slip Resistant, DAWGS Golf, Sheep DAWGS/Fleece DAWGS and DAWGS Safety are highly durable, lightweight and low impact with excellent support. For more information, please visit www.usadawgs.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
James Donalson
National Sales Manager
USA Dawgs, Inc.
jd@usadawgs.com
702-260-1060

www.usadawgs.com

The ice wine festival in Niagara is a perfect gateway for tourist to understand what is ice wine and how it is prepared. Besides, being a famous destination for the best ice wine in the world, this place has several scenic stopovers as well as a wonderful history. In 1781 the British Government purchased this land and established Butlersburg. This later was again named as West Niagara. In the year 1792, this area was incorporated as the Town of Newark, the capital of the Province of Upper Canada. Later in 1798, the town was named as Niagara.

The present name was framed in the late 1800s to distinguish this place from the very famous Viagara Falls. Truly speaking, this town on the lake Niagara, is a wonderful place to enjoy visiting historical places, gardens, antique shops, galleries, world class theatres, delicious dining, shopping and wineries such as Peller Estate. Tourists visiting this place will surely enjoy the hospitality of the North Americans and served with a variety of luxurious and classy inns, hotels and spas.

The Navy Hall, located near Fort George and the bank of Niagara River, was built in the year 1765 by the Royal Naval Commanders. Presently it houses antiques that reveal 200 years old history. Besides, its location on the town on the lake Niagara, offers the visitors with a serene and tranquil view of the river and Fort Niagara in New York.In a nutshell, Niagara is the perfect place to enjoy your holidays by exploring some of the most amazing stopovers as well as to taste the best ice wine across the world.

Peller Estates is located at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Since the inception, we aimed to come up with world's finest ice wine. Thus, we use state of the art technologies to get you finely brewed Ice Wine of Niagara. We cater a wide range of ice wine including Vidal Ice wine, Riesling Ice wine, Cabernet Franc Ice wine, Oak Aged Vidal Blanc Ice wine.

Peller Estates put our complete effort to come up with desired result. Till date we have served several customers with scrumptious ice wine brewed with the usage finest technologies.

Peller Estates

Address: 290 John Street East, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, L0S 1J0

Phone No.: Toll-free (888) 673-5537

Email: info@pellericewine.com

MindwaysCT, a leading medical device applications provider, has signed an exclusive distributorship agreement with Mindways Australia to deploy QCT Pro™ software throughout Australia, including remote areas with little or no access to effective bone density screening. QCT PRO™ software produces bone densitometry reports for the spine and hip, and can be combined with other standard CT imaging procedures.

An estimated 2 million Australians are living with osteoporosis and many more go undiagnosed until they suffer a fracture; with hip fractures being the most prevalent. QCT technology produces DXA-equivalent reports of the hip, and results can be integrated into other treatment tools such as FRAX. QCT spine measurements are made in the trabecular bone - where the first signs of decreasing in bone mass can be identified, making it possible to detect and treat osteoporotic conditions sooner than other screening technology.

MindwaysCT Australia Managing Director, Jeff Wheeler said, "After using QCT PRO™ for over 10 years, I am truly excited to be providing local support to the Australian market and expanding the role of QCT in early detection of osteoporosis and fracture prevention. QCT has some clear advantages for bone density measurement in being able to reliably measure BMD in patients even when they have arthritis, aortic calcification, scoliosis or they are obese".

In addition, hospitals and clinics in rural areas and with limited budgets can implement QCT software and conduct BMD screening on their existing CT scanners. Because QCT scans take less than five minutes of CT scanner time, radiology departments can conduct BMD tests and improve equipment utilization without overburdening them.

MindwaysCT Head of Business Development Alan Brett said, 'We are very pleased to offer an alternative to DXA in a region in desperate need of affordable and accessible BMD screening. I'm confident that our technology will be well received, particularly in remote areas where existing equipment can be used and both spine and hip reports can be produced from a low-dose abdominal CT scan with radiation doses comparable to a mammogram.'

Mindways CT QCT Pro bone densitometry systems are TGA registered and qualify for a rebate via Medicare. The system can be used with any DICOM-capable CT scanner.

For more information about MindwaysCT Australia or QCT Pro™ software visit www.mindwaysaustralia.com.au or call 1800 739 780.

About MindwaysCT Software, Inc.

MindwaysCT produces Quantitative CT (QCT) bone densitometry products for spine and hip bone density measurements. Established in 1997, MindwaysCT has been a constant innovator in the field of CT bone densitometry, introducing the world's first commercial 3D QCT spine systems and CTXA hip systems. MindwaysCT premier product, QCT Pro™ uses CT images to derive DXA-like hip BMD measurements and volumetric spine BMD measurements. QCT Pro™ hip BMD measurements are interpreted in the same manner as DXA, while spine measurements provide exceptional sensitivity to short-term bone density change. QCT Pro™ is fast, easy, covered by insurance, and provides the same clinical utility as DXA at a fraction of its cost. MindwaysCT has offices in Austin, Texas and Kiel, Germany.

For more information on Mindways Software and QCT Pro™, please visit www.qct.com.

Media Contact:

Alan Brett, VP Business Development

+1 512 912 0871

alan@qct.com

Many businesses have found the increased functionality of the device a blessing and a curse. While the advanced features of the device lend new capabilities to business operations they also introduce confusion that leads to organizational inefficiency.

The specialists provide more than basic repair and diagnostic services for these devices. They also provide best practices and help to implement policies that minimize the chaos that can be introduced when businesses adopt radical new technologies.

With a well established clientele, San-IT was uniquely positioned to implement such a niche service offering. With years of experience delivering kind of IT support Stockford businesses demand, San-IT's clients were quick to recognize the need for the recommended addition to their core services.

Several organizations have opted to maintain at least a part-time presence of these new specialists. They also provide 24 hour support in the event that an iPhone 5 causes any distress to employees working the late shift.

Upcoming "iPhone 5 adoption" clinics are scheduled for businesses not currently utilizing San-IT's services. Two sessions will be held at a private location in Stockport on January 2nd, 2012. Businesses interested in taking advantage of this free clinic can register by contacting San-IT directly.

"This is the IT support Manchester and Stockport really need," said Adam Jones, who serves as a point of contact for one of San-IT's larger clients. "They don't always need full time IT support, but when new technologies come along they are hopeful that someone can help."

San-IT has provided similar clinics and workshops in the past. There are several scheduled throughout the early part of 2013, including several focused on the new technologies offered in Windows 8. "When things change in the world of IT businesses need to assess whether or not it is worth making the switch. Our goal with these clinics and workshops is to help them make an informed decision. There are no marketing pitches or promotions. Most of the businesses that participate don't even have the budget to hire us for regular maintenance. We just want to give something useful to the Manchester and Stockport communities."

Adam Jones can be contacted directly for more information.

Adam Jones

enquiries@san-it.co.uk

San IT Ltd

27A Station Road

Cheadle Hulme

Stockport

Cheshire

SK8 5AF

The Knowledge Mobilization 100 is an annual 'peek' at who is influencing thinking in the industry of knowledge mobilization. It is a peer-to-peer initiative that aims to answer the following questions: Who are the people that the knowledge mobilization field is paying attention to and what are some of the new or previously untapped resources available in that field.

Gordon is an expert in research management systems. His company Process Pathways created ROMEO, an Enterprise Resource Planning solution that in unmatched in its capabilities for online database-driven solutions that manage certifications, track statuses and facilitates smooth fund disbursement. Gordon runs an extremely lean team and they are the market leader in their space. He has over 25 years of experience in systems design and operations management. Outside of his industry, Gordon is extremely interested in the Big Data and innovations from the crazy to the mundane.

"I believe that every avenue you have to engage with customers and the general public, including social media, should be about interesting topics and not just as a mouthpiece to push out information about my company" says Gordon McDonald, "As a result of this philosophy I post and write about interesting stories, scientific discoveries, and research community news as well as associations connected to the research community."

In addition to Process Pathways' CEO being named an influencer the company's twitter account @ProcessPathways was named one of the top social media resources.

For more information on the Knowledge Mobilization 100, visit the website: www.knowledgemobilization.net. For more information on Gordon McDonald and Process Pathways visit www.processpathways.com.

-ends-

Contact:

Meghan Somers

The Agency

+1 587 899 0615

meghan at theagencyinc dot ca

Notes to Editors:

Process Pathways is the leading research management solution provider based in Calgary, Canada with offices in Ottawa and Halifax. The company is the creator behind the highly acclaimed on-line, database-driven software application suite, ROMEO, which is redefining the practice of research project management in Canada and now globally.

An Enterprise Resource Planning solution for the academic community, ROMEO manages certifications, tracks status and facilitates smooth fund disbursement helping research administrators meet the important financial and legal compliance requirements all while integrating seamlessly with other mission-critical enterprise applications. For more information go to www.processpathways.com.

The expansion comes as the LDB ramps up its activities at the start of its second year of operations. Last week, the civil rights organization launched a nationwide initiative to educate lawyers on how to defend the civil rights of Jewish and Israeli American college and university students. Last month, LDB President Kenneth L. Marcus was named to the Forward 50 in recognition of the Brandeis Center's efforts to combat discrimination against Jewish students. LDB's new Best Practices Guide to Combating Campus Anti-Semitism and Anti-Israelism provides university administrators with a blueprint for protecting Jewish students' rights consistent with the freedom of speech and academic freedom.

Kenneth Marcus commented, "Adam and Rachel are outstanding lawyers, and they join us at a propitious time. We are making great progress, expanding rapidly and having a significant impact. Their skills and experience will provide us with enormous strength, especially in appellate litigation and nonprofit governance, as we ramp up our campaign against campus anti-Semitism."

About Adam S. Feuerstein

Adam S. Feuerstein is a Principal at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Adjunct Professor at Georgetown Law. His practice encompasses a broad range of transactional and tax planning matters. He regularly advises taxable and tax-exempt clients on issues involving commercial transactions, including the tax aspects of forming strategic joint ventures, partnerships, limited liability companies, and corporations; structuring private equity, venture capital, real estate, and other investment funds; and effecting acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, and public offerings. Mr. Feuerstein regularly advises non-profit organizations regarding federal and state tax exemptions, the structure of their investments, campaign and lobbying activities and the application of the unrelated business income tax. He holds degrees from Harvard Law School, the Kennedy School of Government, and Cornell University.

About L. Rachel Lerman

L. Rachel Lerman is a partner in Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, where she focuses on appellate and trial strategy in complex civil and financial restructuring cases. She is a member of the California Bar and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court and all of the Federal Circuit Courts of Appeals. Before entering private practice, she served as a law clerk to the late Honorable Thomas G. Nelson of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit. Ms. Lerman is a member of the California Academy of Appellate Lawyers, sits on the executive board of the Constitutional Rights Foundation and serves on the L.A. County Bar Association's Appellate Courts Committee. She teaches, lectures, and writes on different aspects of appellate practice. Ms. Lerman holds degrees from Yale College, Syracuse University, and the U.C. Berkeley School of Law.

About the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law and Campus Anti-Semitism

The Louis D. Brandeis Center, Inc., or LDB, is an independent, nonprofit organization established to advance the civil and human rights of the Jewish people and promote justice for all. The Brandeis Center conducts research, education, and advocacy to combat the resurgence of anti-Semitism on college and university campuses. It is not affiliated with the Massachusetts University, the Kentucky law school, or any of the other institutions which share the name and honor the memory of the late U.S. Supreme Court justice.

For more information, write info@brandeiscenter.com, contact Kenneth L. Marcus (202) 756-1822, or find us at www.brandeiscenter.com

The graduation ceremony which took place on 19 December 2012 in Dubai UAE also had the former Deputy Governor of Rivers State Nigeria and Chairman Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty Eze Dr. Frank Eke; His Lordship Bishop Dr. Niyi Ogunnaiki, and Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Babangida, Son of former Nigeria's Military President, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), also receiving honorary doctorate degrees

Delivering his convocation address, the Deputy Chancellor of the University, Prof. Bruce Duncan, thanked the honorary degree recipients for their enormous contributions and outstanding leadership in their communities and urged them to continue modelling best practices as they champion positive change in society. Diploma, bachelors and masters degrees were also presented to students for successful completion of their academic course of study.

Dr. Ken Giamiis adynamic and innovative Nigerian Role model, motivational speaker and author. His quest for good governance and responsive leadership for countries in sub Saharan Africa led him to establishthe Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD), an NGO currently in special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economicand Social Council (UN ECOSOC). As publisher and Editor in Chief of the highly rated African Leadership magazine,a journalaimed at generating debates onissues related to promoting good governance and accountable leadership in Africa, he has continued to use media platforms to promote innovation, entrepreneurship and development in Africa. Dr. Giami is also an astute Businessman with interests in Real Estate, Investment promotion, Renewable Energy & Environmental Remediation, and Communications consultancy. He serves as Chairman of the Nigeria Indonesia Commercial Association. Dr. Ken Giami has a Bachelors degree in Government and Public Administration and is concluding a Masters degree atthe York St. John University in the UK.

About African Leadership magazine

The African Leadership magazine Group focuses on bringing the best of Africa to a global audience while evolving solutions to peculiar challenges being faced by the continent today. The magazine believes that for Africa to optimize her competitiveness, she must position itself strategically in the global community and market place. African Leadership magazine is therefore positioning itself as the vehicle of choice in the vanguard of showcasing the continent's continual growth in the political, economic and socio-cultural indices used as benchmarks of international development. The magazine seeks to herald the dawn of a new Africa as the continent of promise and global leadership, championed by people of integrity and resilience and passionately committed to the development of the next generation of African leaders.

Contact: Kingsley Okeke

Editor, African Leadership magaziue

info@africanleadershipmagazine.com

+234 703 682 7724

....ends

The lives of approximately 2,000 villagers in over 200 Ugandan households have received the basic right to water. No longer do villagers have to trek for miles to obtain water for consumption and washing. No longer do they have to be susceptible to water borne disease. Their lives along with those of future generations have changed with the construction of a water well in their communities. The following are the wells that have been completed and their locations:

Well # 1-Owerai Village in Kaberamaido, 59 households, 531 villagers

Well # 2-Oyama Keolu Village in Kaberamaido, 90 households, 810 villagers

Well #3-Apiri Village in Agwata, 76 households, 684 villagers

"It truly takes a village to raise a well", said Nick Jordan, President of Wells of Life. "Contributions from families, schools and corporations make our work possible. This is a true reflection of how community can make anything possible."

About Wells of Life

Wells of Life is a Laguna Beach, California based non profit organization. Wells of Life was founded in 2008 with the sole purpose of providing East African communities with access to clean and safe drinking water. Wells of Life is committed to drilling wells and empowering East African communities with the gift of water. To learn more about Wells of Life and how to get involved, please visit http://www.wellsoflife.org.

CONTACT:

Nick Jordan, Wells of Life

949-584-6166 (cell)

jpg.inc@verizon.net

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As Ciunci states, "I am thrilled to know that what started as an idea to shake up the existing advertising model two short years ago has been validated by the numerous clients we are proud to work side by side with every day. Whether it's a well-known Rhode Island company with 1,000+ employees to a B2B jewelry manufacturer, to a weight loss company with ties to Harvard University, our interests-aligned fee-based model that emphasizes strategy before tactics has resonated and produced results across all industries."

TribalVision continues to attract new clients from a range of industries from software development to retail to medical logistics. The company's success comes from a new approach to marketing that emphasizes the creation of an objective strategic plan followed by the implementation of specific, metrics-driven tactics with razor sharp attention to detail. This new approach, coupled with a head down work ethic and client centric mindset, has helped catapult TribalVision into the position Providence Business News has recognized it for today.

As VP of Client Services Damien Cabral states, "Our job is to work as hard and as smart as we can to produce results for our clients. We are not the 'Big Idea' guys that most companies are expecting from a marketing firm. Rather, we are marketing strategists who are obsessed with helping companies go from Point A to Point B. If that involves great creative, then we will pull in that resource from our partner network. But oftentimes it involves so much more than good creative. It involves sound strategy that - while not sexy - is the key to increased profits and market share gains for our clients."

With its client list extending North of the Rhode Island border, TribalVision recently expanded its footprint to Cambridge, Massachusetts to cater to its MA/NH client base as well as attract young talent out of Boston-based feeder schools such as Harvard and M.I.T.

About TribalVision

TribalVision is a marketing consulting firm whose mission is to help small to midsize businesses market smarter. As a marketing department for hire, TribalVision is a flexible, cost-effective alternative to the traditional marketing solutions available to the global business community. TribalVision's value-add includes strategy crafting, channel-mix optimization, tactics implementation, executive leadership services and brand building.

To learn more, visit www.tribalvision.com, contact alatosek@tribalvision.com or call us at 401-272-1300

"We are fortunate to have someone of Michael Munns' caliber and experience step up to lead Air Care," said Papaleo. "We are at a critical moment and we need proven leadership to successfully implement our strategy and take advantage of the market opportunities ahead. Michael is a business visionary with a proven track record of execution. He is a strong communicator who is customer focused with deep leadership capabilities. Munns said, "I am honored and excited to lead Air Care. I believe Air Care matters - it matters to Las Vegas, Nevada, the country and the world."

Air-Care

3868 E. Post Road

Las Vegas, Nevada 89120

http://www.air-care.com

Mumbai, (MMD Newswire) January 1, 2013 -- Avenues, South Asia's biggest eCommerce service provider, has launched www.RemitGuru.com , a personalized online remittance service specially created to meet the unique needs of the Indian diaspora living overseas.

India is the top remittance receiver in the world, with a robust US$ 70 billion in 2012 (as per a World Bank Report), a growth of 16% over last year, thereby topping the list of developing countries which have received a total of $406 billion in 2012. After India, China will stand second with $66 billion, followed by Mexico and the Philippines with $24 billion each.

Online remittances, increasingly being preferred by Non-resident Indians, are growing at an incredible rate of approximately 20% CAGR.

Speaking at the launch, Hershel Asmani, CEO of Avenues Payments India Pvt. Ltd., which has launched www.RemitGuru.com said ""www.RemitGuru aims to satisfy the needs of Indians abroad by providing a superior technology platform, user-friendly service coupled with the Best conversion rate guarantee, thereby redefining the way remittances that are being done till now"."

Vishwas Patel, Chairman of Avenues Payments India Pvt. Ltd. also said that "" www.RemitGuru.com aims to give the NRI's an excellent platform to not just send money home from their local country bank accounts to their family in India in a secure, speedy manner but also pay for goods, recharge and travel related services offered by thousands of web merchants using Avenues's www.CCAvenue.com Payment gateway solution"."

Amit Badiyani, Director Technology, Avenues Payments India Pvt. Ltd. also said that, ""www.RemitGuru.com has the best technology platform and is extremely scalable. All our customer data is extremely secure and our systems and processes are compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards 2.0 from day one of its launch. We are now in the process on building mobile apps for the iOS, Android, Windows and the Black Berry platforms as the NRI audience are increasingly using their mobiles to send money to their loved ones in India"."

About www.RemitGuru.com

www.RemitGuru.com understands that the ties that bind the NRI to his roots go deep and it truly appreciates the sentiment behind the act of remittance of money and gifts to the loved ones back home. www.Remitguru.com is a personalized online remittance service specially created to meet the unique needs of the Indian diaspora living overseas. www.RemitGuru.com redefines the way the Non Resident Indians stays connected with his family by introducing new ideas and methods into the money transfer process.

For more info, please visit www.RemitGuru.com .

About Avenues

Avenues (www.Avenues.Info ) is South Asia's Biggest E-Commerce service provider which provides payment gateway services to thousands of web merchants across the world through its solution www.CCAvenue.com and other industry vertical specific solutions like www.ResAvenue.com (Hospitality) ; www.HotelsAvenue.com (Travel Agents) and www.EventAvenue.com (Event Management).

###

Visit us at the Consumer Electronics Show 2013 (Booth 21635 South Hall 1)

January 1, 2013 (MMD Newswire) -- Smartphone users who love to listen to music on their phones, but find that the sound quality leaves something to be desired, now have an innovative and economical solution to their problem. Degauss Labs of Sweden, manufacturers of a range of headphones and smartphone earphones, has just introduced SPKRS: sharp-sounding, cool-looking ear buds that work with most popular smartphones - and won't break the bank.

"With SPKRS, users can finally unlock their smartphone's full potential," says Nicolas Persson, Sales Manager at Degauss. "Our aim with SPKRS was to create ear buds with sound and performance quality second to none in this price range." SPKRS feature an improved acoustic design that makes music sound smoother. The new SPKRS driver units deliver a warm, detailed sound with a resonant and hard-kicking bass.

And in keeping with the demands of today's young consumers who want their gadgets to look great as well as work like a champ, the SPKRS ear buds come in a wide variety of what Persson describes as "clean, cool" colors. Currently users can choose from a rainbow of hues: red, yellow, blue, pink, purple, gray, white or black.

The SPKRS ear buds boast plenty of attention to detail, including a coated aluminum casing. The housing is coated with a special matte technique that makes it as clean looking as the rest of the earphone - a quality rarely found on metal-housed earphones.

The all-aluminum housing isn't just for looks; it absorbs vibrations and preserves the sound quality, Persson explains. "And it makes the SPKRS more durable," he adds.

SPKRS earphones allow users to easily take control of their smartphone. A one-button remote with a microphone provides instant access to play or pause music, and to answer or end calls. Via Google Play and the App Store, users can download apps that adjust the button's functions according to their needs.

SPKRS come with a Universal Plug (U-Plug) that allows them to work with most Apple iPhone, Android, and Nokia WP based devices. A flat cabled, non-twisting, strain-relief cord makes SPKRS as perfect for the gym as on the street. And in addition to durability, the SPKRS ear buds are built for comfort, to accommodate users who spend more time plugged-in than unplugged.

"We made SPKRS to be the perfect introduction to the performance of Degauss Labs earphones," says Persson. "We're constantly working to improve our products, and we think that this desire for continual improvement is reflected in SPKRS."

Early buzz from users is favorable, with many giving SPKRS high marks for both sound quality and design. "The bottom line," says Persson, "is that music just sounds better with SPKRS - and you could even say it looks better too. SPKRS give your smartphone more 'oomph,' more attitude." Or, to paraphrase a well loved hymn, "Amazing bass, how sweet the sound."

ABOUT THE COMPANY:

Founded in 2009, Degauss Laboratories is a family-owned company with home offices and design team in Stockholm, Sweden, and distributors - and customers - all over the globe. The company evolved from the idea of creating cleanly designed headphones for two-way communication devices. Over the years Degauss developed headphones to meet demands for clear sound and discreet, personal design. Today they have one of the most comprehensive earphone-for-smartphone product lines in the world, in addition to supplying headphones for every need.

For more information visit http://www.degausslabs.com

For information specifically about SPKRS, see http://www.degausslabs.com/spkrs

For Online Webshop: http://www.degausslabs.com/shop

Media Contact:
Nicolas Persson, Sales Manager, Degauss Labs
Telephone +46 (0) 8 615 04 00
E-mail: info@degausslabs.com
Postal address
Box 7320
103 90 Stockholm
Sweden

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