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Perenco Calls on Ecuador Not to Sell Seized Oil and to Resume Negotiations

2009-07-08T03:25:00.000-07:00

LONDON, July 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Perenco Ecuador Limited ("Perenco Ecuador") today called on the Government of Ecuador to cease efforts to sell oil seized from Blocks 7 and 21 in defiance of orders by international arbitration tribunals, and instead to seek a negotiated solution to the dispute concerning the applicability of Law 42 to Blocks 7 and 21.

Perenco Ecuador is the Operator of Blocks 7 and 21 in Ecuador. On February 19, 2009, the Republic of Ecuador and its oil company, Empresa Estatal Petroleos del Ecuador ("Petroecuador"), commenced a coercive process to collect from Perenco approximately $327 million they claimed were due under a 2006 Ecuadorian law ("Law 42") by which the Government asserts a right to 99% of the oil revenues above an arbitrary "reference price." In March 2009, Petroecuador began seizing crude oil produced by Perenco and its consortium partner, Burlington Resources Oriente Ltd. ("Burlington"), from Blocks 7 and 21 in Ecuador to satisfy the alleged Law 42 debt.

However, on May 8, 2009, a three member international arbitration tribunal constituted under the auspices of the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment disputes ("ICSID") unanimously ordered that the Republic of Ecuador and Petroecuador were restrained from "instituting or further pursuing any action" - including oil seizures - "to collect from Perenco any payments [they] claim are owed... pursuant to Law 42." The tribunal made clear that such are orders "are binding on the party to which they are directed" and that the parties "are under an international obligation to comply" with them. A copy of the tribunal's order can be found on the ICSID website, www.worldbank.org/ICSID. On June 29, 2009, a different international arbitration tribunal in a separate ICSID arbitration commenced by Burlington issued a similar provisional measures order.

Despite these ICSID tribunal orders, the Ecuadorian Government has twice attempted to auction the crude oil it has seized from Perenco and Burlington. Petroecuador first attempted to sell the seized oil at an auction in May, but no buyers materialized. Last week, on July 3, Petroecuador convened a second auction, but the only bidder was Petroecuador itself. Petroecuador has announced an intention to conduct a third auction today.

Rodrigo Marquez, Latin American Regional Manager for the Perenco Group, said: "The failure of these auctions indicates that the international business community has taken heed of the arbitration tribunal orders and the risks of buying oil that the Government has no right to sell."

Mr. Marquez added: "We continue to believe that a negotiated solution is best for everyone. However, whether there are negotiations is at this point up to the Government. They have a clear choice. If they continue attempting to enforce the coercive measures, there will be no negotiations and the situation will deteriorate further. Perenco can neither negotiate, nor be expected to continue to operate, when the Government - in defiance of orders by two international arbitration tribunals - is seizing our entire production, forcing us to absorb all the costs and risks, and essentially demanding that we operate the Blocks for the Government's sole benefit. On the other hand, the Government could choose to comply with the tribunal orders by suspending those measures. The tribunals established that during the pendency of the dispute the Blocks 7 and 21 crude should continue to be sold by Perenco and Burlington, with the disputed portion of the sale price put in escrow. As soon as the Government decides to comply with those orders, the path will be clear for further negotiations."

Mr. Marquez said: "The Government had a fair opportunity to make its case to the arbitration tribunals, and in both instances the tribunals concluded that the Government's position was wrong. The tribunal orders are binding international obligations, which are also part of Ecuador's legal system. We believe disputes that cannot be settled by the parties should be resolved by the rule of law in an international forum, not by coercive measures."

Perenco Ecuador Limited is part of a privately held upstream oil and gas company and is the operator of Blocks 7 and 21 in Ecuador.

SOURCE Perenco Ecuador Limited

San Diego, Huntington Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea, California Named 'DogTown USA(R) 2009'

2009-07-08T03:21:00.000-07:00

September issue of Dog Fancy(R) profiles the three most dog-friendly cities in America

IRVINE, Calif., July 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Dog Fancy, the world's most widely read dog magazine, has named three California cities the 2009 winners of DogTown USA - the national competition in which Dog Fancy readers nominate America's most dog-friendly city: San Diego, Huntington Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

This isn't the first time two of these cities have been recognized for their friendliness toward canine companions: San Diego was named DogTown USA in 2007 and Huntington Beach was a runner-up in the 2008 competition.

"This year, we wanted to recognize cities of all sizes for welcoming dogs and their owners as residents. Coincidentally, all three cities that came out at the top of their respective dog piles are in California," says Dog Fancy Editor Susan Chaney. "But we know from our research over the last five years that more cities all over the U.S. are growing more dog-friendly. We couldn't be happier about that."

Each year, Dog Fancy calls for readers to submit nominations for what they believe to be America's most dog-friendly cities. The criteria used to select the winning city include plenty of dog-friendly open spaces and dog parks, events celebrating dogs and their owners, high vet-to-dog ratios, abundant pet supply and other services, and municipal laws that support and protect all pets.

Chaney will travel to San Diego, Huntington Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea to present the cities with this top honor.

For the complete story on DogTown USA, pick up the September issue of Dog Fancy, on newsstands July 28, 2009.

To schedule an interview with the editor, contact Lisa MacDonald, marketing director, at 949-855-8822, ext. 3345.

About BowTie, Inc.

BowTie, Inc. is the leader in special interest pet magazines, trade magazines, books and websites dedicated to pet-loving consumers, pet-supply retailers, veterinarians, breeders and pet professionals worldwide. Divisions of BowTie, Inc. include BowTie Magazines, BowTie Press, BowTie News, Thoroughbred Times Company, Global Distribution Services and www.AnimalNetwork.com.

SOURCE BowTie, Inc.

Intertek Joins Retail Led Consumer Product Safety Effort

2009-07-08T03:20:00.000-07:00

ARLINGTON, Va., July 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) announced today that Intertek, a leading international provider of quality and safety solutions, has joined RILA and the British Retail Consortium (BRC) as a sponsor in the creation and implementation of a meaningful global manufacturing standard for consumer goods. This retail industry led standard will enhance the safety of products worldwide.

RILA members embrace their role as leaders in the product safety arena. Earlier this year RILA and the BRC forged a partnership to develop a global product safety standard in North America. BRC/RILA standard will help retailers comply with the new regulations by establishing a meaningful, achievable and certifiable worldwide measure by which manufacturing operations are set. The BRC/RILA standard will be a truly global product safety standard.

Intertek will join RILA and the BRC as third party auditor and one of three select non-voting members of the RILA Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). With participation from many of America's leading retailers, TAC is responsible for guiding the development of these standards.

"Our progress thus far has been tremendous, and we are delighted to welcome Intertek to this important effort," said Jim Neill, vice president of product safety. "Intertek's proven success in assessing risk and ensuring the safety of products in a manner that is effective and efficient adds a strong new champion to our efforts and we look forward to working with them to reach our product safety goals."

Gene Rider, Vice President Global Retail Leader and President of Intertek Consumer Goods North America adds, "Intertek is proud to contribute to global public policy efforts in support of consumer product safety. We are happy to offer our expertise in the areas of testing, inspection, certification and quality assurance to RILA, their membership and the BRC."

The target date for release of the new standard (North American version) is October 2009, with implementation of the new standards anticipated by Spring 2010.

BRC/RILA Partnership

The BRC has developed global standards that have gained support from European retailers. Standards have been developed for food, packaging, storage and distribution, and consumer products.

RILA in partnership with the BRC, are adopting the consumer products standards in North America, making them truly global to enhance the safety of products worldwide. RILA's vision is to proactively protect consumers and retail brands by partnering with suppliers to adopt and implement these industry-wide, global safety standards, while advocating effective legislation and regulatory compliance.

RILA and the BRC are working to enhance an already established international network of approved certification bodies and a proven process to deliver third party certification through global supply chains. As a certification body, sponsor and a TAC member, Intertek will provide input into the guidelines and implementation schedule for the role out of the product category guidelines.

About RILA

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) promotes consumer choice and economic freedom through public policy and industry operational excellence. RILA members include the largest and most successful companies in the retail industry. RILA provides its members with unique educational forums, effective public policy advocacy, and advancement of the retail industry.

About Intertek

Intertek (ITRK.L) is a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world. From auditing and inspection, to testing, quality assurance and certification, Intertek people are dedicated to adding value to customers' products and processes, supporting their success in the global marketplace. Intertek has the expertise, resources and global reach to support its customers through its network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 23,000 people in 110 countries around the world.

SOURCE Retail Industry Leaders Association

Nation's Largest Ethnic Credit Union Awards Record Levels of College Scholarships

2009-07-07T01:04:00.000-07:00

Educational Grants Total $350,000; Number of Students Honored Jumps 25%

Program Extends Reach To Chicago And Other Markets

Credit Union Commences Financial Support For The Institute of World Politics

BROOKLYN, N.Y., July 6 /PRNewswire/ -- With spending on education increasingly becoming a victim of the economic downturn, the nation's largest ethnic credit union announced today that it surpassed last year's record of college scholarships awarded to students within its membership.

This year, the Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union handed out $350,000 in grants to more than 315 students, ranging in age from high school to post-graduate level.

"We continue to buck the trend when it comes to investing in our neighborhoods and in our members' futures," said Mr. Bogdan Chmielewski, CEO of the PSFCU. "We increased the scholarship money by a hefty $50,000 while the number of students who benefited from this vital program rose by 25%. This is one of the most important projects we undertake annually. It gives us such great pride to help these hundreds of children reach their potential in school. And it gives them hope and strength knowing that they have someone in their corner rooting them on. After all, we are a credit union, not a bank."

As the PSFCU's scholarship program has grown, so too has it geographic reach. The organization's scholarship program expanded beyond New York, as it awarded grants to students in Chicago and a dozen other cities outside its home region.

"We're extremely excited to be able to broaden our reach to so many cities beyond the Metropolitan New York area," said Ms. Bozena Kajewska-Pielarz, a Board Member who led the Scholarship Committee this year. "Thanks to our Online Branch, which enables us to offer membership to residents of other states, and our imminent Chicago expansion, young members from areas other than our traditional New York and New Jersey footprint will be able to benefit from the program."

The scholarships were awarded during two separate ceremonies -- in late May for high school graduates and three weeks later for college students. Prior to these events, the credit union funded a stay for 20 gifted students at a science camp at the Copernicus Observatory at Vestal, NY.

A former PSFCU Chairman, Mr. Alex Storozynski, who recently authored a biography of Thaddeus Kosciuszko, put in a surprise appearance at both ceremonies, presenting historical tidbits from his The Peasant Prince. Each scholarship recipient received a copy, which the author graciously autographed.

As the credit union handed scholarship checks to college students, it also inaugurated a new program of financial support for the Kosciuszko Chair at the Institute of World Politics of Washington D.C., presenting a $10,000 donation to the Institute's founder, Professor John Lenczowski. It also designated a special $5,000 scholarship to be awarded to a student who will be admitted to study at the Institute next year.

The 70,000-member PSFCU has one of the most ambitious scholarship programs among the country's credit unions. Since its inception in 2001, its scholarship fund has helped defray the cost of college for more than 1,100 students, as it has handed out $1.8 million in grants.

About the PSFCU

Founded in 1976 by a group of Polish immigrants to help other ethnic Poles obtain mortgages, the Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union now has 13 branches in New York and New Jersey, a Virtual Branch, a Mobile Branch and an operations center in Fairfield, NJ. The 33-year-old credit union, with more than $1.2 billion in assets, serves 70,000 members of the Polish and Slavic communities throughout New York and New Jersey. The union, which is the largest ethnic credit union in the United States, also operates ATMs at the National Shrine at Doylestown, PA.

SOURCE PSFCU

U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for July 7

2009-07-07T01:02:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, July 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090226/CENSUSLOGO)

TUESDAY, JULY 7: BLUEBERRIES

Profile America -- Tuesday, July 7th. One of the joys of summer is actually good for you, and to celebrate this fact, July is National Blueberries Month. This is the peak time for blueberries, which are part of the same family of plants as azaleas, cranberries and rhododendrons. Everyone knows that blueberries taste good in muffins, on cereal, and in mixed fruits. But recent studies have shown that they are rich in antioxidants, and help improve night vision, learning and memory, and

even in protecting the brain after a stroke. Americans eat 180,000 tons of blueberries a year, a crop worth almost $590 million. The leading producers are Michigan, Maine and New Jersey. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at www.census.gov.

Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2009, p.340

Statistical Abstract of the United States 2009, t. 824

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look under the "Newsroom" button).

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau

Farmers Insurance Pledges to Match All Donations Up to $250k For "Be a Hero for Babies Day" to Benefit March Of Dimes

2009-07-07T00:59:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES, July 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A matching gift of $250,000 by Farmers Insurance kicks off the upcoming "Be a Hero for Babies Day" to raise funds for March of Dimes programs of research and education to help more moms have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies.

Make a donation to the March of Dimes online at marchofdimes.com/farmers and the gift will double in value thanks to a pledge by Farmers Insurance, whose agents and employees nationwide will hold their fourth annual "Be a Hero for Babies Day" event on July 22, 2009 to benefit the March of Dimes. Through activities such as carwashes, golf outings, pancake breakfasts, and pie-throwing contests, Farmers agents aim to raise $2 million for healthier babies.

"Be a Hero for Babies Day shows a commitment by Farmers employees, agents and district managers across the country to help the March of Dimes improve the health of babies," said Robert Woudstra, CEO of Farmers Insurance and member of March of Dimes national Board of Trustees. "It's our goal to make a difference in our communities, especially for its smallest citizens."

Premature birth is a serious and growing crisis in America, the March of Dimes says. One in 8 babies is born prematurely, and those who survive often face lifelong disabilities such as learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, blindness, hearing loss, and other chronic conditions including asthma.

"I challenge everyone to visit marchofdimes.com/farmers or their local Farmers agent to make a donation to help raise urgently needed funds for March of Dimes research that will save babies' lives and for programs that provide information and comfort to families with a baby in newborn intensive care," said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes. "Farmers has an outstanding record of volunteer service, contributing time, energy, talent and financial resources to helping babies. We thank them for being a "Hero for Babies" and supporting the important work of the March of Dimes. And we're especially grateful for the Farmers' match, which effectively doubles all donation made up to $250,000."

As the nation's third-largest personal property and casualty insurance group, Farmers is committed to improving the communities where their customers, agents and employees live and work. Farmers' commitment to the March of Dimes spans more than two decades and includes more than $25 million dedicated to research and education programs for infant health.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.

SOURCE March of Dimes

U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for July 3

2009-07-03T01:25:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, July 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090226/CENSUSLOGO)

FRIDAY, JULY 3: HOT DOGS & ICE CREAM

Profile America -- Friday, July 3rd. A number of special months are being celebrated in July -- three of them just naturally go together. It's not only National Grilling Month, but also National Hot Dog Month, and National Ice Cream Month. Whether we call them frankfurters -- noting their German origin, wieners, or just plain hot dogs, we love them. This coming July 4th weekend, Americans are expected to eat 150 million hot dogs -- enough to stretch 5 times from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. And when it comes to ice cream, we especially love the cold treat during the summer, but eat it all year long. From plain old vanilla to maple walnut swirl, each of us consumes an average of nearly 25 pounds of frozen dairy products annually. Profile America is a public service of the U.S. Census Bureau, now preparing for the 2010 Census.

Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2009, p. 340

National Hot Dog & Sausage Council

Statistical Abstract of the United States 2009, t. 209

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look under the "Newsroom" button).

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau

One Week. 5000 Animals. A Lofty Goal for Pilots N Paws

2009-06-30T11:12:00.000-07:00

LANDRUM, S.C., June 30 /PRNewswire/ -- More often than we realize, private pilots across the country fill their planes with unlikely passengers, transporting them to safe new homes. And during the week of September 12-20, 2009, these good Samaritans have committed to flying off into the horizon for the sake of saving 5000 of these special passengers.

Who are these passengers? They are our animal friends who need homes and are being flown to safe havens and out of shelters that can no longer house them and in which the pets are most often facing euthanasia.

Pilots N Paws, an online forum for animal rescue groups and pilots to coordinate animal transports around the country, has dubbed the event The Pilots N Paws 5000, and is currently seeking volunteers to join the crusade to rescue shelter pets and get them to safety and adoptive homes.

"The goal of The Pilots N Paws 5000 is to increase awareness among pilots and aircraft owners across the country of the dire need for animal transports," says Jon Wehrenberg, co-founder of Pilots N Paws. "Pilots' involvement can help to save thousands of animals from euthanasia. We are committed to increasing the number of pilots and plane owners involved in Pilots N Paws so that no request for transport goes unanswered."

Of course, this event cannot take place without strong support from pilots, animal shelters, rescues, and fosters. If a shelter or rescue is from an area that has high rates of euthanasia, Pilots N Paws would like that shelter or rescue to pencil in the week of September 12-20, and commit to making an animal or multiple animals available to an animal shelter or rescue in an area where these animals can be placed in forever homes.

Rescues and fosters will need to locate their counterparts in areas of the country where high kill rates are not the rule, and have them find fosters and make space available for the animals that will be rescued. Ideally the distance between the sending and receiving parties should be approximately 300 miles, which is an average distance for general aviation pilots. The sending and receiving pair will then team up with a pilot volunteer who will provide the transportation during this special rescue week. The process is made easy through the use of the Pilots N Paws website, which is designed to bring the parties together and facilitate the making of all necessary transport arrangements.

Pilots, plane owners, animal rescues and shelters are currently being sought out to be a part of this important countrywide humanitarian event in September. Pilots N Paws is a 501(c)3 organization so pilots' expenses relating to transports are tax deductible. For more information on Pilots N Paws, visit http://www.pilotsnpaws.org

If you'd like to be involved in The Pilots N Paws 5000, register on our website or contact Debi Boies at pilotsnpaws@gmail.com

The Pilots N Paws 5000 logo:

http://www.ereleases.com/pr/Pilots-N-Paws-5000.jpg

Contact:

Deborah Boies
Co-Founder, Pilots N Paws
864-895-5234
pilotsnpaws@gmail.com

http://www.pilotsnpaws.org

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE Pilots N Paws

SeaTacPark.com Parking Lot Goes Green

2009-06-30T11:06:00.000-07:00

So how does an off-airport parking lot go green?

SEATAC, Wash., June 30 /PRNewswire/ -- SeaTacPark.com, located just south of Seattle Tacoma International Airport, has implemented four strategies to reduce air and water pollution, paper waste and energy consumption.

Water Filtration System Ask SeaTacPark.com Manager Dave Bass, and he'll tell you, "To begin with, before parking a single car, it is necessary to install a system that will separate out contaminants such as sediment and oil from lot runoff before the water is released into the city's storm water system. The Vortechs Model 7000 Stormwater Treatment system installed at SeaTacPark is a high-performance system which uses a combination of swirl-concentrator and flow-control technologies to maximize treatment even during peak flows so that the quality of water released from the site will sustain the rich wildlife of the Puget Sound area."

Natural Gas Shuttle Bus Then the lot added a 2009 Champion 14 passenger Natural Gas (NGS) Shuttle Bus. SeaTacPark.com's shuttle was literally the first of the 2009 shuttles converted to use compressed natural gas in a BAF Technologies engine system. In fact, SeaTacPark.com's shuttle is featured on the cover picture of the manual that is issued to maintenance companies.

Electric Vehicle Outlets Next the lot began to offer parking spaces with electrical outlets to accommodate electric vehicles. SeaTacPark.com has 4 spaces which are available on a first come first served basis. Electric vehicle drivers are encouraged to phone 206.824.2544 or email info@SeaTacPark.com the day that their parking episode is to begin to ask whether outlet spaces are available.

Paperless Reservations The most recent step has been to offer the best rates without requiring hardcopy paper reservations. SeaTacPark.com's online reservation system recently has been updated so that it is clear that the parker need not print and bring in a hardcopy of the reservation form. While those that prefer a hard copy may still print and bring it in, those that wish to reduce their ecological footprint can simply tell the lot attendant at checkout the name under which the reservation was made. The lot attendant will look up the name in the reservation system and offer the parker the best rate (daily, weekly or monthly) for the actual period parked.

SOURCE SeaTacPark.com

Billings Students Learn Driving Safety From American Trucking Associations' High-Tech Image Trailer

2009-06-30T10:29:00.000-07:00

BILLINGS, Mont., June 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In an effort to teach new teen drivers how to safely travel on Montana highways, elite million-mile professional truck drivers today brought ATA's new high-tech image trailer to Senior High School in Billings, Mont.

An estimated 12.6 million new drivers will receive licenses this year nationally, indicating the necessity of teaching good driving skills early. America's Road team Captains, elite professional truck drivers with millions of accident-free driving miles, demonstrated techniques that teens, and all motorists, should utilize when driving near large trucks.

The American Trucking Associations and the Montana Motor Carriers Association joined the Captains to discuss highway safety with Montana students. In addition to today's event, the truck visited Skyview High School Monday and will continue the safety demonstrations at West High School Wednesday.

"Teenagers are more likely to be involved in an accident than any other demographic," said Ron VanBibber, a professional truck driver from Roadway. "I'm a parent, so I know what we're doing here today is very important. Getting the students into our truck and demonstrating the technology in this trailer - you can tell it's a much greater impact than a book or video."

Featured at today's event were America's Road Team Captains Rich Ewing (Yellow Transportation), Steve Fields (Yellow Transportation) and Ron VanBibber (Roadway). These drivers are members of an elite team of million-mile, accident-free truck drivers who deliver the trucking industry's safety messages across the country.

Montana Motor Carriers Association Executive Vice President Barry "Spook" Stang told reporters, "This is an important tool for the trucking industry. Bringing the high-tech tractor-trailer to Billings-area high schools gives the students a unique perspective on what these drivers do in terms of safety, and also may get them interested in a rewarding career in trucking."

The America's Road Team, sponsored by Volvo Trucks North America, is a national public outreach program led by a small group of professional truck drivers who share superior driving skills, remarkable safety records and a strong desire to spread the word about safety on the highway. www.americasroadteam.com

The Image Trailer, which was donated to ATA by GE Trailer Fleet Services, travels the United States visiting State Capitols, high schools, community events and more. The 53-foot custom drop deck show trailer, fully wrapped in an American flag themed graphic, features a mobile conference room with seven projection screens, educational displays and room for interactive trucking demonstrations. The trailer is pulled by a Volvo VN780 tractor, donated by Volvo Trucks North America.

The Montana Motor Carriers Association is committed to safety on our state's highways. With over 500 companies, MMCA represents the unified trucking industry of Montana. As an industry, trucking is a vital part of our state's economy. We carry millions of dollars worth of cargo every day, and service every community in the state. Many communities in Montana are served exclusively by trucks, and couldn't exist without the trucking industry. www.mttrucking.org

The American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of other trucking groups, industry-related conferences, and its 50 affiliated state trucking associations, ATA represents more than 37,000 members covering every type of motor carrier in the United States. www.truckline.com

SOURCE American Trucking Associations

Four More States Renew Contracts for Digital Ally In-Car Video Systems

2009-06-26T05:38:00.000-07:00

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN ORDER ILLUSTRATES APPEAL OF DVM-750 SYSTEM TO LARGE METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENTS

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., June 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Digital Ally, Inc. (Nasdaq: DGLY), which develops, manufactures and markets advanced video surveillance products for law enforcement, homeland security and commercial security applications, today announced that Mississippi, New Mexico, Utah and Wisconsin have renewed their statewide contracts with Digital Ally, Inc. The renewals are for one-year periods and allow for all state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies to purchase the Company's digital in-car video systems under the terms and conditions specified in each state's contract.

In addition to the contract renewal by the State of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin State Patrol has ordered 145 DVM-500 Plus In-Car Rearview Mirror Systems, most of which will be shipped in the second quarter of 2009.

The Company also announced receipt of an order for 43 DVM-750 In-Car Rearview Mirror Systems, with the wireless uploading feature, from the Green Bay Police Department in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The DVM-750, Digital Ally's most advanced digital in-car video system, incorporates significant upgrades and enhancements to the Company's legacy DVM-500 model. These new features include the ability to connect up to four cameras and then select two cameras plus three audio channels for simultaneous recording, improved security features, a higher-resolution LCD screen, and an advanced wireless microphone (the VoiceVault(TM)) with a range of up to one mile and on-board memory that can record audio evidence when the law enforcement officer is beyond the range of the in-car recording device. Digital Ally began shipping the DVM-750 to customers earlier this quarter.

"We continue to be pleased with the renewal of statewide contracts, which illustrates a high level of customer satisfaction with our advanced surveillance products among law enforcement agencies throughout the United States," stated Stanton E. Ross, Chief Executive Officer of Digital Ally, Inc. "The combination of contract renewals with a sizeable order for DVM-500 Plus systems from the State of Wisconsin is particularly encouraging. Furthermore, the number of DVM-500 Plus systems that we have in inventory will allow us to ship the majority of this order in the quarter ending June 30, 2009."

"Meanwhile, the interest in our new feature-rich DVM-750 continues to grow among existing customers and larger law enforcement agencies that we were unable to effectively target with our DVM-500 series. Metropolitan law enforcement agencies, such as the Green Bay Police Department, typically require a greater level of sophistication and capabilities when selecting surveillance systems than is the case with smaller cities and towns, and the number of contract opportunities available to Digital Ally has expanded significantly since the introduction of the DVM-750," concluded Ross.

About Digital Ally, Inc.

Digital Ally, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets advanced technology products for law enforcement, homeland security and commercial security applications. The Company's primary focus is digital video imaging and storage. For additional information, visit www.digitalallyinc.com

The Company is headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, and its shares are traded on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol "DGLY".

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations or forecasts of future events, can be affected by inaccurate assumptions, and are subject to various business risks and known and unknown uncertainties, a number of which are beyond the control of management. Therefore, actual results could differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. A wide variety of factors that may cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: the Company's ability to deliver its new product offerings as scheduled and have them perform as planned or advertised; its ability to produce and ship DVM-750's to satisfy its $2.0 million order backlog in the second quarter of 2009; the degree to which the interest in the Company's DVM-750 will translate into sales; the Company's ability to increase revenue and return to profitability in the current economic climate; the impact that the various government stimulus programs will have on equipment purchases by law enforcement agencies; its ability to expand its share of the in-car video market in the domestic and international law enforcement communities; uncertainties regarding market acceptance, domestically and internationally, for one or more of its new products; its ability to commercialize its products and production processes, including increasing its production capabilities to satisfy orders in a cost-effective manner; competition; patent protection on its products; the effect of changing economic conditions; and changes in government regulations, tax rates and similar matters. These cautionary statements should not be construed as exhaustive or as any admission as to the adequacy of the Company's disclosures. The Company cannot predict or determine after the fact what factors would cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements or other statements. The reader should consider statements that include the words "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "projects", "should", or other expressions that are predictions of or indicate future events or trends, to be uncertain and forward-looking. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional information respecting risk factors that could materially affect the Company and its operations are contained in its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and its report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2009, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

For Additional Information, Please Contact:

Stanton E. Ross, CEO at (913) 814-7774
or
RJ Falkner & Company, Inc., Investor Relations Counsel at
(800) 377-9893 or via email at info@rjfalkner.com

SOURCE Digital Ally, Inc.

While Business Isn't Better, The Worsening Has Slowed

2009-06-26T05:29:00.000-07:00

Carolinas AGC Construction Barometer(TM)

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For first quarter 2009, the Carolinas AGC Construction Barometer(TM) posted a modest 3.3% gain due to growing empirical evidence of a slowing rate of economic deterioration in Carolinas commercial construction. The rate of downward change in first quarter was much less severe than the drop in activity experienced in latter 2008.

In particular, the Business & Economic Trends segment on the Barometer's quantitative side advanced 17.6%, posting its strongest gain in 2 years on modestly rising business activity and contractor expectations that the worst of the recession is likely behind us. Contractors reported a small increase in highway and utility project activity; and private sector work-in-process is holding steady where developers can obtain financing to continue work.

The Carolinas' construction labor market also reflects a slowing rate of deterioration, with little change in the number of new positions anticipated by contractors, stable wage rates and a constant (albeit abnormally high) rate of construction unemployment. Quantitative trends in the financing arena also reflect a slow-down in the downward movement of business activity, with stable interest rates, a steady level of financing activity compared with last quarter and unchanged lender attitudes with respect to new loan approvals.

While these trends are somewhat encouraging, it is important to point out that financial market activity and contractor borrowing requests remained at unprecedented low levels in first quarter. The Barometer's quantitative indicators aren't falling nearly as fast as in 2008, but we're still at rock-bottom levels of business activity compared with the last ten years. It's clear that the recession is not yet over, with materials costs continuing to fall on weak demand, falling contractor orders for heavy equipment and other capital purchases, and flat federal spending on highway construction.

The Barometer's qualitative side mirrors the results shown across the quantitative indicators. Contractors' opinions of business conditions included a slight rise in volume in early 2009, but not sufficient enough to push up labor or materials costs. Construction materials costs are expected to remain stable throughout the rest of 2009 in all categories except petroleum-derivative building products, where contractors are concerned that prices may unexpectedly accelerate. Rising fuel costs continue to be a concern as well.

Panelists reported that modest improvement in the demand for new capital equipment is likely to emerge in the middle of 2010 as business conditions improve in the coming year. However, contractors plan to defer practically all major equipment expenditures for at least a year.

This weak demand for capital equipment is reflected in financial market activity where little change in funding occurred between the last few months of 2008 and early 2009. This marks a trend change as the drop-off in commercial construction financing observed last year didn't appear to continue into the early months of 2009. Consistent with expectations for an improving business climate in 2010, contractors expect financing activity to rise in mid-year 2010.

State vs. State: Labor Market a Bit Stronger in North Carolina

(NC: Up 3.6%; SC: Up 2.6% )

Business conditions were quite similar across both Carolinas in first quarter, with the real substantive difference occurring in the labor market, where North Carolina contractors reported greater optimism regarding future hiring plans in 2010. South Carolina contractors reported less current demand for skilled workers and stronger expectations that hiring plans won't accelerate in 2010 despite increased business activity.

Both states experienced an upturn in construction activity in early 2009, and contractors in both states expect this trend toward modest business expansion to continue into late 2009. Highway and utility spending advanced marginally in both states, although the trend was a bit more pronounced in North Carolina. Materials costs were practically flat in North Carolina, while South Carolina reported lower costs. Contractors in both states reported a small improvement in regional credit market conditions from last year's low point in lender confidence, although neither the presence of record-low interest rates nor strengthening lender led to an increase in contractor borrowing activity in the first quarter. Until business activity improves significantly from current levels, panelists report virtually no appetite for new commercial borrowing.

Regional Economic Highlights

Heartland NC: Business & Growth on the Distant Horizon (Up 3.4%)

In Heartland North Carolina, the Barometer advanced 3.4% on stronger hiring plans for the coming year and strengthening business activity, particularly in the highway and utility spending categories. Expanding construction activity, and the expectation that the expansion will continue, led contractors to anticipate a greater number of new hires in late 2009 and early 2010, and more planned purchases of capital equipment.

Increasing labor demand also led panelists to predict modest labor cost increases and a general tightening in the availability of skilled labor over the next several months, sending the Barometer's qualitative side down slightly for the quarter. However, strengthening business activity in the region influenced panelist perception that business conditions are on the rebound for the first time in nearly 2 years; and the trend toward recovery will likely continue, albeit at a very slow pace, into 2010. These expectations led panelists to expect a greater volume of borrowing toward the end of 2009.

Eastern NC: Business Volume Rises but Not Employment (Up 3.9%)

Eastern NC contractors reported an increase in business volume, but paradoxically they reported significantly reduced demand for new labor, a reduction in new positions anticipated for the coming year, and a greater availability of skilled labor in the region. Falling materials costs, rising highway and utility spending, and almost no change in the demand for credit from late 2008 also contributed to the rise in the region's Barometer score.

A concern for Eastern contractors is the overhanging inventory of commercial real estate clogging the market, and the rate at which multifamily real estate prices have dropped in the past year combined with developers defaulting on loan agreements. As falling real estate values continue, it will likely lead to a longer period of time until stronger business activity materializes.

Western NC: Looking Up, But... (Up 3.8%)

While Western North Carolina posted Barometer gains principally on rising business activity-- with little, if any, labor market change. Western contractors reported a strong pick-up in business activity, but no change in planned hiring for 2009 and 2010, little change in regional labor costs, and tightening in the regional labor market.

Western contractors also reported falling materials costs, rising highway and utility spending and almost no change in the demand for credit from 2008. However, because the western region isn't overbuilt, contractors are planning for a stronger growth in business conditions in 2010.

Upstate and Lowcountry SC: Modest Improvement

(USC: Up 2.3%; LSC - Up 3.2%)

Both the Upstate and Lowcountry regions of South Carolina reported modest improvement in construction activity for first quarter, with the uptick in business slightly stronger in the Lowcountry. Interestingly, both regions reported strengthened business activity and similar expectations for continuing economic improvement in 2010, and fewer new skilled positions anticipated over the course of the coming year. While labor costs in both regions fell from year-end 2008, contractors all over the state reported tightening labor conditions resulting from skilled workers searching out better employment opportunities elsewhere in the Southeast.

Looking ahead to 2010, contractors in both regions expect stable-to-falling building materials prices, modest improvements in business activity, and slightly higher amounts of public spending for highway and utility projects. Business conditions in the Lowcountry are expected to improve at a slightly stronger pace than in the Upstate; surprising considering the downturn in commercial real estate values along the SC coast and the rate of developer loan defaults currently plaguing the Lowcountry. In both South Carolina areas, financial market activity is advancing, with contractors reporting lower borrowing costs and an increasing willingness to take on new debt to finance capital expansion plans pegged for 2010.

Carolinas AGC builds its 2,800 members' businesses through workforce development, business development, profit management, and workers' compensation insurance. More than 75% of commercial and industrial construction (buildings, highways/bridges, utility facilities) in both North and South Carolina is performed or supported by CAGC members.

For additional information or names of local Barometer panelists contact:
Lori Tharp, Carolinas AGC
(704) 372-1450, ext. 5227; ltharp@carolinasagc.org; www.cagc.org

SOURCE Carolinas AGC

Ford Motor Company Fund and Governors Highway Safety Association Bring Teen Driving Summer Camp to Minnesota

2009-06-26T05:27:00.000-07:00

Summer is the deadliest time for teen drivers

ST. PAUL, Minn., June 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In an effort to reduce teen crashes and fatalities in Minnesota, the Ford Motor Company Fund, the Governors Highway Safety Association, Westfield Insurance and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety are hosting Twin Cities' teens at the Ford Driving Skills for Life teen driving summer camp. This free, once-in-a-lifetime driving experience is being held at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul, June 26-28.

Vehicle crashes are the number-one killer of teens in Minnesota and nationwide. In Minnesota 2006-2008, teen drivers (16-19) were involved in 48,799 traffic crashes, resulting in 226 deaths. In all, 137 teens ages 16-19 were killed in crashes.

Students will receive hands-on advanced training by some of the nation's top professional driving instructors. Participants will learn techniques in four key skill areas: speed management, space management, vehicle handling and hazard recognition. Experts have identified the lack of these skills to be the cause of approximately 60 percent of vehicle crashes for newly licensed drivers ages 16 to 19.

Through the training camp, teens will gain valuable driving experience and improve their driving safety skills; parents are welcome to attend as well.

"We are looking forward to bringing the Ford Driving Skills for Life program to Minnesota," said Jim Graham, community relations manager of the Ford Motor Company Fund. "The Ford Driving Skills for Life program is designed to help teens learn important lessons in road safety that are often not discovered until it is too late. The Ford Motor Company Fund is committed to combating the alarming rate of teen crashes and fatalities."

Cheri Marti, director of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety and a member of GHSA's executive board, says this event is important to give new teen drivers hands-on experience. She adds the program encourages parents to stay involved in continuing to train and monitor their teen drivers.

"Teen drivers pose a threat to themselves, their passengers and other drivers due to their inexperience and risk-taking behind the wheel," says Marti, noting summer is the deadliest period on the road for teen drivers. "This program is a great opportunity to teach teens valuable skills they need to avoid tragedy on the road."

Ford Driving Skills for Life was created in 2003 in partnership with the GHSA. It is one of the nation's most comprehensive teen driver safety programs. In addition to hands-on events such as the event being held in St. Paul, it consists of learning tools such as an interactive Web site (www.drivingskillsforlife.com) that includes a learning module, quizzes, car care videos, driving tip videos, interactive games and an enhanced eco-driving curriculum. Free educator packets are available for students and parents, as well as teachers and community programs. Additionally, individual programs can be created to meet the specific needs of communities and schools.

SOURCE Governors Highway Safety Association

Bankrate: Mortgage Rates Post Mixed Resul

2009-06-25T05:29:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK, June 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was slightly higher this week, rising to 5.80 percent, according to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey. The average 30-year fixed mortgage has an average of 0.45 discount and origination points.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040122/FLTHLOGO )

The average 15-year fixed rate mortgage inched lower to 5.16 percent, while the average jumbo 30-year fixed rate pushed above the 7 percent mark to 7.03 percent. Adjustable rate mortgages were generally lower, with the average 3-year ARM falling to 5.32 percent and the 5-year ARM dropping to 5.26 percent.

Mortgage rates have settled down following a hefty run-up in late May and early June that had 30-year fixed mortgage rates flirting with the 6 percent mark. Conforming fixed mortgage rates have been relatively subdued the past two weeks in comparison. Spurts of volatility are common with mortgage rates, especially given the uncertain economic and financial climate. The performance of the economy and the outlook for inflation are likely to be the key drivers of Treasury yields and mortgage rates in the coming months. Mortgage rates are closely related to yields on long-term government debt.

Mortgage rates, though higher than in recent months, remain much lower than one year ago. This time last year, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.62 percent, meaning a $200,000 loan would have carried a monthly payment of $1,279.96. With the average rate now 5.80 percent, the monthly payment for the same size loan would be $1,173.51, a savings of $107 per month for a homeowner refinancing now.

SURVEY RESULTS

30-year fixed: 5.8% -- up from 5.76% last week (avg. points: 0.45)

15-year fixed: 5.16% -- down from 5.19% last week (avg. points: 0.37)

5/1 ARM: 5.26% -- down from 5.37% last week (avg. points: 0.54)

Bankrate's national weekly mortgage survey is conducted each Wednesday from data provided by the top 10 banks and thrifts in the top 10 markets.

For a full analysis of this week's move in mortgage rates, go to http://www.bankrate.com/mortgagerates

The survey is complemented by Bankrate's weekly forward-looking Rate Trend Index, in which a panel of mortgage experts predicts which way the rates are headed over the next 30 to 45 days. The good news is that a majority of panelists don't expect an increase in rates, with only 23 percent voting that way. The panelists say mortgage rates are more likely to decline, with 46 percent forecasting a drop in mortgage rates. Nearly one in three, or 31 percent, say mortgage rates will be more or less unchanged over the next 30 to 45 days.

For the full mortgage Rate Trend Index, go to http://www.bankrate.com/RTI

About Bankrate, Inc.

The Bankrate network of companies includes Bankrate.com, Interest.com, Mortgage-calc.com, Nationwide Card Services, Savingforcollege.com, Fee Disclosure, InsureMe, CreditCardGuide.com and Bankaholic.com. Each of these businesses helps consumers make informed decisions about their personal finance matters. The company's flagship brand, Bankrate.com is a destination site of personal finance channels, including banking, investing, taxes, debt management and college finance. Bankrate.com is the leading aggregator of rates and other information on more than 300 financial products, including mortgages, credit cards, new and used auto loans, money market accounts and CDs, checking and ATM fees, home equity loans and online banking fees. Bankrate.com reviews more than 4,800 financial institutions in 575 markets in 50 states. In 2008, Bankrate.com had nearly 72 million unique visitors. Bankrate.com provides financial applications and information to a network of more than 75 partners, including Yahoo! (Nasdaq: YHOO), America Online (NYSE: TWX), The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times (NYSE: NYT). Bankrate.com's information is also distributed through more than 500 newspapers.

For more information contact:
Kayleen Keneally
Senior Director, Corporate Communications
kkeneally@bankrate.com
917-368-8677

NOTE TO EDITORS: The information contained in this release is available for print or broadcast with attribution to Bankrate.com

SOURCE Bankrate, Inc.

Pew Will Push Shark Conservation at World Fisheries Meeting; New Report Indicates Half of Oceanic Shark and Ray Species Are Threatened With Extinction

2009-06-25T05:27:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, June 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pew Environment Group today called for stronger shark conservation measures worldwide as a new report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies 35 out of 64 known pelagic shark and related ray species around the world as threatened or near threatened with extinction.

The IUCN report was released just days before a joint meeting of the world's fishery managers in San Sebastian, Spain. The regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs), which mostly focus on managing tuna fisheries, agreed at their first joint meeting two years ago that the problem of declining shark populations urgently needed to be addressed. To date, however, none have set limits on the number of sharks that can be caught in their jurisdictions.

"Up to 70 million sharks are killed around the world every year for the shark fin market, virtually all of which are caught in areas where there is no management regime in place to ensure their sustainability," said Joshua Reichert, managing director of the Pew Environment Group. "This is a staggering number. Unless this situation is soon reversed, large numbers of shark species will disappear altogether."

The shark fin trade is a driving force in the overfishing of sharks. Shark fins are highly valued for use in the Asian delicacy shark fin soup. Often, shark meat is worth much less and takes up more cargo space. As a result, the practice of shark finning has evolved: the shark is brought on board a fishing vessel, the fins are sliced off, and the body is dumped back into the ocean.

According to the IUCN report, overfishing is the primary reason why a number of sharks in U.S. waters are threatened, including two species of thresher sharks, basking sharks, great whites, shortfin and longfin makos, porbeagles, oceanic whitetip sharks, dusky sharks, sandbar sharks, and three species of hammerheads.

At the San Sebastian meeting of the world's fisheries managers, Pew is joining other conservation groups in calling for precautionary, science-based management plans for sharks, starting with the immediate adoption of binding measures to:

Prohibit retention of particularly vulnerable and/or depleted shark species taken in tuna fisheries, including hammerheads, threshers, porbeagles and oceanic whitetips;
Establish catch limits that significantly reduce fishing pressure on globally vulnerable shortfin mako sharks;
Cap catches of near-threatened blue and silky sharks until safe catch levels are determined;
Close off areas of high shark concentration to commercial fishing; and
Prohibit removal of shark fins at sea.

To improve enforcement of the U.S. finning ban and enhance understanding of dwindling shark populations, the Pew Environment Group supports the Shark Conservation Act of 2009 (S. 850/H.R. 81), introduced by Senator John Kerry (D-MA). The legislation, which passed the House unanimously in March, would require that all sharks be landed with their fins naturally attached, eliminate loopholes and strengthen enforcement in the current U.S. shark-finning law and promote the conservation of sharks internationally.

The Pew Environment Group is the conservation arm of The Pew Charitable Trusts, a non-governmental organization that applies a rigorous, analytical approach to improving public policy, informing the public and stimulating civic life.

The report can be found at http://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/ssg_pelagic_report_final.pdf. For more information, please visit www.pewsharks.org.

CONTACT: Dan Klotz, 202.887.8855

SOURCE Pew Environment Group

SC&H Group Gives Back to the Community with 3rd Annual Day of Service

2009-06-25T05:25:00.000-07:00

Accounting firm to provide employees with paid time while performing volunteer service projects across the metro area

SPARKS, Md., June 25 /PRNewswire/ -- SC&H Group, LLC - one of the fastest-growing accounting and consulting firms in the nation - will host their 3rd Annual Day of Service on Friday, June 26, 2009.

The SC&H Group offices in Sparks, Md. and McLean, Va. will be closing this Friday so that all firm employees can work on various community projects throughout the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. areas. The firm will be sending volunteers out to assist ten different organizations in their service endeavors; these include organizations focused on humanitarian efforts, animal rescue, education and the environment.

"We feel it is especially important during this challenging economic time to give back to non-profit organizations in our community. These organizations depend upon contributions of time and money. As non-profits feel the effects of the economy, their resources - both financial and non-financial - become more strained than ever," says Tom Stout, President and CEO. "Our firm is eager to help these organizations accomplish their missions."

SC&H Group participates in and sponsors numerous local philanthropic events, and many of its employees sit on the boards of leading non-profit organizations. Also, the firm gives generous donations to local charities each year under the direction of the employee-led SC&H Group Charitable Foundation.

About SC&H Group, LLC

SC&H Group, LLC is a highly acclaimed CPA and management consulting firm serving a large client base from emerging businesses to the largest Fortune 500 companies. SC&H Group, LLC consists of specialized practices, each with dedicated professionals serving focused client needs. Specific services offered include: audit, tax compliance and consulting, state & local tax consulting, financial and internal control consulting (including Sarbanes-Oxley and IT audit services), mergers and acquisitions assistance, and business performance management solutions. SC&H Group has offices in Maryland, Georgia, and Virginia. Additional information is available at www.scandh.com.

Contact:
Katie Lochte
Marketing Manager
410-785-8052
klochte@scandh.com

SOURCE SC&H Group, LLC

NASA Selects Proposals to Enhance Science Education and Outreach

2009-06-25T05:24:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, June 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NASA has selected four organizations to share approximately $18 million over five years for education and public outreach activities to help inspire the next generation of science leaders and explorers. The cooperative agreements support the astrophysics, heliophysics, planetary and Earth divisions of NASA's Science Mission Directorate, which is providing the funding for the activities.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081007/38461LOGO )

"NASA seeks to work with the best of the nation's science and educational communities to help champion and elevate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics," said Paul Hertz, chief scientist of the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "Stimulating and informative activities, along with experiences created and executed by experts, inspire our future scientists. This provides a productive return on the public's investment for future scientific research."

These activities contribute to NASA's overall education and outreach efforts through development and dissemination of new educational and outreach products that use the directorate's science discoveries. The agreements provide opportunities for students and educators, citizen scientists and the public to engage in authentic experiences working with NASA and research communities. Activities will include comprehensive public awareness and engagement plans coordinated with NASA, the selected proposers and other institutions nationwide.

Selected proposals are:

"Astrophysics Science Education and Public Outreach Forum," Denise Smith, principal investigator, Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy
Planetary Science Education and Public Outreach Forum: "Extending the Coherence and Reach of NASA Planetary Science and SMD Education and Public Outreach," Stephanie Shipp, principal investigator, Lunar and Planetary Institute in Houston, a division of the University Space Research Association
Heliophysics Science Education and Public Outreach Forum: "A Forum to Support Excellence in Heliophysics Education and Public Outreach through Sustained Collaboration," Bryan Mendez, principal investigator, University of California, Berkeley
Earth Science Education and Public Outreach Forum: "Building a Cohesive and Effective Community," Theresa Schwerin, principal investigator, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies in Arlington, Va.

Each selected proposer will receive approximately $850,000 per year. Further funding will be provided after NASA review and subsequent approval of progress reports.

This opportunity was open to U.S. organizations, including NASA centers, industry, educational institutions, not-for-profit organizations, federally funded research and development centers, and other government agencies. Fourteen proposals were received in response to the January 2009 announcement. A peer review panel of education and public outreach professionals evaluated each proposal.

NASA's Science Mission Directorate has a diverse portfolio of education and public outreach investments and activities in higher education, elementary and secondary education, informal education, and outreach. For information about NASA science programs and activities, visit:

http://nasascience.nasa.gov

For information about NASA's Education programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/education

SOURCE NASA

National Day of Health Care Service

2009-06-25T05:23:00.001-07:00

ROYAL OAK, Mich., June 24 /PRNewswire/ -- In order to promote awareness of the issue and gain support for creating and passing legislation this year, Organizing for America is conducting a national Health Care Day of Service on Saturday, June 27.

A group of local volunteers will host a booth at the Royal Oak Farmers' Market this Saturday to provide information on no/low cost health services in Oakland County.

They will distribute literature and applications and provide direction on obtaining some health care services. Guest experts on healthcare topics will lead small group discussions at various times during the day. There will also be free blood pressure testing.

The booth will be open from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM and offer balloons for kids and healthy refreshments.

For more information, please contact Healthcare for Everyone - Yes we Can! at 248-515-7695.

For More Information Contact:
Mike Galle
Executive Producer & Creative Director
Special D Events, Inc.
248-336-8604 (office)
248-515-7695 (cell)
248-554-0806 (home)
mgalle@specialdevents.com

SOURCE Organizing for America

Suzuki Congratulates Congress, President Obama on Approval of 'Car Allowance Rebate System' (CARS) Law

2009-06-25T05:11:00.000-07:00

American Suzuki Motor Corp. logo. (PRNewsFoto/American Suzuki Motor Corp.)

BREA, CA UNITED STATES

BREA, Calif., June 24 /PRNewswire/ -- With a rich history of producing affordable, fuel-efficient products that fulfill its brand promise of "Travel Light, Live Fully," American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) looks forward to the implementation of the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), formerly referred to as the "Cash for Clunkers" initiative signed into law by President Obama today.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090624/138234LOGO)

"We applaud President Obama on signing this extraordinary bill, which will help provide financial relief for Americans across the country and further assist with the economic recovery of the automotive marketplace," said Kevin Saito, president of American Suzuki. "With an added incentive for new car buyers to focus on fuel-efficient vehicles, Suzuki is poised for an increase in dealer traffic thanks to the CARS program. Better yet, we not only offer these people more efficient vehicles, we offer cars, trucks and SUVs that are fun to drive and look great on the road."

The new CARS law allows consumers to receive up to a $4,500 voucher to trade in their old gas guzzlers for a more fuel-efficient new vehicle. Qualifying vehicles are considered passenger cars, mini vans, SUVs and small light-duty trucks that get less than 18 mpg, and large light-duty trucks that get less than 15 mpg city/highway combined. For passenger cars, if the new vehicle is at least four mpg more fuel efficient than the old vehicle, consumers will receive a $3,500 voucher toward a new vehicle. If the new vehicle is at least 10 mpg more fuel efficient than the old vehicle, the voucher is good for $4,500.

Suzuki offers a full lineup of new vehicles that readily qualify for the CARS initiative. Beyond its designation as America's most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive vehicle(1), the five-door SX4 Crossover is the lowest priced automobile to offer a fully integrated standard touch-screen navigation system as standard equipment. For current SUV owners looking to trade-in their gas guzzler, the Grand Vitara offers fuel economy comparable to some crossover-type SUVs (up to 26 mpg highway), along with true 4X4 capability, via a two-speed transfer case. Other vehicles that qualify under the CARS program include the fun-to-drive four-door SX4 sedan (and Sport) and four-cylinder version of the all-new Equator pickup truck. In fact, all of Suzuki's 2009 model year automotive sales have come from vehicles that qualify for the CARS program with the requisite trade in.

The following Suzuki models are eligible for the CARS incentive:

All SX4 Crossover models
All SX4 Sedan models
All Grand Vitara models
All XL7 models
All Equator models (4-cyl and 6-cyl)

In addition to its fuel-efficient automobiles, Suzuki offers an assortment of motorcycles that meet the criteria under the new legislation, including Suzuki's new TU250X (82 miles per gallon) and Gladius (58 mpg).

For more information on obtaining a CARS voucher during your purchase of a new Suzuki vehicle, consumers can visit www.cars.gov or http://suzukiauto.com/cars.

About Suzuki

The Brea, Calif.-based Automotive Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation was founded in 1963 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of approximately 400 automotive dealerships and numerous other motorcycle, ATV and marine distributors in 49 states. With global headquarters in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle and outboard motor manufacturer. In 2008, SMC sold more than two million new cars and trucks and more than three million motorcycles and ATVs. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 193 countries and regions. For more information, visit www.media.suzukiauto.com.

(1) Excludes hybrids and premium-brand lineups.

SOURCE American Suzuki

New White Paper Uncovers Link Between M2M & Social Networking

2009-06-23T11:11:00.000-07:00

The integration of Enterprise 2.0 with M2M communication will revolutionize the way companies interact with their products and customers.

SAN FRANCISCO, June 23 /PRNewswire/ -- A new white paper by Harbor Research explains how the two major technological trends of the 21st Century- "The Internet of Things" and "Web 2.0"-are on the cusp of coming together. This white paper, titled "Shared Destinies: How The Internet Of Things, Social Networks, & Creative Collaboration Will Shape Future Market Structure" illustrates how the unification of M2M technologies with social networking will revolutionize the way companies interact with their products and their customers.

As the popularity of collaboration and social networking technologies has grown, it has attracted a great deal of attention in the enterprise realm. Many business organizations are aggressively embracing Enterprise 2.0 by using social networks for business development.

But while the consumer world is still wrestling with how to turn Twitter and Facebook into a profitable enterprise, some businesses are turning to social networks in order to interact with their customers on an unprecedented level. Companies like P&G and Peugeot are drawing customers directly into their product and service definition and development processes. Even heavy equipment manufacturers such as ABB are finding these new tools more than just useful methods for communication between and among employees and customers.

Meanwhile, intelligent device networking sometimes referred to as "Pervasive Computing" or the "The Internet of Things" is upon us. But beyond machine-to-machine communication, however, lies the real revolution. The next phase of connectivity and integration of content will be one of placing communities of humans in context with objects and devices and visa versa. Devices need to be better able to understand where they are and the role they play, and adjust according to human needs and desires.

Enter Collaborative Device Communities. Collaborative device communities connects intelligent devices to a social networking system. In a collaborative device community, devices themselves can blog, send & receive messages, report status, share files, and interact on a peer-to-peer basis along with humans.

An example device integration package for such a community includes the ability to "chat" with the device to request status and execute commands, the ability to share files, the ability for the device to "blog" to its community home page or send updates to a feed, and the ability to establish a direct peer-to-peer (P2P) connection to a device for remote desktop or more specialized diagnostics. Harbor Research's "Shared Destinies" white paper elaborates on the enormous value that will be created by Collaborative Device Communities. It was inspired by a recently introduced platform from Palantiri Systems.

Glen Allmendinger, President of Harbor Research, notes, "In today's cutthroat market environment, companies must obtain an intimate relationship with their customers to sustain long-term value creation. Collaborative Device Communities will allow companies to provide the highest level of service while obtaining the critical information about their customers and products that drives cutting edge innovation."

To read the "Shared Destinies" white paper, please visit Harbor Research's website at : http://www.harborresearch.com/HarborContent/whitepapers.html

About Harbor Research, Inc.

For over 20 years, Harbor Research has been providing consulting and research services to leading product manufacturers, services organizations and core technology clients. Harbor's market research and consulting services are organized around emergent and disruptive opportunities, with a unique focus on the impact of the Pervasive Internet-the use of the Internet to accomplish global device networking.

For more information about Harbor Research, please visit http://www.harborresearch.com

SOURCE Harbor Research

Pets are People Too! AP-Petside.com Poll Reveals that American Pets are Often Treated Like Humans

2009-06-23T11:09:00.000-07:00

Half Of Pet Owners Value Animals As Much As People In The Family

43% Believe Their Dog Or Cat Has Their Own Sense Of Style

Many Pets Eat People Food

Singles More Likely To Allow Pets To Share Their Bed

NEW YORK, June 23, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- With the downturn in the economy and people seeking more comfort from their pets than ever, the popular pet care and news site Petside.com (http://www.petside.com) recently partnered with The Associated Press (http://www.ap.org) to poll Americans on their attitudes towards their furry friends. The survey revealed that half (50%) of American pet owners truly consider their pets to be as much a part of the family as any other person in the household.

Single people of both genders, but especially single women (66%), were more likely to say that their pet is a full member of the family. Only 46 percent of married women shared the same viewpoint. In comparison, 52 percent of single men said so, compared to 43 percent of married men.

A great percentage (43%) of pet owners think their pooch or kitty has their own sense of style, with 1 in 5 dressing them up in fashionable attire. That said, results show that "Fido" is the more likely to be fashion forward, with almost a quarter (23 percent) of dog owners saying they've purchased an outfit for their pet, compared with 12 percent of cat owners.

In addition human tastes also reach pet tastebuds, with 43 percent of respondents admitting to feeding their pets people food at least sometimes, with more dog owners doing so (48%) than cat owners (40%).

In some respects, the AP-Petside.com Poll reveals that dog owners treat their pets more like members of the family, in that they're more likely to have taken their pet to a family vacation than cat owners (50 % vs. 39%). They are also more likely to have included their pet in a holiday card (37% vs. 33%) or family portrait (38% vs. 32%). Canines are also more likely to be taken to work as opposed to felines (21% vs. 14%).

Still, more cat owners (36%) allow their furry friends to sleep in the same bed with them, as opposed to dog owners (29%), with married people more likely to relegate their pets to its own bed than singles. And, birthday celebrations cut across the playing field, with 29 percent of dog owners marking the occasion in comparison to 26 percent of cat owners.

They say a "rose is a rose" by any name, but almost half (49 percent) of respondents have given at least one of their current pets a human-like name, including 51 percent of dog owners and 50 percent of cat owners. What is the most common name? None stood out, but "Max" got a few more mentions than any other though not enough to give it any broad claim to popularity (even it got less than two percent of all mentions).

For more information go to: www.petside.com/petspoll

Methodology:

The AP-Petside.com Poll was conducted May 28 to June 1, 2009 by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media. It involved landline and cell phone interviews with 1,110 pet owners nationwide, and had a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 2.9 percentage points.

About Petside:

Part of iVillage Networks, Petside.com (www.petside.com) was created by NBC Digital Networks, in partnership with Procter & Gamble Productions, Inc., as a comprehensive source of information and services that helps pets and their owners get the most out of life. Offering customized content and a highly personalized experience, Petside.com is ranked among the top 10 pet Web sites and offers unique editorial features, expert Q&A's, tools and how-to videos.

About The AP:

The Associated Press is the essential global news network, delivering fast, unbiased news from every corner of the world to all media platforms and formats. Founded in 1846, AP today is the largest and most trusted source of independent news and information. On any given day, more than half the world's population sees news from AP.

On the Net: www.ap.org

SOURCE Petside

Zero Vehicle Emissions, All-Electric Vehicle Now Commercially Available

2009-06-23T11:05:00.000-07:00

Baltimore leads nation with all-electric car program

BALTIMORE, June 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Baltimore today became one of the nation's first cities to feature an electric car share and rental program using advanced lithium ion battery technology developed by ExxonMobil. The Maryland Science Center with sponsors Electrovaya and ExxonMobil announced the program, called Altcar, which will raise awareness among Baltimore residents and visitors of the future of energy efficient transportation.

The Maryland Science Center also opened a new energy efficiency exhibit, sponsored by ExxonMobil, which includes hands-on activities for children and a full-scale car that showcases the numerous energy saving technologies currently being used by the auto industry.

"The Maryland Science Center is proud to play a central role in today's historic announcement. The launch of this program fits perfectly with our mission to educate the public on scientific advancement," said Van Reiner, CEO of the science center. "Consumers have shown a demand for car sharing programs around the U.S., and it is a logical next step to utilize this business model to demonstrate the growing desire and need for energy efficient transportation that is key to addressing environmental concerns. The new exhibit also will be crucial to helping expand the knowledge of our visitors on this critical and important topic."

The electric car being used in the science center's Altcar program is the new Maya 300. This vehicle can be fueled using a standard household electrical outlet and can drive up to 60 or 120 miles before recharging. The five-door, five passenger urban vehicle, is equipped with the safety, performance, and convenience features common to gasoline-powered cars. Starting June 24, under the program, Baltimore residents and tourists can rent these vehicles at the science center in the Baltimore Inner Harbor during the day to drive around the city to experience the feel of an electric vehicle.

"With our friends at the Maryland Science Center and ExxonMobil, we are demonstrating that creative collaborations are essential to finding innovative solutions that will help meet our future energy needs, create new jobs and protect our environment," said Sankar Das Gupta, president and chairman, Electrovaya.

A public company based in North America, Electrovaya's mission is to accelerate clean transportation as a commercial reality using its advanced power systems for all classes of zero-emission electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The Maya-300's advanced lithium ion battery uses separator film developed by ExxonMobil that significantly enhances the power, safety, strength and reliability of the lithium ion battery.

The lithium-ion battery separator film is one of the many innovative technologies that ExxonMobil has developed to increase the fuel efficiency of vehicles.

"ExxonMobil has a long, rich history of developing energy resources in an environmentally, socially and economically beneficial manner and we are proud to be a part of this program that supports innovative new technologies," said Jim Harris, senior vice president, ExxonMobil Chemical. "This program, coupled with the state-of-the-art exhibit, demonstrates our commitment to improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the globe."

The ceremony today took place at the science center and was attended by Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon and Malcolm Wolf, director of the Maryland Energy Administration. Both expressed their gratitude for the science center's leadership, as well as their support for innovative collaborations - such as that between Maryland Science Center, Electrovaya and ExxonMobil - that introduce clean energy choices that dramatically reduce environmental impacts.

For more information, go to www.mayamobility.com or www.mdsci.org.

SOURCE Electrovaya

National Green Energy Council Endorses Their First Green Apparel Company - Bay Area Based A Lot To Say, Inc.

2009-06-22T11:13:00.000-07:00

SAN FRANCISCO, June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The San Francisco Bay Area, recently voted one of the "greenest" areas in the nation, is also the home of the National Green Energy Council's newest endorsement. The environmentally respectful t-shirt line, A Lot To Say, Inc., has just been given an exclusive and unprecedented endorsement from the notable non-profit organization.

The National Green Energy Council (GEC) is one of the largest and most distinguished non-profit organizations committed to educating adults and children about the importance of energy efficiency, environmental awareness, global warming and the responsibilities that we bear in order to save our planet and our future.

Some of their ambassadors include: Brad Pitt, Cameron Diaz, Rudy Giuliani, Ted Turner and Mariel Hemingway.

Green Energy Council President and CEO, Ralph Avallone notes:

"In a time where green awareness is imperative but not always followed, we find a lot of fact and fiction between what is really green and helpful to the planet, and what we call 'green washers' -- not actually green. Our program only gives endorsements to truly outstanding green technologies such as the A Lot To Say, Inc. apparel brand. They are making a difference by educating children and the public through their message and manufacturing process. Their shirts are the ultimate in environmental wear because of these distinctions, and because they are made and manufactured here in the USA with a portion of all profits going directly back into reversing the effects of global warming. This product absolutely stands head and shoulders above its competitors and previous technologies."

A Lot To Say, Inc. co-founders and sisters Jennifer Stanich Banmiller and Alison Stanich Power said in response to the coveted endorsement:

"We are both pleased and honored by this endorsement from such a well-known and respected national organization. It's been our goal to create messages of substance on products using the greenest applications possible. It proves that we can make popular products with great messages using responsible technologies."

Here are the facts:

The garments are made from recycled plastic bottles instead of harvested and processed raw materials, which helps conserve our planets limited resources while also removing material from our landfills.
The shirts are colored and printed with a revolutionary AirDye process so it uses NO water. Dying one basic t-shirt takes approximately 15-25 gallons of water, which is often taken from critically scarce sources and released back into the environment after being polluted with the dye products. A Lot to Say, Inc.'s sustainable option replaces the traditional dye and print process with an AirDye method, which uses NO WATER, requires 70% LESS energy and produces NO hazardous by-products.
This revolutionary process reduces water consumption by up to 95%, energy consumption up to 86%, green house emissions by up to 84% and eliminates PVS products by 100% (PVS is a highly carcinogenic plastic with a lifespan of hundreds of years which inhabits landfills for generations).
All of the t-shirts are made in the USA, meaning no sweatshop labor.
The entire line demonstrates sustainability on all fronts - from what it's made of and how it's made, to the longevity of the product and the cost of the shirt (a fraction of what you'd see it for in retail).
The environmental savings are remarkable. For every 25,000 t-shirts sold, the planet will save:
Energy - 1,132,500 MJ (mega-joules)
Water - 157,500 gallons
Green House Emissions - 57,500 (kg CO2 equiv. emissions)
Aside from being environmentally conscious, these cult status t-shirts are chic and stylish and everyone from Hollywood Blvd. to Haight St. are being seen in them.

To purchase these t-shirts and help reverse global warming, go to www.alottosay.com. Every sale counts! Even something as simple as buying a shirt and spreading the message will help you do your part.

For more information on this issue or more about A Lot To Say, Inc., please email us at info@alottosay.com.

For further information on the Green Energy Council (GEC) please visit their website at www.greenenergycouncil.com.

SOURCE A Lot To Say, Inc.

National Fireworks Safety Council Urges Parents to Be Mindful of Sparklers

2009-06-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

Sparklers Are Safe When Used Correctly

WASHINGTON, June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Using sparklers on our nation's birthday is as traditional as cookouts and swimming and is equally safe if a few common sense rules are followed. But according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission ("CPSC"), approximately 16% of all consumer fireworks injuries are caused by sparklers burning hands and legs, with the majority of sparkler injuries occurring to young children. These are injuries that would not have occurred if there had been close adult supervision and if some basic safety steps had been taken. The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers these safety steps for sparklers, in the hopes that sparkler injuries to young children can be greatly reduced.

Children under the age of 12 should not use sparklers without very close adult supervision.
Always remain standing while using sparklers.
Never hold a child in your arms while using sparklers.
Never hold, or light, more than one sparkler at a time.
Sparklers and bare feet can be a painful combination. Always wear closed-toe shoes when using sparklers.
Sparkler wire and stick remain hot long after the flame has gone out. Be sure to drop the spent sparklers directly in a bucket of water.
Never hand a lighted sparkler to another person. Give them the unlit sparkler and then light it.
Always stand at least 6 feet from another person while using sparklers.
Never throw sparklers.
Show children how to hold sparklers away from their body and at arm's length.
Teach children not to wave sparklers, especially wooden stick sparklers, or run while holding sparklers.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety urges Americans to be Sparkler Smart this Fourth of July in their holiday celebrations.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose sole mission is to educate the public on the safe and responsible use of consumer fireworks. For a full list of consumer fireworks safety tips and a safety video, please visithttp://www.FireworksSafety.org.

Contact:

Ralph Apel, President
(913) 579-4529
ralph@wincofireworks.com

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE National Council on Fireworks Safety