fixyruw.wordpress.com
The "Own Your Future" program, unveiled Tuesday, is overseemn by various state agencies under thelabelk "Colorado Long-Term Care Partnership." The program will make available an insurance program to Coloradans ages 45 to 65 through privatd insurers. The program "enables Colorado residentw whopurchase Long-Term Care Partnershiop insurance to have more of their assetx protected if they later need the state Medicaid program to help pay for theif long-term care," . Thosd applying for Medicaid might otherwise haveto "spenf down" more of their own assets in ordee to be eligible for Medicaid coverage.
"Coloradoo is using this approach to give its citizens greatetr control over how they financetheir long-term care and to help shor up the public safety net againsf upcoming demographic pressures," the website says. Such partnerships were established by federal law in 2006 to help preserve the stabilith of state Medicaid programs and to promoteprivate long-term care programs. Agenciews involved include the state Department of Health Care Policgand Financing, the Division of Insurance, the Department of Human Service’xs Division of Aging and Adult Servicesx and the Governor’s Office. Colorado Gov.
Bill Ritted was to kick off the campaign at a statde Capitol news conferenceat 11:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
GM trying to strong-arm Florida dealers, McCollum says - Houston Business Journal:
steinberg-virus.blogspot.com
The objection was filed with the ’sx Southern District of New York, where General Motors (OTC.PK: GMGMQ) filed for Chapte 11 bankruptcy protection earliedrthis month. In the filing, McCollum said that Generaol Motorshas “misused [its] bankruptcy-enhanced bargaininbg power and forced automotive dealers to waive the very statde laws that were designed to protecrt them from such overreaching conduct.” The problen stems from GM asking dealers to agreed to waive several protections unde r Florida law before they can be consideres a dealer through the new General Motors organization, McCollun said.
GM also wants disputes over the agreementx to play out in New York despite laws that give Florida jurisdictiomn insuch matters. McCollum is asking the court to “affirm that the relationshipp between New GM and its Floridwa dealers will be governed byFlorida law” and ordeer any new agreement that does not followa Florida law to be “invalid and unenforceable.” “In the event the court approvea the sale motion, it should clarify that such approvapl does not validate the attempt to evade Florida law by amending the dealeer franchise agreements,” McCollum The new agreements create an ultimatum along the line of “take it or leave McCollum said, meaning dealers either have to lose the protectionxs of Florida law or lose their business.
The New GM couldc have some problems doing businessd if such stipulations in agreements with dealerdswould remain, McCollum said. The new company would have to apply for a new licensw to operatein Florida, and it could have that applicatioj denied if state officials feel the companyu is working to circumvent state law.
The objection was filed with the ’sx Southern District of New York, where General Motors (OTC.PK: GMGMQ) filed for Chapte 11 bankruptcy protection earliedrthis month. In the filing, McCollum said that Generaol Motorshas “misused [its] bankruptcy-enhanced bargaininbg power and forced automotive dealers to waive the very statde laws that were designed to protecrt them from such overreaching conduct.” The problen stems from GM asking dealers to agreed to waive several protections unde r Florida law before they can be consideres a dealer through the new General Motors organization, McCollun said.
GM also wants disputes over the agreementx to play out in New York despite laws that give Florida jurisdictiomn insuch matters. McCollum is asking the court to “affirm that the relationshipp between New GM and its Floridwa dealers will be governed byFlorida law” and ordeer any new agreement that does not followa Florida law to be “invalid and unenforceable.” “In the event the court approvea the sale motion, it should clarify that such approvapl does not validate the attempt to evade Florida law by amending the dealeer franchise agreements,” McCollum The new agreements create an ultimatum along the line of “take it or leave McCollum said, meaning dealers either have to lose the protectionxs of Florida law or lose their business.
The New GM couldc have some problems doing businessd if such stipulations in agreements with dealerdswould remain, McCollum said. The new company would have to apply for a new licensw to operatein Florida, and it could have that applicatioj denied if state officials feel the companyu is working to circumvent state law.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Morris Manning opens in Beijing - Atlanta Business Chronicle:
ugefuk.wordpress.com
Other law firms with Atlanta offices have officesin Beijing, includinf Jones Day, LLC (whichy is a separate entity from the domestic ), LLP, and LLP. But none are basecd here. Atlanta-based LLP is in Shangha i and Hong Kong. Some, like Arnall Goldem Gregory LLP, work in China but have yet to openofficeas there. Morris Manning Managing Partner Bob Saudek said that what distinguishexs his firm from large firms is that Morriws Manning is representing Chinese companies that want to do businesa in theUnited States, as opposed to larger U.S. companies working in China. Saudek said Chinesde contacts alreadyare “bearing fruit” in that “it’s generatinbg new business for us.
” Georgia Department of Economi c Development Commissioner Ken Stewart sees the openinv of such an office with the firm establishing ties on behalf of Chinese companies to Georgia as a positive. “jI think it would be a significant benefit for he said. “The more connections we have with — and I thinkl they’re going to be in Beijing — companies and individuals in the governmeng there directly connecting us here in the state of the more beneficial it isfor us.” Morrid Manning’s Saudek described the work his firm performws as threefold.
The first is intellectual propertty prosecutions on behalf of Chinese companies when theid products are imported in theUnitedc States. Then there is corporate and securities work. Among the Chinesr companies that Morris Manning servicesis (Nasdaq: which is located in Ruian City, The move is a natural outgrowthj of a line of business that beganj expanding for the firm about five yearsa ago. That was when the firm hiredx Tim Xia, a one-time Georgia Tech professor who was a physicist specializingv in supercomputing and a variety of other Xia was born in China andattended . Duringg the week of April 6, Xia was on a traded mission to China sponsored by the MetroiAtlanta Chamber.
The opening of the office is timed with the With the success of the busines that Xia began bringing to the Morris Manning chose to add moreMandarib speakers. The firm added Ping who attended medical school in China and who had workedx forDLA Piper, for its Washington office. In all, the firm has 12 Mandarinb speakers from the top partner level down to patentr agentsand paralegals, many of whom participate in conference calls with clients in the middl e of the night because of the time change. Amongh them is Ming Jiang, a “technical adviser” — a title abovee that of patent agent who holds a doctorate fromthe .
who has worked for the firm for the last four yeardin Atlanta, will move to Beijing to stafc the office. The plan is for Morris Manning’s U.S.-based attorneys to use the office as a stoppingy pointfor travels. Saudek said he envisions increasing the staffing over time, but that the Chiness government has restrictions on the ability of non-Chinesed companies and individuals to practice law there. The firm also recentlgy has opened an officein Taiwan. That office is led by Raymond Ho, who servexs in an “of-counsel” capacitu out of the firm’s Washington office. Saudei said the firm is not finishes with itsinternational expansions.
Two of its attorneys, John Yatews and Jason D’Cruz, traveled to India exploringg business possibilities withtechnology companies. Saudek said his understandingy is that India does not allow foreign law firmse to establish offices there but the countryg is actively considering a timetablr to loosen that restrictiomn and the firm is positioning itselft forthat change. The firm also is lookinh at Europe, Saudek said.
Other law firms with Atlanta offices have officesin Beijing, includinf Jones Day, LLC (whichy is a separate entity from the domestic ), LLP, and LLP. But none are basecd here. Atlanta-based LLP is in Shangha i and Hong Kong. Some, like Arnall Goldem Gregory LLP, work in China but have yet to openofficeas there. Morris Manning Managing Partner Bob Saudek said that what distinguishexs his firm from large firms is that Morriws Manning is representing Chinese companies that want to do businesa in theUnited States, as opposed to larger U.S. companies working in China. Saudek said Chinesde contacts alreadyare “bearing fruit” in that “it’s generatinbg new business for us.
” Georgia Department of Economi c Development Commissioner Ken Stewart sees the openinv of such an office with the firm establishing ties on behalf of Chinese companies to Georgia as a positive. “jI think it would be a significant benefit for he said. “The more connections we have with — and I thinkl they’re going to be in Beijing — companies and individuals in the governmeng there directly connecting us here in the state of the more beneficial it isfor us.” Morrid Manning’s Saudek described the work his firm performws as threefold.
The first is intellectual propertty prosecutions on behalf of Chinese companies when theid products are imported in theUnitedc States. Then there is corporate and securities work. Among the Chinesr companies that Morris Manning servicesis (Nasdaq: which is located in Ruian City, The move is a natural outgrowthj of a line of business that beganj expanding for the firm about five yearsa ago. That was when the firm hiredx Tim Xia, a one-time Georgia Tech professor who was a physicist specializingv in supercomputing and a variety of other Xia was born in China andattended . Duringg the week of April 6, Xia was on a traded mission to China sponsored by the MetroiAtlanta Chamber.
The opening of the office is timed with the With the success of the busines that Xia began bringing to the Morris Manning chose to add moreMandarib speakers. The firm added Ping who attended medical school in China and who had workedx forDLA Piper, for its Washington office. In all, the firm has 12 Mandarinb speakers from the top partner level down to patentr agentsand paralegals, many of whom participate in conference calls with clients in the middl e of the night because of the time change. Amongh them is Ming Jiang, a “technical adviser” — a title abovee that of patent agent who holds a doctorate fromthe .
who has worked for the firm for the last four yeardin Atlanta, will move to Beijing to stafc the office. The plan is for Morris Manning’s U.S.-based attorneys to use the office as a stoppingy pointfor travels. Saudek said he envisions increasing the staffing over time, but that the Chiness government has restrictions on the ability of non-Chinesed companies and individuals to practice law there. The firm also recentlgy has opened an officein Taiwan. That office is led by Raymond Ho, who servexs in an “of-counsel” capacitu out of the firm’s Washington office. Saudei said the firm is not finishes with itsinternational expansions.
Two of its attorneys, John Yatews and Jason D’Cruz, traveled to India exploringg business possibilities withtechnology companies. Saudek said his understandingy is that India does not allow foreign law firmse to establish offices there but the countryg is actively considering a timetablr to loosen that restrictiomn and the firm is positioning itselft forthat change. The firm also is lookinh at Europe, Saudek said.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Aurora opening Summit clinic early - Dallas Business Journal:
doqujamup.wordpress.com
The Aurora Wilkinson Medical Clinic will open Octobef 26 and will replace the current Auroraq Wilkinson Medical Clinic at 915Summit Ave. in although urgent care services will continue to beofferedc there. The new clinic also will replace the AurorsWilkinson Women’s Center and the Auroraq Vision Center, both currently in Oconomowoc. The othedr Aurora Wilkinson Medical Clinic locations in Hartland, Dousman, Delafield, Walesw and Waukesha – will continue to serve patients. “October 26 will represent the start of a new era in healtu care inthis area,” said Dr.
Davird Ulery, president of Aurora WilkinsonMedical “The opening of our new clinic and cancer centet will move us closer to a fullyh integrated system of care for the people of western Waukesha County.” the hospital part of the project remains on scheduls to open in early 2010, Aurora officials said. The Wilkinso clinic will open at the same time as the new Vincde Lombardi Cancer Clinic on theSummit campus. The new Aurorqa Medical Center campus in the Town of Summit is at the southeas t corner of Interstate 94 and Highway 67. The new Aurora Wilkinson Medical Clini c will be on the west side ofthe campus, and the new Vincr Lombardi Cancer Clinic is on the sout h side.
The Aurora Wilkinson Medical Clinic will open Octobef 26 and will replace the current Auroraq Wilkinson Medical Clinic at 915Summit Ave. in although urgent care services will continue to beofferedc there. The new clinic also will replace the AurorsWilkinson Women’s Center and the Auroraq Vision Center, both currently in Oconomowoc. The othedr Aurora Wilkinson Medical Clinic locations in Hartland, Dousman, Delafield, Walesw and Waukesha – will continue to serve patients. “October 26 will represent the start of a new era in healtu care inthis area,” said Dr.
Davird Ulery, president of Aurora WilkinsonMedical “The opening of our new clinic and cancer centet will move us closer to a fullyh integrated system of care for the people of western Waukesha County.” the hospital part of the project remains on scheduls to open in early 2010, Aurora officials said. The Wilkinso clinic will open at the same time as the new Vincde Lombardi Cancer Clinic on theSummit campus. The new Aurorqa Medical Center campus in the Town of Summit is at the southeas t corner of Interstate 94 and Highway 67. The new Aurora Wilkinson Medical Clini c will be on the west side ofthe campus, and the new Vincr Lombardi Cancer Clinic is on the sout h side.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
History's AX MEN Season 5 to Premiere 1/8 - Broadway World
aaekipolo.blogspot.com
History's AX MEN Season 5 to Premiere 1/8 Broadway World Season five of the popular series premieres Sunday, January 8 at 9pm ET on HISTORY. For generations, loggers have put their lives on the line every day to provide America with the timber it needs. But these AX MEN will do anything to claim "Green Gold" ... |
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
New chairman for Consolidated-Tomoka - Orlando Business Journal:
plesciamipukoa1855.blogspot.com
The following officers were re-elected: William McMunn, president and CEO; Bruce Teeters, senior vice president of financeand treasurer; Roberty Apgar, senior vice president, general counseo and assistant corporate secretary; Linda Crisp, vice president and corporatr secretary; and Gary Moothart, vice president and controller Consolidated-Tomoka Land is focusedr on converting company-owned agricultural lands into a portfolio of net lease incomde properties in the Southeast through 1031 tax-deferred exchanges, as well as development. A 1031 named after a sectionh of the IRStax code, is the exchange of one type of property for another similat type of property.
The firm in Aprill reported first-quarter net income was or 6 centsper share, more than doubls net income for the same perior in 2008. Company shares closed at $32.71 June 12, down 4 centx from the previous day’sx close. Shares have tradedd from a lowof $21.56 to a high of $50.56 over the last 52
The following officers were re-elected: William McMunn, president and CEO; Bruce Teeters, senior vice president of financeand treasurer; Roberty Apgar, senior vice president, general counseo and assistant corporate secretary; Linda Crisp, vice president and corporatr secretary; and Gary Moothart, vice president and controller Consolidated-Tomoka Land is focusedr on converting company-owned agricultural lands into a portfolio of net lease incomde properties in the Southeast through 1031 tax-deferred exchanges, as well as development. A 1031 named after a sectionh of the IRStax code, is the exchange of one type of property for another similat type of property.
The firm in Aprill reported first-quarter net income was or 6 centsper share, more than doubls net income for the same perior in 2008. Company shares closed at $32.71 June 12, down 4 centx from the previous day’sx close. Shares have tradedd from a lowof $21.56 to a high of $50.56 over the last 52
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Racemark lays off 36, ships work to Ga. plant - The Business Review (Albany):
obesonuqa.wordpress.com
Employees were notified July 2 that the company will move most of its operatione to its plantin Calhoun, Ga., CEO Ginger Cannon Baileyt said. Racemark makes luxury floor mat for such manufacturerdas , , , and All 36 employees, most of whom work in were offered the same positions at the Georgiz plant, Bailey said. About 20 people will remaih at theMalta location. Racemark’s Switzerlancd operations will continue toemploy 20; 40 people currently work at the Georgia plant, Bailey She said the company has a “very strong balance sheet” and has fare d better than many other automotive manufacturerse in this recession.
Sales have slowex at Racemark, but the company does not sell to anyof Detroit’e automakers—the manufacturers hardest-hit by the recession. The company had some layoffs inlate 2008, but thoses were the first since the company was Bailey said. Her husband, former professional race car driver Bob started the company in 1964 to manufacture racinvsafety equipment. Bailey said it became too costly to operatretwo U.S. plants. Most of the supplies for the company’s mats come from the so moving most of its manufacturinvg to Georgia madefinancial sense, Baileyy said. “It’s a move that will make the company stronger and she said.
Employees were notified July 2 that the company will move most of its operatione to its plantin Calhoun, Ga., CEO Ginger Cannon Baileyt said. Racemark makes luxury floor mat for such manufacturerdas , , , and All 36 employees, most of whom work in were offered the same positions at the Georgiz plant, Bailey said. About 20 people will remaih at theMalta location. Racemark’s Switzerlancd operations will continue toemploy 20; 40 people currently work at the Georgia plant, Bailey She said the company has a “very strong balance sheet” and has fare d better than many other automotive manufacturerse in this recession.
Sales have slowex at Racemark, but the company does not sell to anyof Detroit’e automakers—the manufacturers hardest-hit by the recession. The company had some layoffs inlate 2008, but thoses were the first since the company was Bailey said. Her husband, former professional race car driver Bob started the company in 1964 to manufacture racinvsafety equipment. Bailey said it became too costly to operatretwo U.S. plants. Most of the supplies for the company’s mats come from the so moving most of its manufacturinvg to Georgia madefinancial sense, Baileyy said. “It’s a move that will make the company stronger and she said.
Friday, December 16, 2011
On the Death of Christopher Hitchens - Huffington Post
vilyfijohy.wordpress.com
NEWS.com.au | On the Death of Christopher Hitchens Huffington Post His death by this point was anything but unexpected. For months we knew from others and from himself about his struggle with cancer. It seemed as if » |
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Metro maintenance focuses on Red Line this weekend - Washington Post (blog)
artemchuksykitas.blogspot.com
Metro maintenance focuses on Red Line this weekend Washington Post (blog) This weekend will be the last for Metro's maintenance program before the holiday break, but it will be busy, particularly on the Red Line. Work continues this week on all lines, but the transit authority anticipates only minor delays ... |
Sunday, December 11, 2011
TECO Energy outlook remains strong - Baltimore Business Journal:
zuloraxelewo.blogspot.com
billion in debt held by and subsidiariessand Co. The rating is supported by the underlyinfg strengthof TECO’s regulated electric and gas utilitt subsidiary, from which it derives stable cash distribution to meet its funding Fitch said a release. Tampaq Electric continues to post strongcredit metrics, it maintains solid operatinvg performance and it benefits from Florida’s constructive regulatort environment, Fitch said. Fitch is concerned, however, about slowing customerf growth atTampa Electric.
But the compang has responded to slower growth by postponingt projects to increase electric Another concern for Fitch is cash flow deterioration atTECO (NYSE: TE) Guatemalq because of the adverse rate order in unplanned outages at the San Jose plant, uncertaintgy over the extension of a purchased power and the potential for deferred or renegotiated contractw because of declining market prices, higher production costx and slumping demand for coal.
TECO Coal and TECO Guatemalsa provide roughly 20 percent of theparenrt company’s consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, Fitch Credit ratios at Tampaz Electric should benefit from highert base rates in 2009 and 2010 as a result of a $138 millioj rate order approved in March, Fitch said. In addition, an affiliats waterborne transportation agreement that reducedTampa Electric’s annual net income by $10 million in priodr years is expiring. Fitchj expects coverage ratios to remainb relatively strong with fund s from operations coverage at nearly five timesin 2009. TECO Coal is expecterd to benefit from higher priced contracts signedin 2008.
soft coal demand and higher mining production costsz at TECO Coal raise the risks ofcontractuaol non-performance by counter-parties and pressured margins. Diverse regulatory orders and operating issue s at the Guatemalan operations will resulft in dividend distributions that are lowerd thanhistoric levels. TECO's liquidity position is considered strong, Fitch said. Cash and cash equivalents were $34.9 million and available credit facilitieswere $530 milliojn as of March 31. Liquidity was enhanced by a net operating loss-tax carry forward of $547.5 million as of Dec. 31, whicj is expected to result in minimal cash tax paymentxsthrough 2012.
In addition, TECO'z $100 million note maturing in 2010 is expected to be retired withinternakl cash. Positive rating action could result in the futures from consolidated leverage ratio reductiobn in 2010 and higher cash flows from a full year of highedr base rates in 2010 and effectivecost
billion in debt held by and subsidiariessand Co. The rating is supported by the underlyinfg strengthof TECO’s regulated electric and gas utilitt subsidiary, from which it derives stable cash distribution to meet its funding Fitch said a release. Tampaq Electric continues to post strongcredit metrics, it maintains solid operatinvg performance and it benefits from Florida’s constructive regulatort environment, Fitch said. Fitch is concerned, however, about slowing customerf growth atTampa Electric.
But the compang has responded to slower growth by postponingt projects to increase electric Another concern for Fitch is cash flow deterioration atTECO (NYSE: TE) Guatemalq because of the adverse rate order in unplanned outages at the San Jose plant, uncertaintgy over the extension of a purchased power and the potential for deferred or renegotiated contractw because of declining market prices, higher production costx and slumping demand for coal.
TECO Coal and TECO Guatemalsa provide roughly 20 percent of theparenrt company’s consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, Fitch Credit ratios at Tampaz Electric should benefit from highert base rates in 2009 and 2010 as a result of a $138 millioj rate order approved in March, Fitch said. In addition, an affiliats waterborne transportation agreement that reducedTampa Electric’s annual net income by $10 million in priodr years is expiring. Fitchj expects coverage ratios to remainb relatively strong with fund s from operations coverage at nearly five timesin 2009. TECO Coal is expecterd to benefit from higher priced contracts signedin 2008.
soft coal demand and higher mining production costsz at TECO Coal raise the risks ofcontractuaol non-performance by counter-parties and pressured margins. Diverse regulatory orders and operating issue s at the Guatemalan operations will resulft in dividend distributions that are lowerd thanhistoric levels. TECO's liquidity position is considered strong, Fitch said. Cash and cash equivalents were $34.9 million and available credit facilitieswere $530 milliojn as of March 31. Liquidity was enhanced by a net operating loss-tax carry forward of $547.5 million as of Dec. 31, whicj is expected to result in minimal cash tax paymentxsthrough 2012.
In addition, TECO'z $100 million note maturing in 2010 is expected to be retired withinternakl cash. Positive rating action could result in the futures from consolidated leverage ratio reductiobn in 2010 and higher cash flows from a full year of highedr base rates in 2010 and effectivecost
Friday, December 9, 2011
Hawaii stores expect busy holiday season - Pacific Business News (Honolulu):
zlatkopaisley1275.blogspot.com
The optimism expressed by some Hawaiu merchants is in direct contrast to the where retailers are bracing for a slowetr season thanlast year, with high gas prices and a housinyg crisis that's left many cautious about opening theier wallets. "I think in Hawaii we're stilo a little bit stronge than the nation in saidRon Yoda, general manage of . "I thinkl we'll do better than the rest of the This week, the issued its forecastt for the upcoming season, and it wasn't very The Washington, D.C.-based organization predicts growth of 4 percent over 2006 sales, the lowest forecast since 2002. Actual growth that year was just 1.
3 American households are projected tospene $619.51 each on gifts and holiday decorations, up from $603.8 6 last year. The nationall retailers' group defines the holiday shoppingt season as the months of November and although for many shoppers the starting gun fires the morninvgafter Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday. "Thde bottom line is that while consumerswill spend, they will actuall be spending a little bit more cautiously," said spokeswoma Kathy Grannis. "We see luxury retailers beingf the winners this year because their shopperw are not as impacted by economic factorws such as gas prices and the housing marketand such.
" But the same could be said about Hawaiui shoppers, according to some store owners who expectt sales to be as good as last year or based on what they've seen lately. "We'vr already started putting out ornaments," said Michael Cummins, co-owner of at Ward Centre, whichy sells unique Christmas ornaments eachholidagy season, along with its chocolates. "Thatr has already been sellingreally well, so I'm hoping for a very good expects sales at its eigh t Oahu stores to be stronger than last in part because its stores at Pearlridge Center and the newlt renovated Windward Mall are both larger than last year.
"Havinbg the right merchandise and a wide selection of productsz at the right pricdis key," said Marketing Director Lani Although optimistic, most retailers say it is hard to predict exactly how much business they'll see. "It really is hard to said Reid Fujita, owner, with his wife Jonelle, of Cinnamon a dress, accessories and gifts retailer. "We had yearsd that we thought woulf be soft and it turned out to be a bannetr holiday and we had years that we thoughy would be a banner year that turned out to be Kahala Mall merchants are expecting this year to be jolliere thanlast year, when the mall was still recoverinf from a flood nine months The movie theaters were closed untilo December, and then only partially opened.
The Apple Store still was under construction and there were severalunoccupiec spaces. "This year we don' t have any of those dark so that helps traffic and thegeneral feel," Yoda said. All eighty theaters have since re-opened, along with the Appl e Store, and just this week, Cinnamo n Girl opened a holiday store in the formerr BananaRepublic space. Next door Santa's Pen, a local companyh that specializes in customized tree is getting ready to open in aspace that's twicw as large as the former Zales jewelry store it leased at Kahalaq Mall last holiday season.
"I thin k we're going to do better than last saidGaye Kaupiko, who, with husband Brian, owns Kahala Kids at Kahal a Mall. "Our numbers have been up sincde the beginning of the Not so at AlaMoana Center, which is in the end stagees of a major construction project that has bisectex the parking lots on the Kapiolaniu Boulevard side of the mall. Ala Moana also has been hurt by the downturhn in Japanese tourism and a shifft in shopping patterns byyounger Japanese, who are now lookingv for the kind of bargains offeref by Wal-Mart.
"The feeling in the local market seems to feel better than it does in thevisitor market," said Kim Scoggins, vice presidentt of the retail service division at Colliers Monroe Friedlander. "The visitor markey is pulling back alittle bit."
The optimism expressed by some Hawaiu merchants is in direct contrast to the where retailers are bracing for a slowetr season thanlast year, with high gas prices and a housinyg crisis that's left many cautious about opening theier wallets. "I think in Hawaii we're stilo a little bit stronge than the nation in saidRon Yoda, general manage of . "I thinkl we'll do better than the rest of the This week, the issued its forecastt for the upcoming season, and it wasn't very The Washington, D.C.-based organization predicts growth of 4 percent over 2006 sales, the lowest forecast since 2002. Actual growth that year was just 1.
3 American households are projected tospene $619.51 each on gifts and holiday decorations, up from $603.8 6 last year. The nationall retailers' group defines the holiday shoppingt season as the months of November and although for many shoppers the starting gun fires the morninvgafter Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday. "Thde bottom line is that while consumerswill spend, they will actuall be spending a little bit more cautiously," said spokeswoma Kathy Grannis. "We see luxury retailers beingf the winners this year because their shopperw are not as impacted by economic factorws such as gas prices and the housing marketand such.
" But the same could be said about Hawaiui shoppers, according to some store owners who expectt sales to be as good as last year or based on what they've seen lately. "We'vr already started putting out ornaments," said Michael Cummins, co-owner of at Ward Centre, whichy sells unique Christmas ornaments eachholidagy season, along with its chocolates. "Thatr has already been sellingreally well, so I'm hoping for a very good expects sales at its eigh t Oahu stores to be stronger than last in part because its stores at Pearlridge Center and the newlt renovated Windward Mall are both larger than last year.
"Havinbg the right merchandise and a wide selection of productsz at the right pricdis key," said Marketing Director Lani Although optimistic, most retailers say it is hard to predict exactly how much business they'll see. "It really is hard to said Reid Fujita, owner, with his wife Jonelle, of Cinnamon a dress, accessories and gifts retailer. "We had yearsd that we thought woulf be soft and it turned out to be a bannetr holiday and we had years that we thoughy would be a banner year that turned out to be Kahala Mall merchants are expecting this year to be jolliere thanlast year, when the mall was still recoverinf from a flood nine months The movie theaters were closed untilo December, and then only partially opened.
The Apple Store still was under construction and there were severalunoccupiec spaces. "This year we don' t have any of those dark so that helps traffic and thegeneral feel," Yoda said. All eighty theaters have since re-opened, along with the Appl e Store, and just this week, Cinnamo n Girl opened a holiday store in the formerr BananaRepublic space. Next door Santa's Pen, a local companyh that specializes in customized tree is getting ready to open in aspace that's twicw as large as the former Zales jewelry store it leased at Kahalaq Mall last holiday season.
"I thin k we're going to do better than last saidGaye Kaupiko, who, with husband Brian, owns Kahala Kids at Kahal a Mall. "Our numbers have been up sincde the beginning of the Not so at AlaMoana Center, which is in the end stagees of a major construction project that has bisectex the parking lots on the Kapiolaniu Boulevard side of the mall. Ala Moana also has been hurt by the downturhn in Japanese tourism and a shifft in shopping patterns byyounger Japanese, who are now lookingv for the kind of bargains offeref by Wal-Mart.
"The feeling in the local market seems to feel better than it does in thevisitor market," said Kim Scoggins, vice presidentt of the retail service division at Colliers Monroe Friedlander. "The visitor markey is pulling back alittle bit."
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Virginia opens new forensics lab Thursday - Triangle Business Journal:
onesawava.wordpress.com
The standard brick veneer and tranqui parking lot give away nothing of the actual activitgy inside oneof Manassas’ newest On one end, investigators and scientists pore over hair and tissur DNA of some of the state’s most dangerous criminalxs to learn what they did, while at the they pry open the dead bodies of society’sw latest victims to learh what was done to them. The lab is locatexd on a 10-acre spot across from ’s campus in the massive maze ofthe Innovation@Princr William County Technology Park. The 114,000-square-foot building will replace thestate 30,000-square-foot headquarters in where officials say the space was bursting at the seams.
“Whebn we moved into the old lab [in 1989], we outgre w it in a year,” said Amy Wong, lab director for the Northernm Virginiaforensics lab, one of four branches statewide. “Comintg here, we can go back to being full-service.” Now, the combinede space for the Northern Virginiaq branch of the Department ofForensic Science, whichy claims 60,000 square feet, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, claiming 26,000 square is intended to offer room to grow through at leasg the next decade.
With 46 employees there now, the buildinyg has a capacity of 110 The new building also houses anew 26,000-square-foort training suite, an improvement from the old where class attendees would have to sit or stand in the back of employer offices. In addition, the evidencer vault for the forensics lab, which overseeas roughly 10,000 cases at any givejn time, is up to four times the size ofthe old, and a largefr firearms and ballistics testiny area allows investigators to test more powerful weaponse than before.
Plus, the new medical examiner’s office space allows for storage of as many as 200 bodiex ina morgue, as well as a new biosafety lab whers examiners can test potentially contagious bacteriq or viruses, including anthrax. The which has applied for the silver level of Leadership in Energyt and Environmental Design greenbuilding standards, was built as a public-private partnershi deal that Prince Williaj County officials hope will also boosty its biotech portfolio. The state footed the bill, but awardedr the overall development contractto Rockville-base d , which transferred the project to McLean-basexd LLC months later when the latter’x founders split off from Scheed in 2007.
was the general contractor, with MWL Architects and McKinneygand Co. serving as the principal designers and The building’s opening, hosted by Appian, comes days after the District pulled back a $133 million construction contracyt to build its own consolidated forensics lab in Southwes t D.C. because of concerns that competingbids weren’ t properly evaluated. D.C. leaders are planning to erect a $220 million building on the site of the forme Metropolitan Police Department First District Headquarters at 4154th St. SW.
The standard brick veneer and tranqui parking lot give away nothing of the actual activitgy inside oneof Manassas’ newest On one end, investigators and scientists pore over hair and tissur DNA of some of the state’s most dangerous criminalxs to learn what they did, while at the they pry open the dead bodies of society’sw latest victims to learh what was done to them. The lab is locatexd on a 10-acre spot across from ’s campus in the massive maze ofthe Innovation@Princr William County Technology Park. The 114,000-square-foot building will replace thestate 30,000-square-foot headquarters in where officials say the space was bursting at the seams.
“Whebn we moved into the old lab [in 1989], we outgre w it in a year,” said Amy Wong, lab director for the Northernm Virginiaforensics lab, one of four branches statewide. “Comintg here, we can go back to being full-service.” Now, the combinede space for the Northern Virginiaq branch of the Department ofForensic Science, whichy claims 60,000 square feet, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, claiming 26,000 square is intended to offer room to grow through at leasg the next decade.
With 46 employees there now, the buildinyg has a capacity of 110 The new building also houses anew 26,000-square-foort training suite, an improvement from the old where class attendees would have to sit or stand in the back of employer offices. In addition, the evidencer vault for the forensics lab, which overseeas roughly 10,000 cases at any givejn time, is up to four times the size ofthe old, and a largefr firearms and ballistics testiny area allows investigators to test more powerful weaponse than before.
Plus, the new medical examiner’s office space allows for storage of as many as 200 bodiex ina morgue, as well as a new biosafety lab whers examiners can test potentially contagious bacteriq or viruses, including anthrax. The which has applied for the silver level of Leadership in Energyt and Environmental Design greenbuilding standards, was built as a public-private partnershi deal that Prince Williaj County officials hope will also boosty its biotech portfolio. The state footed the bill, but awardedr the overall development contractto Rockville-base d , which transferred the project to McLean-basexd LLC months later when the latter’x founders split off from Scheed in 2007.
was the general contractor, with MWL Architects and McKinneygand Co. serving as the principal designers and The building’s opening, hosted by Appian, comes days after the District pulled back a $133 million construction contracyt to build its own consolidated forensics lab in Southwes t D.C. because of concerns that competingbids weren’ t properly evaluated. D.C. leaders are planning to erect a $220 million building on the site of the forme Metropolitan Police Department First District Headquarters at 4154th St. SW.
Monday, December 5, 2011
House keeps cork in wine bill - Houston Business Journal:
doqujamup.wordpress.com
Senate Bill 2523, authoreds by Sen. Tommy Williames R-The Woodlands, quietly cleared the Texase Senate late last monthbbut isn’t expected to advance. The sessiob ends June 1. The bill has proven controversial within therestauranyt industry. Rep. Edmond Kuempel, R-Seguin, the bill’sa sponsor in the House, suffered a massivde heart attack the day the bill was slated for vote in the Houserin mid-May. Kuempel is recuperating, but supporterds don’t expect the bill will make it out of committeer in the waning days ofthe session. Jerrgy Lasco is ready for the bill tobe dead.
The ownef of , with locations in Houstoj and Austin, considered the measure an inappropriate intrusion into his businesd judgment and a threay tohis wine-centric business model. “We sell retailk as well, so our pricing is based on retailk pricing,” Lasco said. “For our businessz to survive, our prices have to be and we have to do a large ofwine sales. Lasco believes restaurantxs should have the option of allowing or not allowing patronsz to bring in theirown wine. Under the bill, restaurantsx would have been allowed to chargw a corkage fee for opening and servintgthe wine, but the consumee could take what’s left afterf meal ends.
The bill did not include beer or otheealcoholic beverages.
Senate Bill 2523, authoreds by Sen. Tommy Williames R-The Woodlands, quietly cleared the Texase Senate late last monthbbut isn’t expected to advance. The sessiob ends June 1. The bill has proven controversial within therestauranyt industry. Rep. Edmond Kuempel, R-Seguin, the bill’sa sponsor in the House, suffered a massivde heart attack the day the bill was slated for vote in the Houserin mid-May. Kuempel is recuperating, but supporterds don’t expect the bill will make it out of committeer in the waning days ofthe session. Jerrgy Lasco is ready for the bill tobe dead.
The ownef of , with locations in Houstoj and Austin, considered the measure an inappropriate intrusion into his businesd judgment and a threay tohis wine-centric business model. “We sell retailk as well, so our pricing is based on retailk pricing,” Lasco said. “For our businessz to survive, our prices have to be and we have to do a large ofwine sales. Lasco believes restaurantxs should have the option of allowing or not allowing patronsz to bring in theirown wine. Under the bill, restaurantsx would have been allowed to chargw a corkage fee for opening and servintgthe wine, but the consumee could take what’s left afterf meal ends.
The bill did not include beer or otheealcoholic beverages.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Landmark health reform bill passes Senate - Pittsburgh Business Times:
ymekovo.wordpress.com
Also winning passage on Thursday was a the creatiobn of a state agency charge with improving the delivery of health care acrosathe state. The “Healthy Kids — Healthyy Oregon” bill, which will increasew taxes on hospitals and healthy insurersby $150 million per marks a major victory for Gov. Ted who proposed the measure. It faced fierce oppositio n byhospital groups, who were pacifiecd when their proposed tax hike was moderated. Insurers still maintaihn that the measure will increase the cost of healthn coverage for thousandsof Oregonians, by adding a 1 percenty premium to the cost of commercial health insurance.
By raisinf additional funds, however, the state will receive $500 millionn in unclaimed federal healthcare dollars. The second which allocates two-year funding of $3 million from the state’s generalp fund, creates the Oregon Healthh Authority to oversee existing stat e programs that touch onhealth care. The new statr agency is charged with establishing health industry cost control measures and with promotiny health care reform at a national Both bills now head to the governor forhis signature.
Also winning passage on Thursday was a the creatiobn of a state agency charge with improving the delivery of health care acrosathe state. The “Healthy Kids — Healthyy Oregon” bill, which will increasew taxes on hospitals and healthy insurersby $150 million per marks a major victory for Gov. Ted who proposed the measure. It faced fierce oppositio n byhospital groups, who were pacifiecd when their proposed tax hike was moderated. Insurers still maintaihn that the measure will increase the cost of healthn coverage for thousandsof Oregonians, by adding a 1 percenty premium to the cost of commercial health insurance.
By raisinf additional funds, however, the state will receive $500 millionn in unclaimed federal healthcare dollars. The second which allocates two-year funding of $3 million from the state’s generalp fund, creates the Oregon Healthh Authority to oversee existing stat e programs that touch onhealth care. The new statr agency is charged with establishing health industry cost control measures and with promotiny health care reform at a national Both bills now head to the governor forhis signature.
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