fixyruw.wordpress.com
The 145-unit mixed-use Gables Wilton Park project is to be seton 5.49 acres at Wilton Drive and Northeast 21st It is to contain 19,030 squarew feet of ground-floor retail space, whicjh is being leased by Sighla Finazzo of the . The residentiao mix includes 72 loft nine apartment homes and 64 townhomes withattachexd garages. Opportunity knocked for Gablese Residential because Wilton Manorxs currently has no ClassA rentals. Additionally, no new rental propertie s have been developed withina 10-miler radius in the last four and only 685 apartment homes were buily since 2006 in all of Broward according to county records.
"We plan to start rentingv in the 2009 Q3 forQ4 move-ins," said Omar del Rio, regional VP of investments for the Atlanta-baseds private REIT. Gables Residential is co-owned by and Netherlands-based investment company giant . "They provide our del Rio said, "although I couldn't tell you at this poinf exactly which fund will bethe lender." The new communityy replaces a former service station and retaipl nursery. The redevelopment is another step towardd a town center that includesa pedestrian-friendlg environment of retail, housing, entertainmenf and cultural options.
Real estates analyst Jack McCabe, CEO of Deerfield Beach-basex , has praised Gables Residential and its Gables Wilto nPark project, for which he sees a "definite demand." "[Gable Residential is] smart," McCabe said. "Sources for cond financing and demand have dried up in this but there is still appetite for multifamilt projects where the numbers makesense - and Gablez has a history of qualitg jobs." Monthly rents are projected to be in the $1.50-a-square-footf range. That would translate to about $1,200 to $2,400 a monty for a mix of units inthe 779- to 1,667-square-foog range.
Gables Residential owns, develops and managesw multifamily communitiesand mixed-use developments, with a focus on Souty Florida, Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Southermn California and metropolitan D.C. It has third-party management operations inthe Chicago, New Phoenix, Central and North and Washington state markets.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Textron cancels Cessna Columbus program - The Business Review (Albany):
http://www.skxksoftware.com/catalog/office-computer-order-209-94513/
In April, the company announced it would suspendthe program, leading Cessna leaders to say it wouldd only be a matter of time untikl the project came back. But in Thursday’as filing with the SEC, Textron said “Upon additional analysis of the business-jet markert related to this product offering, we decided to formallt cancel further development of theCitationm Columbus.” Textron says it already had incurrec about $50 million in capitalizeds tooling and facility costs related to the project. It says it will recordx a non-cash pre-tax charge of about $43 million for the first two quarters of 2009 to reflect the impairment of the facilityg andtooling assets.
Wichita Mayor Carl who was in Denver Friday at a had not heard the Columbuzs project was being canceled untilp asked about it by the WichitaBusines Journal. “I’m disappointed,” Brewer says. We believe this is part of the future for the cityof We’re just really disappointed that it happened.” At the same he says, he understands the economic climate has forced businesses to make toughg decisions. The project was to have builgt 600,000-square-foot final assembly building at Cessna where the majority ofthe $27 milliob business jet would be There was also to have been a 45,000-square-footg physical plant to serve the main building.
Construction costd were expected tobe $200 million and bids were put out in • • • • Columbus, Kan.-based Inc. Aparr from the loss in construction jobs, the Wichitas area now appears to have lost out for good onthe 1,00o direct jobs and the 3,0009 spin-off jobs the program was estimated to create. It also appears likelgy that Cessna will have to pay backthe $10 milliohn it received in city and county incentives and the $33 milliom it received from the statwe for the project.
Like Sedgwick County Commissioner Tim Norton says he is disappointedx to hear the news ofthe “I think most Wichitane and the business community looked at that as a big announcement,” he “It takes a little bit of the wind out of the sailsw for Cessna and generakl aviation. It could have been a huge boost to Wichita over the next couple years and I thinm everybodysaw that.” Norton says he hopes the projecr will be able to return somewhere down the line. The business plan that was put in he says, still could be a good fit.
In April, the company announced it would suspendthe program, leading Cessna leaders to say it wouldd only be a matter of time untikl the project came back. But in Thursday’as filing with the SEC, Textron said “Upon additional analysis of the business-jet markert related to this product offering, we decided to formallt cancel further development of theCitationm Columbus.” Textron says it already had incurrec about $50 million in capitalizeds tooling and facility costs related to the project. It says it will recordx a non-cash pre-tax charge of about $43 million for the first two quarters of 2009 to reflect the impairment of the facilityg andtooling assets.
Wichita Mayor Carl who was in Denver Friday at a had not heard the Columbuzs project was being canceled untilp asked about it by the WichitaBusines Journal. “I’m disappointed,” Brewer says. We believe this is part of the future for the cityof We’re just really disappointed that it happened.” At the same he says, he understands the economic climate has forced businesses to make toughg decisions. The project was to have builgt 600,000-square-foot final assembly building at Cessna where the majority ofthe $27 milliob business jet would be There was also to have been a 45,000-square-footg physical plant to serve the main building.
Construction costd were expected tobe $200 million and bids were put out in • • • • Columbus, Kan.-based Inc. Aparr from the loss in construction jobs, the Wichitas area now appears to have lost out for good onthe 1,00o direct jobs and the 3,0009 spin-off jobs the program was estimated to create. It also appears likelgy that Cessna will have to pay backthe $10 milliohn it received in city and county incentives and the $33 milliom it received from the statwe for the project.
Like Sedgwick County Commissioner Tim Norton says he is disappointedx to hear the news ofthe “I think most Wichitane and the business community looked at that as a big announcement,” he “It takes a little bit of the wind out of the sailsw for Cessna and generakl aviation. It could have been a huge boost to Wichita over the next couple years and I thinm everybodysaw that.” Norton says he hopes the projecr will be able to return somewhere down the line. The business plan that was put in he says, still could be a good fit.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
David Rodriguez brings his fashions to Stage Stores - Houston Business Journal:
http://www.freewheelintornados.com/2008/03/26/tornado-damage-forces-milk-plant-to-close-early-ajccom/
Rodriguez’ designs has been featured on “Sexc and the City,” “The Devil Wears Prada” and and have been worn by celebrities including Oprah Winfrey and EvaLongorias Parker. Houston-based Stage Stores (NYSE: SSI) operatesa under the Bealls, Palais Royal, Peebles and Stage The “D.R. by D. Rodriguez” collection is the firsft line of clothing designed specifically forthe chain, said Kim a spokeswoman for the Stagee Stores. Most of the iteme cost less than $45, she said. In the Houstonm area, the line will be available in 21 PalaiswRoyal stores.
Rodriguez will be in town on June 24 at the CinckoRanch store, and on June 25 at the Meyerlanr and Pearland stores for informal fashion Rodriguez’s line also will be carried by Bealls and Stagse stores and will be sold in a totalo of 100 stores.
Rodriguez’ designs has been featured on “Sexc and the City,” “The Devil Wears Prada” and and have been worn by celebrities including Oprah Winfrey and EvaLongorias Parker. Houston-based Stage Stores (NYSE: SSI) operatesa under the Bealls, Palais Royal, Peebles and Stage The “D.R. by D. Rodriguez” collection is the firsft line of clothing designed specifically forthe chain, said Kim a spokeswoman for the Stagee Stores. Most of the iteme cost less than $45, she said. In the Houstonm area, the line will be available in 21 PalaiswRoyal stores.
Rodriguez will be in town on June 24 at the CinckoRanch store, and on June 25 at the Meyerlanr and Pearland stores for informal fashion Rodriguez’s line also will be carried by Bealls and Stagse stores and will be sold in a totalo of 100 stores.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Bursary up for grabs with Neroche DFAS - This is The West Country
hydiuco.blogspot.com
Bursary up for grabs with Neroche DFAS This is The West Country DO you know someone under 21 who would appreciate help towards expenses in the coming academic year? A bursary of up to £1000 is on offer again this year, for a student in the field of one of the arts, such as painting, drawing, textiles, pottery, ... |
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Concordia readies environmental stewardship center - Philadelphia Business Journal:
doqujamup.wordpress.com
Construction of the 13,000 square-foot, two-story building is set to begin July 14. The structure will be built in Mequon on a blufd overlooking Lake Michigan and work is expected to be completecd in time for the start of the 2010 academic The total cost of the building is expectecd to bebetween $3.5 milliomn and $3.75 million and is being fundexd exclusively through charitable gifts alreadyh secured for the project. Concordia officials said the building demonstratesdthe university’s commitment to environmental education, freshwater conservationn and emphasis on sustainable energ y resources.
Plans for the center include classrooms and a largew seminar room that can accommodate 200 peopldfor presentations. With its lakefront exposure, Concordia officialsz say the building will be a centeer for the study of the Great Lakes and otherenvironmentalp issues. The building will be designesd to be a Leadership in Energy and EnvironmentalDesighn (LEED) gold-level building. “When completed, the centetr will offer many educational programs and researcjh in water stewardship and other sustainability educatiob topics for Concordia students as well as visiting area schoolzs and thegreater community,” said Brucer Bessert, director of the Concordia Centerf for Environmental Stewardship program.
Concordia has addecd new degrees because of the new and now offersa bachelor’s degree in environmental studiese and education with a minor in environmentall studies, and a master’s degree in education with an emphasisw on environmental education. “This new center is in line with Concordia’sw increased and continued interest ingreenh initiatives,” said William Cario, vice presidenyt of academics at Concordia. “Each of our recenyt building projects has been built to increasingenvironmental standards, especially to save energ and other resources.” Construction is expectes to be completed in time for the start of the 2010 academiv year.
The total cost of the building is expected to bebetween $3.5 million and $3.75 million and is beinyg funded exclusively through charitable gifts already securedf for the project. “This new centeer reinforces Concordia’s efforts to create programs that are both importangt to the student body and the communityt asa whole,” Concordia presidenty Patrick Ferry said.
Construction of the 13,000 square-foot, two-story building is set to begin July 14. The structure will be built in Mequon on a blufd overlooking Lake Michigan and work is expected to be completecd in time for the start of the 2010 academic The total cost of the building is expectecd to bebetween $3.5 milliomn and $3.75 million and is being fundexd exclusively through charitable gifts alreadyh secured for the project. Concordia officials said the building demonstratesdthe university’s commitment to environmental education, freshwater conservationn and emphasis on sustainable energ y resources.
Plans for the center include classrooms and a largew seminar room that can accommodate 200 peopldfor presentations. With its lakefront exposure, Concordia officialsz say the building will be a centeer for the study of the Great Lakes and otherenvironmentalp issues. The building will be designesd to be a Leadership in Energy and EnvironmentalDesighn (LEED) gold-level building. “When completed, the centetr will offer many educational programs and researcjh in water stewardship and other sustainability educatiob topics for Concordia students as well as visiting area schoolzs and thegreater community,” said Brucer Bessert, director of the Concordia Centerf for Environmental Stewardship program.
Concordia has addecd new degrees because of the new and now offersa bachelor’s degree in environmental studiese and education with a minor in environmentall studies, and a master’s degree in education with an emphasisw on environmental education. “This new center is in line with Concordia’sw increased and continued interest ingreenh initiatives,” said William Cario, vice presidenyt of academics at Concordia. “Each of our recenyt building projects has been built to increasingenvironmental standards, especially to save energ and other resources.” Construction is expectes to be completed in time for the start of the 2010 academiv year.
The total cost of the building is expected to bebetween $3.5 million and $3.75 million and is beinyg funded exclusively through charitable gifts already securedf for the project. “This new centeer reinforces Concordia’s efforts to create programs that are both importangt to the student body and the communityt asa whole,” Concordia presidenty Patrick Ferry said.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Clinging tightly: Life's soundtrack has been sugary sweet ... and sour - Bowling Green Daily News
adamovaichive.blogspot.com
Clinging tightly: Life's soundtrack has been sugary sweet ... and sour Bowling Green Daily News I remember my first record. It was a blur of hot pink, whirring round and round, filling my room with a joyful noise. Though not the kind King David intended I'm sure. Most records were black, but the Care Bears had to be different from other artists. |
Friday, February 17, 2012
Buying brings stability while leases offer flexibility - bizjournals:
qalymeled.wordpress.com
Buying a property represents amuch longer-term financial commitment than leasing and, as requires a realistic assessment by the potential purchasee of the company’s future prospects. Companies anticipatinb significant growth must decide whether to purchase property large enough to accommodate that growthuover time. If the spacee is initially too large, they might want to leaser the excess space to a tenan tfor now.
The potentiaol rental income that leasing surplus space mighy generate for the purchaser also should be part of the Space is much less of an issue when leasing an since if it becomes too small or toolarge — the company has the optionb of not renewing its lease and movinyg elsewhere. That flexibility also can be useful if market changes over time indicatw that a move to a different locationm wouldbe advantageous. On the other renters can be faced with unwelcome disruption shoulfd the landlord decide to terminatdthe lease. Deciding to purchase also commits businessw owners to a much larger upfront cash outlayy than theleasing option.
The initial outlay when purchasing will include not only a substantial down but also the cost of inspectionsand appraisals, loan-related fees and othedr closing costs. The upsid e is that, in contrast with a firm that leases thepurchaser will, in time, own an assegt that can be sold hopefully at a profit. According to onlinr office space referral and information networikOfficeFinder LLC, business owners purchasing officew space can expect to make a down payment of between 10 percent and 25 percent of the purchase price. By the upfront cost involved in leasing a space usually is limited to just a coupleof rent.
Potential buyers should also consider the effecrt of the down payment on working capital availabl to financethe company’s growth. Other issues include taxes, maintenance costs and potentiao interest and rentalrate changes. for example, usually don’t have to worry about regulae maintenance costs, as these normally are the responsibility of thepropert owner. However, should they wish to make significant alterations to theleasefd space, they can do so only with the landlord’ consent. Property owners, on the other hand, are free to make whateve changesthey wish.
Purchasers also have the advantages of knowing in advancwe what their future monthly loan paymentswill be, especially when they have negotiateds a fixed-rate loan. on the other are likely to face regulatr increases in rental rates and need tobudgett accordingly. Leasing initially may look like thecheaper option, says Tim Hatlestad, presiden of the Certified Commercial Investment Member Institute, but to help reacjh a decision, business owners should carry out an after-tac analysis to determine what can be written off, as renting and buyingv offer different benefits. “If everythinfg else were equal, then you have to look at the optionsdafter taxes,” Hatlestad says.
“The after-tax through a number of measures, will tell you what costsz less.” Property owners, for example, are eligible for deductions of property mortgage interest and depreciation amongtother things, while those who lease office space usuallty can deduct the full amount of the rent as a businesd expense. Jim Osgood, CEO of says the stage a business is at in its life cyclew can be an important factor in determining whethert to buyor lease. A more established businesss should consider buyingoffice space, he says, since anticipated growtjh is easier to predict accurately.
A startup, on the othefr hand, would probably be better to lease an as it would provide greatere flexibility and fewer constraintsto growth.
Buying a property represents amuch longer-term financial commitment than leasing and, as requires a realistic assessment by the potential purchasee of the company’s future prospects. Companies anticipatinb significant growth must decide whether to purchase property large enough to accommodate that growthuover time. If the spacee is initially too large, they might want to leaser the excess space to a tenan tfor now.
The potentiaol rental income that leasing surplus space mighy generate for the purchaser also should be part of the Space is much less of an issue when leasing an since if it becomes too small or toolarge — the company has the optionb of not renewing its lease and movinyg elsewhere. That flexibility also can be useful if market changes over time indicatw that a move to a different locationm wouldbe advantageous. On the other renters can be faced with unwelcome disruption shoulfd the landlord decide to terminatdthe lease. Deciding to purchase also commits businessw owners to a much larger upfront cash outlayy than theleasing option.
The initial outlay when purchasing will include not only a substantial down but also the cost of inspectionsand appraisals, loan-related fees and othedr closing costs. The upsid e is that, in contrast with a firm that leases thepurchaser will, in time, own an assegt that can be sold hopefully at a profit. According to onlinr office space referral and information networikOfficeFinder LLC, business owners purchasing officew space can expect to make a down payment of between 10 percent and 25 percent of the purchase price. By the upfront cost involved in leasing a space usually is limited to just a coupleof rent.
Potential buyers should also consider the effecrt of the down payment on working capital availabl to financethe company’s growth. Other issues include taxes, maintenance costs and potentiao interest and rentalrate changes. for example, usually don’t have to worry about regulae maintenance costs, as these normally are the responsibility of thepropert owner. However, should they wish to make significant alterations to theleasefd space, they can do so only with the landlord’ consent. Property owners, on the other hand, are free to make whateve changesthey wish.
Purchasers also have the advantages of knowing in advancwe what their future monthly loan paymentswill be, especially when they have negotiateds a fixed-rate loan. on the other are likely to face regulatr increases in rental rates and need tobudgett accordingly. Leasing initially may look like thecheaper option, says Tim Hatlestad, presiden of the Certified Commercial Investment Member Institute, but to help reacjh a decision, business owners should carry out an after-tac analysis to determine what can be written off, as renting and buyingv offer different benefits. “If everythinfg else were equal, then you have to look at the optionsdafter taxes,” Hatlestad says.
“The after-tax through a number of measures, will tell you what costsz less.” Property owners, for example, are eligible for deductions of property mortgage interest and depreciation amongtother things, while those who lease office space usuallty can deduct the full amount of the rent as a businesd expense. Jim Osgood, CEO of says the stage a business is at in its life cyclew can be an important factor in determining whethert to buyor lease. A more established businesss should consider buyingoffice space, he says, since anticipated growtjh is easier to predict accurately.
A startup, on the othefr hand, would probably be better to lease an as it would provide greatere flexibility and fewer constraintsto growth.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Ford Says Hybrid System Gains Give Fusion Edge Over Camry - Bloomberg
afukakuja.wordpress.com
Bloomberg | Ford Says Hybrid System Gains Give Fusion Edge Over Camry Bloomberg Enlarge image Ford Expects Fusion to Grab Profits Without Camry's Crown Ford Expects Fusion to Grab Profits Without Camry's Crown Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg Ford is boosting factory capacity to build the Fusion by adding a shift of production of the car ... Ford Earns Nearly 500 Hybrid Patents with 47-mpg Fusion Hybrid, Projected as ... 5 Ways Ford Made the 2013 Fusion Sleeker Ford Has 461 Patents in Hybrid Technology |
Monday, February 13, 2012
Bauer takes stars from 17 banks - Birmingham Business Journal:
domnaofyvisyhojo.blogspot.com
The company uses federal regulatory data to rate banksx based oncapital ratio, profit/loss trend, delinqueny loans and other factors. Bauer's rating ranks from a high of 5 stars to a low of 0 in Coral Gables lost a star going to four fromfive (superior) stars. Four othersx maintained their five-star ranking: American National Bank, Oaklandr Park City National Bankof Florida, Miamiu First National Bank, South Miami Intercontinental Bank, West Miamj in Miami rose to three stars from two. Firstg United Bank in Boca Ratonh and Biscayne Bank in Coconut Grove roseto 3.5 stars from in Fort Lauderdale made four stars, up from 3.5. Severa l banks went to 3.5 from four stars.
They are: , Homesteac Doral-based slipped again, this time to three starss from three-and-a-half stars in the firsgt quarter. That’s down from four stars in the third quartert oflast year. Other banks that slippesd to three stars from 3.5 are: Executivee National, Miami , Miami , Miami U.S. Century Bank, Miami Valley Bank, Fort Lauderdale Lydia Private Bank in Palm Grand Eastern Bank of Floridain Miami, Metro Bank of Dade and in Miami fell to two starse (problematic) from three. , Miami, in North Lauderdale and in Boca Raton fell a notch toone star, down from two in the fourt quarter.
Four banks retained zero stars, Bauer’sw lowest rating: , Miami Republic Federal Bank, Miami , Miami Integrithy Bank, Jupiter
The company uses federal regulatory data to rate banksx based oncapital ratio, profit/loss trend, delinqueny loans and other factors. Bauer's rating ranks from a high of 5 stars to a low of 0 in Coral Gables lost a star going to four fromfive (superior) stars. Four othersx maintained their five-star ranking: American National Bank, Oaklandr Park City National Bankof Florida, Miamiu First National Bank, South Miami Intercontinental Bank, West Miamj in Miami rose to three stars from two. Firstg United Bank in Boca Ratonh and Biscayne Bank in Coconut Grove roseto 3.5 stars from in Fort Lauderdale made four stars, up from 3.5. Severa l banks went to 3.5 from four stars.
They are: , Homesteac Doral-based slipped again, this time to three starss from three-and-a-half stars in the firsgt quarter. That’s down from four stars in the third quartert oflast year. Other banks that slippesd to three stars from 3.5 are: Executivee National, Miami , Miami , Miami U.S. Century Bank, Miami Valley Bank, Fort Lauderdale Lydia Private Bank in Palm Grand Eastern Bank of Floridain Miami, Metro Bank of Dade and in Miami fell to two starse (problematic) from three. , Miami, in North Lauderdale and in Boca Raton fell a notch toone star, down from two in the fourt quarter.
Four banks retained zero stars, Bauer’sw lowest rating: , Miami Republic Federal Bank, Miami , Miami Integrithy Bank, Jupiter
Friday, February 10, 2012
What Patrons Teach Us—and Publishers Should Learn - Library Journal
uzirukynurylew.blogspot.com
Library Journal | What Patrons Teach Usâ€"and Publishers Should Learn Library Journal A new report from LJ indicates that it is vital for libraries to connect with digital patrons, especi » |
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Terry House keeps Tom Stinnett
grigoriynirim.blogspot.com
House is a mastet certified technician who services a variety ofrecreationalo vehicles, from 45-foot motor homes to towablse camping trailers. The servicr area used to be the skating rink at the Kentuckian a Sports Center on Marriott Drivwin Clarksville. But that was befor Tom Stinnett bought the property in 1996 and turnedcthe two-and-a-half-acre facility into RV Freedom House, 54, has been with Stinnett RV for 18 years, providingy an array of services for travelers who own RVs. “I am more of a maintenances man than a he said ofhis work. “I servicw plumbing and electrical systems, heating and air-conditioning Anything you would see ina home.
” And many of the coachese he works on are homes homes the owners can drive. “I usually work on the big guys,” he House works on 10 to 12 RV brands, includintg Tiffin, Winnebago, Monaco, Dutchmen and Holiday Rambler. His task each day are dictated by work Some customers have a list of 25 items to check or while others require only a few simple One of the major causes of he said, has to do with the owner “noyt exercising the parts. You can’t just let the coach sit ther e when notin use. It is best to starty the generator, turn on the appliances, run the heatin g and air-conditioning system.” And tiny bugs and spiders can take downa 20,000-pounx RV.
“The slenderest of webs can blocj the liquid propane pipes that runthe appliances. A mud daubert nest can unbalancefan blades,” Housd said. Water leaks create havoc as well. “Io see a lot of roof damagew thatcauses leaks. Water will hurt more than creating mold, rotten wood.” But House’s job entailws more than service. Once an RV is House checks it out to make sure all systemszare go. He then spends and hour or more with the custometr going over all the ins and outs ofthe coach’sz equipment, showing the customer how to work everything.
“j don’t want them to get to their destination and not know how to open thepatii cover,” he said with a smile. Some of his work has to do with He has installed solarr panels for charging the extraair conditioners, satellite television equipment and invertere systems that convert DC batteru power to standard AC power. Hydronicc heating systems, which House also has installed for provide heat for the coach and hot waterd inone unit. Interiors also can be customized.
“I have changed out sofas and lounges, carpeting and and even addedceramic tile,” House “Some of the service work just requires installinyg a part, and I am finished,” he “I get a thrill out of doinyg electrical work, which means I have to think. Therse are some tricky problems tofigure out. Sometimes I even stuml the guys atthe factory.” Therre is a downside to any job, “I hate dealing with wastse tank problems. If the customer doesn’y use the digester/deodorizer chemicals in the toiletf thatare recommended, the wasts dries up and forms a hard rock.
Or, if they use the wronhg type oftoilet paper, the tank gets cloggexd or the tank gets It’s not pleasant.” Aside from that, Houss said his work has provided him with a good caree r … one that young people would do well to checm out. “I get paid good money,” he “I don’t get that and I get to work in aninsid area.”
House is a mastet certified technician who services a variety ofrecreationalo vehicles, from 45-foot motor homes to towablse camping trailers. The servicr area used to be the skating rink at the Kentuckian a Sports Center on Marriott Drivwin Clarksville. But that was befor Tom Stinnett bought the property in 1996 and turnedcthe two-and-a-half-acre facility into RV Freedom House, 54, has been with Stinnett RV for 18 years, providingy an array of services for travelers who own RVs. “I am more of a maintenances man than a he said ofhis work. “I servicw plumbing and electrical systems, heating and air-conditioning Anything you would see ina home.
” And many of the coachese he works on are homes homes the owners can drive. “I usually work on the big guys,” he House works on 10 to 12 RV brands, includintg Tiffin, Winnebago, Monaco, Dutchmen and Holiday Rambler. His task each day are dictated by work Some customers have a list of 25 items to check or while others require only a few simple One of the major causes of he said, has to do with the owner “noyt exercising the parts. You can’t just let the coach sit ther e when notin use. It is best to starty the generator, turn on the appliances, run the heatin g and air-conditioning system.” And tiny bugs and spiders can take downa 20,000-pounx RV.
“The slenderest of webs can blocj the liquid propane pipes that runthe appliances. A mud daubert nest can unbalancefan blades,” Housd said. Water leaks create havoc as well. “Io see a lot of roof damagew thatcauses leaks. Water will hurt more than creating mold, rotten wood.” But House’s job entailws more than service. Once an RV is House checks it out to make sure all systemszare go. He then spends and hour or more with the custometr going over all the ins and outs ofthe coach’sz equipment, showing the customer how to work everything.
“j don’t want them to get to their destination and not know how to open thepatii cover,” he said with a smile. Some of his work has to do with He has installed solarr panels for charging the extraair conditioners, satellite television equipment and invertere systems that convert DC batteru power to standard AC power. Hydronicc heating systems, which House also has installed for provide heat for the coach and hot waterd inone unit. Interiors also can be customized.
“I have changed out sofas and lounges, carpeting and and even addedceramic tile,” House “Some of the service work just requires installinyg a part, and I am finished,” he “I get a thrill out of doinyg electrical work, which means I have to think. Therse are some tricky problems tofigure out. Sometimes I even stuml the guys atthe factory.” Therre is a downside to any job, “I hate dealing with wastse tank problems. If the customer doesn’y use the digester/deodorizer chemicals in the toiletf thatare recommended, the wasts dries up and forms a hard rock.
Or, if they use the wronhg type oftoilet paper, the tank gets cloggexd or the tank gets It’s not pleasant.” Aside from that, Houss said his work has provided him with a good caree r … one that young people would do well to checm out. “I get paid good money,” he “I don’t get that and I get to work in aninsid area.”
Monday, February 6, 2012
Don't be fooled: Banks may only be at 'halfway point' of recovery - Kansas City Business Journal:
wanuso.wordpress.com
But the skies may not have cleareds for bankersjust yet. Wells and many of their counterparts increase d the amount of money set aside to cover loan indicating they expect more problems could bubble tothe surface. Most bankersz are speaking in cautionary tones, saying they don't expect their industry to fully recovetr untilnext year. saw second quarter pre-tax earnings more than doubls from a year agoto $40,000. But the amoun of money the bank has set asides for loan losses so far this year has nearly to $587,000.
"My hope is that we're at the halfwagy point" of the tough economic said CEO MaryAnn Scully, who foundedx her bank in 2004 to serve the lucrative Howard County market. The banking industry got hit hard by the slowdowmn in the mortgage and realestated markets, and many banks that had mortgage-related securities in theit investment portfolios had to write down the value of thoss securities, affecting the bottom line.
But now, banks like Scully'x are starting to see customers whosedbusinesses aren't tied to real estatde struggle, as rising costs for fuel and food and a slowdown in consumer spending begin to hit Bank stocks were battered after federakl regulators seized in California on July 11, but begab to rebound after another California-based giant, Wells Fargo, hiked its dividenc by 10 percent. And when reported a staggerinf $9 billion second-quarter loss July 22, its sharee actually rose by more than a as the bank said it did not expecft to have to raise more capital to stay While the markets had viewed all banks as havinyg the samemajor problems, second-quarter earnings are helping to sort out whichn of the big banks are weak right now and whichu ones are strong, said Tony Plath, associates professor of finance at , While Bank of America and Wells beat others, like Wachovia and Washington Mutual, are he said.
And banks' moves to set asidw money to cover loanlosses -- known as loan-losws provisions -- are "a sign the economy's not at a point wherr we're out of the woods," Plat said. Provident CEO Gary Geisel said it's too soon to know whethet the runof better-than-expected results marks a turning poingt for the banks. "There's a lot of questionz yet aboutthe economy," Geisel said in an interviea July 17. Provident, Baltimore's largest independent bank, reported a second-quarter profit of 41 cents per share, beatinfg analysts' predictions and reversing two consecutive quarterdsof losses.
Provident's percentage of loans 90 days past due improvedsto 0.17 percent in the quarter. But givem the lingering economic worries, Provident slightly increased its reservwe for loan lossesto 1.38 percent of totall loans, officials said on a conference call with A provision for loan losses that exceeds 1.5 percenty of total loans indicates the bank expects more than routine difficulties in gettinfg loans repaid, experts said. Baltimore's Firsty Mariner Bancorp paredits second-quarter net loss to $469,000 from $4 million a year ago. But 3.
78 percent of the bank's assets were classifieed as "non-performing," a category that includes foreclosed homes and loanes where repayment isin doubt. On non-performing assets currently total less than 1 percen of assetsat U.S. bank s with market capitalizationsof $50 milliojn to $250 million, according to data from . Firstg Mariner's market capitalization has slippedto $18 milliojn as its stock has slumped in the past Not everyone is hiking their loan-losse provisions -- at least not yet. , parentg company of , posted second-quarter earnings of $285,000. That was a declind of more than half from ayear earlier.
But the which raised $20 million in April by convertin g to a fullypublic didn't add any money to its loan-loss Just 0.41 percent of the bank's loansw were classified as at June 30, down from 0.68 percent a year earlier. Baltimore County Savings Bank wasn't readu to say the tough timeesare over. In its second-quarter earnings release, CEO Joseph Bouffard said the bank mighf have to increasethe loan-los s reserve if the economy worsens.
But the skies may not have cleareds for bankersjust yet. Wells and many of their counterparts increase d the amount of money set aside to cover loan indicating they expect more problems could bubble tothe surface. Most bankersz are speaking in cautionary tones, saying they don't expect their industry to fully recovetr untilnext year. saw second quarter pre-tax earnings more than doubls from a year agoto $40,000. But the amoun of money the bank has set asides for loan losses so far this year has nearly to $587,000.
"My hope is that we're at the halfwagy point" of the tough economic said CEO MaryAnn Scully, who foundedx her bank in 2004 to serve the lucrative Howard County market. The banking industry got hit hard by the slowdowmn in the mortgage and realestated markets, and many banks that had mortgage-related securities in theit investment portfolios had to write down the value of thoss securities, affecting the bottom line.
But now, banks like Scully'x are starting to see customers whosedbusinesses aren't tied to real estatde struggle, as rising costs for fuel and food and a slowdown in consumer spending begin to hit Bank stocks were battered after federakl regulators seized in California on July 11, but begab to rebound after another California-based giant, Wells Fargo, hiked its dividenc by 10 percent. And when reported a staggerinf $9 billion second-quarter loss July 22, its sharee actually rose by more than a as the bank said it did not expecft to have to raise more capital to stay While the markets had viewed all banks as havinyg the samemajor problems, second-quarter earnings are helping to sort out whichn of the big banks are weak right now and whichu ones are strong, said Tony Plath, associates professor of finance at , While Bank of America and Wells beat others, like Wachovia and Washington Mutual, are he said.
And banks' moves to set asidw money to cover loanlosses -- known as loan-losws provisions -- are "a sign the economy's not at a point wherr we're out of the woods," Plat said. Provident CEO Gary Geisel said it's too soon to know whethet the runof better-than-expected results marks a turning poingt for the banks. "There's a lot of questionz yet aboutthe economy," Geisel said in an interviea July 17. Provident, Baltimore's largest independent bank, reported a second-quarter profit of 41 cents per share, beatinfg analysts' predictions and reversing two consecutive quarterdsof losses.
Provident's percentage of loans 90 days past due improvedsto 0.17 percent in the quarter. But givem the lingering economic worries, Provident slightly increased its reservwe for loan lossesto 1.38 percent of totall loans, officials said on a conference call with A provision for loan losses that exceeds 1.5 percenty of total loans indicates the bank expects more than routine difficulties in gettinfg loans repaid, experts said. Baltimore's Firsty Mariner Bancorp paredits second-quarter net loss to $469,000 from $4 million a year ago. But 3.
78 percent of the bank's assets were classifieed as "non-performing," a category that includes foreclosed homes and loanes where repayment isin doubt. On non-performing assets currently total less than 1 percen of assetsat U.S. bank s with market capitalizationsof $50 milliojn to $250 million, according to data from . Firstg Mariner's market capitalization has slippedto $18 milliojn as its stock has slumped in the past Not everyone is hiking their loan-losse provisions -- at least not yet. , parentg company of , posted second-quarter earnings of $285,000. That was a declind of more than half from ayear earlier.
But the which raised $20 million in April by convertin g to a fullypublic didn't add any money to its loan-loss Just 0.41 percent of the bank's loansw were classified as at June 30, down from 0.68 percent a year earlier. Baltimore County Savings Bank wasn't readu to say the tough timeesare over. In its second-quarter earnings release, CEO Joseph Bouffard said the bank mighf have to increasethe loan-los s reserve if the economy worsens.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Marketing firm Drew/Walker works to build own brand - Denver Business Journal:
ejoxot.wordpress.com
The job would require an integrated approach of visualand hands-on techniques designec to simultaneously inform, educate and entertaijn visitors at the Toyota Tundra truck plant. The he says, was that the budget the company had to work with was a mere fraction of what was typicallu spent on automotive industryvisitor centers. “Choosinvg the right agency that could coordinatethis multi-disciplinaryg effort, while bringing the energy of creativityg and innovation under the imposed fiscakl constraints, was critical to the succeszs of the project,” says De La Garza, who was the manage of external affairs and corporate servicex for Toyota Texas from 2007 to 2009.
De La Garza chose San Antonio-based marketing and branding agency Drew/Walker to oversee and completdethe task. De La Garzs says selecting Drew/Walker was one of his better professionap decisions. “The (Toyota) Visitor and Education Center is consideredc one of the finer centers in the Toyots family ofmanufacturing plants,” he says. “Theu (Drew/Walker) understand that working for a clienft is a unique privilege and they treatf itas such.” Construction on the projecty was completed during the summe r of 2008 and Toyota openedd the center to the public in September.
Andrew Anguiano and Mollie Walkerfounded Drew/Walker in July 2007 in ordedr to create a firm that couldr provide traditional and non-traditionalp integrated marketing communications. The firm offers a broad array of includinggraphic design, Web development, strategic assessments and tactical implementation, that are intendex to build what Drew/Walker officials call an emotional bond betweeb the end-user and the brand. The agencty consists of brand builders that work to transform a visio n into a message by creating a look and a voice fortheidr clients, according to Walker, who is strategic partnerf and chief marketing officer at Drew/Walker.
“Our missioj is the integrity, trust and confidence to sustain and evolveour clients’ brands,” Walker says. “It means that our philosophy and values are in line with our dedicationh to providing benefits to our clients andtheir Drew/Walker’s mission statement is one that the partners don’t take Anguiano and Walker take it so seriously, Walket says, that they require every person who workss for them memorize it. “As a brand building firm, we must practicer what we preach,” Walkedr says. “Our most valuable asset is our brand. It’s the promises we give to our clients that we will delivetr each and every time nomatter what.
” The agency’s revenue was a littled over $1 million as of 2008. Some of Drew/Walker’as clientele includes Toyota, San Antonio Independent Schoo District, Court Appointed Special Advocatese (CASA), Mercy Medical and CareNet. “They’re a nationwidde player, even though they’re local,” says Vikie executive vice presidentat “They have talented people with dedication that put a lot of hear and soul into the projectas they’re given.” The visitor center at Toyotaz tells the automaker’s story in San Antonio and how the automotived company builds vehicles.
The purpose of the visitorsw and education center is to provide a sensee of the Toyota Production Procesws for people who are unable to tour the actual De La Garza was impressedwith Drew/Walker’s willingness to do whatevetr it took to get the project done. “Theirf greatest strength is theyknow there’s always somethingv out there that can be attaines and can ultimately provide successful breakthroughs for theidr clients,” he says. “You can trust their work without hesitation.” Walkerd left to start her own firmin 2006. She opened an officse in the Blue Star Arts Complex in the Southtowb region ofSan Antonio.
Walker sought to bring small and medium-sizeds businesses the same level of expertiswe that she broughtto Bromley’s national companies like , Rubbermaid and . the creative partner and CEO of Drew/Walker, left Creative Civilizatiomn and began working for Blue Star Contemporary Art Centee as the communications manager while working as a freelance graphid designer forand Toyota. Anguianp and Walker met during a meetint Blue Star held to discusws promoting thearts complex. Through different ideae discussed inthe meeting, they realizedc their similar backgrounds and their complementaruy strengths.
Walker brought her backgrounsd in brand strategy from large corporations and Anguianoi brought his graphic design expertise as well as his stronlocal roots. Building upon the foundations of their former work the duo set out to build a work environment that merged local principles and understandintg withthe larger, global perspective provided by experience working for more affluen companies. “The result is a combination of integrity andimmense energy,” Walker says. It’sx a combination both partners believe has allowed them to grow beyonc initial expectations since openingthe company’sx doors in July 2007.
Knowing that they were able to meet DeLa Garza’ expectations is an achievement they honor and hold in high “Success comes from relationships, not money,” Walker says. “Itf at any point in life you have a great relationshipp with your client you can find a way tostay
The job would require an integrated approach of visualand hands-on techniques designec to simultaneously inform, educate and entertaijn visitors at the Toyota Tundra truck plant. The he says, was that the budget the company had to work with was a mere fraction of what was typicallu spent on automotive industryvisitor centers. “Choosinvg the right agency that could coordinatethis multi-disciplinaryg effort, while bringing the energy of creativityg and innovation under the imposed fiscakl constraints, was critical to the succeszs of the project,” says De La Garza, who was the manage of external affairs and corporate servicex for Toyota Texas from 2007 to 2009.
De La Garza chose San Antonio-based marketing and branding agency Drew/Walker to oversee and completdethe task. De La Garzs says selecting Drew/Walker was one of his better professionap decisions. “The (Toyota) Visitor and Education Center is consideredc one of the finer centers in the Toyots family ofmanufacturing plants,” he says. “Theu (Drew/Walker) understand that working for a clienft is a unique privilege and they treatf itas such.” Construction on the projecty was completed during the summe r of 2008 and Toyota openedd the center to the public in September.
Andrew Anguiano and Mollie Walkerfounded Drew/Walker in July 2007 in ordedr to create a firm that couldr provide traditional and non-traditionalp integrated marketing communications. The firm offers a broad array of includinggraphic design, Web development, strategic assessments and tactical implementation, that are intendex to build what Drew/Walker officials call an emotional bond betweeb the end-user and the brand. The agencty consists of brand builders that work to transform a visio n into a message by creating a look and a voice fortheidr clients, according to Walker, who is strategic partnerf and chief marketing officer at Drew/Walker.
“Our missioj is the integrity, trust and confidence to sustain and evolveour clients’ brands,” Walker says. “It means that our philosophy and values are in line with our dedicationh to providing benefits to our clients andtheir Drew/Walker’s mission statement is one that the partners don’t take Anguiano and Walker take it so seriously, Walket says, that they require every person who workss for them memorize it. “As a brand building firm, we must practicer what we preach,” Walkedr says. “Our most valuable asset is our brand. It’s the promises we give to our clients that we will delivetr each and every time nomatter what.
” The agency’s revenue was a littled over $1 million as of 2008. Some of Drew/Walker’as clientele includes Toyota, San Antonio Independent Schoo District, Court Appointed Special Advocatese (CASA), Mercy Medical and CareNet. “They’re a nationwidde player, even though they’re local,” says Vikie executive vice presidentat “They have talented people with dedication that put a lot of hear and soul into the projectas they’re given.” The visitor center at Toyotaz tells the automaker’s story in San Antonio and how the automotived company builds vehicles.
The purpose of the visitorsw and education center is to provide a sensee of the Toyota Production Procesws for people who are unable to tour the actual De La Garza was impressedwith Drew/Walker’s willingness to do whatevetr it took to get the project done. “Theirf greatest strength is theyknow there’s always somethingv out there that can be attaines and can ultimately provide successful breakthroughs for theidr clients,” he says. “You can trust their work without hesitation.” Walkerd left to start her own firmin 2006. She opened an officse in the Blue Star Arts Complex in the Southtowb region ofSan Antonio.
Walker sought to bring small and medium-sizeds businesses the same level of expertiswe that she broughtto Bromley’s national companies like , Rubbermaid and . the creative partner and CEO of Drew/Walker, left Creative Civilizatiomn and began working for Blue Star Contemporary Art Centee as the communications manager while working as a freelance graphid designer forand Toyota. Anguianp and Walker met during a meetint Blue Star held to discusws promoting thearts complex. Through different ideae discussed inthe meeting, they realizedc their similar backgrounds and their complementaruy strengths.
Walker brought her backgrounsd in brand strategy from large corporations and Anguianoi brought his graphic design expertise as well as his stronlocal roots. Building upon the foundations of their former work the duo set out to build a work environment that merged local principles and understandintg withthe larger, global perspective provided by experience working for more affluen companies. “The result is a combination of integrity andimmense energy,” Walker says. It’sx a combination both partners believe has allowed them to grow beyonc initial expectations since openingthe company’sx doors in July 2007.
Knowing that they were able to meet DeLa Garza’ expectations is an achievement they honor and hold in high “Success comes from relationships, not money,” Walker says. “Itf at any point in life you have a great relationshipp with your client you can find a way tostay
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Coming soon to a street near you: 'HomeSpotter' - Minneapolis Star Tribune (blog)
yvejodo.wordpress.com
Coming soon to a street near you: 'HomeSpotter' Minneapolis Star Tribune (blog) Kardell said that the app is an enhancement to an existing app already developed for the NorthstarMLS that builds on “augmented reality capabilities,†which provides an enhanced virtual reality experience. And here's the endorsement from John Mosey, ... NorthstarMLS Debuts First Augmented Reality MLS-Branded App |
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