hibleyytogoja1273.blogspot.com
But according to local travel the combination of low demand and improvede exchange rates are making this one of the best years to book an international trip at abargai price. For instance, ran a recent promotion for a $168 one-way rate from Chicago to And offered one-way rates as low as $119 to Dublim or $219 to Rome, both departingy from New York. That’s good news for travelers such as Bill andBarbarqa Lavier. Bill Lavier is a recent retireefrom , and Barbarw Lavier retired in 2005 from a career in nursing. A trip to Italy and Greece to celebrate their 25th weddiny anniversary in 2007 whetted their appetitews to explore other places on theEuropean continent.
Last they began planning a 2009 European trip that will start in Paris and endin Rome. They workex with Norma Mouser, owner of the three-employee firm Travelk Options. In October, who helped the couple plan their 2007 reserved business-class seats for them on using a combination of mileage points they had accrued and only about $300 in cash a better deal than the previouw trip. Bill Lavier said the exchange rate betweenthe U.S. dollart and the Euro, which has improved by more than 10 percenrt from ayear ago, gives him hope that they also will get more for theif money while on the trip.
Although he hasn’t bookedf his hotels yet, “we’rer hoping to get a better bang for the buck than we gotin 2007, when the Euro was higheer against the dollar,” he said. “Ands I feel like tourism might be down because of the so we’re hoping to find some bargains.” During their 2007 bargains were in short supply. The trip included visits to where Barbara Lavier had lived 40 years earlier in amilitary family, and in southern Italy, where Bill Lavier was stationede with the U.S. Air Force. The their modest hotel near St. Mark’s Square in cost about $250 a night.
The best value was on the Gree k Islandof Corfu, where theitr $75-a-night room at the four-staf Akrotiri Beach Hotel in Paleokastrata had glorious views of the Ioniajn Sea. The Laviers find it beneficiakl to consultwith Mouser, a certifie d travel counselor and Italy specialist. For the 2007 trip, Mouseer was able to secure a more economica air fare than they couldfind online, Bill Lavier said. She also recommended hotels in convenientg locations within their price range and made trainm reservationsfor them. “It’s a good partnership,” Barbara Laviee said. “And the time savingd is important.” The best air faress to Europe can be found for travelobetween Nov.
1 and Marcjh 15, with the two weekes between Christmasblocked out, according to Mouser, who works with a consolidator — a firm that offersw discounts by buying bulk fares — to find deals. “Yoyu can save anywhere between 30 to 50 percenton round-trip coach But, of course, the best valur is to use frequent flier she said. Sometimes European airline offerattractive packages, Mouser “There are some great promotions out but they don’t last long and may not includd well-situated hotels.” One example is Ltd.
, which has farex as low as $221 from Chicago to
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Politicians want answers as rumors swirl NCR to leave Dayton - Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal:
firefighting-stringers.blogspot.com
Government officials said word begam swirling in the communith Thursday thatNCR NCR) is planning to move its headquarter s and 1,300 employees to the Atlanta area and make an announcementf about the move this week. NCR Globa l Spokesperson Richard Maton, speaking by phone Saturdagy from London, confirmed that an effort was made forOhio Gov. Ted Stricklanr and NCR Chief Executive Officer Bill Nuti to however they were not ableto connect. Strickland’s spokesperson said Saturday that heis “continuing to reachu out to the company to have a direcy conversation.
” When asked about NCR possiblyt moving its headquarters out of Dayton, Maton said the company does not respondx to rumors and speculation. NCR Corporate Spokesperson Alan Ulman respondedr to questionsabout NCR’xs plans with an e-mail message Saturdaty that read: “We have no announcement today.” In the NCR has been quick to deny rumor s of its relocation and affirmk its commitment to remaining in Dayton. The has repeatedly soughr information from the companysinced Thursday, but NCR had not respondedr to their requests as of Fridayg evening, a development department spokesperson said.
Montgomery County Commissioner Dan Foley said he is frustrate d by the lackof communication. Foley said he has askes multiplecompany officials, via to respond to the rumors, but has yet to receivew any information. Foley said he, alonb with other county, states and city of Dayton have met with NCR representatives in the past in an effort tosafeguarfd NCR’s local jobs. “All that nobody has confirmed to me that their status has Foleysaid Saturday. “I have to assumse that -- I hope, I very much hope -- they are stayinyg in Dayton, because our citizen s have helped build that company up tobe world-class and will continue to do so.
” Rumors have long circulated that the companty would move, however multiple government and economic developmenft officials said they reached a new level in the past few NCR is said to be seekingb about 100,000 square feet of office space in . NCR is believed to have looked at sitesin Savannah, and Columbus, Ga. Basedc on the square footage estimates, the operatiomn could house about 300 to400 people, according to real estater sources. Georgia government and economic development officialwremained tight-lipped on any potential development.
In NCR said it would move its Worldwide Customedr Services headquarters to anAtlanta suburb, investing $15 million and creating more than 900 jobs in the suburbws of Peachtree City and Deluth. The state of Georgi provided morethan $8 million in incentives, accordinhg to officials. NCR, founded locally in 1884, is the Dayton region’s second largest with 20,000 global employeesw and $5.3 billion in revenue in 2008. The which sells ATMs and retaiplautomation systems, is Dayton’s lone remaining Fortunwe 500 company. At one time, the company had more than 18,00o employees in the Dayton but that number has dwindled durinf the pastseveral decades.
As recently as two years ago, NCR had abouf 2,000 Dayton employees. That number has declinede by about 700 workersw in the pastseveralo years. In 2007, NCR announced it was relocatinv its executive offices to New York City and leasin g an entire floor of the 7 Worlde TradeCenter building. But, on its headquarters remainedin Dayton. In March, the company also told employeews it is undergoing a structural reorganization and wouldd cut an unknown amount of itsglobalo workforce.
That same month, the company removedr the language “world headquarters” from the sign at its Daytonj campus, though it said at the time it wasjust
Government officials said word begam swirling in the communith Thursday thatNCR NCR) is planning to move its headquarter s and 1,300 employees to the Atlanta area and make an announcementf about the move this week. NCR Globa l Spokesperson Richard Maton, speaking by phone Saturdagy from London, confirmed that an effort was made forOhio Gov. Ted Stricklanr and NCR Chief Executive Officer Bill Nuti to however they were not ableto connect. Strickland’s spokesperson said Saturday that heis “continuing to reachu out to the company to have a direcy conversation.
” When asked about NCR possiblyt moving its headquarters out of Dayton, Maton said the company does not respondx to rumors and speculation. NCR Corporate Spokesperson Alan Ulman respondedr to questionsabout NCR’xs plans with an e-mail message Saturdaty that read: “We have no announcement today.” In the NCR has been quick to deny rumor s of its relocation and affirmk its commitment to remaining in Dayton. The has repeatedly soughr information from the companysinced Thursday, but NCR had not respondedr to their requests as of Fridayg evening, a development department spokesperson said.
Montgomery County Commissioner Dan Foley said he is frustrate d by the lackof communication. Foley said he has askes multiplecompany officials, via to respond to the rumors, but has yet to receivew any information. Foley said he, alonb with other county, states and city of Dayton have met with NCR representatives in the past in an effort tosafeguarfd NCR’s local jobs. “All that nobody has confirmed to me that their status has Foleysaid Saturday. “I have to assumse that -- I hope, I very much hope -- they are stayinyg in Dayton, because our citizen s have helped build that company up tobe world-class and will continue to do so.
” Rumors have long circulated that the companty would move, however multiple government and economic developmenft officials said they reached a new level in the past few NCR is said to be seekingb about 100,000 square feet of office space in . NCR is believed to have looked at sitesin Savannah, and Columbus, Ga. Basedc on the square footage estimates, the operatiomn could house about 300 to400 people, according to real estater sources. Georgia government and economic development officialwremained tight-lipped on any potential development.
In NCR said it would move its Worldwide Customedr Services headquarters to anAtlanta suburb, investing $15 million and creating more than 900 jobs in the suburbws of Peachtree City and Deluth. The state of Georgi provided morethan $8 million in incentives, accordinhg to officials. NCR, founded locally in 1884, is the Dayton region’s second largest with 20,000 global employeesw and $5.3 billion in revenue in 2008. The which sells ATMs and retaiplautomation systems, is Dayton’s lone remaining Fortunwe 500 company. At one time, the company had more than 18,00o employees in the Dayton but that number has dwindled durinf the pastseveral decades.
As recently as two years ago, NCR had abouf 2,000 Dayton employees. That number has declinede by about 700 workersw in the pastseveralo years. In 2007, NCR announced it was relocatinv its executive offices to New York City and leasin g an entire floor of the 7 Worlde TradeCenter building. But, on its headquarters remainedin Dayton. In March, the company also told employeews it is undergoing a structural reorganization and wouldd cut an unknown amount of itsglobalo workforce.
That same month, the company removedr the language “world headquarters” from the sign at its Daytonj campus, though it said at the time it wasjust
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Troy Smith Is Starting, But Could We See Alex? - SB Nation Bay Area
evlampiyacyxybyw.blogspot.com
Sportsnet.ca | Troy Smith Is Starting, But Could We See Alex? SB Nation Bay Area The coach has done » |
Friday, December 24, 2010
Greensboro Country Club seeks investment from members - The Business Journal of the Greater Triad Area:
http://uaspeed.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=636&Itemid=3
The club plans to wrap up in Octobefr $11 million in renovations, including a $6 million upgradre to its FarmHouse course, as well as the locker roomw and fitness facility at its main Greensboro is the lender for the Club President Davy in an interview after The Businessx Journal learned of the debt offerintg to members from Securities and Exchange Commission documents, said the club is bringinbg in enough new members and revenud to pay off that debt on time. But he noteed that this recession has taught businesses a lessonaboug preparation. “Everything was geared up for this projectin August,” Davidson said.
“But we all know that in the fall the worle came close to falling apart and left us all scratchinhgour heads. The lessonj was to make sure you’ve got liquidity and financialo resources to get through unforeseentough times.”
The club plans to wrap up in Octobefr $11 million in renovations, including a $6 million upgradre to its FarmHouse course, as well as the locker roomw and fitness facility at its main Greensboro is the lender for the Club President Davy in an interview after The Businessx Journal learned of the debt offerintg to members from Securities and Exchange Commission documents, said the club is bringinbg in enough new members and revenud to pay off that debt on time. But he noteed that this recession has taught businesses a lessonaboug preparation. “Everything was geared up for this projectin August,” Davidson said.
“But we all know that in the fall the worle came close to falling apart and left us all scratchinhgour heads. The lessonj was to make sure you’ve got liquidity and financialo resources to get through unforeseentough times.”
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Hawaii banks reserve $110M more for bad loans - San Antonio Business Journal:
http://www.laptops-computers.us//Targus-TCM004US-Messenger-15-4-Notebook--iB000B63KSM.html
By the end of the first quarter, the nine banks basede in Hawaii had set aside morethan $422.5 millionj for loan losses, about $110 million more than in the first quarted of 2008. That representas a 35 percent increase overthe $312.1 millionm that was allocated for loan loss allowances, or during the first quarter of 2008, according to data from the nearly two out of every three banks insuredc by the FDIC increased their loss provisions during the first quarter, accordingt to the FDIC. Bankas set aside $60.9 billion in loan loss provisionsw in thefirst quarter, 64 percent more than in the same quartef in 2008.
“It’s not surprising that banksa would look at putting a little highe r loan loss reserves in viewof what’sa happening in the local economy,” said Gary executive director of the . “When the economu starts to soften, people’s ability to repay obligationsa issometimes hampered.” Setting aside money for reserves to covert anticipated losses from mortgagw foreclosures and other non-performing loans is required by federal regulators. Most institutions put away abouf 1 percent of their total assets for loan and lease loss experts say.
“Clearly, prudent bankers anticipatd more challenging times inthe future, and will put away mone in a reserve account in anticipatiob of future problems so they don’yt have to look to theidr earnings or balance sheet to cover those potentiapl losses,” said Don Horner, chairmahn and president of and presidenty of the bankers association. Firsy Hawaiian took a $19.2 million provisio for loan losses during thefirsft quarter, or 0.59 percent of averagw assets. That pushed the bank’s loan loss allowancr fund up to $106.
u million, which was a 13 percent boosft over the first quarter of according to data fromthe “We did put away stronbg reserves in the first quarter; we also had our best quartef in our history in the first quarter,” Horner noting that the bank postes earnings of $74.5 million, which included a one-time tax gain of $21.76 million. “We had ample earnings to put away in the boosted its loan loss allowanceto $134.54 million during the first quarter, whicg was 34 percent higher than its first-quarter 2008 reserves. The bank took a $24.90 million loan loss provision during the or 0.9 percent of average assets.
“During period s of economic stress, banks should build reserves,” said Mary Bank of Hawaii’s vice chairman and chief risk “We would expect losses to increase when the econom y comesunder stress.” Each of the state’s nine banks increasesd their loan loss reserves during the first quarter this year. did not record any provisions for loan lossed in the first quarters of 2008and 2007, said Executivde Vice President Bryan Luke, who told PBN in a statemenrt that the bank’s net charge-off for bad loans during the past five yearsw averaged $4,700 per year.
The bank took a $1 million provision for loan lossesw during the first quarter ofthis year, about 0.8 percent of average assets. Its loan loss allowanc at the end of the first quarterwas $6.9 million, up 19 perceng from $5.8 million in the firsrt quarter of 2008. “Thde reason we decided to recordd the provision in the first quarter was basedd on our analysis of the economgy and what is happening in the Luke said. “Based on the curreng performance of ourloan portfolio, we feel that the currengt level of our [allowance for loan and lease is more than adequate.” Additional reservexs are all but certain as the economuy continues to experience stress of job and income losses.
Additional foreclosures will also stress balance sheetsfor banks. boosted its loan loss reserve to $122.3 million during the first quarter, a 69 percent increase over its reserve figured from the firstt quarterof 2008. A small portfolio of residential land loans that are in distressz was one factorbehind ’s move to boosyt its loan loss reserve by 34 percenrt during the first quarter, said Terence Yeh, the bank’ws executive vice president and chief credigt officer. The other was a largd loan to a single commercial borrower who has been unablr to refinance the he said. “Overall I think we do expec t to see risingcredit costs, simply because of the Yeh said.
“We think that it’s just goin to be continued stress with job businesses downsizing. It’s just going to be Bank of Hawaii has alsoseen “modest increases” in particularly by consumers.
By the end of the first quarter, the nine banks basede in Hawaii had set aside morethan $422.5 millionj for loan losses, about $110 million more than in the first quarted of 2008. That representas a 35 percent increase overthe $312.1 millionm that was allocated for loan loss allowances, or during the first quarter of 2008, according to data from the nearly two out of every three banks insuredc by the FDIC increased their loss provisions during the first quarter, accordingt to the FDIC. Bankas set aside $60.9 billion in loan loss provisionsw in thefirst quarter, 64 percent more than in the same quartef in 2008.
“It’s not surprising that banksa would look at putting a little highe r loan loss reserves in viewof what’sa happening in the local economy,” said Gary executive director of the . “When the economu starts to soften, people’s ability to repay obligationsa issometimes hampered.” Setting aside money for reserves to covert anticipated losses from mortgagw foreclosures and other non-performing loans is required by federal regulators. Most institutions put away abouf 1 percent of their total assets for loan and lease loss experts say.
“Clearly, prudent bankers anticipatd more challenging times inthe future, and will put away mone in a reserve account in anticipatiob of future problems so they don’yt have to look to theidr earnings or balance sheet to cover those potentiapl losses,” said Don Horner, chairmahn and president of and presidenty of the bankers association. Firsy Hawaiian took a $19.2 million provisio for loan losses during thefirsft quarter, or 0.59 percent of averagw assets. That pushed the bank’s loan loss allowancr fund up to $106.
u million, which was a 13 percent boosft over the first quarter of according to data fromthe “We did put away stronbg reserves in the first quarter; we also had our best quartef in our history in the first quarter,” Horner noting that the bank postes earnings of $74.5 million, which included a one-time tax gain of $21.76 million. “We had ample earnings to put away in the boosted its loan loss allowanceto $134.54 million during the first quarter, whicg was 34 percent higher than its first-quarter 2008 reserves. The bank took a $24.90 million loan loss provision during the or 0.9 percent of average assets.
“During period s of economic stress, banks should build reserves,” said Mary Bank of Hawaii’s vice chairman and chief risk “We would expect losses to increase when the econom y comesunder stress.” Each of the state’s nine banks increasesd their loan loss reserves during the first quarter this year. did not record any provisions for loan lossed in the first quarters of 2008and 2007, said Executivde Vice President Bryan Luke, who told PBN in a statemenrt that the bank’s net charge-off for bad loans during the past five yearsw averaged $4,700 per year.
The bank took a $1 million provision for loan lossesw during the first quarter ofthis year, about 0.8 percent of average assets. Its loan loss allowanc at the end of the first quarterwas $6.9 million, up 19 perceng from $5.8 million in the firsrt quarter of 2008. “Thde reason we decided to recordd the provision in the first quarter was basedd on our analysis of the economgy and what is happening in the Luke said. “Based on the curreng performance of ourloan portfolio, we feel that the currengt level of our [allowance for loan and lease is more than adequate.” Additional reservexs are all but certain as the economuy continues to experience stress of job and income losses.
Additional foreclosures will also stress balance sheetsfor banks. boosted its loan loss reserve to $122.3 million during the first quarter, a 69 percent increase over its reserve figured from the firstt quarterof 2008. A small portfolio of residential land loans that are in distressz was one factorbehind ’s move to boosyt its loan loss reserve by 34 percenrt during the first quarter, said Terence Yeh, the bank’ws executive vice president and chief credigt officer. The other was a largd loan to a single commercial borrower who has been unablr to refinance the he said. “Overall I think we do expec t to see risingcredit costs, simply because of the Yeh said.
“We think that it’s just goin to be continued stress with job businesses downsizing. It’s just going to be Bank of Hawaii has alsoseen “modest increases” in particularly by consumers.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Boston Properties selling stock - Houston Business Journal:
modestofyeyko.blogspot.com
The real estate investment trust announced Thursday that it isoffering 10.5 million shares of common stock for sale and expects to granr underwriters an over-allotment optiobn to purchase up to 1.56 million additionak shares. Boston Properties said it plans to use the net proceedd for generalbusiness purposes, which may include investmeng opportunities and debt reduction. Bostomn Properties (NYSE: BXP) had 121.3 million sharee outstanding as ofMay 5,, accordinfg to Bloomberg News. The stock closesd Thursday at $53.01 a share down 2 percent for 2009 and 44 percentg in the lasttwelve months. Based on Thursday’s closing price, the sale couldd raise more than $630 million before fees.
Boston Properties is the eighthj largest commercial real estate developer in theWashingtob area, as ranked by the Washington Business Journal’s 2009 Book of with 1.64 million squarer feet of space under development last year and a total developmeny portfolio of nearly 10 million square feet.
The real estate investment trust announced Thursday that it isoffering 10.5 million shares of common stock for sale and expects to granr underwriters an over-allotment optiobn to purchase up to 1.56 million additionak shares. Boston Properties said it plans to use the net proceedd for generalbusiness purposes, which may include investmeng opportunities and debt reduction. Bostomn Properties (NYSE: BXP) had 121.3 million sharee outstanding as ofMay 5,, accordinfg to Bloomberg News. The stock closesd Thursday at $53.01 a share down 2 percent for 2009 and 44 percentg in the lasttwelve months. Based on Thursday’s closing price, the sale couldd raise more than $630 million before fees.
Boston Properties is the eighthj largest commercial real estate developer in theWashingtob area, as ranked by the Washington Business Journal’s 2009 Book of with 1.64 million squarer feet of space under development last year and a total developmeny portfolio of nearly 10 million square feet.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Texas workers more confident, survey shows - San Antonio Business Journal:
lyubomiradete.blogspot.com
points to 50.8 percent in according to the latest figures from SpherionEmployment Report’s Texas Employeew Confidence Index. The report, which measures workerf confidence in employment and the economic also found: • Forty-two percent of Texas workers believe the economy is gettinh weaker, down 23 percent from 65 percent in March. • Nine percent of Texas workers believe more jobs are compared to 5 percent in thepreviousa month. • Seventy-two percent of Texas workers surveyed are confident in the future of thei r current employer compared with 68 percentin “Compared to the U.S.
jobless rate, Texas is definitelu faring better,” Kim Lockhart, regional vice president for Spherion in Texas, said in a statement. “Although clientsx are still being cautious aboutadding staff, we have seen some pick-ul in the last few weeks. In we are seeing stable demand for work incustomert service, mortgages, health care, IT and collections. Becausr a larger pool of applicantds are competing for fewerjob openings, we are advisingy job seekers to use this time to sharpen their education and certifications. This will help candidate s stay current and give them the competitive edge they will need when the market fully recovers.
” The monthly surveg was conducted by for (NYSE: a Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based recruiting and staffingt company.
points to 50.8 percent in according to the latest figures from SpherionEmployment Report’s Texas Employeew Confidence Index. The report, which measures workerf confidence in employment and the economic also found: • Forty-two percent of Texas workers believe the economy is gettinh weaker, down 23 percent from 65 percent in March. • Nine percent of Texas workers believe more jobs are compared to 5 percent in thepreviousa month. • Seventy-two percent of Texas workers surveyed are confident in the future of thei r current employer compared with 68 percentin “Compared to the U.S.
jobless rate, Texas is definitelu faring better,” Kim Lockhart, regional vice president for Spherion in Texas, said in a statement. “Although clientsx are still being cautious aboutadding staff, we have seen some pick-ul in the last few weeks. In we are seeing stable demand for work incustomert service, mortgages, health care, IT and collections. Becausr a larger pool of applicantds are competing for fewerjob openings, we are advisingy job seekers to use this time to sharpen their education and certifications. This will help candidate s stay current and give them the competitive edge they will need when the market fully recovers.
” The monthly surveg was conducted by for (NYSE: a Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based recruiting and staffingt company.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Kendall
ramsdenjerrieas54.blogspot.com
million foreclosure lawsuit against the developerd of theRivendell single-family home project in West The Miami-based bank filed the foreclosur e action on June 9 against Miami-based Crestviee II, Marsol One LLC and managing membef Marcial Solis, according to records. The complaint targets 28 unsold home s and home sitesin Rivendell, which is along Millefr Drive (Southwest 56th Street) between Southwest 167tnh Avenue and the Miccosukee Golf and Country After starting construction in 2004, Crestviee II sold 103 homes in Rivendelol from 2005 through the most recent sale in Fort Lauderdale-based attorney Charles who represents TotalBank in its demand for $12.
2 million on the outstanding mortgage, did not immediatelyt return a call seeking comment. TotalBank reported having $86.4 million in late or unpaid ornearly 6.5 percent of its tota l loans, as of Marcn 31. In March, filed a foreclosure action against Crestview II and Solisz overa $2.1 millionm mortgage.
million foreclosure lawsuit against the developerd of theRivendell single-family home project in West The Miami-based bank filed the foreclosur e action on June 9 against Miami-based Crestviee II, Marsol One LLC and managing membef Marcial Solis, according to records. The complaint targets 28 unsold home s and home sitesin Rivendell, which is along Millefr Drive (Southwest 56th Street) between Southwest 167tnh Avenue and the Miccosukee Golf and Country After starting construction in 2004, Crestviee II sold 103 homes in Rivendelol from 2005 through the most recent sale in Fort Lauderdale-based attorney Charles who represents TotalBank in its demand for $12.
2 million on the outstanding mortgage, did not immediatelyt return a call seeking comment. TotalBank reported having $86.4 million in late or unpaid ornearly 6.5 percent of its tota l loans, as of Marcn 31. In March, filed a foreclosure action against Crestview II and Solisz overa $2.1 millionm mortgage.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Mortgage applications fall, rates rise - Jacksonville Business Journal:
http://icao-legalseminar.org/page/Accountants-for-small-businesses.html
The industry group said the index for new and refinancexd loans for the week ended May 29fell 16.2 The results include an adjustmenft to account for Memorial Day. On an unadjustex basis, the index decreased 32.5 percent compareed to the previous week andincreasedd 14.4 percent compared to the same week a year ago. The refinancr share of mortgage activity decrease dto 62.4 percent of total applications from 69.3 percentt the previous week. The adjustable-ratse mortgage (ARM) share of activity increaser to 3 percentfrom 2.6 percent of total applications the previoue week. The average interest rate for 30-year fixed-ratee mortgages increased to 5.25 perceng from 4.
81 percent, with points decreasing to 1.02 from The 44-basis-point increase in the 30-yead rate was the largest sincea 48-basis-poinft increase in October 2008. The average interes rate for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages increased to 4.8 percentr from 4.44 percent, with points decreasing to 1.1 from 1.16. The averaged interest rate for one-year ARMs increased to 6.61 percent from 6.55 with points increasing to 0.15 from 0.12 (including the origination fee) for 80 percenyt loan-to-value loans.
The industry group said the index for new and refinancexd loans for the week ended May 29fell 16.2 The results include an adjustmenft to account for Memorial Day. On an unadjustex basis, the index decreased 32.5 percent compareed to the previous week andincreasedd 14.4 percent compared to the same week a year ago. The refinancr share of mortgage activity decrease dto 62.4 percent of total applications from 69.3 percentt the previous week. The adjustable-ratse mortgage (ARM) share of activity increaser to 3 percentfrom 2.6 percent of total applications the previoue week. The average interest rate for 30-year fixed-ratee mortgages increased to 5.25 perceng from 4.
81 percent, with points decreasing to 1.02 from The 44-basis-point increase in the 30-yead rate was the largest sincea 48-basis-poinft increase in October 2008. The average interes rate for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages increased to 4.8 percentr from 4.44 percent, with points decreasing to 1.1 from 1.16. The averaged interest rate for one-year ARMs increased to 6.61 percent from 6.55 with points increasing to 0.15 from 0.12 (including the origination fee) for 80 percenyt loan-to-value loans.
Monday, December 6, 2010
PR: Go on the offensive: Managing tough news in tough times - Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle):
http://toyota-autos.com/2009/12/page/2
drops off Nasdaq. In a turbulentg economy, there is no shortagde of bad news. Experts say that in a time like what may matter most is the way in which that bad news is How management deals withthe media, employees, clients and the communituy could impact how the business is viewed for yearsx to come. Business leaders who hide in their offices, bury factsx and let the rumor mill controkl the story will be viewed with angedand distrust. But those who plan their messageas carefully, and deliver it promptly and with candor to allrelevantf parties, are more likely to be remembere d as good corporate citizens.
“Thwe spotlight will be on your company,” said Dan Moran, a businesz consultant and presidentof Next-Act, an Albany career management firm. “Yoiu have one chance to get it Many public relations professionals advise clients to have a crisizs communication plan in place atall times. This way, basi c guidelines are in place when any sort of bad from layoffs to achemicalp spill, breaks. Additional preparation should take placew once a bad newseven occurs. The first step is to assesd the situation and thepossiblr fallout.
“I advise that you convene a grouoof stakeholders,” said Paulin e Bartel, president of Waterford-based “You need someone from top human resources, the PR team ... the objectf is for everyone to put theier cards onthe table, face up, so you can identif y any gaps in information.” Next, list everuy constituency, including clients, supplierse and the media, and craft a messag for each. While these messages must be each audience hasdifferent needs. Employeez will want to know about their while shareholders will be interestede in the impact on the bottom Clients will want to know if serviced willbe affected.
It is also PR experts say, to selecf just one person to speak forthe company. “Youj don’t want 20 differen versions of things coming out so everyonde lookslike fools,” said Richard Berman, presidenty of of Chappaqua in Westchester County. Once the situation is assessed, the constituents identified, the messages crafted, and the spokesperson it is time to deliverthe news. “Ir comes down to three phrases: Tell it all, tell it tell it yourself.” said Edwars Parham, director of public relation s forin Colonie. Ideally, the news should be shared with all parties at thesame time.
In the age of textint and Twittering, “news can travel at the speed ofan electron,” said Matthew Maguire, spokesman for in “You want to deliver your news before anyone else Bartel suggests giving “a few select reporters” a heads-upp that news is “That way, the reporterd has gotten the company line before a disgruntled employee picks up the phone,” she said. When the news is it must be completeand truthful, with as many details as can be shared.
It is especiallt important that the CEO or other designated spokesperson be availableand “There is no such thing as not taking the call and havinfg the paper the next day say you weren’ available,” said Dean Rueckert, CEO of Rueckert “That is not acceptable. And a good answer is never ‘no comment.’ Back it up with the reason you can’yt comment—confidentiality, legalities, what have you. You don’t want to look like you are dodgin g the question orhiding something.” This candof extends to employees.
Moran said that when he workzs with companiesin bad-news situations, he instituteas a “no closed door for three rule on top managers. While some expertsx suggest softening bad news with positiv e notes aboutthe company’s future, others advocat for a two-step “I say recognize the bad news for what it Bartel said. “Don’t sugarcoat it. a week or so introduce the good news, and it becomees the rest of the story.” Part of the company’d reputation will be determined by how it behavezs in the weeks followingan announcement.
Insurance gianft created a fire storm after receiving billions in taxpayer bailout it flew executives to a expensive The Times Union angered workers by hostingh a party after announcinbjob cuts. Jon Pierce, owner of in Albany, said this does not mean a companu should abandonall obligations, such as sponsorshipsz of charity events. “It’s a balancing he said. “The key is to be consistent and Say ‘we are laying off and cuttinv back on sponsor-ships, but we have theser obligations we must meet …’ ” The fina l word of advice from PR experts is to keep a close eye on mediq outlets after the news breaks.
It may be particularlt important to monitor social medizand blogs, where rumors and anonymou attacks can prevail. “A lot of people forgert about social media,” said Shannonh Cherry, owner of Albany-based . “But you want to know what peoplr are saying behind your soto speak.” Much can be gained, Cherry by responding with facts and keepingh everything in perspective. “You are in the same boat as thousandsd ofother companies,” she said. “It will be difficult at but with everything goingon now, your news won’t make much of an impac if you leverage it bpinckney@bizjournals.
com | 518-640-6815
drops off Nasdaq. In a turbulentg economy, there is no shortagde of bad news. Experts say that in a time like what may matter most is the way in which that bad news is How management deals withthe media, employees, clients and the communituy could impact how the business is viewed for yearsx to come. Business leaders who hide in their offices, bury factsx and let the rumor mill controkl the story will be viewed with angedand distrust. But those who plan their messageas carefully, and deliver it promptly and with candor to allrelevantf parties, are more likely to be remembere d as good corporate citizens.
“Thwe spotlight will be on your company,” said Dan Moran, a businesz consultant and presidentof Next-Act, an Albany career management firm. “Yoiu have one chance to get it Many public relations professionals advise clients to have a crisizs communication plan in place atall times. This way, basi c guidelines are in place when any sort of bad from layoffs to achemicalp spill, breaks. Additional preparation should take placew once a bad newseven occurs. The first step is to assesd the situation and thepossiblr fallout.
“I advise that you convene a grouoof stakeholders,” said Paulin e Bartel, president of Waterford-based “You need someone from top human resources, the PR team ... the objectf is for everyone to put theier cards onthe table, face up, so you can identif y any gaps in information.” Next, list everuy constituency, including clients, supplierse and the media, and craft a messag for each. While these messages must be each audience hasdifferent needs. Employeez will want to know about their while shareholders will be interestede in the impact on the bottom Clients will want to know if serviced willbe affected.
It is also PR experts say, to selecf just one person to speak forthe company. “Youj don’t want 20 differen versions of things coming out so everyonde lookslike fools,” said Richard Berman, presidenty of of Chappaqua in Westchester County. Once the situation is assessed, the constituents identified, the messages crafted, and the spokesperson it is time to deliverthe news. “Ir comes down to three phrases: Tell it all, tell it tell it yourself.” said Edwars Parham, director of public relation s forin Colonie. Ideally, the news should be shared with all parties at thesame time.
In the age of textint and Twittering, “news can travel at the speed ofan electron,” said Matthew Maguire, spokesman for in “You want to deliver your news before anyone else Bartel suggests giving “a few select reporters” a heads-upp that news is “That way, the reporterd has gotten the company line before a disgruntled employee picks up the phone,” she said. When the news is it must be completeand truthful, with as many details as can be shared.
It is especiallt important that the CEO or other designated spokesperson be availableand “There is no such thing as not taking the call and havinfg the paper the next day say you weren’ available,” said Dean Rueckert, CEO of Rueckert “That is not acceptable. And a good answer is never ‘no comment.’ Back it up with the reason you can’yt comment—confidentiality, legalities, what have you. You don’t want to look like you are dodgin g the question orhiding something.” This candof extends to employees.
Moran said that when he workzs with companiesin bad-news situations, he instituteas a “no closed door for three rule on top managers. While some expertsx suggest softening bad news with positiv e notes aboutthe company’s future, others advocat for a two-step “I say recognize the bad news for what it Bartel said. “Don’t sugarcoat it. a week or so introduce the good news, and it becomees the rest of the story.” Part of the company’d reputation will be determined by how it behavezs in the weeks followingan announcement.
Insurance gianft created a fire storm after receiving billions in taxpayer bailout it flew executives to a expensive The Times Union angered workers by hostingh a party after announcinbjob cuts. Jon Pierce, owner of in Albany, said this does not mean a companu should abandonall obligations, such as sponsorshipsz of charity events. “It’s a balancing he said. “The key is to be consistent and Say ‘we are laying off and cuttinv back on sponsor-ships, but we have theser obligations we must meet …’ ” The fina l word of advice from PR experts is to keep a close eye on mediq outlets after the news breaks.
It may be particularlt important to monitor social medizand blogs, where rumors and anonymou attacks can prevail. “A lot of people forgert about social media,” said Shannonh Cherry, owner of Albany-based . “But you want to know what peoplr are saying behind your soto speak.” Much can be gained, Cherry by responding with facts and keepingh everything in perspective. “You are in the same boat as thousandsd ofother companies,” she said. “It will be difficult at but with everything goingon now, your news won’t make much of an impac if you leverage it bpinckney@bizjournals.
com | 518-640-6815
Friday, December 3, 2010
Hawker announces furloughs, building closures - Triangle Business Journal:
balamatovaegede.blogspot.com
In a letter to all employees, Vice President of Human Resources Rich Jiwanlal said the movews are partthe company’s ongoing effort to “resizse our company to match the continuing declines in consumer One of the measures will be furloughs whichb will include both product line and planr specific requirements. The dates for the furloughas will beJune 29-July 2, Nov. 23-25 and Dec. The letter informs employeeas that if vacation or earned time off is not availables to cover these days then the furloughs willbe unpaid.
Hawkef will also be relocatingits engineering, finance and supply-chaijn teams back onto the company’s primary This will allow it to closwe two buildings “off-campus,” the letter states. Therde was no announcement regarding anyfurthere layoffs. The company declined to give any more informatioh atthis time.
In a letter to all employees, Vice President of Human Resources Rich Jiwanlal said the movews are partthe company’s ongoing effort to “resizse our company to match the continuing declines in consumer One of the measures will be furloughs whichb will include both product line and planr specific requirements. The dates for the furloughas will beJune 29-July 2, Nov. 23-25 and Dec. The letter informs employeeas that if vacation or earned time off is not availables to cover these days then the furloughs willbe unpaid.
Hawkef will also be relocatingits engineering, finance and supply-chaijn teams back onto the company’s primary This will allow it to closwe two buildings “off-campus,” the letter states. Therde was no announcement regarding anyfurthere layoffs. The company declined to give any more informatioh atthis time.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Charge to hamper Merge 2Q net income - Washington Business Journal:
http://hear-me-now.org/Frame-6-employmentpage6.html
million noncash writedown on the sale of its equith interest in a radiology TheWest Allis-based radiology software and systems providee said the charge is the resulft of the sale of its interest in veterinary radiologgy company , as part of Eklin’s acquisition by veterinary services provider (NASDAQ: WOOF). With Elkin'sw sale to VCA, Merge (NASDQ: MRGE) will receive $1.4 milliobn for its interest in but the majority of that will be recognizefd in thethird quarter. The charge, however, will be recognizeed in the second quarter, when Merg will also see $2.
2 million in non-recurrinyg revenue as a result of a new resellere agreement the company reached with Elkin inJune that'e being reassigned to VCA. Merge now expects to post net incom for the second quarterbetween $100,00 0 and $800,000, compared with a net loss of $18.2q million a year ago. The companyu posted net income for the firstt quarter of 2009of $2.8 Excluding the noncash charge, operating incomre is expected to be $3.7 millio to $4.4 million, compared with a net loss of $18.3e million a year ago. Revenue is now projected to be in the rangesof $15 million to $15.5 million, compared with $13.3 million a year ago.
million noncash writedown on the sale of its equith interest in a radiology TheWest Allis-based radiology software and systems providee said the charge is the resulft of the sale of its interest in veterinary radiologgy company , as part of Eklin’s acquisition by veterinary services provider (NASDAQ: WOOF). With Elkin'sw sale to VCA, Merge (NASDQ: MRGE) will receive $1.4 milliobn for its interest in but the majority of that will be recognizefd in thethird quarter. The charge, however, will be recognizeed in the second quarter, when Merg will also see $2.
2 million in non-recurrinyg revenue as a result of a new resellere agreement the company reached with Elkin inJune that'e being reassigned to VCA. Merge now expects to post net incom for the second quarterbetween $100,00 0 and $800,000, compared with a net loss of $18.2q million a year ago. The companyu posted net income for the firstt quarter of 2009of $2.8 Excluding the noncash charge, operating incomre is expected to be $3.7 millio to $4.4 million, compared with a net loss of $18.3e million a year ago. Revenue is now projected to be in the rangesof $15 million to $15.5 million, compared with $13.3 million a year ago.
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