Banking & Financing News

The Real Estate Investor Network Inc opens up the floor at the upcoming REINclub public events all around Southern California and Las Vegas. Real Estate Investors can voice their opinions about the great real estate lending debacle.Insiders seem to think that the Chinese will open the next big Mortgage Bank in the USA. The number of Private Loans on real estate properties is rising dramatically

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) June 2, 2008 — Larry Loik, President of The Real Estate Investor Network Inc., has announced the REINclub’s remedy for the Real Estate Lending Crisis.

Mr. Loik has suggested to bankers to give free training to consumers on how they can be lend money to other investors or get all the loans that they need from other private lenders both ethically & legally.

The lending Industry laughed at Mr. Loik and as a result, The Real Estate Investor Network Inc has teamed up with leading experts offering the desperately needed FREE educational training on the inner workings of private lending. The do’s and don’ts.

REINclub (www.REINclub.com) interviewed some of the nation’s top experts and has come up with a solution by offering their events via both webinars and live events nationwide, starting in California and Nevada.

The tour will start at The Venetian Hotel (www.venetian.com) in Las Vegas June 5-7 and continue nationwide.

Loik has recruited business partners as well as an ex-banking insider, Mr. X, the former Head Loss Mitigator from one of the nation’s largest lenders.

“We want to peel back the curtain on the lending crisis,” says Loik. There are many people terrified sitting on their money in CD’s and savings accounts that are doing nothing with it.

Larry says, “Get the economy rolling by investing in American Real Estate. It’s the best way to make a fortune now.”

The REINclub has found that many people have relatives that would be willing to lend their family funds on good real estate properties but don’t know how to do it.

There seems to be a belief in the industry that the Chinese will come in and be the next Countrywide (www.countrywide.com). Right now the Chinese are buying up everything that they can. That belief could very well become a reality in the near future.

“America is on Sale,” screams Mr. Loik. “Investors from all countries except America, are buying up properties in the USA.” Now is the time to buy. If the banks won’t lend you the funds, your relatives and friends will. They merely have to be educated.”

“If you want to make a higher return on your funds that are sitting around in your savings account, you too can learn the secrets that the banks already know. All you need is the education.”

The Real Estate Investor Network Inc is offering free education on The Secrets of Private Lending, what the banks don’t want you to know.

For more information or to RSVP for any free events, contact The Real Estate Investor Network Inc (REINCLUB.com) or call for details or call 818-889-6006.

Experts, gurus, developers, builders and other interviews with Mr. Larry Loik can be heard on a REINCLUB’s Top Ten podcast on Apple’s iTunes (http://tinyurl.com/2c2tx8). Mr. Loik can be heard on Las Vegas radio stations KOMP 92.3Fm and 97.1Fm The Point.

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[Via Markets]

Defying an otherwise weak IT spending environment, Research In Motion (RIMM) is continuing to blow away the competition — expanding on its already vast share of the corporate smart phone market. While corporate IT spending is far less robust elsewhere, after a long and unsettling decline there are signs the spending slowdown may be stabilizing.

Rockville, MD (PRWEB) June 5, 2008 — A new ChangeWave survey reveals a still soft corporate IT spending environment, although Research In Motion (RIMM) remains a very big exception as it continues to dominate the smart phone market.

The May survey of 2,049 respondents involved with IT spending in their organization shows highly upbeat results for the Canadian BlackBerry maker, with the company expanding its already vast lead (76%; up 3-pts) in the corporate smart phone market. Second-place Palm (PALM); 17% - down 1-pt) shows no signs of halting its long-term decline.

Looking ahead at 3rd Quarter planned corporate purchases, RIM has overwhelming momentum, with 82% of respondents buying smart phones next quarter saying they'll purchase BlackBerries — a 5-pt jump since the previous survey in February.

"When you're hot, you're hot, and the latest results for RIM are scorching," said Tobin Smith, founder of ChangeWave and editor of ChangeWave Investing. "If every product had such market dominance, it would be easy to pick the winners in each space," added Smith.

There was also a solid move up for Apple (AAPL) and its iPhone (13%; up 2-pts), with the company now ranking second in terms of planned corporate purchases. However, Palm continues to languish going forward, with just 8% saying their company will purchase their smart phone devices.

(Detailed charts on corporate IT spending and smart phone trends, along with additional ChangeWave findings can be downloaded at changewave.com/corporate).

IT Spending Soft But Stabilizing

After a long and unsettling decline, there are signs that the corporate IT spending slowdown — while still soft — may be stabilizing.

When asked if their overall IT spending was on track thus far in the 2nd Quarter, 11% of respondents said their company had spent "More than Planned" — up 1-pt since February. Another 27% say they've spent "Less than Planned" — unchanged from previously.

Thus, current IT spending remains at virtually the same lowered level that it was in the previous quarter — although it's a positive sign that things haven't gotten any worse.

Looking ahead to the 3rd Quarter, nearly one-in-four respondents (24%) say their company's IT spending will decrease (or there'll be no spending at all). That's 1-pt worse than the previous survey. In addition, only 15% say spending will increase, unchanged from previously.

The continued softness in projected spending is occurring across companies of all sizes, although once again things have pretty much stopped getting worse — a sign of stabilizing in corporate IT spending.

"While the slowdown in overall spending may finally be stabilizing, this survey suggests that IT spending will remain anemic for the rest of the year," said Smith. "The one exception here is RIM, which just keeps on rolling."

To sign-up for real-time email alerts from ChangeWave on IT spending and smart phone trends, visit changewave.com/hotwire.

About ChangeWave:
ChangeWave runs a proprietary network of more than 15,000 highly qualified business, technology, and medical professionals in leading companies of select industries - credentialed experts who spend their everyday lives working on the frontline of technological change. ChangeWave surveys its members on a range of business and investment research topics, collects feedback from them electronically, and converts the information into quantitative and qualitative reports. For more information, visit changewave.com/corporate

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[Via Stocks]

RealtyStore (www.realtystore.com), the nation's leading provider of foreclosure listings, released its quarterly Arizona Foreclosure Report. Auction notices in Arizona have jumped 304% since Q1 2007 due to declining home values and residential construction activity. Many homeowners are simply walking away from their homes that are now worth less than what they owe to the bank.

Santa Barbara, CA (PRWEB) June 5, 2008 — RealtyStore (www.realtystore.com), the nation's leading provider of foreclosure listings, released its quarterly Arizona Foreclosure Report.

Declining home values, mounting inventory and slowing residential construction have led to skyrocketing foreclosure rates in Arizona. For Q1 2008, 1 out of every 80 Arizona households received an auction notice, almost 3 times the national average. RealtyStore.com recorded 23,607 auction notices statewide for Q1 2008, representing a 46% increase from Q4 2007 and a 304% jump over Q1 2007. An auction notice, also known as a Notice of Trustee Sale (NTS) or Notice of Foreclosure Sale (NFS), is filed by the lending institution when a homeowner fails to cure their default. This is the second stage of foreclosure where the lender formally records its intent to sell the property through a public auction.

"Over the past two years, Phoenix home values have dropped 25% while foreclosures have increased six-fold. For-sale signs and vacant storefronts are a common sight," said Tim Chin, CEO of RealtyStore. "Stimulus plans proposed by Congress will not outpace the damage caused by plummeting home values in an economy heavily reliant on residential growth. Arizona housing prices will continue to slide through 2008 and will only begin to stabilize during the second half of 2009."

Maricopa County, the nation's 4th most populous county and home to Arizona's largest city and capital Phoenix, started off the first quarter with 17,214 auction notices. This was a 350% spike from the auction notices recorded in Q1 of last year. With over $600 billion worth of ARMs due to reset this year, many Arizona homeowners will find their payments soaring by as much as 100%. Distressed borrowers unable to cope with payment increases will enter the foreclosure process at an increasing rate. Home values will be further suppressed by the glut of bargain-priced foreclosures flooding the Arizona home sale market. Unfortunately, the bottom of the Arizona housing market is yet to come; as more and more homeowners are simply walking away from homes that are now worth less than what they owe to the bank.

About RealtyStore.com:
Founded in 2005, RealtyStore.com is the fastest growing, most trusted provider of foreclosure listings and information in the nation with over 1 million pre-foreclosure, foreclosure auction, bank-owned, and tax sale property listings. Collected from hundreds of public and private sources, RealtyStore's proprietary database includes extensive property characteristics (including pictures and maps), default and tax information, comparable home values, and neighborhood demographics information. For more information, visit http://www.realtystore.com.

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[Via Markets]

NORTHWIND-Maestro PMS enhances ResWave with new online revenue generating tools, guest experience measurement, multi-property package booking

Markham, ON (PRWEB) June 5, 2008 — NORTHWIND-Maestro PMS, provider of Maestro Enterprise Property Management hotel software and reservation software solutions for the hospitality industry, announced new online revenue enhancements for its ResWave Web booking product suite. Maestro ResWave now includes online Dining Table Reservation Management, dynamic Guest Experience Customization and multi-property package booking and fulfillment to increase online travel revenue expected by Jupiter Research to top $128 billion by 2011.

Forrester Research forecasts that 34.4 million households in the US are booking online as people prefer point-and-click for travel reservations. Corporate meeting planners are following suit with more group business than ever now being booked online. ResWave is NORTHWIND's comprehensive industry-leading Internet booking engine that enables operators to drive greater online revenue with Web services that leisure guests and corporate bookers are demanding.

New ResWave revenue tools
The newest ResWave revenue generating features include Dining Table Reservation Management which lets operators optimize their dining outlet's usage to maximize the number of covers and revenue with automated cover yield optimization. When guests book their dining reservations online with their room, the system analyzes table space availability and party size and recommends the best time to make a reservation to yield-manage covers and outlet revenue.

ResWave also now enables guests to personalize their stay with Guest Experience Customization functionality. ResWave enables guests to verify availability of spa space, dining reservations, tennis lessons and other activities to confirm their availability before they book a room. Other booking engines force guests to reserve a room before they verify if services are available, but ResWave's 'shopping cart' format allows guests to immediately verify the services they enjoy are available to personalize their stay experience and add to the property's bottom line.

ResWave goes multi-property. ResWave is fully integrated with all 20+ modules in Maestro Enterprise Property Management, which allows accurate real-time availability of rooms, spa attendants and treatment space, athletic coaches and dining space across multiple properties. Guests can make reservations from one property's booking engine and enjoy activities across all participating properties with all fees posted to a single folio for greater convenience.

The full Suite of additional ResWave online service capabilities also includes:

• Dynamic Package Management
• Group Rooming List Management
• 360 degree Guest Preference Tracking
• SMS PDA Communications to Reach Traveling Guests

ResWave delivers advanced Web services
"NORTHWIND-Maestro PMS is continuing to enhance ResWave to maximize operators' online revenue while providing guests with personalized services," said Warren Dehan, president of NORTHWIND-Maestro PMS' North America operations. "ResWave delivers advanced online capabilities beginning with guests' ability to add profitable amenities and events to their reservations before they arrive. The added benefit for operators is their ability to have a 360-degree view of guests by tracking each preference decision in Maestro to create more effective marketing campaigns and develop personalized guest service initiatives."

Revenue manage all guest booking options
All ResWave functionality, including online dynamic package customization, guest dining and event reservations, and group management capabilities are integrated with Maestro's real-time yield management to optimize property income from all revenue channels. Properties experience greater productivity from ResWave because guests can for the first time reserve a wide variety of income producing add-on package and non-package property activities with their room booking without contacting property staff. ResWave compliments NORTHWIND's advanced Web Connection functionality that includes Online Table Reservations, ResEze Web booking engine and Condo-Timeshare Owner Account Access, all designed to deliver optimal guest services and improve efficiency.

To learn how to leverage the Maestro PMS to increase online revenue, read the NORTHWIND-Maestro Web Connection White Paper

Conference attendees are invited to participate in a "Web Connection" Exhibitor Tutorial presented by Warren Dehan on Wednesday, June 18, from 1:30 - 2 p.m. in Tutorial Room A at the HITEC exhibit hall.

Maestro Property Management Suite
The Maestro Suite is comprised of more than 20 integrated modules on a single-image database for centralized, real-time full property automation, providing a 360-degree guest view at every point of contact. Solutions include Front Office (PMS), Accounts Receivable, Analytics and Business Intelligence Tools, Sales and Catering, Multi-Property Management, Condo Owner Management with Web Functionality, Timeshare Owner Management with Web Functionality, Spa and Activities, Club Membership, Yield Management, Golf Course, CRM, Central Reservation Office, Corporate Enterprise Management, GDS Two-Way XML Connectivity or Integration, ResEze Web Booking Engine, Work Orders, Fine Dining and Retail POS, Table Reservations with Web Booking, Concierge and Guest Experience Measurement. The Maestro PMS is database independent (ODBC Compliant) and may be deployed via Windows, UNIX, Linux, Terminal Services, hosted and Web platforms.

About NORTHWIND - Maestro PMS:
NORTHWIND is recognized in the hospitality industry for its "standard setting" Diamond Plus Services and state-of-the-art Maestro technology. The company is respected for being a long term partner that understands how to help you boost productivity and strengthen management control for your hotel, resort, conference center or multi-property group by providing flexible solutions that increase productivity and maximize ROI. With a network of dealers and offices worldwide, NORTHWIND is a leading supplier of software for all types of hospitality operations including hotels, resorts, timeshares, condominiums, retreats, state parks and clubs. Maestro applications are engineered for operators who need to manage their enterprise in a real-time environment for the utmost operational control and profitability. NORTHWIND is empowering over 8000 users worldwide by delivering the industry's most scaleable, flexible and advanced property management solution suite with more than 20 robust Maestro modules.

Contact:
NORTHWIND - Maestro PMS, North America
Audrey MacRae - Director, Sales & Marketing
Phone: 905.940.1923
Toll Free: 1-888-667-8488
Email: info @ maestropms.com
www.maestropms.com/HOL?campaign=PRWEbHITECResWaveJune52008

Maestro PMS Ltd., United Kingdom & Ireland
David Warren - Director of Services and Sales
P: +44 (0) 1293 883918
ukinfo @ maestropms.com
http://www.maestropms.co.uk

Media Contact
Julie Squires
Softscribe Inc.
Phone: 404-256-5512
Email: Julie @ softscribeinc.com   
www.softscribeinc.com

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[Via Markets]

Increasing adoption of messaging and content services is expected to push operator-billed data revenues in South America from $8.7 billion in 2008 to more than $23.3 billion by 2013, according to a new report from Juniper Research.

Hampshire, UK (PRWEB) June 4, 2008 — Increasing adoption of messaging and content services is expected to push operator-billed data revenues in South America from $8.7 billion in 2008 to more than $23.3 billion by 2013, according to a new report from Juniper Research.

The report found that as voice revenues are coming under ever-increasing pressure from competitive pricing and regulatory intervention, operators are seeking to enhance their portfolios of on-portal content. However, it also cautioned that excessive retail price points and data download costs were continuing to restrict the development of rich media services across the region.

According to report author Dr Windsor Holden, "Although we've witnessed a quite remarkable surge in subscriber growth across the region over the past three years, South America continues to lag behind the rest of the world in terms of its uptake of non-voice services. And while this can in part be attributed to the historical difficulties around interoperability which delayed mass adoption of SMS services, it is also fair to say that the high cost of games, browsing and mobile video has acted as a significant inhibitor to growth".

Nevertheless, the report expressed optimism that costs would fall and adoption rates rise, with rich media content usage likely to receive a further boost as operators' recently launched 3G services steadily gain subscribers.

Other findings from the Juniper report include:

• The South American mobile user base is expected to rise from 411 million in 2008 to 556 million in 2013
• Total operator-billed voice revenues for the region are expected to peak in 2011 at $67.3 billion and will decline thereafter
• Mexico will retain the highest blended ARPU across the region throughout the forecast period, marginally ahead of Chile

The new report provides in-depth coverage and forecasts for six key South American markets (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru) as well as for the region as a whole. It also includes regional overviews for key revenue drivers including mobile advertising, mobile entertainment services, mobile financial services and mobile ticketing.

Whitepapers and further details of the study 'South America: Mobile Opportunities, Markets & Forecasts 2008-2013' can be freely downloaded from http://www.juniperresearch.com. Alternatively please contact John Levett at john.levett @ juniperresearch.com, telephone +44(0)1256 830002.

Juniper Research provides research and analytical services to the global hi-tech communications sector, providing consultancy, analyst reports and industry commentary.

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[Via Markets]

Sutherland Global Services, a leading multi-national Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) provider, has been presented with the Outstanding Employer Award by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). This award recognizes Sutherland for providing employees with a vibrant and rewarding workplace as well as its success in generating new employment opportunities in the Philippines.

Rochester, NY (PRWEB) June 4, 2008 — Sutherland Global Services, a leading multi-national Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) provider, has been presented with the Outstanding Employer Award by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). This award recognizes Sutherland for providing employees with a vibrant and rewarding workplace as well as its success in generating new employment opportunities in the Philippines.

Sutherland showcased its superior employee relations programs and technologies that are operational across all of its locations in the Philippines. PEZA officials were especially impressed with the breadth of Sutherland’s employee engagement initiatives and the level of technological innovation in its workplace. Sutherland has deployed advanced automated tools from recruitment skill set analysis and web-based applicant tracking system to a unique, integrated HR model featuring analytics, resolution tracking and metrics.

PEZA Director General Atty. Lilia De Lima commented, “Sutherland’s complete dedication to its hardworking employees through an exceptional high touch employee relations program is commendable. This award is in recognition of the company’s commitment to a proactive and collaborative work environment for all its employees in the Philippines. Sutherland is a driving force in the development and growth of the BPO industry in the Philippines.”

Sutherland was also applauded for its partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Authority Learning Skills Institute (TESDA-LSI) of Philippines. Through this partnership, Sutherland is working to create technology and learning centers that will increase the employability of Philippine communities, strengthen its existing training infrastructure and help identify and groom the talent needed to meet the company’s ongoing expansion plans.

Sutherland expanded its operations into the Philippines in 2005 as destination geography for its BPO services. Since then the company has grown to employ more than 5,600 associates with delivery centers in Manila, Clark, Davao City and Camarines Sur.

“Sutherland’s ongoing growth strategy will continue to generate abundant jobs for the Filipino people in the growing BPO industry,” stated Craig Bowens, Sutherland Vice President and Philippines Country Manager. “This award further highlights Sutherland’s unwavering commitment to attracting, retaining and nurturing the best talent in the Philippines to support our marquee Fortune 500 clients.”

About The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA):
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is a government corporation attached to the Department of Trade and Industry that establishes world-class, environment-friendly economic zones (ecozones) all over the country with ready-to-occupy locations responding to the demands of foreign investors such as IT-service providers or export producers. This is a strong manifestation of the Philippine government’s support and dedication to the BPO industry. PEZA’s mission is to contribute to the acceleration of employment creation and other economic opportunities, particularly in the countryside, and to spur the growth and diversification of exports.

About Sutherland Global Services:
Sutherland Global Services is a multinational IT Enabled and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company, specializing in Integrated BPO solutions across Customer Lifecycle and Back-Office Lifecycle Management services. Having started operations in 1986 in Rochester, New York, Sutherland now employs over 21,000 professionals offering Right Sourced ™ seamlessly blended services from its 22 delivery centers in India, the United States, Philippines, Canada, Eastern Europe and Mexico. For more information, visit www.suth.com.

For more information contact
Sutherland Global Services
Michele Sadwick, Vice President
585-586-5757 x6093
michele_sadwick @ suth.com

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[Via Markets]

NAREIT’s new unified Web presence offers investment news, industry data, event info, policy updates, and much more.

Washington, DC (Vocus/PRWEB ) June 4, 2008 — The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trustsâ (NAREIT) today announced the launch of REIT.com, a new Web portal designed to be the home for “All Things REIT.”

“Whether you’re an investor, real estate professional, reporter, policy-maker or anyone else interested in REITs and real estate investment, REIT.com provides the information you want most,” said Steven A. Wechsler, NAREIT president and CEO. “Visitors can access the latest investment news, industry data, event info, policy updates, NAREIT member services and much more from this one site.”

REIT.com is designed around easy-to-use navigation that lets users find relevant content based on subject or user type. Some of the highlights of the new site include:

NEWS A news tab leads visitors to a daily menu of news items of interest to real estate executives and investors pulled from NAREIT’s morning executive news summary, Real Estate Investment SmartBrief.

In addition, the news tab takes users to RealEstatePortfolio.com, the online edition of the REIT industry’s flagship magazine. Redesigned, RealEstatePortfolio.com is a real-time hub for company coverage, analysis and one-on-one interviews with leading industry professionals, portfolio managers and investment analysts.

DATA REIT.com provides investors and real estate professionals with a library of current and historical data, including performance returns for the U.S. and global markets, dividend yields, market capitalizations, leverage rations, and much more.

EVENTS Under the events tab, users can stay abreast of upcoming NAREIT meetings, real estate companies’ conference calls and meetings, and other important industry events -– in the U.S. and around the globe.

INVESTORS Other sections of REIT.com are aimed to provide institutional as well as individual investors with resources from NAREIT and other organizations to help them make effective investment decisions about REITs and real estate investment.

POLICY-MAKERS For those users focused on policy changes affecting REITs and real estate investment, the Policy & Politics section provides the latest information on national, state and cross-border legislative and regulatory issues, as well as NAREIT’s Federal REIT Tax Compendium and a complete archive on industry-related issues.

JOBS For individuals interested in a career in real estate, and for companies seeking to attract new talent, REIT.com’s Career Center, powered by Select Leaders, contains the best professional real estate jobs, the most qualified real estate talent and the broad reach of the Select Leaders network.

The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trustsâ (NAREIT) is the representative voice for U.S. REITs and publicly traded real estate companies worldwide. Members are real estate investment trusts (REITs) and other businesses that own, operate and finance income-producing real estate, as well as those firms and individuals who advise, study and service those businesses. Visit our Web site at REIT.com.

NAREIT does not intend this press release to be a solicitation related to any particular company, nor does it intend to provide investment, legal or tax advice. Investors should consult with their own investment, legal or tax advisers regarding the appropriateness of investing in any of the securities or investment strategies discussed in this publication. Nothing herein should be construed to be an endorsement by NAREIT of any specific company or products or as an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any security or other financial instrument or to participate in any trading strategy. NAREIT expressly disclaims any liability for the accuracy, timeliness or completeness of data in this publication. Unless otherwise indicated, all data are derived from, and apply only to, publicly traded securities. Any investment returns or performance data (past, hypothetical, or otherwise) are not necessarily indicative of future returns or performance.

Contact:
Ron Kuykendall
(703) 328-7097   

Matt Bechard
(202) 468-7883

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[Via Stocks]

Elite list recognizes outstanding ethical leadership worldwide.

New York, NY (PRWEB) June 4, 2008 — The Ethisphere Institute, a think-tank dedicated to the research and promotion of profitable best practices in governance, business ethics, compliance and corporate social responsibility released its second annual World's Most Ethical Companies list. The recipients were honored at an evening reception at the June 3rd Ethisphere and Forbes joint conference, "Driving Profit Through Ethical Leadership." The elite list also appears nationally in the Q2 issue of the quarterly magazine of the Institute, Ethisphere Magazine.

Dave Steiner, CEO of Waste Management, who was named one of 2007's 100 Most Influential People in Business Ethics by the Institute, delivered the keynote address during the lunchtime session, offering attendees his take on the importance of doing business ethically, from the top down, and how a business can benefit from these practices.

Leaders from Google, PepsiCo, Kellogg, and American Express, which were included on the 2008 World's Most Ethical Companies list, spoke on various panels which included Going Green and Supply Chain Sustainability; Human Capital and the Value in Values-Based Leadership; and Looking Ahead: The Future of Ethical Leadership, among others.

"We were thrilled with the wealth of knowledge and anecdotes shared at the event, and believe that they will help advance the discourse on these important ethical business topics," said Alex Brigham, executive director of Ethisphere Institute.

Researchers and analysts reviewed several thousand companies throughout the duration of the year. There were numerous companies who were repeat winners from last year's inaugural list, including Duke Energy, Deere & Co, General Electric, Google, and McDonald's, while General Mills, NYSE Euronext, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), and Premier, Inc. were among many newcomers.

"The process was rigorous, and we are confident that the organizations included in the 2008 ranking are the standouts in their industries, forcing their competitors to take a long, hard look at their own efforts–and shortcomings," said Brigham. "These companies make a concerted effort to ensure ethical practices remain a top business priority."

The process included reviewing the companies' codes of ethics, litigation and regulatory infraction histories; evaluating the investment in innovation and sustainable business practices; looking at activities designed to improve corporate citizenship; studying nominations from senior executives, industry peers, suppliers and customers; and working with consumer action groups for feedback. Researchers further analyzed information provided by the companies themselves through questionnaires and conducted additional research for anything they might have missed.

The 2008 World's Most Ethical Companies advisory panel included Ethisphere editors and researchers as well as attorneys, government officials, professors and other leaders from their respective fields who care about ethical and honest business practices.

"We are pleased to see the dedication and commitment from such a diverse set of companies that demonstrate continual ethical leadership," said Stephen Martin, editor-in-chief of Ethisphere Magazine. "These companies consistently demonstrate that doing business the right way–ethically–can have a sustainable, positive impact on their performance and brand."

To see the complete list of the World's Most Ethical Companies, visit www.ethisphere.com/WME2008 or contact Jennifer Avrhami at Jennifer @ mindspace.net.

About Ethisphere Institute
The research-based Ethisphere Institute and associated membership group, the Ethisphere Council, are supported by more than 100 institutions and corporations, including the Practising Law Institute, the National Association of Corporate Directors, the Global Reporting Initiative and Corpedia. The Institute is dedicated to the research, creation, and sharing of best practices in ethics, compliance, and corporate governance among its membership companies. It also focuses on the development and advancement of individuals on its membership council through increased efficiency, innovation, tools, mentoring, advice, and unique career opportunities. Ethisphere Magazine is the quarterly publication of the Institute. More information on membership can be found at http://www.ethisphere.com.

The Ethisphere Institute publishes the globally-recognized annual World's Most Ethical Companies Ranking™ as well as the Government Contractor Ethics Program Ranking™ and the upcoming Global Anti-Corruption Quotient.

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[Via Stocks]

Multicultural Markets: A Path to Growth in the U.S.

Miami, FL (Vocus/PRWEB ) June 4, 2008 — As the country enters an economic recession, it is crucial for business leaders to discover new growth opportunities by expanding beyond their established markets. With a buying power of $1.35 trillion, the U.S. multicultural markets are important underserved consumer segments experiencing rapid growth. The 5th Annual Multicultural Marketing Summit will showcase solutions from Fortune 1000 companies that are successfully targeting these markets. The Summit will be hosted by Latin Force Group, LLC and will take place October 22-24, 2008 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Miami, Florida.

The Summit is a standout, five-star event, highly rated by participants for the quality of its agenda and speakers. Ceril Shagrin, Senior Vice President of Univision, stated that the event was, “By far the most informative and entertaining event – in a class by itself.” The sophisticated ambiance of the Mandarin Oriental hotel creates an elegant atmosphere where senior executives can network and learn from peers about the latest in market intelligence, case studies and best practices across numerous industries. Firms will provide examples on how repositioning their companies within multicultural markets contributed significantly to increased revenue and profits. Kevin Jordan, a Managing Director at Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group, which is a lead investor in Latin Force Group, shared about last year’s summit, “I was impressed by the quality of the presentations and advanced level of discussion. I left with many insights I didn’t have before.”

Presenters and attendees from past years include executives from leading companies such as Nationwide Insurance, Toyota Financial Services, General Mills, Univision, and much more. This year’s conference will feature speakers from companies such as Goldman Sachs, Coors, Nestle, Humana, Mass Mutual and many others.

A favorite feature of the Summit is the live musical entertainment each night. Last year, attendees were treated to a special performance by break out artist Chrisette Michelle of Def Jam Recordings, among other up and coming performing artists.

About Latin Force Group:
Latin Force Group is a strategy and market intelligence firm that provides cultural insights, consumer intelligence, go-to-market plans, databases, technology and analytics to help our clients achieve significant growth with America’s new mainstream consumers. The firm is headquartered in New York City with offices in Miami and Los Angeles. Among our diverse list of clients are: Allstate, American General Financial, BlueCross BlueShield, Farmer’s Insurance, DirecTV, General Mills, Humana, H&R Block, Mass Mutual, SuperValu, TracFone and Univision and. To learn more about the Latin Force Group, please visit www.latinforce.net.

About Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group:
The Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group is part of the Merchant Banking Division within The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE: GS), that invests capital in ethnic minority-owned or targeted businesses and urban real estate. Founded in 1869, Goldman Sachs is a leading global investment banking, securities and investment management firm. The firm is headquartered in New York and maintains offices in Miami, Chicago, Houston and Los Angeles. To learn more about the Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group, please visit www.gs.com/uig.

More Information and to register:
Please visit http://www.latinforce.net/summit

PRESS CONTACT:
Aviva Rose-Avila
Latin Force Group, LLC
Phone: (888) 309-2005
Fax: (305) 860-6161
news @ latinforce.net

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[Via Markets]

This is the second consecutive year Crain's has ranked TravelCLICK on its list.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) June 4, 2008 — TravelCLICK, Inc., the leading provider of ecommerce solutions for the global hotel industry, placed 34th in the Crain's Fast Fifty list, published yesterday in Crain's Chicago Business, the Chicago area's most respected business paper. This is the second consecutive year Crain's has ranked TravelCLICK on its list, which highlights the Chicago region's best and most innovative public and private companies. Crain's is often considered a leading indicator of a company's outlook for long-term performance and industry leadership.

Crain's noted the firm's 230% growth during a four-year period was earned through a combination of product expansion, acquisitions and strategic partnerships.

Chicago Business wrote that "business is booming" for TravelCLICK, whose comprehensive hotel ecommerce and revenue management solution enables hotels to drive consumer demand through the most effective channels, with focus on direct demand through their own websites. With TravelCLICK's award-winning iHotelier online reservations solution, guests book directly to the hotel through an easy to use, interactive booking screen that improves the online booking experience–as evidenced by higher online conversion rates–in addition to creating incremental revenue opportunities for hoteliers.

"It is an honor to be recognized again on the Fast Fifty," said Robert Post, president and chief executive officer of TravelCLICK. "With fluctuations in the US and global hospitality markets, our comprehensive solutions are precisely what hotels need today to outperform their competitors and serve their customers better. The proof point is that our hotels are having increased revenue, higher room nights booked, and greater revenue per booking–from Chicago to Dubai to Melbourne."

TravelCLICK employs more than 400 people worldwide–150 of them in the Chicago area. The company has international offices in Barcelona, Dubai, Melbourne, Shanghai and Tokyo and supports 13,000 customers around the world. TravelCLICK also has been named to the Crain's business list of Chicago's largest privately-held companies.

About TravelCLICK, Inc.
TravelCLICK (www.travelclick.net) is the leading provider of ecommerce solutions that help hotels sell rooms smarter and drive long-term profitability. TravelCLICK helps hotels maximize asset ROI by combining innovative market analysis and proven industry best practices with advanced technology to develop and implement high-return strategies. The company offers a full set of solutions including reservations and distribution management, market intelligence-based decision support, and marketing services. Serving the hospitality industry since 1999 and headquartered in the Chicago area, TravelCLICK has more than 13,000 customers in 140 countries.

Contact:        
Katrina Pruitt-Andrews
+1 410 257 9154
kpandrews @ travelclick.net

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[Via Markets]