Register for free to join our community of investors and share your ideas. You will also get access to streaming quotes, interactive charts, trades, portfolio, live options flow and more tools.
Register for free to join our community of investors and share your ideas. You will also get access to streaming quotes, interactive charts, trades, portfolio, live options flow and more tools.
Debt is More than Annoying; It Could Cost You Your Home
MINNEAPOLIS--(Business Wire)--Feb. 2, 2006--
First-Ever National Public Service Announcement Campaign Addresses Growing Home Foreclosure Problem; Promotes 888-995-HOPE Help Hotline
It's a national epidemic: Within the last five years alone, nearly 2.9 million households in the United States have experienced foreclosure.
To combat the nation's rising foreclosure problem, the
Homeownership Preservation Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
organization is launching what may be the first-ever nationwide public service campaign to specifically address the nation's growing foreclosure problem. The campaign encourages homeowners to call the Foundation at 888-995-HOPE to receive free, confidential advice from HUD-certified counseling agencies. Based in Minneapolis, the Homeownership Preservation Foundation is dedicated to reducing foreclosures and preserving homeownership for American homeowners.
According to the Homeownership Preservation Foundation's president and executive director, Walt Fricke, there's plenty of blame to share for the nation's rising foreclosure problem, from homeowners who have not educated and informed themselves about the obligations of taking on a mortgage, to the availability of easy credit. Regardless, says Fricke, no one wins when a foreclosure touches a neighborhood.
"Besides the obvious loss to a homeowner and his or her family,
the values of homes near foreclosed properties drop dramatically when a home is boarded up. A typical city may lose up to $33,000 per foreclosed home, and a typical mortgage company may lose $50,000 or more per home," says Fricke. "One way or another, all consumers suffer and end up paying more."
To drive awareness of the Foundation's toll-free hotline, the
campaign will leverage two 30-second TV spots, two 15-second TV spots, three 60-second-radio spots and one 30-second radio spot, as well as two print executions.
The theme of the campaign focuses on moving homeowners who are
facing financial difficulties from a state of "denial" to taking action before it costs them their homes. In each television spot, an actor personifies the nagging, annoying thoughts that weigh on a homeowner who is experiencing financial difficulty.
"We've counseled more than 50,000 homeowners and we've learned
that the earlier a homeowner acknowledges their financial difficulties and calls us, the more options we have in helping that homeowner," says Walt Fricke, president and executive director of the Homeownership Preservation Foundation. "By the time a homeowner actually has been served a foreclosure notice, there is sometimes little we can do."
Unfortunately, notes Fricke, based on industry data and a recent Harris Interactive survey of homeowners, slightly more than 50 percent of homeowners avoid contacting their mortgage company for help.
"Our campaign is designed to reach out to this 50 percent -- those who are uncomfortable calling their mortgage company," Fricke says.
Colle + McVoy Advertising and Exponent Public Relations, both of Minneapolis, developed the campaign. The creative team included Dave Keepper, creative director; Glenn Gray, art director; and Brian Ritchie, copywriter. The TV public service announcements were directed by New York director Brendan Gibbons, whose other commercial credits include campaigns for CNN, Verizon, ESPN and M&Ms candies.
About the Homeownership Preservation Foundation
The Homeownership Preservation Foundation (HPF) is a
Minneapolis-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to reducing
foreclosures and preserving homeownership for American homeowners. The Foundation was founded in September 2004 with a $20 million seed contribution from GMAC-RFC, a subsidiary of Residential Capital Corporation, one of the nation's largest real estate finance companies. The Foundation partners with city, county and state governments; federal government agencies; community-based non-profit organizations; and mortgage companies to offer creative solutions to preserve home ownership. For more information about the Homeownership
Preservation Foundation, please visit www.hpfonline.org.
Homeownership Preservation Foundation
Stephen Dupont, 952-857-6643
stephen.dupont@hpfonline.org
Copyright Business Wire 2006
02Feb06 21:58 GMT
Source BW Business Wire
Introducing EarthLink DSL and Home Phone Service
Broadband and VoIP Bundle Provides Higher Speeds At a Lower Cost than Existing Telephone companies
ATLANTA, Feb. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EarthLink (Nasdaq: ELNK), the nation's next generation Internet Service Provider, today announced its latest voice offering for consumers, EarthLink DSL and Home Phone Service. This unique voice and data solution combines a full-featured, easy-to-use phone
service with high-speed Internet access. The service initially launches in Dallas, TX, San Francisco and San Jose, CA, and Seattle, WA.
Customers in these select markets will benefit from the cost-savings and features that EarthLink Home Phone Service delivers over traditional telephone service and also from the bundle's next generation broadband technology that delivers high speed service up to 8 mbps. EarthLink Home Phone Service
operates during a power outage, supports enhanced 911 calling, requires no additional hardware, works with existing phone jacks and equipment, and offers custom calling features.
"Consumers are used to grimacing each month when the phone company's bill arrives in the mail, but EarthLink DSL and Home Phone Service will change all of that," said Steve Howe, EarthLink's vice president of voice services. "This bundled service offers people what they really want, lots of savings, great telephone features and terrific speed - up to 8 mbps of it."
EarthLink DSL and Home Phone Service includes standard phone features like caller ID and voicemail, and more innovative tools such as call prioritization and blocking and click-to-dial. Customers also receive EarthLink's innovative
Internet protection tools like Spyware Blocker(TM) and spamBlocker, and the company's award-winning customer service and support.
Customers manage their voice service through their myVoice portal, which integrates their phone and email contact information into a single address book. Address book changes are automatically updated on the servers, regardless of phone numbers, physical addresses or email addresses, ensuring
consistency between services.
This new addition to EarthLink's voice services marries the "last mile" of traditional telephone copper wiring with the advanced features of Voice over IP (VoIP) by taking advantage of next-generation Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer (DSLAM) technology that offers higher-speed broadband
access (ADSL 2+, G.SHDSL). EarthLink DSL and Home Phone Service customers will enjoy high quality service because their calls will be delivered over EarthLink's managed national networks rather than the public Internet.
Pricing plans for EarthLink's DSL and Home Phone Service start at $49.95 per month. For more information about EarthLink's voice services please go to
http://www.earthlink.net/voice.
About EarthLink
"EarthLink. We revolve around you(TM)." As the nation's next generation Internet service provider, Atlanta-based EarthLink has earned an award-winning reputation for outstanding customer service and its suite of online products and services. Serving over five million subscribers, EarthLink offers what every user should expect from their Internet experience: high-quality
connectivity, minimal online intrusions and customizable features. Whether it's dial-up, high-speed, voice, web hosting, wireless or "EarthLink Extras" like home networking or security, EarthLink connects people to the power and
possibilities of the Internet. Learn more about EarthLink by calling (800) EARTHLINK or visiting EarthLink's Web site at www.EarthLink.net.
SOURCE EarthLink
Jerry Grasso of EarthLink, +1-404-748-7208, or grassoj@corp.earthlink.net
06Feb06 14:01 GMT
Symbols:
de;ELN de;ELNF de;ELNX us;ELNK
Source PRN PR Newswire
Fiscally Responsible SBA FY 2007 Budget Provides for Record Capital for Small Businesses
WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Small Business Administration today announced a fiscal year 2007 budget request of $624 million that provides a record $28 billion in loan and venture capital authority for the agency's flagship small business financing programs.
On the technical assistance side, the budget requests approximately $87 million for Small Business Development Centers, $12 million for Women's Business Centers and $5 million for SCORE, Counselors to America's Small Businesses.
"The SBA's fiscally responsible FY 2007 request provides for record authority for small business lending and provides for the other key resources we offer to small businesses," said SBA Administrator Hector V. Barreto. "From a lending perspective, this builds on our successes over the last four years, when we reached more small businesses, including more women and minority entrepreneurs. As we have in the past, we also continue to strive to be efficient and innovative in our use of technology as we deliver financing, technical assistance, education and counseling and contracting programs to
millions of small business owners."
As in FY 2005 and FY 2006, the 7(a) loan guarantee program will be sustained by modest fees paid by lenders and borrowers and will not be subsidized by an appropriation. This has resulted in an annual savings to the taxpayer of about $100 million. The program has operated on that basis since the start of FY 2005, and set all-time loan volume and dollar records last
year.
The budget proposes a fee on loans greater than $1 million made to small businesses to offset loan-making administrative costs. The fee will have no effect on the vast majority of borrowers.
It also proposes to continue providing preferential loan terms to victims of disaster. However, in order to contain the escalating costs of the program, it proposes keeping the current deeply subsidized rates for the first five years after origination, during the critical rebuilding phase. Afterward, rates would graduate to the rates on Treasury instruments of
similar maturity. The proposal is expected to save $41 million in FY 2007.
"These changes are necessary fiscal restraints that strike a balance between the needs of the SBA's customers and clients with the needs of all American taxpayers," said Barreto. "They will allow us to continue to operate more efficiently and effectively to meet the record demands of small businesses for financing, and of disaster victims for federal help over the
long-term."
* A record $17.5 billion in lending authority for the 7(a) loan guarantee program;
* A record $7.5 billion in lending authority for the 504 Certified Development Company program with a zero subsidy;
* $3 billion program level for the SBIC debenture program with a zero subsidy (same as current year);
* $900 million in lending authority for the Disaster Loan Program (five- year average);
* $743 thousand for the National Women's Business Council (up from $741 million this year);
* $743 thousand for Veteran's Outreach (up from $741 million this year);
* $990 thousand for the Drug Free Workplace Program (up from $987 million this year).
"We look forward to working with our oversight committees in Congress as the budget process moves forward to make sure the SBA continues to be America's small business resource," added Administrator Barreto.
SOURCE U.S. Small Business Administration
Anne Marie Frawley of U.S. Small Business Administration, +1-202-205-6948
06Feb06 19:01 GMT
Source PRN PR Newswire
Realtors see 4.7 pct drop in 2006 US home resales
WASHINGTON, Feb 7 (Reuters) - U.S. home sales will fall in
2006 as house prices rise at rates far below those notched last
year, but the housing market should remain healthy by historic
standards, a trade group said on Tuesday.
The National Association of Realtors' chief economist said
sales of existing U.S. homes should drop 4.7 percent to 6.74
million units this year, down from a record 7.07 million in
2005.
Sales of new homes should fall 8.5 percent to 1.17 million
units from a record of 1.28 million in 2005, David Lereah said
in his monthly outlook. He pegged 2006 housing starts at 1.87
million units, down 9.3 percent from the 2.06 million posted in
2005.
"Sometimes people lose sight of the fact that real estate
is cyclical," he said. "Even so, sales will continue at a
historically high pace with modestly higher interest rates as
the year progresses, and 2006 is forecast to be the third
strongest year on record."
Lereah said the national median existing-home price for all
housing types is expected to rise 5 percent to $219,200 -- a
rate of increase far below the double-digit annual gains
notched during a five-year market rally.
SBA Breaks Disaster Loan Record
More Than $4 Billion Approved in the Gulf Region SBA Breaks Disaster Loan Record; More Than $4 Billion Approved in the Gulf Region Surpasses Response Following the 1994 Northridge Quake
WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $4 billion in disaster loans to homeowners, renters and businesses affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma, surpassing the
previous record set after the Northridge Earthquake in 1994.
In just over five months, the SBA has approved $4.12 billion in disaster loans to more than 58,700 residents and business owners in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Texas and Florida. In comparison, a total of $4.052 billion in disaster loans were approved in the 12-month period after the Northridge Earthquake.
"The SBA has been approving disaster loans at an unprecedented pace," said Administrator Hector V. Barreto. "Never before in our history has the SBA been asked to respond to a disaster of this magnitude, and our people have worked tirelessly, compassionately and with urgency to meet the needs of the
people affected by these hurricanes. Our results beat by more than six months the time it took SBA to reach $4 billion after the Northridge Earthquake, which was the only other disaster to surpass the $2 billion mark in our 52- year history."
Disaster loans for homeowners are the biggest category of loans being approved at $3.17 billion. Disaster loans to businesses currently stand at $952.6 million in approvals.
Louisiana leads in disaster loan approvals at $2.4 billion. Mississippi follows with $1.4 billion in disaster loan approvals. In Alabama, $82 million in disaster loans have been approved and in Texas the figure stands at $78 million. The total for Florida is $107 million.
Throughout the affected region, over 229,100 properties have been inspected and at least 96 percent of the economic injury disaster loans submitted have been processed. More than 204,700 applications have been processed so far. The record number of loans processed following a disaster declaration is 250,042 after the Northridge Earthquake. That figure should be
surpassed within the next two months. March 11 is the deadline for residents and business owners in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Texas to submit a disaster loan application for
property losses.
For more information about the SBA's Disaster Assistance loan programs, visit the SBA Web site at http://www.sba.gov/disaster_recov/hurricanes/.
SOURCE U.S. Small Business Administration
Carol Chastang of the U.S. Small Business Administration, +1-202-205-6987
07Feb06 21:59 GMT
Freddie economist eyes drop in 2006 US home sales
WASHINGTON, Feb 8 (Reuters) - U.S. home sales should fall
3.4 percent in 2006 but new construction will drop more, down
about 7.3 percent from last year's high, as rising mortgage
rates cool the housing market, Freddie Mac's top economist said
on Wednesday.
Freddie Mac <FRE.N> Chief Economist Frank Nothaft told
Reuters he expects home sales to total 7.19 million units in
2006, down from the record 7.44 million units sold in 2005.
That would be near the 2004 sales level of 7.17 million units.
Total home sales includes new and existing homes, but not
condominiums, Nothaft said.
He said housing starts should decline to 1.91 million units
this year, down from 2.06 million units in 2005 and 1.95
million in 2004.
Prices should continue to rise by about 7 percent to 8
percent this year -- below the double-digit rates of growth
posted in recent years, Nothaft said.
U.S. Venture-Capital Fund-Raising Tops $22 Billion in 2005 Outpacing 2004 by 19%;...
SAN FRANCISCO--(Business Wire)--Feb. 9, 2006--
U.S. venture capital firms raised $22.16 billion in 2005, a 19%increase over the amount of funds raised in 2004, making it the largest fund-raising year since 2001, according to VentureOne, a unit of Dow Jones Newswires and the publisher of VentureSource.
However, the number of funds that closed in 2005--108--was eight fewer than closed in 2004.
The fourth quarter accounted for 20 fund closings, raising $5.59 billion. While this is 12 fewer funds than closed in the fourth quarter of 2004, it represents 11% more capital raised than the same quarter a year ago.
"The fourth quarter continued the trend that was observed
throughout the course of 2005 in which the size of individual funds grew considerably, reaching a median $201 million, the largest in more than a decade," noted Steve Harmston, director of global research at VentureOne. "The fact that investors are raising such large funds comes in conjunction with the increasing globalization of the technology market and the need to provide entrepreneurial companies with larger rounds of financing so they can scale up quicker than the competition."
"Fortunately, venture capital investors appear to be putting these funds to use, as the 2005 investment level is almost precisely apace with fund-raising," continued Mr. Harmston.
Of note in 2005 is that 28% of the funds that closed were in the $250 million to $499 million range, compared to 20% last year. In addition, almost 8% of the funds that closed in 2005 were between $500 million and $999 million in size--the most funds of this size completed since 2001. Interestingly, funds of less than $100 million in size represented only 43% of the funds closed in 2005--the first time this percentage has dropped below 50% since at least 1992.
In the fourth quarter, the largest U.S. fund raised was the $1.4 billion Technology Crossover Ventures VI fund. In addition, three other U.S. funds raised were $500 million or larger this quarter.
The fund-raising figures included in this release are based on
aggregate findings of VentureOne's proprietary research. This data was collected by surveying professional venture capital firms and from secondary sources. No statement herein is to be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell securities or to provide investment advice.
Dow Jones VentureOne
Michelle Jeffers, 415-439-6666
michelle.jeffers@dowjones.com
Copyright Business Wire 2006
09Feb06 13:01 GMT
Source BW Business Wire
Pet Products Find a $3 Billion Home Outside the Pet Store
NEW YORK, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- As pet owner tastes become increasingly upscale, they're more likely to be looking outside traditional pet retail stores to purchase high-ticket luxury, gift, and human-brand products. As a result, the market for pet products in "nontraditional" outlets should reach nearly $4.2 billion by 2010, according to Market Trends: Pet Products and
Shoppers in Non-Traditional Retail Outlets, a new report from market research publisher Packaged Facts, a division of MarketResearch.com, the leading provider of industry-specific market research reports.
Spearheading the pet product influx into non-traditional outlets are gift/luxury products, such as diamond-studded collars and faux mink coats, value-priced items, convenience-oriented products, private-label and licensed fare, and human-style goods from some of the world's top fashion monikers.
"We're seeing a phenomenal trend of 'humanization' in the pet industry, both in how owners treat pets as members of the family and how pet products are mirroring human products," said Don Montuori, the publisher of Packaged Facts. "There's a 'what's good enough for me is good enough for my pet'
attitude driving growth in this market, particularly among affluent consumers, including aging boomers, empty nesters, seniors, singles, and gay couples, who spare no expense when it comes to premium pet supplies."
http://www.packagedfacts.com/pub/1087709.html.
Tom Ehart of MarketResearch.com, +1-240-747-3014, or email
tehart@marketresearch.com
09Feb06 15:17 GMT
Source PRN PR Newswire
NYMEX gets more clearances for electronic trading
NEW YORK, Feb 10 (Reuters) - The New York Mercantile
Exchange said it has obtained regulatory clearances to offer the use of its NYMEX ACCESS trading and ClearPort clearing and
trading platforms in 11 additional countries.
The latest authorizations were received from Belgium, Cayman
Islands, Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Gibraltar, Iceland,
Latvia, Malta, Norway, and Slovenia, NYMEX said in a release
Thursday night.
Clearances have been previously obtained from Bermuda, Hong
Kong, Ireland, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland, the United
Kingdom, and United States including all U.S. territories, NYMEX said.
NYMEX has begun the process of becoming authorized in
approximately 50 additional jurisdictions, said NYMEX President
James Newsome.
"Offering electronic trading and clearing in these
countries is part of the global expansion initiative that NYMEX
began in 2004," he added.
10Feb06 15:02 GMT
Source RTRS Reuters News
Warner Home Video and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Present ``Martha's Spring Gardening''... [FVFRTZC]
Warner Home Video and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Present ``Martha's Spring Gardening'' Available on DVD March 21; Over 80 Engaging ``How-to'' Segments for Gardeners of All Levels
BURBANK, Calif.--(Business Wire)--Feb. 9, 2006--
Just in time for spring, Warner Home Video (WHV) and
Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO) will release "Martha's Spring Gardening" on March 21, 2006. The latest offering from WHV's Martha Stewart Home Entertainment Library, "Martha's Spring Gardening" will help viewers cultivate the skills they need to grow gardens of all styles and sizes. From planting lilies and harvesting asparagus, to selecting essential gardening tools, this DVD offers a wealth of helpful advice from Martha Stewart, the leading authority on "how-to"
lifestyle information.
Martha's Spring Gardening will feature more than six hours of
content and will retail for $24.98 (SRP).
Both weekend putterers and gardening pros are sure to find
"Martha's Spring Gardening" to be the ultimate resource for growing and creating a garden beyond their imagination. The comprehensive two-disc DVD is filled with over six hours of Martha's finest techniques, which teach everything from planting and potting basics, to choosing the right garden tool, to floral arranging, garden maintenance and much more.
Martha brings the outdoors in, and demonstrates how to make the
most of their self-harvested garden vegetables with delicious recipes such as Fontina & Asparagus Bruschetta and Rhubarb Crisp. The collection will take viewers through an entire season of gardening with techniques for awakening the garden, cleaning tools and even repairing the lawnmower. Special features include 14 bonus tips & techniques, printable ROM material, and tours of two of Martha's beloved homes ...
Jeff Brown, WHV Senior Vice President and General Manager,
Non-theatrical Franchise, said, "Viewers will see their gardens for the first time once they've watched this DVD. They will be motivated and inspired to try some of Martha's wonderful advice because it's presented in such an easy-to-use format. There are close to 80 different segments that will appeal to both new and very experienced gardeners." He added, "A great effort was made to include as many helpful gardening tips from Martha as we could in order to bring consumers a product they would truly feel was valuable."
Segments featured on "Martha's Spring Gardening" were culled from MSLO's vast library of over 1,500 hours of digitized television programming, which includes more than 10 seasons of Emmy(R)-award winning "Martha Stewart Living" series hosted by Martha Stewart. Future Martha Stewart releases will center on other core content areas with themes such as crafts, decorating, seasonal cooking and entertaining, home keeping, and fun ideas for kids, to name a few. Special features include items such as interactive planners, tips and techniques, and creative design templates. Users can customize their viewing experience, as each video segment is individually selectable,
with many unique corresponding special features that are practical and easy to use.
For more information on this and other titles distributed by
Warner Home Video, visit www.whvdirect.com.
Artwork is downloadable at www.WHVDirect.com or by request.
Warner Home Video
Melissa Hufjay, 818-977-7310
or The Lippin Group/LA
Alex Uliantzeff, 323-965-1990
Copyright Business Wire 2006
09Feb06 19:31 GMT
SBA Loan Approvals in Florida Surpass $100 Million for Hurricane Wilma Victims
MIAMI, Feb. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- More than $100 million in U.S. Small Business Administration disaster assistance loans have been approved for over 1,560 residents and business owners in Florida who were affected by Hurricane Wilma.
"Our efforts to provide rebuilding loans to the people of Florida are beginning to pay off," said SBA Field Operations Center East Director Frank Skaggs. "The steps we have taken thus far to enhance our loan processing capabilities are allowing us to approve disaster loans much quicker and enable
us to get the needed funds in the hands of those victims needing to repair not only their property but their lives as well."
In Florida, the SBA has approved 1,566 disaster loans for $106,527,300. Of that, 225 loans worth $9,131,700 have gone to homeowners and renters and 1,341 loans worth $97,395,600 have gone to businesses.
The interest rates for these loans can be as low as 2.687 percent for homeowners and renters and 4.000 percent for businesses with loan term up to 30 years. Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are available to small business unable to pay bills or meet operating expense because of the disaster
with loan limits up to $1.5 million. Actual loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA, and are based on each applicant's financial condition.
Applications and program information are available by calling SBA's Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 Monday through Saturday during the hours of 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM EST. Business loan applications may also be downloaded from the SBA Website at www.sba.gov/disaster.
The deadline for returning applications for economic injury is July 24, 2006. The deadline for physical damage has passed (January 31, 2006).
For more information about the SBA's Disaster Loan Programs, visit our website at www.sba.gov/disaster.
SOURCE U.S. Small Business Administration
Michael Lampton of the U.S. Small Business Administration, +1-404-347-3771
10Feb06 23:39 GMT
Source PRN PR Newswire
TD Ameritrade says trading rose in January
(Adds analyst remarks paragraphs 6-7; share price)
NEW YORK, Feb 10 (Reuters) - Online brokerage TD Ameritrade
Holding Corp. <AMTD.O> on Friday reported 232,000 average
client trades per day in January in its first report as an
expanded company.
Toronto-Dominion Bank <TD.TO> last month completed its sale
of TD Waterhouse USA to Ameritrade Holding Corp.
The company said on a stand-alone basis, Ameritrade's and
TD Waterhouse's volumes were up 32 percent and 31 percent from
December, respectively.
On a pro-forma combined basis, the company averaged 299,000
client trades per day.
On Jan. 27, client margin balances for TD Ameritrade
totaled about $7.8 billion and client assets totaled about $256
billion.
Analyst Richard Repetto at Sandler O'Neill said the January
trades were as expected.
He raised his March quarter EPS estimate by a penny to 22
cents a share and raised his full year 2006 estimate by a penny
to 92 cents. Repetto maintained his "buy" rating and 12-month price target of $23.
Shares nudged 4 cents lower to $19.60 on Nasdaq.
Symbols:
ca;TD de;AMT de;AMTF de;AMTS de;AMTX de;TDB de;TDBF de;TDBX
REUTERS U.S. business loans up $1.8 bln in latest week
WASHINGTON, Feb 10 (Reuters) - Commercial and industrial
loans on the books at U.S. commercial banks rose in the latest
week, the Federal Reserve said on Friday.
WEEK ENDED Feb 1
(Seasonally adjusted, billions of dollars)
Business loans..........1,075.1 up........1.8
U.S. Govt securities....1,160.4 up........9.1
Large time deposits.....1,430.6 down......6.7
(
OneHourRefund Offers Rapid Return Filing and Refunds From the Comfort of Home
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- OneHourRefund.com has launched an online tax preparation and rapid refund service for the 2005 filing year. Consumers can process their returns in as little as an hour's time. The service includes both state and federal returns, and a free trial is available.
*(LOGO: Send2Press.com/mediadesk/logo-onehourrefund_72dpi.jpg)
Two services are available at www.OneHourRefund.com -- electronic (or e-filing) starting at $19.95 or Refund Anticipation Loans (RAL or Rapid refund) from $19.95 + bank fee. RALs are available in 1-2 days, and no credit
checks are required. No RAL fees are required up front; all fees are debited from the refund.
Direct deposit refunds via e-filing are available within 1-10 days. E-filing is the only method of tax filing that gives you an official receipt.
OneHourRefund.com is available online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A computer, Internet access and an email address -- for login and payment confirmation -- are required. There is no software to download; consumers simply log in, then point and click their choices into each desired field.
The online system complies with the latest tax laws and automatically checks for errors and omissions. Online assistance from experienced tax professionals is available during the filing process.
An online save feature is available for consumers who cannot or do not wish to complete their return in one sitting. All returns are password protected.
Consumers with outstanding delinquent government debts (i.e., child support, student loans, or IRS debt); inaccurate, incomplete or false information; and who are self-employed or have itemized deductions are not eligible for RALs. Advance Loans are available for refunds totaling $1,500 or higher with $1,000 available in 1-2 days and the full balance paid within 7 to 10 days.
Based in Nashville, TN, OneHourRefund.com has partnered with Santa Barbara Bank & Trust (SBBT) to offer its service. SBBT processed more than 10% of last year's 67 million returns via e-filing.
More information: http://www.OneHourRefund.com
This release was issued on behalf of the above organization by
Send2Press(R), a unit of Neotrope(R). http://www.Send2Press.com
SOURCE One Hour Refund
John Edwards of One Hour Refund, +1-615-781-4375, john@onehourrefund.com
The Comforts and Connections of Home Await the U.S. Olympic Team at the ``Hilton...
The Comforts and Connections of Home Await the U.S. Olympic Team at the ``Hilton Family Connection Cafe'' in Torino; Hilton Family of Hotels Takes Hospitality to the USA House in Torino to Give Athletes Hi-Tech/Hi-Touch Access to Family and Friends
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(Business Wire)--Feb. 14, 2006--
To help loved ones Stay Connected(TM) during the Olympic
Winter Games, the Hilton Family of Hotels has created the "Hilton Family Connection Cafe" at the USA House in Torino for the U.S. athletes, U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) staff, media, coaches, and athletes' families.
The Hilton Family of Hotels designed the "cafe" space in the USA House using its in-hotel technology solutions to enable visitors to Stay Connected(TM) to family, friends and business while in Torino.
"Our heritage is in hospitality and we strive to provide our
guests with what they need to perform at their best. This includes comfortable work environments with high-speed Internet connections," said Tim Harvey, executive vice president and chief information officer, Hilton Hotels Corporation. "Our goal in sponsoring the 'Hilton Family Connection Cafe' is to make it easy and comfortable for the athletes to maintain a connection with family and friends, and to keep up with what is happening in and around Torino."
Athletes' access to friends and family will extend well beyond email and Internet access. Also available will be a web camera to send video mail throughout the duration of the Olympic Winter Games.
The USOC and Hilton Family have also partnered with AT&T and
Lenovo to provide additional fun and functional technology in the "Hilton Family Connection Cafe," including:
-- Live television feed of the Olympic Winter Games;
-- Lenovo laptops available for check-out;
-- Wireless Internet access;
-- Universal charging stations for cell phones; and
-- Access to an Olympic-inspired online game, the Hilton Family
U.S. Olympic Downhill Dash.
And to ensure the USA House offers a comfortable place to relax, Hilton, together with the USOC, has equipped the "Connection Cafe" with furniture in a style consistent with Hilton Family of Hotels high standards.
In addition, a small delegation of owners of Hilton Family hotels will receive an exclusive preview of VoIP Softphone technology while visiting the USA House. This technology will allow guests staying at Hilton Family hotels to make phone calls to anywhere in the world via high-speed Internet access.
The Hilton Family relationship with the USOC dates back to its 1980 sponsorship of the U.S. Olympic Team. The Hilton Family of Hotels sponsorship of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams will extend through the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, and will also include sponsorship of the 2007 U.S. Pan American Team.
About the Hilton Family of Hotels
Hilton Hotels Corporation is recognized internationally as a
preeminent hospitality company. The company develops, owns, manages or franchises more than 2,300 hotels, resorts and vacation ownership properties. Its portfolio includes many of the world's best known and most highly regarded hotel brands, including Hilton(R), Conrad(R), Doubletree(R), Embassy Suites Hotels(R), Hampton Inn(R), Hampton Inn & Suites(R), Hilton Garden Inn(R), Hilton Grand Vacations Club(R), Homewood Suites by Hilton(R), and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection(TM).
The following service marks are owned by Hilton Hospitality, Inc.:
Hilton(R), Doubletree(R), Embassy Suites Hotels(R), Hampton Inn(R), Hampton Inn & Suites(R), Hilton Garden Inn(R), Hilton Grand Vacations Club(R) and Homewood Suites by Hilton(R). Conrad(R) is owned by Conrad Hospitality, LLC.
HHC Brand Communications
Kendra Walker, 310-205-4545
kendra_walker@hilton.com
http://www.hiltonworldwide.com
or
Cohn & Wolfe (on behalf of HHC)
Scott Sheff
Torino phone: (39) 346-383-0396
scott_sheff@cohnwolfe.com
or
U.S. Olympic Committee
Cheryl Herbert
Torino phone: (39) 348-453-7637
cheryl.herbert@usoc.org
New Homes are Smart Investment for Active Adults
LACEY, Wash., Feb. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Downsizing for retirement doesn't mean giving up gardening, woodworking and other joys of home ownership. An active adult community might be a good option.
This niche of new home construction is growing across the country, says Christine Bachman, Vice President of Marketing for Jenamar Communities, LLC. Restricted to people in their 50s or above, active adult communities combine low-maintenance homes with a lifestyle focused on recreational and social
activities. See www.JubileeLiving.com.
"Some of us call ourselves recycled teenagers," says JoAnn Mesojednik, a resident of Jubilee at Hawks Prairie, an active adult community. "Living here gives us a chance to do things we didn't have time to do before." Jubilee at Hawks Prairie, developed by Jenamar Communities, is an award-winning master planned community located near Lacey, Wash. The single-story, craftsman-style homes are built with quality and practicality better. Homebuyers can choose from 15 floor plans, ranging from 1,156 to 2,584 square feet.
The goal is to create a comfortable place to transition from the working and active retirement lifestyle. Residential real estate continues to be a bright spot for the economy, so home ownership at retirement is a smart investment, Bachman says. For example, the average Jubilee home has gained 25 percent in value since the community opened in February 2004.
Older buyers will cause the greatest increase in demand for new homes in the next decade. What's behind the rush of activity from people age 55 or better? Their population is growing, they control most of the wealth and resale homes weren't built for their needs.
Active adults want to retire in new homes close to family and friends. They want opportunities nearby for employment, dining, health care services and community festivals.
These busy people also look forward to a shorter list of household chores. But a smaller home doesn't have to sacrifice space, Bachman says. She recommends homebuyers look for open living areas that can be rearranged as residents' needs change. Natural lighting and flexible living areas will make
life easier in the later years.
Active adult communities give residents the chance to create a home that fits their lifestyle, and fun activities provide resort-style living. It's an investment that will pay off in the years to come. SOURCE Jenamar Communities, LLC
Christine Bachman, Vice President, Marketing of Jenamar Communities, LLC,
+1-360-455-1441, ext. 232
15Feb06 10:06 GMT
Source PRN PR Newswire
Categories:
NWI/RLT NWS/SCZ MST/I/REA MST/L/EN MST/R/US/WA TGT/PRX
Spring Home & Garden 2006 Feature Releases
"on a lighter note"
SAN FRANCISCO--(Business Wire)--Feb. 14, 2006--
The following releases focus on the topic Spring Home &
Garden:
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--Introducing: An Industry First - The GE
Profile(TM) Free-Standing 120-Volt Dual-Fuel Range
AM, SOURCE: GE Consumer & Industrial, NYSE:GE)
LANSING, Mich.--FEATURE/Spring Moves Go Smoothly with Planning and Research (02/14/2006 - 12:00 PM, SOURCE: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK)
CLEVELAND--So Many Ways to Improve Outdoor Furniture!; Give Your Outdoor Furniture the Look You Love With Spray Paint From Krylon (02/14/2006 - 12:00 PM, SOURCE: Krylon Hardware Products)
RICHMOND, Texas--Spring Cleaning the Easy Way! With the EZ Does It Cart (02/14/2006 - 12:15 PM, SOURCE: EZ Does It Cart)
BOTHELL, Wash.--New Messenger(R) Seed Treatment 'Puffer'
Introduced For Healthier, More Vigorous Plants in Home and Garden
(02/14/2006 - 12:45 PM, SOURCE: Eden Bioscience, NASDAQ:EDEN)
Knight says January trading volume up
NEW YORK, Feb 14 (Reuters) - Knight Capital Group Inc.
<NITE.O>, one of the largest traders of Nasdaq-listed shares,
said on Monday that its average daily dollar value of shares
traded in January was up 26 percent from the previous month.
The dollar value was $9.97 billion, up nearly 30 percent
from January 2005.
"Overall equity volumes rose alongside the major indices in
January," Knight Chairman and Chief Executive Thomas Joyce said
in a statement.
Illinois Home Sales Close Record Year in 2005
SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Feb. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Continued strong demand for homeownership drove home sales to an all-time high in 2005, with a slower pace in the last quarter. Total home sales, which include single-family homes and condominiums, were up 2.0 percent in Illinois in 2005, according to year-end
analysis by the Illinois Association of REALTORS(R) (IAR). In 2005, a total of 183,123 homes were sold across the state, compared to 179,549 sales in 2004.
IAR's latest report showed that 40,817 homes were sold across the state in the fourth quarter, down 1.5 percent from 41,442 sales in the fourth quarter of 2004.
REUTERS Schwab says stock trading rises in January
NEW YORK, Feb 14 (Reuters) - Discount stockbroker Charles
Schwab Corp. <SCHW.O> said Tuesday that customer stock trading
rose in January against the previous month.
Client daily average trades were 334,000 in January, up 37
percent from the previous month, and up 62 percent from a year ago.
Of that, 297,800 were daily average revenue trades (DARTS),
a closely watched indicator of customer activity that includes
all client trades that generate commission revenue. That was
up 34 percent on the prior month, and 60 percent on the year.
Net new client assets for January were $9.5 billion,
bringing total client assets to $1.246 trillion as of month-end
January, up 4 percent from December 2005.
SBA Budget Cuts: No End in Sight
Bush Plans to Reduce SBA Budget for Nine Consecutive Years
PETALUMA, Calif., Feb. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Small Business League has reviewed OMB projections for the next several years which show that the Bush Administration plans further cuts to the beleaguered SBA. Having already cut the agency in half since taking office, President Bush has
recommended reducing it every year going forward through 2010.
In a detailed report on how the current Administration's tax policies affect small business, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities shows that "the vast majority of small businesses receive no benefit whatsoever" from the tax cuts purported to aid entrepreneurs: the top marginal tax rate and the
repeal of the estate or "death" tax. Also according to the study, 51 percent of the tax cuts enacted since 2001 going to households with small business income accrue to only 8 percent of the households with incomes exceeding $200,000, whereas only 16 percent of these tax cuts are going to the 62 percent of households with incomes below $75,000.
Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee, called the 2007 budget an "attack on this nation's entrepreneurs."
"This budget fails in every respect to provide entrepreneurs with the access to capital, entrepreneurial training, business development, and contracting opportunities they need to keep our economy strong," Velasquez said.
"Small business people need to realize this is not about politics, it's about survival," stated Lloyd Chapman, President of the American Small Business League. "The Bush administration has no interest in supporting the majority of businesses where most Americans work. Bush and the conservative Republicans would like nothing better than to reduce the SBA to the point where it will no longer be big enough to exist as a stand-alone agency.
This looks like the end to Federal contracting programs and other services forsmall, women-owned, and minority-owned firms." Chapman added, "It's time for small businesses to fight back."
About the ASBL
The American Small Business League was formed to promote and advocate policies that provide the greatest opportunity for small businesses - the 98 percent of U.S. companies with less than 100 employees. The ASBL is founded on the principle that small businesses, the backbone of a vital American economy,
should receive the fair treatment promised by the Small Business Act of 1951.
Representing small businesses in all fields and industries throughout the United States, the ASBL monitors existing policies and proposed policy changes by the Small Business Administration and other federal agencies that affect
its members.
Contact:
Lloyd Chapman
American Small Business League
lchapman@asbl.com
707.789.9575
http://www.asbl.com
This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.
SOURCE American Small Business League
Great quote from Winston Churchill, for this new board is going to be alot of work that will date back a bit since there is not alot of info on this available. Its all big company and research project stuff on reuters. Will have to find some additional sources. Good to hear from ya !
SBA Hosts Live Web Chat on Financing for Small Business Owners
SBA's Joseph P. Loddo will answer questions on SBA Financing Thursday, February 23, 2006 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., EST
WASHINGTON, Feb. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Joseph P. Loddo, district director of the Washington Metropolitan Area District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration, will host the SBA's February Web chat on "SBA Financing for Your Small Business."
Loddo will address the topic of SBA financing for small businesses, and provide information and resources on different types of loans for small businesses, how to approach banks and other lending institutions, and how to secure financing to start or grow a business. Loddo will answer questions on
Thursday, February 23, 2006, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., EST.
Loddo is head of the district office that delivers SBA programs in the District of Columbia and suburban area of Maryland and Virginia. The Washington Area District Office is responsible for a total business loan portfolio of over $500 million and an 8(a) portfolio of 1,561 firms, the largest in the country. Loddo has more than 30 years of experience in various aspects of business and financial management, including successful start-up and corporate turnaround management.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Dayton. The SBA's live Web chat series provides business owners with the opportunity to have conversations about relevant business issues with industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs. Participants will have direct, real-
time access to the Web chats via questions they submit online in advance and during the session, with instantaneous answers.
Participants can join the live Web chat by going online to
http://www.sba.gov, and clicking "Your Small Business Voice Online Chat."
Web chat participants may post a question
for Loddo before the February 23rd chat by visiting http://app1.sba.gov/liveMeeting/liveLoddo/intro.cfm and posting
their questions online.
To review archives of past live Web chats, visit online at
http://www.sba.gov/chats/. SOURCE U.S. Small Business Administration
Cecelia Taylor of U.S. Small Business Administration,
+1-202-401-3059
16Feb06 20:28 GMT
Business Bank of Nevada Total Loans Reach New Heights; Total Loans Outstanding Surpass $300 Million
LAS VEGAS, Feb. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Business Bank of Nevada (OTC Bulletin Board: BBNV) today announced that it has reached another significant milestone in the history of the Bank, with total loans surpassing $300 million as of January 31, 2006. The actual amount of the Bank's total outstanding loans stood at $303.2 million at the end of January. The last
milestone the Bank reached in its loan growth was at the end of June 2004 when the Bank topped the $200 million mark.
Over the last five years, the Bank has enjoyed more than 20 percent growth each year in its total outstanding loans. Last year, the Bank booked nearly $169 million in new gross loans, which was a 33.5 percent increase in new originations over the previous year. The Bank continues to enjoy strong loan
demand, with approximately $78.5 million currently in its loan pipeline.
"Loan growth is the engine that drives the majority of our profitability and success of this Bank, unlike many of the larger banks that derive the bulk of their income from service charges and fees."
Phillips added that banking is about people and relationships, and Business Bank has some of the most qualified lenders and branch staff who do a phenomenal job sourcing, underwriting, booking new deals, and opening new accounts. "More importantly, though, they provide our customers with a service experience that is second to none and a critical element to our business, which ultimately leads to new or expanded loan and deposit business."
Business Bank offers SBA 504 Loans, Unsecured Small Business Loans, and much more.
About Business Bank
Business Bank, with $454.8 million in total assets as of
December 31, 2005, is in its eleventh year of operation and is one of the fastest-growing independent banks in Nevada. The Bank has seven branch offices in the state, with three in Las Vegas, one in North Las Vegas, one in Reno, one in Carson City, and one in Minden. The Bank also has Loan Production Offices (LPOs) at Stateline in South Lake Tahoe and in Scottsdale,
Arizona.
Additional information about Business Bank,
including five quarters of detailed financial data, is available on the Bank's Web site at www.bbnv.com.
Contact: Paul C. Stowell
702-952-4415
pstowell@bbnv.com
WASHINGTON, Feb. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Following congressional passage and signing by President George W. Bush of legislation granting the U.S. Small Business Administration $4.8 billion in additional disaster lending authority, Administrator Hector V. Barreto issued the following statement:
"I would like to thank the congressional leadership and in particular, Senate Majority Leader Frist, Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Cochran, Senate Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Shelby, Senate Small Business Committee Chairwoman Snowe, Speaker Hastert, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Lewis, House Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Wolf and
House Small Business Committee Chairman Manzullo for helping us obtain these additional funds.
"The SBA has already approved a record $4.63 billion in low-interest, taxpayer-backed loans to homeowners, renters and businesses following last year's devastating hurricanes that struck the Gulf Coast and Florida and this additional lending authority allows us to continue providing disaster loans to
those affected by the hurricanes as well as to respond to other disasters across the country.
"The SBA is fully dedicated to responding to disaster victims as urgently as possible. Homeowners and renters have been approved for $3.4 billion in loans and businesses have been approved for $1.2 billion. We've already processed 228,000 applications and conducted more than 260,000 inspections of damaged properties in the five-state disaster area.
"President Bush has reiterated his commitment to the people of the Gulf Coast by asking for a supplemental appropriation for disaster lending, which will further raise our capacity for disaster recovery loans since Hurricane Katrina made landfall to more than $12 billion. As we have in the past, we
look forward to working with Congress in the weeks ahead so that we can meet the needs of all disaster victims seeking the SBA's assistance through our disaster loan program."
Welcome, I will be heavy in the research process for providing news and info for this board in the coming weeks so bear with me and enjoy !!!
-David
GRXI is a snoooozer so far. swoops
Thats a fat 30% on HYBT there Modern Rock, natcha bad.
BY Mid March, December 05's earnings should be released for many of these which "should" help.
Applause Applause for stockster. yesssssss !!!
CDSS boy so far you had to be in there in the first 15 minutes of trading.
CDSS is stocksters pick.
IBTY definately fooled me today, was shocked to see it chunk down after such a smooth rise.
Well try a new post
lets try a post
PTSC Latest News and Chart
Patriot Scientific Announces Important Patent Licensing Agreement with Casio
SAN DIEGO--(Business Wire)--Feb. 22, 2006--
Casio Joins HP as Second "System" Manufacturer to Recognize Need for Digital Hardware Manufacturers to Purchase License for MMP(TM) Core Microprocessor Technologies
Patriot Scientific Corporation (OTC Bulletin Board: PTSC.OB) today announced that Casio Computer Co., Ltd. has become the second system manufacturer to purchase a license to use intellectual property protected by the Moore Microprocessor Patent(TM) (MMP) Portfolio.
Patriot and The TPL Group are co-owners of the MMP Portfolio, which is being exclusively managed by Alliacense, a TPL Group enterprise. Following a similar agreement reached with Hewlett-Packard last month, today's announcement further substantiates the need for modern hardware manufacturers to secure MMP Portfolio licenses to cover the entire spectrum of their digital product lines. Terms of the Casio license were not disclosed.
PTSC Latest News and Chart
Patriot Scientific Announces Important Patent Licensing Agreement with Casio
SAN DIEGO--(Business Wire)--Feb. 22, 2006--
Casio Joins HP as Second "System" Manufacturer to Recognize Need for Digital Hardware Manufacturers to Purchase License for MMP(TM) Core Microprocessor Technologies
Patriot Scientific Corporation (OTC Bulletin Board: PTSC.OB) today announced that Casio Computer Co., Ltd. has become the second system manufacturer to purchase a license to use intellectual property protected by the Moore Microprocessor Patent(TM) (MMP) Portfolio.
Patriot and The TPL Group are co-owners of the MMP Portfolio, which is being exclusively managed by Alliacense, a TPL Group enterprise. Following a similar agreement reached with Hewlett-Packard last month, today's announcement further substantiates the need for modern hardware manufacturers to secure MMP Portfolio licenses to cover the entire spectrum of their digital product lines. Terms of the Casio license were not disclosed.
IBTY wow what a daytraders day for that one.
55% Green 35% Red... in the watchlist Good day for Microcaps.
PTSC on yet another tear, boy thats fun to watch