Ann Pickren, Vice President of Solutions at MIR3, Joins Disaster Recovery Journal Executive Council

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- MIR3, the innovator of real-time Intelligent Notification™ and response technology, announces the appointment of vice president of solutions Ann Pickren to the Disaster Recovery Journal’s Executive Council. The DRJ Executive Council comprises senior-level executives within the crisis management, emergency response, business continuity and disaster recovery industry. The council serves in an advisory role to help DRJ leadership define and execute on their strategic vision. As part of her responsibilities on the team, Ann will author articles, serve as an interviewee, and reach out to high-level clients for special reports, articles and speaking engagements.

“I am honored to be invited to join this council,” noted Pickren. “The amount of experience and expertise this group has is tremendous, and I’m looking forward to a rich relationship with the other members on the council.” Pickren joins a respected team of individuals, including representatives from IBM, Forsythe, Pinnacle Airline, Fusion Risk Management, MasterCard, and Ernst & Young.

Pickren has more than 20 years of experience in the industry; her proficiency spans the business continuity, crisis management, disaster recovery, and supply chain management sectors, including extensive experience providing strategic counsel for many Fortune 500 companies.

As part of her new post, Pickren is hosting a three-part webinar series in conjunction with DRJ entitled, Alphabet Soup: Making Sense of BC/DR Standards. The free series gives an overview of current BC/DR standards, and a panel of experts also shares their experiences. The schedule is as follows: Primer on BC/DR Standards: Learn what the certifications mean and why large companies often require them of vendors Experts Discuss Top Standards: Experts share their experiences with various standards and discuss the move towards a single recognized standard Sept. 27, 2011 at 11 a.m. PT/2 p.m. ETWhere Do You Go from Here?: Decide if you should certify, understand the scope of your decision and get the tools and resources needed to do the job. Nov. 11, 2011 at 11 a.m. PT/2 p.m. ET

MIR3 is a sponsor of DRJ Fall World, taking place Sept. 11-14 in San Diego. DRJ Fall World is the world’s largest BC/DR conference, and this year will feature more than 85 vendors, 60 speakers and 45 sessions led by key decision makers and offering advice and best practices on protecting organizations and improving business resiliency.

Pickren also serves as an advisory board member for BC Management Inc., the only executive search firm that specializes in business continuity, disaster recovery, crisis management, risk management, and information security careers. She is also a member of the Organizational Resilience Maturity Technical Committee within ASIS International, an organization dedicated to increasing the effectiveness and productivity of security professionals by developing educational programs and materials that address broad security interests.

For additional information on MIR3, please visit www.mir3.com. For press inquiries, or to schedule an interview with Ann Pickren, contact Audrey Sahl at 212-219-0321.

ABOUT MIR3

MIR3, Inc. is the leading developer of Intelligent Notification and response software, which helps organizations enhance communication abilities, protect assets and increase operational efficiency. MIR3 technology enables advanced rapid, two-way communication for IT, business continuity and enterprise operations for many of the Global FORTUNE 100 companies, as well as government entities, universities, and companies of all sizes in more than 130 countries. For more information, visit www.mir3.com. Follow MIR3 on Twitter: @MIR3.

FormulaAudrey Sahl, 212-219-0321
sahl@formulapr.com

Source: MIR3

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Regions Financial Scheduled to Participate in the Barclays 2011 Global Financial Services Conference

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF) is scheduled to present at the Barclays 2011 Global Financial Services Conference.

Regions President and CEO Grayson Hall will make a presentation beginning at 2:45 p.m. ET on Monday, September 12, 2011, followed by a question and answer session. Comments and the related slide presentation will be available via a live, listen-only webcast. To listen, visit the Investor Relations page at www.regions.com.

About Regions Financial Corporation

Regions Financial Corporation, with $131 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, trust, securities brokerage, mortgage and insurance products and services. Regions serves customers in 16 states across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates approximately 1,800 banking offices and over 2,100 ATMs. Its investment and securities brokerage trust and asset management division, Morgan Keegan & Company Inc., provides services from over 300 offices. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.

Regions Financial Corporation
Media:Tim Deighton, 205-264-4551
or
Investor Relations:List Underwood, 205-801-0265

Source: Regions Financial Corporation

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Best’s Review Webinar Examines Advances in Sea Transportation and New Coverage Needs

OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- New routes via an expanded Panama Canal, along with larger, faster tankers and freight vessels, are bringing into play new risks. A panel of experts on ocean marine and transportation liability coverage examine the fast-changing environment for ocean transportation and identify the new breed of risks and their insurance solutions. The live webinar is scheduled for Tuesday, September 27, at 2 p.m. ET.

Register at www.bestreview.com/webinars/marine11.

The event is presented by Zurich North America. Visit them at www.zurichna.com/.

Attendees can submit questions in advance during registration or email questions to news@ambest.com during the live event. Coverage of the webinar will be featured in an upcoming issue of Best’s Review. For more information about the webinar, please call (908) 439-2200, ext. 5561, or email lee.mcdonald@ambest.com.

Best’s Review, A.M. Best Co.’s award-winning monthly publication (www.bestreview.com), covers the global insurance industry. For information about advertising in Best’s Review or webinar sponsorship opportunities, call (908) 439-2200 ext. 5399, or email advertising_sales@ambest.com.

Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is the world’s oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com. Copyright © 2011 by A.M. Best Company, Inc.ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

A.M. Best Co.
Lee McDonald, 908-439-2200, ext. 5561
Group Vice President, Communications
lee.mcdonald@ambest.com

Source: A.M. Best Co.

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Equifax Acquires Datum, the Leading Costa Rican Credit Data Company

ATLANTA, Sept. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Equifax Inc., (NYSE: EFX) a global information solutions provider, announced today that it has acquired Datum, the leading national credit reporting company in Costa Rica.  Financial details of the transactions were not disclosed.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20060224/CLF037LOGO )

Datum collects, synthesizes and provides consumer credit data to banks, telecommunications companies, retail and insurance businesses across Costa Rica.   The company is headquartered in San Jose.

"The acquisition of this innovative, market-leading company is an indication of our commitment to the rapidly growing Costa Rican market, and further confirmation of our strategy to grow our presence internationally," said Paulino R. Barros, Equifax President – International.  "We will be able to offer Costa Rican businesses expanded products and services providing unprecedented financial insights to help them manage and grow their businesses."  

Equifax currently operates a global Shared Services Center in Costa Rica that provides IT, data processing and customer support.  In 2010, the company doubled the size of the Center, where it has more than 500 employees.  

About Equifax

Equifax is a global leader in consumer and commercial information solutions, providing businesses of all sizes and consumers with information they can trust. We organize and assimilate data on more than 500 million consumers and 81 million businesses worldwide, and use advanced analytics and proprietary technology to create and deliver customized insights that enrich both the performance of businesses and the lives of consumers.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Equifax operates in four continents and 15 countries, is a member of Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500® Index.  Its common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol EFX. For more information, please visit www.equifax.com.

SOURCE Equifax Inc.

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Tony Pistilli, Chief Residential Appraiser, US Bank Selected as Valuation Visionary 2011

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Collateral Risk Network is a group of 350 chief appraisers and collateral risk experts across the United States.  The members recently nominated a slate of candidates and voted among themselves to select the inaugural winner of the Valuation Visionary Award.  They have selected Tony Pistilli, Chief Residential Appraiser and Vice-President, Consumer Banking Risk Management at US Bank.  The award will be presented at the Valuation Expo held in Las VegasNovember 7-9, 2011.

Joan Trice, the host of Valuation Expo states, "This year I wanted to add some fresh buzz. Our industry is under tremendous stress. I thought it might be good to create a Valuation Visionary Award to promote those who have demonstrated vision and leadership through these difficult times. Tony has contributed tremendously to the industry and to the success of the Collateral Risk Network. He has been a forward thinker at US Bank in adopting leading edge technologies and has been a thought leader for industry change."

When informed of being selected the Valuation Visionary for 2011, Tony said, "To be selected by your peers as a leader in the industry is very rewarding and humbling. There are many others that could have been selected, as well.  I feel very honored to be recognized for my efforts."

About Valuation Expo

Valuation Expo is sponsored by Allterra Group LLC. The first Valuation Expo event was in December of 2003 and has been the consistent leader in national events offering continuing education. Allterra Group LLC is also the publisher of Appraisal Buzz, an online newsletter serving the appraisal community.  

Valuation 2011 will be held in Las Vegas this year at the Luxor, November 7-9.  Valuation Expo boasts the largest trade show for the appraisal community with over 40 exhibitors. Speakers at this year's event include representatives from Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, VA and FHA and other industry thought leaders.

About US Bank

U.S. Bancorp, with $321 billion in assets as of June 30, 2011, is the parent company of U.S. Bank, the fifth-largest commercial bank in the United States. The company operates 3,086 banking offices in 25 states and 5,086 ATMs and provides a comprehensive line of banking, brokerage, insurance, investment, mortgage, trust, and payment services products to consumers, businesses and institutions. U.S. Bancorp and its employees are dedicated to improving the communities they serve, for which the company earned the 2011 Spirit of America Award, the highest honor bestowed on a company by United Way. Visit U.S. Bancorp on the web at www.usbank.com.

SOURCE Valuation Expo

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Wells Fargo to Present at the Barclays Capital 2011 Global Financial Services Conference

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) said today that Chief Financial Officer Timothy Sloan will present at the Barclays Capital 2011 Global Financial Services Conference to be held in New York on Monday, September 12 at 8:15 a.m. Eastern Time (5:15 a.m. Pacific Time).

The live audio webcast will be available at: www.wellsfargo.com/invest_relations/presents http://cc.talkpoint.com/barc002/091211a_lp/?entity=3_17MRXW2

A replay of the webcast will be available for six months.

About Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) is a nationwide, diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.3 trillion in assets. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through more than 9,000 stores, 12,000 ATMs, the Internet (wellsfargo.com and wachovia.com), and other distribution channels across North America and internationally. With approximately 275,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in America. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 23 on Fortune’s 2011 rankings of America’s largest corporations. Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy all our customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially.

Wells Fargo & CompanyMary Eshet, 704-383-7777 (Media)Jim Rowe, 415-396-8216 (Investors)

Source: Wells Fargo & Company

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FHLBank San Francisco Awards $1 Million in Grants for Economic Development and Housing Projects in Arizona, California, and Nevada

AHEAD Program Grants Will Help 32 Innovative Initiatives Get Off the Ground

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco announced today that it has awarded $1 million in grants through its Access to Housing and Economic Assistance for Development (AHEAD) Program. The grants, which are made through the Bank’s member financial institutions, will be used by nonprofit organizations in Arizona, California, and Nevada for projects and programs that foster economic development and promote community stability and self-sufficiency.

The AHEAD Program enables the Bank members to give a critical, early boost to local programs and projects that address pressing local community development needs by: creating or preserving jobs; facilitating public or private infrastructure projects; or producing housing, social services, or other benefits for low- to moderate-income households.

Funds can be used to finance a variety of costs, ranging from studies and project plans to consulting fees or marketing, organizational, and capacity building activities. This year the Bank reviewed 125 applications requesting more than $5 million in AHEAD funding before selecting 32 AHEAD grant winners.

“A number of projects funded this year seek to break the cycle of poverty and incarceration by providing at-risk youth and others with new housing, financial education, college counseling, and job training opportunities, while others promote entrepreneurship and self-employment in low-income neighborhoods,” says Marietta Núñez, Vice President, Community Lending, at FHLBank San Francisco, “The Bank is delighted to deliver AHEAD funds in support of these efforts, and we applaud the success of our members and their community partners in finding innovative solutions to stabilizing distressed communities.”

This year, 17 Bank members—including two credit unions and the Bank’s first CDFI member—will be supporting 32 important initiatives, including projects and programs designed to:

create or expand job training programs and employment services targeted specifically to at-risk youth, low-income immigrant populations, participants in recovery programs, and others incubate or grow entrepreneurial social enterprises that generate living-wage jobs facilitate commercialization of emerging clean energy and environmental technology companies provide technical assistance and support to establish or grow healthy-food enterprises in underserved areas implement site improvement and economic development plans on a Native American campground create a multi-generational affordable housing village designed for families, children being raised by relatives, and transition-aged youth

“The AHEAD Program allows us to strengthen relationships between Bank members and nonprofit groups that have special expertise in economic and community development,” said Stephen P. Traynor, Senior Vice President, Financial Services and Community Investment at the Bank. “We are pleased that our grants will help get them off the ground.”

Funding for AHEAD is determined annually by the Bank’s Board of Directors. Since the program began in 2004, the Bank has awarded more than $4 million in AHEAD funds to support 162 projects and programs in Arizona, California, and Nevada.

About the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco

The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco delivers low-cost funding and other services that help member financial institutions make home mortgages to people of all income levels and provide credit that supports neighborhoods and communities. The Bank also funds community investment programs that help members create affordable housing and promote community economic development. The Bank’s members—its shareholders and customers—are headquartered in Arizona, California, and Nevada. Members may include federally insured depositories—commercial banks, credit unions, industrial loan companies, and savings institutions—as well as insurance companies and community development financial institutions, including privately insured, state-chartered credit unions, community development loan funds, and venture capital funds that are certified by the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Federal Home Loan Bank of San FranciscoMary Long, 415-616-2556 or 415-830-1246
longm@fhlbsf.com

Source: Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco

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PR Firm Leads $13.3M Campaign Against Citizens’ Rights, Says Premium Cigar Group

Birmingham, AL (PRWEB) September 06, 2011

A $13.3 million federally funded anti-smoking campaign aimed at making Alabama a smoke-free state will result in a loss of businesses, jobs, tax revenues and citizen rights, according to the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association.

The campaign organizers cite recent successes in small Alabama towns which passed no-exception or near no-exception smoking ordinances. The organizers are targeting larger communities next such as Birmingham, Bessemer, Gardendale, Hoover and Homewood, according to published reports.

“Federal and state governments are relying on tobacco tax revenues to fund SCHIP – State Children’s Health Insurance Program - which provides healthcare for children, yet they are doing their best to put tobacco out of business,” said Chris McCalla, legislative director of the IPCPR.

“The bottom line is Alabama citizens want choice and, most importantly jobs, not Big Brother,” McCalla said.

“These are the very same career politicians – many who no doubt ran on a jobs creation platform -- now spending tax dollars to pay a PR firm to kill those very same jobs, right in the middle of one the worst economic downturns in the state’s history,” he said. “Will someone please explain how that makes any sense?”

McCalla said that the claims of prohibitionists should be challenged as to their source and back up information.

“The 2010 Surgeon General’s Report does question even occasional exposure to secondhand smoke, but those claims have proven to be wildly exaggerated and unsubstantiated. Look it up. They are also contrary to the standards established by another government agency, OSHA – the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA set safe levels for secondhand smoke that are up to 25,000 times higher than the air quality levels found in the average bar or restaurant where smoking is permitted,” McCalla said.

The IPCPR says the well-funded tobacco prohibitionists have been buying breakfasts, lunches and dinners for Alabama opinion leaders in Dothan, Montgomery, Gadsden, Anniston, Huntsville, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and Mobile in hopes they will pressure Alabama state and local legislators to deprive business owners of their rights to decide for themselves what their smoking policies should be.

“Legislated smoking bans, for whatever reason, are unnecessary and inexcusable. They deprive business owners their right to make such determinations on their own. Business suffers and jobs are lost under legislated smoking bans. Beyond that, however, the anti-tobacco forces attempt to falsely justify their claims based on bad science, overreaching conclusions and ridiculous assumptions,” said McCalla.

“The campaign is taking public money to manipulate legitimate business owners and their customers out of their constitutional rights while jeopardizing businesses, jobs, and state and federal tax revenues,” McCalla said.

Contact: Tony Tortorici
678-493-0313

###

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/9/prweb8773008.htm

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Fitch Rates Midland Cogeneration Venture, LP's Senior Secured Notes 'BBB-'; Outlook Stable

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Fitch Ratings rates Midland Cogeneration Venture, LP's (MCV) $560 million senior secured notes 'BBB-'. The Rating Outlook is Stable.

Key Rating Drivers
--Cash flows are primarily contracted through power and steam sales agreements with investment grade offtakers. The power purchase agreement (PPA) earns capacity and energy payments and passes through most fuel, operating, maintenance and emission costs. The notes will mature at PPA expiration in 2025;
--Operational facility has historical PPA availability exceeding 98%, supported by excess capacity and redundant equipment. The O&M and capital expenditure budget is expected to sufficiently fulfill PPA requirements;
--Supply risk is mitigated through March 2015 by fulfillment of PPA fuel security provision, and the expectation is that a similar fuel supply agreement will replace the current. Demineralized water requirements also expected to be met via a renegotiated contract or adequate alternative source;
--The financial coverage cushion as demonstrated by a rating case average debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) of 1.40 times (x) and minimum of 1.37x, is consistent with an investment grade rating.

What Could Trigger a Rating Action?
--Weak operating performance;
--Increased property taxes;
--Downgrade of a counterparty.

Security
Collateral will include a first lien security interest for the benefit of the note holders, over 100% of the assets of the issuer (MCV); 100% of the sponsors' existing and future equity interests in the issuer; all material project documents and agreements; the funds of collateral accounts and all permitted investments; all insurance and reinsurance and condemnation awards; and all revenues.

Transaction Summary
MCV is issuing $560 million of senior secured notes through a Rule 144A Offering. Proceeds from the issuance will be used to repay the outstanding balance of an existing credit facility (from the asset's 2009 financing), pay interest rate hedge termination fees and transaction expenses, to repay an unsecured loan, and provide a dividend payment to the sponsors.

Revenue price and volume risk is significantly mitigated by the PPA with Consumers Energy Company (Consumers, 'BBB-'; Stable Outlook) and the steam and electric power agreement (SEPA) with Dow Chemical Company (Dow, 'BBB'; Stable Outlook). Contracted revenues comprise in excess of 90% of total revenues through maturity. MCV can sell ancillary services and energy not under contract into the merchant market. PPA performance thresholds to prevent termination by Consumers are not severe, have been readily met historically, and are expected to exceed minimum requirements through the term of the PPA. A downgrade of the credit rating for Consumers or Dow is likely to lead to negative rating action on the senior notes.

MCV is ring-fenced and structured as a bankruptcy remote special-purpose entity.

MCV was formed in 1990 as a limited partnership to convert a portion of an uncompleted nuclear power plant owned by Consumers into a 1,600 MW natural gas-fired, combined cycle, cogeneration facility. Total capacity available is significantly higher than the 1,240 MW required for the PPA. MCV installed six package boilers in 2009 to improve operating flexibility, and an integrated spare steam turbine generator and two spare gas turbine rotors further assist the facility in maintaining high PPA availability and operating stability.

Additional information is available at www.fitchratings.com.

Applicable Criteria and Related Research:
--'Rating Criteria for Infrastructure and Project Finance' (Aug. 16, 2011);
--'Rating Criteria for Thermal Power Projects' (June 20, 2011).

Applicable Criteria and Related Research: Midland Cogeneration Venture, LP
http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=650723

Rating Criteria for Infrastructure and Project Finance
http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=648832
Rating Criteria for Thermal Power Projects
http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=639073

ALL FITCH CREDIT RATINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS. PLEASE READ THESE LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK: HTTP://FITCHRATINGS.COM/UNDERSTANDINGCREDITRATINGS. IN ADDITION, RATING DEFINITIONS AND THE TERMS OF USE OF SUCH RATINGS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE AGENCY'S PUBLIC WEBSITE WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM. PUBLISHED RATINGS, CRITERIA AND METHODOLOGIES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THIS SITE AT ALL TIMES. FITCH'S CODE OF CONDUCT, CONFIDENTIALITY, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, AFFILIATE FIREWALL, COMPLIANCE AND OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE 'CODE OF CONDUCT' SECTION OF THIS SITE.

Fitch Ratings
Primary Analyst:Andrew Joynt, +1-212-908-0842
Associate Director
Fitch, Inc.
One State Street Plaza
New York, NY 10002
or
Secondary Analyst:Gregory Remec, +1-312-606-2339
Senior Director
or
Committee Chairperson:Timothy Ononiwu, +1-212-908-0879
Senior Director
or
Media Relations:Cindy Stoller, +1-212-908-0526
cindy.stoller@fitchratings.com

Source: Fitch Ratings

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Sun Life Financial, PGA TOUR Standout Hunter Mahan & Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino Transform Boston Common into Golfer’s Paradise & Drive to End Alzheimer’s

Local media personalities tee-off against three-time golf champion in charity golf challenge at America’s oldest public park

WELLESLEY, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Sun Life Financial Inc. (NYSE: SLF, TSX: SLF) and golf champion Hunter Mahan transformed America’s oldest public park into an urban golf course today in the Drive to End Alzheimer’s, a community golf festival benefitting the Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter. Sun Life Financial created the event with Mahan as part of its sponsorship of the PGA TOUR pro who competed in this past weekend’s PGA TOUR playoffs at the Deutsche Bank Championship.

Families, local media and members from local youth groups participated in a series of golf-themed activities including mini-golf, age-appropriate target challenges, and an interactive video game theatre. PGA golf professional Tim Kilcoyne was on hand to provide custom putting advice and analysis courtesy of Ping and Apple technology. Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Sun Life Financial Distributors President Mike Shunney and Alzheimer's Association President and CEO of the Massachusetts/New Hampshire ChapterJim Wesslerhosted the day’s festivities.

“We’re thrilled to have an individual of Hunter's personal & professional caliber represent the Sun Life brand and happy to join him in supporting a cause we are both so passionate about,” said Shunney. “At Sun Life, we are committed to ensuring a brighter future – not just through our products and services, but through our corporate giving and partnerships. That’s why we leverage our relationships with stars like Mahan and the Alzheimer’s Association to help better the lives of people in the communities we serve.”

The event culminated with a 30-yard chip-shot target challenge featuring local media personalities and Mayor Menino testing their short game against Mahan. Participants included:Glen Kelley(Boston Common Magazine);Chris Collins(NECN); Randy Scott(NESN), who also served as emcee of the event; Greg Hill (WAAF-FM); Bob Halloran(WCVB-TV); and Rhett Lewis(WHDH-TV). Sun Life Financial made a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association on behalf of each participant and doubled the donation for any participant who hit the target.

“Having lost my grandmother to Alzheimer’s, I understand the hardships that patients and their families face when coping with this devastating disease,” Mahan said. “Helping to improve the lives of those affected by the illness is a mission that I hold close to my heart. I’m thankful to Sun Life and the City of Boston for hosting this community event and to the Alzheimer’s Association for their tireless efforts.”

Sun Life announced its partnership with Mahan, the company's first professional golf sponsorship, in February 2011. As part of the multi-year agreement, the golfer wears a hat prominently featuring Sun Life's logo during all competitive events. Sun Life also has the right to use Mahan’s name and likeness globally, as well as access to personal appearances, a golf clinic and hospitality benefits.

“We are immensely grateful to Sun Life Financial and Hunter Mahan for their support of our work,” said Wessler. “Alzheimer’s is a serious, fatal disease, affecting countless individuals and families nationwide. We’re committed to caring, supporting and advocating for those affected by the disease, as well as funding research to eradicate it. We truly appreciate the donations of caring and committed partners like Hunter, Sun Life and the City of Boston.”

Proceeds from all tickets sold benefited the Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter. All participants were entered into a drawing, for a chance to win a custom Ping golf club, signed Mahan memorabilia, Sun Dog Eyewear and a photo with Mahan. Kickass Cupcakes, Lincoln Street Coffee, Polar Beverages, and Redbones were also on hand to provide food and beverage vending and sampling in which a portion of proceeds also benefited the cause.

NESN and Boston Deals from boston.com served as official media partners for the event.

About Sun Life Financial

Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organization providing a diverse range of protection and wealth accumulation products and services to individuals and corporate customers. Chartered in 1865, Sun Life Financial and its partners today have operations in key markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China and Bermuda. In the United States and elsewhere, insurance products are offered by members of the Sun Life Financial group that are insurance companies. Sun Life Financial Inc., the holding company for the Sun Life Financial group of companies, is a public company. It is not an insurance company and does not offer insurance products for sale in the United States or elsewhere, and does not guarantee the obligations of its insurance company subsidiaries. Product offerings may not be available in all states and may vary depending on state laws and regulations. As of June 30, 2011, the Sun Life Financial group of companies had total assets under management of US $492 billion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com/us. Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF

About the Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. For more information, visit www.alz.org.

About Hunter Mahan

Hunter Mahan is an American professional golfer who turned pro in 2003. Career highlights include three PGA TOUR victories, two appearances in the President’s Cup (2007, 2009), two appearances in the Ryder Cup (2008, 2010) and the 2003 Ben Hogan Award winner (co-winner with Ricky Barnes). Hunter Mahan’s world rank is 21st and FedExCup rank is 20th. Rankings and statistics are reflected as of August 24th 2011. For more information, please visit www.mahangolf.com.

SLPC 23652 09/2011 (exp. 09/2016)

Sun Life FinancialAlexi Maravel, 781-446-1624
alexi.maravel@sunlife.com
or
elevateKeith Gainsboro, 857-234-1481
kgainsboro@elevatecom.com
or
WassermanMichelle Duff, 617-308-8725
mduff@wmgllc.com
or
Alzheimer’s AssociationBetsy Fitzgerald-Campbell, 617-868-6718 x2055
Betsy.Fitzgerald-Campbell@alz.org

Source: Sun Life Financial

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BestWeek Asia/Pacific: A.M. Best Expects Reinsurance Rates May Be Ready to Rally

HONG KONG--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Global reinsurance rates are set to rally after a 2011 that has seen US$60 billion in losses so far, mainly from Asia/Pacific catastrophes, according to a new A.M. Best Co. special report highlighted in the current issue of BestWeekAsia-Pacific.

A.M. Best said the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan alone caused an estimated $30 billion in insured losses, although recent reports indicate that reinsurance claims may be developing more favorably than companies had initially feared.

Also in BestWeek Asia/Pacific, China’s government plans to ease rules on cross-border yuan-denominated reinsurance transactions, a move that could accelerate the development of the country’s reinsurance market.

The 6 September edition is available at www.bestweek.com/asia and www.bestweek.com.

Other features of this issue include a video on the performance of global insurance stocks, and a Best’s Underwriting Guide Snapshot on the workers’ compensation risks faced by refrigeration contractors.

BestWeek is published by A.M. Best Co. for insurance professionals. To subscribe, visit www.ambest.com/sales/BestWeek.

Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Co. is the world’s oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source.For more information, visit www.ambest.com. Copyright © 2011 by A.M. Best Company, Inc.ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

A.M. Best Company, Inc.
Iris Lai, +(852) 2827 3400
iris.lai@ambest.com

Source: A.M. Best Company, Inc.

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Aggressive Insurance Introduces New Texas Homeowners Program

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26 Seconds Campaign Launches BMOR Project Pledge Drive

BLOOMINGTON, Ill., Sept. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Every 26 seconds in America, a student drops out of high school. In an effort to address this startling statistic and encourage high school students throughout the country to be more (BMOR) than the statistic, the 26 Seconds campaign is asking the nation's youth to take the BMOR Project pledge to stay in school.  

The BMOR Project will run throughout the school year and offer monthly activities and prize opportunities, including a grand prize opportunity at the end of the year.  This month's activity is to take the pledge at facebook.com/26seconds.  By doing so, teens 13-19 may win one of 26, $15 iTunes© gift cards being awarded daily until Sept. 25.  On Sept. 26, and on the 26th of each month thereafter, the next activity and prize opportunity will be announced. The 26 Seconds campaign has also teamed up with other national organizations who are members of the America's Promise Alliance. Those organizations will help reach youth and connect them to the program through their local affiliates.

On Aug. 31, Newark High School administrators in Newark, Ohio, with support from State Farm, staged a rally to address 400 entering freshmen and encourage the students to join the BMOR Project and take the 26 Seconds pledge. The campaign will stage similar events across the country, inviting students to pledge to "discover new interests, set goals and BMOR than a statistic."  

State Farm© introduced its "26 Seconds" campaign in March, with the support of the America's Promise Alliance and LeBron James. To shine a light on the importance of high school graduation, the campaign uses an active online community (facebook.com/26seconds and 26seconds.com), and has teamed up with education leaders, non-profit partners, State Farm agents and employees to help motivate teens to stay in school and creatively express themselves about the issue.

State Farm has been a committed business partner to education for more than two decades. The company supports numerous initiatives that support systemic improvements to the nation's educational system. Its partnership with the America's Promise Alliance strongly focuses on improving the high school graduation rate through the GradNation campaign.

"State Farm has a long history of supporting systemic changes in America's education system," said Edward B. Rust Jr., State Farm chairman and chief executive officer. "Now more than ever, it is important to reinforce to today's youth the importance of staying in school. We believe youth are strong peer advocates to communicate this message. We're hopeful that the 26 Seconds campaign will provide the platform for them to engage and help improve outcomes."

Engaging Students Directly

The fundamental principle of 26 Seconds is to connect with young people (those who can be change agents) and to motivate and inspire them to set positive goals, and pursue those goals through education. The campaign engages and empowers youth to "take back the stat." It asks them to BSEEN, BHEARD, BYOU and BMOR by sharing their talents and creativity with other young people across the country facing similar issues that may prevent them from graduating and realizing their future potential.

About State Farm®:

State Farm and its affiliates are the largest provider of car insurance in the U.S. and is a leading insurer in Canada. In addition to providing auto insurance quotes, their 17,800 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts – more than 79 million auto, home, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 37 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com or in Canadahttp://www.statefarm.ca.

About America's Promise Alliance:

America's Promise Alliance is the nation's largest partnership organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth by raising awareness, supporting communities, and engaging in nonpartisan advocacy. Through our Grad Nation campaign, we harness the collective power of our partner network to mobilize Americans to end the high school dropout crisis and prepare young people for college and the 21st century workforce.  Building on the legacy of our Founding Chairman General Colin Powell, the Alliance believes the success of our young people is grounded in the Five Promises—caring adults; safe places; a healthy start; an effective education; and opportunities to help others.  For more information about America's Promise Alliance, visit www.americaspromise.org.

SOURCE State Farm

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Peliculas Online

Aflac Incorporated to Present at the Raymond James 7th Annual European Investors North American Equities Conference

COLUMBUS, Ga., Sept. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL) announced today that it will make a presentation at the Raymond James 7th Annual European Investors North American Equities Conference. Aflac Incorporated President and Chief Financial Officer Kriss Cloninger III will represent the company, and he is scheduled to make a presentation on September 13, 2011, at 4:25 a.m. EDT  (9:25 a.m. BST London Time). The Aflac Incorporated presentation will cover the company's outlook and its strategy for growth in the U.S. and Japanese insurance markets.

The presentation will be webcast live at the following web address:

http://www.wsw.com/webcast/rj68/afl/

ABOUT AFLAC

When a policyholder gets sick or hurt, Aflac pays cash benefits fast. For more than 55 years, Aflac insurance policies have helped provide a safety net and given policyholders the opportunity to focus on recovery, not financial stress. In the United States, Aflac is the number one provider of guaranteed-renewable insurance. In Japan, Aflac is the number one life insurance company in terms of individual policies in force. Aflac insurance products provide protection to more than 50 million people worldwide. For five consecutive years, Aflac has been recognized by Ethisphere magazine as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies and by Forbes magazine as one of America's Best-Managed Companies in the Insurance category. In 2011, Fortune magazine recognized Aflac as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America for the 13th consecutive year. Also, Fortune magazine included Aflac on its list of Most Admired Companies for the 10th time in 2011. Aflac Incorporated is a Fortune 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFL. To find out more about Aflac, visit aflac.com or aflacenespanol.com.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100423/CL92305LOGO )

Analyst and investor contact – Robin Y. Wilkey, 706.596.3264 and 800.235.2667
FAX:  706.324.6330, or rwilkey@aflac.com
Media contact – Laura Kane, 706.596.3493, FAX:  706.320.2288, or lkane@aflac.com

SOURCE Aflac Incorporated

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Marsh & McLennan Companies Names Ben Allen Chief Information Officer

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE: MMC) today announced that Ben Allen, Senior Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer, will assume the additional role of Chief Information Officer, effective immediately.

In his new role, Mr. Allen will oversee Marsh & McLennan Companies’ global technology infrastructure group and report to Dan Glaser, Group President and Chief Operating Officer of Marsh & McLennan Companies. Mr. Allen will also oversee the technology leadership teams at Operating Companies Marsh, Guy Carpenter, Mercer and Oliver Wyman, continuing to improve productivity while enhancing information technology capabilities.

“Given the synergies between technology and innovation, the alignment of the two functions was a natural development that will result in new efficiencies for our Company. Ben’s in-depth experience in running technology-driven organizations and strong management skills make this a strategic combination,” said Mr. Glaser. “I am delighted to have someone with Ben’s expertise overseeing our global technology and innovation functions as we advance our mission of operating as an elite global enterprise.”

As both Chief Innovation and Chief Information Officer, Mr. Allen will continue to lead an enterprise-level innovation platform while working closely with the Operating Companies to refine the firm’s overall technology strategy. He will continue to be based at the Company’s headquarters in New York City.

In May 2011, Mr. Allen was appointed Chief Innovation Officer of Marsh & McLennan Companies. Previously, Mr. Allen had been President and Chief Executive Officer of Kroll, Inc., a position he held since March 2008. Kroll was a unit of Marsh & McLennan Companies from 2004 until its sale to Altegrity in 2010. Prior to that, he held a number of leadership and technology-focused positions at Kroll, including Chief Operating Officer.

About Marsh & McLennan

Marsh & McLennan Companies is a global professional services firm providing advice and solutions in the areas of risk, strategy and human capital. It is the parent company of a number of the world's leading risk experts and specialty consultants, including Marsh, the insurance broker and risk advisor; Guy Carpenter, the risk and reinsurance specialist; Mercer, the provider of HR and related financial advice and services; and Oliver Wyman, the management consultancy. With 52,000 employees worldwide and annual revenue exceeding $10 billion, Marsh & McLennan Companies provides analysis, advice and transactional capabilities to clients in more than 100 countries. Its stock (ticker symbol: MMC) is listed on the New York, Chicago and London stock exchanges. Marsh & McLennan Companies' website address is www.mmc.com.

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.
MediaSilvia Davi, +1-212-345-4371
silvia.davi@mmc.com
or
InvestorsScott Douglas, +1-212-345-5488
scott.d.douglas@mmc.com

Source: Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

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Aetna Announces Appearance at Morgan Stanley Global Healthcare Conference

HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Aetna (NYSE: AET) announced today that Joseph M. Zubretsky, senior executive vice president and chief financial officer, is scheduled to make a presentation at the Morgan Stanley Global Healthcare Conference on September 13, 2011, in New York City.

Aetna’s presentation is scheduled to begin at 8:35 a.m. Eastern Time. Investors, analysts and the general public are invited to listen to this presentation over the Internet via Aetna’s Investor Information link at www.aetna.com/investor. To listen to this presentation live on the Internet, visit Aetna’s web site prior to the presentation to download and install any necessary audio software. A webcast replay will be available via Aetna’s Investor Information link at www.aetna.com/investor, beginning approximately two hours after the event, for days.

Anyone listening to the presentation is encouraged to read Aetna’s annual and quarterly reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a discussion of Aetna's historical results of operations and financial condition. Information reconciling certain financial and other measures that may be disclosed in the presentation to relevant GAAP measures will be available prior to the presentation via the Investor Information portion of Aetna’s web site.

About Aetna

Aetna is one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 36.5 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities and health care management services for Medicaid plans. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, see www.aetna.com.

Aetna
Media Contact:Fred Laberge, 860-273-4788
labergear@aetna.com
or
Investor Contact:Tom Cowhey, 860-273-2402
cowheyt@aetna.com

Source: Aetna

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PROFNET EXPERT ALERTS: Offshore Bank Accounts / Skipping Meals / Social Sharing

Sept. 6, 2011

EXPERT ALERTS:

1. Business: No Encore for U.S. Exports?

2. Finance: Deadline Extended for Consumers to Report Offshore Bank Accounts to IRS

3. Science: Assessing the Risk of Drinking-Water Contamination After a Hurricane 

4. Technology: Why International Logistics Is Perfect for Cloud-Based Computing

5. Workplace: Can Companies Pressure Employees to Skip Meal Breaks?

6. Workplace: Texans Running Back Puts MRI on Twitter: Consequences of Social Sharing

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES

1. Minding Your Communications Manners

2. #ConnectChat Recap: Making the Switch From Journalism to PR, Part 2

3. Smart Cards: Next-Level Enterprise Security

***************

EXPERT ALERTS:

Via Expert Alerts, ProfNet members can alert reporters to experts who are available to discuss timely news topics. If you are interested in interviewing any of the experts, please see the contact info at the end of the alert. You can also find Expert Alerts online on ProfNet Connect at http://bit.ly/pncalerts

**1. BUSINESS: NO ENCORE FOR U.S. EXPORTS? Daniel L. Gardner, CEO of Ocean World Lines, is passionate about free trade and its critical role in creating jobs and fueling exports and the U.S. economy. As a professor, international executive and author, he has spent the last 25 years in global trade: "The prickly truth is the United States is in a competitive decline and it's not China or NAFTA's fault. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the May 2011 deficit of goods and services ($50.2 billion) was the highest since October 2008 ($59.5 billion). In the global marketplace, companies have to offer more than a quality product at a fair price -- they also need to create an additional competitive advantage through the tactics they employ when shipping goods overseas. Whether one speaks of the impact on landed costs, time to market, customer service, invoicing or collection of funds, properly designed logistics programs are a must for any successful export program." Gardner most recently wrote a book-length essay called "No Encore: An Essay Concerning the Competitive Decline of the United States of America." He is available to discuss how the U.S. can increase exports and drive job creation, starting today. Profile: http://www.profnetconnect.com/gardner  News Contact: Melissa Bradley, bradleycomm@earthlink.net Phone: +1-928-208-9300

**2. FINANCE: DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR CONSUMERS TO REPORT OFFSHORE BANK ACCOUNTS TO IRS. Michael Rozbruch, CEO of Tax Resolution Services, Co., one of the nation's leading tax negotiation and mediation firms: "The Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Initiative (OVDI) deadline that originally ended Aug. 31 has been extended to Sept. 9, due to the potential impact of Hurricane Irene. Extension or not, consumers need to consider having the help of expert tax resolution professionals on their side. What many consumers don't always understand is that they don't have to go to the IRS alone, and worse, that they would be ill-advised to handle this type of (potential criminal) matter on their own without expert professional representation in their corner. The IRS has given taxpayers an opportunity, and now an extension, to come clean about their offshore bank accounts. Tapping this deadline is important, but it is more important to do it right. The value of having expert tax resolution attorneys or tax resolution specialists to support you in navigating the offshore bank account maze can save time, headaches, money and possibly your freedom. It is nearly impossible for taxpayers to understand everything required by law if they have foreign bank accounts or have signatory authority over an offshore account -- a little help makes a big difference." Profile: http://www.profnetconnect.com/michael_rozbruch  News Contact: Debbie Edwards, debbie@taxresolution.com Phone: +1-866-477-7762, ext. 326 Website: http://www.taxresolution.com

**3. SCIENCE: ASSESSING THE RISK OF DRINKING-WATER CONTAMINATION AFTER A HURRICANE. Marc Hamel, product specialist at Horizon Technology in Salem, N.H.: "Up and down the East Coast of the United States in the wake of Hurricane Irene, municipalities and commercial testing labs are scrambling to quantify the risk to public drinking water from flood-water contamination. The first days after a flooding catastrophe like Hurricane Irene are critical in determining the risks to public drinking water. Harmful environmental contaminants can enter human drinking-water supplies through numerous sources during a flood event. Contaminants such as raw sewerage, flame retardants (found in most building materials), herbicides, pesticides, petroleum hydrocarbons and other known substances migrate quickly from flood waters into public reservoirs, private wells and municipal pumping stations. Determining the extent and scope of this contamination early after a flood event is critical to protecting human populations. The analysis of increased volumes of water will strain even the most well-equipped environmental-monitoring laboratories. Demand for fast and continued analysis in the days during and weeks after flooding is crucial to insuring public safety. Labs equipped with automated water-monitoring systems are best suited to assist in the ongoing assessment." Hamel is available for media interviews. News Contact: Richard Berman, BermanTrenckCommunications@gmail.com Phone: +1-914-572-2707 Website: http://www.horizontechinc.com

**4. TECHNOLOGY: WHY INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS IS PERFECT FOR CLOUD-BASED COMPUTING. Bryn Heimbeck, CEO of Trade Tech, an integrated global application service provider for the transportation and logistics industry: "No other industry is as geographically challenged as international logistics. Imagine if an assembly line had to stretch across continents or oceans. In many ways, logistics is the assembly of pivotal information and command sets that represent and create the digital picture of a shipment. A cloud-based solution ties all of the global users within a logistics provider together on a single virtual assembly line and then ties them all to all of the essential services they need, such as customs organizations, carrier portals, insurance companies and financial institutions. Electing to participate in a cloud means companies do not have to build all of these connections on their own." Heimbeck is available to discuss unique views and expertise on cloud computing today and its applications in international logistics and other industries. Profile: http://www.profnetconnect.com/brynheimbeck  News Contact: Melissa Bradley, bradleycomm@earthlink.net Phone: +1-928-208-9300

**5. WORKPLACE: CAN COMPANIES PRESSURE EMPLOYEES TO SKIP MEAL BREAKS? Alan Levins is a shareholder at Littler Mendelson, the nation's largest employment and labor law firm representing management. While under California law companies cannot pressure employees to skip meal breaks, they are not required to ensure that employees actually take their breaks. In Driscoll, et al. v. Granite Rock Company ("Graniterock"), the Superior Court of Santa Clara County ruled in favor of defendant Graniterock, determining they were not in violation of California law as it relates to off-duty meal periods, a wage and hour issue receiving much attention in light of the highly anticipated decision in the case, Brinker Restaurant Corporation, et. al. v. Superior Court. Levins is available to speak about the topic of meal-period regulation: "At the center of this case is the clarification of a critical wage and hour issue -- that employers are required to make meal periods available to employees but are not required to force employees to take a lunch break. When faced with a wage and hour lawsuit, employers can become bewildered with California's meal-period regulations and settle their cases. The elements of proof needed are a clear policy providing meal periods, company-wide communication on this subject so that employees know their rights and clear opportunities for individuals to express to the employer their meal-period preference." News Contact: Shani Wright, wright@formulapr.com Phone: +1-212-219-0321

**6. WORKPLACE: TEXANS RUNNING BACK PUTS MRI ON TWITTER, A REMINDER OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF SOCIAL SHARING. William J. Ward (a.k.a. "DR4WARD"), professor of practice in social media at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, can talk about Houston Texans running back Arian Foster sharing an MRI scan of his hamstring on Twitter, which violated the team's Twitter policy: "Foster's tweet has the potential to be a multimillion-dollar misstep. By sharing his injury on Twitter, Foster released valuable information that could help opposing teams exploit the situation and develop a strategy to take advantage of Foster and the team's weakness. The early release of this information on social media also has the potential to alter fan attendance, viewing behavior and odds makers' projections on the outcome of games. This is yet another example of people not understanding the dynamics of social sharing or choosing to ignore company social policy, with the consequences having a far-reaching impact beyond the individual act." Here is a related presentation from Ward: http://bit.ly/fy1j0n  Profile: http://www.profnetconnect.com/dr4ward  News Contact: Wendy S. Loughlin, wsloughl@syr.edu Phone: +1-315-443-2785

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES:

Following are links to other news and resources we think you might find useful. If you have an item you think other reporters would be interested in and would like us to include in a future alert, please drop us a line at profnetalerts@prnewswire.com

**1. MINDING YOUR COMMUNICATIONS MANNERS: Beth Monaghan discusses modern phone etiquette: http://bit.ly/nw3i1l

**2. #CONNECTCHAT RECAP: MAKING THE SWITCH FROM JOURNALISM TO PR, PART 2: ProfNet Editor Evelyn Tipacti spotlights marketing expert Michelle Mekky: http://bit.ly/qfXjIp

**3. SMART CARDS: NEXT-LEVEL ENTERPRISE SECURITY: Hilding Arrehed explains how smart cards promote security in the IT environment: http://bit.ly/ru1Gd3

PROFNET is an exclusive service of PR Newswire. To submit a request for experts: http://budurl.com/profnetquery  To consult the ProfNet Experts Database: http://profnet.prnewswire.com  To contact ProfNet by phone: +1-800-PROFNET, ext. 1  To share a thought on Expert Alerts: profnetalerts@prnewswire.com

/PRNewswire – Sept. 6, 2011/

SOURCE ProfNet

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Peliculas Online

Shareholders Approve the Formation of Customers Bancorp, Inc. and the Acquisition of Berkshire Bancorp, Inc.

WYOMISSING, Pa., Sept. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Customers Bank is pleased to announce that at its Special Shareholders' meeting, shareholders approved the formation of its new bank holding company, Customers Bancorp, Inc. and approved and adopted the Agreement and Plan of Merger with Berkshire Bancorp, Inc.

Customers Bank also held its Annual Shareholders' Meeting where shareholders approved: Election of three directors to new three year terms: Steven J. Zuckerman, T. Lawrence Way and Richard A. Ehst,Approval of the Customers Bank Amended and Restated 2004 Incentive Equity and Deferred Compensation Plan, andAppointment of ParenteBeard LLC as the independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.

Jay S. Sidhu, Chairman and CEO of Customers Bancorp and Customers Bank, reviewed the bank's performance at the meeting and stated that the Bank was recognized in 2010 as the # 1 performing bank in Pennsylvania and the # 4 performing bank in the United States among banks below $3 billion in assets by the ABA Banking Journal.

Customers Bancorp, Inc. became an SEC registrant in August 2011 and is headquartered in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania.  The Bancorp will begin to put out public communications to shareholders such as earnings press releases and will file all required public documents in accordance with SEC regulations.  Customers Bank will continue to be headquartered in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.

Regulatory approval for the Berkshire Bancorp acquisition and the formation of Customers Bancorp has also been received.  It is anticipated that the Berkshire acquisition will close and be integrated into Customers Bancorp in September 2011.  Customers Bank's branch network will expand to 16 branches through Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York.

About Customers Bancorp and Customers Bank

Customers Bancorp, Inc. is a bank holding company based in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania.  Customers Bank (the "Bank") is a state-chartered, full-service bank headquartered in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.  The Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve System and is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).  With assets of more than $1.7 billion, the Bancorp provides a full range of banking services to small and medium-sized businesses, professionals, individuals and families through branch locations in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. The Bank is focused on serving its targeted markets with a growth strategy that includes strategically placed branches throughout its market area and continually expanding its portfolio of loans to small businesses and consumers.

"Safe Harbor" Statement

In addition to historical information, this information may contain "forward-looking statements" which are made in good faith by the Bank, pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These forward-looking statements include statements with respect to the Bank's strategies, goals, beliefs, expectations, estimates, intentions, and financial condition, results of operations, future performance and business.  Statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words "may," "could," "should," "pro forma," "looking forward," "would,"  "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "plan," or similar expressions generally indicate a forward-looking statement.  These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on various important factors (some of which, in whole or in part, are beyond the Bancorp's control).  Numerous competitive, economic, regulatory, legal and technological factors, among others, could cause the Bancorp's financial performance to differ materially from the goals, plans, objectives, intentions and expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements.  The Bancorp cautions that the foregoing factors are not exclusive, and neither such factors nor any such forward-looking statement takes into account the impact that any future acquisition may have on the Bancorp and any such forward-looking statement.  The Bancorp does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Bank.

SOURCE Customers Bank

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Peliculas Online

PowerGuard Adds Business Development Executive Jeff Sharer in New Jersey

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- PowerGuard Specialty Insurance Services — a Managing General Agent and Lloyds cover holder specializing in unique insurance and risk management solutions for the wind and solar energy industries — today announced that risk management, financial services and alternative energy professional Jeff Sharer has joined the company as Business Development Executive.  Sharer brings to PowerGuard more than 15 years of business development, product development, legal, insurance underwriting, risk management and operations experience.  

Prior to joining PowerGuard, Sharer was most recently a managing director at APX, Inc. (now NYSE Blue), where he was responsible for developing unique products and services for the renewable energy sector.  Prior to APX, Jeff oversaw hazard risk management for Goldman Sachs and the firm's owned investment entities, including Cogentrix Energy and Horizon Wind Energy.  

As a PowerGuard vice president and business development executive, Sharer will direct sales and marketing initiatives across all distribution channels, working with retail brokers, project developers, alternative energy investors, banks and others to develop and manage new business opportunities for the PowerGuard team. Sharer will be based in New Jersey and report directly to PowerGuard's Managing Principal, Mike McMullen.

"Demand for PowerGuard's products and services - particularly our industry leading PowerCLIP™  warranty solution - has grown significantly," noted McMullen. "Having an experienced, respected business development and alternative energy professional like Jeff on our team will help us to manage and capitalize upon this growing demand. We are pleased and excited to welcome Jeff to PowerGuard."

Sharer obtained a Juris Doctor degree from Pace UniversitySchool of Law in White Plains, NY and a Bachelor's Degree in History (Minor in Business) from Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA.

Jeff Sharer can be reached at:
PowerGuard Specialty Insurance Services
(949) 224-1332
jsharer@powerguardins.com

For more information on PowerGuard, PowerCLIP™,  PowerWrap™ and other innovative insurance and risk management solutions for alternative energy companies, please contact Mike McMullen, managing principal of PowerGuard Specialty Insurance Services at mmcmullen@powerguardins.com

About PowerGuard Specialty Insurance Services

PowerGuard is a Managing General Agent and Lloyds cover holder specializing in the design and underwriting of unique insurance and risk management solutions for wind, solar and other alternative energy companies.

PowerGuard's PowerCLIP warranty product is the most comprehensive contractual liability coverage available to renewable energy manufactures, project developers, power generation operators and the financial institutions who invest in them.  

PowerGuard's PowerWrap Solar Project Guarantee Policy is a simple and straightforward insurance policy that guarantees the performance of the entire solar energy system - written on investment grade paper with an insurance company holding an AA- rating from Standard & Poor's. For more information please visit www.powerguardins.com

- Logo 72dpi: Send2PressNewswire.com/image/11-0815-pguard_lg.jpg

- RSS news feed for PowerGuard: http://send2pressnewswire.com/author/powerguard-specialty-insurance-services/feed

This release was issued on behalf of the above organization by Send2Press(R), a unit of Neotrope(R). http://www.Send2Press.com

SOURCE PowerGuard Specialty Insurance Services

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Peliculas Online

Nurses at Brooklyn Hospital Overwhelmingly Vote to Strike

Nurses demand a contract that recognizes the value of their work

BROOKLYN, N.Y., Sept. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nurses always consider striking a last resort, but in response to management contract proposals that would degrade the nurses' quality of life, the registered nurses of the Brooklyn Hospital Center voted September 1 and 2 to authorize a strike. Members of the 500-person bargaining unit turned out overwhelmingly to let management know they would not accept an unfair and unreasonable contract that cuts their pension, health benefits and take-home pay.

"As nurses, we are absolutely committed to providing the best quality care to our patients and the community, but hospital management has taken the stance that they are not going to acknowledge the nurses' value," said Roberta Murphy, MS, RN, associate director of the Economic and General Welfare program of the New York StateNurses Association, which represents the registered nurses at Brooklyn Hospital.

The Nurses Association remains willing to negotiate a fair contract with Brooklyn Hospital management, and negotiations are scheduled for September 6. Negotiations have been ongoing since the nurses' most recent one-year contract expired in December 2010. Labor law requires that the union provide at least 10-days advance notice before going out on strike.

"We are willing to go back to the table with management, but they must understand that the nurses are united and resolved to do what it takes to get a fair and reasonable contract. We are also asking the local community to stand with us and support the nurses who spend every day caring for patients," Murphy said.

The nurses have received a brief reprieve on one of their concerns. After more than a week of not having their employer-provided health insurance coverage, the Brooklyn Hospital nurses have had that benefit reinstated retroactive to August 28 – for 30 days. Despite the fact that the hospital has a legal obligation to maintain the nurses' benefits and working conditions while negotiations are ongoing, hospital management originally allowed the nurses health insurance to lapse.

The registered nurses at Brooklyn Hospital understand the challenges facing the hospital and have repeatedly sacrificed for the good of the hospital. In fact, the union's current contract proposals provide substantial cost savings to the hospital.

"Management is taking advantage of concerns about the overall economic climate to advance proposals that undercut the nurses' quality of life," Murphy said.

Management is seeking to downgrade the nurses' pension plan, cutting benefits and removing the option for nurses to retire at 60 without penalty. They are also seeking cuts in the nurses' health insurance benefits and overall are asking for concessions that would cost experienced nurses at least an estimated $6,180 per nurse over three years and equate to a pay cut of $1,680.

"A proposal like this won't allow Brooklyn Hospital to recruit and retain experienced, professional nurses. It's bad for the nurses, bad for the hospital and bad for the community," Murphy said.

The New York StateNurses Association is the voice for nursing in the Empire State. With more than 37,000 members, it is New York's largest professional association and union for registered nurses. The association represents registered nurses, and some all-professional bargaining units, in New York and New Jersey. It supports nurses and nursing practice through education, research, legislative advocacy, and collective bargaining.

SOURCE New York StateNurses Association

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