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

###

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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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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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