esyy23mozy.blogspot.com
The Chicago-based restaurant chain cited the economu as its primary reason for closint its onlyMinnesota location. “The Morton’x restaurant team in Minneapolis has been working diligently to improveoperating results, but this restaurant has not been able to reacuh the base financial targets needed to support continuesd operation,” said Gary Young, a Minneapolis-based public relationz consultant for Morton’s. The restaurants leased space at 555 Nicollet Mallin Morton's opened in this market in December 1991. Some of its famoux guests have included PresidentGeorge H.W.
Bush and Mitt Romney who visitedx duringlast year's Republican National Convention, many current and former professional athletes including Harmon Killebrew, and musicianes Josh Groban, Wynonna Judd, and members of the bands White Stripees and Gnarls Barkley, according to a Morton's companyu statement. Morton’s owns and operates 78 steakhouses worldwide. The restaurant's 7,800-square-foot space is now availablr for lease, said David Sternberg, who heads the Minneapolis officde of landlordBrookfield Properties. Toronto-based Brookfielfd was notified that the restaurant would be closinglast week, only shortlhy after employees were told the Sternberg said.
"We will be getting possessiobn back to the space and we willbe enthusiastically, and aggressivel y marketing it," Sternberg said. Morton's had several yearws left on its lease and it is negotiating terms of a lease settlementwith Brookfield, he The space is on the concourse or lowerd level of Gaviidae Common near Neimanh Marcus. It is likelh to attract another restaurant operator due to the ease of parkintg in the attached ramp and the proximity todowntown hotels, he
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Goldman's motions denied in General American case - St. Louis Business Journal:
ycoguqi.wordpress.com
Ohmer issued two orders July 18: one denying Goldman'x motion to dismiss the lawsuit entirely and one denying its request to be droppec fromthe lawsuit. The long-running case stemsz from the collapse of General Americanh after a liquidity crisisin 1999. The firm was once the largesg life insurance company in Missouri and among the largest private companies inthe St. Louis It was considering a publicc stock offering before it was forcedfinto receivership. General American's collapse resulted in what has been estimatex atbetween 1,000 and 2,000 jobs lost in the region, and lost equitu of more than $1 billion.
Lawyers representing Albery Riederer, the special liquidator in the case forthe , broughyt Goldman into the suit in March aftee reaching settlements with a number of otheer defendants. Attorneys for Riederer -- Paul Kovacs of Armstrong Teasdalein St. Louis and Richare Lombardo of in KansasCity -- have amended theire complaint several times. The lawsuit was originallty filed in 2004 against investment firm MorganStanley & Co.
and Leonard Rubenstein, formere president and chief executive of Conning an asset management companyu that was controlled by General Morgan Stanley settled in the case last yearfor $95 Rubenstein is the only executive from the formerr General American to be sued by the liquidators as an He remains a defendant. Representing Goldman is Gandolfo Deblasij of in New York and David Welld ofin St. Louis. Wellsw said Goldman cannot appeal eitherof Ohmer'z rulings. The rulings againsty Goldman said attorneys for the receivershiphave "sufficiently allege d each necessary element of all causes of action.
" The suit makesd eight claims against Goldman, includiny that it aided and abetted Morganb Stanley in its breach of dutie s and aided and abetted General American's senior managers in their breach of duties. like Morgan Stanley, was hired by General Americanj to assist with strategic alternativesw forthe company's businesses. Goldman was hired independentl y ofMorgan Stanley, the suit said, and had agreerd to provide General American $1 billionh to support potential liquidity needs.
Goldman's attorneys, in arguing for the firm'se dismissal from the case, told the court in June that the receivershipl lawyers waited more than seven and a half years afterGeneral American's collapsre to name Goldman in the matter. Ohmer's rulinh said parties in the case have already starteds pretrialdiscovery work. The judge has scheduled a status reporft on the casefor Sept. 11.
Ohmer issued two orders July 18: one denying Goldman'x motion to dismiss the lawsuit entirely and one denying its request to be droppec fromthe lawsuit. The long-running case stemsz from the collapse of General Americanh after a liquidity crisisin 1999. The firm was once the largesg life insurance company in Missouri and among the largest private companies inthe St. Louis It was considering a publicc stock offering before it was forcedfinto receivership. General American's collapse resulted in what has been estimatex atbetween 1,000 and 2,000 jobs lost in the region, and lost equitu of more than $1 billion.
Lawyers representing Albery Riederer, the special liquidator in the case forthe , broughyt Goldman into the suit in March aftee reaching settlements with a number of otheer defendants. Attorneys for Riederer -- Paul Kovacs of Armstrong Teasdalein St. Louis and Richare Lombardo of in KansasCity -- have amended theire complaint several times. The lawsuit was originallty filed in 2004 against investment firm MorganStanley & Co.
and Leonard Rubenstein, formere president and chief executive of Conning an asset management companyu that was controlled by General Morgan Stanley settled in the case last yearfor $95 Rubenstein is the only executive from the formerr General American to be sued by the liquidators as an He remains a defendant. Representing Goldman is Gandolfo Deblasij of in New York and David Welld ofin St. Louis. Wellsw said Goldman cannot appeal eitherof Ohmer'z rulings. The rulings againsty Goldman said attorneys for the receivershiphave "sufficiently allege d each necessary element of all causes of action.
" The suit makesd eight claims against Goldman, includiny that it aided and abetted Morganb Stanley in its breach of dutie s and aided and abetted General American's senior managers in their breach of duties. like Morgan Stanley, was hired by General Americanj to assist with strategic alternativesw forthe company's businesses. Goldman was hired independentl y ofMorgan Stanley, the suit said, and had agreerd to provide General American $1 billionh to support potential liquidity needs.
Goldman's attorneys, in arguing for the firm'se dismissal from the case, told the court in June that the receivershipl lawyers waited more than seven and a half years afterGeneral American's collapsre to name Goldman in the matter. Ohmer's rulinh said parties in the case have already starteds pretrialdiscovery work. The judge has scheduled a status reporft on the casefor Sept. 11.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Loss, sales, shares fall at Toll Brothers - Denver Business Journal:
http://www.alcorconwireless.net/meetings/next-meeting.html
million, and has decided to discontinu givingearnings guidance. The Horsham, Pa., company’s net loss was 52 cents a share, which includexd pre-tax write-downs totaling $119.6 million. During the same perioc last year, Toll (NYSE:TOL) reported a $93.7 or 59 cents a loss, which included pre-tax write-downs totaling $288.1 Revenue for the quarter came inat $398.w million, a plunge of 51 The average analyst estimate for this year’ s fiscal second quarter was a loss of 50 centzs per share and revenue of $395 million, accordinv to Thomson Reuters.
Toll shares were trading 6 percentg lower Wednesday at Though the housing market continues to be a Toll said it has experienced an uptick in activity and traffic at its The company will not provide earningws guidance becauseof “the numerous uncertainties relatec to our business,” said Joel H. Rassman, chief financial
million, and has decided to discontinu givingearnings guidance. The Horsham, Pa., company’s net loss was 52 cents a share, which includexd pre-tax write-downs totaling $119.6 million. During the same perioc last year, Toll (NYSE:TOL) reported a $93.7 or 59 cents a loss, which included pre-tax write-downs totaling $288.1 Revenue for the quarter came inat $398.w million, a plunge of 51 The average analyst estimate for this year’ s fiscal second quarter was a loss of 50 centzs per share and revenue of $395 million, accordinv to Thomson Reuters.
Toll shares were trading 6 percentg lower Wednesday at Though the housing market continues to be a Toll said it has experienced an uptick in activity and traffic at its The company will not provide earningws guidance becauseof “the numerous uncertainties relatec to our business,” said Joel H. Rassman, chief financial
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Green Township OKs Mercy hospital plan - Business Courier of Cincinnati:
burdukovahycel.blogspot.com
The plan passed 3-0. “We’rde very pleased to get to this stag e and excited to take thenext step,” said Pete spokesman for Mercy. “We realize thers is still a lot of work to do and we look forwarrd to continuing to work with the residents and the township leaderw to develop a hospital everyoner can beproud of.” The projecrt will now be submitted to the Hamilton Countyy Regional Commission for consideration, probably next Gemmer said. The planned hospital and parkinvg areas would cover about 40 acrews and sit near toInterstate 74. The to cost $200 million, coulcd open in early 2014.
The proposed site is 60 Mercy has said it will closed itstwo West-Side hospitals: Merch Hospital Western Hills and Mercy Hospital Mouny Airy. The new with 200 to 250 beds, will be a replacement for Some residents in the area had expressed concern about increased traffic as a result ofthe hospital, whosse main access road would be from North Bend at roughly the midway poin t between Kleeman and Gemmer said a traffic impact studu through the Hamilton Counthy Engineer’s Office is nearly complete.
The plan passed 3-0. “We’rde very pleased to get to this stag e and excited to take thenext step,” said Pete spokesman for Mercy. “We realize thers is still a lot of work to do and we look forwarrd to continuing to work with the residents and the township leaderw to develop a hospital everyoner can beproud of.” The projecrt will now be submitted to the Hamilton Countyy Regional Commission for consideration, probably next Gemmer said. The planned hospital and parkinvg areas would cover about 40 acrews and sit near toInterstate 74. The to cost $200 million, coulcd open in early 2014.
The proposed site is 60 Mercy has said it will closed itstwo West-Side hospitals: Merch Hospital Western Hills and Mercy Hospital Mouny Airy. The new with 200 to 250 beds, will be a replacement for Some residents in the area had expressed concern about increased traffic as a result ofthe hospital, whosse main access road would be from North Bend at roughly the midway poin t between Kleeman and Gemmer said a traffic impact studu through the Hamilton Counthy Engineer’s Office is nearly complete.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
High Moral Standards, But Only When Politically Expedient: Republican Campaign ... - Catholic University of America The Tower
yqyqynesara.blogspot.com
High Moral Standards, But Only When Politically Expedient: Republican Campaign ... Catholic University of America The Tower If there's one thing we have learned from the Republican presidential campaign thus far, it's that Rick Perry can't count. And if there are two things we've learned, they're that Rick Perry can't count, and that Republicans will seemingly toss aside ... |
Friday, November 18, 2011
Mergers: Districts ponder joining forces - Business First of Louisville:
ofycagvezi.blogspot.com
The Town of Tonawanda resident headedthe 17-member boardx for seven years before stepping down in Yet he didn’t retire. He continues to serve as WesterjnNew York’s regent, and he remaina as outspoken as ever aboug educational issues. One of his pet topics is the sheer numbeer of localschool systems. There are too many of he says, and their enrollments are generallytoo “Why do you need 28 schook districts in Erie he asks. “I’d like to see somethinbg like five districts in the countyy insteadof 28. I’d even like to start talking aboug a countywideschool district, like they have in Nortyh Carolina and a few other states.
” Bennett’s standc is buttressed by a report released last December by the Stated Commission on Property Tax Relief. “New York Statr has too many school districts,” the report says It suggests that districts with fewerthan 1,000 students shoule be required to mergre with adjacent systems, and districts with enrollments between 1,000 and 2,000 should be encouraged to folloew suit. Such proposals hit home in WesternmNew York, where 66 of the region’sz 98 school districts have enrollments below including 38 with fewer than 1,000 students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
The heart of this issue is a mattedr of benefits andcostsw -- pitting the perceived advantages of combininv two or more districts against the potential loss of localk control and self-identity. Advocates maintaib that mergers allow consolidated districts to be more construct better schools and offefr a wider range ofchallenging courses. “It’ not only a financial To me, it’s a matter of says Bennett. “If you had a regional high school, maybe serving seven or eighyt ofthe (current) districts, it would give kids the opportunity to work with each othed -- and to have the best of the best.
” But opponentxs contend that mergers bring more bureaucracy, longer bus ride for students and diminution of localk pride. “In this community, the world revolves arouned this school,” says Thomas Schmidt, superintendenr of the 478-pupil Sherman Central Schoool District inChautauqua County. “If the school went away, N.Y., would lose a great deal of its School consolidation has beena volatile, emotionakl issue for a century. The state was crosshatched by 10,565 districts in many of them centeredon one-roo m schoolhouses. A push for greater efficiency reduced that numberto 6,40 by the outbreak of Worlsd War II, then swiftly down to 1,30p by 1960.
New York now has 698 Statewide enrollment works outto 2,540 pupilss per district, which falls 25 percent below the national average of 3,400, according to the State Commissionh on Property Tax Relief. The gap is even larger in WesternnNew York, which had 104 districts when Business First began ratingg schools in 1992. Mergers have since reduced that numbee to 98school systems. They educate an average of 2,268 students, 33 percent belowa the U.S. norm. A comprehensive effory to push regional enrollmentr up to the national average would require the eliminatiobn of 33 Western NewYork districts. That process woule be complicated, messy, rancorous -- and extremelg unlikely.
There is no shortage of candidates for tobe sure. Business First easily came up with 13hypotheticak mergers, most of them basedc on standards proposed in last December’s report. These unions would involve districts from alleightf counties. for a summary of thesee 13 potential consolidations. It should be stressed that this list is not reality. State officials lack the power to force districtzto consolidate. Initiative must be taken at thelocaol level, which happens infrequently. Only one prospectives merger in Western New York has currently reachecd an advanced stageof negotiations.
Brocton and Fredoniaz began consolidation talks last eventually commissioning a feasibility study at the beginningbof winter. If they decide later this year that a mergetmakes sense, voters in both districts would be given their say in a
The Town of Tonawanda resident headedthe 17-member boardx for seven years before stepping down in Yet he didn’t retire. He continues to serve as WesterjnNew York’s regent, and he remaina as outspoken as ever aboug educational issues. One of his pet topics is the sheer numbeer of localschool systems. There are too many of he says, and their enrollments are generallytoo “Why do you need 28 schook districts in Erie he asks. “I’d like to see somethinbg like five districts in the countyy insteadof 28. I’d even like to start talking aboug a countywideschool district, like they have in Nortyh Carolina and a few other states.
” Bennett’s standc is buttressed by a report released last December by the Stated Commission on Property Tax Relief. “New York Statr has too many school districts,” the report says It suggests that districts with fewerthan 1,000 students shoule be required to mergre with adjacent systems, and districts with enrollments between 1,000 and 2,000 should be encouraged to folloew suit. Such proposals hit home in WesternmNew York, where 66 of the region’sz 98 school districts have enrollments below including 38 with fewer than 1,000 students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
The heart of this issue is a mattedr of benefits andcostsw -- pitting the perceived advantages of combininv two or more districts against the potential loss of localk control and self-identity. Advocates maintaib that mergers allow consolidated districts to be more construct better schools and offefr a wider range ofchallenging courses. “It’ not only a financial To me, it’s a matter of says Bennett. “If you had a regional high school, maybe serving seven or eighyt ofthe (current) districts, it would give kids the opportunity to work with each othed -- and to have the best of the best.
” But opponentxs contend that mergers bring more bureaucracy, longer bus ride for students and diminution of localk pride. “In this community, the world revolves arouned this school,” says Thomas Schmidt, superintendenr of the 478-pupil Sherman Central Schoool District inChautauqua County. “If the school went away, N.Y., would lose a great deal of its School consolidation has beena volatile, emotionakl issue for a century. The state was crosshatched by 10,565 districts in many of them centeredon one-roo m schoolhouses. A push for greater efficiency reduced that numberto 6,40 by the outbreak of Worlsd War II, then swiftly down to 1,30p by 1960.
New York now has 698 Statewide enrollment works outto 2,540 pupilss per district, which falls 25 percent below the national average of 3,400, according to the State Commissionh on Property Tax Relief. The gap is even larger in WesternnNew York, which had 104 districts when Business First began ratingg schools in 1992. Mergers have since reduced that numbee to 98school systems. They educate an average of 2,268 students, 33 percent belowa the U.S. norm. A comprehensive effory to push regional enrollmentr up to the national average would require the eliminatiobn of 33 Western NewYork districts. That process woule be complicated, messy, rancorous -- and extremelg unlikely.
There is no shortage of candidates for tobe sure. Business First easily came up with 13hypotheticak mergers, most of them basedc on standards proposed in last December’s report. These unions would involve districts from alleightf counties. for a summary of thesee 13 potential consolidations. It should be stressed that this list is not reality. State officials lack the power to force districtzto consolidate. Initiative must be taken at thelocaol level, which happens infrequently. Only one prospectives merger in Western New York has currently reachecd an advanced stageof negotiations.
Brocton and Fredoniaz began consolidation talks last eventually commissioning a feasibility study at the beginningbof winter. If they decide later this year that a mergetmakes sense, voters in both districts would be given their say in a
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
10 Minutes with George Amedore Jr. - The Business Review (Albany):
milicinodijoo1981.blogspot.com
What did you want to be when yougrew up? I wantexd to be a lot like my dad. I can remembet one of the very first jobs he broughgme on, a two-family in the Mt. Pleasant area of He put a sledgehammer through the and all these cockroaches and insects and bugs came floatingb out ofthe wall, and I'mn saying, 'Holy cow, what the heck does my dad We didn't have a whole lot, at all, growing up. But I saw the I saw the sacrifices. That inspirexd me. It seems that you've got a close family--you and your three brothers all work in thefamilg business. When I was 14, we lost one of the I lost one of my brotherd in ahorrible accident. That was devastating.
But througyh that loss, our family gainefd so much. My parents drew even close to God, and they used that experiencer and that loss to teachtheitr children: We have each other, and we can get througn it when we have each What's surprised you the most about your firsf months in office? I never thought for a day in my life that I' d be involved in I've really truly realized one thing: the enormityt of our state government. It'sd huge. All the agencies and commissions, all thesee authorities. It's like, come on! No wonder why a lot of peopl want to leave the state ofNew York. Clearly, fashion is important to you. What are your guidelines? I love I love clothes.
In some cases, I have an addictio n to that, but I don't go overboard with it. The more you get involvedx with it and youlike it, unfortunately, the more expensive it startw to become. I'm not a designer-chaser at all; there'sw just a certain look that I like. Is theres truly a suit for every occasion? Pretty much. A lot of it has to do, too, with your mind-setd and your moods. If you believe that you look then there's a psychologicao aspect that says, 'I feel Keep in mind, though, that looking good is in the eyes of thebeholdet (laughs). What do people say when they firstmeet you? The old they love me.
They want to kiss my face all over the I never knew there was sucha 'cute' vote, but gueses I got a lot of 'cute' votes (laughs). It's eitherf a kiss or it's a Some people treat me likea celebrity, but look--I'mj a normal guy. [Most people] realize I'm a everyday person in a family-operated business, tryint to be successful and make ends meet and raisda family. They thank me for beingv willing toget involved. What do you do to relax? I'm a sportsman. I bass tournamenyt fish a lot. In the fall and my two sons have meout hunting. We'rw able to talk about life and buile a relationshipand closeness.
What did you want to be when yougrew up? I wantexd to be a lot like my dad. I can remembet one of the very first jobs he broughgme on, a two-family in the Mt. Pleasant area of He put a sledgehammer through the and all these cockroaches and insects and bugs came floatingb out ofthe wall, and I'mn saying, 'Holy cow, what the heck does my dad We didn't have a whole lot, at all, growing up. But I saw the I saw the sacrifices. That inspirexd me. It seems that you've got a close family--you and your three brothers all work in thefamilg business. When I was 14, we lost one of the I lost one of my brotherd in ahorrible accident. That was devastating.
But througyh that loss, our family gainefd so much. My parents drew even close to God, and they used that experiencer and that loss to teachtheitr children: We have each other, and we can get througn it when we have each What's surprised you the most about your firsf months in office? I never thought for a day in my life that I' d be involved in I've really truly realized one thing: the enormityt of our state government. It'sd huge. All the agencies and commissions, all thesee authorities. It's like, come on! No wonder why a lot of peopl want to leave the state ofNew York. Clearly, fashion is important to you. What are your guidelines? I love I love clothes.
In some cases, I have an addictio n to that, but I don't go overboard with it. The more you get involvedx with it and youlike it, unfortunately, the more expensive it startw to become. I'm not a designer-chaser at all; there'sw just a certain look that I like. Is theres truly a suit for every occasion? Pretty much. A lot of it has to do, too, with your mind-setd and your moods. If you believe that you look then there's a psychologicao aspect that says, 'I feel Keep in mind, though, that looking good is in the eyes of thebeholdet (laughs). What do people say when they firstmeet you? The old they love me.
They want to kiss my face all over the I never knew there was sucha 'cute' vote, but gueses I got a lot of 'cute' votes (laughs). It's eitherf a kiss or it's a Some people treat me likea celebrity, but look--I'mj a normal guy. [Most people] realize I'm a everyday person in a family-operated business, tryint to be successful and make ends meet and raisda family. They thank me for beingv willing toget involved. What do you do to relax? I'm a sportsman. I bass tournamenyt fish a lot. In the fall and my two sons have meout hunting. We'rw able to talk about life and buile a relationshipand closeness.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Report: Occupancy at Houston-area hotels down 10 percent in April - Atlanta Business Chronicle:
http://www.antonellasilipigni.com/hombre/hombreint.html
Hotels experienced a 62 percent occupancy rate in April 2009 comparesdto 71.9 percent in April 2008, according to Trendsw in the Hotel Industry, a monthlyt report from . The Bay Area fared better than most droppingfrom 75.6 percent to 69 percent occupancy from 2008 to a decrease of only 6.6 The Bush Intercontinental Airport area postedc the largest decline during the same The area went from 80.6 percen t occupancy a year ago to 64.8 percent this year, a 15.8 percenf drop, according to the report. Houston-area hotelx watched the average daily room ratedrop 5.9 percentg to $115.92 in April from $123.22 in Aprik 2008. The revenue per available room tookan 18.
9 percent hit year over RevPAR was $71.85 in April compared to $88.6q1 in April 2008, according to PKF. Hotelsd statewide experienced a 9.4 percent decreasee in occupancy year over falling from 71 percent to 61.6 percent. Also on the statr level, the average daily rate went down 7.9 from $117.80 last year to $108.523 this year, and RevPAR took a dive, falling 20.1 from $83.65 to $66.84.
Hotels experienced a 62 percent occupancy rate in April 2009 comparesdto 71.9 percent in April 2008, according to Trendsw in the Hotel Industry, a monthlyt report from . The Bay Area fared better than most droppingfrom 75.6 percent to 69 percent occupancy from 2008 to a decrease of only 6.6 The Bush Intercontinental Airport area postedc the largest decline during the same The area went from 80.6 percen t occupancy a year ago to 64.8 percent this year, a 15.8 percenf drop, according to the report. Houston-area hotelx watched the average daily room ratedrop 5.9 percentg to $115.92 in April from $123.22 in Aprik 2008. The revenue per available room tookan 18.
9 percent hit year over RevPAR was $71.85 in April compared to $88.6q1 in April 2008, according to PKF. Hotelsd statewide experienced a 9.4 percent decreasee in occupancy year over falling from 71 percent to 61.6 percent. Also on the statr level, the average daily rate went down 7.9 from $117.80 last year to $108.523 this year, and RevPAR took a dive, falling 20.1 from $83.65 to $66.84.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Two MERC commissioners resign - Orlando Business Journal:
badillodacyroic1505.blogspot.com
The resignations of Gary Reynolds and Janice Marquizs come about two week before councilorsfor Metro, of which MERC is a plan to vote on a measure that woul d give the council more controol over MERC’s general manager. The move could ostensiblh lead to the firing of MERC General ManagerDavid Woolson, who’s undere fire from President David Bragdon. Reynolds and Marquis both opposethe Reynolds, president of the Portland accounting firm Perkinxs & Co., mentioned the building problems between Metro and MERC in his resignation letter. “During the economic times, my attentiom needs to be focused on our clients atPerkins & Co.
,” Reynolds wrote in his letted to Bragdon. “That said, I am disappointed in the recent breakdown in the workingy relationship between the Metro Council andthe , and believ it could have been handledr differently.” Marquis, a commercial real estate broker and the commission’ws vice chair, didn’t mention the upcoming proposal in her lettef to Bragdon, but resigned two years beforse her term was set to end. In a letter to Portland city commissioners earlierthis month, Marquix and commission member Ray Leary urged the council to help delay Metro’ss vote on the MERC oversight matter.
Leary, Reynolds and three of the other four remainingv MERC commissions also sent Bragdon a lettedrbacking Woolson. The letter came after Bragdomn questioned the leadership of MERC General Manager David Woolson. The other commission member, Don Trotter, resigned last montbh and will leave the boardJune 30. resignation takes effect June 30. Marquis’ takexs effect July 15. The terms of Trotte and Reynolds would have expirer at the end of 2009 while Marquis term was to expire at the endof 2010.
The Metrk Council plans to vote on the MERCmeasure — whicu would give Metro the authority to hire and fire the MERC generapl manager — at its July 9 It was introduced by councilors Rod Park and Rex who also have concerns about Woolson’s performance. MERC overseews the Oregon Convention Center, the Portlancd Center for the Performing Arts and the Portland MetropolitanExposition Center. Metro’s councilors are mullint a $457 million budget for fiscal year The regional governmentserves 1.4 million people in the metropolitan area’ws 25 cities.
The resignations of Gary Reynolds and Janice Marquizs come about two week before councilorsfor Metro, of which MERC is a plan to vote on a measure that woul d give the council more controol over MERC’s general manager. The move could ostensiblh lead to the firing of MERC General ManagerDavid Woolson, who’s undere fire from President David Bragdon. Reynolds and Marquis both opposethe Reynolds, president of the Portland accounting firm Perkinxs & Co., mentioned the building problems between Metro and MERC in his resignation letter. “During the economic times, my attentiom needs to be focused on our clients atPerkins & Co.
,” Reynolds wrote in his letted to Bragdon. “That said, I am disappointed in the recent breakdown in the workingy relationship between the Metro Council andthe , and believ it could have been handledr differently.” Marquis, a commercial real estate broker and the commission’ws vice chair, didn’t mention the upcoming proposal in her lettef to Bragdon, but resigned two years beforse her term was set to end. In a letter to Portland city commissioners earlierthis month, Marquix and commission member Ray Leary urged the council to help delay Metro’ss vote on the MERC oversight matter.
Leary, Reynolds and three of the other four remainingv MERC commissions also sent Bragdon a lettedrbacking Woolson. The letter came after Bragdomn questioned the leadership of MERC General Manager David Woolson. The other commission member, Don Trotter, resigned last montbh and will leave the boardJune 30. resignation takes effect June 30. Marquis’ takexs effect July 15. The terms of Trotte and Reynolds would have expirer at the end of 2009 while Marquis term was to expire at the endof 2010.
The Metrk Council plans to vote on the MERCmeasure — whicu would give Metro the authority to hire and fire the MERC generapl manager — at its July 9 It was introduced by councilors Rod Park and Rex who also have concerns about Woolson’s performance. MERC overseews the Oregon Convention Center, the Portlancd Center for the Performing Arts and the Portland MetropolitanExposition Center. Metro’s councilors are mullint a $457 million budget for fiscal year The regional governmentserves 1.4 million people in the metropolitan area’ws 25 cities.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
State gets $14.9 million more for dislocated workers - The Business Journal of Milwaukee:
yvejodo.wordpress.com
million in federal funds to provide careerd trainingand re-employment services to workers who lose theifr jobs as a resulr of outsourcing and foreign trade. The funding is part of $450 milliob being released by the U.S. Departmenrt of Labor to states for TradeAdjustmen Assistance, a federal program administere d by states to serve workers who have lost their jobs due to foreigmn competition. “This additional federalo assistance will help these workers increase their job skillss and findnew employment,” Gov. Jim Doyled said.
“The employment and training services now availabl e to these workers will help them upgradew their skills or retrain for new careerd so theycan re-enter the work force, support themselves and their families and enjoyg all that life in Wisconsim has to offer.” The additional money is availabled because the American Recoveryg and Reinvestment Act expanded the amountg of Trade Adjustment Assistance funds available nationwide to $575 millionm from $220 million. The additional fundinh will help states serve an increasing numberdof trade-affected workers.
million in federal funds to provide careerd trainingand re-employment services to workers who lose theifr jobs as a resulr of outsourcing and foreign trade. The funding is part of $450 milliob being released by the U.S. Departmenrt of Labor to states for TradeAdjustmen Assistance, a federal program administere d by states to serve workers who have lost their jobs due to foreigmn competition. “This additional federalo assistance will help these workers increase their job skillss and findnew employment,” Gov. Jim Doyled said.
“The employment and training services now availabl e to these workers will help them upgradew their skills or retrain for new careerd so theycan re-enter the work force, support themselves and their families and enjoyg all that life in Wisconsim has to offer.” The additional money is availabled because the American Recoveryg and Reinvestment Act expanded the amountg of Trade Adjustment Assistance funds available nationwide to $575 millionm from $220 million. The additional fundinh will help states serve an increasing numberdof trade-affected workers.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Gates Foundation funds manufacturing training at Alamo Colleges - San Antonio Business Journal:
lkinibim.blogspot.com
million grant from the to creatse a national skills certification system to rais e up a manufacturing workforceamong low-income Community colleges throughout the countrh will participate in teaching the Manufacturinbg Skills Certification System — which is endorsed by the . Alamol Colleges in San Antonio will be one of the firsty community colleges in the countrt to implement this These educational programs will helpprepare students, particularly low-incomse young adults and transitioning workers, with entry-levep skills needed to succeed in a career in manufacturing. “Wde need to get kids engaged in and we need to givethem options,” says NAM Presidentr John Engler.
“Moving thesd industry-recognized skills certifications into community college programs willprovidd meaningful, relevant education for studente and ultimately produce a highlyt skilled and mobile workforc – making us more competitive in the global economy.” The Manufacturing Skills Certification Systenm will help prepare individualsd for manufacturing careers in a rangs of fields including alternative energy, computers, aerospacw and pharmaceuticals. The Manufacturing Institute isa 501(c)e3 affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers. It is based in D.C.
million grant from the to creatse a national skills certification system to rais e up a manufacturing workforceamong low-income Community colleges throughout the countrh will participate in teaching the Manufacturinbg Skills Certification System — which is endorsed by the . Alamol Colleges in San Antonio will be one of the firsty community colleges in the countrt to implement this These educational programs will helpprepare students, particularly low-incomse young adults and transitioning workers, with entry-levep skills needed to succeed in a career in manufacturing. “Wde need to get kids engaged in and we need to givethem options,” says NAM Presidentr John Engler.
“Moving thesd industry-recognized skills certifications into community college programs willprovidd meaningful, relevant education for studente and ultimately produce a highlyt skilled and mobile workforc – making us more competitive in the global economy.” The Manufacturing Skills Certification Systenm will help prepare individualsd for manufacturing careers in a rangs of fields including alternative energy, computers, aerospacw and pharmaceuticals. The Manufacturing Institute isa 501(c)e3 affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers. It is based in D.C.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Big Boy & Their Toys event to return June 19-21 with some changes - Phoenix Business Journal:
judonebolayb1394.blogspot.com
The event features goods ranging from memorabilia to cars and It alsoincludes technology-related goods and interactive displays. Exhibitors expected to participateincludse Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Blazinv Bikes, Moto City, Blue Tiger and Crosswoodw Indoor Golf Center. Therre also will be a state-of-the-art golf simulator with “nearest to the and “longest drive” competitions; a putting green with putting a sportracing simulator; four speed-dating a three-day video gaming tournament called Devastation ( ); a live Elto John-Billy Joel tribute concert by nationally renownex performer Terry Davies; an opportunituy to shoot paint guns at a Baller’s Arena exhibit; and the give-awag of a Kymco MXU 500 4x4 off-roae vehicle.
Under the new ownership of entrepreneurfLuke Hart, event tickets have been reducer from $20 for adults and $15 for children to $12.590 for adults and $10 for children 13-17 and free for kids 12 and In addition, tickets are $10 for senior citizens and for police and firefighting personnel. Hart has added “happy pricing: $5 admission all day from 5 to8 p.m. Saturday and from 4 to 6 p.m. The event hours are noon to 8 p.m. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Ticket stubzs include a 15 percent discountat Majerle’ restaurant and a raffle entry for the ATV. For .
The event features goods ranging from memorabilia to cars and It alsoincludes technology-related goods and interactive displays. Exhibitors expected to participateincludse Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Blazinv Bikes, Moto City, Blue Tiger and Crosswoodw Indoor Golf Center. Therre also will be a state-of-the-art golf simulator with “nearest to the and “longest drive” competitions; a putting green with putting a sportracing simulator; four speed-dating a three-day video gaming tournament called Devastation ( ); a live Elto John-Billy Joel tribute concert by nationally renownex performer Terry Davies; an opportunituy to shoot paint guns at a Baller’s Arena exhibit; and the give-awag of a Kymco MXU 500 4x4 off-roae vehicle.
Under the new ownership of entrepreneurfLuke Hart, event tickets have been reducer from $20 for adults and $15 for children to $12.590 for adults and $10 for children 13-17 and free for kids 12 and In addition, tickets are $10 for senior citizens and for police and firefighting personnel. Hart has added “happy pricing: $5 admission all day from 5 to8 p.m. Saturday and from 4 to 6 p.m. The event hours are noon to 8 p.m. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Ticket stubzs include a 15 percent discountat Majerle’ restaurant and a raffle entry for the ATV. For .
Thursday, November 3, 2011
HMO membership trend is positive - The Business Review (Albany):
ovaluleq.wordpress.com
Despite the positive trend in revenue, overall HMO profitx were down 23.4 percent to $491.3 million in 2008, according to data from the . A totaol of 13 of the state’s 39 HMOs lost money last year compared to 10in 2007. Overall revenue rose 2.2 perceny to $17 billion in 2008. membership was up 1.3 percent to 3.4 milliom in 2008 compared to last year reversinga 5.5 percent drop the year South Florida’s enrollment was also flat at about 1.5 Medical Plan was by far the year’s biggest winner with a profit of $211 milliob on revenue of $4.9 billion. Humansa AdvantageCare Plan logged $2 million in profits on $80.6 millioj in revenue on its own.
Combined with Careplus Healthu Plans’ performance, Humana produced $235.4 million in profit on $4.9 billiob in revenue, a 22 percent increase from last Their commercial business specifically went from a lossof $10 million in 2007 to a profit of $2 milliobn in 2008. That’s due in part to their markert share and to theirstrong contracts, which allowe them to reduce payments to providers as costx go up, said Alan Baumgarten, a Minnesota-basedr health care analyst who follows Florida Humana spokesman Mitchell Lubitz attributed the company’s success in part to membe growth, which was achieved organically and through the purchase last year of AdvantageCars Medicare Advantage Plan in Florida.
AdvantageCare had the bulk of its membership on the Treasure Coast andSouthwest Florida, Lubit said. Humana also expanded its Florida HMO offerings to employerss in PalmBeach County. Membership in the Soutg Florida region wasat 341, 776. ’es Health Option, which is midsized in terms of membership inSoutnh Florida, turned a profit in 2008. But it was smalleer than the income it generated last BCBS Health Option profit declined by84 percent, generatinv $7.9 million from $877 million in premium revenue.
John director of product management for BCBSof Florida, said that employerse are continuing to eat away at group membershio as more move toward consumer-driven programs and high-deductabl programs. Market pressures are increasing alon gwith cost. “We are seeing employeras getting smaller and we arelosingy 14,000 people a day in groul insurance nationally,” he explained. To help offset that, the companh is offering a varietyof low-cost, high-deductabls plans like GoBlue, which targets individualsd and provides coverage for basid physician care, pharmaceuticals, lab work and dental Typically, members are low-incomew residents, but make too much money to qualify for Medicaid.
GoBlue has about 11,00o0 members statewide. BCBS Health Option also offers ahospital surgical-only producgt designed to work in tandem with GoBlue, which currently coverd about 40,000 people in Florida. The growtgh in individual coverage is beingt accelerated by theeconomic downturn, which is promptin g some to start theidr own business. The growth in Medicaid specifically is also an indicato of the healthof Florida’s economy, whicuh is continuing to shed jobs, Baumgarte said. Medicare was up 54,000 member s from year to year, and Medicaied was up 77,000 members.
Looking at OIR’ numbers, Medicaid and Medicare enrollment, which is considered individual has increased significantly formany companies. For example, Healthyu Palm Beaches went from 4,017 membersz in 2007 to 7,322w members last year. Freedom Healthn saw its Medicare numbers climbfrom 12,509 in 2007 to Humana Medical Plan grew Medicaid memberws from 39,582 in 2007 to 43,6500 the following year. It also grew Medicare by aboug 10,000 members in the same year.
Humana’s Medicaid results are no Baumgarten said that Humana is the largest Medicare Advantagwe plan provider in the Ramona Fiumara, VP of operations for Seitlinj Benefits in Fort Lauderdale, said that carriers are doing everything they can to respondd to the shift away from group memberships. “Even if you look at TV and radioo ads, insurers are promoting individual products more prominentlyh than you have seen she said.
Despite the positive trend in revenue, overall HMO profitx were down 23.4 percent to $491.3 million in 2008, according to data from the . A totaol of 13 of the state’s 39 HMOs lost money last year compared to 10in 2007. Overall revenue rose 2.2 perceny to $17 billion in 2008. membership was up 1.3 percent to 3.4 milliom in 2008 compared to last year reversinga 5.5 percent drop the year South Florida’s enrollment was also flat at about 1.5 Medical Plan was by far the year’s biggest winner with a profit of $211 milliob on revenue of $4.9 billion. Humansa AdvantageCare Plan logged $2 million in profits on $80.6 millioj in revenue on its own.
Combined with Careplus Healthu Plans’ performance, Humana produced $235.4 million in profit on $4.9 billiob in revenue, a 22 percent increase from last Their commercial business specifically went from a lossof $10 million in 2007 to a profit of $2 milliobn in 2008. That’s due in part to their markert share and to theirstrong contracts, which allowe them to reduce payments to providers as costx go up, said Alan Baumgarten, a Minnesota-basedr health care analyst who follows Florida Humana spokesman Mitchell Lubitz attributed the company’s success in part to membe growth, which was achieved organically and through the purchase last year of AdvantageCars Medicare Advantage Plan in Florida.
AdvantageCare had the bulk of its membership on the Treasure Coast andSouthwest Florida, Lubit said. Humana also expanded its Florida HMO offerings to employerss in PalmBeach County. Membership in the Soutg Florida region wasat 341, 776. ’es Health Option, which is midsized in terms of membership inSoutnh Florida, turned a profit in 2008. But it was smalleer than the income it generated last BCBS Health Option profit declined by84 percent, generatinv $7.9 million from $877 million in premium revenue.
John director of product management for BCBSof Florida, said that employerse are continuing to eat away at group membershio as more move toward consumer-driven programs and high-deductabl programs. Market pressures are increasing alon gwith cost. “We are seeing employeras getting smaller and we arelosingy 14,000 people a day in groul insurance nationally,” he explained. To help offset that, the companh is offering a varietyof low-cost, high-deductabls plans like GoBlue, which targets individualsd and provides coverage for basid physician care, pharmaceuticals, lab work and dental Typically, members are low-incomew residents, but make too much money to qualify for Medicaid.
GoBlue has about 11,00o0 members statewide. BCBS Health Option also offers ahospital surgical-only producgt designed to work in tandem with GoBlue, which currently coverd about 40,000 people in Florida. The growtgh in individual coverage is beingt accelerated by theeconomic downturn, which is promptin g some to start theidr own business. The growth in Medicaid specifically is also an indicato of the healthof Florida’s economy, whicuh is continuing to shed jobs, Baumgarte said. Medicare was up 54,000 member s from year to year, and Medicaied was up 77,000 members.
Looking at OIR’ numbers, Medicaid and Medicare enrollment, which is considered individual has increased significantly formany companies. For example, Healthyu Palm Beaches went from 4,017 membersz in 2007 to 7,322w members last year. Freedom Healthn saw its Medicare numbers climbfrom 12,509 in 2007 to Humana Medical Plan grew Medicaid memberws from 39,582 in 2007 to 43,6500 the following year. It also grew Medicare by aboug 10,000 members in the same year.
Humana’s Medicaid results are no Baumgarten said that Humana is the largest Medicare Advantagwe plan provider in the Ramona Fiumara, VP of operations for Seitlinj Benefits in Fort Lauderdale, said that carriers are doing everything they can to respondd to the shift away from group memberships. “Even if you look at TV and radioo ads, insurers are promoting individual products more prominentlyh than you have seen she said.
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