More Small Business Owners Plan Pay Raises And Price Hikes

October 2, 2014

More Small Business Owners Plan Pay Raises And Price Hikes

– PNC survey finds more owners, the most since 2008, will increase employee salaries

– Four in 10 to raise customer prices, many foresee 3-4 percent hikes

– Outlook positive for sales and profits, while hiring remains limited

– PNC forecasts economic and jobs expansion to proceed at faster pace in next year

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — An increasing number of U.S. small and mid-sized business owners plan to raise salaries and prices at rates higher than national trends and above the Federal Reserve’s inflation trigger, according to the latest PNC Economic Outlook Survey findings.

The autumn findings of PNC’s biannual survey, which began in 2003, reveal that two out of five (38 percent) business owners expect to increase employee compensation in the next six months, which is the most since 2008. This is a significant spike since spring (32 percent) and one year ago (22 percent). Of those that plan raises, three in five (59 percent) plan wage hikes of three percent or more, which exceeds the recent national wage trend near two percent.

Meanwhile, 38 percent plan to raise selling prices during the next year as they attempt to preserve profit margins and withstand rising supplier costs. Of those that plan hikes, 31 percent will increase prices 1-2 percent, while 40 percent intend to increase by 3-4 percent, in excess of the Fed’s two percent target.

Business owners’ optimism about their own company’s prospects is steady as 85 percent are optimistic, on par with 87 percent in the spring. More than half (52 percent) expect sales to increase during the next six months – and three of four expect growth of three percent or more. Of the 45 percent who expect profits to rise, three in five expect gains of three percent or more.

“Wage growth has been a missing piece of the labor market puzzle to date,” said PNC’s Chief Economist Stuart Hoffman, “With more business owners planning pay raises and higher prices for customers, these findings strongly support our forecast for a faster economic and jobs expansion and also send important signals to Fed policy makers that the economic recovery is speeding up.”

Hiring Plans Steady
The number of businesses that plan to hire is unchanged, but those that will aim to substantially grow their workforce. Twenty percent plan to add full-time employees compared to 22 percent six months ago and up from 16 percent one year ago. Of those hiring, the majority (61 percent) plan to add one to five employees, which according to Hoffman is “sizable, given that three-quarters of these businesses have fewer than 50 full-time employees.”

Of the 78 percent not hiring, over half (52 percent) need sales to increase at least three percent to add more employees. Two in 10 say the U.S. economy’s lack of improvement is a key reason why they have not hired. Other key findings include:

Weather Woes Linger: Of the 38 percent who say the extreme weather from the first quarter of 2014 had a negative impact on their business, half say their businesses have not yet fully recovered.
Low Demand for Credit: Just 17 percent will probably or definitely take out a new loan or line of credit in the next six months, up slightly from 15 percent in spring (81 percent probably or definitely will not).
Healthcare Policy Confusion: Among businesses with at least 50 employees, nearly two-thirds (64 percent) are not entirely sure how the Affordable Care Act applies to their business.
Technology Spending: 36 percent will increase spending on technology in the next six months, a seven percentage point jump from a year ago – with streamlining or improving operations as the top priority.
Housing Prices Continue to Rise: Just over half (52 percent) expect home prices in their local markets to rise in the coming year, down from 48 percent in spring and 58 percent one year ago. Only nine percent expect house prices to decline, steady with findings over the past year.

An online media kit containing national and regional survey results is available on PNC’s website at www.pnc.com/pncpresskits.

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (www.pnc.com) is one of the United States’ largest diversified financial services organizations providing retail and business banking; residential mortgage banking; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management.

Methodology
The PNC Economic Outlook survey was conducted between July 24 to Sept. 10, 2014, by telephone within the United States among 1,863 owners or senior decision-makers of small and mid-sized businesses with annual revenues of $100,000 to $250 million. The results given in this release are based on interviews with 503 businesses nationally, while the remaining interviews were conducted among businesses within the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio and Pennsylvania plus Washington, D.C. Sampling error for the national results is +/- 4.4 percent at the 95 percent confidence level. The survey was conducted by Artemis Strategy Group (www.ArtemisSG.com), a communications strategy research firm specializing in brand positioning and policy issues. The firm, headquartered in Washington D.C., provides communications research and consulting to a range of public and private sector clients.

This report has been prepared for general informational purposes only and is not intended as specific advice or recommendations. Information has been gathered from third party sources and has not been independently verified or accepted by The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. PNC makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of the information, assumptions, analyses or conclusions presented in the report. PNC cannot be held responsible for any errors or misrepresentations contained in the report or in the information gathered from third party sources. Any reliance upon the information provided in the report is solely and exclusively at your own risk.

CONTACT:

Jennifer Altman
(412) 762-8033
[email protected]

CHCI Launches New Breakthrough in Online Searches Connecting Latino Students to Academic and Professional Opportunities

October 1, 2014

CHCI Launches New Breakthrough in Online Searches Connecting Latino Students to Academic and Professional Opportunities

CHCI NextOpp: New Online Database to Develop the Next Generation of Latino Leaders

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, with support from State Farm^®, officially launched CHCI NextOpp, an innovative online database that provides Latino students access to academic and professional opportunities from middle school to graduate school, on Oct. 1 during CHCI’s 37^th Annual Public Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. CHCI NextOpp will strengthen the Latino leadership pipeline that feeds the workforce of tomorrow.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110506/MM97615LOGO

“The one-stop shop offered by NextOpp helps level the playing field for Latino students who may have otherwise not been exposed to these amazing and life-changing resources,” said Esther Aguilera, CHCI President and CEO. “With this exciting new website, CHCI will help thousands of Latinos achieve their educational and career dreams, and successfully guide them on the path to success.”

“State Farm supports efforts to ensure all children have access to a quality education that will allow them to achieve their greatest potential,” said State Farm Vice President of Operations Javier Rey. “NextOpp will be a great resource to help Latino students identify opportunities and reach their educational goals.”

CHCI NextOpp is a reinvigorated and easy-to-use online version of CHCI’s print National Directory of Scholarships, Internships and Fellowships for Latino Students. The CHCI NextOpp database also includes financial and program resources to apply for pre-college programs, scholarships, internships, fellowships and other leadership opportunities across the United States that greatly enhance and make students more competitive in the workplace. Its robust database and system provides tailored results for students based on their unique profile, location and interests. Additionally, it includes valuable bilingual materials and resources to maximize students’ experiences, helping further inform them and their families on their journey to higher education.

CHCI NextOpp is made possible with the support of State Farm, who began sponsoring CHCI’s publication of the directory for Latino students in 2008.

About CHCI
CHCI is the premier Hispanic nonprofit and nonpartisan 501(c)(3) leadership development organization in the country that educates, empowers, and connects Latino youth by providing leadership development programs and educational services. CHCI directly impacts the lives of more than 1,600 students and young professionals each year through its fellowships, congressional internships, scholarships, Ready to Lead (R2L^®) college readiness program, and R2L NextGen program. The CHCI Board of Directors is comprised of Hispanic members of Congress, nonprofit, union and corporate leaders. Visit www.chci.org, or join us on Facebook, Twitter (@chci), LinkedIn, and YouTube.

New Acura and Honda Products Fuel Surge in September Automobile Sales

October 1, 2014

HONDA LOGO — Honda Logo. (PRNewsFoto/American Honda Motor Co., Inc.)

New Acura and Honda Products Fuel Surge in September Automobile Sales

– Hot new Acura TLX powers an 18.8 percent division increase with 3,884 September sales

– Acura RDX posted its best-ever September with sales of 3,230, rising 6.9 percent for the month and helping Acura trucks to its best September on record

– New Honda Fit achieves best September ever on sales of 6,628 units, up 66.5 percent

– Honda CR-V also sets new September record, rising 10.6 percent on sales of 23,722

TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today reported September 2014 Honda and Acura vehicle sales of 118,223 units, an increase of 12.0 percent versus September of last year. The Honda division had its best September since 2007 with sales of 104,391 vehicles, while Acura posted sales of 13,832 units in the same period. Acura trucks posted its best-ever September, rising 6.8 percent vs. 2013. Year-to-date total American Honda sales reached 1,160,605 vehicles.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141001/149700
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100923/HONDALOGO

Hot new Acura TLX fuels Acura September sales surge

Honda
The Honda brand showed considerable strength across its broad lineup in September, with nearly every model gaining for the month and two models—Fit and CR-V—setting new September records. Overall, the Honda brand was up 11.2 percent, the division’s best post-recession September – since 2007.

The outgoing 2014 CR-V enjoyed its best-ever September, with sales of 23,722 yielding a 10.6 percent increase for the month. The new 2015 CR-V, featuring enhanced styling, a new powertrain and a host of safety features, went on-sale today.
The new 2015 Honda Fit, now produced in North America, surpassed its popular predecessor by posting a new September record with sales of 6,628, an increase of 66.5 percent over the same period in 2013.
Honda Accord gained sharply for the ninth straight month, rising 30.9 percent on sales of 32,956 units.
Odyssey also showed strength with an increase of 13.7 percent, posting sales of 8,769 units in September.

“With all core Honda models now made in North America the Honda brand is continuing to gain strength with American car buyers,” said Jeff Conrad, Honda division senior vice president and general manager. “And with the redesigned 2015 Honda CR-V going on sale today we expect our momentum to continue to grow as step-by-step we reinforce our light truck lineup.”

Acura
Less than two months on the market and without full supply of the three-model lineup at dealerships, the all-new 2015 Acura TLX luxury performance sedan sparked an 18.8 percent sales surge for the luxury brand, boosting division sales to 13,832 for September over the same month in 2013. TLX sales were second only to the Acura MDX within the entire division, followed by another record performance by the RDX, with the luxury SUVs pushing Acura truck sales to a new September record.

The hot-selling new TLX posted sales of 3,884 in September to become Acura’s best-selling sedan and second best-selling vehicle, already approaching segment leaders in only its first full month on the market.
ILX sales were also up in September, adding 7.4 percent with sales of 1,464 units.
Acura truck sales set a new September record, rising 6.8 percent on sales of 8,097 vehicles.
Acura’s RDX rose 6.9 percent to post its best-ever September for the brand on sales of 3,230 units.
MDX sales increased 7.2 percent with 4,864 units sold in September, continuing to solidify its place as the best-selling three-row luxury SUV in America.

“With the MDX and RDX as the best one-two punch in the luxury SUV segment, the TLX is proving to be the knockout punch we’ve been looking for in the luxury sedan arena,” said Mike Accavitti, Acura division senior vice president and general manager. “The TLX is attracting so much attention online and showroom traffic at our dealers that we don’t yet know the car’s true potential.”

Four Frightening Ways Non-Prescription Costume Contact Lenses Can Ruin Your Vision

October 1, 2014

Four Frightening Ways Non-Prescription Costume Contact Lenses Can Ruin Your Vision

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — To avoid a real-life Halloween horror story – going blind because of a costume accessory – the American Academy of Ophthalmology is warning the public against wearing costume contact lenses purchased without a prescription. These illegally sold cosmetic lenses may not be sterile and can cause a host of serious eye problems capable of morphing a fun Halloween night into a nightmare.

Video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZHXHueJifU
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130405/MM89329LOGO

Tiger eyes, checkered pupils: non-prescription decorative lenses (also called cosmetic, costume or plano contact lenses) come in many different patterns and colors. In 2005, after reports of them causing eye injuries and infections, the Federal Drug Administration classified all contact lenses as medical devices and restricted their distribution to licensed eye care professionals, effectively banning sales of non-prescription contact lenses. Despite that, these items remain available on the internet, in convenience stores and at flea markets.

Below are four frightening ways that non-prescription decorative lenses can hurt your eyes:

Scratches – Because over-the-counter lenses are not fitted and sized for the person wearing the contacts, they can easily scrape the outer layer of the eye. The resulting corneal abrasions can cause redness, light sensitivity, discharge, pain, plus the feeling that something is stuck under the eyelid.
Sores – Costume contact lenses can literally create an eye sore called a corneal ulcer, with symptoms similar to corneal abrasions. The ulcers sometimes appear as a white dot on the iris – the colored part of the eye. When the ulcers heal, they can scar over and can in some cases permanently affect vision.
Infections – Both corneal abrasions and ulcers create openings in the eye, making them more vulnerable to bacteria, viruses and amoebas. All of these organisms can cause serious eye infections known as keratitis. One study found that wearing cosmetic contact lenses increased the risk of keratitis by more than 16 times.¹ Some infections, such as herpes simplex, can be recurring and difficult to eradicate, while a number of bacteria have become resistant to common antibiotics.
Blindness – In the most extreme cases, complications from wearing costume contact lenses may require surgery or end in blindness. For instance, extensive scarring from an infection can distort the cornea or make it opaque, requiring a corneal transplant to restore vision.

“I hate to think of all the young people who might be buying these non-prescription contact lenses on Halloween, only to end up with an infection that can ruin their sight forever,” said Thomas Steinemann, M.D., a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and professor of ophthalmology at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, who treats multiple cases each year. “There is a reason the FDA regulates the sale of contact lenses, and that’s because the over-the-counter versions have been shown to cause serious, irreparable damage to your vision if they’re not sterile or fitted to your eyes.”

Costume Contact Lens Safety Guidelines
To safely wear decorative contact lenses this Halloween or any time of year, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends following these guidelines:

Only buy decorative contact lenses from an eye care professional such as an ophthalmologist – a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis, medical and surgical treatment of eye diseases and conditions – optometrist or retailer that requires a prescription and sells FDA-approved products.
If you don’t already have a contact lens prescription, obtain a valid prescription and eye exam from an ophthalmologist or optometrist, a health care professional who provides primary vision care ranging from sight testing and correction to the diagnosis, treatment and management of vision changes.
Even for those with perfect vision, an eye exam and prescription are mandatory in order to fit the right size contacts. Do not fall victim to false advertising claims and lenses labeled as “one size fits all” or “no need to see an eye specialist.”
Follow the directions for cleaning, disinfecting and wearing the lenses. Contacts that are left in for too long or that are not properly cleaned and disinfected can significantly increase the risk of an eye infection.
Never share contact lenses with another person or wear expired lenses.
If you notice redness, swelling, excessive discharge, pain or discomfort from wearing contact lenses, remove the lenses and seek immediate medical attention from an ophthalmologist. Eye infections like keratitis can quickly become serious and cause blindness if left untreated.

Note to Editors: Patient Stories Available
To speak with a patient or physician about their experiences with medical complications from costume contact lenses, please email the Public Relations Department at [email protected] or call the media line at 415-447-0534.

For more information on decorative contact lens safety, visit www.geteyesmart.org or view the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s 30- and 90-second public service announcements.

About the American Academy of Ophthalmology
The American Academy of Ophthalmology, headquartered in San Francisco, is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons, serving more than 32,000 members worldwide. The Academy’s mission is to advance the lifelong learning and professional interests of ophthalmologists to ensure that the public can obtain the best possible eye care. For more information, visit www.aao.org.

The Academy is also a leading provider of eye care information to the public. The Academy’s EyeSmart® program educates the public about the importance of eye health and empowers them to preserve healthy vision. EyeSmart provides the most trusted and medically accurate information about eye diseases, conditions and injuries. OjosSanos™ is the Spanish-language version of the program. Visit www.geteyesmart.org or www.ojossanos.org to learn more.

¹Sauer, A., & Bourcier, T. (2011). Microbial keratitis as a foreseeable complication of cosmetic contact lenses: A prospective study. Acta Ophthalmologica 89 (5), pp. e439-e422. DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2011.02120.x

(Español) 3 Pescadores Rescatados en el Mar gracias a Dispositivo GPS

October 1, 2014

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

U.S. Department of Transportation Unveils Tools and Campaign to Increase Car Seat Safety

October 1, 2014

U.S. Department of Transportation Unveils Tools and Campaign to Increase Car Seat Safety

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is launching a new Car Seat Finder Tool, adding the ability to look up car seat recalls on its mobile app, and reminding parents and caregivers to register their child’s car seat through its new campaign – “Don’t Delay. Register Your Car Seat Today.” Every 34 seconds, a child under the age of 13 is involved in a crash and more than a third of children killed in crashes were not in car seats or wearing seat belts. NHTSA’s new Car Seat Finder Tool is aimed at helping parents select the right car seat or booster seat for their child, while the campaign reminds everyone of the importance of registering car seats to receive important safety recall notifications.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7310152-ad-council-nhtsa-seguridad-del-nino-pasajero-2014/

“Safety is our highest priority, and our new tool and registration campaign are two more ways we’re working to protect our most vulnerable passengers – our children,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Parents and caregivers are the first line of defense by ensuring they are selecting the right car seat, registering it, and using it correctly for every trip.”

In 2014, NHTSA pushed manufacturers to recall seats with defective buckles to ensure owners received a replacement buckle at no cost. The agency’s efforts led to the recall of more than 7.4 million car seats and yet, on average, only 40 percent of people get their car seat fixed. That’s in comparison to an average of 75 percent for light vehicles, for which registration is required by law. NHTSA’s “Don’t Delay. Register Your Car Seat Today.” campaign urges caregivers to register their car seat so manufacturers know how to notify them of a recall and how to receive the free fix. NHTSA’s Parent Central site allows parents and caregivers to select their manufacturer or brand of car seat and directly links them to the manufacturer’s registration page. In addition, the agency encourages people to utilize the updated SaferCar app which now allows users to search for car seat recalls, in addition to vehicle and tire recalls. The app also provides information on where people can go for help in installing their car seats.

“Regardless of age or the length of the trip, children should always be properly restrained in a car seat, booster or seat belt that is installed correctly and free from safety defects,” said NHTSA Deputy Administrator David Friedman. “The first step for a parent is finding the right seat and our new Car Seat Finder Tool helps sort through the numerous options in car seats to ensure they’re making the best choices for their child passengers.”

NHTSA offers parents and caregivers the following safety tips:

Utilize NHTSA’s Car Seat Finder Tool (available in English only) to determine the right seat for your child based on age and size;
Read the instructions and labels that come with your child’s car seat and read the vehicle owner’s manual for important information on installing the seat in your particular vehicle;
Register your child’s car seat with the manufacturer to ensure you receive important safety recall notifications;
If your child’s car seat is subject to a recall, contact the manufacturer and follow their guidance to receive a free fix for your seat;
Go to your local car seat inspection station to have your seat checked by a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician;
Use the lower anchors and tethers for child restraint systems or seat belt to install your car seat and use the top tether to secure forward-facing car seats;
Be sure all children under 13 years are seated and properly restrained in the back seat; and
Always wear your seat belt to set a good example. Unbuckled drivers are more likely to have unrestrained children in the car.

NHTSA’s Safercar mobile app can be downloaded for Apple devices and Android devices.

Stay connected with NHTSA via: Facebook.com/NHTSA | Twitter.com/NHTSAgov | YouTube.com/USDOTNHTSA | SaferCar.gov

FARO® announces major release of the world’s most popular law enforcement diagramming software – CAD Zone Suite 10; enhancing the user experience with hundreds of new features and animations for Law Enforcement and Public Safety officials.

October 1, 2014

FARO® announces major release of the world’s most popular law enforcement diagramming software – CAD Zone Suite 10; enhancing the user experience with hundreds of new features and animations for Law Enforcement and Public Safety officials.

LAKE MARY, Fla., Oct. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — FARO® Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: FARO) announces the new FARO CAD Zone Release 10 software suite which offers updated versions of Crime Zone, Crash Zone, Fire Zone, and Insurance Zone. The Release 10 versions are available for immediate delivery to customers. CAD Zone software is noted for its ease of use and powerful drawing, analysis, and animation tools. These software offerings enable the creation of courtroom-ready 2D and 3D drawings and animations from scanner data, point cloud data, total station data, and manual measurements.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140930/149360

For over 20 years FARO CAD Zone products have been the easiest and most accurate diagramming programs in the public safety market, which includes law enforcement, forensic science, crash reconstruction, loss prevention, and fire service. The Release 10 versions include even more realistic 3D graphics and faster rendering. Also included in the new releases are significant performance and feature improvements, which have been developed to help public safety customers automate their workflows.

Jay Freeland, FARO’s President and CEO stated, “CAD Zone is the most trusted brand name in CAD-diagramming software for the public safety industry. We have continued to invest in development to make the CAD Zone Suite of software even better. By focusing on customer requirements, FARO has developed a unique program that facilitates and simplifies the workflow required to produce courtroom-ready evidence. These enhancements improve the users’ experience and helps improve their return-on-investment.”

With Release 10, Crime Zone, Crash Zone, Fire Zone, and Insurance Zone now provide the following key enhancements:

Higher resolution 3D graphics for more realistic drawings and animations
Active 3D drawing functionality, with simultaneous 2D and 3D drawing windows
Faster 3D rendering rate with quicker file loading and refresh rates
Intuitive user interface for maximum productivity
Advanced graphic settings with lighting, shadow, highlights, and glass-transparency effects
Innovative satellite image clean-up tools to erase unwanted vehicles or other objects
Terrain mapping for aerial draping over 3D points
New and enhanced 3D vehicle symbols, 3D placards, and other symbology
New bullet trajectory cones with a user-specified uncertainty value

For more information on CAD Zone Suite 10, view new videos, purchase a license or request a demonstration, visit www.faro.com.

About FARO® Technologies
FARO Technologies, Inc. is the world’s most trusted source for 3D measurement, imaging and realization technology. Technology from FARO permits high-precision 3D measurement, imaging and comparison of parts and compound structures within production and quality assurance processes. FARO solutions are also used in documenting large volume spaces or structures in 3D, surveying and construction, as well as for investigation and reconstruction of accident sites and crime scenes.

Worldwide, approximately 15,000 customers are operating over 30,000 installations of FARO systems. The company’s global headquarters is located in Lake Mary, Florida, with European and Asia/Pacific headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany and Singapore, respectively.

The CAD Zone was acquired by FARO Technologies in late July 2014. The company was originally founded in 1990 with the goal of providing CAD drawing software programs, support, and training for the law enforcement and public safety industries.

Brident Dental & Orthodontics Opens New Office in Waco

October 1, 2014

Brident Dental & Orthodontics Opens New Office in Waco

Focus on Affordability and Convenience Makes Oral Health Care More Accessible

WACO, Texas, Oct. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Brident Dental & Orthodontics announced the opening of its first affiliated office in Waco at 4215 Franklin Avenue, Suite 300.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140818/137079

“We are pleased to join Waco as its newest provider in affordable oral health care,” said Dr. Soumava Sen, D.D.S., P.C. “Whether patients require emergency care, specialized pediatric services or routine preventive care, residents can visit our office and be assured that quality will always be our priority.”

The new office provides a full range of dental and orthodontic services and is offering a $39 New Patient Special for patients without dental insurance. The special includes a dental exam, x-rays and enrollment in a discounted cost plan for complete dental services. In addition, Brident Dental accepts most private insurance plans and Medicaid and offers no-interest payment plans.

All of Brident Dental’s services are backed by a unique quality assurance system, which electronically monitors all patient visits, treatments, dental staff and clinical performance to enable high-quality care.

The new location is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., closed Tuesday and open Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, visit www.brident.com or call 1.888.871.8476.

About Brident Dental
Brident Dental & Orthodontics is an experienced dental service organization, which provides comprehensive business support services to affiliated dental offices owned by licensed dentists, with convenient locations throughout Texas. In addition, we are affiliated with Western Dental, a dental and oral health maintenance organization that provides dental services in over 190 office locations with over 4,000 team members. Being affiliated with this network of dental offices allows us to benefit from the company’s long-standing emphasis on high standards of quality of care, first class training and professional development. The Brident Dental offices are led by Dr. Soumava Sen, who brings over 20 years of experience in practicing dentistry, managing dental offices and leading dental professionals in delivering great quality dental care. For more information, visit www.brident.com.

Freeman Bolsters Audiovisual Capabilities With Acquisition Of AVI-SPL’s Hotel, Rental And Event Production Division

October 1, 2014

Freeman Bolsters Audiovisual Capabilities With Acquisition Of AVI-SPL’s Hotel, Rental And Event Production Division

DALLAS, Oct. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Freeman, the leading global partner for integrated marketing solutions for live engagements, announced today that they will acquire the audiovisual equipment rental, staging and hotel operations of Tampa, Fla., based AVI-SPL. Specializing in association trade shows, business meetings, and special events, this division of AVI-SPL will join other leading Freeman brands such as Encore Event Technologies, Stage Rigging and Alford Media, as part of Freeman Audio Visual.

“The acquisition is an important milestone for Freeman as it works to grow their international presence, beginning with the Americas region and through new opportunities in Mexico and Puerto Rico,” said Ken Sanders, president of Freeman Audio Visual. “We look forward to welcoming AVI-SPL rental, staging and hotel services group into our Freeman AV and Encore families so that, together, we can deliver an expanded suite of experts, resources and solutions, as well as exceptional customer results across an expanded geography.”

AVI-SPL’s hotel presence will become part of Freeman’s Encore Event Technologies, one of the industry’s most advanced hotel production companies featuring next-generation technology and full event production capabilities. The resulting combination gives Encore Event Technologies and Freeman AV Canada nearly 300 in-house and extended service hotel properties throughout North America.

Staging and AV rental employees will become part of Freeman. The addition of the AVI-SPL audiovisual group further enhances our AV portfolio, and ensures that Freeman, Encore and AVI-SPL’s customers have access to the broadest range and most innovative solutions available.

“Freeman has a long history as a leader in the live events space. We’re excited for the growth opportunities for our hotel, rental and event production employees,” said John Zettel, AVI-SPL CEO. “AVI-SPL is very proud to lead our industry as the largest pro-AV systems integrator. We’re dedicated to growing this core part of our business of design, build and integration services, product sales and managed services.”

Both companies chose to not disclose financial information related to this acquisition, which closed on September 30. Freeman AV and Encore Event Technologies will strategically manage the transition of all AVI-SPL’s hotel, rental and staging accounts, employees and operations, as well as communicate related developments in the coming months.

About Freeman
Founded in 1927, Freeman is the leading global partner for integrated experiential marketing solutions for live engagements including expositions, conventions, corporate events and exhibits. Headquartered in Dallas, with over 70 offices in North America and the U.K., Freeman produces more than 4,300 expositions annually, including 135 of the 250 largest U.S. trade shows, and 11,000 other events worldwide. Customer-driven and family-owned, Freeman offers a total package of solutions, with a scope of products and services unmatched by the competition. An employee-owned company, Freeman places an emphasis on respect for people and providing unparalleled customer service. Freeman has received numerous trade show industry awards for excellence in leadership, creative design, community service, innovation and customer-driven partnerships. For more information, visit www.freemanco.com.

About AVI-SPL
As the world’s leading collaborative technology provider, AVI-SPL designs, builds and supports the systems and environments that enable communication and collaboration. AVI-SPL has highly-trained and certified system engineers across the United States, Canada, and EMEA in addition to an international network of solution providers in 30 countries. AVI-SPL is a portfolio company of private equity firm Silver Lake Sumeru. Visit www.avispl.com for more information.

Markel Re announces leadership changes

September 30, 2014

Markel Re announces leadership changes

RICHMOND, Virgina, Sept. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Markel Corporation (NYSE: MKL) announced today that David Kalainoff, President and Chief Underwriting Officer — Casualty of Markel’s Global Reinsurance (Markel Re) division, is retiring effective June 1, 2015. Jed Rhoads, presently Markel Re’s President and Chief Underwriting Officer — Property, will assume responsibility for leading the division in June 2015. Both were previously employed by Alterra Capital Holdings, which was acquired by Markel in May 2013.

“Dave is a valued member of Markel’s senior leadership team and has been instrumental in the transition of the reinsurance team to Markel. We truly appreciate that he shared his retirement decision with us so early and is willing to work with us until June of next year to ensure customer continuity and uninterrupted service,” said Richie Whitt, President and Co-Chief Operating Officer. “Dave has a long and profitable track record in the reinsurance marketplace, and thanks to the efforts of he, Jed, and many others, Markel Re is poised for continued success.”

Dave’s distinguished career has spanned more than 30 years. Prior to joining Markel, he served as President and Chief Underwriting Officer — US Reinsurance for Alterra. He also held senior underwriting positions at Transatlantic Reinsurance Company, Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, and Continental Insurance Company.

Jed has more than 30 years of property and casualty treaty reinsurance experience, serving as an underwriter, broker, and executive in the US and Bermuda. His title at Alterra was President and Chief Underwriting Officer — Bermuda Reinsurance.

“Jed and Dave have been close partners in building and leading Markel’s reinsurance business, and they will continue to work closely during the transition,” said Richie. “We are grateful for Dave’s contributions and wish him all the best in his retirement. I am confident that under Jed’s leadership, we will continue to strengthen our reinsurance platform.”

About Markel Corporation
Markel Corporation is a diverse financial holding company serving a variety of niche markets. The Company’s principal business markets and underwrites specialty insurance products. In each of the Company’s businesses, it seeks to provide quality products and excellent customer service so that it can be a market leader. The financial goals of the Company are to earn consistent underwriting and operating profits and superior investment returns to build shareholder value. Visit Markel Corporation on the web at markelcorp.com.

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