Channel Financing Blog

Toshiba Electronic Components Sign Future Electronics Agreement

2010-01-30T16:12:00.000-06:00

Future Electronics and Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. (TAEC) Sign an Americas Distribution Agreement

Pointe-Claire, Canada, December 12 -- Future Electronics and Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. (TAEC) announced today that both companies have signed an agreement for distribution of Toshiba display products in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Under the terms of this agreement, Future Electronics will distribute Toshiba's full line of TFT Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs).

"We're confident that this new relationship will add significant value to our current display offering," said Bruce Jones, executive vice president of Worldwide Corporate Marketing. "Many of our customers' applications require a ruggedized LCD with long life, which Toshiba can provide for them."

Future's strong application engineering, marketing, integration capabilities and supply chain management provides Toshiba with the opportunity to offer the highest level of service to customers across the territory.

"Combining TAEC's extensive display offering with Future's Display Solutions integration capabilities is a winning strategy for our customers," states Sean Collins, vice president, Display Devices and Components Business Unit for TAEC. "It results in a long-term, quality solution that meets all of their LCD display requirements."

About Future Electronics' Display Solutions Group
Future Electronics' Display Solutions Group is a world-class leader and innovator in the Distribution, Marketing, and Technical Solution Support of Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Solutions for customers of all sizes worldwide. Our experienced and knowledgeable team can provide any display solution from smaller projects to larger fully integrated finished solutions.

For additional information please visit:
http://www.futureelectronics.com.

TAEC LCD Products
Toshiba displays feature LTPS technology, which enables LCDs that are significantly thinner and lighter in weight and with higher-resolution than previous generations. LTPS technology reduces energy consumption for lower operating costs and longer operating life for battery powered applications. For industrial applications, the LCD modules now offer long-life, light-emitting diode (LED) backlight systems with a Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF)1 of 100,000 hours. The series includes eight new LCD products, available in four screen sizes: 5.7-inch, 8.4-inch, 10.4-inch, and 12.1-inch. Display resolutions are QVGA (320 x 240) and VGA (640 x 480) for the 5.7-inch module, and SVGA (800 x 600) and XGA (1024 x 768) for the three larger sizes. For additional information on Toshiba's displays please visit: www.lcd.toshiba.com

*About TAEC
Through proven commitment, lasting relationships and advanced, reliable electronic components, Toshiba enables its customers to create market-leading designs. Toshiba is the heartbeat within product breakthroughs from OEMs, ODMs, CMs, distributions and fabless chip companies worldwide. A committed electronic components leader, Toshiba designs and manufactures high-quality flash memory-based storage solutions, discrete devices, displays, advanced materials, medical tubes, custom SoCs/ASICs, digital multimedia and imaging products, microcontrollers and wireless components that make possible today's leading cell phones, MP3 players, cameras, medical devices, automotive electronics and more.

Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, Japan's largest semiconductor manufacturer and the world's third largest semiconductor manufacturer (Gartner, 2008 WW Semiconductor Revenue Estimate, Dec. 2008). For additional company and product information, please visit http://www.toshiba.com/taec/.

1The MTBF (Mean Time between Failures) is not a guarantee or estimate of product life; it is a statistical value related to mean failure rates for a large number of products which may not accurately reflect actual operation. Actual operating life of the product may not resemble the MTBF.

Contact Information
Future Lighting Solutions
Heather Goldsmith
5146947710
heather.goldmsmith@future.ca
www.futurelightingsolutions.com

Stock Market Trading Easier With New Stock Algorithm

2009-06-25T10:11:00.000-05:00

UCTrend Technologies' New Stock Algorithm Makes Trading Easy

UCTrend Technologies A new financial analysis website provides users with daily indications of Buy or Sell. UCTrend monitors around 5000 stocks, ETFs and indices and manages to outperform the S&P500.

New York, NY, May 8th -- With the stock market going off the wall, UCTrend Technologies' Co-Founders, Itay Golan and Omri Amit, created a calculator for the quickly-changing stock market.

UCTrend was established to answer the needs of investors to get an extra tool that will enable them to see the direction of the market. The service costs $15 or $25 a month and is based on an advanced mathematical algorithm, created in 2000 and developed since, which measures the quoted value of each security and compare it to its intrinsic value.

When Itay Golan, UCTrend Technologies Co-Founder and Owner, says, "I am predicting the future instead of gambling on it," he knows what he is talking about. Along with his partner, Omri Amit, the two developed a stock algorithm that follows and analyses the market in real time.

Golan and Amit believe in simplicity for the user, "We figured out a way to realize the market in a secure way that is visible and recognizable to the investing public." The UCTrend online calculator provides a market trend indications service that gives independent research on each stock's volume and price. Through a manually setup watchlist, the user is able to easily follow stocks, buy and sell, receive ETF's and reports.

For additional information on UCTrend Technologies' Calculator, contact Itay Golan at itay.g@uctrend.com, or visit http://www.UCTrend.com

Contact Information
UCTrend Technologies
Itay Golan
914-960-4686
itay.g@uctrend.com
uctrend.com

Compliance Training Program To Reflect New TLGP Revisions

2009-04-02T11:54:00.000-05:00

Edcomm Banker'S Academy Updates Compliance Training Program To Reflect New TLGP Revisions

Edcomm Banker's Academy has made an immediate update to its compliance training program to reflect recent revisions made to the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (TLGP).

Mar 23, 2009 - New York, NY - Edcomm Banker's Academy has made an immediate update to its compliance training program to reflect recent revisions made to the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (TLGP). Focus on Compliance has been updated to include this new information as part of Edcomm Banker's Academy's commitment to providing financial institutions with the most up-to-date, accurate information. Regulatory changes are immediately updated in Banker's Academy's content.

According to the new changes made to the TLGP, entities participating in the debt guarantee program may issue certain FDIC-guaranteed Mandatory Convertible Debt (MCD). The intent of this amendment is to give eligible entities additional flexibility to obtain funding from investors with long-term investment horizons and to reduce the concentration of FDIC-guaranteed debt maturing in mid-2012 that might otherwise have to be rolled into new debt.

Focus on Compliance, from Edcomm Banker's Academy, is a computer-based, distance-learning program, and can be delivered via Internet, Intranet or CD-ROM. The program teaches banking compliance using easy-to-understand language in an interactive, self-paced format. Participants learn from their own perspective, with a curriculum customized to their position. Focus on Compliance covers: Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), Anti Money Laundering (AML), USA PATRIOT Act, OFAC, Privacy, Reg P, Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, Right to Financial Privacy, Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX), Reg CC & Check 21, Reg D, Reg E, Reg Z, Truth in Lending, FCRA, FACT Act, HMDA, CRA, and Bank Bribery, among others. The program also includes a quick reference guide to all banking regulations, as well as a glossary of terms and a library of reference materials.

For more information about programs like this, or to find out how The Edcomm Group Banker's Academy can customize any training program, log onto www.bankersacademy.com or call 888-433-2666.

The Edcomm Group Banker's Academy is a 21-year-old multimedia education and communication consulting firm specializing in the development of creative business solutions that improve productivity, customer service and market share - providing bottom-line results. The Edcomm Group Banker's Academy has had the privilege of assisting many distinguished clients with business solutions in the form of eLearning programs, classroom instruction, multimedia production and online and print based documentation. Edcomm Banker's Academy offers many off-the-shelf and customized courses such as Teller Training, Compliance Training and Systems Training specifically designed for Banks, Credit Unions and Money Services Businesses (MSBs).

The Edcomm Group Banker's Academy (www.bankersacademy.com) is headquartered in New York City with locations and representation throughout the world.

Contact:
Linda Eagle
Edcomm Banker's Academy
21 Penn Plaza Suite 1010
New York, NY 10001
888-433-2666
linda.eagle@edcomm.com
http://www.bankersacademy.com

Minister's plan may solve Channel 10's financial straits

2009-02-04T06:52:00.001-06:00

There are signs the problems surrounding Channel 10's continued operation may soon be resolved. Communications Minister Ariel Atias convened an urgent meeting on Sunday for senior officials from the Second Authority for Television and Radio and the Communications Ministry and station executives. At the meeting, Atias presented a plan that would enable the station to repay its debts and extend its franchise for another two years.

According to the minister's plan, similar to that proposed earlier by MK Gilad Erdan, the station's NIS 103 million debt would be broken down into content debts amounting to NIS 70 million and debts relating to the franchise fee. The station will be required to repay the debt from content through certain productions and present financial guarantees and securities. The debt would then be dispersed and settled between the Finance Ministry and the station.

After he presented the plan, the minister left the meeting and the Second Authority and station executives began discussing the arrangement. "There has been a substantial shift in Channel 10's position," Atias said. "The shareholders are willing to provide guarantees for their debts, mainly in the area of content, which in my eyes is more important, because that is what the viewers see and what will finance the creators' work."

If the station and the authority do indeed work out an arrangement, Atias will submit new regulations for the approval of the Knesset's Finance Committee that will provide the parties with more time to put the deal in motion. All of this is expected to take place as early as this week.

Meanwhile, the Second Authority's council was slated to convene yesterday to set up a committee to draft a new tender for the station. As of Sunday night, it was still unclear how the matter would be discussed.

The station's franchise is set to expire in January 2010, unless extended for another two years. The main obstacle impeding the extension of the franchise is the station's NIS 103 million debt. The Second Authority, which was asked to decide on the matter, asked for another extension to negotiate with the station and this request was accepted by Atias and ratified by the Knesset Finance Committee. However, another meeting requested by Likud MK Gilad Erdan overturned the decision and, by a two MK majority, determined that the authority would issue a new tender for the station.

The following day, station employees began protesting, voicing their concern that the station would shut down well before the end of its franchise. "It is important to have commercial channels in Israel," explained Atias. "Everyone benefited from this, certainly during a period of financial crisis. The decision in the Knesset committee was a serious error. All I wanted to do was enable the Second Authority to hold a dialogue with the station and the decision reached was to reject my request and halt the dialogue a month early. Anyone who thought that a new tender would basically be a change in the owner is apparently mistaken. On the other hand, we have to verify that the station will repay its debts."

Channel 10 executives said in response: "We welcome Minister Ariel Atias' efforts to resolve the crisis."

However, a senior station executive said, "we are trying to repay all the content debts, but without adjusting regulations to match the economic reality, we will not be able to carry on. We will not be able to carry on losing NIS 100 million every year."

Source:- haaretz.com

Japanâs Bonds Complete Biggest Drop in a Month as Stocks Rise

2009-02-04T06:49:00.001-06:00

Japanâs 10-year bonds completed their biggest decline in a month after rising Asian stocks reduced demand for government debt.

Bonds slid for a fifth day, the longest losing streak since July 2007, after U.S. shares rallied yesterday when Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said the government will step up efforts to fight the recession. Demand for debt also waned after the Bank of Japan said yesterday it will start buying equities owned by financial institutions to shore up their capital.

âThe bond market is likely to test lower prices after overseas stocks rose,â said Akihiko Inoue, an analyst at Mizuho Investors Securities Co. in Tokyo, the brokerage arm of Japanâs second-largest bank by revenue.

The yield on the 1.3 percent bond due December 2018 rose five basis points to 1.345 percent as of 4 p.m. in Tokyo at Japan Bond Trading Co., the nationâs largest interdealer debt broker. The price fell 0.435 yen to 99.608 yen. The yield touched 1.35 percent, the highest level since Dec. 16. A basis point is 0.01 percentage point.
Ten-year bond futures for March delivery slid 0.40 to 138.35 at the afternoon close at the Tokyo Stock Exchange as the Nikkei 225 Stock Average advanced 2.7 percent.

The Standard & Poorâs 500 Index snapped a three-day drop yesterday after Geithner told the Wall Street Journal that White House fiscal policy is âabout to get very aggressiveâ as President Obamaâs economic team prepares to address the deepening recession.
Japanâs government bonds handed investors a loss of 0.3 percent last week, according to indexes compiled by Merrill Lynch & Co. The Nikkei gained 3.2 percent last week.

âBearish Conditionsâ

âBearish conditions will continue,â said Masaru Hamasaki, a Tokyo-based senior strategist at Toyota Asset Management Co., which oversees about $3.3 billion. âThe Bank of Japanâs stock purchase plan is, if anything, negative for bonds.â

The central bank said yesterday it will buy 1 trillion yen ($11.2 billion) of stocks by April 2010, resuming a program it ended more than four years ago.

âThis measure aims to act as a safety net to stabilize the financial markets,â BOJ Governor Masaaki Shirakawa said yesterday at a press briefing. âItâs always appropriate to prepare for the worst factors and the worst-case scenario.â

The Bank of Japan has cut interest rates to 0.1 percent and is buying corporate debt from lenders to encourage them to extend credit and prevent a deeper recession. The bank said two weeks ago it will purchase as much as 3 trillion yen of commercial paper and consider purchasing corporate bonds to channel funds to companies.

Shrinking Economy

The decline in bonds was tempered on speculation a government report this month will show the economy contracted for a third quarter, luring investors to the safety of debt.

The worldâs second-biggest economy probably shrank 4.05 percent in the three months ended Dec. 31 from the previous quarter, according to economists surveyed by Bloomberg News before the Feb. 16 report.

âItâs quite positive for bonds and in the intermediate to long-term, sentiment will remain bullish,â said Keiko Onogi, a Tokyo-based debt strategist at Daiwa Securities SMBC Co., one of the 24 primary dealers that are required to bid at government debt sales.

Ten-year yields may decline to 1.17 percent by the end of March, according to a Bloomberg survey of economists and analysts. The estimate puts a heavier weighting on more recent forecasts. Should those predictions prove accurate investors who bought the securities today would make a return of 1.7 percent, Bloomberg calculations show.
Bonds still fell on concern the government will boost bond sales further to help fund spending to combat the recession.

The government may need to issue a record 40.6 trillion yen of new debt in the fiscal year starting April 2011, according to official calculations from the Ministry of Finance.

Source:- Bloomberg

Harley-Davidson sets USD 600M debt sale to fund finance arm

2009-02-03T22:19:00.000-06:00

Harley-Davidson Inc. of Milwaukee said Tuesday that it has priced a debt offering of USD 600 million to finance the ongoing lending activities at its wholly owned finance company, Harley-Davidson Financial Services Inc.

The offering of senior unsecured notes is being made under the heavyweight motorcycle manufacturer's existing shelf registration for public offerings of securities, including debt. The notes will be due in 2014 and will bear interest at a rate of 15 percent per year.

Davis Selected Advisers LP, a long-time investor in Harley-Davidson Inc. and the largest holder of Harley stock, and billionaire Warren Buffett's firm Berkshire Hathaway Inc. each committed to purchase equal portions of the aggregate principal amount of the notes, Harley-Davidson said.

In late January, Harley-Davidson unveiled a three-part strategy to attempt to address the current economic environment. That three-part strategy focuses on stimulating consumer demand by investing in the Harley-Davidson brand, getting the company's cost structure right -- which included the cutting of 1,100 jobs, mostly in the Milwaukee area -- and securing additional funding for Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS), which makes wholesale loans to dealers and retail loans to consumers.

"This offering represents an important next step in executing our stated strategy for funding the lending activities of HDFS," said Tom Bergmann, chief financial officer of Harley-Davidson and interim president of HDFS.

Last week, ratings services firm Fitch Ratings said it placed Harley-Davidson Inc. and Harley-Davidson Financial Services on rating watch negative, in part because of concerns over the finance company's ability to continue to support Harley-Davidson sales at the typical level of about 53 to 55 percent of retail volumes.

The offering was arranged by Morgan Stanley, with Citigroup, Deutsche Bank Securities, J.P. Morgan and Morgan Stanley acting as lead underwriters for the transaction.

No Apology From Allina For 18 percent Interest Rate

2009-01-22T17:22:00.000-06:00

Allina Hospitals & Clinics Responds to Attorney General's Suit

MINNEAPOLIS - January 2009 -- In response to a lawsuit filed today by the Minnesota Attorney General's Office, Allina Hospitals & Clinics made the following statement:

"Allina Hospitals & Clinics is surprised by the Attorney General's action today. Allina had been analyzing various proposals to modify MedCredit's interest rate structure for some time, and prior to the filing of this suit, Allina had made the decision to reduce the interest rate on all current and future MedCredit accounts to eight percent, regardless of the size of the balance. Allina communicated this to the Attorney General in December of 2008. Allina believes that this new rate structure is in the best interests of our patients who would benefit from the ability to pay their medical bills over time.

"While Allina believes the new rate of eight percent is appropriate going forward, it should be noted that the previous rate structure, which included a sliding interest rate scale based on the balance due, was fully consistent with Minnesota law, and was clearly communicated to all patients who participated in the program. The program is considered "open-ended credit," meaning that patients can use the program on an ongoing basis for subsequent care. The rates previously charged by Allina are consistent with Minnesota law for this type of credit.

Allina believes that MedCredit remains a valuable tool to help some patients pay their medical bills and that it may be a better alternative to financing such debt through a credit card, which may charge a much higher interest rate. Allina does not deny care to anyone based on inability to pay, and works with patients to help ensure they receive all possible forms of assistance in paying their medical bills, including free care or government assistance programs. Allina offers free care to individuals and families whose income is less that 275 percent of Federal poverty guidelines.

"Allina believes the allegations contained in the complaint are without merit and that the MedCredit program is fully compliant with the law. Allina looks forward to discussing this matter further with the Attorney General, and bringing it to a timely resolution."

Allina Hospitals & Clinics is a not-for-profit health care system of hospitals, clinics and other patient care services that provides exceptional care to communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin and employs more than 22,000 people. Allina Hospitals & Clinics facilities, services and jobs can be found online at www.allina.com.

Contacts

Allina Hospitals & Clinics
David Kanihan, 612-262-4986
david.kanihan@allina.com
Cell: 612-867-2845

The lawsuit names as defendants both Allina Health System and its subsidiary, Accounts Receivable Services, a debt collection agency owned by Allina that does business under the name MedCredit Financial Services. It seems odd to me that they lowered the rate to 8% which happens to be the legal limit. As a non-profit perhaps they should consider lowering the rate still further, since that could only be in the best interests of their clients...

Medical Billing On-Line
Cold Hard Cash
Billing Computer Medical Software
Where To Sell Gold

How To Have Effective Human Resource Management In A Down Economy

2008-12-19T13:37:00.000-06:00

Effective Human Resource Management In A Down Economy

Learn how to drive employees to higher levels of business performance by proper management.

This free publication from Taleo is a white paper that explores the crucial relationship between talent management strategies, HR processes, and management practices. It covers the important advantages that can be realized by companies and organizations that are now coping with the current economic downturn. It explains why good human resources, executive management, and management of specific talent is a key issue for all businesses on a global basis and will remain a central strategy in any economic situation.

Talent management in a low or negative growth economy can offer new opportunities like internal organizational mobility, performance management QA, and increased quality of hires. This can deliver significant increase to business performance benefits, even in the midst of financial constraints. Using historical data and demographic trends this white paper dispels many misconceptions that suggest HR's focus is must be narrowed when markets and the economy decline.

This timely free publication can show you how to use talent management principals to cut costs and still boost productivity while you:

. Review, refine, and re-release existing resources to expand into new business and trade markets.
. Manage employee performance to better serve corporate goals.
. Concentrate on bringing new skills in-house to fill voids or reinforce areas in need.
. Deploy new product or service development and bolster retention programs to reduce churn.

We were very surprised this publication was made available without cost. The content is significant, timely, and seems to be very up to date. Anyone in an HR department or senior management could benefit from this free white paper. To get a copy, click here.

Choose from hundreds of other free business magazines, podcasts, trade publications, and white papers from Consultant-Directory.com. There's never a cost, hidden charge, or service fee for any of our free subscriptions.

Increased Insurance Research Caused By Economic Instability

2008-12-11T14:56:00.000-06:00

US Insurance Online Hits 4.5 Million Customer Milestone

Sees Customers Increasing Insurance Research as a Result of Economic Instability.

Austin, TX, December 07, 2008 -- US Insurance Online, a premiere online portal that provides insurance customers with education and relevant introductions, today announced it had helped over 4.5 million customers get insurance quotes from multiple agents via the Internet. The company also noted that online searches for insurance products had accelerated in recent months. According to the company this provides evidence that recent economic uncertainties are driving customer cost-cutting efforts to include evaluating less expensive insurance policies.

"In uncertain economic times consumers look for opportunities to reduce spending. They find ways to eat out less, purchase fewer luxury items, drive less to reduce fuel purchases, and many are finding insurance to be a target for significant savings," said Jim Waltrip, CEO and co-founder of US Insurance Online. "We help make the search for less expensive insurance coverage more effective by eliminating the time spent finding multiple agents, calling and comparing their offerings. US Insurance Online makes it easy to get in touch with multiple insurance agents who can sell you the products you need."

About US Insurance Online
Since 2005, US Insurance Online has helped make shopping for insurance a painless experience for customers. The company offers a fast, free way for consumers to find the insurance quotes they're looking for at the most competitive rates. Our network of insurance carriers, agents and brokers can match almost any consumer with the insurance they need at a price they can afford. Based in Austin Texas, US Insurance Online was recently named one of the fastest growing companies in the Central Texas region. www.usinsuranceonline.com/

Contact Information
US Insurance Online
Adam Alter
888-522-7355
contact@usinsuranceonline.com
www.usinsuranceonline.com

Commercial Business Insurance
Cash For Structured Settlements
Mini Credit Report
Mortgages For People With Bad Credit

Sale Of Search Engine Network Generates Traffic

2008-10-06T21:59:00.000-05:00

We've been getting a lot of emails looking for more information about the European Search Engine Network that I posted about the other day. To eliminate some of the questions, I am posting some more information about this 12 year old network of sites that is built upon their search technology. The more I learn about what they have, the more potential I see for someone with additional skills, capital, and other resources to tie into what they already have and expand on or into the European market.

Here is some more information:

- Monthly traffic of 3,000,000+ per month across the network.

- 3,500 current /past advertisers

- Registered as a European distribution partner for Microsoft Adwords.

- A partner with Google Doubleclick and Adsense.

- Has the ability to deploy new local search engines quickly.

- Currently targeting markets in Europe, US, and several other countries as well as several topics, such as travel.

- Owns at least 4 trademarks

- Currently has 450+ Domains launched on their servers.

Domains:
· International
· US
· UK
· Ireland
· Europe
· Austria
· France
· Germany
· Italy
· Spain
· India
· China
· Japan
· South Africa
· Money
· Travel
· and several others

If you are interested or require more information please let me know and I will put you in touch with the company. I've been friends with the owner for some time now and agreed to help them find a buyer if I can.

I would have thought the current economic situation would have made it difficult to generate interest in a search network such as this, but I was clearly wrong. There are many that would like to expand their current holdings and sites like social networks, consumer shopping sites, auction sites, and sites that are based on UGC (User Generated Content) seem to be super interested in adding mature search to the current offerings. Building is always an option, but why build and re-invent the wheel when you can buy.

And I just learned today that one of my old favorite UK search engines, www.Burf.com was sold and now has a new owner.
If you need to reach me, just Google "NielsenTech" and you should be able to contact me.

Equipment Financing Still Strong For Financial Corporation

2008-09-26T22:40:00.000-05:00

Landmark Financial Corporation Boasts Equipment Financing Still Strong

Although traditional banks are shying away from industrial equipment financing, Landmark Financial Corporation is still able to provide equipment financing for new small and large companies. Because Landmark is not a bank, they are not limited by traditional lending practices.

Greenwood Village, CO, September 26, 2008 -- While the media is full of doom and gloom reports about the current economy, Landmark Financial Corporation announces that construction equipment leasing and financing remains stronger then would be expected given current economic news.

"Those expecting to see evidence of an overall slowdown in commercial equipment finance activity - or a significant decline in portfolio performance - as a result of the mortgage crisis, rising energy and food prices or a general economic slowdown may be surprised by a report by the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association. Economic activity for the $650 billion equipment finance sector, showed overall new business volume for May increased 6.5% when compared to the same period in 2007, proof that our industry is strong," said William Verhelle (ELFA Press Release 06/25/08)

Banks are becoming less willing to offer financing for small and newly established businesses. There are many government lending programs small businesses can turn to when looking for a loan if a traditional bank is unwilling to write the loan. However, these programs aren't always a good fit for small and new businesses that need the cash, because of the restrictions in place by the government. The criteria for such programs are also becoming more stringent in many cases requiring direct liens on the business owners' personal assets.

"We have many new or used equipment finance options for businesses of all sizes. Because we're a direct lender, we have the ability to be more flexible and creative when it comes to business equipment financing. We're in the unique position of having available capital that allows us to manage our portfolio with an eye towards identifying solid opportunities in an economic environment that has finance companies pulling back," said Peter Sutherland, President of Landmark Financial Corporation.

In addition to financing business owners, Landmark also has an appetite for supporting other lenders in purchasing portfolio and is also available to banks wishing to provide their own customers with financing options. This way if a bank is unable to offer a loan to a long-term customer, it can refer the customer to Landmark instead of sending them to a competitor.

"Loans that banks would have approved a year ago don't make the grade today. The credit window is not likely to open up further anytime soon. The Federal Reserve recently reported that the share of banks tightening loan availability to small businesses surged to a record high of 65.3% in the third quarter, up from 7.7% a year ago, according to its monthly survey of senior loan officers. We're striving to make our equipment financing programs available to credit worthy businesses while maintaining the flexibility and creativity often missing from other large institutional lenders in these difficult economic times," said Sutherland.

Landmark Financial Corporation offers all types of construction equipment financing and leasing. Financial help is available for restaurants, construction companies, transportation companies and many others. Because Landmark focuses solely on equipment financing, they are capable of financing almost any type of business equipment.

About Landmark Financial Corporation: Landmark Financial Corporation offers a full service approach to equipment financing. As a direct underwriter, Landmark Financial eliminates the middleman, to save clients money and provide a more seamless experience. The company offers financing for a wide variety of equipment from e-commerce systems to furniture, machine tools to fixtures. Landmark is still there to be your capital finance partner.

Contact Information

Landmark Financial Corporation
Tom Brems
720-214-6866
tom@lfcinc.com

Star's Stock Investing Techniques Shared With People

2008-09-17T19:47:00.000-05:00

Adam Mesh, "The Average Joe's" Stock Coach, Partners with Prosper Inc.

Prosper Inc., a distance education company based in Utah, has reached an agreement with Adam Mesh to share the former "Average Joe" star's stock investing techniques with people who are eager to get involved with the stock market.

Provo, UT, September 17, 2008 -- Adam Mesh, "The Average Joe's" Stock Coach, has reached an agreement with Utah-based Prosper Inc. to share his highly popular stock trading techniques and coaching in the company's one-to-one distance learning programs.

Even before appearing on NBC's "The Average Joe," Mesh was a successful stock trader. He has been a partner at two successful trading companies, selling the last one in 2006. His success has been landed him coverage in Fortune, "The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno, Trader Monthly, and CNBC's "Squawk Box."

"Prosper is the undisputed leader in one-to-one coaching programs, so it was an easy decision to partner with them," Mesh said. "Prosper has perfected the systems and resources that help students excel. I trust Prosper to give my students what they need to succeed."

"We are thrilled to partner with Adam and we look forward to helping his students gain the stock trading knowledge he is uniquely qualified to share," said Ethan Willis, CEO of Prosper. "We deliver the highest quality coaching programs for some of the most respected brands in the world, and adding someone of Adam's caliber only enhances our position as the most trusted name in one-to-one education."

Since selling his trading company in 2006, Mesh has focused on helping individuals succeed in the stock market, and has found great demand for his coaching. "There are thousands of people who want to get started in the stock market but don't know how," Mesh said. "Prosper will help me reach those who want to learn how."

Prosper works closely with highly recognized business experts, including David Bach, Ken Blanchard, and John Cummuta. Prosper develops curricula for students that, combined with one-to-one coaching, helps them achieve business goals, get out of debt, develop added sources of revenue, etc. Approximately 85 percent of Prosper's enrolling students complete the coursework for their chosen program.

About Prosper Inc.
Prosper Inc., based in Provo, Utah, is a global leader of coaching and distance training in real estate investing, stock market investing, entrepreneurship, e-commerce, and personal finance. Prosper has coached more than 40,000 students since its founding in 1999, and currently educates thousands of students enrolled in its programs in more than 70 countries. Visit Prosper at http://www.prospercorp.com.

Contact Information

Prosper Inc.
Jason Russell
801-371-0755
jrussell@prospercorp.com
www.prospercorp.com

If You Can Pay Off Mortgage, Should You?

2008-09-14T15:58:00.000-05:00

Paying Off Your Mortgage is a Mistake

If you are even thinking about paying off your mortgage, think again. Why is the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago reporting that Americans are making the "wrong choice" when it comes to pre-paying their mortgage and saving for their retirement? Find out EXACTLY why and how you can empower your financial future. Live event and financial workshop April 22, 2008, 7 p.m., Oakbrook, IL.

Oakbrook, IL - April 21 -- MatthewSapaula, Inc. will host an event April 22nd, 2008 to help middle class homeowners and real estate investors better manage their money more wisely. They will review strategies on how to maximize a homeowner's greatest asset-their home, protect them from dropping property values and explore options on how to secure their financial future during uncertain economic times. This event is one of more than 350 free classes, seminars and activities promoting financial education that will take place during Chicago's Money Smart Week April 20-26th, 2008.

"Many people today are feeling more isolated, confused and powerless as they are bombarded with negative news about our country and economy," says Matthew Sapaula, President of MatthewSapaula, Inc. "Our workshops will help shed a different light to allow attendees to rethink and redefine how to maintain control of their financial future during these unique times."

Their workshop, titled House Rich, Cash PoorAmerican Dream to American Trap and How to Avoid It, is sponsored by Wachovia and will be held at 7 p.m. CST at the Oakbrook Marriot, 1401 W. 22nd St., Oakbrook, IL 60523, intersection of Cermak and Route 83. Special guest book signings will be held by financial authors James Kraiss, CFP and David Muti, JD who wrote Discovering Life's Hidden Financial Treasures and Mortgages: What You Need to Know, respectively. For seat reservations, free report and audio download, call 800.955.0589 or visit http://www.moneyinmotionseminars.com

Coordinated by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and its Money Smart partners, Money Smart Week is designed to educate consumers about money management and create awareness of financial education programs on a wide range of topics such as budgeting, retirement savings and using credit wisely.

The educational activities will be carried out by more than 200 local community groups, businesses, schools, and non-profit organizations.

"Money Smart Week celebrates its seventh anniversary in Chicago and continues to provide many different opportunities for people to learn about managing their personal finances," said Chicago Fed President Charles Evans. "This year's calendar features diverse and numerous events for a broad range of consumers. During this week, attendees will have many chances to learn where good personal finance information is available."

Additional information and a calendar of events for this year's Money Smart Week are now available at http://www.moneysmartweek.org/chicago

Press Contact: Matthew Sapaula
Company Name: MatthewSapaula, Inc.
Phone: 708.236.1720
Website: www.matthewsapaula.com

Social Networking to Grow Deposits and Lending For Caribbean Banks

2008-09-07T14:43:00.000-05:00

Caribbean Banks to Leverage Social Networking to Grow Deposits and Lending; eDominate Software Opens New Doors for Online Customer Service

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, September 07, 2008 -- eDominate Inc., a global leader in providing buying cycle management solutions to financial institutions, today announced its introduction of eCommerce Manager Caribbean (or, "eCM Caribbean") and Caribbean Loan Origination Plus (or, "Caribbean LOS Plus") to the Caribbean banking markets.

As eDominate's flag-ship product, eCM Caribbean is a dynamic online lending portal designed to improve financial institutions' loan portfolios, deposits, customer service, and profitability. The software gives banks and credit unions around the world the ability to support borrowers during the research, shopping, and lending stages of their buying cycles. This expanded customer service - or "buying-cycle management" - not only increases customer value and loyalty, but improves the institution's chances of capturing their loan business when they are ready to seek financing.

Helping to define eDominate's focus, the Caribbean Bankers User Group held their 18th Annual Meeting the week of July 15, 2008, at the Ft. Young Hotel in Dominica. The focus of this year's meeting was on increasing fee income through secure remote distribution channels, and eDominate was invited to speak and offer a solutions' roadmap.

"eDominate is our only vendor who has automated loan origination, both online and in the back-office, specific to the Caribbean banking requirements," said Chantell Norville, Manager of Project User Information Management and Technology for the East Caribbean Financial Holding Company, Ltd. "Their phenomenal success with the Bank of Saint Lucia makes them a key provider for lending solutions in the Caribbean."

eDominate's experience in loan origination instructed their development of eCM Caribbean, harnessing the social networking capabilities of Internet communications to add the tangible benefits of buying-cycle management for lenders. And eDominate's success in mapping their loan origination and online lending solutions to the Caribbean market, initially with the Bank of Saint Lucia, make for an end-to-end loan generation and origination solution for Caribbean banks.

"There is a very strong desire across Caribbean bankers to leverage technology automation," said John Benjamin, Managing Director at TCI Bank. "We hope to use automation not only to increase income, but also to gain operational efficiency, decrease costs, and provide improved services to our customers. I'm intrigued by eDominate's unique approach to Internet lending and how they help banks to support potential borrowers much earlier in their buying cycles than the loan process. I can easily imagine how providing this elevated level of service wins customers for the lender."

eDominate will be showcasing eCM Caribbean and the business advantages of buying-cycle management to Caribbean financial institutions this fall in a series of teleconferences with ECIC Holdings Ltd. In demonstrating the diverse features of this online portal - and answering questions on how it can drive lending, deposits, cross-sales, and even commercial business - eDominate intends to acknowledge the Caribbean Bankers User Group's consolidated buying power by offering discounted pricing to institutions purchasing as a group.

ABOUT ECIC Holdings Ltd.
ECIC Holdings Ltd. (ECIC) is a private company headquartered in Basseterre, St Kitts, and held by 10 indigenous banks of the region: Grenada Co-operative Bank Ltd., 1st National Bank St Lucia Ltd., National Bank of Dominica, ABI Bank Ltd., Caribbean Union Bank Ltd., St Kitts Nevis Anguilla National Bank Ltd., Bank of Nevis Ltd., National Bank of Anguilla Ltd., Caribbean Commercial Bank (Anguilla) Ltd. and TCI Bank Ltd. ECIC's mission is to be the facilitator of the creation of a virtual, modern, competitive financial services operation comprising member indigenous financial institutions of the region, and to enhance the operations and the share value of its shareholders and promote their competitiveness and sustainability in the CSME. ECIC owns majority shares of Caribbean Financial Services Corporation (CFSC), a Barbados-based development finance institution that provides loan, quasi-equity, and equity financing to Caribbean SMEs, as well as facilitates participation in the region's capital markets by the public and private sectors of the region.

About eDominate
eDominate Inc. ("eDominate") is a global provider of software and services that help financial institutions to build and monetize social networks. Banks, credit unions, and finance companies use eDominate's patent-pending methodology and Internet technologies to open new markets for lending and deposits, win new commercial accounts, drive new lending opportunities, generate new revenue streams, improve customer service online, provide community advocacy, achieve "greener" business operations, and cross-sell more financial products and services. eDominate software can be delivered internationally and customized to accommodate almost any financial niche. For more information, please visit www.eDominate.com.

Contact Information

eDominate, Inc
Mike Einsel
602-222-8558
meinsel@edominate.com
www.edominate.com

Farmers Insurance Claims Mobile Claims Units Ready to Help Customers

2008-09-01T17:55:00.000-05:00

Farmers Insurance Claims Teams and Mobile Claims Units Ready to Help Customers Suffering Damage from Hurricane Gustav

LOS ANGELES-- September 01, 2008 --Farmers® Insurance Group of Companies claims teams are preparing today to move into areas stricken by Hurricane Gustav. Once the areas are identified, the teams will deploy along with 2 Catastrophe Claims buses and 5 Customer Care Claims Vehicles.

"Our claims personnel and fleet of claims vehicles are gearing up to assist our customers in Louisiana, Texas and any other areas suffering damage from Gustav," explains Paul Quinn, Assistant Vice President of Claims Communications for Farmers Insurance.

The Mobile Catastrophe buses are equipped with state-of-the art satellite communications equipment; claims stations; water, supplies; laptop, satellite telephone capability; and have a built in grill to serve meals to Farmers' customers and others in need.

The Customer Care Claims Vehicles are smaller versions of Farmers claims buses and are ready to assist with claims and supply needs of Farmers' customers and others in need.

Note to Media: A press release listing exact locations of the claims vehicles will be issued as soon as locations are selected. For questions or information at any time, please contact the Farmers Media Team listed above.

Farmers Insurance customers who have suffered damage should contact their agent or call Farmers' 24-hour-claims hotline, 800-HelpPoint (1-800-435-7764) for immediate assistance.

"Farmers' customers who have moved to evacuation centers in Texas, Louisiana or other states, should keep the HelpPoint number handy if needed, when they return to their homes.

Foremost Insurance customers should file their claims by calling: 1-800-527-3907.

Flood victims who have flood insurance should contact the National Flood Program at www.floodsmart.com

Farmers Group, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Zurich Financial Services, an insurance-based financial services provider with a global network of subsidiaries and offices in North America and Europe as well as in Asia Pacific, Latin America and other markets. Farmers® is the nation's third-largest Personal Lines Property & Casualty insurance group. Property and casualty products are underwritten and issued by the Farmers Exchanges and their subsidiaries, which Farmers Group, Inc. manages but does not own. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the Farmers insurers provide Homeowners, Auto, Business, Life insurance and financial services to more than 10 million households. For more information about Farmers, visit our Web site at www.farmers.com.

Contacts

Farmers Insurance Group
Jerry Davies, 213-400-4459
jerry.davies@farmersinsurance.com
or
Michelle Levy, 512-791-7445
michelle.levy@farmersinsurance.com
or
David Bishop, 850-228-8997
david.bishop@farmersinsurance.com

Trading Club Delivers Stock Picks, Trade Set-ups and Market Intelligence

2008-08-15T23:41:00.000-05:00

Swing Trading Club from Investing Systems Delivers Stock Picks, Trade Set-ups and Market Intelligence to Day Traders, Swing Traders and Long Term Investors

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla.-- July 26, 2008 --Investing Systems announced today the opening of their new Swing Trading Club for traders and investors.

"Buy and hold investing has seen better days," said William McKinley, President of Investing Systems. "Most people believe that you need to take a more active role in order to effectively manage a portfolio."

The swing trading club offers trade set-ups daily and shows investors the entry and exit strategy, the stop-loss points and target prices for each trade. The site features a chat room, market trend indicators and commentary from professional traders.

"Everyone knows that you need to invest for yourself," McKinley said. "But that does not mean that you have to trade by yourself."

The Swing Trading Club is open to all traders and investors and even includes training sessions and coaching on specific technical trading styles. The subscription price is just $49.95 per month and the members already love the interaction with other traders.

"People like to trade along with others in the club," McKinley said. "Beginners are learning the ropes and experienced traders like to share their expertise. We think everyone should take a serious look at the club if only to have some trading buddies to bounce ideas with."

Investing Systems Inc. manages a network of more than 100 websites focused on the benefits of disciplined systematic investing. Customers in more than 70 countries have used ISI products and services to become better, more disciplined, investors.

"I am not sure exactly how many members we will let into the club," McKinley said. "The most important thing to us is that people have fun, make money and become better traders and investors. If we have to limit the size, we will."

For additional information about the Swing Trading Club website visit:

http://www.SwingTradingClub.com

Contacts

Investing Systems Inc.
Douglas Newberry, 904-261-5289
DNewberry@investing-systems.com

Bonds Outlook Stable

2008-08-11T19:50:00.000-05:00

Fitch Upgrades Cape Regional Medical Center's (NJ) Bonds to 'A'; Outlook Stable

NEW YORK-- August 11, 2008 --Fitch Ratings has upgraded the $23.5 million outstanding New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority revenue bonds (Burdette Tomlin Memorial Hospital, Inc. Issue), series 1999 to 'A' from 'A-'. The Rating Outlook is Stable.

The rating upgrade to 'A' is based on Cape Regional Medical Center's (Cape Regional; formerly Burdette Tomlin Memorial Hospital, Inc.) excellent liquidity and light debt burden as well as improved operations over the last 3 1/2 fiscal years. At fiscal year end Dec. 31 2007, Cape Regional had days cash on hand (DCOH) of 273.1 days and cash to debt of 301.9%, both well above Fitch's 'A' category medians of 185.2 DCOH and 111.6% cash to debt. Additionally, Cape Regional defeased its 1991 series bonds in fiscal 2007.

Maximum annual debt service (MADS) on the remaining series 1999 bonds is $2.1 million, which is $1.2 million lower than previous MADS. Pro forma debt service coverage in fiscal 2007 was a strong 6.2 times (x), above Fitch's 'A' category median of 4x, and the cushion ratio was 33.3x, more than double Fitch's 'A' category median of 15.4x. Unaudited results for six months ended June 30, 2008 show MADS coverage of 5.5x and a cushion ratio of 31.4x.

In addition to Cape Regional's strong liquidity and light debt burden, operations over the last 3 1/2 fiscal years have continued to improve. Since fiscal 2005, Cape Regional has improved operations with positive operating margins two out of the last three years and positive excess margins in all three years. Cape Regional ended fiscal 2007 with a 0.6% positive operating margin and a 5% positive excess margin ($5.6 million in total excess income). Further indication of the operational turnaround has been the improvement to Cape Regional's operating EBITDA margin and EBITDA margins. Cape Regional's Operating EBITDA and EBITDA margins have averaged 7.5% and 11.2%, respectively, from 2005-2007 compared to 5.3% and 7.3% from 2002-2004.

The Stable Outlook is based on Cape Regional's continued market dominance, lighter debt burden, and Fitch's belief that Cape Regional will be able to sustain the current operating performance. Cape Regional enjoys a 72% market share in its primary service area as its nearest competitor is more than 20 miles away. This market dominance helps to offset concerns about Cape Regional's small revenue size for the rating category. Ongoing credit concerns include Cape Regional's rising bad debt expense and vulnerability of revenue stream given the seasonality of admissions.

Fitch does not anticipate Cape Regional issuing additional debt over the next few years. A prior credit concern of Fitch's had been the hospital's capital needs. Management has begun increasing capital spending, including a $2.2 million renovation of inpatient rooms. Capital expenditures as percentage of depreciation increased to 217.4% in fiscal 2007 from 66.2% in fiscal 2006; Fitch's 'A' category median is 155.8%. Given Cape Regional's operational turnaround, Fitch anticipates that over the medium term the hospital will be able to continue to fund capital projects from cash flow and philanthropy without the need to issue debt.

Fitch believes that Cape Regional will be able to sustain current levels of operations. Cape Regional has significantly lowered its length of stay over the past few years, from 4.9 days in fiscal 2004 to 4.3 days in fiscal 2007, started a hospitalists program, had strong physician recruitment, and established an affiliation with University of Penn Health System for oncology and cardiology, which has improved cardiology coverage at the hospital. These programs should help sustain operating margins over the medium term. While Cape Regional has a negative 0.8% margin for the first six months of fiscal 2008, it showed bottom line profitability with a 3% excess margin, and is ahead of budget heading into the busy tourist season. Management indicated that the volume numbers from the first two months of the season, June and July, have been strong.

Cape Regional is a 242-licensed (208 operated) bed facility located in Cape May County off exit 10 on the Garden State Parkway, approximately 45 miles south of Atlantic City. Cape Regional, with total revenue of $107.5 million in fiscal 2007, is part of the Cape Regional Health System, which includes a foundation, and Cape Regional Health Enterprises, which houses a small management services organization. Cape Regional covenants to provide annual and quarterly disclosure to bondholders. Disclosure to bondholders has been good, including quarterly income statement, balance sheet, cash flows, utilization, and management discussion and analysis.

Fitch's rating definitions and the terms of use of such ratings are available on the agency's public site, 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.

Contacts

Fitch Ratings, New York
Eric Espino, 212-908-0574
Gary Sokolow, 212-908-9186
or
Media Relations:
Cindy Stoller, 212-908-0526

Bond Insurance in a Changing Market

2008-08-07T22:32:00.000-05:00

The Knowledge Congress Has Scheduled a Live Teleconference & Webinar on Bond Insurance in a Changing Market and Regulatory Environment: What to Expect

New York, NY, June 20, 2008 -- The Knowledge Congress, the leading producer of regulatory focused teleconferences and webinars, announced today that it has scheduled a live teleconference and webinar on Bond Insurance in a Changing Market and Regulatory Environment: What to Expect. This two-hour event is scheduled on Tuesday, July 1, 2008, at 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM (EDT - New York).

Bond insurance companies are being monitored by a number of investment firms to make sure they can sustain any loss brought about by collateralized debt obligations with high-risk mortgage-backed securities. Issuers and borrowers should examine bond transactions that are tax-exempt as a precautionary measure in case a downgrade occurs. It is also important in examining agreements entered into by issuers and in case there is a need in changing credit and liquidity support bonds secured by a letter of credit. Non-profit organizations that are classified as bond issuers or conduit borrowers should take note of this issue so that preventive measures may be taken if necessary. The Knowledge Congress has assembled a panel of distinguished experts to help make these policies clear to the organizations most impacted. The panel will present their findings, which include "best practice" panel, and a question-and-answer segment enabling the audience to interact directly with the faculty in a two-hour teleconference and webinar.

Speakers/Faculty Panel

Steven A. Chamberlin, Manager, Tax Exempt Bonds, Compliance & Program Management, Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Michael Moriarty, Deputy Superintendent for Property and Capital Markets, New York State Insurance Department

Michael J. Schozer, President, Assured Guaranty Corp.

Margaret Purcell, Executive Director, National Tax Exempt Organization Group, Ernst & Young LLP

Valerie Pearsall Roberts, Partner, Jones Day

For updated list of the faculty panel, please visit: http://www.knowledgecongress.org/event_2008_BondInsurance.html

About The Knowledge Congress

The Knowledge Congress is an organization that produces teleconferences and webinars that examine regulatory changes across a variety of industries. "We bring together the world's leading authorities and industry participants through informative two-hour teleconferences and webinars that study the impact of changing regulations and help businesses succeed through proper regulatory compliance."

Contact Information
The Knowledge Congress
Thomas LaPointe, Jr., Executive Director
1.800.578.4370
info@knowledgecongress.org
www.knowledgecongress.org
Therese Lumbao, Director
Account Management & Member Services
tlumbao@knowledgecongress.org

No Cost Personal Finance Program

2008-08-07T19:41:00.000-05:00

Free Personal Finance Program

The Money Books.com is offering "Links To Your Financial Future" for a limited time.

Los Angeles, CA - March 14 -- dash Media Networks announced today its website The Money Books.com (www.themoneybooks.com) will offer a free downloadable personal finance program for a limited time. Users will need to join The Money Books mailing list to get access to the program. Links To Your Financial Future provides valuable internet links to a variety of important financial topics in the categories of Investment and Planning, Credit and Retirement.

According to a dash Media Networks spokesman, "This type of personal finance program is particularly important this time of year when everyone is concerned about the IRS and their taxes. The Money Books.com site is all about helping people increase their personal wealth and financial well being and this program provides an avenue for greater financial knowledge."

For dash Media Networks, the move is part of an effort to increase its interaction with the users of The Money Books.com. By encouraging users to sign up for its mailing list the site can service the needs of the community more efficiently as well as provide important information to the most motivated users. Mailing list subscribers will receive targeted content in a variety of areas such as mortgage finance, insurance, and entrepreneurial wealth building.

About dash Media Networks:
dash Media Networks is a collection of broad and niche oriented e-commerce and social networking outlets focused on products and communities in the range of technology, consumer electronics and other high growth potential sectors.

Press Contact: David Ashe
Company Name: dash Media Networks
Phone: 310-749-5055
Website: www.themoneybooks.com

Property.com Unable to Resist Foreclosure

2008-07-24T16:54:00.000-05:00

Property.com SOLD to Foreclosure.com

FORECLOSURE.COM OWNER TO ACQUIRE PROPERTY.COM

Brad Geisen continues to build online real estate empire to expand opportunities for future homebuyers and investors nationwide
Boca Raton, Fla. - July 22, 2008 Foreclosure.com Founder, President and CEO, Brad Geisen, announced today that he has reached an agreement with "Domain King" Rick Schwartz to acquire the domain name "Property.com," paving the way for his entry into a new market.

With Property.com Geisen intends to create a one-of-a-kind - and convenient - one-stop online real estate marketplace that is easy-to-use and navigate. The Web site will serve as an easy-accessible national real estate classified that is going to be free to all visitors, providing sellers, buyers and investors with a whole new concept of marketing and finding homes on the Web.

According to Geisen, the acquisition of Property.com will allow him to focus his efforts on a different and potentially much larger segment of the real estate market. In fact, in Geisen's opinion, the niche foreclosure market, which is Foreclosure.com's market, represents just 2 percent of all available real estate inventory.

"I'm going after the 98 percent of the real estate market outside of the foreclosure business." said Geisen. "For the past several years, I've built and run one of, if not 'the,' most successful Internet foreclosure businesses, but the business was always exclusively distressed real estate. I've achieved in Foreclosure.com what I set out to accomplish and I am ready for a new challenge in a different market. I intend to shift my focus on developing my new ideas that will revolutionize how homes should be listed, viewed and purchased. I've developed the critical skills which I intend to apply to this new market," said Geisen.

Property.com will include all listing types, including those indexed the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), creating a database that could surpass more than 15 million homes, but not including distressed properties, which will remain the business of Foreclosure.com. The best part is that it will be totally free to search for potential buyers and visitors, and sellers will be able to upload and edit their own personal listings at no charge. It's a wide-open model that Geisen knows will create an invaluable resource for just about anyone interested in real estate.

"I'm raising the stakes and pushing all my chips to the center of the table," said Geisen. "Foreclosure.com and my related companies have been leaders in their spaces for nearly a decade. I've seen what's been wrong with the way things were done and I've developed the methods to fix them. I have the knowledge and resources to take this to a whole new level . and that's what I plan to do."

Geisen revealed the new Property.com will be unveiled sometime in 2009. The specific terms of the deal to acquire Property.com were not disclosed. However, Geisen indicated that the value of the deal is one of the largest URL purchases to date.
That's a deal that has the seller Rick Schwartz - who is known as the "Domain King" -- smiling from ear-to-ear. He purchased Property.com for $750,000 in 2005 and was recently introduced to Geisen through Kevin Leto of BigTicketDomains.com about a possible re-sale.

"My job is to acquire prime, industry specific domain names with large volumes of natural type in traffic and eventually develop them to their fullest potential by partnering with leading companies in their respective fields which I have been doing for more than a decade," said Schwartz," "Early on I saw the value in Property.com; however, I never had the resources to develop it so it could reach its maximum potential. Brad Geisen has the vision to truly get the most of Property.com for the benefit of so many people in every corner of the United States. I'm thrilled to be a part of this exciting new project with Brad."

Stay tuned for frequent updates and milestones for the new Property.com. Feel free to visit the Web site in its current form. However, as mentioned earlier, the complete re-launch will not be official until sometime in 2009.

About Brad Geisen and Foreclosure.com
Ten years ago, Brad Geisen founded Foreclosure.com and built it over time to a company with more than 1.8 million foreclosure, preforeclosure, bankruptcy, FSBO and tax lien listings in one place, Foreclosure.com delivers America's largest and most accurate searchable database of foreclosed homes and distressed property information to its customers and business partners. Based in Boca Raton, Florida, Brad Geisen and Foreclosure.com work with hundreds of top lending institutions and government agencies to list diverse property types on its Web site, including Real Estate Owned (REO); Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); Fannie Mae; and other government agency and financial institution properties; as well as listings from an extensive network of corporate sellers. On the Web: www.foreclosure.com.

About eRealEsate.com.
Rick Schwartz, aka "Domain King" and "Webfather," is the CEO, President and Cofounder of T.R.A.F.F.I.C. found at TargetedTraffic.com-- the premiere domain conference for the domain industry. It is both the oldest and largest and attracts over 500 of the top professionals in the industry in a by invitation only event. As one of the early domain pioneers dating back to 1995, Rick has a knack for predicting big trends and getting it right. He may have been the first to recognize the value of "type in" traffic which is now commonly referred to as "direct navigation" -- the most potent and targeted traffic on the net. Rick has a prime portfolio of one and two word domains, and is considered by many to be among the leading experts on domain names, traffic, Web site flow and valuation. www.eRealestate.com

Media Contact
Thomas Myers
Foreclosure.com
tmyers@foreclosure.com
Tel: (561) 981-5337 ext. 381

Auction Rate Credit Linked Certificates Downgraded

2008-07-23T21:49:00.000-05:00

Fitch Downgrades Capstan Master Trust Auction Rate Credit Linked Certificates Series 1-4

NEW YORK-- July 23, 2008 --Fitch Ratings has removed from Rating Watch Negative and downgraded the following series of Capstan Master Trust (collectively, Capstan). The following rating actions are effective immediately:

Capstan Master Trust Series 1

--$150,000,000 certificates due 2017 downgraded to 'A' from 'AAA'.

Capstan Master Trust Series 2

--$150,000,000 certificates due 2017 downgraded to 'A' from 'AAA'.

Capstan Master Trust Series 3

--$150,000,000 certificates due 2017 downgraded to 'A' from 'AAA'.

Capstan Master Trust Series 4

--$150,000,000 certificates due 2017 downgraded to 'A' from 'AAA'.

The actions reflect Fitch's view on the credit risk of the rated certificates following the release of Fitch's new Corporate CDO rating Criteria.

Capstan Series 1 through 4 are four series of auction rate credit-linked certificates, the proceeds from which were used to directly purchase $600,000,000 of credit linked certificates (the 'Underlying Collateral') referencing a static portfolio of primarily investment grade corporate assets, which was privately-rated by Fitch in July 2007. The Underlying Collateral is the sole asset of Capstan. Periodic interest payments on the auction rate credit-linked certificates are determined and paid according to an auction process, as described in the transactions' governing documents. In addition, Capstan has entered into a basis swap with Deutsche Bank AG (rated 'AA-/F1+'; Outlook Stable by Fitch), whereby income from the Underlying Collateral is transferred to Deutsche Bank AG in exchange for periodic interest payments due on the auction rate credit-linked certificates. The rating of Capstan is directly linked to the credit risk of the Underlying Collateral. Thus, the downgrades reflect Fitch's view on the credit risk of the Underlying Collateral for the deal, which was downgraded to 'A' from 'AAA' on July 23, 2008.

The key drivers of the downgrade on the Underlying Collateral include Fitch's updated corporate CDO rating criteria as well as the deterioration of the average portfolio quality from 'BBB/BBB+' on the closing date (July 2007) to 'BBB-' on July 16, 2008, representing an average downgrade of 2 notches across 51.2% of the portfolio. Currently, 18.4% of the portfolio carries a below investment grade rating, approximately 12.0% of the portfolio is on Rating Watch Negative and 17.6% is on Negative Outlook by Fitch. Moreover, 24.0% of the portfolio is concentrated in the banking & finance sector which is currently under stress.

Given Fitch's view of concentration and the current credit quality of the portfolio, the credit enhancement level of 9.8% is not sufficient to justify the current rating of the Underlying Collateral.

Fitch released updated criteria on April 30, 2008 for Corporate CDOs and, at that time, noted it would be reviewing its ratings accordingly to establish consistency for existing and new transactions. As part of this review, Fitch makes standard adjustments for any names on Rating Watch Negative or with a Negative Outlook, reducing such ratings for default analysis purposes by two and one notch, respectively. Fitch has previously noted that its review will be focused first on ratings most exposed to risks it has highlighted in its updated criteria. Consequently, the certificates were placed on Rating Watch Negative on May 15, 2008. As previously indicated, resolution of the Negative Watch status depends on any plans managers/arrangers may choose to modify either the structure or the portfolio. In this case, the arranger has confirmed that it does not intend to make any modifications.

Fitch's rating definitions and the terms of use of such ratings are available on the agency's site, 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.

Contacts

Fitch Ratings
Derek Miller, +1-312-368-2076 (Chicago)
Kevin Kendra, +1-212-908-0760 (New York)
Media Relations:
Julian Dennison, +44 020 7682 7480 (London)
Sandro Scenga, +1-212-908-0278 (New York)

Consolidate Outstanding Debts With Bad Credit Loans

2008-07-20T23:04:00.000-05:00

Take Advantage of Bad Credit Loans to Consolidate Outstanding Debts

Even if your credit is not great, you can still benefit from a Consolidation Loan explains Andy Hygate from www.loansbadcredit.org.uk.

Edinburgh, UK - March 11 -- Even if your credit is not great, you can still benefit from a Consolidation Loan explains Andy Hygate from www.loansbadcredit.org.uk, and get out from under an avalanche of rising interest payments.

Just when we had hoped for relief, the economic woes seem to accelerate with no end in sight. Combined with growing fears of a recession we now have the disturbing prospect that an imminent recession will be combined with simultaneous price inflation. Commodity prices, for example, are climbing - with some industry observers predicting that the price of petrol will rise as much as 30-40 percent by July. As these factors create a bleak economic outlook, the cost of high-interest debt becomes more burdensome.

According to recent reports from the Telegraph and BBC News:

- A record-breaking 107,000 people went insolvent in 2006, an annual rise of almost 60 percent, as UK personal debt totals hit £1.4 trillion

- Lenders wrote off about £6.8bn in individual debt last year, the biggest annual total on record.

- Banks classified a total of £2.1bn as bad debt in the final quarter of 2007, of which £1.6bn was consumer debt.

- Only a small fraction of this was mortgage debt, with the majority accounted for by credit card and other unsecured debts.

But all is not lost. While major interest rates are still relatively low there is time to get out from under high-interest debt, and mounting monthly payments by borrowing a single affordable loan and using it to pay off more expensive loans. The strategy, referred to as debt consolidation, is often recommended to consumers faced with seemingly impossible financial circumstances. A debt consolidation loan is one that offers a more competitive rate than the ones you currently hold.

Of course if you already have bad credit, it can be harder to find an attractive consolidation loan. But so-called bad credit loans offer a solution, even for those with low credit scores. Lenders who offer these loans tailor to a niche market, and specialise in serving those borrowers who are turned down by traditional banks and other lenders due to credit problems. Their sole purpose and business focus is on providing loans to people with poor credit, and the services they provide are a valuable asset for UK consumers unable to borrow from conventional lenders.

With a bad credit loan from one of these lenders, it is possible to consolidate debt and convert your bad credit into a good plan for saving money and getting back on track to financial security. Transferring outstanding balances to a single lower interest bad credit loan accomplishes two critical and financially helpful goals.

First of all, you save money on the difference in interest payments. For example, if you are paying on a credit card that charges 18 percent interest and can pay off that balance with a new loan that only charges 8 percent, you realise immediate savings of 10 percent. That's a better return than most stock market wizards can boast, and it can be done in a matter of minutes by simply applying for the new loan.

Secondly, consolidating debt by paying it off with a single loan makes monthly payments simpler to manage your budget. With only one payment to make - instead of numerous bills to pay at various times during the month - it is easy to write one check, once a month. You minimize the risk of late payments, penalties, fees, and punitive rate hikes, while also making your personal financial life less stressful.

Press Contact: Andy Hygate
Company Name: Loans for Bad Credit
Phone: 07780859312
Website: www.loansbadcredit.org.uk

Secrets How To Survive This Mortgage Market Collapse

2008-07-18T23:36:00.000-05:00

New Radio Show Reveals Insider Secrets How To Survive This Mortgage Market Collapse

Teaneck, New Jersey based Mortgage Expert, Joe Gross reveals mortgage market survival secrets on a brand new radio show, "Your Home - Your Future" on WVNJ 1160AM.

Teaneck, NJ  - March 19 -- National Mortgage Expert Joe Gross launched a new radio show "Your Home - Your Future." You can listen to the show live on Thursday March 20th at 2pm, or at http://www.yourhomeyourfutureradioshow.com. "Your Home - Your Future", is all about helping listeners get the tools and information they need to protect their home for today and the future.

National Mortgage Expert, Joe Gross, addressed in his radio show on this past Thursday the issues of protecting your credit rating, debt consolidation companies, refinancing in today's ever changing mortgage market. Listeners were able to email their financial questions or situations and receive help both on- and off-air.

"Your Home - Your Future" is a forum to discuss most recent financial headlines, listener financial problems and tips to protect your home and improve your financial situation.

This week's program is all about Adjustable Rate Mortgages and how to stop the predatory rate increases. Future shows in the "Your Home - Your Future" series will cover other aspects of the mortgage market including:
    Avoiding scams and fraudsters
    How to budget your income and expenses
    Boosting your credit score
    How to choose a good broker
Since the mortgage market collapse, Joe has redoubled his efforts in educating the public about the mortgage market and what they can do to get in a better position for the future. "If this crisis has taught us anything, it's that everyone loses when people aren't educated." This is the primary reason behind the launch of the radio show.

Joe has worked in the mortgage industry for ten years and has heard hundreds of stories from customers who have gotten into trouble with debt and thought they couldn't get out. He has helped people refinance into a much better situation with manageable monthly payments and has maintained a 98 percent approval rating.

Kim and Richard VanNortwick had combined mortgage and credit card payments of $2,903.00. They had been trying for a few months to refinance. "We were very stressed out," says Kim. "We tried calling other mortgage companies but we kept getting the answer, "I'm sorry but there is nothing we can do for you."

Joe got them a 30 year fixed mortgage and saved the VanNortwick's $597.63 a month. "It only took us 17 days to get out of this misery. Joe was also able to escrow our taxes and insurance and pay off our outstanding taxes of $9,042.41" says Kim. The VanNortwick's are happy to be on their way to financial freedom and credit National Mortgage Expert, Joe Gross with their success.

Joe Gross is the president of Qualified Mortgage Inc. and specializes in Debt Consolidation and helping people with credit issues. He is committed to getting each customer into a product that will benefit them today AND tomorrow. Joe's unique Client for Life program provides additional support to customers through monthly newsletters, tele-seminars and email bulletins.

Currently, Joe is writing a book on the mortgage market collapse covering what happened, who's to blame and, most importantly, how people can get out of this mess and keep their homes.

Joe is available for interview and welcomes your mortgage-related questions. Call 800-662-0125 for a Free No-Obligation Consultation or visit http://www.yourhomeyourfutureradioshow.com.

Please contact Theresa Consoli with any questions or interview requests:
800-662-0125
Fax: 201-837-1128
email protected from spam bots
www.yourhomeyourfutureradioshow.com

Qualified Mortgage Inc.
1086 Teaneck Road
Teaneck, NJ 07666

Press Contact: Theresa Consoli
Company Name: Qualified Mortgage Inc.
Phone: 800-662-0125
Website: www.yourhomeyourfutureradioshow.com

First-Timers Prefer Virgin Money

2008-07-16T19:23:00.000-05:00

Virgin Money USA Leads Industry in Private Mortgage-Based Loans

Growing Number of Homeowners Seek Intra-Family Mortgage Loans Over Traditional Lending Sources

Waltham, MA - March 13 -- Virgin Money USA, the leader in formalizing and servicing mortgage loans between friends and family, today announced that it has reached its highest volume of mortgage-based loans to-date. With over 1/3 of the total loan volume -- which has recently surpassed the $300 million mark -- coming from mortgage-based loans, Virgin Money continues to prevail as the leader in the private mortgage loan industry.

With consumers feeling the impact of the recent credit crunch and the decline of the housing market, homeowners are now seeking refinance options to help lower their monthly interest payments. In addition, new homeowners are seeking an alternative source of funding for a down payment or mortgage now that it has become increasingly difficult to get from a bank due to tightening loan qualification restrictions.

Turning to family or friends for a mortgage-based loan has become a popular option that offers benefits to both the borrower and the lender alike. Borrowers are able to determine an interest rate that is often lower than a traditional bank rate, and can set a repayment schedule that meets their needs, considerably lowering the risk for default. In addition, lenders are able to earn additional income from an interest rate that is often higher than traditional bank investments, such as a CD.

"By keeping the money within the family, an intra-family loan provides options to all parties involved with the transaction; borrowers need a financial boost without breaking the bank, and lenders are looking for unique ways to preserve their wealth. Virgin Money allows lenders to earn fixed income while helping a loved one or friend in need," said Asheesh Advani, CEO of Virgin Money USA. "We offer a variety of mortgage products that are designed to meet the individual needs of homeowners, including residential mortgages, retirement mortgages and seller-financing options, enabling consumers to get a better deal than they would from a traditional lending source."

Virgin Money USA provides documentation, professional service and complete record-keeping for every mortgage loan, as many people welcome having an independent third party in the middle of a family transaction. Virgin Money allows homeowners to keep the home and the cash, as well as the decision-making power, in the family. To learn more about mortgage products and services from Virgin Money USA, please visit www.virginmoneyus.com.

About Virgin Money USA
Virgin Money USA is a financial services company committed to offering consumers alternatives to traditional and costlier forms of credit. The company provides a safe and easy way for people to make loans between relatives and friends -- thereby helping people to arrange affordable loans without hurting their relationships, to enjoy the benefits of flexible loans that fit their needs and to keep money where it belongs -- in the family. With interest rates that are typically lower than what a bank charges, coupled with flexible repayment schedules, Virgin Money allows consumers to take major steps toward achieving their personal dreams, with help from friends and family. Visit us at www.virginmoneyus.com.

Press Contact: Laren Frueh
Company Name: Virgin Money USA
Phone: (617) 337-9514
Website: www.virginmoneyus.com

Real Estate Deals Found Thrill Homebuyers

2008-07-14T09:20:00.000-05:00

Homebuyers are Thrilled with the Deals to be Found through the Latest Real Estate Trend to Hit California-An Online Auction

With low minimum bids and increased FHA loan limits, homebuyers are racing to get an amazing deal on a brand-new, luxury home in the California Central Valley with the click of a mouse. The Freedom Realty Exchange, the nation's leading online home auction website, is offering more than 60 gorgeous new homes in Gridley, Lathrop, Madera and Kerman on www.FRE.com/193R4. With about two weeks until the bid deadline, interested homebuyers are encouraged to visit the website and register to participate in the online auction as soon as possible.

Newport Beach, CA - March 27 -- A new luxury home valued at more than $700,000 for a buck seems too good to be true, but that really was the starting bid for several of the homes in an online auction currently on the Freedom Realty Exchange website (www.FRE.com/193R4). With about two weeks until the bid deadline, prospective homebuyers are jumping on the bandwagon and bidding to get a deal on one of more than 60 brand-new, luxury homes located in several cities across the California Central Valley.

The online auction includes 15 homes in Gridley, a quaint community between Chico and Yuba City; 18 homes in Lathrop, a short commute from the San Francisco Bay Area; and a total of 29 homes in Madera and Kerman, quiet suburbs just outside of Fresno.

Though originally priced as high as $715,000, the Freedom Realty Exchange, which is part of the LFC Group of Companies, the nation's premier online real estate auction marketing firm, is offering these homes with minimum bids as low as $140,000, in addition to the model homes that started at $1. Although most of these model homes are no longer going for their $1 minimum bids, their current high bids are considerably low, so interested homebuyers can still purchase one of these homes at a steal if they act fast.

More exciting news for homebuyers is the recent announcement by the Federal Housing Administration that FHA loan limits in these Central Valley counties have increased significantly, affording potential homebuyers an even better opportunity to buy a new home.

The spacious homes feature three to five bedrooms and two to four bathrooms, and range from approximately 2,000 sq. ft. to over 3,500 sq. ft. Many of these beautifully crafted homes are fully-upgraded and include attractive features like hardwood floors, granite countertops, central air conditioning, energy efficient windows, recessed lighting and walk-in closets.

"What differentiates these homes from all of the competition out there is that they have been built to the highest standard of quality," says Kelly Lovegrove, Director of Operations at the LFC Group of Companies. "We have received rave reviews from prospective bidders who have gone out to visit the properties over the past few weeks. They have expressed how beautiful these homes are and even compared them to 'celebrity' houses," continues Lovegrove.

There has never been a better opportunity to get a deal on that new, luxury California home you've always dreamed of. Forget wasting an entire day at a foreclosure auction in a hotel ballroom or convention center, this online auction makes it simple and convenient to purchase a gorgeous new home at a great price. The bid deadline is Thursday, April 10, so there is still plenty of time for interested buyers to visit the homes, prequalify for financing and place a bid with the click of a mouse. For more information and to register to participate in the online auction, go to www.FRE.com/193R4.

Freedom Realty Exchange - part of the LFC Group of Companies
For more than 30 years, the LFC Group of Companies have served numerous Fortunate 500 companies, real estate developers, investors, financial institutions and government agencies by auction-marketing thousands of commercial, industrial, land and residential properties with an aggregate value well in excess of $5 billion. www.FRE.com

Press Contact: Ashley Carvalho
Company Name: LFC Communications, Inc.
Phone: 949-706-6135
Website: www.FRE.com