LOS ANGELES and SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, Aug. 27 /PRNewswire/ --
Freestar Technologies (OTC Bulletin Board: FSTI) announced today that it has retained Coffin Communications Group ("CCG") to implement and manage its investor relations program.
"With the purchase of the assets of EpayLatina, S.A., Freestar Technologies is now firmly positioned to take advantage of the worldwide convergence of electronic payment solutions, whether made through credit, debit, ATM or smart cards," said Paul Egan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Freestar Technologies. "We look forward to working with CCG to introduce our Company to the investment community and the media as we strive to capitalize on the tremendous potential of Pay Safe Now incorporating Enhanced Transactional Secure Software, especially in markets internationally where smart-card technology is an accepted and welcome method of making payments without the need for cash to change hands."
One of the country's respected investor relations firms, CCG provides investor relations for over 30 publicly traded and private companies throughout the country, including Integrated Business Systems & Services, The Sands Regent, North American Scientific and Quality Systems, Inc. The full-service investor relations agency has expertise in representing companies in the high-tech, Internet, semiconductor, medical device, biotech, retailing and leisure and entertainment sectors and maintains its corporate headquarters in Sherman Oaks (Los Angeles). For further information, contact CCG directly, or visit its Web site at http://www.coffincg.com.
About Freestar Technologies
Freestar Technologies owns the rights to Enhanced Transactional Secure Software ("ETSS"), a proprietary software package that enables consumers to consummate secure e-commerce transactions over the Internet using credit, debit, ATM (with PIN) or smart cards. The ETSS system integrates a consumer-side card-swipe terminal with a back-end host-processing center. It encrypts sensitive financial data at the consumer's personal computer, using powerful DES encryption and algorithms. It sends an authorization number to the e-commerce merchant, rather than the consumer's credit card information, to provide a maximum level of security. The Company plans to link several large, established smart card systems together on an ETSS-based standard to achieve economies of scale and further market penetration for this secure e-commerce payment system.
The Company cautions readers that certain important factors may affect the Company's actual results and could cause such results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements that may be deemed to have been made in this release or that are otherwise made by or on behalf of the Company. The Company believes that it is subject to a number of risk factors, including: the Company's ability to implement its product strategies to develop its business in emerging markets; competitive actions; and, general economic and business conditions. Any forward-looking statements in this release should be evaluated in light of these important risk factors. The Company is also subject to other risks detailed herein or set forth from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
For further information please contact: Dominican Republic, Haydee Marquez, Investor Relations of Freestar Technologies, +1-809-732-5911, info@epaylatina.com, or hmarquez@epaylatina.com; or John Paul Salvador, Market Intelligence, or Sean Collins, Partner, both of Coffin Communications Group, +1-818-789-0100, for Freestar Technologies
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M2 PRESSWIRE-17 June 1998-MICROMUSE: Selesta to resell and support Micromuse Netcool service-level management suite (C)1994-98 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD RDATE:160698 -- Selesta Gestione Centri's experience of large~scale IT management solutions to benefit Micromuse customers with complex requirements ROME, Italy -- Micromuse, the leading provider of service-level management software, has added to its Netcool Service Partners Programme Selesta Gestione Centri, a high- technology software integration firm, to resell Micromuse's Netcool suite of service-level management software. Selesta GC supplies software solutions to help manage large- scale, complex IT structures. Terms of the agreement call for Selesta GC to support installation, configuration and integration efforts for Micromuse customers seeking comprehensive service level management solutions. "Micromuse customers will greatly benefit from Selesta's experience in the information technology arena and the firm's ability to meet the rigorous demands of its blue-chip customer base," said Mark Watson, head of EMEA sales for Micromuse. "Selesta has long recognised customer requirements for efficient management and operations of large-scale distributed systems," said Maurizio Zacchi, Selesta GC's marketing & communications manager. "Netcool's ability to scale and adapt to the changing requirements of corporate IT and service provider networks will help us continue meeting these needs for an expanding customer base worldwide." The term 'service-level management' represents a new field of business management that has emerged in the telecommunications deregulation era. It is a fundamental concern in organisations where telecommunications services are deployed either to internal users or external customers, such as managed network service providers, Internet service providers, cellular providers, large-scale mission-critical enterprises and other telecommunications-oriented firms. Netcool offers an efficient technology solution to the complex customer-to-service provider business model. Its distributed architecture allows network operators to create realtime views of enterprise-wide services according to customer preferences. These views provide operators with summaries of service availability and details of network- based events, enabling them to circumvent service outages. A service might be an end- to-end application, a digital transmission service, a business unit, a virtual private network, or an Internet connection. About Micromuse Micromuse, Inc. (NASDAQ: MUSE) is the leading provider of service-level management software delivering a rapid return on investment. The company's Netcool suite of applications is used by managed network service providers, Internet service providers, telecommunications firms and mission-critical enterprises worldwide. Customers include AirTouch, America Online, AT&T Wireless, BT, Cellular One. Deutsche Telekom, General Electric Information Services, GlobalOne, GTE Internetworking, MindSpring Enterprises,. Netcom, Pacific Bell, PSINet, UUNET Technologies, WorldCom and a number of the world's most influential financial investment concerns. Headquarters are located at 139 Townsend Street. San Francisco, Calif. 94107; (415) 538 9090. The company also has offices across the United States, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. The Web site is located at www.micromuse.com. About Selesta Selesta Gestione Centri, founded in January 198 1, was the first company in the Selesta Group. The group is formed by companies specialising in Information Technology and today employs over 270 people. In 1997, the Group. which has 7 operational offices in Italy and branches in Spain, Mexico and Argentina, registered a consolidated turnover of 94 billion lira. Selesta Gestione Centri, whose initial activities were based on MVS mainframe environments, has extended its operations to the world of distributed Information Technology. Today Selesta Gestione Centri supplies software solutions for optimising the management of different information technology structures, together with the necessary specialist assistance and support for the development of specific technological projects. The web site is located at www.selesta.it CONTACT: Charles King-Holford, Micromuse Tel: +44 (0)181 875 9500 e-mail: charles@micromuse.com Sarah Auckland/Sara Holloway, GBC Tel: +44 (0)181 322 1922 e-mail: saraha@gbc.co.uk Maurizio Zacchi, Selesta GC Tel: +39 (0)6 529 2073 e-mail: zacchi@selesta.it *M2 COMMUNICATIONS DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR INFORMATION PROVIDED WITHIN M2 PRESSWIRE. DATA SUPPLIED BY NAMED PARTY/PARTIES.*
With Turkmen mobile subscribers currently only able to subscribe to services of a single provider after the government refused to renew the concession of market leader MTS Turkmenistan earlier this year, UAE-based Etisalat is rumored to be considering entering the country's mobile sector. According to Turkmenistan.ru, a delegation from Etisalat has been in the capital Ashgabat, and the Middle Eastern executives have held talks with the Turkmen state regarding the possibility of a partnership in the telecom sector. The report claims that Etisalat's representatives have told the government that they could launch both mobile voice and Internet services in Turkmenistan "using the latest technology and equipment."
In December 2010, the Turkmen authorities suspended MTS's license for a month, and the following month Turkmenistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) claimed that the operating agreement it signed with MTS in 2005 was only valid for five years. The decision by the state not to renew the concession means that TM-Cell, the wireless unit of fixed-line incumbent Turkmentelecom, is now the de-facto monopoly mobile voice provider in Turkmenistan.
Re-flagged Hotel Reopens Sporting $8.5 million Renovation
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- RockBridge Partners, an affiliate of RockBridge Capital, LLC (RockBridge), an investment firm focused on the hospitality industry, announced that it has completed an $8.5 million renovation of the 197-room Ann Arbor Four Points by Sheraton and unveiled the new Sheraton Ann Arbor Hotel at a ribbon cutting event. Davidson Hotel Company, one of the nation's largest independent hotel management companies, manages the property for RockBridge, and will operate it under a franchise license agreement with Sheraton. The hotel is located at 3200 Boardwalk, Ann Arbor, MI, near the University of Michigan.
"This hotel boasts a prime physical location off I-94, serving a strong local corporate community, as well as the academic and athletic departments within the University of Michigan. The market was underserved from a quality standpoint, and the newly launched Sheraton will set a new standard of hospitality in Ann Arbor," said John Belden, president and CEO of Davidson. "This becomes the 10th university-related property in our portfolio, and we now have the only Starwood product within 25 miles."
The renovation of the 197 guest rooms focused on physical comfort and modern amenities. Dark wood furnishings, plush chairs, refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker, as well as the Sheraton's signature Sweet Sleeper beds, give guests the comforts of home, while 37" flat screen televisions, high-speed internet and a contemporary feel to the decor, bring the rooms up to a quality level unmatched in the market. The hotel also features the largest fitness center in the market, an indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, 15,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including the largest ballroom in Ann Arbor that can accommodate up to 600, and a full service restaurant. The restaurant will offer some 40 wines by the glass and a seasonal menu, featuring locally-sourced, sustainable ingredients whenever possible.
The Sheraton Ann Arbor Hotel's new lobby invites lingering with wide open spaces, a warm palette, and the brand's Link@Sheraton features, including free WIFI, Ethernet data ports, internet work stations, printing services, periodicals, and a communal lounge serving light food and drinks
"We're confident that with the improvements that were made to the rooms, lobby and guest technology offerings, this property will quickly become a market leader in Ann Arbor," said James Merkel, President and CEO of RockBridge. "The lobby changes, in particular, are in tune with the desires of today's travelers who want a comfortable place to interact while staying connected."
About RockBridge
RockBridge Partners was formed as the equity platform of RockBridge Capital, LLC. RockBridge provides capital to the hospitality industry through its Hospitality Funds and focuses on both debt and equity investments. The principals of RockBridge have formed and managed eight investment funds totaling nearly $1 billion, across multiple platforms with both institutional and private investors. Focused on creating value for their hotel operating partners, RockBridge invests first mortgage, mezzanine, and equity capital in hotels throughout the U.S. Since 1992, RockBridge has invested in over 300 assets nationwide with aggregate transaction capitalization of nearly $5 billion. For additional information about RockBridge, visit www.rockbridgecapital.com.
About Davidson Hotel Company
Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., Davidson Hotel Company is an award-winning, full-service hotel management company that provides management, development/renovation, acquisition, consulting and accounting expertise for the hospitality industry. The company's portfolio encompasses 47 upscale, full-service independent and branded hotels with more than 13,300 rooms across the United States, including such affiliations as Hilton, Embassy Suites, Doubletree, Hilton Garden Inn, Marriott, Courtyard, Renaissance, Westin, Sheraton, Hyatt, Radisson, Crowne Plaza, and Holiday Inn. Additional information on Davidson may be found at www.davidsonhotels.com.
ATLANTA, April 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- EarthLink, Inc. (NASDAQ: ELNK) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend on its common stock in the amount of $0.05 per share to be paid on June 27, 2011 to shareholders of record on June 13, 2011.
Special Notice to Noteholders
Under the terms of the indenture governing EarthLink's outstanding 3.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2026 (the "Notes"), EarthLink's payment of the cash dividend described above, combined with the payment of the $0.05 dividend on March 22, 2011, requires an adjustment to the conversion rate for the Notes, which adjustment will be effective June 9, 2011. In addition, as a result of the adjustment, the Notes may be surrendered for conversion through June 8, 2011 for the consideration provided for in the indenture.
In order to convert a Note held in certificate form, a holder must (1) complete and sign a Conversion Notice in the form attached to the applicable indenture, with appropriate signature guarantee, on the back of the Note, (2) surrender the Note to the Conversion Agent, (3) furnish endorsements and transfer documents required by the Conversion Agent, (4) pay any accrued unpaid interest through the conversion date and (5) pay any tax or duty related to the conversion. If a holder holds a beneficial interest in a Global Security, a converting holder must comply with the applicable procedures of the Depositary, The Depository Trust Company.
| The Conversion Agent is Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.: |
| Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., |
| Corporate Trust Services |
| MAC N9311-110 |
| 625 Marquette Avenue South |
| Minneapolis, MN 55479 |
| Attention: Lynn Steiner |
A separate notice with additional information is being delivered to registered holders of Notes, the Conversion Agent and the Trustee.
About EarthLink
EarthLink, Inc. (NASDAQ: ELNK) is a leading provider of Internet Protocol (IP) infrastructure and services to medium-sized and large businesses, enterprise organizations and over 1.5 million consumers across the United States. The company has been providing Internet access and communications services for decades and has earned an award-winning reputation for both outstanding customer service and product innovation. For consumers, EarthLink is a leading Internet Service Provider connecting people to the power and possibilities of the Internet. EarthLink Business(TM) provides voice, data, mobile and equipment services over a 28,000 mile fiber network and MPLS-based services nationwide. For more information, visit EarthLink's website www.earthlink.net.
SOURCE EarthLink
tekGIANTS, Inc. has been awarded the 2010 "Internet-Based/Telecommunications Geek of the Year Award" from the Orlando Business Journal.
According to a release, tekGIANTS, Inc. is a full service I.T. support services and consulting firm located in the Orlando areas.
More information:
www.hiveve.com/
www.tekgiants.com
((Comments on this story may be sent to newsdesk@closeupmedia.com))
Premier Online Toy Retailer to Integrate Co-Branded Toy Store Into America Online's Number-One Site for Mothers
SANTA MONICA, Calif., May 14 /PRNewswire/ -- eToys (www.etoys.com; AOL keyword: eToys) has signed a deal to become the exclusive online toy store partner for Moms Online, a vibrant community for moms of all ages and stages of child rearing.
As part of the partnership, eToys will develop a co-branded version of its store and incorporate it into Moms Online -- a site that attracts more than a quarter of a million mothers every month. Titled "Moms Online Toy Store by eToys," the site will feature nationally advertised and specialty toys organized by child's age, brand, price, keyword and development category. The toy store will also feature eToys services, such as recommendations of award- winning toys, gift certificates and gift wrapping.
"In today's fast-paced society, mothers require quick and easy resources for completing their day-to-day activities," said Toby Lenk, co-founder and CEO of eToys. "eToys' partnership with Moms Online will provide busy mothers with the most convenient method for handling all toy-buying needs."
"Moms Online Toy Store by eToys" is just one of the numerous features of Moms Online (www.momsonline.com; AOL keyword: Moms Online). As a home for moms in cyberspace, Moms Online's services include chat, message boards, household tips, teen guidance advice, crafts and recipe ideas, as well as The Daily Alexander, an ongoing chronicle about a working mother raising a 3-year- old boy.
"We are extremely pleased to team up with eToys on this unprecedented venture," said Rob de Baun, president of Moms Online. "We want to give moms the best online shopping experience, and integrating eToys, the number-one online toy store, into the Moms Online community fulfills this goal."
About Moms Online
Moms Online is one of the largest women's sites both on America Online and the World Wide Web. The company launched its AOL site in February 1996 and its Web site in July 1997. The AOL site has won the prestigious Members' Choice award three times as one of AOL's top 50 content areas, and its Web site is a finalist in the third-annual Global Information Infrastructure (GII) Awards.
About eToys
Based in Santa Monica, Calif., eToys is the only online toy retailer to provide a comprehensive selection of nationally advertised and specialty toy brands. eToys' prices meet or beat those of traditional, land-based toy retailers. The company was founded in March 1997 by CEO Toby Lenk, formerly a corporate vice president in the strategic planning area of The Walt Disney Company; and by entrepreneur Bill Gross, founder of Knowledge Adventure, a leading children's software company, and chairman of idealab!, an Internet start-up incubator.
SOURCE eToys
-0- 05/14/98
/CONTACT: Lisa Holmes of Alexander Communications, 303-615-5070, or lholmes@alexandercom.com, for eToys/
/Web site: http://www.etoys.com/
/Web site: http://www.momsonline.com/
CO: eToys; Moms Online ST: California IN: MLM REA SU: JVN
LP-DK -- LATH031 -- 6490 05/14/98 07:00 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com
ESTABLISHING A CURRENT RESEARCH AGENDA WITH KEY RESEARCH ACTIVITIES IS CRUCIAL for the continuous development of career and technical education (CTE) programs that meet the needs of students, industry and society. Research frameworks for CTE were developed over the past decade from studies completed by Lewis (2001) and Pearson and Champlin (2003). Lewis (2001) conducted a needs-sensing study in 2000 in collaboration with the National Dissemination Center for Career and Technical Education (NDCCTE) and the National Research Center for Career and Technical Education (NRCCTE). Pearson and Champlin (2003) completed a follow-up of the Lewis study with the NDCCTE and NRCCTE. Most recently, the National Assessment of Career and Technical Education (NACTE) proposed a research agenda for CTE in response to the Congressional mandate outlined in the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (Perkins IV). Rojewski (2002) noted that few descriptive research frameworks existed for CTE. He suggested that a conceptual framework for a research agenda should be based on the existing literature, the current state of education reform, and projections of future direction for the economy, work-family-community demands, and CTE.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
The conceptual framework that provided the primary foundation for this study was based on investigations and reports produced by Buriak and Shinn (1989, 1991, 1993), Radhakrishna and Xu (1997), Silva-Guerrero and Sutphin (1990), and Rojewski (2002). Each of these researchers concluded there was, indeed, a need for focused, relevant and rigorous research in CTE. The following graphic illustrates the conceptual framework that was used in this Delphi investigation to arrive at the elements of a new research agenda for CTE. In addition to research problem areas from the aforementioned researchers, input was secured from CTE stakeholders using a modified Delphi design, and members of the research committee of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE).
The primary purpose of this study conducted during 2007-2008 was to identify consensus among nationally dispersed CTE experts using a Delphi technique regarding problems, objectives and activities that comprised a research agenda for CTE. The study panel was composed of experts from the United States and the District of Columbia who represented 57 affiliations and organizations with direct ties to CTE. The Delphi process for this study was conducted in three rounds. Data were collected using the online survey collector, Survey Monkey. The qualitative data were analyzed using the Affinity Diagram method of data analysis.
The basic structure for the National CTE Research Agenda was developed at the conclusion of the data analysis from the Delphi rounds. Rounds four and five served as validation rounds for the findings from earlier in the Delphi process. Data collection methods included online instruments using an Internet-based survey tool. Data analysis revealed five research problem areas, 15 research objectives and 53 research activities which were organized into the agenda structure. Findings from this study were placed into a CTE Research Agenda Logic Model which clearly illustrates a systematic approach to addressing the research questions identified in this study. The National CTE Re search Agenda Logic Model and the National CTE Research Agenda structure were accepted by 97 percent of the expert panel members (Lambeth, 2008). This summer at ACTE's board meeting, held in Alexandria, Virginia, the National CTE Research Agenda was accepted as the model for future program and professional development. Currently, discussion is in progress by ACTE and the Association for Career and Technical Education Research (ACTER) regarding the dissemination and implementation process for the agenda.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
The agenda is presented using a color model which includes the five research problem areas (RPA) and 15 CTE research objectives (RO) identified in this study. This depiction was intended to allow the observer to see the big picture of the proposed National CTE Research Logic Model. It was designed to reflect the CTE philosophy and mission as the core of study in CTE. The inner ring depicts the RPAs with a spectrum of color symbolizing the uniqueness of each RPA, while also indicating that each RPA is connected and interchangeable. This model does not provide the prioritization of the RPAs by number as provided in the research agenda structure, but instead presents a logical order for reference. The outer ring depicted in shades of gray represents the ROs. This coloration illustrates the ROs as fluid objects in the model. Theoretically, these objectives could be placed under any of the problem areas and still maintain their importance for study. Please note each in the following graphic.
Findings from this study were used to create a list of research problem areas (EPA), research objectives (RO), and research activities of the National Research Agenda.
RPA 1: Knowledge Base for Teaching and Learning
RO 1.1 Instructional Strategies
RA 1.1.1. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
RA 1.1.2 Higher Order Thinking
RA 1.1.3 Quality of Instruction
RA 1.1.4 Teacher-Learner Interaction
RA 1.1.5 Work-based Learning
RO 1.2 Professional Preparation
RA 1.2.1 Teacher Competence
RA 1.2.2 CTE Teacher Education
RA 1.2.3 CTE Leader Preparation
RO 1.3 Leadership and Organizational Development
RA 1.3.1 Career and Technical Education Student Organizations
RA 1.3.2 Teacher Professional Organizations
RA 1.3.3 CTE Administrator Professional Organizations
RPA 2: Curricula and Program Planning
RO 2.1 Academic Infusion/Integration
RA 2.1.1 Infusion of Communications and Language
RA 2.1.2 Infusion of Mathematics and Science
RA 2.1.3 Integration of Basic Skills
RA 2.1.4 Literacy
RO 2.2 Curricula Designs
RA 2.2.1 Needs of Future Workforce
RA 2.2.2 Work-based Learning
RO 2.3 Future CTE Content
RA 2.3.1 Employment, Supply-Demand and Nature of Workforce
RA 2.3.2 Entrepreneurship and Free Enterprise
RA 2.3.3 Global Market Demands
RPA 3: Delivery Methods
RO 3.1 Best Practices
RA 3.1.1 CTE Teacher Preparation
RA 3.1.2 ESL/ELL Learners in CTE
RA 3.1.3 Marketing for Rigor and Relevance
RA 3.1.4 Educational Methods
RA 3.1.5 CTE Student Organizations
RA 3.1.6 Parent and Student Perceptions, Satisfaction and Retention
RO 3.2 Integration of Technology
RA 3.2.1 Innovative Instructional Technologies
RA 3.2.2 Distance Education and Technology
RO 3.3 Transition to Postsecondary Education
RA 3.3.1 Alignment of Secondary and Postsecondary Education Standards
RA 3.3.2 Articulation of Programs between Secondary, Postsecondary and Higher Education
RA 3.3.3 Dual Enrollment
RA 3.3.4 Programs of Study
RPA 4: Accountability
RO 4.1 Assessment
RA 4.1.1 CTE Student Graduation Rate
RA 4.1.2 End of Program Assessment
RA 4.1.3 Impact of CTE courses on Student Achievement
RA 4.1.3 Levels of Performance
RA 4.1.4 Proficiency of CTE Students on Standardized Tests
RA 4.1.5 Technical Skill Assessment
RO 4.2 Economic Impact of CTE
RA 4.2.1 Impact of CTE in Community Development
RA 4.2.2 High Skill, High Wage or High Demand Occupations
RA 4.2.3 Return on Investment by State for CTE
RO 4.3 Quality of Teachers
RA 4.3.1 Teacher Standards
RA 4.3.2 Teacher Education
RPA 5: Program Relevance and Effectiveness
RO 5.1 Faculty and Staff Development
RA 5.1.1 Recruitment and Retention of Alternatively Certified Teachers
RA 5.1.2 Recruitment and Retention of Teachers
RA 5.1.4 Professional Development of Teachers Recruitment and Retention of CTE Administrators/Local Directors
RO 5.2 Policy Development
RA 5.2.1 Alignment with Economic Development
RA 5.2.2 Alignment with Federal Education Policy
RA 5.2.3 Workforce Investment
RO 5.3 Relevance of Workforce Standard
RA 5.3.1 Follow-up Program Completers
RA 5.3.2 Industry Credentials for Program Completers
RA 5.3.3 Impacts of External Program Standards and Accreditation
Based on findings from this study, rigorous research designs and data analysis strategies are imperative to the future of CTE research. Rigorous qualitative and quantitative approaches need to be employed to provide the most reliable data. Comments submitted by CTE expert panelists from this study suggest that there is the perception that CTE research is being accomplished on a small scale and that it is separate from the academic curriculum, thus making some CTE research redundant (Lambeth, 2008).
Lagemann (2000) indicated that networks and collaboration between and among faculties from different disciplines should be created to overcome the isolation of education research. These networks can be found among faculties from different disciplines through organizations that meet individual researcher needs and interests. ACTE and ACTER could develop these types of networks based upon the agenda. Combined with continually emerging topics, the information collected in this investigation from the experts in the CTE profession can assist researchers, educators and policymakers when planning and con ducting research, teaching and establishing policy for program curriculum, teacher education and professional development.
Based on the findings in this study, it is concluded that the CTE research model can serve as a conceptual guide for conducting research based upon the core of CTE which is based on the mission and philosophy of CTE. The 53 research activities on which the expert panel reached consensus provide direction for CTE research. In this study, the expert panel submitted 134 unique research activities during the Delphi process. It was concluded that the 61 research activities that failed to reach consensus may reveal 'niche' activities that warrant further investigation.
The implications based on the findings from this study indicate that the results for this investigation provide clear focus for state and national CTE leaders and researchers as they chart the course for the future direction of CTE programs, research and professional development. An attempt must be made to ensure that CTE, as a unified body, is positioned to address the nation's educational trends and issues. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the CTE programs should be measured with more than anecdotal evidence. CTE programs should be assessed for effectiveness using qualitative as well as quantitative methods. Clear and concise empirical evidence based on approved research methods will provide a solid foundation for decision making. A sustained effort for research in CTE should be made by scholars in collaboration with national and international associations and organizations.
Based upon the results of this study it is recommended that the proposed model be viewed by stakeholders as a descriptive model and not a prescriptive model (Lambeth, 2008). It is also recommended that one or more national organizations in CTE should create an educational process for monitoring and keeping state and national leaders updated on emerging CTE research. Organizations such as ACTE and ACTER could possibly be the best place to begin the suggested process. Finally, a discussion needs to be encouraged to begin to define or redefine the philosophy and mission of CTE. A unified philosophy and mission will provide a foundation from which to build both collaboration and research focus.
Reference
Buriak, P., & Shinn, G. C. (1989). "Mission, Initiatives, and Obstacles to Research in Agricultural Education: A National Delphi Using External Decision-makers." Journal of Agricultural Education, 30(4), 14-23.
Buriak, P., & Shinn, G. C. (1991). "A Structure for a Research Agenda for Agricultural Education: A National Delphi Involving Internal Experts." Proceedings of the National Agricultural Education Research Meeting. Gainesville, Florida. 28, 158-164.
Buriak, R, & Shinn, G. C. (1993). "Structuring Research for Agricultural Education: A National Delphi Involving Internal Experts." Journal of Agricultural Education, 34(2), 31-36.
Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006, Pub. L. 109-270, 20, 120 Star. 683 (2006).
Gemici, S., & Rojewski, J. W. (2007). "Scientifically-based Research: How Does Research in Career and Technical Education Stack Up?" Paper presented at the Association for Career and Technical Education Research Conference. Las Vegas, Nevada.
Lambeth, J.M. (2008) "Research Foci for Career and Technical Education: Findings from a Vocational Delphi Study." Unpublished Dissertation, Texas A & M University, College Station.
Lewis, M. V. (2001). Major Needs of Career and Technical Education in the Year 2000: Views from the Field. National Dissemination Center for Career and Technical Education, The Ohio State University. Columbus, Ohio.
Pearson, D., & Champlin, B. E. (2003). More Views from the Field: Need-Sensing Activities in 2002. National Dissemination Center for Career and Technical Education. St. Paul, Minnesota.
Radhakrishna, R. B., & Xu, W. (1997). "A Review of Subject Matter Topics Researched in Agricultural Education and Extension Education." Journal of Agricultural Education, 38 (3), 56-69.
Rojewski, J. W. (2002). "Preparing the Workforce of Tomorrow: A Conceptual Framework for Career and Technical Education." Journal of Vocational Education Research, 27(1), 7-36.
Silva-Guerrero, L., & Sutphin, H. D. (1990) "Priorities for Research in Agricultural Education." Journal of Agricultural Education, 31 (1), 1-13.
United States Department of Education (2007). Proposed Research Agenda for the National Assessment of Career and Technical Education. Washington, D.C.
Jeanea M. Lambeth is an adjunct professor at Northern Arizona University end the deportment head of engineering et Betty H. Fairfax High School in Loveen. She con be contacted at jmlambeth@cox.net.
Jack Elliot is professor end department head of the Agricultural Education Department at The University of Arizona, Tucson. He can be contacted at elliot@ag.nrizona.edu.
Richard Joerger is system director for agriculture end business program coordination or Minnesota State Colleges and Universities--Office of the Chancellor. He can be contacted et richord.joerger@so.mnscu.edu.
HSBC has formally opened its second Customer Service Centre in Abu Dhabi at Musaffah Area on 9 April. HSBC is the first international bank to be situated in this growing industrial district which houses many large and leading international and local companies.
The Centre was inugaurated by Lester Wynne-Jones, Regional Head of Personal Financial Services in the presence of Mohammed Almulla, recently appointed Chief Executive Officer of HSBC in Abu Dhabi, Daffer Luqman, Head of Branch Management; and Khaled Rasheed, Abu Dhabi Branch Manager.
The new Centre, the sixth for HSBC in the UAE, will be the first to offer both corporate and retail banking services. It will provide corporate clients the facility of collecting/receiving and delivery services of Trade and Guarantee documents. It is also a one-stop-shop for personal banking customers to submit applications for new accounts, loans, credit cards, cheque books, Islamic financial solutions including HSBC Amanah current accounts and Charge Card and other products and services. Specialist advice can be arranged for invesment, insurance, mortgage, offshore, and business banking. An Internet kiosk is also available for customers as well as an ATM. The centre It is staffed by a team of eight and will be open Saturday - Thursday from 8 am to 8 pm.
Lester Wynne-Jones, Regional Head of Personal Financial Services, HSBC Mohamed Almulla, CEO HSBC Abu Dhabi said, " We are pleased to open our second Customer Service Centre in Abu Dhabi.in Musaffah. Our aim is to provide enhanced customer service to our corporate and retail customers based in this growing district. It is an extension to our delivery channels which includes our branches, personal and corporate internet banking service, phone banking, and direct sales teams.
"A team of dedicated and experienced HSBC representatives are available to advise existing and potential customers on our full range of facilities. Customers will benefit from the flexible banking hours, and the conveinence of high quality banking," he added.
HSBC's other Customer Service Centres are on Electra Steet in Abu Dhabi and in Dubai in Spinneys supermarkets located at the Mercato shopping mall in Jumeirah and on Trade Centre Road in Dubai as well as at Al Attar Business Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road and Ibn Battutah Mall.
[c] 2006 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
On2 Technologies, Inc , the world's leading developer of video compression technology, today announced that Top Cat Player LLC will utilize On2's VP5 encoder software to supply the adult entertainment industry with a full-screen, full-frame-rate, secure Video on Demand (VOD) delivery system over the Internet.
Top Cat's VOD system utilizes a unique, patent pending, Content Block Delivery media player that combines the near instant delivery of video streaming with the video quality and network tolerance of downloading. Top Cat's software suite has built in digital rights management functionality and uses industrial strength encryption to secure content delivered using its proprietary media player.
"We have long been encouraged to enter the adult entertainment business, because it is the one Internet streaming segment that is clearly profitable," said Douglas A. McIntyre, On2 Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We decided that now was the right time after finding a high-quality partner like Top Cat," he added.
"Top Cat is committed to providing a full screen, TV quality, secure VOD programming solution to the adult entertainment marketplace," said Dan Barsky, President of Top Cat. "We chose On2's technology because it's state-of-the- art video compression codec, when coupled with our Content Block Delivery media player, yields the best video on the Net."
About On2 Technologies, The Duck Corporation
On2 Technologies is a video compression software company. On2 licenses its high quality video codecs for use in set-top boxes, consumer electronics devices and wireless applications. In addition, On2 offers a suite of products and services, including high-level video encoding, customized technical support, and consulting services. The Company has an office in Clifton Park, NY, and operations in Cambridge, UK. On2 may be reached at info@on2.com. Investor inquiries should be sent to invest@on2.com.
About Top Cat
Top Cat Player is the premier service provider of full screen, TV-quality, secure, VOD adult programming over the Internet. Top Cat's media player gives customers full personal video recorder functionality over licensed content. Top Cat offers a full range of service levels from end-to-end VOD services including servers, bandwidth, encoding and customized design services to basic licensing of its software suite.
CONTACT: Matthew Byrne, EVP of Global Sales of On2 Technologies, Inc, +1-212-947-7372; or Dan Barsky, President of Top Cat Player LLC, +1-212-875-1359
Web site: http://www.on2.com/
DENVER -- StarTek, Inc. (NYSE:SRT) announced two major additions to its executive team today with the appointments of Steve Butler in the position of Chief Financial Officer, and Steve Boyer as the company's Chief Information Officer. StarTek also announced company board member Ed Zschau's appointment as Vice Chairman of the Board.
Butler is a seasoned executive who brings more than 20 years of experience in the cable, telecommunications and information technology industries to his role at StarTek. Prior to StarTek, Butler was president of S.D. Butler Financial Consulting Services, a provider of financial and accounting management services to startup and early-stage companies. His background also includes executive finance positions with United Pan Europe Communications (UCG Europe), United Global Communications, and Verado.
Boyer has an extensive background in information technology, having served for more than 30 years in an IT executive role with financial services, software development, telecommunications, and manufacturing businesses. He was president and CEO of Boyer Executive Technology Consulting for two years before joining StarTek. Prior to that, he was a senior executive and business unit CIO with American Express. Boyer previously held executive-level positions with VISA International, Rolm, Bank of America, and IBM. In his new role with StarTek, he will oversee the company's strategic efforts to evolve its technology-based solutions and sharpen its competitive edge.
Zschau, who has been on the Board of Directors since the company's initial public offering in 1997, will play a larger role in board oversight as Vice Chairman. The former IBM executive and U.S. Congressman has been on StarTek's Board longer than any other outside director, and currently serves as Chairman of the Board's Audit Committee.
About StarTek
StarTek, Inc. is a leading provider of business process outsourced services, which consist of business process management and supply chain management services. StarTek provides services from eighteen operating facilities, including five in Colorado, five in Canada, two in Virginia and one each in Illinois, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming. The Company's primary clients are in the telecommunications and computer software industries, and it also serves clients in the computer hardware, consumer products, cable TV, entertainment, utility, internet, and e-commerce industries. Please visit the Company's website at www.startek.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
The matters regarding the future discussed in this news release may include certain forward-looking statements that involve specific risks and uncertainties. In accordance with the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the following are important risks and uncertainties that could cause StarTek's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by any such forward-looking statements. These include, but are not limited to, loss of its principal clients, concentration of its client base in a few select industries, highly competitive markets, risks related to its contracts, decreases in numbers of vendors used by clients or potential clients, lack of success of StarTek's clients' products or services, considerable pricing pressure, risks relating to fluctuations in the value of StarTek's investment securities portfolio, risks associated with advanced technologies, inability to grow its business, inability to effectively manage growth, dependence on qualified employees and key management personnel, potential future declines in revenue, lack of a significant international presence, and risks relating to conducting business in Canada and the United Kingdom. Readers are encouraged to review Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Risk Factors and all other disclosures appearing in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Business Editors
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 26, 2003
The New York Times Company announced today that its second-quarter earnings conference call with financial analysts will be accessible live via Internet webcast and by dial-in conference capabilities.
The call will be held on Tuesday, July 15, at 11:30 a.m. E.T. The Company's second-quarter earnings announcement will be released before the market opens on July 15, and will available on the Company's Web site at www.nytco.com.
The live webcast will be accessible through the Investors section of the Company's Web site and other Web services including CCBN's Individual Investor Center and CCBN's StreetEvents for institutional investors.
The Company will also provide access to the call through a limited number of listen-only, dial-in conference lines. To access the call, dial 800-314-7867 (in the U.S.) and 719-867-0640 (international callers) at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call. In addition, a replay of the call will be available online at www.nytco.com. A digital replay of the call will also be available at 888-203-1112 (in the U.S.) and 719-457-0820 (international callers) beginning approximately two hours after the call until 5 p.m. E.T. on July 17. The access code is 488386.
The New York Times Company (NYSE: NYT), a leading media company with 2002 revenues of $3.1 billion, includes The New York Times, The International Herald Tribune, The Boston Globe, 16 other newspapers, eight network-affiliated television stations, two New York City radio stations and more than 40 Web sites, including NYTimes.com and Boston.com.
This press release can be downloaded from www.nytco.com
