NSW:Inquiry to stop chemical delays: O'Farrell

AAP General News (Australia)
08-17-2011
NSW:Inquiry to stop chemical delays: O'Farrell

By Adam Bennett

SYDNEY, Aug 17 AAP - An inquiry into the Newcastle chemical leak will ensure NSW residents
do not suffer another public health hold-up, with Premier Barry O'Farrell pledging there
will be no repeat of last week's delays.

But the state opposition has accused the government of trying to cover up the spill,
saying the independent inquiry would not hold public hearings or investigate Environment
Minister Robyn Parker.

Ms Parker and the chemical company Orica are under fire for taking days to inform Stockton
residents about the toxic plumes of hexavalent chromium that escaped last Tuesday.

Mr O'Farrell on Wednesday released the terms of reference for the investigation, which
will look into ways to improve reporting requirements in the event of such a leak.

It will also examine how to improve public communication of a pollution incident by
companies and government agencies, and communication within government.

"I am determined that, in the event of any future similar incident, information should
be made public as soon as possible," Mr O'Farrell said in a statement.

"The inquiry will look at apparent delays in Orica's reporting of the incident to the
appropriate authorities and whether or not legislative changes are required to improve
the timeliness of reporting."

Former NSW director-general of the Department of Premier and Cabinet Brendan O'Reilly
will conduct the investigation into the leak and its aftermath, and will report back by
September 30.

"I want to ensure there is no repeat of the delays that have characterised this matter,"

Mr O'Farrell said.

The NSW opposition criticised the inquiry, saying that without public hearings and
an investigation of Ms Parker - who took 54 hours to notify the public - it was just a
"behind-closed-doors bureaucratic review".

"Unless the O'Farrell government gives a clear commitment to investigating Robyn Parker's
conduct last week, and a clear commitment to holding public hearings, we can only conclude
that this review is a cover-up," opposition environment spokesman Luke Foley said.

The release of the terms of reference came a day after opposition leader John Robertson
invited US environmental campaigner Erin Brockovich to tour Stockton.

Ms Brockovich is famous for her campaign against hexavalent chromium and has accepted
Labor's invitation to visit the area as early as next week.

"This is a woman who spent much of her lifetime campaigning against toxic leaks like
the one we've seen at Stockton," Mr Robertson told reporters in Sydney.

"Erin Brockovich is Robyn Parker's worst nightmare."

AAP ab/tr/jhp

KEYWORD: CHEMICAL WRAP

� 2011 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Fed: Students could decide which teachers get pay rises

AAP General News (Australia)
02-21-2007
Fed: Students could decide which teachers get pay rises

Students could play a part in deciding which of their teachers should be given a pay
rise in a federal government plan to improve standards at public schools.

The performance-based plan is reportedly set to begin in 2009 .. with Education Minister
JULIE BISHOP devising three possible pay models.

According to Fairfax newspapers .. one is for a teacher to be assessed by how well
their students go in annual statewide exams .. the second is for students …

VIC:Mental illness threat for AFL players

AAP General News (Australia)
04-20-2011
VIC:Mental illness threat for AFL players

By Mike Hedge

MELBOURNE, April 20 AAP - In AFL football, almost every fracture or sprain or torn
muscle or twisted knee can result in a potential mental injury.

AFL has one of the highest rates of injury in Australian sport, but according to health
scientist Dr Mandy Ruddock-Hudson, the impact those physical injuries have on a player's
mental state have been largely neglected.

"Previous research has shown that between five and 20 per cent of injured athletes
experience clinical levels of depression," Dr Ruddock-Hudson said.

What surprised Dr Ruddock-Hudson, who is also a consultant to the AFL Coaches Association,
is that none of the existing research had included AFL players.

Dr Ruddock-Hudson presented the findings of a study into the psychological reaction
of players to their injuries at a seminar in Melbourne on Wednesday.

She said her research revealed that an athlete's wellbeing needed to be addressed to
ensure full rehabilitation.

Areas such as communication and social support had a huge influence on physical recovery.

"During their injury periods, players can become isolated from their teammates, coaches
and the environment they know and love," she said.

The study also found a player's ranking in a club was often reflected in the support he received.

"An athlete ranked at one or two may have been offered more support than a player ranked
40 or 41," she said.

Dr Ruddock-Hudson said clubs are already working on providing a more even level of
support to all players.

AAP mh/mn/jnb

KEYWORD: AFL HEALTH

� 2011 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

--KBC Securities re-initiates BinckBank's with "buy" rating

Internet Business News
01-28-2011
--KBC Securities re-initiates BinckBank's with "buy" rating

INTERNET BUSINESS NEWS-(C)1995-2011 M2 COMMUNICATIONS

28 January 2011 - KBC Securities on Friday re-started coverage of Dutch online broker BinckBank (AMS:BINCK) with a "buy" stock recommendation.
The share price target was set at EUR14.

At 13:00 CET today shares in the broker were trading at EUR12.92, up 0.19%, on Euronext Amsterdam.

((Comments on this story may be sent to info@m2.com))

(Copyright M2 Communications, 2011)

FED:Bryce-Shorten connection highlighted

AAP General News (Australia)
08-23-2010
FED:Bryce-Shorten connection highlighted

Governor-General QUENTIN BRYCE's family connection to prominent Labor MP BILL SHORTEN
could become an ethical dilemma.

Ms BRYCE's daughter CHLOE is married to Mr SHORTEN .. the parliamentary secretary instrumental
in the dumping of former prime minister KEVIN RUDD.

Remaining coy about suggestions Ms BRYCE should step away from the decision-making
process for a new government .. parliamentary secretary RICHARD MARLES has told Sky Television
it's not for him to give advice to the governor-general.

AAP RTV ah/rl/sw/

KEYWORD: POLL10 SHORTEN (CANBERRA)

� 2010 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Fed: National Museum should be political: new director

AAP General News (Australia)
04-15-2010
Fed: National Museum should be political: new director

CANBERRA, April 15 AAP - The National Museum of Australia needs to be political to
do its job, the newly appointed director of the at times controversial cultural institution
says.

Andrew Sayers, the present director of the National Portrait Gallery, will begin a
five-year term as the Canberra museum's chief in June.

He offered his ideas for the National Museum shortly after federal Arts Minister Peter
Garrett announced his appointment.

"It must engage with issues that are really important to people and when there are
important things to debate, if the museum isn't political then it's not doing its job,"

Mr Sayers told the ABC on Thursday.

The museum has been politically contentious since it opened at its present site on
the shores of Lake Burley Griffin nine years ago.

In opposition, Labor criticised the museum's outgoing director Craddock Morton in 2004
for changing the exhibits to reflect then prime minister John Howard's view of white Australia.

In his 12 years at the helm of the portrait gallery, Mr Sayers saw the art exhibits
moved from Old Parliament House to a new building next to the High Court.

Mr Sayers has previously been a curator of Australian drawings at the National Gallery
of Australia in Canberra.

The National Museum of Australia explores indigenous and European Australian history.

AAP saj/jm/

KEYWORD: MUSEUM

2010 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Fed: What homebuyers will pay after rate rise

AAP General News (Australia)
12-01-2009
Fed: What homebuyers will pay after rate rise

Homebuyers will pay an extra $46.71 per month on an average $300,000 home loan following
Tuesday's decision by the Reserve Bank of Australia to lift the cash rate by another 25
basis points.



Mortgage Repayment Change

$100,000 $678.33 $15.57

$150,000 $1,017.50 $23.36

$200,000 $1,356.67 $31.14

$250,000 $1,695.84 $38.93

$300,000 $2,035.00 $46.71

$350,000 $2,374.17 $54.50

$400,000 $2,713.34 $62.29

$450,000 $3,052.51 $70.07

$500,000 $3,391.67 $77.86

Assumes 25-year mortgage and a standard variable rate of 6.55 per cent.



Source - Commonwealth Securities



AAP cb/sb/jl

KEYWORD: RATES (FACTBOX)

2009 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Fed: First home buyer grants could be a mistake: Hockey

AAP General News (Australia)
04-24-2009
Fed: First home buyer grants could be a mistake: Hockey

CANBERRA, April 24 AAP - First home buyer grants would be judged a mistake if those
taking them out subsequently lost their jobs and defaulted on the loans, the opposition
says.

Shadow treasurer Joe Hockey said there was also legitimate concern that the grants
might be pushing up the price of housing.

He said there was need for caution as the government and everyone else was predicting
a rise in unemployment of up to 300,000 people.

"I would hate to see that those people being encouraged to go out and buy their first
homes and are going to end up unemployed in the next 12-18 months," he told ABC Radio.

"It might be great to stimulate and distort one part of the economy.

"But if it means that those poor buggers are going to end up unemployed and default
on their home loan in 12 or 18 months time through no fault of their own, then this will
be seen to be a mistake."

New Limited reported today that the federal government was considering extending its
enhanced first home-buyers grant beyond June 30.

The grants scheme could be revised in the May 12 federal budget to favour new home
construction over purchases of existing homes, they said.

The scheme was a $1.5 billion inclusion in the $10.4 billion economic stimulus package
announced in December last year. The grant to first-time buyers of existing houses was
doubled to $14,000, and tripled to $21,000 for those buying new housing stock.

Mr Hockey said all the grants did was increase housing prices unless there was an increase
in housing stocks.

"We don't know whether there has been a sufficient increase in the amount of housing
provided to meet what has stimulated demand," he said.

AAP mb/ss

KEYWORD: HOME HOCKEY

2009 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Fed: Australian killed in Afghanistan named

AAP General News (Australia)
12-19-2008
Fed: Australian killed in Afghanistan named

CANBERRA, Dec 19 AAP - An Australian man killed in Afghanistan while fighting with
British defence forces has been named as Rifleman Stuart Nash.

MORE srj/goc/cdh

KEYWORD: AFGHAN AUST

2008 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Headlines from 2GB news at 0100 (AEST)

AAP General News (Australia)
08-14-2008
Headlines from 2GB news at 0100 (AEST)

Olympic results



Russian tanks roll into key Georgian town of Gori .. less than 12 hours after ceasefire



Jury in terror trial told GEORGE W BUSH named as assassination target in book



Japanese man caught with marijuana



SPORT - NRL .. Wallaby squad



AAP RTV crh

KEYWORD: 0100 2GB

2008 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Fed:Retail spending drops again in February

AAP General News (Australia)
04-04-2008
Fed:Retail spending drops again in February

CANBERRA, April 4 AAP - Consumer spending growth has fallen for a second straight month
in an indication rising interest rates are taking a toll on household budgets.

Retail trade fell by a seasonally-adjusted 0.1 per cent in February to $20.1 billion
after a downwardly-revised 0.1 per cent decline in January, Australian Bureau of Statistics
data shows.

Economists had expected a 0.4 per cent increase.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) raised interest rates in February as it tried to
grapple with a surge in inflation pressures.

It subsequently raised rates again in March, but left the official cash rate steady
this month at a 12-year high of 7.25 per cent.

RBA Governor Glenn Stevens, speaking to parliament's economics committee today in Sydney,
said there were tentative signs of domestic demand slowing, but couldn't promise that
rates won't rise again.

AAP cb/rl/imc/de

KEYWORD: RETAIL

2008 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

NSW: School speed cameras catch 20,000 drivers in five months

AAP General News (Australia)
12-03-2007
NSW: School speed cameras catch 20,000 drivers in five months

Nearly 20-thousand drivers have been caught speeding in New South Wales school zones
in five months .. after the state government earlier this year installed 100 flashing
lights warning them to slow down.

Freedom of information documents reveal 25 cameras snapped 19-thousand-995 motorists
during school zone times between January 29 and June 30 .. netting more than 2.4 million
dollars in fines.

News Limited says the highest number of infringements occurred on The Entrance Road
at Bateau Bay .. on the central coast .. where three-thousand-300 motorists ignored the
flashing speed signs.

NRMA president ALAN EVANS described the behaviour of the speeding motorists was "pretty dumb".

And NSW Roads Minister ERIC ROOZENDAAL says speeding through a school zone is reckless
and stupid behaviour.

AAP RTV vpm/psm/

KEYWORD: SPEEDING (SYDNEY)

2007 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Fed: States will co-operate with federal Labor on IR - Gillard

AAP General News (Australia)
04-19-2007
Fed: States will co-operate with federal Labor on IR - Gillard

SYDNEY, April 19 AAP - The federal opposition is confident the state Labor governments
will conform to a national industrial relations (IR) system for the private sector, despite
initial reluctance.

Following federal leader Kevin Rudd's announcement of his workplace policies on Tuesday,
NSW and Queensland have said they will not (not) hand their IR powers to Canberra if Labor
wins this year's federal election.

But Mr Rudd's deputy, Julia Gillard, today said that NSW Minister for Industrial Relations
John Della Bosca and Queensland Premier Peter Beattie had shown a willingness to negotiate.

"When you look at what John Della Bosca has said, he's certainly prepared to talk about
it and work with Labor on harmonising laws," Ms Gillard told reporters in Sydney.

"I've spoken with Premier Peter Beattie today and he has reaffirmed that Queensland
wants to work with a Rudd Labor government to get one national system for the private
sector.

"We will achieve a national uniform plan for the private sector.

"There's two ways of skinning that cat. State Labor governments can refer powers to
us, or we can work in cooperation with state Labor governments to harmonise laws.

"We are happy to talk to states about either of those mechanisms, but we're going to
get to the same result, we're going to get to a uniform system for the private sector."

Ms Gillard denied Mr Rudd had left a confusing IR policy mess for her to clean up after
he flew to the US yesterday.

"There is no confusion. Kevin Rudd's speech clearly outlined there were two mechanisms
for achieving a uniform national private system," she said.

AAP pmu/wjf/cp/cdh

KEYWORD: WORKPLACE GILLARD

2007 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Fed: AWBs monopoly to be crushed by new exporters

AAP General News (Australia)
12-18-2006
Fed: AWBs monopoly to be crushed by new exporters

Australia's disgraced wheat marketer AWB appears set to lose its monopoly .. after
the 300 million dollar Iraqi bribes scandal .. with dozens of companies likely to be allowed
to export wheat.

A spokesman for the Wheat Export Authority says there were 44 applications to export
wheat to 20 nations by the close of applications on Friday.

The rush for export licences follows an inquiry .. which found AWB had paid 300 million
dollars worth of bribes to the regime of SADDAM HUSSEIN .. for access to the lucrative
Iraqi wheat market.

The government's since stripped AWB of its power to veto export applications .. and
handed the veto for six months to Agriculture Minister PETER MCGAURAN.

At the time Mr McGauran described the change as temporary ahead of next year's promised
overhaul of Australia's single-desk wheat marketing system.

AAP RTV pv/sb/rt

KEYWORD: AWB (CANBERRA)

2006 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Vic: No liquids on UK, US flights after terror plot revealed

AAP General News (Australia)
08-11-2006
Vic: No liquids on UK, US flights after terror plot revealed

MELBOURNE, Aug 11 AAP - All passengers flying from Melbourne to Britain and the United
States have been banned from carrying any liquid in their luggage following an alleged
plot to blow up trans-Atlantic planes.

Melbourne Airport spokesman Geoffrey Conaghan said people flying to Britain and the
US could not carry liquids on their flights.

"That'd be checked at the boarding gate but people will also be told when they're checking
in, and I presume all liquids means absolutely no liquids, which would probably include
things like hand creams and moisturisers, and also solutions for contact lenses and that
sort of stuff," Mr Conaghan told ABC Radio today.

He advised passengers to arrive early for their flights and watch developments in Britain.

Police have arrested 24 people, most of Pakistani origin, in a series of raids, and
further arrests are likely.

"It's a case of keep in contact with your airline, and listen to media reports," he said.

The restrictions do not affect domestic flights or services to countries other than
Britain or the US, Mr Conaghan said.

A shared Qantas, Air France and British Airways service from London via Singapore arrived
in Melbourne shortly after 5am (AEST) today, a few minutes behind schedule.

The next flight from London to Melbourne is due at 7pm.

Three flights from Melbourne to Los Angeles, the first departing at 10.30am, a 3.30pm
Melbourne to London service via Singapore and an 11pm flight to Hong Kong and London are
all scheduled to depart on time.

AAP jrd/ce/jjs

KEYWORD: TERROR MELBOURNE

) 2006 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Vic: Suspicious fire at restaurant

AAP General News (Australia)
04-05-2006
Vic: Suspicious fire at restaurant

Police are investigating a suspicious fire that's damaged a restaurant in Melbourne's east.

Smoke was spotted coming from Toscani's on the Burwood Highway in Upper Ferntree Gully
.. shortly after midnight.

The fire was contained to the rear of the building and crews brought the blaze under
control by 12.45 this morning (AEST).

Police Senior Constable MICHAEL HENRY says the damage bill is estimated to be about
100 thousand dollars.

AAP RTV kl/crh

KEYWORD: FIRE (MELBOURNE)

2006 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Fed: Economy is growing modestly: Costello

AAP General News (Australia)
12-07-2005
Fed: Economy is growing modestly: Costello

CANBERRA, Dec 7 AAP - The latest national accounts figures showed modest growth across
the economy, Treasurer Peter Costello said today.

Commenting on the latest GDP figures, which grew at 0.2 per cent in the September quarter,
Mr Costello described the figure as modest.

"Today's national accounts show there was modest growth in the Australian economy in
the September quarter," he said.

MORE sw/sb/jlw

KEYWORD: GDP COSTELLO

2005 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Qld: Son of Croc turns one

AAP General News (Australia)
12-01-2004
Qld: Son of Croc turns one

Crocodile Hunter STEVE IRWIN's inviting guests to Australia Zoo on Brisbane's sunshine
coast today to share in his son BOB's first birthday celebrations.

Baby BOB made international news last January when his father dangled the then month-old
child in front of a crocodile.

Australia Zoo says ROBERT's first birthday is gonna be a cracker, with more fun and
excitement than you can poke a stick at.

As well as a performance by HUMPHREY B BEAR and an appearance by SANTA CLAUS, STEVE
IRWIN and his wife TERRI are launching a children clothing range named after BOB and his
older sister BINDI.

AAP RTV sc/as.jo

KEYWORD: IRWIN (BRISBANE)

2004 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Amazon.com and Borders Group Announce Strategic Alliance; Borders' Web Site to Be Powered by Amazon.com's E-commerce Platform.

Business/High-Tech/Entertainment Editors

SEATTLE & ANN ARBOR, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 11, 2001

Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMZN) and Borders Group, Inc. (NYSE:BGP) today announced an agreement to re-launch Borders.com as a co-branded Web site powered by Amazon.com's e-commerce platform.

The co-branded site, expected to debut in August, will feature the vast selection of books, music, video and DVDs available at Amazon.com. Amazon.com's Web site, including its No. 1 book, music, video and DVD stores, will continue to operate independently.

Amazon.com will be the seller of record, providing inventory, fulfillment, site content and customer service for the co-branded site. The new site will continue to offer content unique to Borders.com, including store location information and in-store event calendars.

"Amazon.com has worked hard to provide its customers with the best possible shopping experience, and we are incredibly pleased to power and manage the new Borders.com," said Jeff Bezos, CEO and founder of Amazon.com. "Borders is best-of-breed in the physical world and a company that shares our passion for serving book, music and movie lovers everywhere."

"This alliance allows Borders to offer our customers the convenience of an online shopping option with the added benefits that will emerge through our new association with Amazon.com, the world's recognized e-commerce leader," said Borders Group President and CEO Greg Josefowicz. "While our customers' needs are met online by the people who do it better than anyone else, we will provide them with what we do best -- the books, music and movies they love to explore in an engaging shopping atmosphere."

Under the agreement, customers of the co-branded site will benefit from access to Amazon.com's editorial reviews, personalization features and recommendations, 1-Click(TM) ordering, and other key site features. Both companies will continue to work together to bring about additional customer benefits in the future, which may include the ability for customers to reserve a title online for later purchase and pick up at their neighborhood Borders store, as well as extending the alliance internationally. In addition, customers of the co-branded site, as well as customers of Amazon.com, may receive notification of upcoming author events and musical performances scheduled to take place in Borders stores.

This arrangement, in combination with the Toysrus.com agreement, which launched in September 2000, demonstrates the flexibility of Amazon.com's e-commerce platform to meet the needs of other leading companies.

Borders.com will continue operation in its current format until the launch of the co-branded site in August.

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. This agreement will not impact the previously issued financial guidance of either company.

About Amazon.com

Amazon.com (Nasdaq:AMZN) opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection, along with online auctions and free electronic greeting cards. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online. Amazon.com lists millions of unique items in categories such as electronics, kitchen and housewares, books, music, DVDs, videos, camera and photo items, toys, software, computer and video games, tools and hardware, outdoor living and wireless products. Through Amazon.com zShops, any business or individual can sell virtually anything to Amazon's more than 30 million cumulative customers, and with Amazon Payments, sellers can accept credit card transactions, avoiding the hassles of offline payments.

Amazon.com operates four international Web sites: www.amazon.fr, www.amazon.co.uk, www.amazon.de and www.amazon.co.jp. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 250,000 movies and entertainment titles and 1 million cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1891 to 2003.

About Borders Group

Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich., Borders Group (NYSE:BGP) is a FORTUNE 500 company that employs 30,000 people worldwide. The company operates over 335 domestic Borders Books and Music superstores and 14 Borders stores overseas in the U.K., Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, as well as the commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The company also has 869 Waldenbooks stores in malls and airports across America and operates 31 Books etc. stores in the U.K.

To learn more about Borders Group, visit www.bordersgroupinc.com. For information on Borders stores, log on to www.bordersstores.com. Journalists may visit www.bgimediacenter.com for news, background information and downloadable images.

Safe Harbor Statement

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. One can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "may," "will," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "focusing," "looks," and other words of similar meaning. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and plans to differ materially from those included in either company's forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements include future benefits and future results from, and extension of, this alliance including reserving titles online for later pickup in stores, international extension, and the impact on earnings guidance. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to; information system improvements that will affect the ability of Amazon.com and Borders.com to achieve these benefits and results, as well as unanticipated costs associated with the discontinuance of the existing Borders.com site or the implementation of the co-branded site. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K and for the year ended December 31, 2000, and all subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. More information about factors that potentially could affect Borders Group's results is included in Borders Group's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended October 22, 2000 and all subsequent Annual Reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

Mitel and Prairiefyre Deliver Industry's First Call Center Reporting Software with Internet Access.

Business Editors

OTTAWA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 21, 2000

Mitel Communications Systems (TSE:MLT.)(NYSE:MLT)(LSE:MLT.L), a division of Mitel Corporation (NYSE:MLT)(TSE:MLT), today announced an agreement with prairieFyre Software Inc. to deliver the industry's first Internet-based call center reporting solution.

prairieFyre's CyberACD(tm) Call Center Reporting and Management Software is now available on Mitel's leading SX-200(r) and SX-2000(r) Communications Systems.

The new Automatic Call Distribution (ACD) solution offers managers unlimited mobility and flexibility in processing and managing call center information. Currently, managers must access call center data from on-premises PCs. With CyberACD software running on Mitel PBXs, managers can now log on to any PC with Internet access to run reports, monitor real-time activities, chat online with agents, create staffing forecasts, program security options and perform many other management functions - all over the Web.

CyberACD is the only web-based, scalable ACD management information system that utilizes Microsoft(R) Excel and Microsoft(R) Internet Explorer to house all applications in a familiar and intuitive user interface.

"This solution offers customers with Mitel PBXs access to the real-time information they need for effective call center monitoring and reporting from anywhere they have access to their LAN or the Internet," said Bruce Tsuji, director of business applications, Mitel Communications Systems.

"The Internet and other technological advances have changed the way call centers communicate and manage information," said Clarke La Prairie, president, prairieFyre. "prairieFyre's Web-based capabilities and Mitel's strong PBX experience will allow our customers to improve communication and manage their call center information more efficiently."

prairieFyre's CyberACD Reporting and Management Software for the Mitel SX-200 and SX-2000 is ideal for call centers of all sizes. Using Microsoft Distributed interNet Applications (DNA) architecture, CyberACD collects information from the Station Message Detail Reporting (SMDR) and ACD data streams of the Mitel system and stores it in a Structured Query Language (SQL) database. The open SQL database is ideally suited for integration with third-party eCommerce and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) applications.

Enhanced applications from prairieFyre

In addition to its web-based and scalability features, prairieFyre CyberACD offers the following applications:

* Reporter: Scheduled or on-the-fly reports are automatically rendered in Microsoft Excel and displayed in presentation quality, two- and three-dimensional graphs.

* Report Inbox: Displays the status of all reports generated under any manager's name. Report Inbox allows supervisors, other departments, or external clients to access information based on permissions provided by CyberACD's robust Windows NT(r) security features.

* Inspector: Includes extensive search functions that allow managers to find such information as when agents log off or verify caller complaints of excessive waits.

* SuperAdvisor: Displays agent and queue statistics in color-coded sections on the manager's desktop. The statistics change color when pre-defined performance thresholds are exceeded, keeping supervisors informed of changes in call center activity and allowing them to take corrective action.

* AgentAdvisor: Offers customizable agent desktop display and agent chat features. Allows agents to view real-time call center statistics and activity including multiple queues and agents. Supervisors and agents can communicate essential information without leaving their seats using AgentAdvisor's online chat feature.

* Wall Boarder: Updates employees with the latest queue performance, agent availability statistics and important messages displayed on multi-color Spectrum reader boards.

* 4Sight: Allows managers to improve customer service by accurately predicting future call volumes and agent requirements, and find the level of service that is right for their operation. Pricing and Availability

prairieFyre CyberACD Call Center Reporting and Management Software for the SX-200 and SX-2000 Communications Systems is available now, starting at US $4,000. The product is available in four levels: one to 10 agents, one to 25 agents, one to 100 agents, and one to unlimited agents.

About prairieFyre

prairieFyre Software Inc. is a Microsoft(R) Certified Solution Provider developing call center and telecommunications products based on the Microsoft Distributed interNet Applications (DNA) architecture. prairieFyre brings integrity, innovative minds, and leading-edge technology to the development process, and is committed to delivering dynamic Internet-based software solutions to our customers.

About Mitel

Mitel Communications Systems has almost three decades of experience meeting the real-time voice needs of enterprise customers. Systems' portfolio includes voice communications systems, desktop peripherals and networking solutions. Mitel Communications Systems is today helping enterprises develop and launch IP telephony applications.

Mitel is a growing global provider of communications systems and semiconductors for converging voice and data networks in a rapidly evolving Internet economy. Mitel generates annual revenue of $1.4 billion and employs 6,000 people worldwide.

Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risk, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, among others, the risks discussed in documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors are encouraged to consider the risks detailed in those filings.

SX-200 and SX-2000 Communications Systems are trademarks of Mitel Corporation. All other names and products referenced herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

FIRST MEF CERTIFIED PROFESSIONALS ANNOUNCED AND ON-LINE...

(Full text of a statement. Contact details below.)

(BW)(CA-MEF) First MEF Certified Professionals Announced and On-line Registration for MEF-CECP Certification Now Available

Telecommunications Writers/Technology Editors

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE) - Jul. 19, 2011-- Following the March announcement of the MEF Professional Certification program, the MEF (Metro Ethernet Forum) is pleased to announce that online registration for the MEF Carrier Ethernet Certified Professional (MEF-CECP) exam is now available at www.metroethernetforum.org and www.ethernetacademy.net.

The 4 month pilot phase of the certification has been successfully completed and the names of the first Carrier Ethernet professionals to pass the exam and be certified as MEF-CECPs has been published at http://www.ethernetacademy.net index.php/MEF-CECPs.html "My congratulations to our first group of 61 MEF-CECP certified professionals around the world as the MEF reaches another milestone in accelerating the adoption of Carrier Ethernet" commented Nan Chen, MEF President. "With Ethernet Business Services revenues forecast to be $40 - $50bn by 2015, service providers, equipment vendors and enterprises are now able to recruit talent to internationally recognized Carrier Ethernet knowledge and skill levels. Individuals also now have a path to varying levels of professional recognition and accomplishments."

To qualify as an MEF-CECP, candidates must pass a 105 minute multiple choice examination covering the fundamentals of Carrier Ethernet, including: MEF technical specifications, access technologies, MEF certification, target applications, circuit emulation over Ethernet, SOAM and comparison with other network services. This exam can be taken online at home or the office, or in an MEF approved test facility.

Individuals may choose, before taking the exam, to complete an MEF-approved training course provided by MEF Accredited Training Partners (MEF-ATP).

Telefocal Asia and EANTC have been now been formally accredited by the MEF with at least three more MEF-ATPs due to be announced in the coming months.

Full details of the process for MEF-CECP certification are available on the MEF website www.MetroEthernetForum.org/ or www.ethernetacademy.net.

About The MEF:

The MEF is a global industry alliance comprising more than 180 organizations including telecommunications service providers, cable MSOs, network equipment/software manufacturers, semiconductors vendors and testing organizations. The MEF's mission is to accelerate the worldwide adoption of Carrier-class Ethernet networks and services. The MEF develops Carrier Ethernet technical specifications and implementation agreements to promote interoperability and deployment of Carrier Ethernet worldwide.

For more information: http://www.MetroEthernetForum.org/

USA & International PR contact:

Zonic Group PR

Bruce Reid

breid@zonicgroup.com

+44 (0)870 760 9248 or

EMEA:

Zonic PR EMEA

Uwe Scholz

uscholz@zonicgroup.com

+49 1723988114 or

Asia Pacific:

Zonic PR Asia

Shirley Yeh

syeh@zonicgroup.com

+86 21 321 00018

KEYWORD: United States North America California

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: Education Technology Internet Software Telecommunications Training

CATEGORY KEYWORD: Product/Service

Source: MEF

Copyright Business Wire 2011

ASIA PULSE nt 20-07 1339

Joy for Jayawardene.

Provided by 7DAYS.ae

SRI LANKA wrapped up a series victory yesterday which is sure to lead to a big question mark over IndiaeCOs ageing batting line-up.

Mahela Jayawardene played a true captaineCOs role as his half-century, in an unbeaten 101-run stand with Malinda Warnapura, led the hosts past their modest victory target of 122 with a day to spare in the third and final Test, securing a 2-1 series win.India had started the day on 161 for five, with Rahul Dravid (46no) and VVS Laxman (17no) at the crease, looking to build on their lead of 14. Dravid made 68 and Laxman an unbeaten 61, as India did well to reach 268 after fine bowling once more from Chaminda Vaas and Dammika Prasad, as well as the deadly spin duo of Ajantha Mendis and Muttiah Muralitharan.Sri Lanka were toiling on 22 for two at one stage after losing Michael Vandort and Kumar Sangakkara early, before easing home.And winning skipper Jayawardene said: eC[pounds sterling]The guys showed character -Aa especially after the Galle Test. It was an amazing effort. eC[pounds sterling]Our game is coming together now. eC[pounds sterling]The younger players are taking responsibility and the seniors pushed themselves.eC[yen]India skipper Anil Kumble was honest in his appraisal. He said: eC[pounds sterling]It was important to get a good first-innings total but we faltered. The batters were not consistent through the series. They let us down.eC[yen]

A[umlaut] 2007 Al Sidra Media LLC

Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company

Largest communications agencies.(MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS AGENCY UPDATE)

Following is Agri Marketing's annual listing of the largest marketing communications agencies whose clients sell products and services within the agricultural industry and/or to the rural lifestyle consumer.

To be included in this listing, an agency was required to complete a survey questionnaire and include its Income information.

For a more comprehensive listing of all of the agencies providing to service to the four categories, go to:

www.AgriMarketing.com and from the upper left hand corner access the "Archived Issues" link. Then view the 2011 Marketing Services Guide.

At the request of the participating agencies, "Income" is the standard that is used to report the findings rather than "Billings." Billings can be calculated in a number of different methods: whereas Income is a more standardized statistic. Income is defined as all revenues received by the agency for performing services on behalf of their client.

All amounts shown are in thousands of U.S. dollars.

ABOUT THE CATAGORIES

Following are definitions of each category:

* Agribusiness: clients that are selling products/services to ag producers, ranchers and integrators. Also includes the distribution channel, landowners or others specifying products such as veterinarians, nutritionists, crop consultants, professional farm managers, Certified Crop Advisers (CCA), etc. This category includes seed, traits, crop protection, plant nutrients, machinery, animal health, feed, farmstead structures, water management: etc.

* Producer-funded: clients that are funded by ag producer or rancher-supported organizations. This category includes check-off organizations, industry-related trade associations, co-ops, etc.

* Rural Lifestyle: clients that are selling products and/or services to hobby/sundowner farmers and rural lifestyle consumers.

* Professional products: clients that are selling products and/or services to the companion animal: turf & ornamental: landscape, golf course, roadway maintenance or similar markets,

ADFARM

Kansas City, MO; 816/842-5983. FAX: 816/221-5833

Other locations: Calgary, AB; Sacramento, CA; St. Louis. MO; Fargo, ND; Guelph, ON

New Business Contact: Kathryn Pinke, kathryn.pinke@adfarmonline.com

              Agency                Producer-      Rural  Professional               Total  Agribusiness     Funded  Lifestyle      ProductsAgency       $12,069       $11,092       $813       $153           $11IncomeNo. of            83            72EmployeesMEDIA USAGEAdvertising                    50%        20%        50%            0%Public                         20%        30%        30%            0%RelationsSales                          10%         0%         0%            0%PromotionDirect                         10%         0%         0%            0%MarketingInternet/                       5%        30%        10%            0%ElectroniiMktgOther                           5%        20%        10%          100%

Agribusiness Clients: Agrifood Laboratories *. Agrium, Agrotain, Amity Technology *. Agro Equipment *. Bayer CropScience U.S. and Canada, BDO Canada *. Big Iron Farm Show *, Bioindustrial Innovation Centre *: Black Gold Farms, Brandt Agricultural Products *, Brushvale Soy Products *. Buhler Versatile *, Bunge *. Canadian Agri Food Policy Institute *, Canadian Seed Growers Association *, Canadian Seed Trade Assoc.*, Canadian Swine Health Board *, Canadian Farm Business Mgmt *, Case IH Roughrider Dealer Group, Case IH South Dakota Dealer Group, Conservis *, CropLife Canada-, Dow AgroSciences Canada, EMD Crop BioScience: Farm Credit Canada *, Genome Alberta *, Geosys *, Heritage Angus Beef *, High Country Bison *. Hubbard Feeds, Hyland Seeds, Intervet (Schering-Plough) *, Louis Dreyfus * Manitoba Agrologists Conference *. Map Shots, Meyers Norris Penny *, Midwest Potato Services, Monaghan Mushrooms *, Northern CA Water Assoc. *, No. Dakota Dept. of Agriculture *: NorthStar Genetics: Novus Intl: Ontario Ministry of Ag * Food & Rural Affairs *, Pfizer Canada *. PIC North American Marketing *, Plains Grain and Agronomy, Rabo AgriFinance, Rabobank Int'l *, RBC Royal Bank *, Richardson Intl *, Rural Ontario Institute *, Swanston Farm Equipment *, Synthesis Network *, Techmark *, Twin Valley Co-op *, United Farmers of Alberta *, Wolf Trax, XL Foods *

Producer-Funded Clients: Alberta Agriculture and Food *: Alberta Beef Producers, American Crystal Sugar Company, American Hereford Assoc. *, California Ag Communications Coalition, Canadian Angus Association *, Canadian Pork Council *, Canola Council of Canada *: Dairy Farms Assoc., Flax Canada 2015 *, Flowers Canada *, Grain Farmers of Ontario *, Minnesota Corn Growers *, No. Dakota Corn Growers Assoc. *, No. Dakota Soybean Growers Assoc.*, No. Dakota Soybean Council *, Northern Food Grade Soybean Assoc. *, Ontario Pork *, Pork Marketing Canada *, United Potato Growers *

Rural Lifestyle Clients: Canadian 4-H Council", Ducks Unlimited", Just-In-Case Fire"

Professional Products Clients: Canadian Nursery Landscaping", Stewart Bros. Nurseries"

BADER RUTTER & ASSOCIATES

Brookfield, WI; 262/784-7200, FAX: 262/938-5555 Other locations:

Chicago, IL; Lincoln: NE

New Business Contact: Allison Lauer, alauer@bader-rutter.com

             Agency                 Producer-  Rural      Professional             Total    Agribusiness  Funded     Lifestyle  ProductsAgency       $25,872  $16,314       $1,350     $1,935     $2,133Income:Mo. of       180      152EmployeesMEDIA USAGEAdvertising           32%           30%        30%        30%Public                31%           30%        35%        33%RelationsSales                 2%            0%         0%         0%PromotionDirect                17%           25%        25%        20%MarketingInternet/             18%           15%        10%        17%ElectronicMktgOther                 0%            0%         0%         0%

Agribusiness Clients: Dow AgroSciences (1981); John Deere Financial (2003); Mycogen Seeds (1998); Pfizer Animal Health (2010)

Producer-Funded Clients: Dairy Management Inc. (2008): U.S. Dairy Export Council (2010)

Rural Lifestyle Clients: Dow AgroSciences; John Deere Financial; Pfizer Animal Health

Professional Products Clients: Dow AgroSciences; Propane Education and Research Council (PERC)

BRIGHTON

Clayton. MO; 314/726-0700, FAX: 314/721-8517

Other Locations: Memphis, TN

              Agency  Agribusiness  Producer-      Rural  Professions               Total                   Funded  Lifestyle     ProductsAgency       $54,953        $3,585         $0         $0       $0 S50Income                  47            25MEDIA USAGEAdvertising                    32%        30%        30%          30%Public                         31%        30%        35%          33%RelationsSales                           2%         0%         0%           0%PromotionDirect                         17%        25%        25%          20%MarketingInternet/                      18%        15%        10%          17%ElectronicMktgOther                           0%         0%         0%           0%

All dollar amounts are reported in U.S. thousands.

(*) Denotes projects only.

Agribusiness Clients: Horizon Ag (2006): Monsanto: Deltapine (2007): Acceleron (2008); Performance Plus, other services (2009); Natura Pet Products (2006)

Professional Products Clients: Willmar Fabrication (2010)

BROADHEAD

Minneapolis, MN: 612/623-8000, FAX: 612/623-4810

Other Locations: San Francisco: CA; Washington. DC

New Business Contact: Dean Broadhead: dbroadhead@broadheadco.com

             Agency                Producer-      Rural  Professional              Total  Agribusiness     Funded  Lifestyle      ProductsAgency         4125          3850         NA         NA            NAIncomeNo. of           42            35EmployeesMEDIA USAGEAdvertising                   35%         0%         0%            0%Public                        20%        60%         0%            0%RelationsSales                         10%        15%         0%            0%PromotionDirect                        15%         0%         0%            0%MarketingInternet/                     20%        25%         0%            0%ElectronicMktgOther                          0%         0%         0%            0%

Agribusiness Clients: AGCO: AGCO, Challenger, Massey Ferguson (2008); Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica (2009); DECCO (2007); Emerald BioAgriculture (2001); GEVO (2010); Marrone Bio Innovations (2008); Oxbo International (2009): Phibro Ethanol Performance Group (2008); Progressive Agriculture Safety Day (2005); Purple Wave Auctions (2010): QualiTech (2010); Shaw's Knox Fertilizer (2007); The Mosaic Company (2008); USDA APHIS" (2010); USDA Rural Development * (2010)

Producer-Funded Clients: Almond Board of California (2005); Minnesota Corn Growers Association* (2010); National Corn Growers Association* (2001); Renewable Fuels Association (2009); U.S. Farm & Ranch Alliance * (2010); United Sorghum Checkoff Program (2009)

CHARLESTONIORWIG INC.

Hartland, WI; 262/563-5100. FAX: 262/563-5101

New Business Contact: Kristi Eichman, keichman@charlestonorwig.com

             Agency                Producer-      Rural  Professional              Total  Agribusiness     Funded  Lifestyle      ProductsAgency       $7,595        $6.830       $537       $106            $0IncomeNo. of           61            59EmployeesMEDIA USAGEAdvertising                   41%        48%        80%            0%Public                        33%        31%        15%            0%RelationsSales                          0%         0%         0%            0%PromotionDirect                         8%        10%         5%            0%MarketingInternet/                     18%        11%         0%            0%ElectronicMktgOther                          0%         0%         0%            0%

Agribusiness Clients: Alpharma (2007); Arm & Hammer (2001); Chemtura Corp.: crop protection (2008); Dairy Business Association (2010); Dairyland Seed Company Inc. (1993); Farmland Foods (2008); HerdStar LLC (2007); Hoard's Dairyman (2003); Murphy Brown (2005); Murray Wise Association (2006); Novartis Animal Health (2009): Novozymes (2010); Pfizer Animal Genetics (2008); Pfizer Animal Health (2008); Smithfield Foods Inc. (2003); United Soybean Board (2009)

Producer-Funded Clients: Dairy Business Association (2010); Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council (2006); Illinois Soybean Association * (2011); National Cattlemen's Beef Association (2004); Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin (2002); United Soybean Board* (2009); US Wheat Associates Inc. (2007)

Rural Lifestyle Clients: Dairyland Seed Co. Inc. (1993); Murray Wise (2006)

COLLE+MCVOY

Minneapolis: MN; 612/305-6000, FAX: 612/305-6500

New Business Contact: Phil Johnson, phil.johnson@collemcvoy.com

              AgEncy                Producer-      Rural  Protessional               Total  Agribusiness     Funded  Lifestyle      ProductsAgency       $24,700        $3,890        $90       $390        $4,780IncomeNo. of           160EmployeesMEDIA USAGEAdvertising                    37%         0%         0%           37%Public                         21%       100%       100%           21%RelationsSales                           2%         0%         0%            2%PromotionDirect                          2%         0%         0%            2%MarketingInternet/                      34%         0%         0%           34%ElectronicMktgOther                           4%         0%         0%            4%

Agribusiness Clients: CHS (1994); DuPont Ag & Nutrition (2007); Land O'Lakes (2000); Nutrition Physiology Company (2009)

Producer-Funded Clients: North American Olive Oil Association (2002)

Rural Lifestyle Clients: Propane Education & Research Council (2008)

Professional Products Clients: Nestle Purina (2000); Novartis Animal Health (2003); Winfield Solutions (2010)

DAVID & ASSOCIATES

Hastings, NE; 402/462-6226, FAX: 402/461-3123

New Business Contact: Dave Buchholz, dave@teamdavid.com

             Agency                Producer-      Rural  Protessiona              Total  Agribusiness    Fundeti  Litestyle     ProductsAgency       $1,218          $290       $413        $83          $18IncomeNo. of            8             8EmployeesMEDIA USAGEAdvertising                   40%        31%        30%          10%Public                        15%        48%        25%          40%RelationsSales                         18%         0%         5%          10%PromotionDirect                         5%         0%        25%           0%MarketingInternet/                     22%       21 %        15%          40%ElectronicMktgOther                          0%         0%         0%           0%

Agribusiness Clients: 5 Trails Winery * (2009); Ag & Food Associates * (2004); Arrow Seed (2009); Aurora Cooperative (2008); Cargill Health & Nutrition * (2008); Clean Flex Power Systems (2010); Custer Public Power District * (2004); East Kansas Agri-Energy (2010); Kugler Co. (1987); MFS/York/Stormor * (1997); ONEOK Energy Marketing * (2004); Raven Industries (2007); Response Products (2004)

Producer-Funded Clients: American Soybean Association * (2007); Clean Fuels Development Coalition * (1993); Corn Farmers Coalition (2010); Governors' Biofuel Coalition (2008); Governors' Wind Energy Coalition (2008); Missouri Corn Merchandising (2010); National Corn Growers Association * (2002); Nebraska Corn Board (1987); Nebraska Corn Growers Association (1988); Nebraska Ethanol Board (1984); Nebraska Pork Producers Association * (1991); Nebraska Soybean Association * (2008); Nebraska Wine & Grape Growers Association (2010); U.S. Grains Council * (2004); U.S. Meat Export Federation* (2001); Univ. of Nebraska Extension (2004)

Rural Lifestyle Clients: K-Lawn (1984); Nebraska State Fair (2010); Response Products (2004)

Professional Products Clients: Kugler Company (1987); Response Products (2004)

EG INTEGRATED

Omaha, NE; 402/614-3000. FAX: 402/614-1586

New Business Contact: Bill Ervin. bill@egintegrated.com

             Agency  Agribusiness  Producer-      Rural  Professional              Total                   Funded  Lifestyle      ProductsAgency       $1,832        $1,477         $0         $O           $40IncomeMo. of                         10EmployeesMEDIA USAGEAdvertising                   15%         0%         0%            4%Public                        15%         0%         0%            4%RelationsSales                         35%         0%         0%           50%PromotionDirect                        10%         0%         0%            5%MarketingWeb-Based/                    25%         0%         0%           37%ElectronicMktgOther                          0%         0%         0%            0%

Agribusiness Clients: Greenleaf Genetics; Hoegemeye; Lindsay Corp.

Professional Products Clients: Lindsay Corp./Watertronics

EXPONENT PUBLIC RELATIONS

Minneapolis, MN: 612/305-6003, FAX: 612/305-6501

New Business Contact: Tom Lindell, tom.lindell@exponentpr.com

             Agency                Producer-      Rural  Professions              Total  Agribusiness     Funded  Lifestyle     ProductsAgency       $5,300          $950        $20       $100       $1,130IncomeNo. of           30EmployeesMEDIA USAGEAdvertising                    0%         0%         0%           0%Public                        76%       100%       100%          80%RelationsSales                          0%         0%         0%           0%PromotionDirect                         0%         0%         0%           0%MarketingWeb-Based/                    24%         0%         0%          20%ElectronicMktgOther                          0%         0%         0%           0%

Agribusiness Clients: CHS (2007); Land O'Lakes (2000): Nutrition Physiology Company (2009)

Producer-Funded Clients: North American Olive Oil Association (2002)

Rural Lifestyle Clients: Propane Education & Research Council (2008)

Professional Products Clients: Nestle Purina (2000): Novartis Animal Health (2003)

FARMER, LUMPE + MCCLELLAND

Worthington, OH; 614/505-6987, FAX: 614/505-7094

Other Locations: Washington, DC; Minneapolis, MN; Bloomington, IL

New Business Contact: Rob McClelland, rmcclelland@wideopenthinking.com

             Agency                Producer-      Rural  Professiona              Total  Agribusiness     Funded  Lifestyle     ProductsAgency       $2,000          $218     $1,087         $0         $145IncomeNo. of           17            17EmployeesMEDIA USAGEAdvertising                    0%        15%         0%           0%Public                       100%        65%         0%          50%RelationsSales                          0%         0%         0%          50%PromotionDirect                         0%        10%         0%           0%MarketingInternet/                     24%        10%         0%          20%ElectronicMktgOther                          0%         0%         0%           0%

Agribusiness Clients: CoLlntryMark * (2010); Pfizer Animal Health * (2010); Winfield Solutions* (2008)

Producer-Funded Clients: Illinois Soybean Association * - (2010); Minnesota Soybean Association (2009): Nebraska Soybean Board * (2008): Ohio Soybean Council * (2006): The Ohio State University Extension * (2010); U.S. Grains Council * (2010)

Professional Products Clients: Winfield Solutions * (2009)

FREEBAIRN & COMPANY

Atlanta, GA; 404/237-9945 ext 106, FAX: 404/231-2214

New Business Contact: John Freehairn, jfreebairn@freebairn.com

             Agency                Producer-   Rural      Professional             Total   Agribusiness  Funded      Lilestyle  ProductsAgency       $3,235  $1,100        $0          $0         $0IncomeNo. of       22      16EmployeesMEDIA USAGEAdvertising          54%           0%          0%         0%Public               12%           0%          0%         0%RelationsSales                0%            0%          0%         0%PromotionDirect               16%           0%          0%         0%MarketingInternet/            16%           0%          0%         0%ElectronicMktgOther                2%            0%          0%         0%

Agribusiness Clients: Agfirst (2007); MANA Crop Protection (2006)

GIBBS & SOELL INC.

New York, NY; 212/697-2600, FAX: 212/697-2646

Other Locations: Hoffman Estates, IL; Raleigh, NC

New Business Contact: Ann Camden, acamden@gibbs-soell.com

              Agency                Producer-      Rural  Professiona               Total  Agribusiness     Funded  Lifestyle     ProductsAgency       $15,274        $9,787         $O         $0         $130IncomeNo. of            91            44EmployeesMEDIA USAGEAdvertising                     0%         0%         0%           0%Public                        100%         0%         0%         100%RelationsSales                           0%         0%         0%           0%PromotionDirect                          0%         0%         0%           0%MarketingInternet/                       0%         0%         0%           0%ElectronkMktgOther                           0%         0%         0%           0%

Agribusiness Clients: Ag Software Designs (2010); Georgia-Pacific (2004); Great Plains Oil & Exploration (2007): Honeywell (1999); Koch Agronomic Services (2010): Novartis Animal Health (2008); Pfizer Poultry Health (2009); Segetis, Inc. (2008); Syngenta Agrisure Traits (2004): Syngenta Biotechnology (2010); Syngenta Crop Protection (2000): Syngenta Seed Care (2000); The Sulfur Institute (2010)

Professional Products Clients: Novartis Animal Health (2008)

THE HONDO GROUP

Austin, TX; 512/502-5141, FAX: 512/502-5211

Other Locations: Darlington, WI

New Business Contact: Lynn Balinas. lynn.balinas@hondogroup.com

             Agency                Producer-  Rural     Professional              Tolal  Agribusiness     Funded  Lifestyle     ProductsAgency           NA        $1.100         $O         $0           $0IncomeNo. of           14            14EmployeesMEDIA USAGEAdvertising                   20%         0%         0%           0%Public                        40%         0%         0%           0%RelationsSales                         10%         0%         0%           0%PromotionDirect                         5%         0%         0%           0%Marketinginternet/                     25%         3%         0%           0%ElectronicMktgOther                          0%         0%         0%           0%

Agribusiness Clients: ABS Global (2009); AgriLabs * (2009); Badger Veterinary Hospital (2007): Balchem Animal Nutrition & Health (2010): CRV (2011); Diamond V Mills * (2007): Golden Acres Genetics (2008); Nelson Plant Food (2007); Precision Laboratories (2010); Prince Agri Products * (2007); Sadex Corporation (2005); StollerUSA (2001): TyraTech * (2007)

Producer-Funded Clients: American Hereford Association (2009); National Dairy Shrine * (2007); World Beet Expo * (2007)

Rural Lifestyle Clients: Southwest Securities, FSB* (2007)

LATORRA, PAUL & MCCANN

Syracuse, NY; 315/476-1646, FAX: 315/476-1611

New Business Contact: Michael Ancillotti,mancillotti@lpm-adv.com

           Agency                Producer-  Rural      Professions:           Total   Agribusiness  Funded     Lifestyle  ProductsAgency         NA          $370         $0         $0            $0IncomeNo. of         21            21Employees

Agribusiness Clients: Dairy One (2002); LELY (2006); Pfizer Animal Health (2010); Veterinary News Network (2007)

Producer-Funded Clients: American Dairy Association (1980); Mid-Atlantic Dairy Council (2007); National Dairy Council (2007); New York Center for Dairy Excellence (2008); NY Farm Viability Institute (2008); Sudia (2010)

MCCORMICK COMPANY

Amarillo, TX; 806/374-5333, FAX: 806/372-7040

Other Locations: Des Moines, IA; Kansas City, MO; Embro, ON, Guelph, ON

New Business Contact: Mark Perrin, perrin@mccormickcompany.com

             Agency                Producer-      Rural  Professional              Total  Agribusiness     Funded  Lifestyle      ProductsAgency           NA       $16,182       $526         $0            $0IncomeNo. of                        103EmployeesMEDIA USAGEAdvertising                   61%        60%         0%            0%Public                        21%        25%         0%            0%RelationsSales                          1%         0%         0%            0%PromotionDirect                        10%        15%         0%            0%MarketingInternet/                      7%         0%         0%            0%ElectronicMktgOther                          0%         0%         0%            0%

Agribusiness Clients: AgriLabs (2001); Becker Underwood (2009); Becker Underwood: Canada (2009); DuPont Crop Protection (2001); DuPont Crop Protection: Canada (2004); Elanco Animal Health: beef business unit (1999); parasiticides (2003); global cattle marketing (2006): food industry and consumer affairs (2007); corporate affairs (2008); Elanco Canada: beef cattle products (2006); Elanco Food Solutions (2009); Growth Enhancement Technologies Information Team (2002); Hy-Line (2008); Pioneer Hi-Bred (1968); Pioneer Hi-Bred (2002); Pioneer Hi-Bred: Canada (1987); PM Beef (2008): Teva Animal Health. Inc. (2010); Unverferth (2002)

Producer-Funded Clients: Cattlemen's Beef Board (2008); Coalition to Support Iowa Farmers (2004); Iowa Beef Industry Council (2002); Iowa Soybean Assoc (2006); National Cattlemen's Beef Assoc (2004); National Pork Producers Council (2004): National Sorghum Producers (2009); Texas Cattle Feeders Assoc (1968); United Sorghum Checkoff Program (2009)

Professional Products Clients: Elanco Companion Animal (2005)

MCDANIELS MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS

Pekin, IL; 309/346-4230, 866/431-4230, FAX: 309/346-8458

Other Locations: East Moline, IL; Roscoe, IL

New Business Contact: Randy McDaniels, rmcdaniels@mcdmarketing.com

             Agency                Producer-      Rural  Professional              Total  Agribusiness     Funded  Lifestyle      ProductsAgency       $1,350           $75       $375         $0            $0IncomeNo. of           21            14EmployeesMEDIA USAGEAdvertising                   20%        20%         0%            0%Public                         5%        15%         0%            0%RelationsSales                         35%        20%         0%            0%PromotionDirect                        10%        15%         0%            0%MarketingInternet/                     30%        30%         0%            0%ElectronicMktgOther                          0%         0%         0%            0%

Agribusiness Clients: AgVenture (2010); FBi Buildings Inc. (2003); Innoquest (2009)

Producer-Funded Clients: Illinois Soybean Association (1992)

NICHOLSON KOVAC, INC.

Kansas City. MO; 816/842-8881, FAX: 816/842-6340

New Business Contact: F. Peter Kovac, pkovac@nicholsonkovac.com

             Agency                Producer-      Rural  Professional              Total  Agribusiness     Funded  Lifestyle      ProductsAgency       $8.205        $2.500         $0         $0          $375IncomeNo. of           61            40EmployeesMEDIA USAGEAdvertising                   40%         0%         0%           25%Public                        18%         0%         0%           25%RelationsSales                         10%         0%         0%           15%PromotionDirect                        10%         0%         0%           20%MarketingInternet/                     20%         0%         0%           10%ElectronicMktgOther                          2%         0%         0%            5%

Agribusiness Clients: FMC (2002); Grundfos Pumps (2009)

Professional Products Clients: Golf Course Superintendents Association of America: Vetoquinol USA

OSBORN & BARR

St. Louis, MO; 314/726-5511, 888/235-4332, FAX: 314/726-6350

Other Locations: Kansas City, MO

New Business Contact: Jared Spader, spaderj@osborn-barr.com

              Agency                Producer-      Rural  Professional               Total  Agribusiness     Funded  Lifestyle      ProductsAgency       $21,429       $15,716     $4,208       $595          $216IncomeNo. of           129           107EmployeesMEDIA USAGEAdvertising                    80%         0%       100%          100%Public                         20%       100%         0%            0%RelationsSales                           0%         0%         0%            0%PromotionDirect                          0%         0%         0%            0%MarketingInternet/                       0%         0%         0%            0%ElectronicMktgOther                           0%         0%         0%            0%

Agribusiness Clients: AGCO: Application Equipment Division (2009); AgraQuest (2010); American Farm Bureau Federation (2007); DV Auction (2009); FCS Financial (2005); lntervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health (2002); Livestock Improvement Corp. (2010); Michelin North America (2003): Monsanto (1988); New Wave Communications (2009); Propane Education & Research Council (2002); Qualisoy (2005); SFP (2005); USDA: Rural Development (2004); National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) (2006)

Producer-Funded Clients: Mississippi Soybean Promotions (2010); National Pork Board (2003); Smith, Bucklin & Associates (1998); Southwestern Association (2007); United Soybean Board (1995); U.S. Soybean Export Council (2008)

Rural Lifestyle Clients: Anheuser-Busch Outdoor: Anheuser-Busch. Budweiser (2009); Honeywell Safety Products (2009)

Professional Products Clients: ICL Performance Products. LP (2006): Kennelwood Pet Resorts (2010)

PAULSEN MARKETING

Sioux Falls, SD; 605/336-1745, FAX: 605/336-2305

New Business Contact: Greg Guse, greg.guse@paulsenmarketing.com

             Agency                Producer-      Rural  Professional              Total  Agribusiness     Funded  Lifestyle      ProductsAgency       $4,000        $2.550       $150       $500            $0IncomeNo. of           34            34EmployeesMEDIA USAGEAdvertising                   25%        40%        50%            0%Public                        20%        25%        15%            0%RelationsSales                          0%         0%         0%            0%PromotionDirect                        20%         0%        10%            0%MarketingWeb-Based/                    35%        35%        25%            0%ElectronicMktgOther                          0%         0%         0%            0%

Agribusiness Clients: AgroLiquid Fertilizer * (2009); Ecolab Inc.* (1993); Grain States Soya (1997); Growth Energy (2009); Hubbard Life Feeds * (1992); Kubota Credit Corporation (2000); Kubota Tractor (2000): McCauley's Equine Formulas * (2006); Mid-State Seed* (2010); Omega Protein * (2009); POET Nutrition (2007); Ridley Block Operations (1996); Select Sires * (2010); The Mosaic Company * (2010): The Wheatgrowers Cooperative (2006); WildBlue Satellite Internet (2007): Worthington Ag Parts * (1986)

Producer-Funded Clients: Ag United for South Dakota (2004); South Dakota Corn Utilization Council' (2003); South Dakota Soybean Council* (1992)

Rural Lifestyle Clients: Walter Gardens (2006); WildBlue (2007)

STANDING PARTNERSHIP

Saint Louis, MO; 314/469-3500. FAX: 314/469-3512

New Business Contact: Julie Steininger, jsteininger@standingpr.com

             Agency                Producer-      Rural  Professionl              Total  Agribusiness     Funded  Lifestyle     ProductsAgency       $3,326          $504        $39         $0           $0IncomeMEDIA USAGEAdvertising                    0%         0%         0%           0%Public                       100%       100%         0%           0%RelationsSales                          0%         0%         0%           0%PromotionDirect                         0%         0%         0%           0%MarketingInternet/                      0%         0%         0%           0%ElectronicMktgOther                          0%         0%         0%           0%

Agribusiness Clients: Monsanto

Producer-Funded Clients: St. Louis Dairy Council; United Soybean Board

SULLIVAN HIGDON & SINK

Kansas City, MO; 816/474-1333. 800/809 ext 0884. FAX: 816/474-3427 Other Locations: Wichita, KS; McLean, VA

New Business Contact: Rand Mikelecky. rand@wehatesheep.com

              Agency                Producer-      Rural  Professional               Total  Agribusiness     Funded  Lifestyle      ProductsAgency       $11,850        $4,750     $1,066         $0            $0IncomeNo. of           100            36EmployeesMEDIA USAGEAdvertising                    30%        40%         0%            0%Public                         30%        10%         0%            0%RelationsSales                          15%        30%         0%            0%PromotionDirect                          5%         0%         0%            0%MarketingInternet/                      15%        15%         0%            0%ElectronicMktgOther                           5%         5%         0%            0%

Agribusiness Clients: Cargill Meat Solutions (2002); Merial Limited (2010); Meyer Natural Foods (2009)

Producer-Funded Clients: Dairy Famers of America: Cooperative. Borden Cheese, Cache Valley Cheese (2008); Midwest Dairy Association * (2009); Shatto Milk Company (2003)

SWANSON RUSSELL

Lincoln. NE; 402/437-6400, FAX: 402/437-6401 Branch office: Omaha. NE

New Business Contact: Wes Neuhaus, wesn@swansonrussell.com

              Agency                Producer-      Rural  Professional               Total  Agribusiness     Funded  Lifestyle      ProductsAgency       $12,135        $1,547       $262       $668        $3,396IncomeNo. of           130            62EmployeesMEDIA USAGEAdvertising                    30%        50%        30%           54%Public                         25%        25%        30%          11 %RelationsSales                           5%         0%         5%            3%PromotionDirect                         15%         0%         5%           12%MarketingInternet/                      25%        25%        30%           20%ElectronicMktgOther                           0%         0%         0%            0%

Agribusiness Clients: AGP * (1994); FMC Corporation (2010); Global Animal Management (2001); intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health (1994); JCB (2010); KINZE Manufacturing (2010); Land 0' Lakes Purina Feed LLC (2006): Reinke Manufacturing Company (2008); RFD-TV (2010)

Producer-Funded Clients: Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (2010); The Fertilizer Institute (2010); United Farmers Co-op (2010)

Rural Lifestyle Clients: Ariens Company (2006); Land O'Lakes Purina (2007)

Professional Products Clients: Blount (2010); Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power (2004): Briggs & Stratton Home Power (2002); Corona Clipper (2004); E-Z-GO (2007); Ecke * (2007); Gravely (2010); Jacobsen (2008); Profile (1999); Project Evergreen (2005); Rain Bird (1994); Scotts Professional Business Group (2003); Stuppy (2005); Turfco (1997); Vermeer (2008); Vista Professional Lighting (2005); West Coast Turf (1992)

WOODRUFF SWEITZER

Kansas City. MO; Calgary, AB; Columbia. MO

403/291-2922, FAX: 403/291-2365

New Business Contact: Tom Apple: tapple@woodruffsweitzer.com

              Agency                Producer-      Rural  Professional               Total  Agribusiness     Funded  Lifestyle     Pro duelsAgency       $10,230        $6.426        $70       $151        $2,447IncomeNo. of            48            48EmployeesMEDIA USAGEAdvertising                    33%        34%       100%           27%Public                         19%        26%         0%            7%RelationsSales                           8%         3%         0%            9%PromotionDirect                         14%        18%         0%           26%MarketingInternet/                      25%        17%         0%           29%ElectronicMktgOther                           1%         2%         0%            2%

Agribusiness Clients: Arysta LifeScience Canada (2003); Arysta LifeScience U.S. (2000); ASTech (2008); Bayer HealthCare Canada (2006); Beefbooster (2007); Beyond Agronomy * (2010); Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica (2009); Canada Gold Beef (2010); Diamond Pet Foods (2005); Immvac * (2007); Kubota Tractor Canada * (2010); Kubota Tractor U.S. * (1999); MFA Oil (2010); Morris Industries (2009); Norbrook Labs * (2008); Show Me Shortline/Richiger * (2009); Versatile (2009); Westway Feeds * (2010); Wyffels Hybrids (2009); ZinPro * (2010)

Producer-Funded Clients: Alberta Beef Quality Starts Here (2004); Alberta Cattle Feeders Association (2010); Beefbooster (2007); Canadian Hereford * (2007); National Pork Board: retail * (2005)

Rural Lifestyle Clients: MFA Oil (2010); Western Financial Group (2006) Professional Products Clients: Arysta LifeScience (2003): Bayer HealthCare Canada, Companion Animal Health (2006); Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica (2009); Vetericyn * (2010).

Samsung Qualifies 28nm LP Process Technology for High Performance Mobile Applications.(Company overview)

Company Adds 28nm LPH Process Technology to Foundry Roadmap

SAN DIEGO -- Samsung Electronics, Co., Ltd., a global leader in advanced semiconductor solutions, today announced that its foundry business, Samsung Foundry, has qualified 28nm low-power (LP) process with High-k Metal Gate (HKMG)* technology and is ready for risk production. Additionally, Samsung Foundry has added a new variant to its advanced process technology roadmap, 28nm LPH HKMG process technology. With more functionality converged into a single system-on-chip (SoC), Samsung's 28nm LP and LPH process technologies offer designers comprehensive solutions to keep pace with the challenges of exploding bandwidth, advanced integrated functionality and low-power constraints.

By leveraging its deep, sub-micron expertise in advanced process and design, Samsung Foundry has tuned its 28nm LP process technology to deliver a cutting-edge process platform with 35 percent active/standby power reduction at the same frequency or 30 percent performance boost at the same leakage over 45nm LP SoC designs.

Samsung Foundry's newest process node - 28nm LPH process, has been specifically developed for mobile device applications that can deliver over 2GHz processing performance, offering engineers another option for bringing leading-edge system-on-chip designs. 28nm LPH offers 60 percent of active power reduction at the same frequency or 55 percent of performance boost at the same leakage over 45nm LP SoC designs. 28nm LPH process shuttles are available now.

"We are pleased to offer 28nm LP and LPH process technology with complete design enablement ecosystem to our customers," said Dr. KH Kim, executive vice president of Samsung's foundry business. "In doing so, our customers are able to design and manufacture chips that offer the best possible user experience on the next generation of smart devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs and Internet TVs. Samsung Foundry will continue to offer smart and innovative foundry solutions by leveraging Samsung's proven semiconductor business leadership."

Together with its 28nm LP and LPH processes, Samsung offers an extensive and comprehensive suite of 28nm LP design enablement solutions from all major ecosystem partners. Samsung EDA solutions include full process design kits (PDKs) and design flows from Synopsys, Cadence, Mentor, and Magma. Samsung also has an expansive licensed portfolio of standard cells, memories, and interface IPs from leading companies including ARM and Synopsys.

Samsung Foundry is currently accepting designs for its 28nm technologies. Multiple customer designs have been silicon-validated, and many more products and IP test chips are being processed at Samsung's logic fab, the S Line, in Giheung, South Korea.

For more detail information on Samsung Foundry's 28nm LP and LPH process technologies and its smart, innovative foundry solution, visit Samsung's booth #1404 at the 48th Annual Design Automation Conference in San Diego.

About Samsung Electronics' Foundry Business

Samsung Electronics' Foundry business is dedicated to support fabless and IDM semiconductor companies offering full service solutions encompassing design kits and proven IP to fully turnkey manufacturing to achieve market success with advanced IC designs by Foundry, ASIC and COT engagement. Currently in mass production at 45 nanometer (nm), and qualified for 32/28nm Samsung Foundry is also preparing next generation 20nm and beyond process technologies by leveraging the deep expertise in advanced process technologies, design technologies, as well as a long, proven track record in high-volume manufacturing along with its continued participation in the International Semiconductor Development Alliance (ISDA). For more information, please visit www.samsung.com/Foundry.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2010 consolidated sales of US$135.8 billion. Employing approximately 190,500 people in 206 offices across 68 countries, the company consists of eight independently operated business units: Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, Digital Imaging, Semiconductor and LCD. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, semiconductor chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

* On January 29, 2007, IBM and its research partners introduced the high-k/metal gate innovation as the basis for a long-sought improvement to the transistor - the tiny on/off switch that serves as the basic building block of virtually all microchips made today. Using the high-k/metal gate material in a critical portion of the transistor that controls its primary on/off switching function enabled the development of 32nm chip circuitry that is designed to be smaller, faster, and more power-efficient than previously thought possible.

e2b software Launches Custom Cloud Computing Software Development.

CHARDON, Ohio, May 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- e2b software (www.e2bsoft.com), a business software developer, announced today that the company now offers customized business software development services deployed via cloud computing technologies such as Microsoft Silverlight and Microsoft Azure.

"For decades, companies have relied on homegrown custom databases or they maintained lists of critical information in Microsoft Excel," said e2b software President Bill Henslee. "These databases, custom spreadsheets, and disparate applications served their purpose but were often very expensive, limited only to internal employees, and most weren't completely integrated with their other business systems or processes. With cloud computing we can provide custom software that is more affordable, has a lower cost of ownership, is developed and delivered faster due to cloud technologies, and is available via the web to anyone, anywhere, anytime, in a secured and connected environment."

Cloud computing allows businesses to build customized databases and business software that can be accessed anywhere the user has an internet connection and valid log-in to the secured application. Cloud computing reduces expenses associated with the purchase of hardware and infrastructure as well as reduced costs for ongoing support and maintenance of hardware and infrastructure.

In addition, e2b software provides onshore development and consulting resources which reduce time zone and language challenges; the ability for customers to protect their investment through portable source code escrow services; optional maintenance and support contracts for custom business software; and e2b's expertise in technical and transactional enterprise resources planning (ERP) systems.

"Most custom cloud developers are simply customizing an existing cloud application developed by a major publisher," said Henslee. "We provide businesses with a customized business application that is unique to them, designed to their specifications, and developed from the ground up with integration with their existing business systems."

e2b software customers utilize cloud computing and custom software development for ecommerce storefronts, online asset management databases for test equipment, non-stock inventory systems for point of sale assets, customer self-service web portals, customer support portals, employee intranets, rental systems, and other custom applications.

About e2b software:

e2b software (www.e2bsoft.com) helps businesses take their custom software, databases, and spreadsheets to the cloud. These applications are critical but are often isolated within the organization. Cloud computing allows businesses to share information internally and externally using the latest Microsoft technologies and other development platforms. Custom programming services are also available for other programming languages and databases. Custom business software include business websites; ecommerce storefronts; customer, vendor, partner, and employee portals; inventory tracking systems; and business intelligence, online reporting, and executive dashboards. e2b software also develops Anytime Collect (www.anytimecollect.com) accounts receivable collections management and e2b 500 supply chain solutions for Sage ERP MAS 500.

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This release was issued on behalf of the above organization by Send2Press(R), a unit of Neotrope(R). http://www.Send2Press.com

SOURCE e2b software