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Korea Leading Economic Indicators and Related Composite Indexes for June 2007

NEW YORK, Aug. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- The Conference Board announced today that the leading index for Korea increased 0.2 percent, while the coincident index increased 0.5 percent in June.

-- The leading index increased slightly in June following a sharp gain in
May, and there were small upward revisions to the previous months.
Stock prices and real exports continued to make large positive
contributions to the index. Despite the second consecutive gain in
June, the six-month growth rate of the leading index has been
fluctuating around a 0.5-1.0 percent rate in the last three months,
well below the 2.0-4.0 percent rate in late 2006. In addition, the
strengths and weaknesses among the leading indicators have become
somewhat balanced in the last several months.
-- The coincident index increased again in June, and the strength in the
index continued to be widespread. At the same time, real GDP grew at a
5.3 percent average annual rate in the first half of 2007 (including a
7.0 percent rate in the second quarter), slightly up from a 4.4 percent
average annual rate in the second half of 2006. Despite short-term
volatility, the recent behavior in the leading index suggests that the
economy is likely to grow at a somewhat moderate rate in the near term.

LEADING INDICATORS.

Four of the seven components that make up the leading index increased in June. The positive contributors - from the largest positive contributor to the smallest - were real exports FOB, stock prices, private construction orders, and letter of credit arrivals. Negative contributors - from the largest negative contributor to the smallest - were the (inverted) index of inventories to shipments, the (inverted) yield of government public bonds, and value of machinery orders.

With the 0.2 percent increase in June, the leading index now stands at 158.5 (1990=100). Based on revised data, this index increased 0.7 percent in May and declined 0.1 percent in April. During the six-month span through June, the leading index increased 0.9 percent, with four of the seven components advancing (diffusion index, six-month span equals 57.1 percent).

COINCIDENT INDICATORS.

Three of the four components that make up the coincident index increased in June. The positive contributors to the leading index - in order from the largest positive contributor to the smallest - were industrial production, total employment, and monthly cash earnings. The wholesale and retail sales component declined in June.

With the 0.5 percent increase in June, the coincident index now stands at 168.3 (1990=100). Based on revised data, this index increased 0.1 percent in May and increased 1.0 percent in April. During the six-month span through June, the coincident index increased 1.7 percent, with all four components advancing (diffusion index, six-month span equals 100.0 percent).

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE BOARD.

Founded in 1916, The Conference Board is the premier business membership and research network. The Conference Board has become a global leader in helping executives build strong professional relationships, expand their business knowledge and find solutions to a wide range of business challenges. The Board's Economics Program, under the direction of Chief Economist Gail Fosler, is a recognized source of forecasts, economic analysis and objective indicators such as the Leading Economic Indicators and the Consumer Confidence Index.

This role is part of a long tradition of research and education that stretches back to the compilation of the first continuous measure of the cost of living in the United States in 1919. In 1995, The Conference Board assumed responsibility for computing the composite indexes from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Conference Board now produces business cycle indexes for the U.S., Australia, France, Germany, Korea, Japan, Mexico, Spain and the U.K. To subscribe to any of these indexes, please contact Customer Service at 212-339- 0345, or email indicators@conference-board.org.

Summary Table of Composite Indexes

2007 6-month
Apr May Jun Dec to
Jun
Leading index 157.1 r 158.2 r 158.5
Percent Change -0.1 r 0.7 r 0.2 0.9
Diffusion 57.1 r 57.1 r 57.1 57.1

Coincident Index 167.3 167.5 r 168.3 p
Percent Change 1.0 0.1 r 0.5 p 1.7 p
Diffusion 100.0 75.0 75.0 100.0

n.a. Not available p Preliminary r Revised
Indexes equal 100 in 1990
Source: The Conference Board All Rights Reserved

For more information visit our Website: www.conference-board.org/economics/bci/

The next release is scheduled for Wednesday, September 12, 2007 at 9:00 P.M. (ET)

In Korea - Thursday, September 13, 2007 at 10:00 A.M. (KOR)

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: The Conference Board

CONTACT: Indicator Program, +1-212-339-0330; Media Contacts: Frank
Tortorici, +1-212-339-0231; or Carol Courter, +1-212-339-0232

Web site:

http://www.conference-board.org/

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Profile: Media News

FRESNO, Calif., Aug. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- American Banker magazine's August 8, 2007 edition ranked United Security Bancshares 6th in California for its Net Income to Salary and Benefits ratio of 1.33 for the 1st quarter of 2007. Ten California publicly traded bank holding companies made the list of the top 150 such companies in the nation of all sizes. United Security Bancshares was ranked 63rd nationally. The ratio measures the relationship of net income to salary and benefits expense. In the case of United Security Bancshares, it earned $1.33 in net income for each $1.00 it spent on salaries and benefits during the 1st quarter of 2007.

Dennis R. Woods, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Security Bancshares http://www.unitedsecuritybank.com/(NASDAQ:UBFO) added, "I'm very pleased with this acknowledgment, and very pleased to be included once again on this prestigious list of high performing companies. Our appearance in the report acknowledges what we constantly strive to achieve, consistent growth of shareholder value."

United Security Bancshares is a $785 million bank holding company for United Security Bank, the largest independent bank head quartered in the Central San Joaquin Valley. The Bank operates eleven branch offices, as well as four loan centers, administrative offices and a data center.

For more information about Bank visit our web site at http://www.unitedsecuritybank.com/.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: United Security Bancshares

CONTACT: Dennis R. Woods, President and Chief Executive Officer of
United Security Bank, +1-559-248-4928

Web site:

http://www.unitedsecuritybank.com/

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Profile: Media News

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., Aug. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Centex Homes New Jersey is being recognized for providing "An Outstanding Home Ownership Experience" to customers in northern New Jersey as part of the J.D. Power and Associates Certified New-Home Builder Program.(SM)

(Logo:

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050527/LAF028LOGO-a)

To become certified, a new-home builder must achieve or exceed benchmark scores earned by the top 20 percent of new-home builders evaluated in the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 New-Home Builder Customer Satisfaction Study.(SM) Builders within markets that are not included in the study and that have closed at least 150 homes in their respective markets are eligible to apply for certification. Certification is valid for one year, after which the builder may apply for recertification.

"This program is designed to help consumers make more informed decisions by identifying homebuilders that can deliver high quality, efficient and overall positive results," said Jim Howland, senior director of the real estate practice at J.D. Power and Associates. "By meeting the rigorous standards necessary for certification, the New Jersey Division of Centex Homes has clearly exhibited their dedication to providing their customers with an outstanding new-home building experience."

More than 250 new owners of Centex Homes in Monmouth, Mercer, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex and Morris counties in New Jersey were surveyed after approximately nine months of home ownership regarding their experience with the builder in the areas of customer service, home readiness, sales staff, quality of workmanship/materials, price/value, physical design elements, design center, recreational facilities and location.

"We're extremely honored to be recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as the first new-home builder in northern New Jersey to receive this prestigious certification," said Bryon Reed, president of the Centex Homes New Jersey Division. "J.D Power and Associates is regarded as one of the leading global marketing information firms, so it is truly an honor to have them recognize our New Jersey Division. Our goal is to deliver to every Centex home owner the same high levels of quality and service we would want in our own homes and New Jersey home owners know they can rely on Centex to deliver on that commitment."

The Certification program is an extension of the firm's annual New-Home Builder Customer Satisfaction Study, which evaluates customer satisfaction among builders in a number of markets across the country. Certification is awarded to those builders that demonstrate the highest levels of customer satisfaction in areas of the country not covered by the study. In 2006, the study included new-home builders in 34 U.S. markets: Albuquerque, N.M.; Atlanta, Ga.; Austin, Texas; Baltimore, Md.; Central Valley, Calif.; Charleston, S.C.; Charlotte, N.C.; Chicago, Ill.; Dallas/Ft. Worth; Denver/Colorado Springs; Detroit; Ft. Myers/Naples, Fla.; Houston; Inland Empire, Calif.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Los Angeles/Ventura County, Calif.; Las Vegas; Minneapolis; Nashville, Tenn.; Orange County, Calif.; Orlando, Fla.; Palm Beach, Fla.; Philadelphia; Phoenix; Portland, Ore.; Raleigh/Durham, N.C.; Sacramento, Calif.; San Antonio, Texas; San Francisco Bay Area; San Diego; Seattle/Tacoma, Wash.; Tampa/Sarasota, Fla.; Tucson, Ariz.; and Washington, D.C.

About J.D. Power and Associates

Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is an ISO 9001-registered global marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, training and customer satisfaction. The firm's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit http://www.jdpower.com/. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies:

Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE:MHP) is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor's, McGraw-Hill Education, BusinessWeek and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2006 were $6.3 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com/.

Media Relations Contacts:
John Tews Sue Helondovitch
J.D. Power and Associates Oxford Communications
Troy, Mich. Lambertville, N.J.
(248) 312-4119 (609) 397-4242 ext. 176
john.tews@jdpa.comshelondovitch@Oxfordcommunications.com

No advertising or other promotional use can be made of the information in this release without the express prior written consent of J.D. Power and Associates. http://www.jdpower.com/corporate

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050527/LAF028LOGO-a
AP Archive:

http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: J.D. Power and Associates

CONTACT: John Tews of J.D. Power and Associates, +1-248-312-4119,
john.tews@jdpa.com; or Sue Helondovitch of Oxford Communications,
+1-609-397-4242, ext. 176, shelondovitch@Oxfordcommunications.com, for J.D.
Power and Associates

Web site:

http://www.jdpower.com/
http://www.mcgraw-hill.com/

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Profile: Media News

Book Explains How Time Tracking is an Underutilized Asset for Corporations Seeking to Achieve Higher Profitability

AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Journyx today announces that CEO Curt Finch's book, "All Your Money Won't Another Minute Buy: Valuing Time as a Business Resource," is available to provide corporate executives valuable information on achieving per-person, per-project profitability by being smarter in using time tracking data. Additional topics include payroll, billing, project management, project accounting and regulations compliance.

The book, based on the principle that all people and all businesses have a right to perform work that the market will reward them for, explains the ways in which a time accounting platform can promote growth and lead a company to higher corporate profitability. Finch applies his experiences and subsequent knowledge in an effort to educate business professionals on the needs of today's knowledge worker economy, as well as where it is going in the future. Real-world case studies are included, such as Liz Claiborne, Telelogic and PFSweb.

The book addresses ideas such as:
-- Web 2.0
-- Corporate Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliance
-- How to create an effective corporate pay structure
-- Key performance indicators
-- Service oriented architecture
-- Linux and open-source software
-- Project accounting
-- Software-as-a-service

What Reviewers are Saying:
-- "Curt's book is a paradigm-changing read and will open your mind to the
power that time knowledge can bring to any organization." - Robert
Virga, CEO of Accounting Software 411
-- "This book offers concise, practical advice on how to choose and use
time-tracking technology to increase productivity, project performance
and profits -- immediately and over the long haul." - Aaron Smith,
Editor at ProjectsAtWork.com

For individuals who are not sure if their company uses time tracking data to the fullest extent, a business assessment quiz is provided at http://www.timetrackingbook.com/. By answering a few questions, corporations can see how they stack up in the areas of estimating and managing projects, meeting compliance regulations, understanding costs and other key business processes.

"All Your Money Won't Another Minute Buy" is available for purchase on Amazon.com.

About Journyx

Journyx is the first company to provide Web-based time-tracking and project accounting solutions that guide customers to per-person, per-project profitability. Customers include American Airlines, Bayer, AC Nielsen, L'Oreal and Symantec. For more information, go to http://www.journyx.com/company/about.html.

Contact: Whitney Wood Otstott, 512-699-7730, wotstott@pr-ink.com

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Curt Finch http://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=34075

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Journyx

CONTACT: Whitney Wood Otstott, +1-512-699-7730, wotstott@pr-ink.com, for
Journyx

Web site:

http://www.journyx.com/

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Profile: Media News

If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere; Crain's New York affirms SimulScribe as leader in voicemail-to-text industry

NEW YORK, Aug. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- SimulScribe, the U.S. leader in voicemail-to-text services and visual voicemail applications, announced today Company CEO, James Siminoff, was named one of 'New York's Top Entrepreneurs' in the Crain's New York Business' 12th Annual Small Business Awards. Siminoff was nominated by Crain's New York Business readers and was selected to receive the award by a panel of Crain's editors. The honor is bestowed upon Siminoff for exemplifying the entrepreneurial spirit that helps drive New York's economy, providing a stream of fresh ideas and jobs.

"Building a technology company in the heart of New York City is highly challenging and yet presents so many opportunities," said James Siminoff, CEO of SimulScribe. "Being headquartered in New York keeps us directly connected to our customers on a daily basis and has helped establish SimulScribe as the U.S. leader in voicemail-to-text services."

Since launching its commercial service in January 2007, SimulScribe has received numerous awards: two coveted Four Star Ratings from PC Magazine, The Business 2.0 Next Net 25 Award and Laptop Magazine's Mobile Mavericks Award.

About SimulScribe

SimulScribe's award wining service converts voicemail to text and delivers it to subscribers via e-mail or SMS. Voicemail automatically transcribed by SimulScribe is delivered in near real-time with the caller's phone number in the e-mail subject line, transcribed voice message in the body and an attached audio file of the original message. SimulScribe customers can unify all their phone numbers to be automatically transcribed and delivered by email or SMS without having to change any of their phone numbers. SimulScribe provides unlimited voicemail box storage and the voice recognition system has a transcription accuracy of over 95 percent. SimulScribe's service works with all wireless and wire-line network providers, Vonage and Skype and users can sign up at http://www.simulscribe.com/.

Media Contact:
David Gerzof, Ashley Biever
617-713-3800
dgerzof@simulscribe.comabiever@simulscribe.com

Source: SimulScribe

CONTACT: David Gerzof, dgerzof@simulscribe.com, or Ashley Biever,
abiever@simulscribe.com, both of SimulScribe, +1-617-713-3800

Web site:

http://www.simulscribe.com/

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Profile: Media News

LAKELAND, Fla., Aug. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- COGISTICS, Inc. has been selected as one of the world's premiere logistics providers as chosen by Inbound Logistics magazine.

"World-class logistics performance is crucial," said Felecia Stratton, editor Inbound Logistics. "Given the scope and scale of the challenge, it is impressive to see COGISTICS providing the kinds of solutions that companies large and small, rely on to solve the tactical logistics issues of serving customers better, faster, and more efficiently. COGISTICS anticipates evolving needs by offering strategic solutions needed to drive business process improvement and change for their customers. For those reasons, Inbound Logistics editors are proud to recognize COGISTICS as a 2007 Top 100 3PL."

Executive Vice President John Oberhofer added, "We are honored to once again be selected as one of Inbound Logistics Top 100 3PL Providers for 2007. We have been recognized as a leader that offers customers real solutions through the use of the latest technology, combined with institutional knowledge of the industry. We are especially gratified with this latest honor because it means we have been named to the Inbound Logistics list for one- third of our entire 16 years of existence as a company. That fact alone speaks volumes about our commitment to work collaboratively with our customers to meet their specific needs."

Inbound Logistics editors selected this year's Top 100 3PL Providers from more than 500 companies, using questionnaires, research and by soliciting reader feedback. The goal was to provide a balanced and accurate assessment of our readers' needs and the 3PLs we believe are best suited to meet their specific requirements.

COGISTICS, Inc., founded in 1991, is an ISO 9001:2000 certified, global leader in freight audit/payment, critical shipment and supply chain management solutions worldwide. COGISTICS has completed an SAS-70 Type II audit and can be relied on to support your Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance Plans.

For more information on COGISTICS, Inc., visit: http://www.cogistics.com/

Inbound Logistics, a leading trade magazine targeted toward business logistics and supply chain managers. The magazine's editorial mission is to help leading companies better manage resources by speeding and reducing inventory and supporting infrastructure, and better matching demand signals to supply lines. More information available at www.inboundlogistics.com

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: COGISTICS, Inc.

CONTACT: Jeff Leslie, Manager of Customer Services, COGISTICS, Inc.,
+1-863-647-9389 ext. 232, jleslie@cogistics.com

Web site:

http://www.cogistics.com/
http://www.inboundlogistics.com/

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Profile: Media News

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Aug. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Two pairs of lovers fight the odds to be together forever in Delroy Reid's new novel, "Secrets of Innocence" (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com/).

More than 30 years ago, Logan's mother was a teenager in Italy when she met a dashing young man by the name of Steve Logan at the local farmer's market. Struck by her graceful beauty, Steve waits by a flower seller for six days hoping that Maria will come by again.

Steve is almost ready to give up when Maria strolls into the market once again. This time they are unable to ignore their love, and they spend one incredible night together. However, Steve is from the Ivory Coast, and is unable to stay in Italy with Maria. Their paths diverge, but neither one is ever able to forget the other.

The product of that fateful night is Logan, who travels from Italy to the United States to become a doctor. One day a beautiful woman is admitted into his emergency room after being attacked in the streets of New York. Though Logan never learns her name, her face haunts him.

Weeks later, Logan is shocked to discover her face staring at him from across a subway train. Their attraction is immediate and undeniable. He learns that the woman's name is Joy, and they fall deeply in love. When Joy admits to Logan that she is carrying the child of her late boyfriend, he accepts the child as his own, and they become a family.

Logan wishes to have his entire family together when the child is born, so Joy invites Maria to the United States for the birth. Their lives are full of happiness and love, but a surprise is just around the bend.

Logan arrives home one day to see a taxi speeding off into the distance. Frightened for his family, he rushes into the house to find his mother in tears. However, it quickly becomes clear that her tears are tears of happiness. After more than 30 years apart, Steve has returned to claim his love and his family. Readers will be shocked to find out what secrets he is hiding in "Secrets of Innocence."

Reid was born in Clarendon, Jamaica, in 1960. A singer, songwriter and inventor, he loves to interact with the public. He attended business school in New York City, where he studied travel and tourism. Reid currently works in the airline industry.

AuthorHouse is the premier book publisher (http://www.authorhouse.com/) for emerging, self-published (http://www.authorhouse.com/GetPublished/FAQ.aspx) authors. For more information, please visit http://www.authorhouse.com/.

EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:
Promotional Services Department
Tel: 888-728-8467
Fax: 812-961-3133
Email: pressreleases@authorhouse.com
(When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com/.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: AuthorHouse

CONTACT: Promotional Services Department of AuthorHouse, +1-888-728-8467,
Fax: +1-812-961-3133, pressreleases@authorhouse.com

Web site:

http://www.authorhouse.com/

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Profile: Media News

INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- In her new novel, "Destiny Beckons" (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com/), Jan Gearries harkens back to the grittiest of pioneer days and follows a young woman as she ventures in the direction of the setting sun in hopes of finding her purpose in life.

The story opens in 1844, shortly after Ellie O'Neal's parents die and leave her orphaned at the ripe age of 17. Lost and without direction, Ellie sells the family farm to a trusted neighbor and begins a journey to California, where rumor has it life is booming.

She walks many trails all the way to the Mississippi, including one where she befriends Jacob, a four-year-old boy whose parents have been killed. Not long after arriving at the Mississippi River, they discover a wagon train composed of people from Kentucky. With a little encouragement, Ellie and Jacob join them and head toward Oregon.

After a couple months of heavy rain and misfortune, the train eventually comes across John and his two daughters, who have surrendered to the grief over their mother and newborn brother's death. Not long after the family joins the train, however, John begins to fall for Ellie, and he even proposes twice. Both times Ellie cannot give up her dream of California, and both times she rejects him.

When they arrive in Oregon, Ellie joins another stage headed for San Francisco. After a few months, though, Ellie realizes that San Francisco is not the land of milk and honey that she had envisioned and begins her travels around all of California. She opens a shop in Los Angeles, adopts two children and even buys a farm in Sutter's Creek, all in search of that which will bring meaning to her life.

Will Ellie discover her destiny? Will she return to John about whom she still thinks? Will she finally fill the hole that the death of her parents cratered within her? Find out in the epic, thoroughly American conclusion of "Destiny Beckons," a book as mysterious and romantic as it is genuine.

Gearries and her husband have been married for 31 years and raised their three children in Indianapolis, where they currently reside. Many life tragedies have reinforced her belief in God and have become the basis for another book on which she is currently working. "These tragedies could have shaken my faith, but instead have given me a greater understanding of how God works," Gearries says. "I do not know how I could have survived without my daily prayers." Destiny Beckons is her second book, but the first in a series. Her first publication was "Quandary" (also published by AuthorHouse). Please visit http://www.myfirstdestinybook.com/ for more information.

AuthorHouse is the premier book publisher (http://www.authorhouse.com/) for emerging, self-published (http://www.authorhouse.com/GetPublished/FAQ.aspx) authors. For more information, please visit http://www.authorhouse.com/.

EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:
Promotional Services Department
Tel: 888-728-8467
Fax: 812-961-3133
Email: pressreleases@authorhouse.com
(When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com/.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: AuthorHouse

CONTACT: Promotional Services Department of AuthorHouse, +1-888-728-8467,
Fax: +1-812-961-3133, pressreleases@authorhouse.com

Web site:

http://www.authorhouse.com/
http://www.myfirstdestinybook.com/

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Profile: Media News

WASHINGTON, Aug. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Responding to unprecedented stakeholder demands for greater accountability, transparency and internal financial controls, nonprofit groups are adopting strenuous new governance measures previously associated with business corporations, according to the latest edition of a book on nonprofit law written by Jerald A. Jacobs, head of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman's Nonprofit Organizations practice in Washington, D.C.

"Nonprofits are having to rethink governance at every turn, from avoiding conflicts of interest and tighter accounting to due diligence ahead of mergers and minding lobbying or political laws," Jacobs points out in Association Law Handbook: A Practice Guide for Associations, Societies and Charities, which is considered the definitive legal guide for nonprofit organizations and was recently published in its Fourth Edition by the American Society of Association Executives. "You could say that nonprofits see the writing on the wall; corporate accounting and securities laws are not written with nonprofits in mind, but principles these rules enshrined effectively set a new governance bar, which organizations accept they must meet, including those in the tax- exempt, nonprofit community."

Jacobs adds that leaders at trade associations, professional societies, charities and other nonprofits are adjusting their governance priorities to foster public accountability and transparency, cognizant of internal and external audiences' growing interest in managers' standards of conduct, ethics and outside offices. "Nonprofits have a renewed focus on asserting internal controls, risk management and sound policies as they mirror corporations' actions in several respects, whether weighing consolidation, engaging in real estate transactions or broadening financial transparency," says Jacobs. "These institutions have long had meticulous policies and procedures detailing membership rights and obligations, for example, and recently we see that same treatment being extended to leadership succession, executive compensation, and government relations legal compliance," he explains.

To avoid legal or ethical lapses that can trigger investigations, jeopardize tax-exempt status and weaken members' confidence, Jacobs urges nonprofits to carefully review their operations, assets and procedures before determining where controls and policies must be updated to comply with new governance norms or accommodate technologies changing how nonprofits maintain records, communicate and raise money. "Look at emerging document and data retention laws, for example," Jacobs adds, pointing out the fact that newsletters, fundraising and internal staff processes often rely the Internet and email, which may be sought as evidence in legal proceedings or become subject to federal and state data privacy laws. "Like their corporate counterparts, the onus is on nonprofit executives to keep governance a step ahead of the changes technology imposes on their operations."

"Governance is not a new concept for nonprofits, particularly for those institutions attuned to holding a degree of public trust inherent to advocacy or philanthropy," explains Jacobs. "The question today is how you define and implement good governance in a manner that anyone -- not just your fellow insiders -- can recognize. Nonprofits seek a posture that lets them keep governance in line and assure that they can concentrate on their missions and causes. Business corporations' moves are revealing an appealing path to 'seal of approval' governance practices."

Jacobs' team represents more than 200 national nonprofit organizations, including a variety of trade associations, professional societies, interest groups, and philanthropic organizations. Pillsbury's nonprofit clients benefit from the firm's incomparable experience and decades-long commitment to nonprofit work. Attorneys in the practice provide counseling and advocacy on subjects including antitrust, transactions, governance, tax exemption, litigation, technology, health care, legislative/regulatory matters and intellectual property.

About Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP is a dynamic full-service law firm with market-leading strengths in the energy, financial services, real estate and technology sectors. Our lawyers serve clients throughout the U.S. and internationally, including from key global financial centers such as New York, London, Tokyo and Shanghai. Industry-driven client teams and a multidisciplinary approach to crucial business issues of the day also ensure our clients receive thorough counsel on all aspects of a matter.

The 2007 Corporate Counsel survey of Fortune 500 companies named Pillsbury a "Go-To Firm" in five practice areas-corporate transactions, litigation, IP litigation, IP patent counseling, and labor and employment. Pillsbury placed among the nation's top 20 law firms in number of minority partners according to the Minority Law Journal 2007 Diversity Scorecard and was also named as one of Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies in 2006.

Source: Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

CONTACT: Tom Resau, Public Relations Manager of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw
Pittman, +1-202-663-8236, tom.resau@pillsburylaw.com

Web site:

http://www.pillsburywinthrop.com/

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Profile: Media News

Lack of Employee Engagement and Increased Bureaucracy are Signs of Trouble, According to Report by The Conference Board

NEW YORK, Aug. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Companies are now being forced to constantly reorganize in order to stay competitive. A new report from The Conference Board pinpoints the implications of executing a new organization design, and the telltale signs that indicate organization problems. The report is based on discussions from recent Conference Board conferences and workshops, with senior executives from a wide variety of industries.

"Executives in many companies have come to accept a new reality," says author Robert Kramer, Principal Researcher, The Conference Board. "Since organizations now experience constant change -- driven by today's global and hyper-competitive environment -- they need to build an internal design capability to reorganize on an almost continuous basis. To play this vital role, managers and HR professionals must develop a more robust, holistic definition of organization design and have access to a new set of tools."

The report identifies key warning signs that suggest problems in corporate organization design:

-- A disconnect between the application of the company's resources and the
work that is done and business outcomes (misalignment of structure to
strategy).
-- Significant disagreement regarding the company strategy and how it is
executed.
-- A steady increase in bureaucracy, cost structure, etc.
-- Excessive layers of management.
-- Investments in capital are made without corresponding investments in
people.
-- An excessive focus on internal company issues.
-- Absence of employee engagement.
-- Organizational inability to change to meet new strategic or operating
needs.
-- No set process for continuous improvement.
-- Key stakeholder requirements are unmet.

Other suggestions to improve organization design capability:

-- Become competent in organization design. Since organization design is a
constant (requiring perpetual redesign), companies that do it well make
it a core competency for their line managers.

-- Encourage dialogue regarding organization design among all stakeholders
so they understand how the elements of an aligned, flexible design can
improve the performance of organizations, teams, and individuals.

-- Fix the right problem. Careful diagnosis of issues leads to good design
recommendations.

-- Select leaders with the skills, attitudes and competencies required to
operate effectively within a new organization design.

-- Resist the temptation to introduce organizational practices used by
others into your company. The alignment of many design choices has
greater impact on an organization's success than a handful of "best in
class" but misaligned choices. What other companies do informs - not
necessarily answers - how management should resolve a design issue.

Source:

Designing Organizations That Execute New Strategies and Create Capabilities for Change

Executive Action No. 240, The Conference Board

About The Conference Board

The Conference Board creates and disseminates knowledge about management and the marketplace to help businesses strengthen their performance and better serve society. Working as a global independent membership organization in the public interest, The Conference Board conducts conferences, makes forecasts and assesses trends, publishes information and analysis, and brings executives together to learn from one another. The Conference Board is a not-for-profit organization and holds 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in the United States. Visit The Conference Board's website - http://www.conference-board.org/

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: The Conference Board

CONTACT: Frank Tortorici of The Conference Board, +1-212-339-0231, or
for copy of report: courter@conference-board.org

Web site:

http://www.conference-board.org/

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Profile: Media News

NEW YORK, Aug. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- With the same trendy look and feel of the printed version, 24 HORAS, the New York based Hispanic Daily Newspaper successfully launched 24 HORAS INTERACTIVE.

(Photo:

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070814/NYTU057 )

According to New Mexico Based PRC, 85% of Latino Consumers are looking for one thing via internet: Information. Also, according to the same study the conversion from the printed to online format of newspaper usage has increased up to 25% in the past year alone.

"24 Horas Interactive is catered to the New Latino. An educated and hard working individual with limited time to read the printed news or can't afford more than 20 minutes a day online reading the paper in order to be informed or entertained," said Eddie Cruz, Publisher and Founder of Tricom Media.

"Internet usage among Hispanics grew 950% in the past three years and the New York market needed 'the next generation' of Hispanic Newspapers to efficiently tap into it. That is our business opportunity," said John Maisel, a Hispanic Media expert and a Tricom Media consultant. "This is something extremely crucial for our target market. The capability to develop efficient online platforms. Everything is migrating towards the internet and newspapers are not the exception," added Maisel.

24 Horas Interactive is already available to consumers worldwide its guerrilla search engines propagation assures effective market penetration and usage and can be viewed by visiting: www.24horasWeb.com/interactiva

"The look and feel of 24 Horas interactive is mirroring the printed edition. It is amazing that users can access Display and Classifieds in an extraordinary online format, just like they would in newsprint," said Gary Albanese, 24 Horas sales VP.

"We are quickly and aggressively gaining market share by adding a revolutionary element to our product mix. According to Alexa.com, our site has received over 3 Million hits in the past three months. This is totally in tune with the times we are living in and the vibrant city we call home: New York. We strive to offer advertisers more for their investment and the best results in their advertising," added Albanese.

For complete details 24 Horas, please call: 1.877.TAP.24HRS or visit www.24horasweb.com

Photo: NewsCom:

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070814/NYTU057
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: 24 Horas News

CONTACT: 24 Horas, +1-877-TAP-24HRS, Ext. 401, or info@tricomnews.com

Web site:

http://www.24horasweb.com/
http://www.24horasweb.com/interactiva
http://alexa.com/

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Profile: Media News

WASHINGTON, Aug. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Patton Boggs LLP has been named one of the 2007 Best Law Firms for Women by Working Mother magazine and national legal consulting firm Flex-Time Lawyers LLC. The firm was specifically singled out for its vision, accomplishment, and unparalleled success supporting working mothers with a healthy work/life balance, retaining female attorneys, and promoting outstanding women.

Patton Boggs will be featured in the August/September issue of the magazine along with other top firms with a special section "Law Firms Leading the Way." Representatives of the firm will also attend a gala awards luncheon at the Mandarin Oriental in New York, NY on September 24, 2007.

Working Mother magazine, the authoritative source for career moms, and Flex-Time Lawyers LLC, a national consulting firm advising attorneys and legal employees on women's workplace matters, teamed up to introduce the 2007 Working Mother & Flex-Time Lawyers Best Law Firms for Women Award. The honor builds on the tradition set by Working Mother 100 Best Companies, which has set the benchmark for work/life best practices nationwide for more than two decades.

"We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition from such a well- respected national publication like Working Mother. The important career/life balance issues it regularly covers are very much in-line with our goals at Patton Boggs, which are to provide a supportive work environment for all of our employees and their families," noted Stuart Pape, firm Managing Partner. "We are particularly proud of our human resources department, as well as our partnership, who have so effectively taken the lead on ensuring that we support our working mothers."

Patton Boggs LLP

Based in Washington, D.C., Patton Boggs is a national leader in public policy, litigation, and business law, and is well known for its deep bipartisan roots in the national political arena. The firm's core practice areas are Public Policy and Regulatory, Litigation, Business, and Intellectual Property. With offices in Northern Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Dallas, Denver, Anchorage, and internationally in Doha, Qatar, more than 500 lawyers and professionals provide comprehensive, practical, and cost-effective legal counsel to clients around the globe. For more information, visit us at www.pattonboggs.com.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Patton Boggs LLP

CONTACT: Stuart M. Pape of Patton Boggs LLP, +1-202-457-5240

Web site:

http://www.pattonboggs.com/

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Profile: Media News

Firm recognized for ongoing commitment to retention and promotion of women

NEW YORK, Aug. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sidley Austin LLP has been named to the 2007 Working Mother & Flex-Time Lawyers Best Law Firms for Women. The firm is among a total of 50 law firms selected by Working Mother magazine and Flex-Time Lawyers, a national consulting firm advising lawyers and legal employers on work-life balance and the retention and advancement of women.

This is the inaugural year that Working Mother and Flex-Time Lawyers have joined forces to compile the "Best Law Firms for Women" list. The 50 winning firms were selected based on their responses to an application measuring six areas of importance: workforce profile, benefits and compensation, parental leave, child care, flexibility and retention and advancement of women.

Sidley's inclusion on the list was based on its long-standing commitment to the recruitment, retention and promotion of women. The firm's formal initiative to provide a work environment that fosters the establishment and development of women's legal careers began in 1998, and its Committee on Retention and Promotion of Women was established to ensure sustained diversity efforts. In 2005, Sidley became the second law firm to win the Catalyst Award, from the leading research and advisory organization dedicated to expanding opportunities for women and business.

"A better place to work for women means a better place for all our colleagues," commented Thomas A. Cole, Chairman of Sidley's Executive Committee. "We are certainly gratified to be recognized as a Best Law Firm for Women, because we truly believe we are."

Currently, Sidley has more than 600 women lawyers and 125 women partners. Many have taken advantage of the firmwide reduced hours policy, which enables lawyers, at both the associate and partner levels, to work a flexible schedule.

"There is no set formula for balancing work and family and no single definition of success for the working mother," said Laurin Blumenthal Kleiman, firmwide co-chair of Sidley's Committee on Retention and Promotion of Women. "Thanks to a supportive climate and strong mentors, Sidley women -- particularly those with families -- are empowered to build a career that works best for them."

Sidley Austin LLP is one of the world's largest full-service law firms, with more than 1,700 lawyers practicing in 16 U.S. and international cities including Beijing, Brussels, Frankfurt, Geneva, Hong Kong, London, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo. In 2006, Sidley was named to Legal Business' Global Elite, their designation for "the 15 finest law firms in the world." Sidley was again named the number one law firm for overall client service by BTI, a Boston-based consulting and research firm, in 2007. BTI has also named Sidley to their Client Service Hall of Fame as one of only two law firms to rank in the Client Service Top 10 for six years in a row.

For purposes of the New York State Bar rules, this press release may be considered Attorney Advertising and the headquarters of the firm are Sidley Austin LLP 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10019, 212.839.5300 and Sidley Austin LLP One South Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60603, 312.853.7000. Prior results described herein do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact:
Janet Zagorin, Director of Practice Development, 212.839.8797
jzagorin@sidley.com
Rhonda Walker, Rubenstein Associates, 212.843.8338
rwalker@rubenstein.com

Source: Sidley Austin LLP

CONTACT: Janet Zagorin, Director of Practice Development of Sidley
Austin LLP, +1-212-839-8797, jzagorin@sidley.com, or Rhonda Walker of
Rubenstein Associates, +1-212-843-8338, rwalker@rubenstein.com, for Sidley
Austin LLP

Web site:

http://www.sidley.com/

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Profile: Media News

WAYNE, N.J., Aug. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ballantine Corporation, a full-service direct mail production company based in New Jersey, is excited to announce a new client service -- personal URLs; clients have reported success.

*(LOGO: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/logo-Ballantine_72dpi.jpg)

A recent success story involves The Blood-Horse magazine, a publication devoted to international thoroughbred racing and breeding. They launched a campaign to pre-register subscribers to a "subscriber only" web site (http://www.bloodhorsenow.com/). View an example of the personal URL (PURL) landing page at: http://www.ballantine.com/images/bloodhorse.png.

"We sent out 21,500 mail pieces to current subscribers and our conversion rate was impressive and above expectations," Monica Marrs, Circulation Marketing Manager for The Blood-Horse, explained.

Here are some stats: 8.73 percent of subscribers registered; 10.3 percent visited their PURL; and 84.7 percent that visited their PURL, signed up.

"We're really excited for The Blood-Horse and the success they had with their PURL," Ryan Cote, Director of Marketing at Ballantine said. "Personal URLs, depending on the audience's demographics, can be a powerful response vehicle to add to a direct mail campaign."

Personal URLs, a form of one to one marketing, are domain names that contain the recipient's first and last name. When clicked on, it will take the party to a personalized landing page. The client can swap out images and blocks of copy; include a survey for gathering important data; pre-populate an order form with the person's details to help increase conversion rate; all with real-time response tracking.

Personal URLs can be included on variable data mail pieces for maximum personalization, or on generic mail pieces to help boost response.

Helping to build strong customer relationships, or prospect for new customers, personal URLs are a great way to integrate direct mail with online communication.

The direct mail production experts at Ballantine will work with their clients to create highly-personalized, data-driven personal URL direct mail campaigns that increase response rates, turn prospects into customers, and lost customers into rejuvenated sales.

Founded in 1966, The Ballantine Corporation is a third-generation family-owned business that continues to keep up with the times and the evolving technology of today's fast-paced, modern working culture.

To view samples of personal URLs (PURLs) and to learn how they can contribute to more effective one to one marketing, visit: http://www.ballantine.com/integrated_marketing.html.

This release was issued on behalf of the above organization by Send2Press(R), a unit of Neotrope(R). http://www.send2press.com/

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: The Ballantine Corporation

CONTACT: Ryan Cote of The Ballantine Corporation, +1-973-305-1500,
ext. 206, ryan@ballantine.com

Web site:

http://www.ballantine.com/
http://www.bloodhorsenow.com/

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Profile: Media News

With addition of new titles, Zinio.com solidifies its position as the most comprehensive digital newsstand for magazines in the world

SAN FRANCISCO and NEW YORK, Aug. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Zinio LLC, the leading digital publishing and distribution platform for magazines and books, announced today the launch of more than 65 new domestic and international digital publications in the first half of 2007, increasing the number of magazine titles available on Zinio's digital publishing platform to over 700.

Zinio's retail site, zinio.com, has grown steadily to become the largest and most comprehensive site for purchasing digital magazines, thanks to broad acceptance by publishers as well as increased adoption by readers. Publishers are eager to capture mindshare from the more than 3 million users who are in Zinio's active user base.

"Zinio's services allow us to get maximum exposure for our brand throughout the world," said Onintze Gutierrez, Director of MARCA Media in Spain. "We continue to be impressed with their knowledge of the digital publishing market and their ability to maximize our investment of both time and resources."

New domestic and international popular titles that have recently launched and are now leveraging Zinio's digital platform and services include: Cosmopolitan (UK), Economic Digest (Hong Kong), Eeva (Finland), Esquire (UK), eWorld (Thailand), FHM (Spain), Fidelity Magazine (USA), Fitness RX (USA), Good Housekeeping (UK), Harper's Bazaar (UK), HELLO! (UK), Hola! (Spain), Home Entertainment (Australia), MARCA (Spain), Maxim (Czech Republic), Newsweek (Japan), Outside (USA), Photoshop User (USA), Playboy (Spain), Road Bike Action (USA), Transworld Surf (USA), and wProst (Poland).

"Zinio was the best choice for our digital edition because they have the global reach and market knowledge that is essential to helping us promote our brand in a digital world," said Marisa Moya, Multimedia Marketing Director, of Gruner + Jahr.

"Our publishers are benefiting from Zinio's comprehensive offering and knowledge of the digital market," said Richard Maggiotto, President of Zinio. "Our turnkey retail engine, delivery, circulation, and publishing services make the transition to digital an efficient and streamlined process for clients. We believe that building audience, in addition to circulation, is critical and we continue to focus our efforts on innovating new methods of extending our client's brands through our products and marketing services."

For a complete portfolio of available titles, or to purchase any of the digital titles offered by Zinio, visit www.zinio.com, www.textbooks.zinio.com, or www.zinio.com/global for international publications.

ABOUT ZINIO LLC

Zinio is the global marketplace leader for digital publishing products and services. Zinio provides publishers with new circulation and revenue growth opportunities through easy, turnkey solutions and complete circulation, production and fulfillment services. Zinio's major publishing partners include Hearst, IDG, Gruner + Jahr, Hachette Filipacchi, IPC Media, Mariah Media, McGraw-Hill, The National Magazine Company, Playboy Enterprises, Primedia, Rogers Publishing, Transcontinental Media, World Publications, and Ziff Davis. Zinio's technology and distribution partners include Acer, Adobe, Havas Media, IBM/Lenovo, M2 Media Group. Zinio has offices in San Francisco and New York with several franchisees worldwide. For more information, or to purchase any of the digital titles offered by Zinio, visit www.zinio.com, www.textbooks.zinio.com, or www.zinio.com/global for international publications.

Source: Zinio LLC

CONTACT: Blakely Atherton, 510-465-6144, or
Blakely_atherton at comcast.net, for Zinio LLC

Web site:

http://www.zinio.com/
http://www.zinio.com/global
http://www.textbooks.zinio.com/

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Profile: Media News

Leading Clinical Guidelines Support Quality Care

SEATTLE, Aug. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Regence, the Pacific Northwest/Mountain region's largest health insurer, has licensed the complete six-product, evidence-based clinical guidelines series from Seattle-based Milliman Care Guidelines LLC, A Milliman Company.

The Care Guidelines present best practices for treating common conditions in a variety of care settings and assist healthcare professionals in providing quality care by reducing underuse, overuse and misuse of medical resources. They are available in many easy-to-use software options, from web-based applications to interactive software producing real-time management reports, to handheld versions.

Regence's health care services team, consisting of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals in Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington, will use the annually updated Care Guidelines products through Milliman's Web software. This method of access provides efficient, streamlined navigation, and gives users easy access to detailed medical evidence through annotated bibliographies, references and footnotes.

"Regence selected the Milliman Care Guidelines to incorporate them into TriZetto's Clinical CareAdvance(TM) management program to refine and improve our ability to provide time, disease, and member-specific assistance to members and physicians regardless of their level of care, at home, in a care facility, or in a hospital," said Terry Olson, MD, medical director for Regence BlueShield. "Our members require assistance in making healthcare choices for a variety of conditions and in a variety of settings. The combination of Milliman and Clinical CareAdvance places Regence at the forefront in providing both member and physician assistance," Olson added.

"We're very pleased that Regence has joined the more than one thousand clients already using the Care Guidelines," said Scott Harris, Milliman Care Guidelines Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "We're based in Seattle, and are especially happy to announce that they have become our 14th client in Washington. By using our evidence-based guidelines, Regence can continue to improve healthcare quality and patient safety wherever it offers coverage -- improvements that are vital to the physical and economic well- being of all the region's residents and employers. The Chronic Care Guidelines product is an excellent example of this, as it supports health plans' and employers' efforts to improve the health of those with chronic diseases such as Asthma and Diabetes. We can even offer clients a Spanish-language version of its patient education materials," Harris concluded.

About Regence

Created in 1995, Regence is the largest health insurer in the Pacific Northwest/Mountain State region. It includes Regence BlueShield of Idaho, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah and Regence BlueShield (in Washington). Through these plans, Regence provides health, life, vision, dental and long-term care insurance to nearly three million members. Regence and its plans are not-for-profit, independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. More than one in three Americans have coverage from the Blues. For more information, visit www.regence.com

About Milliman Care Guidelines

Milliman Care Guidelines LLC, A Milliman Company, is located in Seattle, Washington, and independently develops and produces evidence-based clinical guidelines that are used to support the care of one in three Americans. Covering the continuum of care, the annually-updated, six-product Care Guidelines series includes Ambulatory Care, Inpatient and Surgical Care, General Recovery Guidelines, Recovery Facility Care, Home Care, and Chronic Care Guidelines. For more information, visit www.careguidelines.com.

Milliman Care Guidelines is a wholly owned subsidiary of Milliman, which serves the full spectrum of business, financial, government, and union organizations. Founded in 1947 as Milliman & Robertson, the company has 47 offices in principal cities in the United States and worldwide. Milliman employs more than 2,000 people, including a professional staff of over 900 qualified consultants and actuaries. The firm has consulting practices in employee benefits, healthcare, life insurance/financial services, and property & casualty insurance. It is a founding member of Milliman Global, an international organization of consulting firms serving insurance, employee benefits and healthcare clients around the globe. For further information, visit www.milliman.com.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Milliman Care Guidelines (R)

CONTACT: Scott Harris, Milliman Care Guidelines, Senior Vice President
of Sales and Marketing, +1-206-381-8160, +1-480-203-7268,
scott.harris@milliman.com; Samantha Meese, Regence, Strategic Communications
Manager, +1-503-225-5332, +1-503-853-3730, sxmeese@regence.com

Web site:

http://www.careguidelines.com/
http://www.milliman.com/
http://www.regence.com/

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Profile: Media News

As Niche Value Grows, Marketers Find Treasure in Previously Untapped Market of 1.1 Million Military Spouses: Young, Brand-Loyal Mothers with Disposable Income.

PITTSBURGH, Aug. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- The secret is out: Military spouses are a cherished consumer market! Over the past year, a tremendous number of companies, from firms selling consumer packaged to travel and financial entities have recognized the spending power, brand loyalty and recession-proof nature of the military spouse market; and have begun direct marketing efforts to reach them.

Recent events are feeding the frenzy. This year, military spouses' efforts to maintain the war's Homefront has become a media mainstay. Last month came the announcement of the construction of a military spouse national monument in Washington, DC, with a design by Military Spouse magazine art director Ted Demianczyk. This summer, Lifetime Channel's Army Wives became the network's most successful program ever. And soon, a major network will announce the launch of a military spouse sit-com based on the real life story of Navy wife and Military Spouse magazine columnist Sarah Smiley.

Dave Exterovich, ad sales director for Military Spouse magazine, is shocked that it's taken so long to recognize this market. "It's no secret that women make most household purchasing decisions. And given that military husbands are away so much, that's even more the case in military families. There are over a million military spouses. Their average age is 30. They have children. And contrary to popular belief, their household incomes are much better than the average American family. What marketer wouldn't want to reach them?"

Babette Maxwell, an active duty Navy wife who co-founded Military Spouse magazine, added, "We're incredibly brand loyal when addressed specifically as military spouses. We feel so special when someone or some company recognizes us directly. We're a proud, tightly-knit bunch and we reward those who support us with undying loyalty."

So how does this consumer market fly under the radar coverage of savvy marketers? It doesn't any more! Maxwell says that the number of marketers wanting to reach military spouses has increased so dramatically that Military Spouse magazine has been forced to double its print publishing frequency from six times per year to 12 times per year, starting in January.

Maxwell says that her magazine's 2008 circulation will be 50% higher than in 2007. "This is testament to the number of military spouses signing up for the movement that we have provided a framework for joining. As military spouses, we share bonds and common hardships that civilians just cannot understand. We're just one big giant family."

Exterovich says that his magazine will launch a brand new Web site this fall that will provide the online community that military spouse's desire.

Military Spouse (http://www.milspousemag.com/) is published by Victory Media, a veteran-owned business, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa. The company also publishes G.I. Jobs (http://www.gijobs.net/) and Veterans Business Journal (http://www.vbjonline.net/).

Source: Victory Media

CONTACT: Dave Exterovich of Victory Media, +1-412-269-1663, Ext. 142

Web site:

http://www.milspousemag.com/
http://www.victorymediainc.com/
http://www.gijobs.net/
http://www.vbjonline.net/

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Profile: Media News

CARDIFF, Calif., Aug. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Blackhawk Fund Media (BULLETIN BOARD: BHWF) , announces the commencement of marketing plans, based on the success the best-selling book, "The Secret". Dr. Denis Waitley, co-author of "The Secret", has selected The Blackhawk Fund Media to produce his best-selling books into DVD format, which will be marketed worldwide. With the enormous success of "The Secret" selling 500,000 copies in the first six months alone and over 20 million copies to date, The Company will commence the marketing plan which made "The Secret" the number one selling book and DVD.

The Blackhawk Fund Media currently owns 10 cable television productions, which advertisers pay to reach a National audience. It is The Company's intention to use this massive exposure for the marketing of Dr. Denis Waitley's DVDs, of which The Company retains a 50% profit split. This provides unlimited upside to Blackhawk's revenues, in the event the sales even come close to that of "The Secret".

The Company will also employ proprietary marketing techniques through affiliate databases and online communications. With the first-hand experience of the success achieved through the marketing of "The Secret", The Company believes the sales of Dr. Waitley's materials have the ability to surpass all expectations.

From time to time, the Company may issue news releases that contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the safe harbor created by those sections. This material may contain statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. For those statements, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statement provisions contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and any amendments thereto. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, goals, assumptions, or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." "Forward-looking statements" are based upon expectations, estimates and projections at the time the statements are made that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated.

http://www.blackhawkfund.com/

775-887-0670

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: The Blackhawk Fund Media

CONTACT: The Blackhawk Fund Media, +1-775-887-0670

Web site:

http://www.blackhawkfund.com/

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Profile: Media News

WORKING MOTHER MAGAZINE RECOGNIZES PROGRAMS IN DIVERSITY, WORK/LIFE BALANCE

MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Global law firm Dorsey & Whitney has been selected by Working Mother magazine as one of the nation's 50 "Best Law Firms For Women." The magazine's inaugural law firm evaluation, based on policies, programs and achievements in diversity and work/life balance for women attorneys, appears in the August/September issue available today.

Law firms, in general, are criticized for discouraging balance between work and life outside of work -- for both men and women. Dorsey Managing Partner Marianne Short says attention focused on enabling work/life balance and improving the experience of female attorneys "can benefit the entire profession, and recast the definition of a competent lawyer."

In January 2007, Short became the first woman to head the 95-year-old Minneapolis-based firm. She is one of only five women in the country leading a top-100 law practice. Among the 50 firms on the Working Mother list, Dorsey is the only top-100 firm with a woman attorney in the highest leadership position.

"Certainly, female attorneys face unique stresses and challenges," said Short. "But being a mother and building or maintaining a rewarding law career can be compatible aspirations. Quality work and client service are the foundations of a successful legal practice. Finding work/life balance does not compromise quality or client service; it does not mean less work. But it requires a commitment by the individual and the firm to do things differently."

Dorsey has implemented multiple programs and policies that enable work/life balance and appeal to working parents. Initiatives that help attract, engage, retain and develop women attorneys include:

-- Parental Leave. The Dorsey Parental Leave Policy provides attorneys the
option to take up to six months of leave following the birth or
adoption of a child.

-- Flexible Work Arrangements. Non-traditional work arrangements include
reduced-hours work schedules, compressed workweeks and telecommuting.

-- Childcare Subsidies. Dorsey subsidizes, in locations where the firm has
agreements with a drop-in childcare provider, the cost of 20 days of
back-up childcare per child, per year.

-- Continuing Legal Education. Dorsey work-life balance courses have
included "Zen and the Art of Remote Access," and "Work/Life Balance:
the Fragile Juggling Act."

Recognition by Working Mother also is based, in part, on the prevalence of women attorneys with leadership accountability. At Dorsey, in addition to Marianne Short in the managing partner role, the firm's general counsel position is held by Suzanne Van Dyk, and three female partners sit on the firm's board of directors. Women attorneys manage two Dorsey offices, and female partners head several of the firm's law practices. Additionally, women partners chair or co-chair the firm-wide recruiting and diversity initiatives.

The complete 2007 Best Law Firms for Women list can be found in the August/September issue of Working Mother magazine, on newsstands August 14, and at http://www.workingmother.com/ and http://www.flextimelawyers.com/.

Working Mother magazine, the authoritative source for career-committed mothers, and Flex-Time Lawyers LLC, a national consulting firm advising attorneys and legal employers on work-life balance and retaining and promoting women, joined forces to select the "Best Law Firms For Women" list. All firms that participated in the national survey received a scorecard indicating how they stand on work/life and women's issues, providing them with a benchmarking tool to improve the status of women in the future. An awards event celebrating the winning firms will be held in New York on September 24, 2007.

About Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Clients have relied on Dorsey (http://www.dorsey.com/) since 1912 as a valued business partner. With 650 lawyers in 18 locations in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia, Dorsey provides an integrated, proactive approach to its clients' legal and business needs. Dorsey represents a number of the world's most successful Fortune 500 companies from a variety of disciplines, including leaders in the financial services, investment banking, life sciences, securities, technology and energy sectors, as well as nonprofit and government entities.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Dorsey & Whitney

CONTACT: Larry Splett of Dorsey & Whitney, +1-612-492-5315,
splett.larry@dorsey.com

Web site:

http://www.dorsey.com/
http://www.workingmother.com/
http://www.flextimelawyers.com/.

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Profile: Media News

BERKELEY, Calif., Aug. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- BookFinder.com's massive inventory of 125 million new, used and international titles helps college textbook buyers save big by locating the best prices on textbooks.

College students are spending upwards of $1,000 on textbooks every school year. There are substantial savings available by skipping the monopoly bookstores to compare prices across multiple marketplaces. BookFinder.com's comparison shopping website links to an enormous network of over 100,000 booksellers in 58 countries, from giants to indies. Students order directly from the bookseller of their choice, without any fees or markup.

"I can't believe how much students are having to pay this year," says BookFinder.com founder Anirvan Chatterjee. Chatterjee, 30, developed the original search technology in 1997 as a class project at the University of California, Berkeley.

"We checked prices for a typical UC Berkeley first semester course list: Biology 1, Political Science 2, Chemistry 4A, and History 7A. At the campus discount bookstore, a student would spend $517 to buy books for those four courses (or $635 buying only new books). On BookFinder.com, those books are available for just $272.45, including shipping. That's a real-life savings of $244.55, or 47%."

Buying an international edition of the main biology textbook via BookFinder.com would have saved students a whopping $112.25, or 72%. The three texts for the political science class cost $61.75 at the campus discount store, but just $14.67 on BookFinder.com, a savings of $47.08, or 76%.

BookFinder.com (http://www.bookfinder.com/textbooks/) is the best way to buy college textbooks:

-- 125 million books for sale
-- compare textbook prices with the cost of shipping and handling built-in
-- textbooks have condition descriptions, to help pick out the best copy
-- extensive reach, as the best-known book shopping sites aren't always
the cheapest
-- find international edition textbooks

Since 1997, BookFinder.com has been one of the best ways to find and buy books online. The one-stop ecommerce search engine has an inventory of over 125 million books available for sale from a network of over 100,000 booksellers from 58 countries, making it the world's largest searchable book inventory available anywhere, online or off.

Anirvan Chatterjee is available for interview. Contact: Barbara Franzoia
Consults.
First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:
Website: http://www.bookfinder.com/textbooks

Source: BookFinder.com

CONTACT: Barbara Franzoia, +1-415-291-0243, barbara@franzoia.com, for
BookFinder.com

NOTE TO EDITORS: Extended textbook price comparison summary: http://journal.bookfinder.com/archives/category/textbooks

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Profile: Media News

YORK, Pa., Aug. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Headlines abound about the high and ever increasing cost of college tuition. However, skyrocketing prices at campus bookstores typically escape unnoticed. That is until students arrive to purchase college textbooks, then sticker shock sets in. Instead of complaining, two college friends decided to solve the problem by creating www.halfcollegebooks.com, a new online discount book store.

Founded on the premise of "the most book for the buck," halfcollegebooks.com prices are typically 15 percent less than the average college book store price. "As opposed to college bookstores, we typically sell our titles well under list price," halfcollegebooks.com co-founder Ryan Ward said.

The National Retail Federation estimates that college students or their parents spend approximately $8.8 billion dollars each year on textbooks. "Because we're students, we know how important it is to find cheap college textbooks," halfcollegebooks.com co-founder Justin Tomevi said.

halfcollegebooks.com carries a large selection of discounted textbooks from major publishers, including Houghton Mifflin and Addison Wesley, in many subject areas from math and science textbooks, teaching, business and accounting textbooks to medical and psychology textbooks.

In addition to more than one million new and used textbooks, halfcollegebooks.com offers best-selling novels, DVDs, CDs, PlayStation, Xbox 360 and Nintendo games and consoles and computer games.

Tomevi and Ward, Accounting and Finance majors at Eastern University near Philadelphia, brainstormed the site during an accounting test study session. "We applied knowledge from our business classes as well as our own morals to come up with a better way for students like us to get books," Ward said.

The site has already garnered a legion of fans who are working to spread the word on college campuses throughout the country. "halfcollegebooks.com presents," a series of site-sponsored concerts is a major part of the marketing program. Herbie Hancock, 10-time Grammy-winning jazz/funk/keyboardist, will kick off the series August 24 at the Strand Capitol Performing Arts Center in York, PA.

Although they were met with some skepticism from friends and their parents needed a little convincing as to the merits of creating an e-commerce company while still in school, their professors mentored them providing encouragement and constructive criticism. And, the success of the site has instilled pride in those who know the students.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: halfcollegebooks.com

CONTACT: Christine Bega for halfcollegebooks.com, +1-717-846-1500,
Ext. 247, cbega@barrygroup.com

Web site:

http://www.halfcollegebooks.com/

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Profile: Media News

LONDON, August 14/PRNewswire/ -- In the four months since Tenancy Deposit Protection became a mandatory
requirement in the private rental market, the Tenancy Deposit Scheme already
safeguards the deposits of over 225,000 tenants. These combined deposits are
worth nearly GBP150 million. 7,000 new tenancies are registered on an average
day.

For this startling achievement to come about so quickly, more than
125,000 landlords are joined to the scheme, mostly through regulated letting
agents who are members of ARLA, the NAEA, RICS and other affiliated bodies
such as the National Approved Lettings Scheme.

However, a recent survey for the Tenancy Deposit Scheme showed that
nearly a fifth of all landlords are still unaware of the mandatory nature of
tenancy deposit protection. This is despite there being less than two months
to go before a likely increase in the number of disputes requiring
Alternative Dispute Resolution.

This will follow the first significant tranche of tenancies to come to an
end since deposit protection legislation was implemented in April. Even
though the average tenancy now runs for 18 months, this six month deadline
may be crucial as it is very frequently the initial length of a tenancy
agreement.

The rise in cases expected in October is likely to increase awareness
among tenants that it is mandatory for their deposit to be protected under
one of the three government authorised schemes. Failure to comply means that
not only will the landlord forfeit rights to possession but will also have to
pay the tenant three times the amount of the original deposit taken.

Commented Lawrence Greenberg, Chief Executive of the Tenancy Deposit
Scheme, "There is still too much complacency about mandatory deposit
protection in the rental market. As a result, some landlords, and even their
agents, could be in for a rude shock as tenancies come to an end. Worse, it
also means that there are too many tenants who are unsecured. This is
disappointing, especially given how successful we have been in helping to
implement mandatory tenancy deposit protection.

"Whereever possible, we have simplified all the processes so that
landlords and their letting agents are properly prepared for each new tenancy
that comes on stream. We are also helping to make tenants aware of the
security of deposit protection and the advantages of Alternative Dispute
Resolution," Lawrence Greenberg added.

In addition to simplifying the information on the web pages, The Scheme
has published a new leaflet to explain deposit protection and dispute
resolution. This is available to the public through all members of the
scheme, or directly from TDS Ltd.

The Scheme has a track record in dispute resolution that goes back well
before deposit protection became mandatory. This shows the growth in cases
resolved. They have risen from an average of less than ten a month two years
ago to over 40 a month. To cope with this workload, the Scheme has increased
the number of case examiners from 25 to 40 and is recruiting still more.

Full information for landlords, tenants and agents is available on
http://www.tds.gb.com or +44-(0)845-226-7837

Notes for Editors

Tenancy Deposit Protection became mandatory on April 6, this year.
Landlords who take deposits and let under an Assured Shorthold Tenancy are
required to be joined to one of the three government authorised schemes

Letting agents and landlords are regularly surveyed by ARLA about tenancy
deposit protection on behalf of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme by ARLA. The ARLA
quarterly surveys are the largest of their kind to be conducted in the
Private Rented Sector.

Source: Tenancy Deposit Scheme

Media contact: Malcolm Harrison, +44-(0)20-7581-8335

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Profile: Media News