EIN Presswire: Press Releases

Election of members to the Board of Directors of Vestas Wind Systems A/S

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:12:27 +0000

At Vestas Wind Systems A/S’ board meeting discussing the annual report for 2011, the chairmanship, Bent Erik Carlsen and Torsten Erik Rasmussen, informed the Board that they will not stand for re-election for the Board of Directors at the Annual General Meeting on 29 March 2012.

Furthermore, board member, Freddy Frandsen, informed the Board that he will not stand for re-election.

The remaining board members elected by the annual general meeting have all informed the Board that they will stand for re-election.

Contact details
Vestas Wind Systems A/S, Denmark
Bent Erik Carlsen, Chairman of the Board of Directors

via Kristian Skipper-Pedersen
Tel.: +45 4161 0344

Annual report 2011

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:10:00 +0000

Summary
2011 was a very challenging year for the wind industry. The same applies to Vestas which had to issue two profit warnings and abandon its Triple15 targets. In 2011, Vestas recorded revenue of EUR 5.8bn and an EBIT margin before special items of (0.7) per cent, slightly below the preliminary financial figures for 2011 announced on 3 January 2012 due to later-than-expected deliveries.

The results and revenue for the year are, however, substantially lower than the original expectations of an EBIT margin of 7 per cent and revenue of EUR 7bn, which is disappointing. It should be emphasised that the projects in questions have not been cancelled but postponed and that they are expected to be handed over and recognised as income in 2012, however, at a lower contribution margin due to higher costs than originally anticipated.

On the other hand, the intake of firm and unconditional orders of 7,397 MW with a value of EUR 7.3bn, was in line with expectations.

Net working capital amounted to EUR (71)m, an improvement of EUR 743m. The improvement was attributable especially to the reduction of component inventories following a successful make-to-order implementation, higher pre-payments and trade payables.

Outlook

Based on, among other things, input from a number of the company’s large shareholders, Vestas has decided to reduce the number of outlook parameters it provides to the public. Furthermore, Vestas has decided to introduce guidance ranges for earnings (EBIT), revenue and the free cash flow to take into account the heavy fluctuations characterising these items depending on timing of order intake, production, shipments and final delivery to the customers.

For 2012, Vestas expects to achieve an EBIT margin of between 0-4 per cent and revenue of EUR 6,500-8,000m, including service revenue, which is expected to rise to approx EUR 850m with an EBIT margin of around 14 per cent. The EBIT margin will be adversely affected primarily by too high production costs for the V112-3.0 MW turbine and the GridStreamer™ technology, which will be reduced in the course of the year and by an expected increase in depreciation and amortisation charges of approx EUR 100m. Total warranty and product provisions are expected to account for less than 3 per cent of the expected revenue for the year.

Shipments which are expected to increase to approx 7 GW with the present production plans will peak in the middle of the year, while deliveries may fluctuate heavily over the quarters. It should be emphasised that Vestas’ accounting policies only allow it to recognise ”supply-only” and ”supply-and-installation” projects as income when the risk has finally passed to the customer, irrespective of whether Vestas has already produced, shipped and installed the turbines. Disruptions in production and challenges in relation to wind turbine installation, for example bad weather, lack of grid connections and similar matters may thus cause delays that could affect Vestas’ financial results for 2012.

Total investments are expected to be EUR 550m, of which investments in intangible assets are expected to amount to EUR 350m, which among other things, includes higher investments in the development of the V164-7.0 MW offshore turbine. Total research and development expenditure is now expected to amount to EUR 450m in 2012. The lower investments in intangible assets and R&D expenditure are caused by a more focused R&D organisation.

The free cash flow is expected to positive in 2012.

Press and analyst meeting in Aarhus, Denmark
Wednesday, 8 February 2012 at 2 p.m. (CET).

In connection with the disclosure of this annual report, an information meeting will be held today, Wednesday at 2 p.m. (CET) for analysts, investors and the media at:

Vestas Wind Systems A/S
Hedeager 44
8200 Aarhus N
Denmark

Further details at www.vestas.com/investor.

Any questions may be addressed to Ditlev Engel, President and CEO or to Lars Villadsen, Senior Specialist, Investor Relations, telephone +45 9730 4593.

Company announcement No. 8/2012
Track record as of 31 December 2011

Brits Book Up Car Hire in Sunnier Climes for Half Term Says Comparecarhire.co.uk

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:10:00 +0000

UK tourists use school holidays to get some sunshine as UK winter continues to bite.

February 07, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Online car hire price comparison specialist Comparecarhire.co.uk has reported seeing Brits book up car hire in warmer places for the school half term break as the UK continues to ensure a harsh, snowy winter.

The price comparison website has received a jump in bookings for destinations including Portugal, Spain, Greece and Miami this year - in contrast to a year ago when the majority of Brits booked rental deals in the UK and Switzerland for half term.

Andy Hemmington, spokesperson for Comparecarhire.co.uk, commented: "The UK has been going through a harsh winter this year and so we're perhaps not totally surprised to see so many people booking rental deals in sunnier places. The trick is to compare deals on the web before booking to be sure of good value offers."

"Another handy hint which can help people to get more for their money is to collect your car at a downtown rentals office instead of the airport."

The Comparecarhire.co.uk website is this week able to help UK tourists book half term car hire deals starting at just GBP3 per day. The site's deals include one week's car hire from Malaga Airport from GBP3* per day, from GBP4* per day at Faro, from GBP9* per day in Crete, and from GBP14* per day at Miami Airport.

Comparecarhire.co.uk is one of the leading car hire comparison websites in the UK, allowing users to compare car hire prices for over 40 suppliers in 15,000 locations worldwide including Spain, Portugal and Greece, with pick up locations for car hire Malaga deals and car hire Murcia bookings.

To check the latest deals visit www.comparecarhire.co.uk.

*Prices based on a one week rental from 11th February 2012 and are subject to change.

About Comparecarhire.co.uk

Since being bought and operated by Broody Media Ltd in 2004, comparecarhire.co.uk has become one of the leading car hire comparison websites in the UK. Today we offer car hire from over 40 rental suppliers in over 15,000 locations worldwide! In 2011 we also launched our mobile product enabling our customers to now search and book on their mobiles with apps for Apple and Android also available.

Media Contact

Rachel Mealing & Jenny White

Context

T: 01625 511966

F: 01625 511967

Rachel.mealing@contextpr.co.uk

Jenny.white@contextpr.co.uk

www.contextpr.co.uk

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Universal Travel Group Appoints Chief Operating Officer and New Board Members

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:41:30 +0000

Universal Travel Group Appoints Chief Operating Officer and New Board Members

PR Newswire

SHENZHEN, China , Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- Universal Travel Group (NYSE: UTA) ("Universal Travel Group" or the "Company"), a leading travel services provider in China offering package tours, air ticketing, and hotel reservation services online and via customer service representatives, today announced that it has appointed Mr. Jun Liu as Chief Operating Officer of the Company. Ms. Moling Shang and Mr. Jun Liu have been appointed to the Board of Directors.

Mr. Jun Liu has nearly 20 years of experience working in the travel industry. Mr. Liu joined Universal Travel Group in November 2009 and served as Universal Travel's Deputy General Manager. He began his career in the hotel industry in 1988 working at the Beijing Likang Hotel. From 1993 through 2004, Mr. Liu served as General Manager of Beijing Likang Hotel as well as General Manager of Beijing Likang Travel Agency from 1997 through 2004. During his tenure, the revenue of Beijing Likang Travel agency more than doubled. In 2004, Mr. Liu established Beijing Hongtai International Travel agency where he served as General Manager. Mr. Liu graduated from the Party School of Beijing Municipal Party Committee of Economic Management.

Ms. Moling Shang has served during her career in several jobs in the communications division of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). From 1984 through 1996, Ms. Shang was the Chief of the Propaganda Department in the Information Bureau of the CPC's Central Committee. From 1996 to 1999, Ms. Shang served in numerous positions including Associate Director of News Agency for China Central Television and her previous role as the Chief of Propaganda. Following her successful completion of her previous roles, Ms. Shang was appointed Deputy Chief of Propaganda in the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee where she was responsible for the Three Represents campaign from 1999 through 2002. From 2002 to 2010, she served as Deputy Chief of the Information Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. Ms. Shang graduated from the Branch School of Peking University.

About Universal Travel Group

Universal Travel Group Inc. (NYSE: UTA) is a leading China-based travel services provider, focusing on the domestic tourism market for leisure and corporate travel and offering packaged tours, air ticketing, and hotel reservation services. The Company targets geographic expansion in underpenetrated travel markets in central and western China; and it has established a second operation base in Chongqing. With the Chinese disposal income continuing to rise driving demand for domestic leisure services, the Company continues to benefit and dominate packaged tour businesses. The Company operates multi-channels sales with 24 hour call centers, online website, owned and franchised sales offices and various wholesale channels. For more information, please visit Universal Travel Group's website at us.cnutg.com

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

Mr. Jing XIE, Secretary of Board & Interim Chief Financial Officer
Universal Travel Group Inc.
Tel: 86-755-86319549
Fax: 86-755-86319348
06@cnutg.com
Website: us.cnutg.com

Christensen
Kimberly Minarovich
Tel: +1 212 618 1978
Kminarovich@ChristensenIR.com

Christian Arnell
Tel: +86 10-5826-4939
carnell@ChristensenIR.com

SOURCE Universal Travel Group

Teck Announces New Collective Agreement at its Quebrada Blanca Operation

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:38:05 +0000

Teck Resources Limited (TSX: TCK.A and TCK.B, NYSE: TCK) announced today that employees at its Quebrada Blanca operation in Chile have ratified a new 46-month agreement, commencing February 2012 through November 2015, replacing an agreement which expired on January 31, 2012.

"Our discussions with the union have reached a successful conclusion, and we are pleased to have reached a new collective agreement at our Quebrada Blanca operation," said Alvaro DÃaz, Interim General Manager at Quebrada Blanca.

About Teck

Teck is a diversified resource company committed to responsible mining and mineral development with major business units focused on copper, steelmaking coal, zinc and energy. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, its shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols TCK.A and TCK.B and the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TCK. Further information about Teck can be found at: www.teck.com.

Media Contacts:
Teck Resources Limited
Marcia Smith
Senior Vice President, Sustainability and External Affairs
604.699.4616
marcia.smith@teck.com
Teck Resources Limited
Claudia Onetto
Corporate Affairs Manager
+56 2 4645739
claudia.onetto@teck.com
Investor Contact:
Teck Resources Limited
Greg Waller, VP, Investor Relations and Strategic Analysis
604.699.4014
greg.waller@teck.com
www.teck.com

Fagerhult Light Hygena Stores With Xicato Spot Module

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:32:00 +0000

Hygena, owned by the kitchen group Nobia, is one of the best-known kitchen brands in France. Complete kitchen solutions are offered from about 127 wholly owned stores. All shops are between 100 and 600 m2, and include exhibition, shop and office area.

Hygena wanted to refurbish their shops at the end of 2011 and a part of this was to change the lighting. Fagerhult was contacted to replace existing LED luminaires where color and glare were issues.

The LED module selected by Fagerhult for this task was the 1300lm Xicato Spot Module, with a Correlated Color Temperature of 3000K and a Color Rendering Index of 80+. It was selected for its all-round performance including energy saving, perfect uniformity and sustained light quality (in terms of color point and lumen maintenance), all achieved via the foundation 'Corrected Cold Phosphor Technology™.' Xicato LED modules have seen vastly increasing usage since their launch in 2008, including by Fagerhult in such areas as retail, offices and museums, though globally retail uptake has been most prevalent.

Fagerhult designed an optimized lighting solution with downlighters and pendants which resulted in about half the number of luminaires previously used, yet giving 30% more light.

"Fagerhult developed a new solution for us that gave more and better light, cost less in investment and less in running costs," says Per Kaufmann Head of Continental European Retail at Nobia. "A total LED solution for a future-proof light," summarized Delphine Rousset, Retail Lighting Solutions, Fagerhult.

Luminaires: project versions of Fagerhult's Noc 1300 lumen, developed specifically for Hygena, incorporating Xicato's XSM 1300
Roll out: total of 117 Hygena shops in France

Xicato

Xicato is passionate about light. Light has an emotional effect on people and a direct impact on business profitability. It ultimately influences everything in our lives. Xicato is a recognized leader in creating LED modules that provide superior aesthetics, economics and durability. Xicato aspires to be the trusted partner of the global lighting design community and luminaire manufacturers.

For an overview of our customers' luminaires visit http://www.xicato.com.

For the best in lighting design, Xicato recommends a qualified lighting designer from the Professional Lighting Design Association (PLDA) or the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD).

For more information on Xicato contact:
Europe:
Roger Sexton
+44 7525715497 (EU)
Email Contact

Japan:
Noboru Kaito
+81 50 5534 3168 (Japan)
Email Contact

North America:
Ron Steen
+1 847 525 5048 (US)
Email Contact

San Jose Office: +1 866 223 8395 (US)

For press images contact
Jane Kingsley
JKS Communications
Email - Email Contact
www.xicato.com

Images by Sanna Fisher-Payne

Prologis Closes Multi-Currency Senior Term Loan Agreement

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:25:25 +0000

Prologis Closes Multi-Currency Senior Term Loan Agreement

PR Newswire

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Prologis, Inc. (NYSE: PLD), the leading global owner, operator and developer of industrial real estate, today announced that it has entered into a senior term loan agreement with nine relationship lenders including Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent. The company may obtain loans in U.S. dollars, euros, Japanese yen, and British pounds in an aggregate amount not to exceed euro 487.5 million (approximately $634 million). An accordion feature included in the loan agreement would permit a maximum increase to euro 987.5 million (approximately $1.3 billion), subject to obtaining additional lender commitments.

"The new facility enables us to maintain meaningful natural currency hedges at attractive financing terms. This facility addressed our Japan term loan that was scheduled to mature in 2012 and allowed us to refinance other corporate bank loans with longer term financing," said Phillip D. Joseph, Jr., managing director and treasurer.

The loan agreement is scheduled to mature on February 2, 2014; however, the company may extend the maturity date three times, in each case up to one year, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions and payment of an extension fee. Pricing under the facility is based upon the public debt ratings of the company's operating partnership and is currently at LIBOR plus 150 basis points. This represents a weighted average price reduction of approximately 67 basis points compared to the corporate bank facilities that were refinanced by this new facility.

About Prologis

Prologis, Inc. is the leading owner, operator and developer of industrial real estate, focused on global and regional markets across the Americas, Europe and Asia. As of September 30, 2011, Prologis owned or had investments in, on a consolidated basis or through unconsolidated joint ventures, properties and development projects totaling approximately 600 million square feet (55.7 million square meters) in 22 countries. The company leases modern distribution facilities to more than 4,500 customers, including manufacturers, retailers, transportation companies, third-party logistics providers and other enterprises.

The statements in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the industry and markets in which Prologis operates, management's beliefs and assumptions made by management. Such statements involve uncertainties that could significantly impact Prologis' financial results. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, which generally are not historical in nature. All statements that address operating performance, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future — including statements relating to rent and occupancy growth, development activity and changes in sales or contribution volume of developed properties, disposition activity, general conditions in the geographic areas where we operate, synergies to be realized from our recent merger transaction, our debt and financial position, our ability to form new property funds and the availability of capital in existing or new property funds — are forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Although we believe the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that our expectations will be attained and therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that may affect outcomes and results include, but are not limited to: (i) national, international, regional and local economic climates, (ii) changes in financial markets, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, (iii) increased or unanticipated competition for our properties, (iv) risks associated with acquisitions, dispositions and development of properties, (v) maintenance of real estate investment trust ("REIT") status and tax structuring, (vi) availability of financing and capital, the levels of debt that we maintain and our credit ratings, (vii) risks related to our investments in our co-investment ventures and funds, including our ability to establish new co-investment ventures and funds, (viii) risks of doing business internationally, including currency risks, (ix) environmental uncertainties, including risks of natural disasters, and (x) those additional factors discussed in reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Prologis under the heading "Risk Factors." Prologis undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements appearing in this release.

SOURCE Prologis, Inc.

Gulfside Secures Port Snettisham Magnetite Iron Ore Property

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:16:00 +0000

Gulfside Secures Port Snettisham Magnetite Iron Ore Property

PR Newswire

TSX.V - GMG

Highlights:

Gulfside and Pacific Rim agreement for option to acquire 100% interest in Port Snettisham Magnetite Iron Ore Deposit, Alaska
Aggregate consideration for 100% interest is $3,770,000 plus 2.5% NSR royalty
Significant exploration including geophysics and 11 hole drill program, metallurgy and benefication work completed by previous explorers
64.5% Fe pellet feed fines produced with 0.01% S and 0.04% P
Deposit appears suitable for fines, pellet feed or iron ore pellet production

VANCOUVER, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Robert L. Card, President of Gulfside Minerals Ltd. ("Gulfside" or the "Company"), is pleased to report that on October 19, 2011, the TSX Venture Exchange accepted for filing an option agreement (the "Port Snettisham Agreement") between Gulfside and Pacific Rim Mineral, LLC (the "Vendor") pursuant to which the Company has the option to acquire up to a 100% interest in 49 contiguous claims covering 1,012 acres that comprise the Port Snettisham property, located about 30 miles (50 km) southeast of Juneau, Alaska.

The aggregate consideration payable by the Company over a seven year period ending October 31, 2018 is $3,770,000 cash ($120,000 cash payable in the first year). In addition, the Company must incur aggregate exploration expenditures on the property of $3,300,000 by October 31, 2018 ($150,000 to be incurred in the first year). The Vendor is entitled to a 2.5% NSR on the property with the Company having the right to reduce the NSR to 1.5% by paying $1,500,000 cash. A finder's fee of $22,000 cash was paid.

This project is a titaniferous (Ilmenite) magnetite deposit on the Snettisham Peninsula, however, there has been no Fe₂TiO₄ discovered so far,¹ which is less commercially viable than Ilmenite occurring with Magnetite. Ilmenite is the predominate TiO₂ oxide present as needles in the Hornblendite. Ore has been subjected to several programs of beneficiation test work and reports indicate that the ore is amenable to magnetic separation. It is possible to produce iron ore fines or pellet feed containing in excess of 64% Fe (Magnetic).² The concentrate can then be smelted using an oxygenated furnace (KOBM process)³ to produce pig iron and a slag containing high TiO₂ values.

The first major effort to explore the iron potential of the deposit was conducted in the 1950's by the US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines,⁴ who drilled 11 holes, conducted a geophysical survey over the body, and had beneficiation tests done on the ore samples. A section of 1900 feet of the deposit was explored to a depth of 1000 feet, totaling 6,546 linear feet of drill holes. This program reported good results with assays of 11%-48% Fe total, with a composite from one of the cores showing 18.9 Fe%, 2.6% TiO₂, 0.29% S, 0.32%P, and 0.05%V. Benefication of the iron ore samples involved crushing to 150 mesh and with dry magnetic separation. The analysis reported 61-64% Fe total, 3.5% TiO₂, 0.4% S, and 0.01% P.

Tenements Under Option

The magnetite-bearing diorite-hornblendite-pyroxenite intrusive occupies a land area of approximately 390 acres along the northeast shore of the Snettisham Peninsula. It appears the magnetite formed during a pegmatite alteration phase.

Isomagnetic lines at 2,000 Gamma intervals depicting areas of high magnetism and diamond drill holes from the work done by Thorne and Wells.

A high magnetic anomaly occurs near Sentinel Point and the intensity reduces to the east. Further work is planned to determine the extent of the magnetite mineralization and whether the magnetite mineralization is evenly distributed through the hornblendite-diorite and the large magnetite intrusions up to 1.5 metres wide identified by the USGS in the early 1920's.

Tailings from the Friday Gold Mine located nearby also showed significant magnetite mineralization implying that the intrusion maybe be part of an IOCG (Iron Ore Copper Gold) system well known for massive magnetite mineralization. A high magnetic anomaly extends for over a four square mile area (1036.4 hectares).(Thorne and Wells, 1956)

Tests on eight samples conducted by the University of California⁵ using a Davis Tube Test to determine the extent of recovery of magnetic iron yielded between 85% and 95% recovery indicated a high degree of magnetic recovery ideal for dry separation processing. Some of the titanium oxide Ilmenite crystals were liberated during the crushing process, which was crushed to a size of 5-100 mesh. Mineralogical work also identified the Ilmenite crystals forming discretely in the diorite containing the magnetite.

In 1953, the USGS Mines Department Territory Office in Juneau, conducted a drilling program planned around a magnetic survey that had been conducted previously which showed the typical lensoidal occurrence of magnetite intrusions in diorite. The drill hole put down at 30% inclination intercepted 350 feet (106 metres) of magnetic magnetite mineralization. A grab sample program of glacial detritus, rock chip outcrop samples showed soluble Fe from 19% to 48% Fe (the magnetic content was not determined and insoluble Fe was 3.5%).

The Alaska Juneau Gold Mining Company, in 1950, analysed 5 samples from the area and determined Fe total to be between 38.5% and 54.2% Fe. Significantly the phosphorous was 0.07%. The Alaskan Department of Mines Assay Office did a similar analysis and the average of the samples was 46.30% Fe, 0.69% P₂O₅ and S 0.69%. The titanium values ranged from 5.04% to 8.06%. Silica and alkali values were also considered acceptable for commercial iron ore concentrate. The analysis was obtained from a finely crushed concentrate of the samples. The Office concluded the ore was suited to magnetic concentration.

The US Bureau of Mines in 1964 (Holmes and Banning) took 3.5 tonnes of magnetite concentrate from Snettisam and successfully produced concentrates using wet and dry magnetic separation techniques. The maximum iron liberation occurred at a crush size of 100 mesh (a range from 20 to 325 mesh was tested). An electric furnace was used to produce pig iron from the ores and good quality pig iron was produced with 95.6% Fe from the sample.

In 1969, Marcona Corporation optioned the iron ore deposit and carried out extensive exploration including diamond drilling and metallurgical tests. It was reported in the Toyko Press (Nihon Keizai April 14, 1969) that Marcona Corporation and the Marubeni Company of Japan, had developed plans to pellitize two to four million tons of iron ore annually. In 1970, Marcona completed a feasibility study on the deposit and announced plans to put the deposit into production at a rate of 5 million tons of concentrate per year over a 50 year mine life. (State of Alaska, Mines Bulletin, February 1970.) The plan failed when iron ore prices declined.

Gulfside is currently preparing an exploration plan which will include:

Reconnaissance of the historical data and grid soil and rock chip sampling with an XRF gun and magnetic susceptibility meter.
An outcrop and trenching sampling study using a magnometer to correlate Fe with magnetic susceptibility. Mineralogy and petrology studies will also be conducted to analyse the presence of the titanium and vanadium mineralization in the magnetite and the extent of silica, sulphur, phosphorous and alkalis.
A ground based IP magnetic and gravity study to identify key changes in mineralogy and the extent of mineralization. No gravity surveys have been completed to date and this will be completed prior to a drilling phase.
A diamond drilling program directed by the results of the above two studies that will allow suitable targets to be identified so that a Resource Estimate can be produced followed by a Feasibility Study.
A benefication study using samples to ensure the results are statistically significant and the proposed benefication process design is proven at pilot plant size. Given the high cost of crushing to 100 mesh this stage is particularly important to the success of the project.
The tenement is conveniently located on the Pacific Coast, close to the capital of Alaska, Juneau and a major bulk commodity port Skagway. There is a major shipping route to Japan, Korea and China and the distance is 7,870 km compared to Brazil to China being 11,000 km.

As at February 2, 2012, the Metal Bulletin CFR Price Index for 62% Fe iron ore is $143.06 per tonne.

The information contained in this release has been obtained from previous exploration reports and government records and have not been verified.

Phillip Thomas, BSc., MBM, MAIG, Vice President and a consultant to the Company, the qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

Gulfside Minerals Ltd.

"Robert L. Card"

Robert L. Card
President

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements: This document includes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning GMG's planned exploration programs and other statements that are not historical facts. When used in this document, the words such as "could," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "potential," "should," and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. Although GMG believes that its expectations reflected in these forward looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and no assurance can be given that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from these forward-looking statements are disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the corporation's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators.

¹ Dahlin, D.C. 1951- Benefication of potential platinum resources from south eastern Alaska. (report of investigations/United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Mines;8553, electron microprobe analysis

² Holmes, Wesley T, Electric smelting of titaniferous iron ores from Alaska, Montana, and Wyoming, by Wesley T Holmes II and Llyod H Banning (Washington) US Department of Interior Bureau of Mines 1964

³ Freislich, Michiel, Sunil, Kumar Dr, Towards energy efficient iron and steel making - the greenhouse carbon abatement process (G-Cap) July 2009

⁴ Thorne R L, Wells R. R. Studies of the Snettisham Magnetite Deposit, South Eastern Alaska United States Department of Interior February 1956

⁵ Mitchell D. W. University of California, Berkeley 4, California USA Letter to Guy F Atkinson Company setting out assay results of samples submitted

SOURCE Gulfside Minerals Ltd.

PDF with caption: "Gulfside Secures Port Snettisham Magnetite Iron Ore Property ". PDF available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/media/2012/02/07/20120207_C2301_DOC_EN_9800.pdf

FRP Training Courses Slated for Houston and Frankfurt

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:10:00 +0000

The Materials Technology Institute (MTI) is sponsoring a two-day training program on Inspection of New FRP Equipment & Piping in Houston, Texas.

ST. LOUIS, MO, February 07, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Materials Technology Institute (MTI) is sponsoring a two-day training program on Inspection of New FRP Equipment & Piping March 5-6 in Houston, Texas and a one-day session in Frankfurt, Germany March 26. These unique programs will provide a comprehensive overview of the areas that are of critical importance for evaluating the quality and conformance of new FRP equipment and piping.

The classroom sessions are intended for personnel who are professional inspectors, but have little or no background in FRP inspections. An engineering degree or certificate and/or experience in fabrication, repair, or inspection of FRP equipments are recommended prerequisites.

"While there are quite a few public courses, seminars, and training classes to help younger and less experienced Inspectors develop inspection competencies for metallic equipment, the same does not apply for fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) equipment," points out Hardin Wells, Sr. Advisor - Mechanical Tech Service at Albemarle Corporation and MTI Project Champion. "The membership of the Materials Technology Institute recognized the lack of similar training for FRP equipment. The MTI FRP Inspector training class is designed as a first step towards filling that void.

"Unlike metallic equipment, where the raw materials (plate, pipe, fittings) are homogeneous and built in accordance by others per longstanding industry standards, the FRP materials used for FRP equipment are very much non-homogeneous, and are created by the fabricator as the equipment is being produced," explains Wells. "These features create significantly greater inspection challenges than are present for metallic equipment, where the inspector must validate both the creation of the raw material alongside creation of the equipment."

Presenter and FRP inspection expert Juan Bustillos, Bustillos & Associates, LLC, will cover the following topics in the training sessions:

o FRP Materials - Resins, Reinforcements & Cure Systems

o FRP Manufacturing Methods Overview

o Manufacturing Specifics - Vessels & Piping

o Inspection & Testing

o Inspection Safety

o Applicable Codes & Standards

o Flaw Definitions - Descriptions of all common flaws

o FRP Flaws & Imperfections

o Dual Laminates (Frankfurt session only)

In addition to classroom training, attendees will receive a CD including all course materials and presentations. Upon completion of a comprehension test (Houston-only), attendees will also receive a certificate.

For more information or to register for the Houston event, contact Lori Elgin at lelgin@mti-global.org. For the Frankfurt session, contact Katherine Reinecke at kreinecke@mti-global.org. Please be aware that space for these sessions is limited.

About MTI: Founded in 1977, MTI is a unique, not-for-profit technology development organization representing private industry. It sponsors projects focused on both developing new technology and transferring existing knowledge to day-to-day practice. Practical, generic, nonproprietary studies are conducted on the selection, design, fabrication, testing, inspection, and performance of materials of construction used in the process industries. The scope of work includes evaluation of metallic, and nonmetallic materials, optimum design applications, fitness-for-service, mechanical integrity and life cycle determinations, and economic factors affecting performance of vessels, tanks, piping and other components. For more information, visit www.mti-global.org.

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CORRECTION FROM SOURCE: Conference Call Friday, February 10, 2012, to Discuss U.S. Geothermal's 2011 3rd Quarter Results

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:03:12 +0000

The following corrects and replaces the release that crossed the wire at 5:00pm PT (8:00pm ET) earlier today. The headline and the body of text incorrectly refer to the Earnings Call as being on November 10^th, 2012 at 8:30am MT (10:30am ET), when it should have read February 10^th at 8:30am MT (10:30am ET).

U.S. Geothermal Inc. (TSX:GTH)(NYSE Amex:HTM) will host a telephone conference call for investors and analysts on Friday, February 10, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. EDT (8:30 a.m. MDT) to discuss their 3^rdQuarter Financials (October 1, 2011 - December 31, 2011), which will be filed on Thursday, February 9, 2012.

The conference call may be accessed by dialing (877) 407-8133 in Canada and the United States, or (201) 689-8040 internationally. A simultaneous webcast of the conference call will be provided through: http://www.investorcalendar.com/IC/CEPage.asp?ID=167347

About U.S. Geothermal:

U.S. Geothermal Inc. is a leading renewable energy development company that is operating geothermal power projects at Raft River, Idaho and San Emidio, Nevada. The Neal Hot Springs project will be the company's third operating power project. The company holds geothermal energy rights to 69,500 acres comprising six advanced stage geothermal development projects. The San Emidio project is currently undergoing construction of a new 8.6 net MW binary cycle power plant.

U.S. Geothermal Inc.
Saf Dhillon
Investor Relations
866-687-7059
604-688-9895 (FAX)
saf@usgeothermal.com
www.usgeothermal.com

Want A Free Sandwich From Dickey's Barbecue Pit In San Jose?

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:00:00 +0000

Want A Free Sandwich From Dickey's Barbecue Pit In San Jose?

Dickey's Barbecue Pit in San Jose will celebrate its First Day of Business on Thursday, February 9th

PR Newswire

SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Jimmy Lu of Dickey's Barbecue Pit is celebrating his first day open in San Jose on Thursday, February 9th by giving the first 100 people a free pulled pork big barbecue sandwich.

"I can't wait to swing open my doors," said local franchise owner Jimmy Lu. "This will be my second store and I am extremely excited to serve San Jose authentic barbecue." Lu also owns and operates the Dickey's in Fremont.

This new store is located at 5391 Prospect Road. The hours of operation are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The store phone number is 408-725-1619.

People are encouraged to check out this Dickey's facebook page at http://on.fb.me/x6jvMb. Lu will be choosing one of the facebook fans on February 19th; the winner will receive a voucher for free barbecue for one month valid only at this Dickey's location.

Dickey's Barbecue Pit opened its first location in Dallas in 1941. Dickey's began franchising in 1994 and has continued to grow across the country. Dickey's currently has more than 200 locations in 36 states nationwide.

Dickey's Barbecue offers a quality selection of signature meats, home style sides and tangy barbecue sauce. All meats are slow smoked on-site in each restaurant. Kids eat free every day at all participating Dickey's locations until February 29th. For more information, including a full menu, other restaurant locations and franchising opportunities, please visit www.dickeys.com.

About Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants

Founded in 1941, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants began in Dallas, Texas. More than 70 years later, Dickey's is now the leader of fast-casual barbecue in the country. Beginning with an aggressive growth strategy and proven business model, and since implementing its proprietary five revenue streams for business growth, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants can now be found in 36 states and more than 200 locations nationwide. For more information on partnering with Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants in any location, call (866) 340-6188 or visit www.dickeys.com. Also visit our corporate Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dickeysbarbecuepit. Dickey's: Passionate about the Art of Great Barbecue.

Media Contact:
Kate Morganelli
972.248.9899
kmorganelli@dickeys.com

SOURCE Dickey's Barbecue

E and P Information and Data Management Asia

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:00:00 +0000

E and P Information and Data Management Asia

PR Newswire

SINGAPORE, Feb. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Managing upstream E&P data is a difficult task for large and small E&P companies. SMi's 2nd annual E&P Information and Data Management Asia( http://www.smi-online.co.uk/2012asiaeandp46.asp ) conference 25th - 26th April 2012, Singapore will provide attendees the opportunity to listen to senior experts on data management( http://www.smi-online.co.uk/2012asiaeandp46.asp ) from oil and gas companies, solution providers, associations and technical experts so that you are fully up to date with the latest solutions.

Asia has accounted for about one-third of the world's economic growth in the 1990s, the Asian economies (both the advanced and developing economies) saw their share of the world's economic growth increase to almost 40% during the 2000-05 period and to almost 50% during the 2005-10 period, surpassing the share of the North American and European economies.

Forecasts from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), over the next five years, expects the Asian economies to account for about 50% of the world's growth, while the former leaders, North America and Europe, remain at about 25%.

The Asian boom will be led by China and India, with the IMF expecting China alone to account for almost 30% of the world's growth over the next five years. Therefore it is important to understand what Petrochina, Premier Oil etc are doing in the E and P Data markets( http://www.smi-online.co.uk/2012asiaeandp46.asp ).

Hear From:

-- David Lee, Director, PetroChina

-- Tang Chanh Dai, IS Manager, Premier Oil ( Vietnam)

-- Ahmad Abeed Mohammed Lotfy, PSC Data Management Executive, PETRONAS

-- Martin Farfan, IM Senior Consultant, Petroleum Development, Oman

-- C. Lwanga Yonke, Information Quality Process Manager, Aera Energy LLC.

-- Jonathan Jenkins, Director, NDB

Visit for more information http://www.smi-online.co.uk/2012asiaeandp46.asp

Plus 1 Full Day Post Conference Workshop - 27th April 2012

Knowledge Management: From Assessment, Implementation to Auditing

Sponsorship Opportunities

Profile your company through tailored sponsorship and branding packages.

Contact Sadia Malick : +44-(0)20-7827-6748/ smalick@smi-online.co.uk

Europe, North America Registration Details

Complete the enclosed registration form and fax to +44-(0)20-7827-6157.

Contact Andrew Gibbons on: +44-(0)20-7827-6156 / agibbons@smi-online.co.uk.

Asia Pacific Registration Details

Complete the enclosed registration form and fax to +65-664-990-94.

Contact Laura Green on: +65-66-4990-96/95 / lgreen@smi-online.sg.

*Hart E and P http://www.epmag.com/Production/Industry-Energy-Intensive-Middle-Class-Push-Chinas-Oil-Gas-Demand_93802

SOURCE　SMI Group

E and P Information and Data Management Asia

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:00:00 +0000

E and P Information and Data Management Asia

PR Newswire

SINGAPORE, February 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Managing upstream E&P data is a difficult task for large and small E&P companies. SMi's 2nd annual E&P Information and Data Management Asia conference 25th - 26th April 2012, Singapore will provide attendees the opportunity to listen to senior experts on data management from oil and gas companies, solution providers, associations and technical experts so that you are fully up to date with the latest solutions.

Hear From:

David Lee, Director, PetroChina
Tang Chanh Dai, IS Manager, Premier Oil ( Vietnam)
Ahmad Abeed Mohammed Lotfy, PSC Data Management Executive, PETRONAS
Martin Farfan, IM Senior Consultant, Petroleum Development, Oman
C. Lwanga Yonke, Information Quality Process Manager, Aera Energy LLC.
Jonathan Jenkins, Director, NDB

Visit for more information http://www.smi-online.co.uk/2012asiaeandp46.asp

Plus 1 Full Day Post Conference Workshop - 27^thApril 2012

Knowledge Management: From Assessment, Implementation to Auditing

Sponsorship Opportunities
Profile your company through tailored sponsorship and branding packages.
Contact Sadia Malick : +44-(0)20-7827-6748/ smalick@smi-online.co.uk

Europe, North America Registration Details
Complete the enclosed registration form and fax to +44-(0)20-7827-6157.
Contact Andrew Gibbons on: +44-(0)20-7827-6156 / agibbons@smi-online.co.uk.

Asia Pacific Registration Details
Complete the enclosed registration form and fax to +65-664-990-94.
Contact Laura Green on: +65-66-4990-96/95 / lgreen@smi-online.sg.

*Hart E and P http://www.epmag.com/Production/Industry-Energy-Intensive-Middle-Class-Push-Chinas-Oil-Gas-Demand_93802

TUV Rheinland Group: Electric Vehicle Makes a Hit in China

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:00:00 +0000

TUV Rheinland Group: Electric Vehicle Makes a Hit in China

PR Newswire

2011 Report on China's Electric-Vehicle Markets

HONG KONG, Feb. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- The TUV Rheinland Global Electric-Vehicle (EV) Survey 2011, released in the fourth quarter, suggests that almost every car driver in India and China intends to choose an EV in the next five years. "This alone will completely change the market conditions", explains Dr. Thomas Aubel, Executive Vice President of Mobility at TUV Rheinland. The survey also shows that although the problem of charging is the biggest concern for Chinese drivers, most people are still willing to invest more for the sake of environmental protection. In addition, Japan and Germany are perceived asthe leaders in EV technology and thus customers would prefer to buy Japanese and German EVs. Potential EV buyers selected Volkswagen as their preferred brand.

(Photo: http://www.prnasia.com/sa/2012/02/07/20120207121009138335.html )

Study Background

The TUV Rheinland Group has a broad range of specialists and labs for vehicle safety testing in Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, China and the USA. This report is drawn from a poll of 6,421 people, conducted by TUV's vehicle testing specialists in 12 main markets including China, Germany, Japan and the USA. From this sample, a total of 502 adult drivers in China were surveyed. The respondents owned a wide variety of cars, such as micro, small, middle class, luxury, SUVs, pick-up, vans (MPV), roadster and etc.

Chinese opt to drive in the city and most driving is short- or mid-distance

When asked if they would purchase an EV in the coming five years, approximately 88% of the Chinese people interviewed said that they would, trailing just behind India with 92%. The poll finds that 44% of respondents would use an EV in the same way as their present car, while 39% would prefer to use the EV only for regular trips. Over 60% of driving journeys are in cities and 87% of those surveyed drive less than 100km in their daily lives, with journey times of less than 2 hours. The study shows that families with a higher income drive longer hours and distances than those with lower incomes.

Most of the Chinese respondents drive fewer than 100 miles per day. This makes driving an EV viable because the battery needs to recharge after a certain distance and this is likely to be satisfied. Thus, Chinese people are more willing to buy an EV than those in other countries.

The Chinese are willing to pay more for protecting the environment.

In China, 40% of those interviewed said that they would like to buy an EV because of environment protection. Saving fuel (19%) tops the list of environmental concerns; including combating global warming, air pollution, protecting our future from environmental changes and environmental protection through reduced oil exploration. The cost is also relevant; for example, the rising fuel price weighs quite heavily with 32% of respondents. To this end, 16% may choose an EV to save money on fuel. The purchase price, governmental subsidy and tax credits can also assist in the adoption of electric vehicles.

More than four out of five (80%) are willing to pay more to buy an EV to support environmental protection. 38% of the respondents claimed that they would prefer an EV to a regular vehicle even if the price of the EV was 20% higher. The study finds that those with a higher household income are more likely to value environmental protection, with 63% wanting to buy an EV, which is 11-12% higher than those with a lower income. One in four of the low-income respondents said that they were discouraged by the cost of environmental protection.

Access to charging points and battery safety are the greatest concerns.

As the data shows, charging options, convenience and accessibility will be critical to EV adoption. People worry about the need to recharge the battery after a certain distance (22%), the availability of charging stations (19%), the number of hours required to charge the battery (9%) and loss of power while driving (4%).

However, 9% of the respondents would not buy an EV due to safety considerations. Of these, 50% of them are very concerned about battery leakage/explosion (17%), battery safety (17%) and loss of power in the street (16%).

In summary, the future of electric vehicles depends primarily on charging accessibility and battery safety.

Japan and Germany are perceived as the leaders in EV technology

The specialists from TUV Rheinland Group found that when asked about the most technologically advanced country with regard to EV technology, more than half of the respondents perceived Japan (50%) and Germany (49%) as the leaders, followed by the USA (33%) and China (31%).

Brand Influence: a large majority of people prefer Volkswagen

For the question concerning, "Which car manufacturer do consumers associated the most closely with EV?", thirty-four percent of the participants named Audi, Honda and Toyota as the top EV makers, with Volkswagen (31%) taking second place and BMW (30%) in third place. Volkswagen takes the top spot as the favorite car manufacturer, while Honda takes second place. Volkswagen (31%), Honda (27%), Toyota (24%), Audi (23%), Buick (17%) and BMW (17%) make up the list of the top five vehicle brands.

This result shows that a majority of people favors Volkswagen amongst all, and then Toyota, Audi, Buick and Honda, which is more or less the same as the responses to the interview question "What is the brand of your primary vehicle?" It is clear that Chinese drivers will choose Japanese or German brands because they believe that they are the leaders in vehicle technology. The survey also reveals that people's first car buying experience has a direct impact on their next purchase. Volkswagen is selected as the best choice for an electric vehicle for its brand reputation.

As environmental and energy efficiency concerns spread throughout China, electric vehicles (EV) are increasingly seen as a solution for modern transportation. As they grow ever more popular, EVs will have a profound and positive impact on energy applications, transportation and society. EVs growing popularity will also create tremendous opportunities for charging systems and other EV-related products.

TUV Rheinland is an internationally renowned third-party inspection and certification organization, the team of experts foresaw the growth of this new market, being the first in China to launch testing and certification services for EV charging systems and our service scope includes: EV charging stations, EV cables, EV charging couplers and EV on-board battery chargers.

TUV Rheinland can help charging station owners, EV manufacturers, and component suppliers demonstrate the superior quality and safety of their products and equipment.

TUV Rheinland Greater China

A global leader in technical service provision, the TUV Rheinland Group operates out of 490 locations in 61 countries on all five continents. Our 14, 000 employees provide more than 2,500 types of services for 39 industries based on the guiding principle of developing sustainable safety and quality standards.

An important pillar for the Group since 1986, TUV Rheinland Greater China promotes technical progress by sharing expertise on technical innovations. TUV Rheinland Greater China aims to contribute to the region's development by becoming the leading provider of superior safety, quality and environmental services and solutions.

With 8 major offices in key regions, we are strategically positioned to deliver local testing and certification services linked to the safety of products and the quality of management systems. TUV Rheinland Group's 2000 employees focus on clients' requirement by reaching a competitive balance that provides reliable, high-quality products, safe working conditions and low environmental impact. The service scope covers the wide sectors of industry and energy; transportation; machinery; electric and non-electric products; food; system management certification and training & consulting.

Press Contact:

Simon Hung

TUV Rheinland Hong Kong Ltd.

Tel: +852-2192-1948

Email: simon.hung@hk.chn.tuv.com

SOURCE　TUV Rheinland Greater China

Media Intelligence Has A New Name

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:00:00 +0000

Media Intelligence Has A New Name

PR Newswire

SYDNEY, Feb. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- The 8th of February 2012 marks the launch of Sentia Media, the new corporate parent for the group of companies previously operating as part of the Media Monitors( http://www.mediamonitors.com.cn/En ) Group, and owned by Quadrant Private Equity since July 2010.

Sentia Media CEO John Croll said: "Ours is a company with a long and proud history in media monitoring, with a record of industry leadership, providing ever faster and more accurate media information to our clients.

"Over the last five years, our growth path has become much broader, with the company commencing operations in a number of Asian markets as well as rapidly expanding our media analysis and introducing advisory and online business intelligence services. In all, we now have six industry leading brands providing services to over 6,000 clients across 15 countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

"To put it simply, we are much more than a media monitoring business; we are a group of media services companies that can provide a broad range of information, analysis and advice, with solutions tailored to just about any type of organisation, large or small, single country or international."

(Photo: http://www.prnasia.com/sa/2012/02/07/20120207140326800155.jpg )

"Sentia, derived from a Latin verb with three primary meanings, 1) I perceive, 2) I understand, 3) I have an opinion, more accurately reflects the comprehensive and customised nature of the company's services. The new corporate structure will allow each of our service brands to develop their unique service proposition and meet both broad and niche market requirements across the entire region," Mr Croll said.

Sentia Media now owns: Media Monitors, the leading media information supplier in the Asia-Pacific with 12 offices across Australia, New Zealand, mainland China, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore; MediaBanc, South East Asia's largest monitoring company with offices in six countries; Brandtology, one of the world's leading online business intelligence companies, headquartered in Singapore and experiencing exponential growth; 360m, our advisory and analysis company providing research-based insight and unrivalled experience; China Clippings, the leading provider of monitoring services to communications agencies across China; and Slice Media, Australasia's most effective and comprehensive budget monitoring solution. Click here( http://youtu.be/X2mggUWEWqQ ) for a video on the Sentia Media story.

About Sentia Media

Owned by Quadrant Private Equity, Sentia Media is the Asia-Pacific region's leading media intelligence company, providing over 6,000 clients with media information, analysis and advice 24/7/365 through our range of six brands across the region. Sentia Media has more than 1,200 employees across 15 countries filtering information from over 10,000 print, radio and television media outlets and over 250 million online conversations per month. Our expert people, innovative technology, comprehensive coverage and rigorous research provides the tools and insight to allow our clients to manage media relationships effectively, track issues of interest across all media and analyse brands and industry developments.

For further information contact:

Patrick Baume

T: +612 9318 4012

M: +61 409 326 011

E: Patrick.baume@sentiamedia.com

Tw: @sentiamedia

SOURCE　Media Monitors