EIN Presswire: Real Estate Press Releases

Further expansion into the West for Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Canada

Fri, 25 May 2012 00:59:00 +0000

Further expansion into the West for Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Canada

Canada NewsWire

Premier lifestyle real estate brand opens new office in Grande Prairie

GRANDE PRAIRIE, AB, May 24, 2012 /CNW/ - Canada's premier lifestyle real estate brokerage continues its remarkable growth across Canada with its 15th office opening in seven months. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Canada (BHGREC) announced today the opening of an office in Grande Prairie, Alberta, further expanding its presence in Western Canada.

"We're excited to add Grande Prairie to our expanding BHGREC family. We're bringing a new style of real estate to this community that focuses on customers and their lifestyles," said Rob Vanden Broek, president, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Canada. "Our return to Alberta really shows how accepting the province is of our brand and the tremendous growth opportunities available here."

Representing its commitment to Canadians, BHGREC provides a full service offering to its consumers when buying and selling their home. The continued growth into Western Canada signifies the consistent growth the company has experienced since launching in October 2011.

"Western Canada boasts a real estate market that is constantly growing and full of potential. As one of the largest cities in Northern Alberta, Grande Prairie is a market that understands the importance of preserving a sense of community and lifestyle when it comes to the home," said Nelson Goulart, vice president of network services, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Canada. "Grande Prairie marks our eighth office opening in four months in Canada's West and we're thrilled by our growth across the country."

BHGREC employs online and social media tools to enhance the customer experience and further involve customers in the purchase or selling of their home.

"We're excited to join the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Canada team," said Bev DeWeese, Owner and Broker of Better Homes and Gardens Approved Properties. "The brand's strong customer-focused approach and commitment to lifestyle and community makes this a perfect match for the people of Grande Prairie."

The iconic brand has been well received in Canada and is growing aggressively. Headquartered in Ontario, BHGREC now proudly operates across the country having recently expanded into Eastern Canada last week.

For more information on Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Canada and franchising opportunities please visit: www.BHGCanada.ca

About Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Canada
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Canada is a lifestyle real estate brand that offers a full range of services to brokers, sales associates and home buyers and sellers. Using innovative technology, sophisticated business systems and the broad appeal of a lifestyle brand, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Canada embodies the future of the real estate industry while remaining grounded in the tradition of home. My Lifestyle Brand Inc. is a master franchisor of the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate brand. The growing Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Canada network consists of its first franchisee, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Signature Service, comprised of two offices and 90 agents in the Greater Toronto Area. For more information, please visit www.BHGCanada.ca.

Better Homes and Gardens® is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC and Realogy Corporation and used with permission. Each Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate Franchise is independently owned and operated.

SOURCE Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Canada

Image with caption: "Left to Right: Jackie Pfau, Jody Froese, Carmen Monfette, Bev DeWeese, owner of Better Homes and Gardens Approved Properties, Rob Vanden Broek, president of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Canada (BHGREC) , Nelson Goulart, vice-president of network services of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Canada, celebrate the opening of a new office in Grande Prairie, AB on Thursday, May 24, 2012. The launch signifies BHGREC's continued expansion across Canada since its launch in October, 2011. (CNW Group/Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120524_C2471_PHOTO_EN_14162.jpg

Race to Develop Australia's First Potash Project Is On, an Industrial Info News Alert

Fri, 25 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Perth, Australia) -- With Australia's long history as a major agricultural producer and exporter, it is surprising that the country's history as a producer of potash, the main use for which is fertilizer, is very limited. With the world's population growing rapidly, recently passing the 7 billion mark and expected to hit 8 billion by 2027, and the ever-decreasing availability of arable farmland, the long-term global demand for potash is set to rise. This has prompted Western Australian exploration company Potash West NL (ASX:PWN) (Perth, Australia) to join the race to develop Australia's first potash mine.

For details, view the entire article by subscribing to Industrial Info's Premium Industry News at http://www.industrialinfo.com/showAbstract.jsp?newsitemID=220381&refer=mw, or browse other breaking industrial news stories at www.industrialinfo.com.

Industrial Info Resources (IIR), with global headquarters in Sugar Land, Texas, and eight offices outside of North America, is the leading provider of global market intelligence specializing in the industrial process, heavy manufacturing and energy markets. Industrial Info's quality-assurance philosophy, the Living Forward Reporting Principle™, provides up-to-the-minute intelligence on what's happening now, while constantly keeping track of future opportunities. To contact an office in your area, visit the www.industrialinfo.com "Contact Us" page.

Contact:
Joe Govreau
713-783-5147

Ryan Homes Announces the Grand Opening of the New Brookmere Single-Family Model Home at Five Forks Plantation in Simpsonville, SC

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:45:46 +0000

Ryan Homes Announces the Grand Opening of the New Brookmere Single-Family Model Home at Five Forks Plantation in Simpsonville, SC

PR Newswire

SIMPSONVILLE, S.C., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- NVR, Inc. (NYSE: NVR), one of the nation's largest homebuilding and mortgage banking companies, celebrates the Grand Opening of the new Brookmere single-family model home at Five Forks Plantation, their community of stately, new single-family homes in Simpsonville, South Carolina. Five Forks Plantation is being built by NVR's Ryan Homes division, with prices starting from the $310's.

The new Brookmere model home at Five Forks Plantation is one of Ryan Homes' newest designs. Based on a traditional center hall floorplan and updated for today, the dramatic 2-story foyer anchored by a waterfall staircase signals the grandeur that fills this home. Tucked behind the living room is a study, perfect for a home office or library. The spacious kitchen opens to the dramatic two-story family room with a fireplace. Other practical features on the first-floor include a powder room, laundry room and a 3-car garage. Upstairs, a loft overlooks the family room. A luxurious owner's suite features a tray ceiling, two walk-in closets and sumptuous bath with a soaking tub, separate shower and dual vanities.

Five Forks Plantation offers homeowners the rare chance to build a brand new, all-brick home in a prestigious area for an outstanding price. The ideal location on Woodruff Road is just minutes from shopping and restaurants, and convenient to I-85, I-385 and Downtown Greenville. The community features resort-style amenities including a large clubhouse with a relaxing wrap-around porch, a junior Olympic pool, lighted tennis courts, a paved walking path, athletic fields and a 1.3-acre scenic pond.

Like all new Ryan homes, those at Five Forks Plantation are fully ENERGY STAR® Certified, yielding monthly utility bills up to 30% lower than standard homes, according to the EPA. All Ryan homes also carry 10-year structural warranties, and are independently verified for quality by a third-party inspector.

For further information about Ryan Homes' new single-family homes at Five Forks Plantation in Simpsonville, South Carolina, please phone (864) 234-1497 or visit RyanHomes.com.

About NVR
NVR, Inc. operates in two business segments: homebuilding and mortgage banking. The homebuilding unit sells and builds homes under the Ryan Homes, NVHomes and Fox Ridge Homes trade names, and operates in 27 metropolitan areas in 15 states. For more information about NVR, Inc. and its brands, see www.nvrinc.com, www.ryanhomes.com, www.nvhomes.com and www.foxridgehomes.com.

The information in this press release is subject to change and the pricing and other features of any NVR-built home will be established at the time of sale. ENERGY STAR® is a registered trademark owned by the U.S. government.

SOURCE NVR, Inc.

Construction Writers Association Announces 2012 Annual Conference, CONNECTED

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:39:00 +0000

The Construction Writers Association's (CWA) 2012 Annual Conference, CONNECTED, featuring economic and political reports from construction industry economists writers, leaders and analysts; several professional development seminars on social media and building effective content; and a construction tour of CityCenter, will take place Oct. 22-24 at the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton in Crystal City, Va., just minutes from downtown Washington, D.C.

CWA's annual conference begins with a construction tour on Oct. 22 of the Washington, D.C., CityCenter project, giving conference participants a firsthand, hard-hat view of the mixed-use development rising on the former convention center grounds.

A welcome reception at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., kicks off the first evening of the annual conference on Oct. 22. Free admission will be available to the exhibits prior to the welcome reception for registered attendees. The networking event is hosted by Turner Construction Company.

The conference sessions will begin the following morning with the Keynote Economists' Panel. Three panelists will provide their organizations' views of the economic recovery, its strength, sustainability and forecast. Panelists are Allison Black, chief economist and vice president of policy, American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA); David Crowe, chief economist, National Association of Home Builders; and Ken Simonson, chief economist, Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).

The luncheon speaker, Ashley Halsey, The Washington Post transportation writer, will provide her perspective on what to expect in 2012 and beyond in the transportation sector of the built environment.

Dave Bauer, vice president of government relations, ARBTA, and Jeffrey Shoaf, senior executive director, AGC, will weigh in on the question, "What impact will the upcoming election have on the transportation and construction industries?" during an afternoon legislative session.

In addition, four professional development sessions throughout the day will focus on themes and issues relevant to journalists, corporate marketers, public relations professionals and writers in the construction industry.

They include:

Google 101 for Journalists: Jake Parillio, Midwest Manager, Global Communications and Public Affairs at Google

Building on a Content Foundation: How to Get More Out Your Media Material: Andrew Hanelly, Director of Digital Strategy, TMG Custom Media

Mis-Underestimating the Future of Construction: Michael Chusid, FCSI, President, Chusid Associates

The Aging Workforce and Its Impact on the Construction Industry: Don Whyte, President of National Center for Construction Education and Research and Steve Green, Vice President of National Center for Construction Education and Research

The annual conference concludes with the Grand Awards Reception and Dinner on Oct. 23 celebrating winners of CWA's Journalism Awards, Marketing Communications Awards, Photography Awards, Hall of Fame Award, and the prestigious Silver Hard Hat Award. We thank our sponsors for their support in making this an outstanding event. Platinum Sponsors are Caterpillar, John Deere, and Marketwire. The Gold sponsors are American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), Award Company of America, Golden Square, Randall Reilly, and Turner Construction. The Silver Sponsors are American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and Hilti. The Bronze sponsors are Bobcat and Doosan.

For more information about CWA's annual conference, visit the Events section of the CWA Web site, www.constructionwriters.org/events. To join the outstanding sponsors of this event and be recognized as a supporter of journalists, writers, and marketing communicators in the construction industry, contact Deborah Hodges, CWA executive director, for more information at info@constructionwriters.org or at 1(773) 687-8726.

Join us on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/groups?mostPopular=&gid=2185694,
Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/groups/78345106861/
and Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/CWA_Tweets

The Construction Writers Association (CWA), founded in 1958, is a non-profit, non-partisan, international organization that provides a forum for journalism, photography, marketing, and communications professionals in all segments of the construction industry to connect with other professionals and enhance skills through education. Visit the website at www.constructionwriters.org.

For more information contact:
Deborah Hodges
Construction Writers Association
1(773) 687-8726
Email Contact

MAA Announces Quarterly Common Dividend

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:05:00 +0000

MAA Announces Quarterly Common Dividend

PR Newswire

MEMPHIS, Tenn., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- MAA (NYSE: MAA) today announced that its board of directors approved a quarterly common dividend of $0.6600 per share payable on July 31, 2012 to shareholders of record on July 13, 2012.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110614/CL19184LOGO )

As established in prior quarters, the company is declaring its quarterly common dividend in advance of its earnings announcement, which it expects to make on August 2, 2012.

About MAA

MAA is a self-administered, self-managed apartment-only real estate investment trust, which currently owns or has ownership interest in 49,155 apartment units throughout the Sunbelt region of the U.S. For further details, please refer to the MAA website at www.maac.com or contact Investor Relations at investor.relations@maac.com. 6584 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38138.

Certain matters in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27-A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements include statements made about the payment of common dividends. The ability to meet the payment of common dividends in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements could differ materially from the projection due to a number of factors, including a downturn in general economic conditions or the capital markets, changes in interest rates and other items that are difficult to control such as increases in real estate taxes in many of our markets, as well as the other general risks inherent in the apartment and real estate businesses. Reference is hereby made to the filings of Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc., with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, reports on Form 8-K, and its annual report on Form 10-K, particularly including the risk factors contained in the latter filing.

SOURCE MAA

Concierge Auctions Presents Three of the Nation's Best Buying Opportunities in Kaua'i, Hawaii's Kukui'ula Golf & Beach Community

Thu, 24 May 2012 18:47:56 +0000

Concierge Auctions Presents Three of the Nation's Best Buying Opportunities in Kaua'i, Hawaii's Kukui'ula Golf & Beach Community

Three new cottages on Kauai's South Shore near Poipu Beach to be sold to the highest bidders in cooperation with Kaua'i Heritage Properties, LLC — two Without Reserve

PR Newswire

KAUA'I, Hawaii, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Three luxury cottages located within Kukui'ula, an ocean view real estate development and community ripe with amenities amongst the lavish landscapes of Kaua'i, will be sold at auction on June 21st by Concierge Auctions. The plantation-style homes — Cottages 10, 11 and 12 — were built by Linthicum and will sell Bidder's Choice, two Without Reserve, which means they will sell to the highest bidders. The sale is being conducted in cooperation with Hannah Sirois (PB) and Peter Sirois (BIC) of Kaua'i Heritage Properties, LLC.

"This auction presents a variety of options, as buyers can purchase one, two or three of the cottages and either live within Kukui'ula and enjoy its countless amenities or consider renting them out when not in residence," Sirois stated. "This is certainly the best opportunity the South Shore has seen in some time. The chance to not only own a new construction home but also within the astounding beauty of Kukui'ula — for what likely will be a great value — is an exciting proposition."

Previously offered for $2.25 million, Cottage 10 is a new-construction residence with white water views, custom windows and doors and beautiful wood flooring throughout. It contains three bedrooms; three and a half bathrooms; approximately 1,931 square feet of interior living space; two outdoor showers; tropical landscaping that accentuates the island feel; a large, screened-in lanai on the lower floor that greatly expands the living area; and a one-car garage. The lot is 11,540 square feet.

Cottage 11 is also new construction with mirroring luxury details including beautiful windows, doors and flooring. Previously offered for $1.95 million, the residence includes two bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and approximately 1,579 square feet of interior with an additional 933 square feet of exterior lanai living spaces. Selling fully furnished, Cottage 11 also features a one-car garage, two outdoor showers and lush, tropical landscaping.

Previously offered for $1.495 million, Cottage 12 contains two bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms and enjoys the same luxurious design and amenities as the other cottages. The residence features approximately 1,425 interior square feet, an additional 681 square feet of outdoor/lanai living, and a one-car garage.

Todd Moen of The Moen Group, a personal representative of the seller, recently partnered with Concierge Auctions on another Hawaii property sale. "Having worked with Concierge on the auction of a residence in the exclusive Kuki'o Golf and Beach Club in Kailua-Kona, I can attest that their process is highly professional and beneficial to both buyers and sellers alike. The seller of the Kukui'ula properties is committed, and this is a solid opportunity to own one or more luxury cottages in one of the most beautiful places on the world."

Located on the south shore of Kaua'i, Kukui'ula encompasses 1,010 lush acres and offers the utmost luxuries of a modern private club. It is the newest entry into Hawaii's luxury market and worthy of its preferred status. Owners and their guests enjoy Pilates at the spa, fresh produce plucked from the community farm and countless other island activities for people of all ages, including golfing on the private, 18-hole Tom Weiskopf course, complete with a gently-rolling hillside, views of the dramatic mountains, and the sea as its backdrop. Kaua'i, also known as Hawaii's "Garden Island," is often referred to as one of the world's most dramatic destinations. The South Shore is a tranquil area of sunshine and beaches, with views of both mountains and sea. It is home to Poipu Beach Park, one of the best known and most popular in Hawaii, and to Koloa, a plantation town of authentic historic charm. The state's most comprehensive botanical garden is located in this area, as is the famous geyser of seawater known as Spouting Horn. Nearby Lihue Airport is the aviation gateway to Kaua'i, with direct routes to Honolulu, Maui, the United States mainland and Vancouver, Canada.

"Hawaii has fully embraced the Concierge Auctions process, resulting in nearly $70 million in Hawaiian sales in recent years — not counting our four other Island auctions currently underway," stated Laura Brady, Vice President of Marketing for Concierge Auctions. "Our 100% success rate on Kaua'i has proven to the market that our clients mean business. We look forward to continued momentum as we identify the next three owners in Kukui'ula."

The auction of the three cottages will be held on June 21st. Attendance will be limited to registered bidders and their representatives. Remote bidding will be available. A 3% cooperating broker commission is offered to each buyer's representing broker. See Auction Terms and Conditions for full details. The properties will be open for preview daily from 1-4pm and by appointment. For details visit KauaiAuction.com or call 866-605-7286.

About Concierge Auctions: Concierge Auctions is the preeminent luxury real estate auction marketing firm serving high-end sellers nationwide through an accelerated marketing process that obtains fair market value for high-end properties in a 60-day timeframe. As a preferred auction partner to luxury brokerage firms nationwide, the company has executed auctions from New York to Hawaii and hosts a database that includes more than 100,000 luxury real estate buyers and agents from all 50 states and 38 countries and territories. The principals of Concierge Auctions have been involved in the transfer of more than $2 billion in luxury real estate sales over the past 10 years. For more information, call 888-966-4759 or visit ConciergeAuctions.com.

SOURCE Concierge Auctions

Former Senator Kit Bond, Bipartisan Policy Center, Jack Kemp Foundation to Host Housing Forum in St. Louis on June 5, 2012

Thu, 24 May 2012 18:45:00 +0000

Former Senator Kit Bond, Bipartisan Policy Center, Jack Kemp Foundation to Host Housing Forum in St. Louis on June 5, 2012

PR Newswire

Forum to Highlight Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis President and CEO James Bullard, Congressmen Lacy Clay and Russ Carnahan, and St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley

WASHINGTON, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) Housing Commission and Jack Kemp Foundation will jointly host a public forum on housing issues in St. Louis on Tuesday, June 5, 2012.

The forum will feature former U.S. Senator Kit Bond (R-MO), a co-chair of BPC's Housing Commission, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis President and CEO James Bullard, U.S. Representatives Lacy Clay and Russ Carnahan, and St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley. Leading local, regional and national housing experts will also discuss the importance of innovative public-private partnerships in addressing housing challenges, as well as best practices for linking housing to comprehensive resident services, homebuyer education programs and rental housing preservation.

At the forum, BPC will release a new paper entitled, Housing Programs in the United States: Responding to Current and Future Challenges, which provides an overview of key challenges related to affordable housing and community development and the government programs meant to address these challenges. The paper will provide additional background for the Commission as they work to develop recommendations for meeting the housing needs of current and future low- and moderate-income families.

This event is the third regional forum hosted by BPC's Housing Commission. Launched in October 2011, the Commission aims to reform the nation's housing policy by crafting realistic and actionable policy recommendations that consider the near-term and long-term challenges in the housing sector. Throughout 2012, the Commission will visit different regions of the country to hear first-hand from stakeholders and interest groups about the housing challenges affecting its citizens.

Forum Agenda:

8:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m.	Breakfast and Registration

9:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m.	Opening Remarks

9:30 a.m.-10:15 a.m.	Panel Discussion: Improving Outcomes:
	Models for Linking Housing and Services
	Introduction: Charlie Dooley, St. Louis County Executive
	Moderator: Marilyn Jordan Taylor, BPC Housing Commissioner
	· Chris Krehmeyer, President and CEO, Beyond Housing
	· Richard Baron, Co-Founder and Chairman, McCormack Baron Salazar

10:15 a.m.-10:30 a.m.	Break

10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m.	Panel Discussion: Measuring Success: The Promise of Housing Counseling Programs
	Moderator: Robert Couch, BPC Housing Commissioner
	· Eileen Fitzgerald, Chief Executive Officer, NeighborWorks America
	· Sarah Gerecke, Senior Policy Advisor, Department of Housing and Urban Development

11:15 a.m.-12:00 p.m.	Open Public Forum
	Moderator: Jimmy Kemp, President, Jack Kemp Foundation

12:00 p.m.-1:15 p.m.	Lunch

1:15 p.m.-2:00 p.m.	Remarks: James Bullard, President and CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.	Panel Discussion: Best Practices in Rental Housing Preservation
	· Michael Bodaken, Executive Director, National Housing Trust
	· Erica Dobreff, President, Kansas City Equity Fund
	· Patricia Belden, Manager of Development, Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH)

3:00 p.m.-3:15 p.m.	Open Public Forum
	Moderator: Jimmy Kemp, President, Jack Kemp Foundation

3:15 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.	Closing Remarks
	Former Senator Kit Bond

What:	Bipartisan Policy Center Housing Commission's Third Regional Housing Forum in Partnership with Jack Kemp Foundation to Discuss How Innovative Public-Private Partnerships Can Address Housing Challenges in the Future

When:	Tuesday, June 5, 2012, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Where:	Westin St. Louis
	Promenade Ballroom
	811 Spruce Street
	St. Louis, MO 63102

About the Bipartisan Policy Center
Founded in 2007 by former U.S. Senate Majority Leaders Howard Baker, Tom Daschle, Bob Dole, and George Mitchell, Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) is a non-profit organization that drives principled solutions through rigorous analysis, reasoned negotiation and respectful dialogue. With projects in multiple issue areas, BPC combines politically balanced policymaking with strong, proactive advocacy and outreach. http://www.bipartisanpolicy.org/

SOURCE Bipartisan Policy Center

RealtyUSA Ranked #5 Largest Independent Residential Real Estate Broker in the United States

Thu, 24 May 2012 18:12:00 +0000

Realty USA, based in Williamsville, New York, was ranked #5 in the United States by Real Trends Magazine for independent brokers. RealtyUSA has 54 offices in New York, is ranked the #1 residential real estate broker in New York and had $2.4 billion in sales with 18,009 units.

Contact:
Paul DeStefano
Vice President, Communication
RealtyUSA
Phone: (518) 348-7100 x503
E-Mail: pdestefano@realtyusa.com

Further expansion into the West for Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Canada

Thu, 24 May 2012 18:00:00 +0000

Further expansion into the West for Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Canada

Canada NewsWire

Premier lifestyle real estate brand opens new office in Grande Prairie

BHGREC employs online and social media tools to enhance the customer experience and further involve customers in the purchase or selling of their home.

For more information on Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Canada and franchising opportunities please visit: www.BHGCanada.ca

SOURCE Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Canada

Blach Strengthens Business Development Team With Addition of Pat Quinn

Thu, 24 May 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Blach Construction Company is pleased to announce that Patrick N. Quinn has joined the company as Director of Client Services, enhancing Blach's growing Business Development team.

A life-long Silicon Valley resident with a wide network of contacts in the business, civic and philanthropic communities, Quinn brings nearly 30 years of experience to the Blach team. Quinn has dedicated much of his career to Mission Concrete Products, a manufacturer of concrete landscape products, rising to the position of President in 1992. Since accepting his offer at Blach in late 2011, Quinn has transitioned from his role as active president to serving in an executive oversight position at Mission Concrete Products, enabling him to utilize his strong relationships to bring new business to Blach.

"We are excited that Pat has joined our team," said Juan Barroso, Vice President of Preconstruction Services. "He brings with him a vast network of business contacts from around the South Bay and throughout California. It is great to work with such an energetic and dynamic individual who is genuinely committed to delivering Blach's brand of superior customer service. It is an honor to have Mr. Quinn as a colleague."

As Director of Client Services, Quinn will focus on increasing Blach's resume in the commercial, corporate office and high tech market segments. Among his many organizational affiliations, Quinn is a board member of the Northern California Golf Association (NCGA), President of the NCGA Foundation, a member of National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP), and a committee member of the Stroke Awareness Foundation. Prior to beginning his career at Mission Concrete Products, Quinn received a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Radio, Television and Film at San Jose State University.

Blach Construction Company builds structures of enduring quality and value throughout northern and central California. The company's experience encompasses a broad cross-section of commercial, industrial and institutional building types, including education, healthcare, technology, life sciences, professional services and civic/community facilities. Blach is also a recognized leader in sustainable design and construction. The company has regional offices in Santa Clara, Monterey and Stockton. For more information, please visit the company's web site at www.blach.com.

For more information or to learn more about Blach, please contact
Matt Bell
Director of Marketing & Business Development
Email Contact
(408) 869-8359

Pat Quinn, Director of Client Services at Blach Construction

Battelle Engineers Work on Fix at Chernobyl

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:34:00 +0000

Construction of Enormous Cover for Ruined No. 4 Reactor Began on 26th Anniversary of Disaster, Should Be Completed in 2015

When reactor No. 4 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant exploded in the early morning hours of April 26, 1986, a disaster of mammoth proportions unfolded. Radioactive material blew as high as six miles and covered more than 60,000 square miles. A quarter century later, the first structure built to enclose the reactor needs to be replaced.

That's where a consortium including Battelle comes in. With a reputation for excellence in confronting large, complex scientific and engineering challenges, Battelle scientists and engineers and colleagues from Bechtel International Systems Inc. and other companies have begun the most important part of the recovery process. Twenty-six years to the day -- April 26 -- after the disaster occurred, construction of a moveable building that weighs as much as three Eiffel Towers began. Battelle employees from corporate headquarters in Columbus, Ohio along with staff from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Wash., are working on the project.

It's part of the EUR 1.5 billion Shelter Implementation Plan (SIP), the master directive funded by donations from more than 30 nations to the Chernobyl Shelter Fund, which is administered by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The Bank held an open international tender in 1997 for a project management unit to provide technical and fiduciary oversight for SIP works. It was won by a consortium of Battelle, Bechtel and Electricité de France (EDF withdrew from the consortium in 2010).

The SIP's confinement building is an enormous steel shelter called the New Safe Confinement (NSC), and it will help mitigate the radioactivity for the next century while disassembly and cleanup activities are conducted inside. Although the SIP consists of 22 tasks, the largest is construction of the NSC, an arch-shaped steel structure that is being built distant from the current Object Shelter to avoid radiation exposure of construction workers. Once construction of the arch is complete, the team will slide the NSC -- 250 meters wide, 150 meters long, 100 meters tall, built from one-meter diameter tubular steel and big enough to enclose the Statue of Liberty -- over the older Object Shelter. The project should be complete in 2015.

Many of the other 21 SIP tasks are complete, or nearly complete, including providing site infrastructure and conceptual design of the NSC (which was performed by Bechtel-Battelle-EDF 2002-2003 and approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine in 2004). A contract for final design and construction of NSC was awarded in 2007 to the joint venture company known as Novarka. Novarka consists of the two large construction companies, Vinci Construction Grands Projets and Bouygues Travaux Publics (both French). The arch's steel is being fabricated in Italy.

Battelle's history of working on huge projects extends back to its beginning in 1929. Battelle scientists performed work for the United States government in developing nuclear energy 70 years ago. Today Battelle has a significant management role in six of the U.S. Department of Energy's premier national laboratories -- including important nuclear work performed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Idaho National Laboratory.

The SIP was developed in 1996 as a means to transform the Chernobyl Object Shelter to an environmentally safe condition. Development of SIP was led by Carol Kessler, then at the U.S. Department of State and later a Battelle employee in the Center for Nonproliferation.

About Battelle
As the world's largest independent research and development organization, Battelle provides innovative solutions to the world's most pressing needs through its four global businesses: Laboratory Management; National Security; Health and Life Sciences; and Energy, Environment and Material Sciences. It advances scientific discovery and application by conducting $6.5 billion in global R&D annually through contract research, laboratory management and technology commercialization. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Battelle oversees 22,000 employees in more than 130 locations worldwide, including eight national laboratories for which Battelle has a significant management role on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the United Kingdom.

Battelle also is one of the nation's leading charitable trusts focusing on societal and economic impact and actively supporting and promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.

For more information contact
Katy Delaney
(614) 424-7208
Email Contact

T.R. Massey
(614) 424-5544
Email Contact

About 300 meters west of the current Object Shelter, workers begin construction of the new cover. Because the ground is contaminated, the area has been covered by new concrete to protect the workers. The massive new steel building will be moved to cover the old reactor after construction is completed.

Results of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Move to Tier II Issuer Status

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:28:18 +0000

iLOOKABOUT Corp. (TSX VENTURE:ILA) (the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of the Annual Meeting (the "Meeting") of shareholders held in London, Ontario on May 24, 2012. The shareholders approved all motions put forth at the meeting, including the re-appointment of KPMG LLP as the Company's auditor and the re-approval of the Company's 2008 Stock Option Plan, as amended, in accordance with TSX Venture Exchange requirements.

The shareholders also approved the reappointment of Mr. Geoff Davies and Mr. Mark McArdle to the Board of Directors, each for a three year term. However, immediately following the Meeting, the Board approved amendments to the Company's Board Governance Manual that provides that, although Directors will continue to be appointed for a term of three years, each Director will be required to seek re-election annually throughout such term, in accordance with TSX Venture Exchange requirements. The Board believes that securing a Director's commitment to serve for a three year term (subject to being reelected each year by the shareholders) is highly beneficial to the Company, as it ensures that the Board always has some Directors with public-company experience and knowledge of the Company's operations, and provides new Directors with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the Company during their first year, and to use this understanding for the benefit of the Company over the balance of their term in office.

At their meeting held following the Annual Meeting, the newly constituted Board reappointed Mr. Geoff Davies as the Chair of the Board. Given Mr. Davies' recent appointment as the Company's Executive Chair, making him a part time member of Management, the Board also reappointed Ronald Breen as Lead Director in accordance with applicable securities regulations.

Finally, the Company has accepted the TSX Venture Exchange's recommendation that the Company be classified as a Tier 2 Issuer, effective May 24, 2012.

About iLOOKABOUT

iLOOKABOUT is a visual and data intelligence company serving commercial enterprise in the real estate, insurance, municipal, utility, assessment and appraisal sectors in North America and Europe. iLOOKABOUT is a pioneer in visual and data intelligence with its StreetScapeâ¢ and Virtual Tour products. StreetScape is a visual and data intelligence product for the geo-spatial market, providing panoramic, comprehensive, street level perspective visual data, geo-coded with latitude and longitude coordinates for accuracy and supported by patented software processes and proprietary security and storage systems. Recently, the Company launched GeoViewPortâ¢, a web-based Geographic Information System (GIS) application that enables the federation of additional value added data such as validated addresses, aerial imagery, property values, property attributes, etc. with StreetScape imagery. Headquartered in London, Ontario, Canada, iLOOKABOUT's shares are traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol ILA.

iLOOKABOUT Corp.
Robin Dyson
CFO
1.866.963.2015
robin.dyson@ilookabout.com
www.ilookabout.com

Freddie Mac Prices $1 Billion Reopening of 1.00% Five-year Reference Notes® Security

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:22:56 +0000

Freddie Mac Prices $1 Billion Reopening of 1.00% Five-year Reference Notes® Security

PR Newswire

MCLEAN, Va., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Freddie Mac (OTC: FMCC) announced today that it auctioned a $1 billion reopening of its 1.00% five-year USD Reference Notes® security that matures on June 29, 2017. The stop yield for the issue, CUSIP 3137EADH9, was 1.091%, priced at 99.55135, or approximately 31.6 basis points more than five-year U.S. Treasury Notes. The bid-to-cover ratio was 3.795 to 1.

After the reopening, which was conducted via an Internet-based auction, the outstanding size of the 1.00% five-year Reference Notes security will be $4 billion. The issue will settle on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, and is listed on the Euro MTF market of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. All auction details can be found on Freddie Mac's Debt Securities Web page, www.FreddieMac.com/debt/auctionrepurch/auctions.html.

This announcement is not an offer to sell any Freddie Mac securities. Offers for any given security are made only through applicable offering circulars and related supplements, which incorporate Freddie Mac's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 9, 2012; all other reports Freddie Mac filed with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ('Exchange Act") since December 31, 2011, excluding any information "furnished" to the SEC on Form 8-K; and all documents that Freddie Mac files with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c) or 14 of the Exchange Act, excluding any information "furnished" to the SEC on Form 8-K.

Freddie Mac's press releases sometimes contain forward-looking statements. A description of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in these and other forward-looking statements can be found in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, and its reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K, filed with the SEC and available on the Investor Relations page of the company's Web site at www.FreddieMac.com/investors and the SEC's Web site at www.sec.gov.

Freddie Mac was established by Congress in 1970 to provide liquidity, stability and affordability to the nation's residential mortgage markets. Freddie Mac supports communities across the nation by providing mortgage capital to lenders. Today Freddie Mac is making home possible for one in four homebuyers and is one of the largest sources of financing for multifamily housing. www.FreddieMac.com.

SOURCE Freddie Mac

Premiere Estates Auction Company Auctions 7000 sq ft Bayfront Estate In Ocean City, NJ

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:18:00 +0000

Premiere Estates Auction Company Auctions 7000 sq ft Bayfront Estate In Ocean City, NJ

279 Bay Shore Drive Sold at Absolute Auction on May 19

PR Newswire

LOS ANGELES, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Premiere Estates Auction Company (PEAC) today announced the sale of their Ocean City, NJ Auction Property at 279 Bay Shore Drive. The 7000 sq ft estate, popularly dubbed "Beauty on the Bay", sold on Auction Day for $3,877,500, which is nearly 95% above the Starting Bid of $2,000,000. There were over sixty Auction Day participants from seven different states on site, and according to PEAC and the listing agent Dorothy Phillips of Re/Max At The Shore, over 2,000 prospective buyers attended showings of the property.

"Our client had this property on the market for over a year and a half with very little success in attracting people to view the property," said Michael Schwartz, Director of Sales of PEAC. "Because we knew the buyer of this property could come from New Jersey as well as several other surrounding states, we created and launched an intricate accelerated marketing campaign that maximized exposure Nationwide. We had six news vans lined up outside the home!"

The Auction, which was held on Saturday, May 19th, was unique in that it was an Absolute Sale. This means that the homeowner chose to sell his property to the highest bidder on Auction Day, regardless of price. Many luxury homeowners who opt to sell their homes at Auction choose to have the safeguard of a Reserve Price; if the bidding does not reach the undisclosed Reserve Price, the seller is not obligated to sell. In this case, the seller wanted to achieve and confirm market value on a definitive sale date, and was able to achieve that with an Absolute Auction.

About Premiere Estates Auction Company

With over $1 Billion in sales, and 75 years of combined experience in the marketing and auctioneering of major real estate assets, Premiere Estates Auction Company, based in Manhattan Beach, CA, is the national leader in auctions of unique and luxury real estate. PEAC offers a full range of traditional and web-based sales, marketing, and auction services. This includes massive global, all-media marketing and advertising campaigns, as well as promotion, management, execution of the tasteful and exhilarating event itself, culminating in auctioneering outcry services.

Media Contact:

Julia Hodge
Director of Marketing
Premiere Estates Auction Company
310.698.3625 x232
jhodge@premiereestates.com

SOURCE Premiere Estates Auction Company

Florida Crystals Corporation Partners with IDI For Development of Intermodal Logistics Center in Western Palm Beach County

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:10:37 +0000

Florida Crystals Corporation Partners with IDI For Development of Intermodal Logistics Center in Western Palm Beach County

PR Newswire

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Crystals Corporation and IDI, one of the largest privately held logistics real estate companies in North America, have entered into a strategic alliance for the planning and marketing of the South Florida Intermodal Logistics Center (SFILC) in western Palm Beach County – the next step toward the completion of the project.

"This exclusive alliance capitalizes on Florida Crystals' resources as one of Palm Beach County's largest private landowners and IDI's proven success acquiring and developing 143 million square feet of industrial space in more than 566 industrial facilities across the U.S., Canada and Mexico," said Gaston Cantens, vice president of Florida Crystals. "It's an important indicator that our SFILC project is on track and moving forward."

Florida Crystals' 850-acre SFILC site, located between Belle Glade and South Bay, has received the county's approval for up to 10 million square feet of distribution and warehouse space as well as a rail yard. The location is ideal to tap a readily available workforce and is proximate to key infrastructure, including U.S. Highway 27, enterprise zones and rural areas of critical economic concern. The SFILC has received the enthusiastic endorsement of local communities who will benefit from the jobs it will create.

With a Florida office based in Fort Lauderdale, IDI's reach extends to more than 5 million square feet of developments in Central and South Florida. In Miramar, IDI is currently constructing one of the first inventory buildings in the last five years. This 264,000-square-foot office warehouse building is scheduled for completion in August 2012.

"South Florida industrial markets continue to improve. This is primarily being led by the leasing activity in Miami-Dade County, which now has a vacancy of 6.1 percent, and Broward County at 8.1 percent. As these markets continue to improve, coupled with the scarcity and high pricing of industrial-zoned land in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, demand will start to push north and the SFILC project will become a viable option for large distribution users," said Scott Helms, IDI's SVP and Regional Development Officer. "We were drawn to the SFILC project because we believe a site off U.S. 27 is prime to meet large logistics user demand."

About Florida Crystals

Florida Crystals Corporation is a fully integrated agro industrial company that owns 155,000 acres in Palm Beach County and farms 192,000 acres in South Florida, where the company produces sugar and rice products. It owns and operates the largest renewable power plant in North America that delivers clean power to its sugar operations and tens of thousands of homes. Florida Crystals, with its subsidiaries and affiliates, owns and operates sugar refineries in six countries worldwide with a capacity to produce more than 6 million tons of sugar each year. Its subsidiary American Sugar Refining is the world's largest cane sugar refining company. Its brand portfolio includes the leading brands Domino®, C&H®, Redpath®, Tate & Lyle®, Sidul® and Sores®. Florida Crystals is headquartered in Palm Beach County, Florida, where it was founded in 1960.

About IDI

IDI is a privately held real estate company focused exclusively on industrial property. The company, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, provides development, investments, property management and leasing services to corporations, property owners, investors, financial institutions and real estate service providers. Valued at $1.8 billion, IDI is one of the largest privately held logistics property companies in North America with ownership or interests in 32 million square feet of investment grade assets.

Since the company's founding in 1989, IDI has built a reputation for delivering superior quality properties and service. To date, IDI has developed and acquired 143 million square feet of industrial space and completed more than 566 industrial facilities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The company's investment portfolio, focused on building long-term value, holds more than 20 million square feet of assets and the company manages a portfolio of 50 million square feet. For more information on IDI, visit www.idi.com.

Contact:
Gaston Cantens
Florida Crystals Corporation
(561) 366-5193
Marianne_Martinez@floridacrystals.com

Scott Helms
IDI
(954) 678-2100

SOURCE Florida Crystals Corporation