EIN Presswire: Human Rights Live Feed Press Releases

Australian Private Equity Returns Continue to Outperform

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:09:00 +0000

The Cambridge Associates LLC Australia Private Equity and Venture Capital Index (CA Australia Index) demonstrates that private equity continues to deliver stable, solid returns in periods of high volatility for public equities.

The CA Australia Index, which measures private equity and venture capital returns in Australia, outperformed the S&P/ASX 300 Index over all time horizons for up to 10 years, according to the latest quarterly report released today.

For the quarter ended 30 September 2011, the CA Australia Index had annualised returns of 4.79%, 3.63%, 3.92% and 7.41% over one, three, five and ten years respectively. This compares very positively with the public equities indices, which recorded negative annualised returns over all corresponding periods, with the sole exception of the 10-year horizon.

Australian Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (AVCAL) CEO Dr Katherine Woodthorpe said: "The consistent outperformance of Australian private equity funds when compared to public equities indices is particularly noteworthy given that post-GFC, the total returns for private equity and venture capital investments have not exhibited the same kind of volatility and downside seen in the public equity markets.

"These results demonstrate a major benefit of private equity as an asset class to institutional investors -- helping their wider portfolio returns weather short-term public market volatility, while at the same time targeting superior long-term returns."

Eugene Snyman, Managing Director at Cambridge Associates' office in Sydney, Australia, said: "The consistent nature of Australian PE returns is indeed noteworthy and similar to what we have evidenced in other developed PE markets around the world."

This is the sixth quarterly report from the Index, which is a result of a strategic partnership between AVCAL and Cambridge Associates, global provider of independent research and investment consulting services.

The report is published on the AVCAL website www.avcal.com.au.

Cambridge Associates LLC Australia/AVCAL Index Returns for the period ending 30 September 2011


Index (A$)	1-Quarter	1-Year	3-Years	5-Years	10-Years

Cambridge Associates LLC Australia Private Equity & Venture Capital Index (A$) 1	1.05	4.79	3.63	3.92	7.41
Cambridge Associates LLC Australia Private Equity & Venture Capital Index (US$) 1	(8.25)	4.83	11.64	9.25	12.99
S&P/ASX 300 Index	(11.65)	(8.71)	(0.10)	(0.71)	7.25
S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries Index	(11.79)	(12.11)	(0.14)	(2.27)	8.19
UBS Australia Bank Bill Index	1.24	5.02	4.54	5.56	5.44
UBS Australian Composite Bond Index	4.63	9.04	7.82	7.04	6.22

The Cambridge Associates LLC Australia Private Equity & Venture Capital index is an end-to-end calculation based on data compiled from 52 Australia private equity and 19 Australia venture capital funds, including fully liquidated partnerships, formed between 1997 and 2010.
1 Pooled end-to-end return, net of fees, expenses, and carried interest.
Sources: Bloomberg L.P., Cambridge Associates LLC, Standard & Poor's, Thomson Datastream, UBS AG and UBS Global Asset Management.

About Cambridge Associates
Founded in 1973, Cambridge Associates is a provider of independent investment advice and research to institutional investors and private clients worldwide. Today the firm serves over 900 global investors representing nearly $3 trillion in aggregate assets. Cambridge Associates delivers a range of services, including investment consulting, outsourced portfolio solutions, research services and tools (Research Navigator(SM) and Benchmark Calculator), and performance monitoring, across all asset classes. The firm compiles the performance results for more than 4,500 private partnerships and their more than 62,000 portfolio company investments to publish its proprietary private investments benchmarks, of which the Cambridge Associates U.S. Venture Capital Index® and Cambridge Associates U.S. Private Equity Index® are widely considered to be the industry-standard benchmark statistics for these asset classes. Cambridge Associates has more than 1,000 employees serving its client base globally and maintains offices in Arlington, VA; Boston; Dallas; Menlo Park, CA; London; Singapore; Sydney; and Beijing. www.cambridgeassociates.com

About AVCAL
AVCAL is the voice of private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) in Australia. Membership includes 70 domestic and international PE and VC managers active in Australia as well as pension/super funds, service providers and other stakeholders. AVCAL is active in communicating, researching and advocating the significant contribution that PE and VC makes to the broader Australian economy. AVCAL members account for over $26bn of investments and are key providers of capital, funding innovation, productivity enhancements, entrepreneurial activity and sustainability. Australian PE and VC firms operate over 500 Australian-based companies. www.avcal.com.au www.twitter.com/avcal1 www.linkedin.com/in/avcal

Media contact:

AVCAL
Stuart Snell
ph +61 (0)2 8243 7001
(0)416 650 906
stuart.snell@avcal.com.au

Cambridge Associates
Frank Lentini
Sommerfield Communications
ph +1 212 255 8386
lentini@sommerfield.com

Bi-Partisan Members of Congress, Prominent Former Officials Call for Peaceful Resettlement of Camp Ashraf Residents, Removal of the Dissidents from Terrorist List -- Californian Society for Democracy in Iran

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:42:35 +0000

Bi-Partisan Members of Congress, Prominent Former Officials Call for Peaceful Resettlement of Camp Ashraf Residents, Removal of the Dissidents from Terrorist List -- Californian Society for Democracy in Iran

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Members of Congress, prominent scholars and former U.S. officials called for a speedy and peaceful end to the standoff over the fate of 3,400 pro-democracy Iranian dissidents at Camp Ashraf in Iraq, amid warnings that a failure to quickly and safely relocate them would endanger their lives.

"There is a looming genocide that could occur if a number of different things don't go right in the next weeks and months," warned former FBI Director Louis Freeh. "Our goal here is to make sure that genocide does not occur."

"This issue is simple, and at this critical time, the U.S. position must be clear and steadfast," added Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee. "International humanitarian standards must be upheld, human rights must be respected – these are universal obligations, and the residents of Camp Ashraf deserve no less."

The event, held in the Cannon Caucus Room, was sponsored by the House Foreign Affairs Committee member Ted Poe (R-TX). Reps. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX), Dan Lungren (R-CA) and Trent Franks, (R-AZ) also spoke.

Former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, a Democrat, also spoke in support of those at Camp Ashraf, as did Marc Ginsberg, who served as U.S. Ambassador to Morocco during the Clinton administration.

The residents of Camp Ashraf are members of the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK). Speakers also called for the State Department to remove the group from its list of terrorist organizations, a move that would speed their relocation, a view shared by renowned lawyer Alan Dershowitz and former New York Senator Alfonse D'Amato.

The group, which was placed on the list in 1997, renounced violence in 2001. When the U.S. military took control of the camp in 2003, it conducted detailed research and analysis on each of the residents there – all of whom voluntarily disarmed – and found no evidence of terrorist activity or association. Parallel investigations by other U.S. and international law enforcement organizations reached the same conclusion.

"A thorough individual background investigation… produced no evidence of wrongdoing, no evidence of criminal acts, and absolutely no evidence of terrorism by these people," said retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. David Phillips, who was the camp's commander. "I didn't read or get my information second and third hand. I lived it. I experienced it. I know it."

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, whose government took over control of Camp Ashraf from the U.S. military in 2009, has claimed that the Iranian dissidents' presence in Iraq "raises problems with Iran." In 2009 and 2011, the camp was attacked by Iraqi forces, resulting in 47 deaths and more than 1,000 injuries. Maliki had sought to close the camp at the end of 2011, but bowed to international pressure and allowed it to stay open until the end of April.

At issue is the fate of the dissidents; whose return to Iran would be tantamount to a death sentence. The MEK, other Iranian dissident groups and human rights organizations argue that those living in Camp Ashraf should be safely relocated to other nations by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. And while the Camp residents have already been granted "protected persons" status under the 4th Geneva Convention, Iraq has practically blocked the resettlement efforts by not allowing the UNHCR to start its process even though the UN body declared its readiness to do so in September.

The residents' supporters are also wary of the Iraqi government's desire to move them to Camp Liberty, a former U.S. military base near Baghdad International Airport, citing the lack of access to the camp by family members and lawyers, the lack of freedom of movement, the absence of UN inspectors inside the camp, the belief that those housed there would be denied adequate medical care, and the fear that they would be mistreated or brutalized by Iraqi forces.

"The way Camp Liberty has been pre-designed and controlled by the Iraqi regime, clearly at the behest of the Iranian regime, it is now a prison camp, not a refugee camp," Freeh said.

SOURCE Californian Society for Democracy in Iran

Migrant Workers Family Support Fund-With All Proceeds Donated to the Families of the Workers Killed or Injured in the Hampstead, Ontario Tragedy

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:33:50 +0000

A fund has been set up by UFCW Canada and the Agriculture Workers Alliance (AWA) to assist the families of the workers who were killed, as well as the workers who were injured in a horrific accident that took place in Hampstead, Ontario on February 6.

100% of the collected funds will be donated to the benefit of families of the injured or killed workers, who include 13 agriculture workers, as well as the driver of the colliding vehicle.

The AWA and UFCW Canada established the fund on February 7.

Donations to the Migrant Workers Family Support Fund can be made through PayPal at www.ufcw.ca/familysupportfund. Donations can also be made through the donor's preferred financial institution by direct transfer to the Fund's account:

The Migrant Workers Family Support Fund

TD Canada Trust

Account # 5221618

Transit # 1864

In addition to making a donation to the families of the workers killed or injured in the Hamstead tragedy, friends are also welcome to send their condolences to the families through a special memorial Facebook page: Hampstead Tragedy Memorial Page. The page has been set up to commemorate the workers who died or were injured, and to mark the tremendous contribution and sacrifices that farm workers - many of whom are migrants - make to our food supply and the Canadian agriculture industry.

UFCW Canada is the country's largest private-sector union, and for over two decades has led the campaign for safety and workplace rights for agriculture workers in Canada. In association with the Agriculture Workers Alliance (AWA), UFCW Canada also operates ten agriculture worker support centres across the country.

Agriculture Workers Alliance
Stan Raper, National Coordinator
416-523-0937
sraper@ufcw.ca

California Bankruptcy Lawyer - Law Offices of Robert Kevin Lee is Proud to Announce Nationwide Chapter 7, 11 and 13 Bankruptcy Services

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:13:15 +0000

The Law Firm of Robert Kevin Lee had been in the forefront bankruptcy law, providing high skill bankruptcy-related legal services to thousands of esteemed and prestigious clients in Los Angeles County.

LOS ANGELES, CA, February 07, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Robert K. Lee is a Board Certified Bankruptcy Law Specialist and one of the thirty-five specialist Bankruptcy Attorneys in the county of Los Angeles. In the YouTube video below this, Bill M. shares his impressive experience with Mr. Lee and his highly efficient staff. Due to the remarkable service provided by Mr. Lee to prominent clients like Bill M., he has earned an 'Outstanding" ten out of ten rating from Avvo.com, an independent website that rates attorneys. You have arrived at the right place if you have been on the lookout for an expert Bankruptcy Lawyer in Los Angeles County.

View the video here http://californiabankruptcylawyer.biz/2012/01/bankruptcy-law-offices- ... kevin-lee/

The law firm specializes in

California Chapter 7 - http://californiabankruptcylawyer.biz/california-chapter-7/

California Chapter 11 - http://californiabankruptcylawyer.biz/2011/10/california-chapter-11/

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The Law Offices Of Robert Kevin Lee - California Bankruptcy lawyer

We are here to assist you in all issues related to California Bankruptcy Law, with long-term specialization in California Chapter 7, 11, and 13 Bankruptcy Laws. To obtain our FREE consultation services on a priority basis, you have to just fill out the contact form. http://californiabankruptcylawyer.biz/contact-us/

You can also contact us by calling Toll Free: (888) 777-0839.

Contact: Robert Kevin Lee

boblee.rkl@gmail.com

Call Toll Free (888) 777-0839

www.californiabankruptcylawyer.biz

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ReDigi Wins Major Court Victory in Fight for Consumer Digital Rights

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:10:00 +0000

Capitol Records was denied a request for a preliminary injunction in attempt to shut down ReDigi, the online marketplace for pre-owned digital media. ReDigi is fighting to ensure ownership rights to lawful digital purchases remain intact.

CAMBRIDGE, MA, February 07, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- ReDigi (www.ReDigi.com), the online marketplace for pre-owned digital music and revolutionary cloud service technology that verifies the legitimacy of a digital music file before it can be uploaded for storage, won a major victory in a court hearing Monday when Capitol Records was denied a request for a preliminary injunction in an attempt to shut down ReDigi. This is an exciting step forward for ReDigi's and the purchasing public's fight to keep consumers' intrinsic and lawful ownership rights to their digital property intact at a time when Capitol Records is fighting desperately to confiscate these rights.

In Capitol's filing, the label challenged the legal principles at the foundation of the entire cloud computing industry, worth an estimated 41 billion dollars per year, of which ReDigi is a pioneer and emerging leader. Capitol's disregard for the process of ReDigi's advanced technology, which clearly works within the parameters of the law, has drawn the ire of both consumers and industry leaders such as Google, which petitioned the courts for permission to file its own brief in the case.

"This is a fascinating issue," stated District Judge, Richard J. Sullivan, who turned down Capitol's request for a preliminary injunction. "It raises a lot of technological and statutory issues."

In our increasingly digital world, ReDigi is breaking down the barriers that have kept consumers from enjoying their intrinsic and lawful ownership rights to their digital purchases. Through its Marketplace, ReDigi transposes the familiar process of selling a used CD or LP onto the digital world, enabling consumers to exercise their ownership rights lawfully, observing and preserving the legitimate rights of the artists and labels in their copyrighted music.

ReDigi's Founder and CEO John Ossenmacher said of the decision, "We are grateful for the judge's decision in our favor. Our technology is helping consumers unlock billions of dollars of previously unrealized wealth in their digital media collections. We hope today's ruling will help to expedite the trial so that we can get back to our business and providing consumers with access this incredible technology. And we hope Capitol can get back to their business and find a way to catch up to the times instead of trying to stop the innovation process, denying rights to their paying customers along the way."

"Technology has done a great job of virtualizing physical goods, such as removing the clutter of records and CDs in our living rooms. Technology can now make the virtual goods feel like physical," explains Prof. Larry Rudolph, ReDigi's CTO. "Our advanced technology can distinguish legally acquired online music files from those ripped from a CD or file shared, but more significantly, our use of cloud computing and other modern computer techniques makes transfer of ownership compatible with copyright regulations. ReDigi is the pioneer of the 'cloud as the digital goods marketplace' -- the marketplace of the future -- where people go to buy and sell and where sophisticated technology ensures safety, legality, and convenience."

To review ReDigi's response to Capitol's request for a preliminary injunction which were reviewed by the Judge who ruled today in ReDigi's favor, visit:

http://recordingindustryvspeople.blogspot.com/2012/01/redigi-files-op ... pitol.html

ReDigiTM is the online marketplace for pre-owned digital music and the only Cloud service that verifies whether each music file uploaded for storage was legally acquired from an eligible source. ReDigi's patent pending methods are revolutionary. In addition to the highly sophisticated Verification Engine, the Atomic Cloud transfer system enables the transfer of a digital music file between buyer and seller without copying or file sharing. In addition to these technological breakthroughs, ReDigi supports artists directly through a unique platform that, for the first time in the secondhand music market, grants generous payments from each track sold (and resold) directly to the artist who created it.

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Save Your Skin Foundation Applauds Health Canada's Decision to Approve Yervoy(TM) for Advanced Melanoma

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:59:19 +0000

New Treatment is First and Only to Extend Survival for Canadians With Deadliest Form of Skin Cancer

Health Canada has announced its approval of Yervoyâ¢ (ipilimumab) to treat metastatic, or advanced, melanoma. It is the first new treatment for the disease in more than a decade, and is the only medicine proven to significantly extend the lives of patients living with the disease. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and one of the fastest growing cancers in Canada.

"Health Canada's approval of Yervoy provides hope for Canadians fighting to live longer," says Kathy Barnard, Founder of the Save Your Skin Foundation. "It's heartbreaking to see so many Canadians losing their battle with melanoma and, given that most patients with advanced melanoma survive less than a year, time is critical. I hope all Canadians who need it, will have access to Yervoy as soon as possible, giving them a chance to survive this disease."

This news hits a personal note for Barnard, who is fighting her own battle with melanoma. In 2003 Barnard was first diagnosed, and by 2005 stage IV malignant melanoma had spread. Tumors were found in her left lung, kidney, liver, and adrenal gland. In 2007 through a clinical study Barnard was treated with Yervoy and has been disease free since.

"I was extremely fortunate to have had access to this medication," says Barnard. "Awareness and access to new treatments is critical. It's the reason I'm alive today." One of the key objectives of Save Your Skin is to create timely and national awareness of available treatment options.

In its late stages, the average life expectancy for melanoma is just six months, with a one-year survival rate of only 25 percent, making metastatic melanoma one of the most aggressive forms of cancer and one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer. An estimated 5,500 Canadians will be diagnosed with melanoma this year and 950 will die from it. Melanoma is responsible for 75 percent of the deaths associated with skin cancer.

The Kaplan-Meier survival rate with Yervoy at both one and two years was almost double when measured against patients treated with gp100 cancer vaccine. Survival was 46 per cent at one year and 24 percent at 2 years for Yervoy, versus 25 percent at one year and 14 percent at two years for gp100. Yervoy also showed long-term survival with some patients living three or four years beyond treatment.

Yervoy provides advanced melanoma suffers with an important new treatment option and a real hope for long-term survival.

About Melanoma in Canada

Every year, thousands of Canadians are diagnosed with Melanoma, with the incidence of the disease increasing faster than that of any other cancer. Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) located in the skin. One in 74 men and 1 in 90 women are expected to develop melanoma during their lifetime; 1 in 284 men and 1 in 486 women will die of it. Melanoma is clearly visible on the skin, and 90 per cent of melanomas are caused by exposure to UV light, including tanning beds.

About Yervoyâ¢

Yervoy (3 mg/kg) is indicated for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma in patients who have failed or do not tolerate other systemic therapy for advanced disease.

Yervoy is a recombinant; human monoclonal antibody, and the first approved cancer immunotherapy for melanoma to target the CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4), which plays a role in suppressing normal immune function.

About the Save Your Skin Foundation

The Save Your Skin Foundation is a Canadian not-for-profit foundation. Through events and other initiatives, the Foundation focuses on: raising funds for education and awareness, providing emotional and financial support to those dealing with melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, and on supporting the ongoing research and treatment of skin cancer - especially melanoma.

Donations go towards providing critical and timely treatments, as well as ongoing education, research, and awareness initiatives.

For additional information please visit www.saveyourskin.ca or contact Birgit Simon at 604-734-4223.

Karran Finlay Marketing
Birgit Simon
Media Liaison
604-734-4223
bsimon@karranfinlaymarketing.com
www.saveyourskin.ca
For medical information about Yervoy,
please contact BMS Canada medical
information line at 1-800-463-6267

New TechNet Study: Illinois Among Top 10 App Economy Job Producing U.S. States

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:47:00 +0000

Study Shows Nearly 500,000 "App Economy" Jobs in U.S.

TechNet, an Illinois Technology Association national partner, and the bipartisan policy and political network of technology CEOs that promotes the growth of the innovation economy, today released a new study showing that there are now roughly 466,000 jobs in the "App Economy" in the United States, up from zero in 2007. The study also found that Illinois is in the top ten of U.S. states with roughly 4 percent of App Economy jobs in the nation.

The study, sponsored by TechNet and conducted by Dr. Michael Mandel of South Mountain Economics LLC, also found that App Economy jobs are spread throughout the nation. The top metro area for App Economy jobs is New York City and its surrounding suburban counties, although together San Francisco and San Jose together substantially exceed New York. And while California tops the list of App Economy states, more than two-thirds of App Economy employment is outside of California and New York. The results also suggest that the App Economy is growing quickly and that the location and number of app-related jobs are likely to shift greatly in the years ahead.

"America's App Economy -- which had zero jobs just 5 years ago before the iPhone was introduced -- demonstrates that we can quickly create economic value and jobs through cutting-edge innovation," said Rey Ramsey, President and CEO of TechNet. "Today, the App Economy is creating jobs in every part of America, employing hundreds of thousands of U.S. workers today and even more in the years to come."

"The App Economy, along with the broad communications sector, has been a leading source of hiring strength in an otherwise sluggish labor market," said Dr. Michael Mandel, the report's author and President of South Mountain Economics and former Chief Economist for BusinessWeek.

"As the technology industry and in particular software evolves, the app economy is becoming a critical new area of development and growth," says Fred Hoch, President, Illinois Technology Association. "Illinois, with rich resources in data, development, advertising and design, is poised to take a leading role in this newly evolving ecosystem and related job creation."

The full study, entitled "Where the Jobs Are," is available at: http://www.technet.org/new-technet-sponsored-study-nearly-500000-app-economy-jobs-in-united-states-february-7-2012/

Top U.S. Metro Areas With Highest Percentage of App Economy Jobs


New York-Northern N.J.-Long Island	9.2%
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont	8.5%
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara	6.3%
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	5.7%
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana	5.1%
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria	4.8%
Chicago-Naperville-Joliet	3.5%
Boston-Cambridge-Quincy	3.5%
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta	3.3%
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington	2.6%

Top Ten States for App Economy Jobs (Percentage)


California	23.8%
New York	6.9%
Washington	6.4%
Texas	5.4%
New Jersey	4.2%
Illinois	4.0%
Massachusetts	3.9%
Georgia	3.7%
Virginia	3.5%
Florida	3.1%

The research shows that when it comes to employment impacts, each app represents jobs -- for programmers, for user interface designers, for marketers, for managers, for support staff. Conventional employment numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics are not able to track such a new phenomenon because this economic ecosystem is so new. The research analyzed detailed information from The Conference Board Help-Wanted OnLine® (HWOL) database, a comprehensive and up-to-the-minute compilation of want ads, to estimate the number of jobs in the App Economy.

The total number of Apps Economy jobs includes jobs at 'pure' app firms such as Zynga as well as app-related jobs at large companies such as Electronic Arts, Amazon, and AT&T, as well as app 'infrastructure' jobs at core firms such as Google, Apple, and Facebook. In addition, the App Economy total includes employment spillovers to the rest of the economy.

About Dr. Michael Mandel and South Mountain Economics LLC
Dr. Michael Mandel is president of South Mountain Economics LLC, a consulting firm which tracks the impact of innovation and trade on state, local, and national labor markets. His blog, "Mandel on Innovation and Growth," can be found at http://www.southmountaineconomics.com. Dr. Mandel, who holds a PhD in economics from Harvard University, formerly served as chief economist at BusinessWeek, where he directed the magazine's coverage of the domestic and global economies. While at BusinessWeek, Dr. Mandel was named one of the top 100 business journalists of the 20th century for his writings on innovation and growth. He received multiple awards for his work, including "Best Economic Journalist of the Year" by the World Leadership Forum, and the Gerald Loeb Award for Business and Financial Journalism, the top award in the field. Dr. Mandel also serves as Chief Economic Strategist at the Progressive Policy Institute in Washington DC. He is Senior Fellow at the Mack Center for Technological Innovation at the Wharton School, and produces education-oriented economics videos through his company Visible Economy LLC. He is also the author of four books, including an introductory economics textbook, Economics: The Basics, now in its second edition. His main twitter feed is @MichaelMandel, and his textbook twitter feed is @MandeltheBasics.

About TechNet:
TechNet is the national, bipartisan network of CEOs that promotes the growth of technology industries and the economy by building long-term relationships between technology leaders and policymakers and by advocating a targeted policy agenda. TechNet's members represent more than one million employees in the fields of information technology, biotechnology, e-commerce and finance. TechNet has offices in Washington, D.C., Palo Alto, Sacramento, Seattle, Boston and Austin. Web address: www.technet.org. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter at @technetupdate.

About ITA
The Illinois Technology Association, a next-generation business organization, is a driving force behind the growth of Illinois' vibrant technology industry. ITA's mission is to accelerate the growth of our 700 member companies, drive their visibility and bridge the technology talent gap from startups to industry leaders in software, services, and information technology businesses. Through collaboration and collective action, ITA brings the industry together to drive member success and advocate for the Illinois technology community locally and nationally. Illinois is a national leader in technology and ITA is committed to its continued growth. For more information about ITA, please visit www.illinoistech.org or follow us on twitter @itabuzz.

Contact:
Jim Hock
(202) 463-0013 x202
jim.hock@463.com

People to People International Selects MDL Technology, LLC to Solve IT Challenges

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:15:00 +0000

Technology may solve the world's problems someday -- which might be why People to People International (PTPI) selected MDL Technology, LLC, a Kansas City-based managed services company, to fix its database management problems.

Liz Wegman, director of public relations and development for PTPI, said the organization believes in connecting people of different countries and cultures, and provides the opportunities to do so. "PTPI strives to continue to provide ways for people to learn from one another and do their part to make the world a better place. MDL Technology is now part of assisting PTPI to reach those goals via the customer relationship management (CRM) system it updated for the organization. MDL Technology worked hard to understand our organization and how we use CRM. They were very responsive when issues came up and provided solutions to problems in a timely manner. The company's team cares a lot about their clients and it shows in their work," said Wegman.

MDL Technology, LLC, a Microsoft partner, solved technological challenges that the humanitarian organization faced, updated PTPI's Microsoft Dynamics CRM system and cleansed the database for PTPI. The CRM system improved the tracking and management of PTPI's members, donors, travelers and event participants.

T.J. Bloom, COO of MDL Technology, said it's been an honor to work with PTPI. "We were able to provide the support and tools needed in order to provide an instant technological integration for PTPI, along with providing a streamlined business process. We want to continue to build a CRM system for their team to manage long-term and develop their relationships to the community," said Bloom.

MDL Technology, LLC is a Kansas City IT company that specializes in worry-free computer support by providing solutions for around-the-clock network monitoring, hosting, data recovery, off site backup security and much more (http://www.mdltechnology.com). Follow us on Twitter @mdltech or "Like" us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/MDL-Technology-LLC/139124869400

Contact:
Valerie Jennings
816.221.1040
valerie@jenningssocialmedia.com

Democracy, Human Rights, Refugees: U.S. Support to Regional Efforts To Counter the Lord's Resistance Army

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:38:41 +0000

Fact Sheet

Updated

Washington, DC

February 7, 2012

In May 2010, President Obama signed into law the Lord’s Resistance (LRA) Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act, which reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to support regional partners’ efforts to end the atrocities of the LRA in central Africa. For more than two decades, the LRA has murdered, raped, and kidnapped tens of thousands of innocent men, women, and children. In 2011, the LRA reportedly committed over 250 attacks. As of August 2011, the United Nations estimates that approximately 440,000 people are displaced across Central African Republic (CAR), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and South Sudan as a result of LRA activity.

The United States’ comprehensive, multi-year strategy seeks to help the Governments of Uganda, CAR, the DRC, and South Sudan as well as the African Union and United Nations to mitigate and end the threat posed to civilians and regional stability by the LRA. The strategy outlines four key objectives for U.S. support: (1) the increased protection of civilians, (2) the apprehension or removal of Joseph Kony and senior LRA commanders from the battlefield, (3) the promotion of defections and support of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of remaining LRA fighters, and (4) the provision of continued humanitarian relief to affected communities. To advance this strategy, the United States has sent a small number of military advisers to the LRA-affected region to enhance the capacity of the national militaries to pursue senior LRA commanders and to protect civilians. The U.S. Embassies in the region are also working closely with bilateral and multilateral partners to advance the strategy, and the Department of State has deployed a field representative to augment this engagement.

The lines of effort in which the United States is engaged include:

Increasing Civilian Protection: The protection of civilians is a priority for the U.S. strategy. National governments bear responsibility for civilian protection, and the United States is working to enhance their capacity to fulfill this responsibility. The United States also strongly supports the United Nations peacekeeping missions in the DRC and South Sudan and the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in the CAR. We continue to work with the United Nations to help augment its efforts in the LRA-affected region. At the same time, we are working with other partners on projects to help reduce the vulnerability of LRA-affected communities and increase their capacity to make decisions related to their own safety. To promote the protection of civilians, the Department of State and USAID are funding communication networks, including high-frequency radios and cell phone towers to enhance community-based protection in Bas- and Haut-Uele districts in the DRC.

Enhancing Regional Efforts to Apprehend LRA Top Commanders: On November 14, 2011, the United Nations Security Council commended ongoing efforts by national militaries in the region to address the threat posed by the LRA, and welcomed international efforts to enhance their capacity in this respect. The Council noted the efforts of the United States, which, since 2008, has provided over $40 million in critical logistical support, equipment and training to enhance counter-LRA operations by regional militaries. On October 14, 2011, President Obama reported to Congress that he had authorized a small number of U.S. advisors to deploy to the LRA-affected region, in consultation with national governments, to act as advisors to the militaries that are pursuing the LRA. The U.S. military advisors are working to help strengthen cooperation and information-sharing among regional forces, and to enhance the capacity of the militaries to fuse intelligence with effective operational planning.

Encouraging and Facilitating LRA Defections: Over the course of this conflict, more than 12,000 former LRA fighters and abductees have been reintegrated and reunited with their families through Uganda’s Amnesty Commission. The United States continues to support efforts across the affected countries to demobilize and reintegrate former LRA fighters and all those victimized by this conflict back into normal life. In Fiscal Year 2011, USAID provided nearly $2 million to support the rehabilitation of former abducted youth in CAR and the DRC and their reunification with their families. The United States is working with the United Nations, the African Union, and national governments in the region to enhance processes across the region to facilitate the safe return, repatriation, and reintegration of those who defect or escape from the LRA’s ranks.

Providing Humanitarian Assistance: The United States is the largest bilateral donor of humanitarian assistance to LRA-affected populations in CAR, the DRC, and South Sudan. In Fiscal Year 2011, the United States provided more than $18 million to support the provision of food assistance and implementation of food security, humanitarian protection, health, livelihoods initiatives, and other relief activities for internally displaced persons, host community members, and other populations affected by the LRA. The United States also continues to provide assistance to support the return of displaced people, reconstruction, and recovery in northern Uganda, where the LRA carried out its brutal campaign for nearly two decades until it fled Uganda in 2006. With the LRA’s departure and Ugandan and international recovery and development efforts, northern Uganda has undergone a significant post-conflict reconstruction and recovery in just a few years.

PRN: 2012/181

Almas Jiwani, President of UN Women Canada National Committee to Kick Off Opening Ceremonies at the 2012 Africa Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Conference at the University of Alberta

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:37:53 +0000

Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

Almas Jiwani, President of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women Canada - National Committee) will deliver the keynote address at the conference hosted by the African Students' Association (AFSA) at the University of Alberta, Africa Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow: Exploring the Multi-dimensional Discourses on 'Development', on Friday February 10, 2012.

"We are delighted and honoured that Ms. Jiwani has accepted our invitation to deliver the keynote address at the 2012 Conference. Her great work around the world embodies the plight of gender equality," expressed Conference Chair and Convener Nathan Andrews. He further added that "Ms. Jiwani embodies women's rights in Canada and we could not have a better representative to raise awareness of these issues at this year's conference, which focuses on the multi-dimensional discourses of development in the state of Africa."

AFSA extends an invitation to students, scholars, professionals, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community members interested in all aspects of African development to this conference scheduled for February 10-11, 2012. The complexity of Africa's development from a multi-disciplinary standpoint, against the backdrop of the idea of "development" from an economic, political, cultural, social and infrastructural will be discussed.

Ms. Jiwani will present a keynote address on the topic of "Gender Equality in Africa: Achieving Human Security and the State of Refugees" during opening Gala ceremony. She will also take the opportunity to educate the audience about the United Nations' approach to this issue. "Development will not happen until ALL women are included. I have been working with the African government and several organizations personally and the United Nations Women is committed to bringing about change in the African community. By working together we can bring new era of hope for women and girls in Africa." says Ms. Jiwani.

The opening ceremony is in collaboration with the World University Service of Canada's annual Student Refugee Program Gala. An annual affair to raise awareness and support for the student-to-student sponsorship program which has been a part of the University of Alberta tradition for over 20 years. Doors open at 6:00p.m, program start at 6:30 pm, and dinner will be served by 7pm at the Lister Conference Centre on the University of Alberta campus. Entertainment includes Edmonton's own Spoken word Poet and Canadian champion Ahmed Knowmadic and a musical duo by our beloved Aditya Rao and Ramya Kandala!

Tickets for the Gala can be purchased online at www.tixonthesquare.ca/event/detail/4607, or to register for the entire two days of activities visit: www.afsaualberta.org.

Ms. Jiwani will speak during the opening gala which begins at 6 pm.

About UN Women Canada National Committee

The National Committee for UN Women Canada National Committee raises the UN Women's profile and promotes its work in Canada; raises funds for UN Women projects; creates awareness within the Canadian governments for increased funding for UN Women projects; and encourages non-governmental organizations to promote and support UN Women initiatives.

About University of Alberta African Students' Association (AFSA)

AFSA is a student group at the University of Alberta that provides an engaging forum for all students of African descent and all those interested in issues of African concern in Edmonton. AFSA's objective is to initiate programs of special interest to African students with a view of articulating a progressive African position and generating informed support for African development.

To view the photo associated with this press release, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/AlmasJiwani%2cPresident.jpg.

UN Women Canada National Committee
Ms. Andrea Smith
416-333-6261
andrea.smith@unwomencanada.org
University of Alberta African Students' Association
Nathan Anderews
780-222-7280
afsa09@ualberta.ca

Almas Jiwani, President of UN Women Canada National Committee

Former CMS Administrator Donald Berwick, MD, Among Experts to Present at VHA's Fifth Annual Clinical Conference

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:02:00 +0000

VHA Members, Leaders Will Hear From Top Experts, Explore Key Improvement Drivers Over Three-Day Session

More than 300 hospital and health care leaders will assemble in Miami, Fla., Feb. 15-17, to attend the fifth annual clinical conference hosted by VHA Inc., the national health care network. Donald Berwick, MD, former administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, will headline the event and discuss his vision for improving the quality of U.S. health care. In addition to Dr. Berwick, attendees will hear from Peter J. Pronovost, PhD, professor, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; best-selling author Steven Berlin Johnson; and Thomas Goetz, Executive Editor, Wired magazine, as well as other health care industry and government leaders.

Themed "Ignite Your Performance," this year's conference will focus on challenges imposed by health care reform and impending changes to health care delivery models. Says John Young, VHA senior vice president, Knowledge and Data Services, attendees will be exposed to the latest industry thinking and hear how to accelerate positive change in their health care organizations.

"2012 is a critical year for health care," Young explains. "Our goal is to arm our members with knowledge, insight and a sense of urgency about preparing for health care reform-inspired changes, starting with a focus on improving performance in quality, safety and the patient experience. Through the conference, attendees will learn from industry experts how they can effectively manage patient care delivery across the episode-of-care and into a future focus on population health management, especially as it impacts health care organizations and patients."

As a national health care alliance, VHA is uniquely equipped to bring together experts from across the health care industry, says Colleen Risk, VHA executive vice president, Member Networks and Human Resources. "We are well known for our networking capabilities," she explains. "Whether it is bringing together members or outside industry experts, or both, we consider it a core competency to assemble the best and the brightest thinkers to analyze and address industry problems for the benefit our member hospitals and health care systems."

About the speakers

One of America's leading advocates for high-quality health care, Dr. Berwick will address how to resolve the myriad performance improvement mandates confronting today's hospital and health care leaders. A professor at the Harvard Medical School and an Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire, Berwick champions a safe, efficient, integrated and cost-effective health care delivery system and inspires health care professionals to enact policies and processes to achieve that ideal. Dr. Berwick is also the founding CEO of the Institute of Healthcare Improvement, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care world-wide. He is the author of "Curing Health Care," and "New Rules: Regulation, Markets and the Quality of American Health Care."

Peter J. Pronovost, MD, is an intensive care specialist physician at Johns Hopkins Hospital and a professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The author of "Safe Patient, Smart Hospitals: How One Doctor's Checklist Can Help Us Change Heath Care from the Inside Out," he will explain how using his practical and intensive checklist protocol has reduced medical errors and hospital acquired infections, improved patient safety, avoided potential medical errors and saved lives.

Thomas Goetz is executive editor of Wired magazine and holds a master's degree in public health from The University of California at Berkeley. In his recent book, "The Decision Tree: Taking Control of your Health in the New Era of Personalized Medicine," Goetz explores the future world of custom-tailored medicines and medical care whose advances will enable us to stay healthier and live longer.

Best-selling author Steven Berlin Johnson has written extensively on the intersection of science, technology and the media. He also contributes to Wired magazine and is a Distinguished Writer in Residence at New York University's Department of Journalism. Johnson's work describes how societies and institutions can encourage and support ground-breaking thinking. His latest book, "Where Good Ideas Come From: The Natural History of Innovation," details the genesis of innovation. Hospital leaders and health care professionals can apply Johnson's provocative principles to help improve health care nationwide.

Attendees to participate in live "Focus on Reform" broadcast

Attendees also will have the opportunity to participate as part of the audience for a live broadcast of VHA's nationally-aired Focus on Reform series hosted by Michael Regier, VHA senior vice president and general counsel. The program will deliver a progress report on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and feature a distinguished group of panelists, including Helen Darling, president, National Business Group on Health; Meredith Rosenthal, PhD., professor, Health Economics and Policy, Harvard School of Public Health; and, Joe V. Selby, executive director, Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute.

About VHA
Based in Irving, TX, VHA Inc. is a national network of not-for-profit health care organizations that work together to drive maximum savings in the supply chain arena, set new levels of clinical performance, and identify and implement best practices to improve operational efficiency and clinical outcomes. Since 1977, VHA has leveraged its expertise in analytics, contracting, consulting and networks to help members achieve their operational, clinical and financial objectives. In 2010, VHA delivered record savings and value of $1.7 billion to members. VHA serves more than 1,350 hospitals and more than 30,000 non-acute care providers nationwide, coordinating delivery of its programs and services through its 15 regional offices. VHA has been ranked as one of the best places to work in healthcare by Modern Healthcare since the publication introduced this list in 2008.

VHA Inc. Media Contact
Maxine Levy
972.830.7845
Email Contact

Zellers Workers Unite in New Campaign That Calls on Target Corp. to Respect Loyalty, Experience and Bargaining Rights When Hiring in Canada

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:18:51 +0000

Zellers Workers Are Gaining Supporters Across Canada With a New Campaign www.targetfairness.ca That Asks Target Corp. for Fairness When the Global Retailer Starts Hiring and Filling Jobs for Its "New" Canadian Store Locations

Zellers workers across Canada are uniting as part of a new campaign that is asking Target for fairness when it comes to staffing its "new" Canadian stores.

Eager to roll out its well-known brand north of the US border, Target recently made a play for the Canadian market by purchasing a number of Zellers operations throughout the country. Soon after the purchase, Target announced that every job in the converted stores will be filled by new hires, and the Zellers workers will have to reapply for the same job, at the same store, for starting pay. A number of Zellers workers have worked at the same location for more than 25 years; some of their stories are featured on the workers' new website www.targetfairness.ca.

In response to Target's approach to Canada, a growing number of Zellers workers from different store locations are combining their voices to ask Target for fairness. As part of the campaign for fairness, the Zellers workers have worked with friends and labour rights advocates to launch www.targetfairness.ca.

The campaign website www.targetfairness.ca calls on supporters to make a stand for fairness by sending a letter to Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel, and by alerting their Facebook friends and Twitter followers to this very important issue facing Zellers workers and their communities across the country.

"Target is one of the world's most successful retailers and many Canadians are excited about shopping in new store locations that offer a weekly ad, coupons, regular store hours and the company's popular loyalty rewards card," says the group's website. "Target will soon be hiring in Canada and that is a good thing. But Target can be an even stronger force in our community by giving Zellers workers the respect they deserve. With the support of people who Ask Target for Fairness, the company can become a leader in Canada for creating better, fairer jobs that benefit our communities today and well into the future."

The group has also launched a Facebook page www.facebook.com/targetfairness that is attracting the attention of a growing number of Facebookers, including one user who wrote on the group's wall, "It's not fair to make someone reapply for the same job she's been doing for more than 20 years. The same job for less pay and none of the benefits she's worked her whole life to earn. It's not right and Target can afford to treat the people at Zellers better."

Another Facebooker and Zellers worker says, "As a Zellers associate of 22 years I stand to lose my benefits, seniority and wages. Why is this allowed to happen? Why is the government not saving these jobs? Target says that they are going to create all these jobs but there is no mention of the thousands that will remain unemployed because of them."

"This is an important campaign for everyone who cares about fairness and respect," says Kevin Shimmin, an anti-poverty activist and union organizer for UFCW Canada. "Five thousand people could lose their jobs. This could be devastating for their families and our communities. Zellers workers need our support now to protect their jobs and their livelihoods. Together, we can demand that Target treats working people in Canada with fairness." Zellers associates at 16 store locations in B.C., Ontario and Quebec are proud members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW Canada), the country's leading retail workers union.

The Ask Target for Fairness campaign is also asking friends and supporters with websites to link to www.targetfairness.ca, and to add this story to their newsfeeds and list serves.

To find out more about the campaign to ask Target for fairness, go to www.targetfairness.ca.

UFCW Canada
Kevin Shimmin
National Representative
416-806-7039
kshimmin@ufcw.ca

Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) Releases January 2012 Index

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Stock performances of major gaming equipment manufacturers continued to trend upward during the first month of 2012 as business confidence and selected economic indicators improved. The broader equities markets responded to positive consumer spending and job reports in January. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 3.4 percent during the latest month, while the S&P 500 closed up nearly 4.4 percent; the NASDAQ Composite soared more than 8.0 percent during the same timeframe.

Although overall growth in the AGEM Index did not mirror those posted in the larger markets, 13 of the 16 global gaming suppliers reported gains in their stock valuation during the month of January. With 20 days of trading in the first month of 2012, the AGEM Index reached a composite score of 117.50, representing an increase of 1.23 points, or nearly 1.1 percent from the prior month.

For comparison purposes, the AGEM Index is up 12.5 percent from levels reported one year ago, but remains down 5.1 percent from its peak in the current cycle (October 2011). Valuations within the sector are likely to remain somewhat volatile, particularly as a broader economic recovery emerges and quarterly earnings season continues for the next several weeks.

Selected positive contributors to the index during January 2012 included the following:

Lottomatica (LTO) added 1.63 points to the overall index, sourced to a gain of 10.25 percent in its stock valuation.
Aristocrat Technologies (ALL) posted a stock price gain of 11.36 percent, contributing 1.47 points to the overall index.

Selected negative contributors to the index included:

Konami (KNM) recorded a stock price decline of 11.29 percent, removing 2.74 points from the index.
International Game Technology (IGT) witnessed its stock price dip by 7.38 percent resulting in a negative contribution of 2.30 points to the overall index.



AGEM	Exchange: Symbol	Stock Price At Month End			Percent Change		Index
AGEM	(Currency)	Jan-12	Dec-11	Jan-11	Prior Period	Prior Year	Contribution
Ainsworth Game Technology	ASX: AGI (AU$)	0.67	0.49	0.28	36.73	143.64	0.55
Aristocrat Technologies	ASX: ALL (AU$)	2.45	2.20	2.97	11.36	(17.51)	1.47
Astro Corp.	Taiwan: 3064 (NT$)	43.65	37.50	57.30	16.40	(23.82)	0.12
Bally Technologies	NYSE: BYI (US$)	42.22	39.56	40.93	6.72	3.15	0.81
Elixir Gaming Technologies	AMEX: EGT (US$)	0.25	0.23	0.36	11.06	(30.56)	0.02
Gaming Partners International	Nasdaq: GPIC (US$)	6.43	6.20	6.88	3.71	(6.54)	0.01
Global Cash Access	NYSE: GCA (US$)	5.30	4.45	3.05	19.10	73.77	0.43
IGT	NYSE: IGT (US$)	15.93	17.20	17.17	(7.38)	(7.22)	(2.30)
INTRALOT S.A.	ATHEX: INLOT (€)	0.83	0.67	2.51	23.33	(66.93)	0.29
Konami	NYSE: KNM (US$)	26.57	29.95	20.03	(11.29)	32.65	(2.74)
Lottomatica (GTECH)	MILAN: LTO.MI (€)	12.80	11.61	10.61	10.25	20.64	1.63
Multimedia Games	Nasdaq: MGAM (US$)	7.53	7.94	5.33	(5.16)	41.28	(0.07)
Shuffle Master	Nasdaq: SHFL (US$)	12.79	11.72	10.53	9.13	21.46	0.42
Transact Technologies	Nasdaq: TACT (US$)	8.10	7.26	9.64	11.57	(15.98)	0.06
Wells-Gardner Electronics	AMEX: WGA (US$)	2.07	2.02	2.75	2.48	(24.73)	0.00
WMS Industries	NYSE: WMS (US$)	21.89	20.52	41.95	6.68	(47.82)	0.53
Change in Index Value							1.23
AGEM Index Value: December 2011							116.27
AGEM Index Value: January 2012							117.50

Gaming markets have continued to emerge domestically and abroad over the last decade as various types of casino gambling has entered nearly every major populous. Recent legislative action in some of these new markets has generated significant interest on the part of operators, including activity in the Massachusetts market. Although the state of Massachusetts is still in its early stages of determining gambling license approvals, casino operators have their foot on the gas pedal in what will likely provide a significant opportunity for global gaming manufacturers. The following highlights development progress by those reportedly exploring the northeastern gaming market.

Operator	Market	Development Details
Ameristar Casinos	Springfield	Closed on former 41-acre Westinghouse property for $16 million. Site is expected to be cleared as programming/plans emerge.
Caesars Entertainment	East Boston	Developed an alliance with Suffolk Downs for a proposed casino at their existing racetrack.
Hard Rock International	Holyoke	Proposed site at Wyckoff Country Club; some opposition to the project exists.
Las Vegas Sands	Unknown	With no formal project announcement; speculation suggests Sands may be exploring opportunities.
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe	Unknown	Gambling bill gives first-mover advantage to the local tribe. July 31st deadline to negotiate a gaming compact with the state before open to other applicants.
MGM Resorts International	Brimfield	Considering a proposed 300-room Rolling Hills Resort and Casino. MGM has retained Gensler for architectural work; evaluating project impacts.
Mohegan Sun	Palmer	Project proposal under consideration.
Penn National Gaming	Unknown	Media speculation suggests the company is considering sites in the city of Chicopee.
Wynn Resorts Limited	Foxborough	Exploring opportunity near Gillette Stadium. Resident support is uncertain.

The AGEM Index
The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) produces the monthly AGEM Index that comprises 16 global gaming suppliers throughout the world. A total of 11 suppliers are based in the United States and are listed on the NYSE, Nasdaq, or AMEX, while two trade on the Australian exchange, one supplier trades on the Athens exchange, one trades on the Milan exchange, and another trades on the Taiwan OTC exchange. The index is computed based on the month-end stock price (adjusted for dividends and splits) of each company and weighted based on approximation of market capitalization. Market capitalizations for manufacturers trading on foreign exchanges have been converted to US dollar-equivalents as of month-end for comparability purposes. The AGEM Index is based on a 100-point value as of January 2005.

About AGEM
AGEM is an international trade association representing manufacturers of electronic gaming devices, systems, and components for the gaming industry. The Association works to further the interests of gaming equipment manufacturers throughout the world. Through political action, tradeshow partnerships, information dissemination and good corporate citizenship, the members of AGEM work together to create benefits for every company within the organization. Together, AGEM and its member organizations have assisted regulatory commissions and participated in the legislative process to solve problems and create a positive business environment.

AGEM Index
The AGEM index and overview is prepared by Applied Analysis (AA). AA is a Nevada-based advisory services firm providing consultation services for public and private entities. The company utilizes extensive experience in economics, information technology and finance to provide a wide range of services, including urban economic consulting, financial advisory services, market analysis, public policy analysis, hospitality industry and gaming consulting, and information system and technology consulting.

AGEM Membership Roster
The current AGEM membership roster, 114 strong, is a who's who of the supplier segment of the global gaming industry:

AGEM Gold Members:

Aristocrat Technologies
Aruze Gaming America
Austrian Gaming Industries
Bally Technologies
GTECH / Spielo International
International Game Technology (IGT)
Intralot S.A.
Konami Gaming
Video Gaming Technologies (VGT)
WMS Gaming

AGEM Silver Members: Action Gaming, American Gaming Systems (AGS), Casino Technology, JCM Global, MEI, Multimedia Games, Shuffle Master, Suzo-Happ Group, TCSJohnHuxley and Wells-Gardner Electronics.

AGEM Bronze Members: Abbiati Casino Equipment, AC Slots (ACS), Acres 4.0, Ainsworth Game Technology, Alfastreet, Astro Corp., Bingotimes Technology, Cadillac Jack, Cammegh Limited, Cantor Gaming, Crane Payment Solutions / CashCode / Money Controls, Diamond Game, DigiDeal, Digital Display Group, Euro Games Technology (EGT), Galaxy Gaming, Gaming Partners International, Gaming Support, Glory (U.S.A) Inc., Incredible Technologies, Inspired Gaming, Interblock USA, Iverson Gaming Systems, JPM International, Jumbo Technology, Matsui Gaming Machine Co., MCA Processing, Modern Gaming, Patriot Gaming & Electronics, Quixant Ltd., Rocket Gaming Systems, Table Trac and Winning Asia Technology.

AGEM Associate Members: 3M Touch Systems, Advantech-Innocore, Carmanah Signs, Casino Enterprise Management, CMYK Creative, Cole Kepro International, Cooper Levenson, Cybertec Gaming Systems, DiTronics Financial Services, DynaGraphic Printing, Elite Casino Products, Esterline Advanced Input Systems, Eurocoin, Flextronics, Fox Rothschild, FutureLogic, Gaming Capital Group, Gary Platt Manufacturing, Gemaco, Global Cash Access, Global Gaming Group (G3), Grand Products, Greenberg Traurig, Hanco Technologies, Heber Ltd., Howard & Howard, IDX, Intel, IPS, James Industries, KEY-BAK, Kreller Group, Leap Forward Gaming, Lewis & Roca, Lincoln Industries, Litemax Technology, Masterpiece Advertising, Nanoptix, Outpost Creative, Phelps Dunbar, Portwell, Proforma GPS, Rainmaker, Regulatory Management Counselors (RMC), Rye Park Gaming, Sanmina-SCI, SCA Gaming, Strategy9, StylGame USA, Talent Associates, The Bright Group, Tournament One, Trade Show Fabrications, TransAct Technologies, Trans-Lux, Veridocs, Wrex Products and Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO).

For More Information, Contact:
Marcus Prater
Executive Director
P.O. Box 50049, Henderson, NV 89016-0049
702.812.6932
Email Contact

Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) Releases January 2012 Index

Chris Carmichael Cycling to Stop Diabetes(R)

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0000

The American Diabetes Association Kicks-Off Its 21st Annual Tour de Cure Cycling Event

The American Diabetes Association is teaming up with Chris Carmichael and challenging riders to be part of the movement to Stop Diabetes® by participating in the 21st Annual Tour de Cure®, a cycling event to raise funds to help fight diabetes. More than 60,000 cyclists are expected to participate in the Tour de Cure at sites throughout the country in 2012. All funds raised at the Tour de Cure events will go to support the Association's mission -- to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

Individuals and teams composed of co-workers, family and friends are taking the ride of their life and helping raise funds to change the future of diabetes for the nearly 26 million Americans with the disease. Tour de Cure is designed for everyone from the occasional bike rider to the experienced cyclist with routes ranging from 5-mile family rides to 100-mile "century" rides and more. Routes vary by location -- visit www.diabetes.org/tour for more information about the Tour near you. All Tour de Cure events feature rest stops with great food to fuel the journey, volunteers to cheer riders on, and any mechanical support needed along the way. Everyone will return to enjoy the finish line festivities including a delicious lunch, entertainment and more!

"I am so excited to be part of the Tour de Cure cycling event for the American Diabetes Association and help the cyclists take charge and helping to change the future of diabetes," said Chris Carmichael, National Spokesperson, American Diabetes Association 2012 Tour de Cure. "Diabetes touches so many people's lives, and exercise and nutrition are important parts of preventing and treating diabetes. I want to help the American Diabetes Association raise critical funds and awareness about this disease through my passion for cycling."

Chris Carmichael is the founder and CEO of Carmichael Training Systems, Inc. (CTS). Named the US Olympic Committee's Coach of the Year in 1999, Chris formed CTS in 2000 to make world-class coaching accessible to athletes of all ability levels. Innovation has been a driving force throughout Chris's career as an athlete, coach, and entrepreneur; he's played a leading role in advancing the use of power meters, aerodynamic testing, altitude training, online coaching tools, and specific training methods for time-crunched athletes. Chris Carmichael will be cycling in select Tour events including:

San Diego, CA	4/21/2012
Napa Valley, CA	5/6/2012
Minneapolis, MN	6/2/2012
Denver, CO	8/18/2012
Houston, TX	9/22/2012

As a fundraising incentive, Tour participants will have the chance to attend the Carmichael Training Systems Camps, graciously provided by Chris Carmichael. These specialized camps will help participants learn the training methods that have made the pros so successful. Athletes can visit www.trainright.com or call 866-355-0645 for information on CTS Camps and personal coaching packages.

Chris will also lead the riders in select Executive Rides in Los Angeles and Silicon Valley, CA in support of the Tour de Cure's Corporate Team program. Getting your company involved to ride in the Tour de Cure is great for employee morale, health, and team building. To learn more, please visit diabetes.org/tour or contact Nicole Preston at 703-253-4369.

For more information or to register for the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure, and have an opportunity to ride with Chris Carmichael as well as thousands of others cycling to stop diabetes, please call 1-888-DIABETES (342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org/tour.

The National sponsors of the Tour de Cure are Gold's Gym and Clif Bar. National Teams include Gold's Gym, Johnson & Johnson, Velo Valero, Dignity Memorial, Cisco, AT&T, Amylin, and Wal-Mart/Sam's Club.

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure, and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, its mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information, please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.

Contact:
Angela Murray
800-676-4065 ext. 3425
amurray@diabetes.org

Lilly Recognized as a Top Company for Executive Women

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Lilly Recognized as a Top Company for Executive Women

PR Newswire

INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) has earned a place on the NAFE "Top Companies for Executive Women" list for the fourth consecutive year.

The 2012 list, compiled by the National Association for Female Executives (NAFE), recognizes U.S. companies whose policies and practices encourage women's advancement and whose numbers, at the highest levels of leadership, demonstrate that commitment.

The NAFE Top Companies survey evaluates companies on every aspect of women's advancement, including succession planning, profit-and-loss roles, gender pay parity, support programs and work-life balance.

"We are honored to receive this recognition for the fourth year in a row," said Shaun Hawkins, chief diversity officer. "At Lilly, we value and understand the importance of diversity among our employees, and we are confident that efforts, such as the professional growth and development of executive women, will lead to better business results and innovative approaches to improving outcomes for patients."

In honor of its 40th anniversary, NAFE will publish the results of the NAFE Top Companies for Executive Women initiative in the February/March 2012 issue of Working Mother magazine. NAFE also will honor each of the top companies at a gala luncheon in New York City March 30.

This is the second diversity award Lilly has received for 2012. Lilly achieved a 100 percent score on the Human Rights Campaign 2012 Corporate Equality Index and was named to that organization's "Best Places to Work" list.

About NAFE

The National Association for Female Executives (NAFE), founded in 1972, serves members nationwide with networking, tools and solutions to strengthen and grow their careers and businesses. NAFE magazine publishes the annual Top Companies issue and the annual Women of Excellence issue. NAFE.com provides up-to-date information, community for women in business and access to member benefits. NAFE is a division of Working Mother Media and Bonnier Corporation.

About Eli Lilly and Company

Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides answers – through medicines and information – for some of the world's most urgent medical needs. Additional information about Lilly is available at www.lilly.com. C-LLY

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20031219/LLYLOGO )

SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company