Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) March 22, 2007

International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr. today testified before the Aviation Sub-Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on the subject of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operational and safety programs.

“Since 9-11, airline workers have sacrificed their wages, pensions, work rules and thousands of jobs in order to rescue the airline industry,” said Roach. “Industry conditions have imposed great burdens on workers as carriers compete to reduce costs. Such an extraordinary focus on the bottom line demands more, not less, government oversight.”

Roach urged the Committee to resolve jurisdictional conflicts between the National Mediation Board and the National Labor Relations Board; address Flight Attendant fatigue and self-defense training issues and correct lax enforcement of workplace health and safety regulations. Roach also called for improved oversight of overseas aircraft repair stations and urged lawmakers to reject proposals to allow increased foreign ownership and control of U.S. airlines.

The IAM is the largest airline union in North America, representing more than 100,000 airline employees in almost every classification, including Flight Attendant, Mechanic & Related, Fleet Service, Customer Service and Reservation Agents. The IAM’s complete testimony is available at www.goiam.org.

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New York, NY (PRWEB) March 20, 2007

Hall of Famer Dave Winfield’s new book, “DROPPING THE BALL — Baseball’s Troubles and How We Can And Must Solve Them” (Scriber) — hits bookstores today.

Winfield’s unique vantage point — from player to management, from historian to fan — enables him to objectively discuss all the issues confronting baseball today. Naturally, there’s the hot-button steroid problem, but Winfield goes in-depth about long-range problems plaguing the game: the poor relationship between the players/union and owners, weak media and marketing as compared to the NFL and NBA, escalating costs of not only tickets, but of the equipment kids need to play the game.

Winfield creatively illustrates dwindling African-American participation in the game through a time-warp chapter called, “the last black major leaguer.”

What makes this book so intriguing is that Winfield offers viable solutions, which has garnered from baseball people of all levels. In fact, perhaps the most glowing endorsement of the book comes from an unlikely source, Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, who says, “Only a former ballplayer who possesses the astute ability to look beyond race, power, and money in confronting the long-term issues that are certain to continue to plague baseball could have written “Dropping the Ball.” Dave Winfield is such a former player. He offers up a solution in his Baseball United plan — a plan in which we can all, in some way, contribute, thereby guaranteeing that baseball forever remains America’s favorite pastime!”

Winfield’s love of the game is apparent on every page.

The 12-time All-Star will be signing copies of the book throughout the country. For more information, visit: www.davewinfieldhof.com

Contact:

Randy Grossman

858-707-9800

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Lake Geneva, WI (PRWEB) February 28, 2007

HSA Clearing Corp, the leading Health Savings Account setup provider for financial institutions, will be at the Independent Community Bankers Association National Convention in Honolulu on March 4th and 5th.

“This gives us the opportunity to answer banks’ HSA questions one-on-one,” said Roy Ramthun, SVP of HSA Clearing. “We feel that all community banks should be offering HSAs, and with our turn key HSA program we can show them how easy it is to offer HSAs without a huge upfront investment.”

“A number of our clients will be at this show, so it’s a great time to say hello,” remarked Tim Morales, President of HSA Clearing. “Providing our banking partners the marketing tools to capture HSAs in their area is the difference between a successful bank HSA program and a bank that just offers forms.”

About HSA Clearing Corp:

HSA Clearing Corp is the nationwide leader in setting up banks and credit unions to offer Health Savings Accounts/HSA with their turnkey HSA setup program, allowing the HSA monies to be deposited locally to better benefit the community. For more information on their cost effective HSA program contact HSA Clearing Corp at 262-348-1300, or visit www.HSAClearing.com.

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New York, NY (PRWEB) December 8, 2008

International Biometric Group (IBG) is pleased to announce its upcoming webcast: Planning Considerations for Border Control Systems. This webcast will provide some guidelines on how to plan for nationwide Border Security systems.

Border Control Systems must be able to quickly and efficiently verify the identities of millions of travelers. Border Control agents must be able to validate various identification documents from hundreds of foreign countries and interface with central information systems to make an entry decision affecting national security in a matter of seconds.

IBG Consultant Dave Coleman will spend 30 minutes discussing technologies in border control management, including topics such as:

    Travel documents in use in North America and the European Union
    Biometric collection at the border – fingerprint, face, and iris
    Information systems in use for border control applications
    Interoperability considerations for documents, collection devices, and systems
    Air, sea, and land entry use cases
Event Title: Planning Considerations for Border Control Systems

Event Date: December 11th, 2008 at 1:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

Web activation: http://www.biometricgroup.com/webcon

About International Biometric Group (IBG)

International Biometric Group (IBG) is a leading research, consulting and systems integration firm addressing the identity management and security needs of both government and commercial clients. As a vendor-independent firm, IBG designs, engineers and supports solutions across multiple platforms in complex, mission-critical environments. IBG is headquartered in New York City, with offices in Washington, DC, San Francisco; and London. Learn more at http://www.biometricgroup.com.

Press Contact

Brianna Barry

212.809.9491

bbarry @ biometricgroup.com

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Houston, TX (PRWEB) January 22, 2007

The National Football League Players Association is again open for business in Houston–just in time for Super Bowl XLI. Because of organizational disarray and legal pressure from local vendors, the NFLPA shutdown its Houston chapter in 2004. The new office is part of the NFLPA “Retired Players Department,” and is headed up by Barry Redden, President, Robert Woods, V.P., and Ken Coffey as Secretary.

While the NFLPA union chief punts an unprecedented 0 million to the NFL to help pay for a new Jets-Giants stadium in New York, one of the Houston plaintiffs, a single-mom, is still fighting the NFLPA over a three-year old ,000 claim. Gene Upshaw, NFLPA Executive Director, recently said he was willing to cut the NFL player’s salary ceiling by 0 million over 15 years to reduce the (new) stadium’s impact on other teams. He said a new facility would raise salaries on each team by around million a year. (December 7, 2006, – Bloomberg.net -Aaron Kuriloff, Frisco, Texas). Such sweetheart deals add salt to the wounds of Houston plaintiffs, and do little for retired players–particularly linemen.

According to the Barren Study, conducted in 1994, “offensive and defensive linemen had a 52% greater chance of dying from heart disease than the general population. The Scripps Howard Study compared the mortality rates for professional football players with the 2,403 Major League Baseball players who have died in the last century. The comparison found that defensive line football players are likely to die before age 50. The mortality rate of the average population is 77.6 years of age, both male and female. This means that an obese football player dies twenty years earlier!” (© Copyright 2006 by LatinoSports.com).

Publicly refuted by the NFL/NFLPA, obesity within the NFL is a huge problem. “Upshaw came under fire from retired players for comments he made to the Charlotte Observer in a Jan. 16, 2006 article quoting 13 Hall of Famers saying the union and league were not doing enough to help former players with financial and health problems” (July 28, 2006-Charles Chandler, Charlotte Observer). Though shrouded in controversy, Gene Upshaw seems intent on business as usual, as evidenced by inaction in the BET/NFLPA lawsuit (Cause No. 819789, Harris County Court No. 1) involving breach of contract, check fraud and failure to pay a single mom (PRWEB, September 14, 2005 – “NFLPA’s Charlie Taylor Says Single Mom ‘Got Stiffed’” ).

During Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004, the woman produced an elaborate BET/NFLPA party at Houston’s upscale Galleria Pavilion, but the NFLPA did not fully pay her. She ended up paying for the entire event, which attracted over 8,500 patrons in one evening. Witnesses say cash collected at the door went into cardboard boxes and counted in a back room. Further, according to testimony by Charles Taylor Jr. (former V.P., Houston Chapter), the chapter paid no federal or state taxes. Should Houstonians and folks in South Florida brace for more of the same? Often, the NFL/NFLPA alliance and in particular, the highly commercialized Super Bowl affair, is not a profit-maker, but a nemesis to small business owners, including some former NFL players and NFLPA members.

Indeed, former NFL players Ronnie Lott and Marcus Allen filed suit against the NFLPA for breach of contract in connection with Super Bowl parties (November 15, 1999 — “Former NFL Stars Sue Union for Contract Breach” http://www.sportslawnews.com). Lott and Allen were partners in Super Bowl Party Inc., which had a joint contract with the NFLPA to produce Super Bowl events. Lott and Allen claim, “The NFLPA reneged on the deal and began to stage its own events.” The NFLPA said they offered Lott and Allen a contract, but they did not sign.

Regardless of the money and covey of lawyers at the disposal of the NFLPA, the Houston businesswoman continues to fight. Why? “Mainly on principal,” she says. “In the wake of Enron, WorldCom and other corporate busts, it’s time for big business to do the right thing, instead of focusing solely on profits and themselves. Just because the NFLPA is supposed to be a non-profit, that does not mean they are ethical and forthright. At least, that’s the question in my case. The gist is if they paid us, they would have to pay other vendors too, so they are not paying anyone—it’s an impasse. If Mr. Upshaw is able to hand over 0 million to the NFL to build a stadium, then he should rightfully take care of us smaller people they already owe. They owe retired NFL players too, especially those with special healthcare needs, not the ultra-rich NFL organization.”

According to testimony and court documentation, the NFLPA failed to stop Charles Taylor from committing fraud and writing bad checks to vendors of the BET/NFLPA festivity. NFL hall of fame member Curtis Duncan, chapter president at the time, resigned due to internal unethical practices and “mistrust” within the Houston chapter. He reported this to headquarters in November 2003—well before Super Bowl activities—but the NFLPA took no action to stop Taylor. Negligence on the part of the NFLPA cost vendors in Houston hundreds of thousands of dollars. When the contractors turned the heat up to collect, the NFLPA dissolved the chapter in late 2004. The NFLPA still claims no responsibility, and yet, Upshaw hands over 0 million in union money to build an NFL stadium in New York.

As far as NFLPA-Houston, former NFL players and NFLPA members went without representation until now. Are they facing another charlatan outfit that will cause more trouble? This introduces a more profound question about “NFL-ism” in America—is NFL ball still a sport? Or is it just political football, big business and profits?

The NFL/NFLPA alliance would have you believe it is more about the sport, but they and the media focus heavily on big business and money, particularly for active franchises, their players and giant TV networks. What about vulnerable retired players and paying fans–what’s in it for them? The true sport of football?

That is debatable.

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Needham, MA (PRWEB) January 10, 2007

“This is a unique opportunity to unite two community landmarks,” said Jack McGeorge, President of The Needham Cooperative Bank. “For generations we have shared similar banking philosophies and a strong commitment to serving our customers. We look forward to continuing our tradition of personal service while competing more effectively for our customers in a changing market.”

Upon completion of the union, Needham Bank will have over 0 million in assets and a surplus of nearly 0 million. It will offer increased convenience for all of its customers with a total of 5 branches.

“We are excited about the opportunities this new institution presents for our customers and the community as a whole,” said Mark R. Whalen, The Dedham Co-operative Bank President. “The merger rewards our customers, maintaining the hometown feel they are accustomed to with the same friendly faces, while offering access to ATMs, weekend hours, a greater array of products and more competitive rates.”

Both institutions are known for their commitment to outstanding customer service, and under the new name that mission will remain the same.

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Rochester, NY (PRWEB) December 1, 2008

Professional Voice Talent is now affordable for small business owners. Small business owners can now take advantage of affordable voice talents for their online, radio and video production marketing. Historically the costs have been very high for voice talents. 24HourVoiceTalent.com now provides 60 second voice overs within 24 hours.

Although the service has become a great success with small business owners across the nation more and more medium to large scale businesses are taking advantage of the affordability and turn-around time of the service.

With the release of the new website designed in partnership with EbizSiteDesigns, business owners can view online demos of over 55 voice talents both male and female, English and Spanish. The website makes the talent selection process easy and fun. Customers are able to listen to voice talent demos, choose the ones they like and pay online all within a few clicks. Once done, they wait less than 24 hours to receive the professional audio.

24HourVoiceTalent.com provides professional, union free voice talents for just . Audio projects can include raw voice over audio or music production as well in broadcast quality.

Contact:

Jackie Morin, Media Relations    

24HourVoiceTalent

585-507-4856

http://www.24hourvoicetalent.com

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Hubbard-Hall Inc.

Waterbury, CT (PRWEB) November 20, 2008

Hubbard-Hall Inc., a privately held distributor and manufacturer of commodity and specialty chemicals, has fulfilled compliance requirements with the Registration Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH) by pre-registering over 130 products. The new law, enacted on June 1, 2007, requires manufacturers and importers to the EU to register specific chemical information in excess of 1 metric ton per year by November 30th, 2008 (EC 1907/2006). This also affects the sale of common products including air fresheners and tires, which contain regulated substances.

The database is managed by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and will be a source of specific chemical information for individuals and businesses. The goal of REACH is for the industry to take the lead in responsible distribution, handling, and safe use of the chemical products produced.

Failure to pre-register necessary substances by November 30, 2008 will result in delayed shipments and reduced productivity. Hubbard-Hall is poised to stay on top of compliance, according to Robert Gardner, International Sales Director at Hubbard-Hall: “We are very keen to continue to grow business within the European Union. It is an important market and we will comply with the current and forthcoming legislation to ensure our customers benefit from first class service.” By complying with REACH, Hubbard-Hall is committed to providing uninterrupted supply of products to their European customers, in addition to customers who incorporate these chemicals in products shipped to any EU country.

For more information on REACH and how it effects your business, please contact Hubbard-Hall at info@hubbardhall.com

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More Unions Press Releases

Sy Sternberg, CLU

New York, NY (PRWEB) December 3, 2008

The Round Table of New York announced today that Sy Sternberg, CLU®, Chairman of the Board of the New York Life Insurance Company, received the organization’s 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award. Sternberg was honored at a black tie event at the Union League Club of New York on December 1, 2008.

“Sy’s leadership at New York Life helped the organization become one of the largest and best managed financial services companies in the world,” said James J. Nemec, CLU®, ChFC®, Managing Partner, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network and Chairman, Round Table of New York. “His commitment to mutuality, financial strength and high-quality, low-risk investments, allowed his organization to avoid the current financial crisis gripping Wall Street. In fact, New York Life’s Triple-A ratings were restored under Sy’s leadership, thanks to his vision and commitment to managing the company in the best long-term interests of its policyholders.”

Each year the Round Table of New York presents its Lifetime Achievement Award to an individual that has made significant contributions to the insurance and financial services industry. The award recognizes individuals for their accomplishments in the areas of professional ethics, education and industry leadership. Past industry luminaries that have received this award include:

Lawrence R. Pike, CLU® – Chairman Emeritus, Union Central Life (2000)

Dr. Kenneth Black, Jr, CLU® – Dean Emeritus, Georgia State University (2001)

Joseph J. Melone, CLU®, ChFC® – Pres. & CEO Emeritus, AXA Financial (2002)

Samuel Weese Ph.D., CLU® – Pres. & CEO Emeritus, The American College (2003)

Maurice Stewart, CLU®, ChFC®, CLF® – Senior Vice President, Penn Mutual Life (2004)

Charles Smith, CLU®, ChFC® – CEO Emeritus, GAMA International (2005)

Louis P. DiCerbo, CLU®, ChFC®, LUTCF – Chair, PCP Benefit Plans, Ltd (2006)

David F. Woods, CLU®, ChFC®, LUTCF – Pres., Life and Health Foundation for Education and CEO Emeritus, NAIFA (2007)

Sternberg’s contributions to the financial services industry are numerous. He is the Chairman of the Board of New York Life Insurance Company, the largest mutual life insurance company in the United States and one of the largest life insurers in the world.

He joined New York Life in 1989 as Senior Vice President in charge of the company’s group insurance department. In February of 1995, Sternberg was elected Vice Chairman of the Board of New York Life and became President and Chief Operating Officer in October of that same year. In April 1997, he became Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. He remained CEO until his retirement in June 2008.

Before joining New York Life, Sternberg spent 13 years at MassMutual, where he was most recently Senior Executive Vice President. In that position, he was one of three member of the office of the Chairman and a member of company’s Board of Directors.

From 1999 – 2002, Sternberg was named by President Clinton to be one of three U.S. representatives to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Advisory Council (ABAC). In January 2008, Mayor Bloomberg of New York City appointed Sternberg co-chair, along with former Mayor Dinkins to the Mayor’s Task Force on Career and Technical Education Innovation.

Sternberg is a member of the Board of Trustees for Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City, New York Presbyterian Hospital and the Hackley School in Tarrytown, N.Y. He was recently elected as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Northeastern University.

A native of Brooklyn, New York, Sternberg earned a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from the City College of New York in 1965 and an M.S.E.E. degree from Northeastern University in 1968. In 1976, he earned the highest designation in the life insurance industry, the Chartered Life Underwriter®, (CLU®) from The American College where he is a member of the President’s Circle. Sternberg also received an honorary Doctorate of Engineering degree from Polytechnic University in 2006.

He is the father of two grown daughters, Jodi and Donna, and resides in Purchase, N.Y., with his wife, Laurie, and their son, Matthew.

John Baier, CLU®, ChFC®, CLF®, MSFS presented Sternberg with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Union League Club of New York on December 1, 2008.

Established in 1919, the Round Table of New York was initially organized by 28 men representing 22 life insurance companies. The organization seeks to enhance the stature of the financial services industry through adherence to ethical procedures, continuing education and meaningful service to the public. Members of the Round Table of New York support the work of local, state and national organizations including NAIFA, LUPAC, MDRT and GAMA. In addition, the organization supports the advanced education available through The American College including its LUTCF, CLU® and ChFC® designation programs. Some of the financial services industry’s most prominent business, professional association and community leaders have been members of the organization.

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Lake Geneva, WI (PRWEB) September 30, 2008

HSA Clearing Corp SVP Roy Ramthun, “Mr. HSA,” will be hosting an HSA webinar on Friday, October 3rd at 12:00 noon ET (11:00 am CT, 10:00 am MT, 9:00 am PT) to explain the most recent IRS guidance on Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) (Notice 2008-59). This webinar will last 90 minutes.

“This is the last opportunity to attend the HSA ‘Grab Bag’ webinar,” said Tim Morales President of HSA Clearing Corp. “It has been very well received the past few months and many people have found the webinar informative. No one explains the HSA program better than Roy.”

Over 40 new frequently asked questions and answers that cover a wide range of topics, including:

Subjects Covered:

Who is considered an eligible individual?

What plans qualify as a high deductible health plan (HDHP)?

What are the limits for contributions?

What types of expenses can be considered qualified medical expense for HSA purposes?

What is a prohibited transaction?

When is an HSA considered “established?”

How are HSA administration and maintenance fees treated when paid with HSA funds?

The webinar will provide an opportunity for Q&A.

Who Should Attend?

Insurance Agents, Employee Benefit Providers, TPAs, Financial Planners, CPA’s, tax preparers, Stock Brokers, HR personnel, Insurance Providers, banks, credit unions, and anyone with an HSA.

The cost of the webinar is only .

You may sign up at the following websites: www.HSAEd.com, www.HSAseminar.com and www.HSAClearing.com

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