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Advanced Resources is First in Chicagoland Area to Introduce Digital Video Resume Technology, the Latest Innovation Intended to Improve the Hiring Process

2011-09-20T02:51:00.001-07:00

Chicago, IL 02, 2011 The unemployment rate in the Chicagoland area continues to hover between 9-10%, creating a highly competitive job market with hundreds of candidates applying for every open position. Advanced Resources LLC, a locally based staffing firm and talent solutions provider, has announced that they are the first to introduce CareerClip digital video technology in the Chicagoland area.

The Internet continues to be a powerful medium for companies and job seekers alike. With over 200,000 video resumes posted on YouTube, it’s clear that the role of a resume (or CV) is rapidly evolving. Advanced Resources recognizes and embraces the vital role that video and social media are playing in today's hiring process.

Advanced Resourcesapplicants highlight their qualifications in digital videos, which can then be sent to clients electronically before meeting Advanced candidates in person. This innovative advancement in recruiting offers value to clients in streamlining and shortening the interview process.

It also gives applicants the opportunity to stand out among dozens of competitive job seekers. CareerClip video resumes from Advanced Resources allow job seekers to showcase their abilities beyond the capabilities of a traditional paper resume. Prospective employers can see, hear, and “get a feelfor how an applicant presents themselves. It’s estimated that a professional digital video profile can increase a candidate’s chance for being hired by thirty percent or more.

“Our clients are finding tremendous value in the ability to observe candidates visually before meeting in person,said Rich Diaz, President of Advanced Resources. “Attracting and retaining top talent is crucial for any businesssuccess, and it can take a lot of time and money. Our Career Clip video technology helps our clients reduce their time-to-fill and cost-per-hire. Our clients can assess a candidate based on much more than a paper resume, and our talented candidates have a much greater probability of being hired.

Advanced Resources has partnered with TalentRooster to manage their CareerClip digital video resume technology. Based in Columbus, OH, TalentRooster is a leading provider of digital technology. "We are really excited to be in Chicago with Advanced Resources,said TalentRooster CEO David DeCapua. "Given Chicago’s demographics, we're confident this technology will be well received."

About Advanced Resources: Advanced Resources provides talent acquisition and workforce business solutions for a wide variety of industries in the Chicagoland area. With 20+ years of experience and 4 locations (Chicago, Northbrook, Downers Grove, and Schaumburg), Advanced Resources is an established presence in the staffing and human capital fields, providing temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct hire services for Office, Finance, and Healthcare positions. The Chicago Tribune named Advanced Resources as one of Chicago’s “Top 100 Employersin 2010, and the Inavero Institute named Advanced a “Best of Staffingcompany in 2010 and 2011.

Dreamhelmet - Best Grad Gift Since Mrs. Robinson

2011-09-19T04:35:00.001-07:00

Santa Monica, CA June 5, 2006

This recently patented sleep aid is so radical that enthusiastic travel experts from such prestigious publications as the Washington Post and Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel Magazine have raved about it, using such terms as “ingenious and . worth its weight in psychotropic drugs! Seen on national TV, Howie Mandel quipped on his show “It’ll put you on cloud nine!It was in the news, on MSN, and has been featured in numerous prestigious magazines and newspapers.

The subject of all this excitement is a sleep mask combined with a sound-blocking pillow all in one! Dubbed the Dreamhelmet because of its adventure travel beginnings, this revolutionary invention has eased the lives of thousands of travelers and home folks alike. With the addition of two secret pockets, Dreamhelmet now provides a clever money belt. Dreamhelmet also converts to a hand warmer, and the pillow can be used without the mask to read or watch TV.

Graduates often take time off to travel and see the world outside the ivory tower. The Dreamhelmet is in its element on the road, letting its owner sleep on planes, trains, buses, airports, or unfamiliar hotel rooms. A set of foam earplugs is provided in one of the secret pockets if super sound blocking is desired. The utility of these secret pockets is hard to exaggerate; they hide credit cards, business cards, money, valuables, keys or an alarm watch for a personal wake-up signal. Folding reading glasses will never get lost in them.

Besides traveling, some graduates will work as medical interns, and will roundly bless the person who thought to give them a Dreamhelmet, helping them rest on long night shifts. For climbers of the corporate ladder, alertness is vital, and a quick Dreamhelmet power nap will give them that special energy push for the afternoon. Those who are continuing their education can: at home, in the dorm, in the study lounge; study ‘til they drop take a Dreamhelmet nap and bounce back fresh. Successful students can vouch for the value of the Dreamhelmet. 100% cotton cradles the head and a choice of several attractive fabrics grace the outside. Dreamhelmets can be dry cleaned or hand-washed.

Dreamhelmets cost $29.95 plus $4.95 postage. The direct 24 hour telephone order number is (888)918-5630. Dreamhelmet website is http://www.dreamhelmet.com

Winners of the 2011 Frequent Traveler Awards Announced

2011-09-17T13:24:00.001-07:00

Flushing, NY May 02, 2011

The winners of the 2011 Frequent Traveler Awards were announced Thursday, April 28, 2011 at Citi Field in Flushing, New York. Over 300 airline, hotel, credit card, loyalty industry representatives and members of frequent traveler programs attended the ceremony.

Over a million people from nearly every country worldwide participated, casting online ballots, choosing their favorite programs and campaigns for 2010. Voters cast ballots for their favorite programs in seven categories across one of three global regions: The Americas, Europe and Africa, and the Middle East and Asia/Oceania.

"The second annual award ceremony was a huge success. Recognition of the Frequent Traveler Awards as the new industry benchmark for loyalty programs is now firmly established," said Tommy Danielsen, President of the Frequent Traveler Education Foundation.

In the Americas region, Air Canada Aeroplan won the airline Program of the Year and Marriott Rewards won Program of the Year among the hotel programs.

In the Europe and Africa region, Lufthansa Miles&More won airline Program of the Year, while Marriott Rewards won Program of the Year among the hotel programs.

In the Middle East and Asia/Oceania region, Emirates Skywards won airline Program of the Year, while IHG Priority Club Rewards won Program of the Year among the hotel programs.

Lufthansa Miles&More took top airline program honors winning the most Frequent Traveler Awards with five overall, while Marriott Rewards took home the most for a hotel program, with eight.

In addition to the awards voted on by the public, The Frequent Traveler Education Foundation also presented the Loyalty Leadership Award to American Airlines for recognizing the historic milestone anniversary of their AAdvantage program with "30 Years of Frequent Flyer Miles" and also to British Airways for responding to customer feedback and now offering full mileage earning on all paid fares.

"We honor these two loyalty programs for their leadership in the industry, honoring their customers and adding value to their programs" said Danielsen. The Loyalty Leadership Awards are determined by editorial decision rather than by ballot. These awards honor the programs or individuals that have influenced or have had a significant impact on the loyalty industry.

The Frequent Traveler Awards represent excellence in frequent travel programs worldwide, rating the best frequent flyer and frequent guest programs. Winners are determined based on the overall merits of each program as ranked by the voter.

For the second annual Frequent Traveler Awards event, The Frequent Traveler Awards partnered with American Express Membership Rewards, American Express Loyalty Edge, Visa, Loylogic, Seatguru by TripAdvisor, Milepoint.com, Synapse, FlyerTalk.com, AwardWallet.com and ExpertFlyer.com.

A recap of the event as well as a list of winners may be viewed online at http://www.ftawards.com.

Travel Leaders Offers Insiders Tips on Holiday Travel

2011-09-15T16:46:00.001-07:00

Minneapolis, MN (Vocus) November 19, 2009

With the Thanksgiving holiday weekend kicking off one of the year&39;s busiest travel periods, Travel Leaders experts throughout the United States are offering the latest in their series of "Insider&39;s Tips" designed to improve the overall travel experience. Travel Leaders&39; latest tips focus on strategies for making holiday travel as merry as possible.

"This holiday season, Travel Leaders&39; number one goal is for our clients to remain calm and bright, not only during their travels, but also as they prepare for them," explained Roger E. Block, President of Travel Leaders Franchise Group. "When we asked our Travel Leaders experts for their best &39;insider&39;s tips,&39; we received so many strategies on everything from booking travel to what travelers might consider shipping in advance, that we&39;ve posted much of their pre-trip advice directly on our Travel Leaders Facebook page. We also are pleased to share the best of their excellent recommendations on everything else here today."

Before Leaving Home
The watch words from Travel Leaders experts are simple: "Be Prepared."

Protecting the Home Front - Deepak Patel (Travel Leaders, Western Springs, IL) concurs: "Worried about what happens after your leave home Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to collect your mail and look in on things at your home while you&39;re away. Provide them with your out-of-town contact information just in case." Keep Copies of Important Items - "Bring along copies of all your travel confirmations," urges Sondra Wilson (Travel Leaders, Richland, WA).

"Know important phone numbers for assistance, including your travel agent, airline, hotel and car rental companies," suggests Janowski.

"Keep a list of your credit cards with you on your trip, but separate from your wallet," advises Mike Weingart (Travel Leaders, Houston, TX). "This way you will have the account numbers and phone numbers for the credit card company should your wallet or purse become lost of stolen."

Confirm Departures - "You should call ahead to confirm your flight is on time," recommends Patel. "You can also find out about traffic delays, parking changes and estimated wait times for security checks."

Checking-In Online - "To avoid getting bumped off overbooked flights, we suggest checking-in for your flight online within 24 hours of departure, and print out your boarding pass," urges Kim Fischer (Travel Leaders, Minneapolis, MN). "If you can get an advance seat assignment, say at time of ticketing, you are more likely to be safe from getting bumped. Your travel agent can help you secure a seat assignment in advance."

However, since airline seat assignments can change, Kim Gray (Travel Leaders, North Olmsted, OH) recommends, "Be flexible as flights are full and some families may not get to sit together on planes. Many aircraft equipment changes occur during the holidays so pre-assigned seat assignments may be changed or even canceled."

Vicky Voll (Travel Leaders, Glendale, CA) concurs, adding, "Some airlines even offer a discount for paying the fee online. Next day, look for the line that indicates &39;Bag Drop&39; to complete your check-in process."

Travel Fully Charged - In the event that your travel plans are disrupted, "Make sure your cell phone is fully charged," advises Joe Janowski (Travel Leaders, Liverpool, New York), who also recommends, "Know your connecting airport layouts to make your flight connections less stressful in the event of delays or tight connections." Dress Comfortably - "Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and footwear," urges Patel. "If delays extend your trip, you&39;ll be happy you are comfortable while waiting. Layer your clothing to easily adjust for cooler or warmer temperatures. Remember, slip-on shoes cut down on time when going through security check-points."

Below is an outline of the additional advice Travel Leader experts across the country shared in the full news release. The complete news release can be accessed by clicking here.

Airport Arrival
While Travel Leaders experts agree on many of the strategies outlined, one piece of advice was voiced more than any other: "Get to the airport early."

Increase Minimum Advance Time

Parking

Airport Check-In

Airport Security
Over the past year, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented its new Secure Flight Rule, which theoretically should not impact the airport security screening process. However, Travel Leaders experts have practical advice for further speeding up the process.

Know TSA&39;s Rules Before You Go

Match Your ID with Reservation

Know Your Carry-On Restrictions

Minimize Security Procedures

Beyond Security

Remain Alert

Food

Staying Healthy

Keeping Kids Happy

Boarding Your Flight

Once On Board

Patience Is a Virtue
"One of the first things I advise my clients to do when travelling during the holiday season is to remember the reason that they are running this &39;Gauntlet of Holiday Travel&39; - to spend time with family and friends to create new memories," reminds Lederle.

"Be flexible and be prepared," advises Elaine C. Goad, CTC, ACC (Travel Leaders, Tyler, TX).
"Flights can be full and people can be cranky. Just don&39;t join in the cranky crowd - it is the holidays. Be happy!"

"Keep your sense of humor and when all else fails, remember to give thanks for even having the opportunity to travel and visit family and friends," offers Lederle. "There are many who are not as fortunate."

For more of Travel Leaders experts&39; "Insider&39;s Tips" for holiday travel, please visit us on Facebook by clicking here. When your holiday journey includes us, you travel better. To find the Travel Leaders location nearest you, go to http://www.travelleaders.com or call 1.888.206.TRIP (8747).

Rent My Vacation Home (RMVH) Prevents Damage&Identity Theft with new Technology

2011-09-15T16:32:00.001-07:00

San Francisco, California July 30, 2011

Rent My Vacation Home dot com has new technology that checks every id and issues Travel Guard insurance for each stay unless the homeowner declines to offer this service.For a limited time this Rent My Vacation Home service is free for 30 days.

Mr. Jay Kalin CEO of Rent My Vacation Home dot com said, “No one who follows our patented check out system has ever had damage like below and we have never had identity theft or major damage to any homes in the 25 years we have need renting homes. This is not luck it’s our patented check out system. We rented Vacation homes before the internet unlike our competitors who try this the other way around .If she would have rented with the Rent my vacation home system the owner below would have had renters insurance to cover damage and she would have know the id of the person staying as well. I really am trying to prevent this from happening to homeowners.

Recently a woman's apartment in California was ransacked by a seemingly cordial renter who rented out her apartment on a competitors website. She had her home completely destroyed by a renter who turned out to be a vandal and a total fraud.

The Rent My Vacation Home dot com system verifies all data and identity then notifies the home owner of the inquiry and if they want to accept the rental.

The guy not only destroyed the apartment, but he also stole her identity, her locked-away valuables and and left the apartment in a terrifying state of disarray.

She returned home after a week of business travel to a "pungent odor" wafting from her apartment and opened the door to find a harrowing series of sights: The creep had "smashed a hole through a locked closet door" to remove her passport, credit cards and her grandmother's jewelry she had secured away. A camera, iPod and an old laptop had been stolen along with a backup drive containing "her entire life." Her own scanner had been used to photocopy her birth certificate and social security card. And then it gets really bizarre:

They did weird stuff too she said: "moving things around in a spooky, psychotic kind of way - creepy little things that I am still discovering as I dig through the wreckage - like cutting the tags off my pillows, and hanging a painting of Paris on the wall that I had never hung before."

Rent My Vacation Home dot com system would have prevented this from happening. Rent My Vacation Home has over 70,000 homes at this time and 83 network sites that cover every city in the USA and every state, the identities are checked and insurance issued before the renter enters the home. Rent My Vacation Home also has a scam section on the site and work with various laws enforcement agencies who report crimes of this nature. The Rent My Vacation Home system guarantees against fraud and guarantees the homeowner rentals or the money is returned. When renting out a home be safe and try to use a company that is prepared for the worst in advance.

Rent My Vacation Home dot com system would have prevented this from happening .They have 70,000 homes at this time and 83 network sites that cover every city in the USA and every state for sale and for rent. The Identities are checked and insurance issued before the renter enters the home. Rent My Vacation Home also has a scam section on the site and work with various law enforcement agencies who report crimes of this nature. When renting out your home be safe and good luck this year.

This technology from Rent My Vacation Home dot com must be catching fire as Alexa the internet reporting agency reports Rent My Vacation Home is up over one thousand percent on web prescience over a 3 month period.

For moe information call 800-699-7684

Leading Bhutan Travel Company and Bhutan Tour Operator Announces Special Royal Wedding Travel Packages

2011-09-15T15:49:00.001-07:00

Thimphu, Bhutan June 22, 2011

Yetis&Dragons, a leading Bhutan Travel agency and tour operator located on the worldwide web at http://www.BhutanTravelAgency.com has announced a full line-up of special Bhutan Royal Wedding travel packages for the month of October 2011. The travel itinerary for these Bhutan holiday packages have been scheduled to coincide with the upcoming wedding of the King of Bhutan, His Royal Highness Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck.

In the wake of the British royal wedding held recently, the King of Bhutan His Majesty Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck announced his plans to wed Ms. Jetsun Pema, a highly accomplished and much admired young lady from the capital Thimphu, who does not share a royal lineage with the King. According to her official biography, the future Queen of Bhutan is the 2nd among 5 children of Dhondup Gyaltshen. Jetsun Pema is a keen student of painting and the fine arts. The King and the Queen both share a passion for the sport of basketball. The announcement of the royal wedding has generated great excitement among the people of Bhutan and the rest of the world alike.

“We at BhutanTravelAgency have been inundated with special travel requests from all over the world,says Lakey Wangmo, CEO and founder of Yetis&Dragons Bhutan Travel Agency, who is herself very excited about the upcoming royal wedding. “Our beloved King has chosen to marry one of us and not someone from a far away land,she adds with much fervor and a dose of enthusiasm thrown in.

The Magic of Bhutan and the Royal Wedding

The company has announced two full-service Bhutan tour packages which match both the spirit and the ambience of the much-awaited occasion. Both packages are specially designed around the time of the royal wedding with a view to maximizing the guest experience of the royal wedding which will take place in the month of October 2011.

Royal Wedding Enchantment

The first package, appropriately named Royal Wedding Enchantment, is a basic week-long tour of Bhutan centered around the capital city and its surrounding areas. Guests will be provided opportunities to participate in the wedding festivities organised by the locals as a gesture of their love&affection towards the king. Arrangements are being made for the company’s guests to witness the festivities around in full color, these festivities can be local festivals, mass gatherings for showing the respect to the king, groups meeting&singing in happiness, all in all events which are born out of immense joy which every Bhutanese has already started to feel. As soon as the wedding is solemnized, guests will depart on a whirlwind tour of the country and visit many of its temples, fortresses and monasteries located in different cities, and thereby witness festivities in various parts of Bhutan.

Royal Wedding Paramount

The Paramount package is a comprehensive 13-day deluxe luxury tour of the country which provides guests with a unique and unprecedented opportunity to first experience the festivities in the city where the royal wedding will be held in full splendor and then visits several major cities in the country in the aftermath of the royal wedding. The travel itinerary includes visits to Punakha, the former capital, the Bhumtang Valley and the Trongsa district.

Other star attractions of both the 7-day and the 13-day package include:

Chauffeur-driven private automobile or small luxury mini bus

English-speaking tour guides and every possible royal wedding commentary

Prices inclusive of luxury western-style hotel rooms based on double occupancy, three meals and snacks, evening outing and bar hopping too

Plenty of “metime woven into the itinerary for R&R, shopping and walks around town

Special activities for children visiting with their parents including the wearing of traditional and colorful Bhutanese costumes on special wedding days

Airport pick-up, drop-off and hotel transfers included

Since Bhutan has limited air connectivity with the rest of the world and a huge demand for airline tickets during this period is anticipated, Bhutan Travel Agency recommends that Festive attendees book their Bhutan wedding packages well in advance. Paro International Airport is Bhutan’s only international airport and is serviced exclusively by Druk Air which is Bhutan’s National flag carrier and connects Bhutan to India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Thailand via regular flights.

Bhutan Travel at a Glance

Bhutan is a tiny landlocked kingdom in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas just north of India. It is one of the last remaining monarchies in the world and is popularly referred to as the ‘Last Shangri-la on Earthdue to its pristine beauty and the carefully preserved culture. Bhutan is a welfare state where the government uses ‘Gross National Happinessto measure the nation’s growth. Bhutan travel is an experience in itself. The government of Bhutan limits the number of tourists who visit the nation each year in an effort to preserve its natural heritage and its delicate ecological balance.

Bhutan Visas

There are no visa requirements for Bhutan in the traditional sense of the term. All visas are issued on arrival and are processed in advance by licensed Bhutan tour operators. Guests are asked to initiate the process well in advance of their arrival dates and submit the visa forms to their tour operators for all members of the group at the same time with the official Bhutan visa fee of approximately US $20 payable in advance either with a credit card or wire transfer paid preferably along with the package costs.

About Yetis&Dragons Bhutan Travel Agency

Yetis&Dragons is a Thimphu-based full service Bhutan travel agency and licensed Bhutan tour operator which offers individual, group and corporate travel opportunities in Bhutan. Found on the Worldwide Web at http://www.BhutanTravelAgency.com, the company also offers Bhutan packages that can be fully customized in accordance with the requirements of both individuals as well as groups wishing to explore the country’s yet untouched and preserved beauty. The company welcomes sales inquiries from potential partners and resellers. All travel Bhutan services are provided in-house by a dedicated and highly experienced team of 120 full-time and part-time employees.

For more Information

URL: http://BhutanTravelAgency.com
e-mail: PleaseBotherMe(at)BhutanTravelAgency(dot)com

Media Relations

Media contact: Lakey Wangmo
e-mail: pleasebotherme(at)bhutantravelagency(dot)com
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/TravelBhutan

The Age of The Big Spender... Revealed

2011-09-15T14:27:00.001-07:00

Cardiff November 15, 2009

New research from Confused.com has revealed attitudes towards spending on credit cards vary drastically between old and young. The price comparison site found vast differences between the generations with regard to applying for credit, maintaining credit and paying off credit.

Careful spending over the years may explain why 77% of the early 50&39;s do not worry about the refusal of credit cards when applying. In fact this group is so confident in the state of their credit history, 83% of them have failed to check their credit scores - an indicator of a person&39;s credit worthiness - for 12 months or more.

Unsurprisingly, it is the youngsters who struggle in securing extra funds. Thirty four per cent of early twenty year olds are refused credit - either immediately or after a referral. This could explain why almost half of this age group do not apply for credit cards out of fear of refusal, and a black mark next to their name.

Joanne Garcia, head of credit cards at Confused.com said: "Our research highlights the different spending habits between age groups. Approaches and attitudes differ, however the recognition in clearing credit balances must remain consistent. Those with existing balances should make every effort to clear them as soon as possible. Ignoring the debt, resulting in closure of an account by the credit card company is not advisable. This will have an adverse affect on a person&39;s credit rating that will remain with them for a long time, creating difficulties for a range of things in the future.

Those considering applying for a creditcard should visit Confused.com and use our new tool. This will show customers which cards on our site will be most likely to accept them. Not only is this service free, but it leaves no credit footprint - therefore does not jeopardise any credit ratings."

Confused.com offers a stark warning to the one in three 46 - 50 year olds who do not keep up with regular payments on outstanding credit card balances. Failure to repay will result in refusal for future funds. Ignoring the debt is ill advised and those tempted, should visit Confused.com&39;s debt management area for advice on how they can rectify certain situations.

For further information please contact:
Press office, Confused.com: 02920 434 398

Notes to editors
Research conducted by OnePoll during October 2009 amongst 2,000 respondents
About Confused.com:

Confused.com is one of the UK&39;s biggest and most popular price comparison services. Launched in 2002, it generates over one million quotes per month. It has expanded its range of comparison products over the last couple of years to include car insurance, home insurance, travel insurance, pet insurance, van insurance, motorbike insurance, breakdown cover and energy, as well as financial services products including credit cards, loans, mortgages and life insurance.

Confused.com is not a supplier, insurance company or broker. It provides a free, objective and unbiased comparison service. By using cutting-edge technology, it has developed a series of intelligent web-based solutions that evaluate a number of risk factors to help customers with their decision-making, subsequently finding them great deals on a wide-range of insurance products, financial services, utilities and more. Confused.com&39;s service is based on the most up-to-date information provided by UK suppliers and industry regulators.

Confused.com is owned by the Admiral Group plc. Admiral listed on the London Stock Exchange in September 2004. Confused.com is regulated by the FSA.

TLC Delivers on the Promise “We Show Your Members the Moneywith New Member Benefit Program

2011-09-14T00:36:00.001-07:00

Fountain Hills, AZ April 5, 2006

Working closely with associations and affinity groups, TLC created an online shopping mall and gift card club that allows association members to earn rewards by shopping online at their favorite merchants. Members who shop at the TLC mall earn upwards of 15% in rewards at more than 400 nationally recognized merchants, whose products range from music, books, cooking, apparel, gardening, electronics, floral and more. In addition, TLC’s Gift Card Club Program offers up to 15% savings on online gift card purchases from over 50 nationally recognized merchants including iTunes, Blockbuster, Borders, Cabela’s, Bath and Body Works, Spa Finder, KB Toys, Sharper Image and more.

“With purchases for the Valentines Day period accounting for $3.9 billion in online sales alone, why not earn rewards when you shop online I tell all my members to take advantage of this program whenever they are considering making a purchase online.

From everyday spending on groceries and gas, to specialty items such as movies, books, music, travel and dining out, association members have the potential to save hundreds of dollars each year. In addition, the TLC mall can be customized by associations for their individual members to help them retain and reward their loyal members.

“Everyone likes to get a little something extra when they shop says TLC CEO Scott Peters. “With the rapidly growing online shopping and gift card buying trends, we felt it was time to provide the shopper a little something extra. By reaching a wide audience of shoppers and aggregating their volume purchases, TLC can offer its members a way to earn rewards every time they shop.In addition, every member receives a $100 gift card as a thank you, which entitles them to $100 of magazines for one year. The member selects from a list of their favorite magazines tailored to their interests and hobbies, whether it be travel, business, cars, sports, etc. there is something for everyone…to enjoy as a gift from TLC.

For more information, contact Jim Felty at jfelty@tlcloyalty.com or visit the web site at http://www.tlcloyalty.com.

About The Loyalty Concept Established in March 2004, TLC provides a unique and powerful reward platform designed to enhance a consumer’s shopping experience. TLC is the technological customer service invention of an experienced international executive team. The TLC team has substantial expertise in retail chain store management and operations, credit cards, banking, and website and information technology. TLC’s secure data center and efficient fulfillment operation guarantee satisfied customers.

CONTACT:

The Loyalty Concept

Jim Felty

Phone: 480-767-6600

Fax: 480-718-7616

http://www.tlcloyalty.com

New Projects in Moshen Brand Gains Speed in Transaction Processing Industry

2011-09-12T03:58:00.001-07:00

February 18, 2006

Terry Moshenberg, Internet Strategist renowned for his "inside the wave" thinking is enjoying powerful momentum. The new Projects In Moshen brand (moshenmedia.com) update reflects this new found gain in momentum. "It&39;s not good to ride ahead of the wave. You risk surfing in slow-moving water. It&39;s crucial to ride inside the curve. You want to be where the action is." These are the words of wisdom written on the walls of Moshenberg&39;s office.

Terry has spent the last two years developing ecommerce solutions that go above and beyond standard online credit card processing. There are many other ways to transact and they&39;re only now becoming available to the business community at large. The next wave of ecommerce solutions are powerful, independant and highly portable. Banks and other financial institutions are looking to generate revenue from outside sources, so companies with new ways to process transactions are being welcomed with open arms.

Terry Moshenberg and his team were selected by CardOne Plus to develop version one of it&39;s debit card platform and from there Terry saw the writing on the wall. There aren&39;t many individuals in Canada who have this experience and Terry is now helping organizations world-wide. Projects In Moshen is known for it&39;s powerful ability to develop strategies that work in real world situations. Terry has combined transaction management with content management and now the possibilities are truly endless.

The new Projects In Moshen brand accurately reflects the fast moving world of internet communications and how the group embraces this speed. We believe our new brand speaks volumes and we look forward to helping our clients reach mach 3 in a world that isn&39;t slowing down".

Projects In Moshen (moshenmedia.com)delivers a powerful and highly versatile suite of solutions used by companies, organizations and consumers to transfer money and make payments. Multi-use debit and alternative transaction options give organizations the power to transact without the high cost and time restrained rules we&39;re used to.

There are alternatives such as ACH, Debit, and Cell Phone Based direct transactions. Companies enjoy the power to transact in many ways now at retail or online, and it doesn&39;t cost as much per transaction as it used to.

These new options allow network marketing companies to use debit cards as commission cards, insurance companies to use debit cards as insurance payout cards, and travel companies can offer purpose-built travel cards.

Projects In Moshen can design a suit of payment solutions from concept to launch and when combined with the WriteNow Content Management Solution, all content in a website can be managed like using MS Word.

"We&39;re excited to be working in this industry at such a fabulous time. Development is happending at break neck speed and we love it".

About Projects In Moshen (moshenmedia.com

Projects In Moshen is an innovativ e multi-service organization specialized in strategic marketing, transaction software development and web solutions. The Company’s flagship service is debit card platform strategy and development and deploys its WriteNowtm Content Management Solution to let users manage their websites like using MS Word. Projects In Moshen provides strategic, web-based solutions to successful companies in the Financial, Entertainment, Technology, Consumer Health, Human Resources, and Not-For-Profit industries. The Company creates, develops, and delivers web based transaction solutions that enable clients to achieve higher profitability and more efficie nt workflows.

Egyptian and Turkish Currencies Predicted to be Sought After in 2010

2011-09-12T03:56:00.001-07:00

London, UK January 20, 2010

The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) is predicting that Egypt and Turkey are going to be among the most popular holiday destinations for UK travellers in 2010.The travel trade body believes that the countries will be tempting to UK holidaymakers due to investment in luxury hotels, roads and airports. The higher standards available at these destinations combined with lower costs and better foreign currency exchange rates could help UK holidaymakers get the most out of their travel money.

This rising popularity of Egypt and Turkey is also evident in Post Office research which found the Egyptian pound to be one of the fastest-growing types of foreign currency in 2009. In recent years, the Turkish lira and Egyptian pound have become two of the fastest growing foreign currencies for UK travellers, showing UK holidaymakers are increasingly being tempted to spend their travel money outside the euro zone.

However, as always, when travelling anywhere abroad the Post Office urges UK holidaymakers to make sure they arrange their foreign currency in advance of travel. Buying foreign currency before jetting off on holiday will avoid higher commission fees from airport or overseas foreign currency exchanges.

Sarah Munro, Post Office Head of Travel, said: "UK travellers can save themselves unnecessary extra costs by buying foreign currency in advance or taking the Post Office pre-paid Travel Money Card rather than changing money at the airport or at an overseas ATM using a credit or debit card."

1 New Years Day Resolution by Dr. Richard - Learn How Anyone Can Achieve Financial Fitness in 2009

2011-09-12T02:48:00.001-07:00

Los Angeles, CA 1, 2009 Dr. Richard (a/k/a America&194;s Financial Fitness Trainer&194;) is offering consumers useful advice and tips on how to get their personal finances in shape for 2009. Many people overspend during the Holiday Season and 90% of all Americans have the worry of living their lives paycheck-to-paycheck. This is where Dr. Richard can help by providing some simple suggestions that will help make 2009 a year of increased financial fitness and security.

Dr. Richard highlights just how important it is to keep your personal finances in shape. Its no secret that 50% of all marriages end in divorce &194; and finances are the number one reason. Once people can control over their finances, a lot of stress will disappear. With a reduction of stress, they may end up quitting smoking, losing weight, or maybe even save a failing relationship.

&194;Achieving financial fitness is actually easier than most people think. Especially after the Holiday shopping sprees, it is essential you take action now to remedy the situation before it is too late,&194; according to Dr. Richard, Publisher of the FinancialFitnessTips.com Report. &194;If you do the exact sames things last year, you will get them same results this year. Get out of your financial trap. Let me show you how to make 2009 the year you get your finances into shape - a year to remember.&194;

Dr. Richard will show you how to:

&194;&183; Take control of your finances

&194;&183; Avoid the &194;out of sight &194; out of mind&194; syndrome

&194;&183; Tell if you&194;ve been a victim to identity theft and what steps you need to take

&194;&183; Increase your FICO score (credit rating) after the Holidays

&194;&183; How to stay motivated throughout the New Year

With the advent of today&194;s financial scandals, financial education is a difficult and daunting topic; however, Dr. Richard specializes in delivering this information in a clear, simple and more understandable manner that consumers can really feel the benefit from.

Dr. Richard takes a light-hearted and fun approach to the serious way that people deal with their finances. He is considered one of the nation&39;s leading experts on personal finance and consumer credit.

Dr. Richard is also the former television host of "Consumer Credit in the 80&194;s." As a former investment banker, he has participated in real estate transactions of more than $700 million since 1991 and has been featured on "Living the American Dream - Today&39;s Success Stories."

Dr. Richard is available for interviews.

BACKGROUND NOTES

&194;&183; Dr. Richard has over 20 years of expert financial knowledge.

&194;&183; Dr. Richard is the designer of the 2009 $200,000 Financial Fitness Challenge.

&194;&183; Dr. Richard is the former television host of Consumer Credit in the 80&194;s.

&194;&183; As an international public speaker, Dr Richard has appeared on many TV and radio shows, as well as educated individuals from all walks of life about financial fitness.

&194;&183; Dr. Richard has been described as making finance &194;understandable and sexy.&194;

&194;&183; Dr. Richard is a Co-Author with Dr. Wayne Dyer and Mark Victor Hansen (&194;Chicken Soup and the Soul&194;) in &194;Wake Up&194;Live the Life You Love.&194;

&194;&183; Dr. Richard has written a book due for release early next year entitled &194;Financial Aerobics &194; How To Get Your Finances Into Shape&194;

&194;&183; For more information on Dr. Richard go to http://www.FinancialFitnessTips.com

CONTACT

For more information or to schedule an interview with Dr. Richard:

Paul Armstrong

T: (310) 248 6222 ext 27

E: paul@levinepr.com

Dawn Miller

T: (310) 248 6222 ext 13

E: dawn@levinepr.com

Photography available upon request.

SimplyFinance.co.uk Announces Personal Finance Content Partnership with Sky Text

2011-09-10T04:05:00.001-07:00

6, 2010 SimplyFinance.co.uk, the UK consumer finance website, will be powering the &39;Simply Finance&39; section of the Sky Text platform, formerly named &39;Your Money&39;, which is available on page 160. The section will cover key financial areas including mortgages, insurance, loans and debt management, as well as more general money management tips.

Katie Jenkins, Site Producer of SimplyFinance comments, "We exist to help consumers to manage their finances more effectively, and are very excited to be working with Sky Text to make personal finance news and articles available to Sky Text&39;s readers. The Simply Finance pages will provide informative, entertaining news and articles to equip people with the knowledge to make more informed choices about their finances."

Verity Jowett, Managing Editor for Sky Text says: “It was a very easy decision to work with http://www.simplyfinance.co.uk for our personal finance content. Not only can they provide us with experienced editorial on the latest changes in personal finance rules and regulations in a straightforward and consumer-friendly way , but they also publish a useful website offering calculators on savings, mortgages, loans and other items which we can refer our viewers to. We look forward to a long and successful partnership.

Notes to Editors

SimplyFinance.co.uk is a personal finance website that exists to help consumers manage their money more effectively. SimplyFinance.co.uk provides a range of informative content, tools and calculators to empower consumers to make more informed financial choices.

Note for Editors: Sky Text is Sky’s digital teletext service, published on all* Sky-branded channels (*except Sky Box Office and Ch999) and is available free to access to all Sky subscribers 24/7. The service receives around 2m views per week across all channels.

Press Contact:

Katie Jenkins, Site Producer, SimplyFinance
Office: 0207 993 8945

Britons Pay Out &163;122 Million in Unnecessary Foreign Exchange Fees Each Year

2011-09-08T06:06:00.001-07:00

February 13, 2010

Britons incurred a staggering &163;122 million pounds in unnecessary foreign exchange fees when using their credit card abroad last year, new research by Santander Cards has revealed.1

The massive sum was generated after Britons spent &163;1.5 billion on credit cards overseas in 2009 an average of &163;600 per traveller. Nearly all credit cards in the market impose a foreign exchange fee of around 2.75 per cent on purchases made abroad, generating a hefty bill for travellers but one that is entirely avoidable.

Of the 25 million Britons who went abroad in 2009, the average time spent overseas during the course of the year was three weeks. However, more than 7.5 million of us (30 per cent of travellers) were away for four weeks or more.

Almost five million people (one in five travellers) used a credit card as their primary means of making purchases abroad last year, while a further eight million chose a credit card as their secondary payment method.

While Britons spent an impressive &163;15 billion in total overseas last year, one in five travellers (19 per cent) are planning to reduce the amount they spend abroad this year due to the weakness of the pound.

Emma Roberts, Director of Santander Cards, commented: “With many Britons embracing a more careful approach to their spending, foreign exchange fees are one expense that those travelling abroad this year can definitely do without. The Santander Zero Credit Card is one of the only cards on the market to offer fee-free foreign usage anywhere in the world, providing our customers with peace of mind and leaving them with more money to enjoy their trip.

The research showed that more than half of people (52 per cent) still pay with cash when abroad. Credit cards are the second most popular method of payment, followed by debit cards (15 per cent) and traveller’s cheques (5 per cent).

Last month, Santander announced its latest initiative to reward existing customers. Customers who have a current account or mortgage with either Santander UK or Alliance and Leicester can now apply for the award winning Santander Zero Credit Card and benefit from a zero per cent balance transfer fee for 12 months, in addition to the existing Zero benefits of fee-free foreign transactions anywhere in the world, zero per cent interest on purchases for three months, and no cash advance fee.

The information contained in our press releases is intended solely for journalists and should not be used by consumers to make financial decisions.

Notes to Editors
1)Omnibus research of 2,000+ British adults in December 2009 and January 2010.

About Us
Banco Santander (SAN.MC, STD.N, BNC.LN) is a retail and commercial bank, based in Spain, with presence in 10 main markets. In the UK, Santander operates two retail businesses Santander, which was formed out of the Abbey and Bradford&Bingley retail network, and Alliance&Leicester. Together they have over 1300 branches, around 4,500 cash machines and they provide a full range of savings, corporate banking and mortgages services to 25 million customers.

Alliance&Leicester will become known as Santander by the end of 2010.

http://www.santander.co.uk

Media Enquiries
Siobhan O’Shea Tel: 020 7756 4189
Louisa Dreja Tel: 020 7756 4211

The press office operates from 8.00am to 6.00pm. Outside of these hours please call 0800 5877708.

CSI globalVCardMobile App Looks to Change the Way Mobile Online B2B Payments Are Made

2011-09-08T05:49:00.001-07:00

Bonita Springs, FL September 01, 2011

CSI Enterprises, Inc., a leader in innovative financial solutions for enterprises and businesses, has done it again with the CSI globalVCard/a> Mobile App. CSI Enterprises, Inc. introduces this mobile application to on-the-go businesses of all sizes as a revolutionary and customizable B2B payment tool to create secure virtual MasterCard&174; account numbers via a smartphone or tablet.

The CSI globalVCard/a> mobile app is a payment method that allows the business owner or user to create secure single and multi-use virtual MasterCard account numbers from their mobile device. It’s a perfect solution to make secure online payments. More and more businesses are using smartphones and tablets as their day-to-day operations become more mobile. Mobile payments are more prevalent than ever in everyday business, in fact, according to Juniper Research, mobile payment transactions already total $240 billion and the market expects to more than double in the next five years.

The CSI globalVCard/a> app contains enhanced security features including pin-prompting at setup, the option to create single and multi-use virtual MasterCard account numbers for each vendor payment, all without storing sensitive credit card data on a mobile device’s operating system or hardware. The app has custom control features which include purchase restrictions and the ability to set profiles specific to employees by MCC group, dollar amount and/or transaction limit. Cards can also be assigned to specific purchase orders, invoice numbers and be customized with memo notes. Convenience features of the app include the ability to copy and paste card account numbers within a smartphone browser to enhance the online purchase experience as well as view or block existing cards. CSI globalVCardgoes beyond the smartphone with its web version, GPS (globalVCardPay System), which enables batch payment creation through the upload of a single payment file from your A/P system and electronically disburses secure vendor payments.

In addition, the CSI globalVCard/a> mobile app allows cards to be created in another name from the administrator’s account, which is perfect for employer/employee card creation. Secure virtual account numbers can also be sent from this application via email as a card image or SMS text message. Future app updates will include NFC enabled PayPass Integration.

“The CSI globalVCardmobile app has been a long time in the works,explained Keith Stone, CSI President and CEO. “The app is more than a B2B mobile payment solution. It is meant to work for the user. There is always a sense of urgency in today’s fast-paced business world and now you will have a secure payment app built to accommodate today’s on-the-go businesses.

The vision for the CSI globalVCardmobile app is to allow users the ability to make secure online purchases and card-not-present transactions from anywhere in the world to anyone in the world, from the palm of your hand. The app is geared towards the world of business professional mobile payments not consumer retail purchases and coupon retentions.

The CSI globvalVCardmobile app is now available to Android mobile users and will soon be available to all iOS and Blackberry devices early Fall 2011. GlobalVCardis only available for CSI MasterCard customers. Click here or call 1.866.998.0437 to get information on becoming a customer. Customers can receive a 1% rebate on all globalVCardtransactions. Offer Details A 1% rebate will be paid to the customer for achieving certain spend volumes as indicated on a separate CSI Rebate Agreement. Customers will need to complete the separate agreement to receive the rebate.

CSI globalVCard your business payment solution on the go because you are.

Click here to see a short product introduction video.

Click here or call 1-866-998-0437 to request more app updates.

About CSI Enterprises, Inc.
CSI Enterprises, Inc. provides a specific line of controlled financial payment products including business fleet fueling/maintenance payment cards, a corporate virtual payment MasterCard&174; and card solutions for corporate purchasing, travel and entertainment spending. Today CSI and its products operate in all fifty states including Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, with operating subsidiaries involved in municipal tax reclamation, venture capital activities nationwide since 1989. The CSI Virtual MasterCard&174; is issued by Regions&174; Bank, pursuant to a license by MasterCard International Incorporated. MasterCard is a registered trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated.

MHNSAVES.COM Advises Consumers to Make the Most of Travel Customer Loyalty Programs

2011-09-07T06:10:00.001-07:00

Columbia, MD July 29, 2011

It’s no secret that customer loyalty programs have exploded in the past few years. According to the 2011 COLLOQUY Loyalty Census* Americans accumulate approximately $48 billion in various rewards points and miles annually. The travel and hospitality sector is the second-largest industry in terms of rewards at $17 billion a year. Yet few travelers compare programs before booking, which may lead to choosing a rewards program that doesn’t meet their needs.

MHNSAVES.COM, a new online travel savings club, compared the rewards programs offered by some of the industry’s key online travel sites to help consumers choose wisely.

MHNSAVES.COM
*Savings of 5-30 percent each time members use it.
*Book any of the hotels in the MHNSAVES.COM network and earn a minimum of 5 percent in MHNSAVES Cash Back Reward Points. Some hotels offer discounts of up to 30 percent for instant savings plus an additional 1 percent in Cash Back Reward Points.
*One point equals $1, and members receive their cash rewards simply by requesting a check, which is mailed directly to them with no restrictions.
*The minimum number of points required for redemption is five.
*The points do not expire as long as the membership is current and members may use any credit card for payment.
*Membership is free.

Expedia.com&174;
*Awards one point for every dollar spent on any credit card, with limited time special offers for additional points for using specific cards, such as MasterCard&174;.
*Booking packages earns multiple points, which vary depending on the number of items booked.
*Points expire after 18 months if there is no activity or redemption on the member’s Expedia.com account, and the points are restricted to redemption only on Expedia products.
*3,500 points is the minimum required for redemption, which earns a $25 hotel savings coupon.

Orbitz.com&174;
*Only offers rewards for using the Orbitz Visa&174; Card issued through Capital One&174;.
*Cardholders earn 3% rewards on all purchases at Orbitz.com and 1% rewards for all other purchases, with additional rewards points as special periodic incentives.
*The points do not expire and 100 points equal $1 of travel spending (a $200 hotel room would require redeeming 20,000 points).
*Points may be redeemed on Orbitz.com or for merchandise and gift cards as determined by the program.

Hotels.com&174;
*Does not award points, but simply awards one free night for every ten booked through the site.
*Consumers can use any credit card to book, and after booking ten nights earn one reward night at a value equivalent to the average cost of those last ten nightsstays.
*The reward night must be earned and redeemed within three years, and the reward night must be claimed by booking through Hotels.com.

Which program makes the most sense depends on each person’s priorities. For cash back with no restrictions, MHNSAVES.COM offers the simplest and easiest program; for travelers booking a complete vacation package Expedia.com may earn the most points. By knowing the reward program options, consumers can choose the one that gives them the most value for their needs. Rewards program details can change at any time, so consumers are always advised to confirm the rewards offered before enrolling.

For more information, including a comparison chart on these programs, visit http://www.MHNSAVES.COM.

About Members Hotel Network (MHNSAVES.COM)
Members Hotel Network (MHNSAVES.COM) is an online travel savings club that offers its members exclusive discounts and cash back rewards points on hotel stays across the United States. MHNSAVES.com members receive: savings of 5-30 percent off participating hotelslowest advertised rate; the ability to combine MHNSAVES.COM discounts with other national discount programs, including AAA&174; or AARP&174; membership, government or military discounts, at participating hotels; cash back reward points earned on every night’s stay at any hotel booked through MHNSAVES.COM; and the ability to still earn points on other hotel and credit card loyalty programs on every stay booked through MHNSAVES.COM. Headquartered in Columbia, MD., MHNSAVES.COM was founded by a team of hoteliers to offer hotels and consumers a more affordable alternative to other online travel agencies. To learn more or to become a member, please visit http://www.MHNSAVES.COM.

*Additional details: http://www.colloquy.com/press_release_view.aspxd=95

card.io Aims to Change the Way Consumers Pay with Credit Cards, Launches Mobile Commerce SDK for iOS Developers

2011-09-07T06:08:00.001-07:00

San Francisco, CA June 23, 2011

card.io, a start-up founded by two former AdMob employees, Mike Mettler and Josh Bleecher Snyder, today announced a $1M seed round of funding from a hotlist of angel investors and the launch of a private beta program for mobile developers who want to integrate a fast, easy and secure mobile commerce experience into their applications.

Unlike mobile advertising, mobile commerce has yet to mature despite the efforts of a variety of players including major banks, credit card companies, tech brands, mobile operators and well-heeled startups. Typing in credit card info on a mobile keypad is slow, and most consumers don’t have separate hardware to swipe a credit card. Card.io is trying to solve both of these problems: you just hold a credit card up to the phone, and card.io automatically reads the card information using the phone's camera.

Rather than target retailers, card.io is targeting iOS developers in e-commerce, local, ticketing, travel, and daily deal apps with today’s private beta launch. card.io is working with MogoTix for event tickets, TaskRabbit for local services, and SamaSource for donations.

“We’re betting that, over the long term, software will win out over hardware-dependent payment solutions,said Mike Mettler, co-founder and CEO of card.io. “Because we’re software, we can scale and improve more quickly. Also, we can reach every device owner from day one - as long as you have your phone, just point and pay.

“Tons of innovation is already happening at the physical point of sale for in-person transactions. We're doing something different. Mobile checkout for ecommerce needs a rethink. Card.io's software-only service lets developers build mobile checkout right into their app. It turns any smartphone with a camera into a cash register,said angel investor Michael Dearing of Harrison Metal.

Dearing joins other card.io investors such as Jeff Clavier and Charles Hudson of SoftTech VC, Manu Kumar of K9 Ventures, Alok Bhanot (former VP, Risk Technology at PayPal), and Omar Hamoui (CEO/founder of AdMob).

“One of the biggest hurdles to mobile commerce adoption is that users don’t want to type lots of information into their phone to make a purchase,said Scott Thorpe at MogoTix. “card.io’s software solution is disruptive because it allows consumers to use their phone camera to pay with a credit card, with no need for extra hardware. This improves our purchase conversion and thus increases revenue.

App developers interested in more information about card.io’s solution can sign up from the website at http://card.io or email beta(at)card(dot)io.

About card.io:
Located in San Francisco, card.io aims to change the way you purchase on your mobile device. You can follow us on Twitter at @cardio.

Media contact:

Eric Gonzalez, VSCpr

eric(at)vscpr(dot)com

415.272.0836

Hurricane Season - CreditCardsPlus.com Offers Tips for Financial Help in an Emergency

2011-09-07T05:54:00.001-07:00

Los Angeles, CA August 29, 2008

With the forecast of a &39;well above average&39; hurricane season proving to be accurate, we are reminded of the devastation that hurricanes and other natural disasters can cause to our country. Each year Americans cope with an average of 10,000 thunderstorms, 2,500 floods, 1,000 tornadoes as well as an average of six deadly hurricanes. Potentially deadly weather impacts every American.

Credit Cards Plus (http://www.CreditCardsPlus.com)], one of the internet&39;s oldest and top websites entirely devoted to helping consumers find, compare and apply for credit cards that meet their individual credit history, encourages consumers to be prepared with a backup plan for emergency financial needs. "One of the most important elements that should be added to your hurricane preparedness essentials is a backup plan for handling finances. When disaster strikes you may be caught up in an even more stressful situation than you would be otherwise if you haven&39;t planned sufficiently in advance."

Have you thought about what you would do from an immediate financial standpoint if you had to evacuate on short notice How are you going to pay for lodging and meals How will you be paying for fuel on the road How will you collect your paycheck or pay your bills These are questions you need to answer before disaster strikes to alleviate added financial stress.

As a potentially deadly storm approaches, all focus should be toward communication and safety for family members, neighbors, pets and home. "There is little time at that point to figure out how to manage your emergency spending needs. CreditCardsPlus.com advises that you to have three different payment methods in place and ready to go to handle your emergency spending: 1) one prepaid card or debit card; 2) one or two credit cards; and 3) cash."

CreditCardsPlus.com suggests that you designate or set aside one credit card and one pre-paid card each that you can use, if necessary, exclusively for emergency expenses. Prepaid cards (or debit cards) can be invaluable tools when an emergency situation arises. You - or others on your behalf (like an employer or relative) - can load cash onto your prepaid card from locations all across the country. You can retrieve cash from the card via ATM machines as needed. These cards can be used much like you would use a conventional credit card to pay for many types of expenses. With the prepaid card you can also have your paycheck directly deposited onto your card and many prepaid cards (or debit cards) even have a system where you can pay any or all of your bills by accessing your prepaid card account via phone or the internet. These are essential features to have available to you while you are displaced.

A prepaid card in conjunction with an emergency credit card and emergency cash allows you to have your payment bases covered to handle most any expense away from home.

At this time we don&39;t know just how devastating Hurricane Gustav and Hanna will become. With the third anniversay of Hurricane Katrina upon us, we know all too well how lives can be turned upside down by storms and other natural disasters. We wish all those in locations so often in harm&39;s way along the Gulf Coast - New Orleans, Louisiana, Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas - the very best as they ready themselves for these and future emergencies.

Be financially prepared. You can review, compare and apply for prepaid card offers at the CreditCardsPlus.com website. Why not have the designated &39;emergency&39; credit card also provide special benefits CreditCardsPlus offers a selection of credit cards that will meet any of your needs and preferences. Choose from travel credit cards, rewards credit cards, low interest credit cards, cash back credit cards and even credit cards for bad credit.

About CreditCardsPlus.com:
Credit Cards Plus is in it&39;s 10th year as a top website offering a free credit card comparison service. "Credit Cards Plus helps you to quickly compare credit cards, choose the best card for you and then apply directly online." At CCP, you will find all the top credit cards offering online applications, many with instant approval. "CreditCardsPlus.com features over 100 credit cards from issuers including Chase, Citibank, American Express, Discover, Bank of America, HSBC and more." The Credit Cards Plus website is http://www.CreditCardsPlus.com.

Survey of Best Credit Cards for Holiday Shopping is Released by Credit-Land.com

2011-09-07T05:22:00.001-07:00

Brooklyn, NY December 11, 2006

More consumers than ever are planning to use credit cards as the preferred payment method for holiday gift purchases this year according to a survey by Credit-Land.com.

Credit-Land.com, the consumer&39;s watchdog for credit card deals, analyzed and ranked credit cards to identify credit cards that offer the best consumer value for holiday shopping. Ranking formula is based on the combination of credit card benefits, cost of credit card use and consumer protection features offered by credit cards for holiday shopping season.

Based on the objective criteria outlined above, Credit-Land.com is pleased to announce the top 5 credit cards for holiday shopping are as follows:

Discover&174; Card Platinum - is a 2006 Holiday Shopping Credit Card of the Year winner for gift givers nationwide. With generous cash back of up to 5%, $0 fraud liability guarantee, generous 25 day grace period, and no annual fee, it&39;s a great choice for holiday shopping bonanza. Low interest rate, including 0% introductory rate and reasonable late fees of $15 for balances under $500 make it this year&39;s winner.

Chase Bank Platinum Visa&174; - took a respectable second place in 2006 Credit Cards for Holiday Shopping ranking. Chase Platinum Visa offers no annual fee, generous Flexible Rewards Program that offers points for every dollar spent that are redeemable for merchandize and hard cold cash. Auto rental collision insurance is a great money saver for holiday travel.

Blue from American Express - is a great choice for holiday shopping. It offers no annual fee, and low APR. Give gifts and earn some for yourself with generous rewards program offered by Blue Card from American Express. Points are redeemable for travel, widest selection of merchandize from major retailers and gift cards.

Capital One No Hassle Cash Rewards Visa - is a great choice for holiday travel and shopping. It offers 1% cash back on all purchases, and 2% on gas purchases. It offers generous travel insurance, no annual fee and a reasonable interest rate.

First PREMIER Bank MasterCard&174; - is a great choice for Americans with poor credit history who are trying to rebuild their credit history. It offers the lowest total cost of ownership among the credit card offerings for individuals with less than stellar credit. Generous 25 day grace period on purchases with low 9.99% APR and one of the most reasonable late fees on the market ($25) make it a card of choice for those who do not qualify for a credit card otherwise.

Additional details are available at:

http://www.credit-land.com/holidays/

Credit-Land.com encourages wise use of credit cards during holiday shopping. Credit cards offer numerous benefits including credit card rewards programs, convenience and consumer protection.

Credit-Land.com is committed to consumer education. Holiday shoppers are advised to make their credit card payments on-time to avoid late fees and finance charges.

You can learn more about wise use of credit cards by visiting Credit-Land.com Personal Finance Library: http://www.credit-land.com/education/

About Credit-Land.com

Credit-Land.com is consumer credit education provider offering a best-in-kind credit card watch service with ranking of credit cards based on consumer needs.

For more information, visit: http://www.credit-land.com

Contact:

Name: Gary Ratinetz

Company: Acclaim Network

Position: Manager - Public Relations

E-mail: garyr @ acclaimnetwork.com

Phone: 1-718-368-4385

Fax: 1-718-646-7773

Survey Names Capital One Cards The Best Credit Cards For World Travel

2011-09-07T05:20:00.001-07:00

Vancouver, BC, Canada August 03, 2011

In a survey conducted by Indexcreditcards.com on the Foreign Transaction Fees (FTF) for top credit cards providers, Capital One Credit Cards came out on top. The results also showed that there was a wide variance in the transaction fees of these major credit card providers.

Consumers who plan to travel outside of the United States choose to take their most trusted credit cards along with them since they receive a lot of benefits including travel assistance, fraud protection and security because carrying a card is a lot safer than carrying cash. The benefits that they receive come at a price though since the foreign transaction fees on most credit cards can really make a dent in their travel budget.

Most consumers who have fully read the terms and conditions of their credit card program are fully aware of what foreign transaction fees are and seek to avoid them especially if they plan to travel a lot outside of the United States. The survey reveals that most credit card providers charge this fee, all except Capital One. Why a fee In the past the fee had been called a foreign currency fee because it was used to cover the cost of converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars. More recently the fee is just charged for transactions that involve a foreign bank even when US dollars are involved.

One major point that consumers should take note of is that the foreign transaction fee is charged even if they never leave the country as purchases made through foreign companies will also result in a foreign transaction.

To avoid this charge when traveling abroad consumers can make the switch to any of Capital One’s credit cards. This way they will completely avoid any foreign transaction fees, even the 1% charged by Visa and MasterCard because Capital One has gone the extra mile to even absorb this 1% for its cardholders. An added benefit of Capital One credit cards is that they charge little to no annual fees and the interest rates are industry standard rates.

Indexcreditcards.com is not the only one singing the praises of Capital One credit cards. CSI monitor (csmonitor.com) has given three out of five cards to Capital One for the best picks for world travel. The three cards that made the list include Capital One Secured MasterCard for those with poor credit which requires a low $49 deposit. Capital One Venture Rewards Card which is the ultimate card for those who would like to earn rewards even while they travel. The card offers the best incentive in the industry where cardholders can earn double miles for every dollar spent and the ability to convert the miles to cash value for travel related purchases. The $59 annual fee on this card is negligible since program members receive 250, 000 or $250 in travel when they charge $1000 in the first three months. The top spot was given to Capital One’s Prestige credit card which features no-hassle perks and no annual fee and on top of that cardholders pay no interest until September 2012.

Sherry Garcia, a representative at Airline Miles Credit Cards (airlinemilescreditcards.net) chimes in, “There is a reason we have always promoted Capital One’s cards, they provide value and are the most effective cards for consumers all round. There no annual fees and the no interest promotions make them an ideal choice for consumers who are not thrilled about all the credit card fees of other programs. Aside from that Capital One is the only major credit card provider who has waived foreign transaction fees on all their cards. Now that’s value.

To find out about the best airline credit cards including those from Capital One visit airlinemilescreditcards.net

CreditDonkey Identifies Best Family Credit Cards for Back to School

2011-09-05T00:14:00.001-07:00

Los Angeles, CA August 10, 2011

CreditDonkey has released its picks for the top credit cards for every family’s wallet this back-to-school season.

“With all of the extra expenses that come with back-to-school, families can save quite a bit by simply choosing the right family credit card,?said Charles Tran, founder of CreditDonkey. “Paying attention to rates, fees and the extra perks can help put families into better financial positions.?/p>

When evaluating cards, CreditDonkey looked for ones that would meet the needs of the various members of the family, narrowing down to the following top three:

For the Mom-on-the-Go: Discover Open Road

Places to go, people to see is the modern mom’s mantra. Busy running around town for play dates, sports practice, school plays and daily errands, these moms are logging serious miles on their cars. If you’re driving all around town, you may as well be rewarded for the miles you log in the car!

The Discover Open Road Card is a rewards credit card that puts cash back in busy moms?wallets for their everyday purchases. Benefits include:

Free $150 Restaurant.com Gift Certificate with first purchase
2% automatically at any gas station and any restaurant all year long
No annual fee or rewards redemption fees

For the Father on a Budget: Blue Cash Everyday

Keeping the family finances on-track is a big undertaking; this is especially true during back-to-school when kids need new clothing, shoes and school supplies. No matter how much we mentally prepare for school shopping, the total cost always creates a shock.

The Blue Cash Everyday card from American Express helps ease the shock of these extra expenses through its rewarding cash back program. Benefits include:

3% cash back at supermarkets, 2% cash back at gas stations and department stores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases
No spend minimum or enrollment requirement to start earning cash back
Opportunity to add more money to your wallet with the $25 Referral Bonus for each friend or family member who is approved for the Card
No annual fee

For the Collegiate: Discover Student

When students move out of the house, it may be time for them to move out of their parents?wallets, too. A student credit card is the perfect opportunity for college students to gain some financial independence from their parents.

The Discover Student card gives students that independence they crave as well as great benefits to help offset the extra expenses of college:

Get $25 Cashback Bonus when you make your 1st purchase within 3 months.
0% intro APR on all purchases for the first 6 months - giving students the opportunity to learn how to responsibly use the card before having to pay interest
5% Cashback Bonus in categories that change like travel, department stores, gas, groceries, restaurants, and more.
Up to 1% unlimited Cashback Bonus on everything else you buy.
No annual fee

Families can visit CreditDonkey to compare credit cards to find more deals for your family.

Post Office Travel Money Reveals Not Being Able to Use Travel Credit Cards Abroad as Major Holiday Moan

2011-09-04T23:02:00.001-07:00

September 14, 2010

A report from the Post Office has revealed UK families' concerns with holiday spending. In the new Family Holiday Report, 11 per cent of those surveyed cite not being able to pay with a travel credit card or debit card while abroad as a major irritant.

Many tourists value the flexibility of their travel credit cards to cover any unexpected costs. However, using them abroad can be expensive because of the charges many high street banks impose when using travel credit cards overseas.

The report also found that while UK holidaymakers want to use a travel credit card abroad, the charges imposed on them when they do so are also an irritant. When it is possible to pay via a travel credit card, over half of those surveyed (52 per cent) cite the charges frequently imposed when using travel credit cards or debit cards abroad as a 'rip off'.

The Post Office reminds UK tourists that they can avoid these costs by searching for a travel credit card with specific advantages for travellers. For example, the Post Office is offering its travel credit card customers a range of benefits, including 0% commission on transactions overseas, and no cash advance fee when purchasing Post Office travel money with its travel credit card at branches.

Sarah Munro, Post Office Head of Travel Money, said: "Families should take enough holiday cash to cover any unexpected costs, rather than pay out hefty charges for using plastic abroad - or take a travel credit card like the Post Office one, offering 0% commission on overseas transactions."

The Post Office Cuts Cost of Travel Money for Credit Card Holders

2011-09-04T22:39:00.001-07:00

London, UK (UK) June 10, 2010

Post Office Travel Money is helping UK travellers avoid additional travel money costs by waiving the standard 2.5 per cent cash advance fee when purchasing foreign currency from the Post Office - either online or in branch using the Post Office credit card.

For UK travellers using their credit card to purchase travel money, the removal of the fee could make a noticeable difference to the overall foreign currency received - especially as other credit card providers charge up to three per cent on each transaction.

While the waiver could reduce the cost of travel money when using a credit card, the Post Office is reminding travellers to avoid other foreign currency pitfalls which could add to holiday costs. For example, changing travel money at airport bureaux de change and using overseas ATMs to withdraw foreign currency can mean that UK travellers end up paying more for their travel money through poorer foreign currency exchange rates, commission or cash withdrawal fees.

Post Office Head of Cards Az Alibhai said: "Our customers love the fact that we don&39;t charge commission when they use their card overseas, so we are now saving them even more money by removing the cash advance fee when they use their Post Office Credit Card to purchase great travel money from the Post Office."

Overseas Travel Still Considered a Luxury for UK Families in 2011

2011-09-04T22:18:00.001-07:00

(PRWeb UK) January 15, 2011

According to a recent poll by TNS and Travel Weekly, many UK families see taking a holiday in 2011 as a luxury and are considering staycations rather than overseas travel as a way to keep costs down.

For those keen to make their holiday budgets stretch further in 2011, the Post Office is providing some travel credit card spending tips. Firstly, before heading away, UK holidaymakers are advised to shop around to find a good travel credit card deal to help their cash stretch further. Many travel credit cards can charge customers fees when making purchases overseas. Furthermore, some providers also charge travellers for purchasing foreign currency on their travel credit cards. Research from the Post Office has discovered that some 42 per cent of UK travellers are unaware how much their travel credit cards can cost them.

The Post Office’s travel credit card offers zero per cent commission on foreign purchases, as well as no cash advance fee when purchasing foreign currency from the Post Office (either online or in branch). The travel credit card also offers zero per cent on balance transfers for the first 12 months and zero per cent on new purchases for the first three months.

Citi Opens New Training Center in Dalian

2011-09-03T00:51:00.001-07:00

April 14, 2010, Dalian -- Citi China today announced the opening of a new training center in Dalian, in partnership with the Dalian University of Foreign Language (“DUFL. A ceremony was held to mark the occasion, attended by Mr. Darren Buckley, Citigroup Japan Holdings Representative Director, President & CEO, Mr. Gary Li, General Manager of Citi Data Processing Services, Ms Sun Yuhua, President of DUFL, as well as Dalian government officials.

Mr. Andrew Au, Chief Executive Officer of Citi China said, “The opening of this training center in Dalian reflects Citi’s intent to continue to grow in China and to launch new initiatives which facilitate job creation and the ongoing expansion of the talent pool in support of China’s financial services sector.”

Mr. Darren Buckley said, "This is yet another exciting example of fresh thinking and innovation by Citi. The collaboration between Citi in China and Japan, the DUFL and the Dalian government to make this a reality has been exceptional, brining benefits to the students of Dalian and ultimately, the local economy."

The new center will focus on the provision of banking and financial services training to DUFL’s third-year and forth-year undergraduates and some post-graduate students, as well as to Citi’s own employees. The training will primarily be conducted in Japanese, and some English-language courses will also be available. Citi trainers will conduct the courses, which will cover areas including personal banking, international clearance, transaction services, and compliance and corporate governance.

Citi maintains longstanding ties with Dalian. In addition to its Dalian branch, Citi has based two critically important operational centers in Dalian. Citi Data Processing Services provides professional back office services to Citi's customers in the Asia-Pacific region and Citicorp Software and Technology Services provides software development and technology support for Citi businesses worldwide. In 2009, Citi opened a lending company, in Wafangdian City, outside of Dalian, in Liaoning Province.

The Citi-DUFL Financial Services Training Center includes classrooms, conference rooms and a lecture hall with a capacity for more than 80 people. The training center will offer video conferencing services, allowing Citi professionals to train students from remote locations such as Japan.

Mr. Gary Li said, “We are delighted to be further expanding our presence in Dalian, and to be partnering with the Dalian University of Foreign Language to launch a state-of-the-art training center. We look forward to continuing to play an active and important role in the Dalian community.”

Ms Sun Yuhua, President of DUFL said, “We are very pleased to partner with Citi to launch this program. The establishment of this training center creates a win-win situation for both DUFL and Citi, also it will contribute valuable and well-qualified young professionals who in turn support the success of Dalian’s local economy.”

Citi and DUFL have officially agreed to offer courses for the next five years, with the option to extend the program at that time.

Citi’s Agency And Trust Launches Innovative Renminbi (RMB) Services In Hong Kong

2011-09-03T00:27:00.001-07:00

Hong Kong Citi’s Agency and Trust, part of the Global Transaction Services division, has unveiled significant enhancements to its RMB product portfolio, launching a comprehensive suite of RMB agency and fiduciary services for corporate and institutional clients in Hong Kong. Covering RMB bonds, loans, escrows and structured finance transactions, these new capabilities allow Citi’s clients to access the growing RMB market both in Hong Kong and internationally. Already an established provider of RMB-denominated services in Mainland China, this move further enhances Citi’s position as an innovative provider of corporate trust services and demonstrates its commitment to growing capabilities across its unrivalled network.

The new products, which support an extended range of RMB activities in Hong Kong and internationally, include:

Bond Administration trustee and paying agency services for RMBdenominated bonds issues in Hong Kong
Escrow and Account Bank Services –support for mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions, trade, project finance, and a variety of other client transactions
Security Agency Services for RMB-denominated collateral
Loan Administration facility agent and related services for RMBdenominated loans
Structured Finance transaction administration and other related services for RMB-denominated securitizations

In addition, Citi can now support RMB-denominated global bonds to be settled via the Euroclear and Clearstream clearing systems.

“Hong Kong is quickly becoming the hub for offshore RMB services, requiring transaction services providers like Citi to develop comprehensive solutions to support growing client needs. With the introduction of these innovative RMB products, Citi has drawn on its vast network and expertise to create solutions that enable our clients access to this growing opportunity and further cements our position as a market-leading corporate trust service provider,said Ben Lumleysmith, Director, Regional Head, Agency and Trust, Asia Pacific, Global Transaction Services, Citi.

These new products complement Citi’s existing wide range of RMB products and services for corporate and institutional clients across Asia Pacific and globally, which include account services, time deposits, remittances, liquidity management, trade, foreign exchange and custody and fund services.

Alaska Air Cargo Enhances Seafood Shipment Services

2011-08-28T06:47:00.001-07:00

Prized wild seafood from the state of Alaska will arrive as fresh as possible at grocery stores and restaurants across the nation, thanks in part to a new quality control program at Alaska Air Cargo designed to keep seafood shipments cold. Alaska Air Cargo is one of the first air carriers to implement a special training program for employees who handle perishables such as fresh Alaska seafood.

These strict seafood quality standards require employees to pass an annual food quality course. Defined by the seafood industry as "cool chain," the program is used by processors and shippers to ensure a temperature-controlled environment for proper food handling. The goal is to keep the seafood moving expeditiously throughout its journey on Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air and maintain temperatures between 32 and 40 degrees for fresh fish from the time it leaves the water to when it arrives at stores and restaurants.

"Preserving the quality of fresh seafood from the bountiful waters of the state of Alaska and delivering it to cities throughout our expansive route network is our top priority," said Joe Sprague, vice president of Alaska Air Cargo. "Our seafood partners can be confident their shipments will receive the attention they deserve when they choose Alaska Air Cargo."

Training and program materials were created by Alaska Air Cargo based on material used by seafood processors throughout the state of Alaska and was provided by the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute and Ocean Beauty Seafoods, LLC.

"Alaskan salmon are shipped thousands of miles to markets and restaurants all over the world, and this program provides first-class treatment throughout the journey and helps to preserve the natural attributes of seafood," said Jan Koslosky, director of supply chain management for Ocean Beauty Seafoods, LLC.

Under the "cool chain" program, Alaska Air Cargo employees and ramp agents will receive computer-based training for proper seafood handling. By implementing the cool chain program, Alaska Air Cargo is following industry standards set forth by the seafood industry. Features of the program have been incorporated with a service called Priority Perishable Express to ensure that perishable shipments have priority handling and receive special attention.

Alaska Air Cargo operates the most extensive air cargo operation on the U.S. West Coast of any passenger airline. Alaska Airlines ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Traditional Network Carriers (tie)" in the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 North America Airline Satisfaction StudySM. For reservations, visit alaskaair.com or alaskacargo.com. For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air Newsroom at alaskaair.com/newsroom.

Pakistan gets ICC World Twenty20 bid off to a flier

2011-08-28T05:14:00.001-07:00

24th April 2010: Confidence was sky high in the Pakistan team as they stopped off in Dubai en route to the Caribbean where they are aiming to extend their reign as the kings of Twenty20 cricket. The UAE has been a second home to Pakistan in recent times and their resounding victory over Australia in Dubai in May last year was the launching pad for their amazing triumph at the ICC World Twenty20 the following month. And Shahid Afridi the explosive all-rounder who inspired their victory in London believes they have a great chance to become the first nation to win back-to-back titles. “Our preparations have been very good we are focused and very excited about defending our title, said the newly appointed captain. “The team is in high spirits after a great flight to Dubai with Emirates and we are all looking forward to landing in the West Indies for the 2010 ICC World Twenty20. “Playing against the best teams in the world in a perfect location like the Caribbean will make for a brilliant tournament. “We are looking forward to getting our challenge under way and, with our opening match against Bangladesh only a week away, excitement among the players is building. Afridi warmed up for his World Twenty glory bid by taking part in the Emirates Airline Twenty20 in Dubai last month. He starred as a guest of Fly Emirates XI a team of talented employees from the Emirates Group, who shocked English County side Surrey and South Africa’s Emerging Cape Cobras en route to a showdown with Sussex who they beat without the Pakistan talisman. Maurice Flanagan, Executive Vice Chairman, Emirates Airline & Group, is a keen follower of cricket and wished Afridi well ahead of the ICC World Twenty20. He said: “It was tremendous to have Shahid playing for Fly Emirates last month. He was an inspiration to our players and I hope he enjoys further success in the West Indies. It is a real honour that Shahid and his team-mates are flying with Emirates to the tournament.

Alaska Air Group To Give Stockholders Say On Executive Pay

2011-08-28T05:08:00.001-07:00

The Alaska Air Group board of directors announced plans to seek stockholder ratification of the compensation for the company's five highest-paid executives through an advisory resolution in its 2009 proxy statement.

Scheduled to be filed by April 1, the proxy statement will include a board proposal giving stockholders a nonbinding vote on compensation for the company's named executive officers. This so-called "say on pay" resolution will inform the board's future decisions on executive compensation.

"The move to become one of the first public companies in the nation to voluntarily solicit stockholder input on executive pay reflects Alaska's ongoing commitment to equitable pay practices at all levels of the organization," said Phyllis Campbell, chair of the compensation committee of Alaska Air Group's board of directors. "The board has long been concerned about trends in executive compensation that have led to excessive pay packages and ultimate harm to stockholders, customers and employees. We welcome stockholder input on a long-established pay structure that we believe effectively aligns executives' interests with those of our key stakeholders by offering modest base pay, with the opportunity to reach the market midpoint for performance that benefits stockholders, customers and employees."

The board's decision to include an advisory resolution on executive compensation in this year's proxy statement follows a proposal by stockholders to do so that received a majority of proxy votes in 2008.

Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK) is the holding company for Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, which Alaska Airlines ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Traditional Network Carriers (tie)" in the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 North America Airline Satisfaction StudySM. For reservations, visit alaskaair.com. For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air Newsroom at alaskaair.com/newsroom.

Emirates and DHL form strategic partnership in aviation security

2011-08-27T23:38:00.001-07:00

Joint objective to raise safety and security standards in the air cargo transport sector DUBAI, U.A.E., 19th May 2010: Emirates and DHL have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a strategic security partnership to enhance air cargo security in the region. Through this partnership, Emirates Group Security and DHL Express will strengthen their collaboration in air cargo security, share best practices and information on security threats, and promote joint training and educational activities. The alliance was acknowledged when the jointly signed MOU was presented to HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman & Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group. The MOU will enable Emirates Group Security and DHL Express to work more closely together in areas of security training and education, threat mitigation and reduction of company risk, towards a more secure and stable environment for employees, customers and the logistics industry. He added, “Whether you work for an airline, airport, civil aviation authority or other AVSEC service provider, understanding the threats and risks to security and how to manage them is crucial. Sharing of best practices and exploring synergy in training and education among major players are important aspects of producing comprehensive and practical approaches to combating threats in the aviation industry.

2 Projects to Be Completed

2011-08-27T23:05:00.001-07:00

Reliable sources from Wuhan Urban Construction Department on June 23 said that 2 major projects will be completed at the end of this month. In July, it will only take 15 minutes to travel from Dazhi Road in Hankou to Shuiguohu Shuanghu Bridge in Wuchang, along the Changjiang tunnel and Shahu Bridge. Meanwhile, the 1st exhibition will be held in the International Exhibition Center this September.

Located in Sixin area of Hanyang district, the center, the 4th largest exhibition center in China and the largest in Central China, covers a total area of 0.433 million square meters, just equal to 4 existing Wuhan International Convention and Exhibition Center.

Construction of Yangluo Port-Central China International Industrial Park Started

2011-08-27T22:47:00.001-07:00

The construction of Yangluo Port-Central China International Industrial Park, the largest inland port industrial park in China, started on June 22. It will become the most important logistics, ‎distribution center, Central China modern manufacturing and service industry hub in Yangtze River economic belt in 5 years.

The zone in Yangluo Economic Development Zone, with a building area of 3 million square meters. The projects will be built in 3 phases, with a total investment of 4.6 billion Yuan.

British Airways fare Sale To London Now On

2011-08-25T05:45:00.001-07:00

BRITISH AIRWAYS SALE TO LONDON NOW ON

Roundtrip air and two nights’ free hotel from $412

NEW YORK, Oct. 14 – - Customers looking to travel to London over the winter period may now take advantage of two great offerings from British Airways – a sale and two nights’ free hotel stay.

1498

Launched today, the sale offers discounts from all 19 U.S. gateways plus two nights’ free hotel accommodation at select three and four star hotels in central London when purchasing roundtrip airfares between the U.S. and the U.K.

Roundtrip airfares begin at $412 between New York (JFK or Newark) and London. Comparable airfares are available from all 19 British Airways’ U.S. cities. Prices are available for sale through Tuesday midnight (EDT), Oct. 26, 2010. Travel is valid from Oct. 21, 2010, through Apr. 3, 2011 (excluding Dec. 20-22, 2010).

London hotels participating in this offer include the Royal National, President, Best Western Burns, The Lancaster Gate Hotel, Fraser Place Queens Gate Apartments, Holiday Inn Kensington Forum, Hilton Docklands and Holiday Inn London Regents Park. The two free hotel nights are based on double occupancy; single occupants are offered one free hotel night.

World Traveller roundtrip fares must be booked and purchased seven days in advance and are nonrefundable. Fares may be higher for other travel dates and from other U.S. departure gateways. Weekend (Thursday-Sunday) surcharge applies at $30 each way. Fares are subject to government approval and do not include government fees and taxes from approximately $188 and a $2.50 September 11th Security Fee. Minimum stay of Saturday night is required and maximum stay is 11 months. Hotel accommodation must be booked with British Airways flights or British Airways codeshare services operated by American Airlines only during the promotional period. Other significant restrictions apply.

Further information on this promotion and other British Airways offers are available by visiting the airline’s website, www.ba.com/sale.

* * *

Sample roundtrip fares from all 19 U.S. gateways to London:

New York (JFK and Newark) $412

Boston $488

Philadelphia, Houston $518

Washington, D.C., Baltimore $504

Miami $618

Chicago, Orlando, Tampa $638

Atlanta $598

Dallas/Ft. Worth $720

Las Vegas $658

Denver $558

Seattle, Phoenix $638

Los Angeles $613

San Francisco $558

American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia have launched their transatlantic joint business, giving customers access to a global network of over 400 destinations, more convenient connections and better scheduled travel times.
British Airways introduced ‘dynamic packaging’ last year on ba.com. The new technology, which allows customers to buy flight+hotel packages in one easy booking, provides BA with a strong proposition in the increasingly sophisticated and price conscious leisure travel market. The recently introduced ‘lowest price holiday finder’ will display alternative holiday dates to the requested customer’s departure date enabling them to see at a glance the best time of the week to travel on. This will benefit anyone looking for value, anyone on a budget, flexible holiday-makers and those who do not have the time to shop around.
London Heathrow’s Terminal 5 is the exclusive home to British Airways and has looked after more than 50 million customers. Customer feedback has been excellent.
British Airways has launched a program permitting customers to choose to offset their carbon emissions. Visit www.ba.com/cr for more details.

MEDIA CONTACT: Americas Communications (347)-418-4100

The Emirates Group Celebrates World Environment Day

2011-08-25T05:27:00.001-07:00

13th June 2010: To celebrate the occasion of World Environment Day on 5th June, the Emirates Group has prepared a week-long environmental exhibition to raise awareness of environmental issues among staff and visitors. The exhibition has been organised by the Group’s Emvironment Champions a network of dedicated Emirates and Dnata employees who are passionate about environmental issues. From the 6th to the10th of June, exhibitions have been set up in the Emirates Group’s headquarters and the Emirates Holidays buildings in Dubai, with environmental documentaries being screened throughout the week. The headquarters display includes the Seeds of Change Exhibition, presented by leading non-government organisation Soka Gakkai International (SGI), in collaboration with The Earth Charter. Other exhibits include a live biodiversity display with fish, insects and amphibians from the main ecosystems in the UAE, and large installations of recyclable materials collected across the Group. Emirates and Dnata employees currently recycle a wide variety of materials in the workplace, including: - paper, cardboard, printer cartridges, plastic bottles and aluminium cans from offices and cafeterias (40 tonnes per month); - newspapers and magazines from aircraft cabin cleaning (170 tonnes per month); - aluminium foils and cans, plastics, and waste cooking oil from flight catering operations (125 tonnes per month); - paper, cardboard, plastic sheeting and wooden pallets from air-freight warehouses (over 20 tonnes per month); - plastic bags, coat hangers and cardboard from dry-cleaning (5 tonnes per month); - aviation grade aluminium, scrap metal, seat covers, carpets and plastic fittings from aircraft engineering workshops (15 tonnes per month); and - old uniforms, shoes and used clothing (3 tonnes per month). World Environment Day is celebrated every year ever since the first United Nations Conference on the Human Environment began on the same day in Stockholm in 1972. “It is an opportunity to learn more about our impact on the environment and to make a personal pledge to improve your environmental footprint at work and home, comments Paul Zissermann, Manager Environment Affairs for Emirates Group. “Biodiversity is a big theme for this year, as the UN has designated 2010 as The International Year of Biodiversity. Many people who live here don’t know that our wadis, deserts and coasts are extremely fragile ecosystems, with 63 endangered animal species in the UAE alone. Our internal environmental programme, ‘Emvironment is communicated by the slogan - we are all passengers on this planet, and this is reflected in our group-wide environmental initiatives. “Emirates is working hard to be one of the leading airlines in terms of environmental performance and eco-efficiency adds Zissermann.. “With a fleet age of just over five years, Emirates aircraft have a fuel efficiency that is 26% lower than the global fleet average. The company is the largest operator of the Airbus A380 super-jumbo, which is also one of the most environmentally-advanced aircraft in the air today with low noise engines and CO2 emissions as low as 75g per passenger kilometre this is better than most modern small cars.” By investing billions of dollars in fuel-efficient aircraft, Emirates hopes to minimise its environmental impact, while continuing to grow its business. In addition to investing in modern aircraft, the company leads the way in developing luxury-based conservation tourism, such as the Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa, located on the 225km2 Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, and the newly-opened Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa in the Blue Mountains of Australia. The next of these projects is slated for Cap Ternay in the Seychelles, where Emirates plans to continue this legacy of responsible luxury tourism in ecologically-significant areas by conserving more than 95% of the site, removing invasive species, implementing ecological restoration works, and employing local people. For more information visit http://www.emirates.com/english/about/emvironment/emvironment.aspx

Emirates shows why Dakar launch is music to travellers ears

2011-08-25T01:34:00.001-07:00

29th July 2010: Emirates airline is upping the tempo as it prepares to launch flights to Dakar, a West African city famous for its vibrant music scene. The airline has taken its message to the Senegalese capital that its direct service to Dubai is now just five weeks away. The new service, starting on 1st September, will be served by an Airbus A340-300 aircraft, offering a three-class configuration of 12 First Class, 42 Business and 213 Economy Class seats. Yesterday, senior representatives from Emirates met the media at Le Meridien President Hotel, Dakar. Among those present were: Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, Ram Menen, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo, Nigel Page, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations for Africa & the Americas and Ernest Dikoum, Emirates Manager for Senegal. Speaking at the media event alongside Mr Clark was His Excellency Ibrahima Cheikh Diong, Ambassador and Director General of International Cooperation of the Government of Senegal and Chairman of the Board-Group Air Senegal. Mr Clark said: “Like Dubai, Dakar has a long history as an important trading port and both cities have been fundamentally shaped through the business of trade. This route will establish a whole new artery of trade, connecting Senegal to the beating heart of Emirates - our network of more than 100 international destinations spanning six continents. He added: “Our new service will bring Dakar significantly closer to key global markets, including the Middle and the Far East. A whole new audience will be introduced to Senegal, stimulating tourism and commerce and creating jobs. “Indeed, the lack of direct air links between these regions and West Africa, particularly in Senegal’s case, have so far forced passengers to make long detours to Europe to visit Asia and the Middle East, M. Diong continued. “We believe that this new route will greatly contribute in strengthening our ambition to position Dakar as a regional commercial and air transport hub. Last night, more than 350 guests from across Dakar’s business community converged on Le Meridien President for a high-profile road show event to introduce the airline and Dubai. Heading up the entertainment were Senegal’s premier female artist, Viviane N’Dour and glamorous violin duo Electra Angels, while guests were welcomed by another Senegalese star act, Doudou Ndiaye Rose, a world-famous percussion group. Mr Clark added: The route will further support the economic activity that has blossomed between Dakar and Dubai in recent years. A direct air link between Senegal and the Middle East, facilitating the movement of business and leisure travellers, can only boost these volumes and support trade ties further. Trade between the UAE and Senegal has climbed from USD 14.2 million (AED 52.1 million) in 2003 to USD 184 million (AED 676 million) in 2009, according to figures from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Key exports to the UAE include fresh fish, fruit and seasonal vegetables. The roadshow event was followed by the official opening of Emirates new Dakar office today. Once fully established, the total number of Senegalese employees across the Emirates Group will rise to more than 25. Some of these employees include Emirates very first Senegalese cabin crew, who will support the airlines 142-strong fleet of passenger aircraft serving 103 destinations in 63 countries. Starting 1st September 2010, Emirates will fly non-stop to Dakar five times a week every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Emirates Flight 797 will depart Dubai at 09:55 and touch down at Dakars Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport at 16:00hrs the same day. The return flight departs Dakar at 17:40, arriving in Dubai at 07:15 the following morning. The service connects seamlessly to key centres in the Middle East, the Indian Sub-continent, Asia and the Far East. Dakar will be the fifth new route to be launched by Emirates this year. The others are Tokyo, which launched on 28th March, Amsterdam on 1st May, Prague on 1st July and Madrid, which kicks off on 1st August.

Emirates Announces Sponsorship of Dubai Hurricanes Rugby Football Club

2011-08-25T00:28:00.001-07:00

DUBAI, UAE, 27th September 2010: Local rugby club the Dubai Hurricanes have been given a major boost to mark the start of their new season with Emirates, a key figure in international rugby sponsorships, signing on as Principal Sponsor for the club. The sponsorship will span three seasons commencing this month and will see the familiar ‘Fly Emirates logo adorned on the shirts of the men’s, women’s, veteran’s and youth squads. The new uniforms were proudly displayed for the first time over the weekend during a family focused season opener at 7he Sevens, attended by players from all divisions as well as their families. “Rugby is a core part of our global sponsorship portfolio and we are delighted to be the principal sponsor of the Dubai Hurricanes Rugby Football Club. This sponsorship compliments our existing commitment to the hugely popular Emirates airline Dubai Rugby Sevens as well as our purpose built rugby stadium, 7he Sevens. “Like Emirates the Dubai Hurricanes have shown a great commitment to succeed and we wish them the best of luck for the start of their season, said Richard Vaughan, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President Commercial Operations Worldwide. The Dubai Hurricanes have over 400 players as members of the club including very successful junior and women’s divisions. Emirates connection to rugby spans multiple continents starting close to home with the sponsorship of the long running Emirates airline Dubai Rugby Sevens. Emirates has also invested heavily in building 7he Sevens stadium for use by local rugby teams in Dubai. Globally Emirates is a sponsor of USA Rugby, a Worldwide Partner of the 2011 Rugby World Cup and a long term sponsor of the International Rugby Board (IRB) of Referees. In 2009 Emirates was the Principal Partner of the Rugby World Cup Sevens, which took place in Dubai. Other rugby tournaments sponsored by Emirates include four IRB Sevens World Series events in Dubai, South Africa, London and Edinburgh. Emirates is also the shirt sponsor of the Emirates Western Force, England and Samoa sevens teams, as well as both the sevens and XVs US Rugby teams.

online shopping become popular in Hong Kong

2011-07-31T06:52:00.000-07:00

The Internet has taken on an indispensable role in the everyday life of many Hong Kong consumers as access becomes ever more pervasive and convenient. The latest survey on online shopping conducted by MasterCard shows that nearly one in two Hong Kong respondents access the Internet to shop. Moreover, about two-thirds of consumers said they expect to shop online in the next six months.
The younger generation in Hong Kong is more likely to engage in online shopping as 73% of respondents aged 18-24 accessed the internet to purchase products. In Hong Kong, 35% of respondents chose “movie/concert tickets” as their favorite category for purchases. “Hotel accommodations” came in second at 32% and “airline tickets” was third at 31%. Over two-thirds (69%) of respondents in Hong Kong indicated they were satisfied with online shopping, compared to 63% in 2009.

Of those who have made online purchases in the past 3 months, the average number of items purchased was 4.3, compared to 3.9 items six months ago.

Jeroen van Son, Head of Hong Kong and Macau, MasterCard Worldwide, said, “The findings of the latest online shopping survey by MasterCard revealed nearly one in two respondents in Hong Kong are shopping online. Further, 72% of respondents said that they consider whether a site offers secure payment facility to be extremely or somewhat important, the highest percentage among a list of ten factors. Catering to the needs‟ of the growing numbers of online shoppers,

The MasterCard survey also uncovered a growing trend among APMEA consumers using their mobile phones to access the Internet, represented by 19% of respondents in 2010 versus 8% in 2009. In Greater China, 15% of respondents in Hong Kong said they have made purchases using the mobile phones, compared to 23% in China and 16% in Taiwan.

MasterCard offers secured, convenient and varied payment methods for our cardholders. Combining the ease of use with convenience, we will continue to innovate and foster a dynamic e-commerce environment for MasterCard cardholders.”

HK international Passenger Arrivals record Strong Growth

2011-07-31T06:47:00.000-07:00

Destinations in Asia/Pacific, including Hong Kong, are key players in the movement of the world economy, according to the MasterCard Index of Global Destination Cities released today.
The results indicate that Hong Kong ranks fifth globally and third in Asia/Pacific, behind Bangkok and Singapore, among the top 201cities by international arrivals. Hong Kong is projected to have 10.9 million visitors in 2011, or a 17.4% year-on-year increase. Hong Kong also displays strong growth in visitor spending in 2011. The city ranks tenth in the world and fourth in Asia/Pacific with US$10.4 billion expected to be spent by inbound passengers in 2011, a growth forecast of 23.6%. Hong Kong was slightly behind Singapore (23.9%) and Shanghai (24.3%) in terms of visitor expenditure growth rate.

“Hong Kong shows robust growth with increases in both visitor arrivals and cross-border expenditure. This kind of growth pattern strongly suggests that destination cities like Hong Kong will continue to grow in importance,” observed Jeroen van Son, Head of Hong Kong and Macau, MasterCard Worldwide. Asia/Pacific cities lead the charge globally, home to eight of the top 20 cities by international arrivals, with Bangkok ranked third, projected to have 11.5 million visitors this year, followed by Singapore in fourth place with 11.4 million visitors and Hong Kong fifth with 10.9 million visitors. Asia also displays strong visitor growth for 2011 with Kuala Lumpur ranked second in the world with a 21.8% growth forecast and Shanghai fourth with 18.6%. Beijing, which was not part of the global Top 20, also showed significant growth of international arrivals with 20.2%, placing it above Shanghai in the Asia/Pacific region. The region also performs well in visitor spending with Bangkok ranked fourth globally with US$14.4 billion expected to be spent by inbound passengers in 2011; Sydney sixth with US$13.8 billion, Singapore ninth with US$10.8 billion.

Chinese cities show prominent visitor growth Beijing and Shanghai ranked second and third regionally in terms of visitor growth, with growth rates estimated at 20.2% and 18.6% respectively, reflecting their rising popularity as China’s most important destination cities. Shanghai also ranks second in the region for growth in visitor expenditures with 24.3%. Taipei records significant visitor growth Taipei is ranked seventh in the Asia/Pacific region with 5.4 million visitors and US$8.5 billion expected to be spent by inbound passengers in 2011.

The MasterCard Worldwide Index of Global Destination Cities is compiled using international flight and flight capacity information purchased from OAG Global, a provider of international aviation data. Flight schedules are also used for calculating flight frequency between pairs of cities. Airlines also publish on a regular basis their historical load factor, and advance flight schedules, which are then used to estimate the actual outbound passenger departures, and for forecasting outbound passenger departures in the coming year.

HK consumers less optimistic in in Economy, Income

2011-07-31T06:36:00.000-07:00

Consumer confidence in Hong Kong has dipped over the last six months, according to the latest MasterCard Worldwide Index of Consumer Confidence, released today. Though consumers remain cautiously optimistic with an overall Index score of 69.9, However, they seem more confident in the Stock Market as it is the only indicator that increased slightly (77.6 vs. 74.1). Amongst the Hong Kong respondents, those under the age of 30 are more optimistic than their older counterparts (71.2 for those below 30 vs. 68.9 for those above 30). These results mark a dramatic reversal compared to six months ago when the consumer sentiment of those aged 30 and above was more positive than those who were younger (75.9 vs. 71.4).

Now in its 19th year, the MasterCard Worldwide Index of Consumer Confidence is the region’s most comprehensive and longest running consumer confidence survey.

The Index is based on a survey which measures consumer confidence on prevailing expectations in the market for the next six months based on five economic indicators: Economy, Employment, Stock Market, Regular Income and Quality of Life. The Index score is calculated with zero as the most pessimistic, 100 as most optimistic and 50 as neutral. The latest survey was conducted from 15 March to 27 April 2011 and involved 10,374 consumers from 14 markets1. Data collection was via internet surveys, personal, telephone and Computer Aided Telephone interviews, with the questionnaire translated to the local language wherever appropriate and necessary. The Index and its accompanying reports do not represent MasterCard financial performance.

“Local consumers are still wary in their outlook for the months ahead due to the uncertainties caused by issues such as rising commodity and property prices, natural disasters and political instability in other markets and ongoing financial uncertainty across the Eurozone. Nevertheless, it is encouraging to see that consumer perceptions across most of the indicators continue to be optimistic.” In Asia/Pacific, consumers are concerned at the slow pace of the global economic recovery with a dip in optimism recorded over the last six months (61.5 vs. 68.0). Ten out of the 14 Asia/Pacific markets, such as China, Hong Kong and Singapore, recorded an overall decline in consumer confidence. Japan and New Zealand, both still recovering from devastating earthquakes this year, were the least confident nations. Taiwan is one of only four markets that saw consumer sentiment moved upwards.

“Though Hong Kong records a decline in optimism, consumer attitudes remain positive. There is clearly a perception that the recovery from the financial crisis is not going as Consumer Confidence Wanes in Hong Kong: MasterCard Survey smoothly as people would like,” said Jeroen van Son, Head of Hong Kong and Macau, MasterCard Worldwide.

MasterCard also regularly releases Insights reports providing analysis of business dynamics, financial policies and regulatory activities in the Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa region. Over 80 Insights reports have been produced since 2004. MasterCard has also released a series of four books on Asian consumer insights, authored by Dr. Yuwa Hedrick-Wong, Global Economic Advisor for MasterCard Worldwide and published by John Wiley & Sons.

SinoPac Display Card offering heightened payment security

2011-07-31T06:24:00.000-07:00

MasterCard in conjunction with Bank SinoPac in Taiwan, took an innovative step towards offering heightened payment security and convenience for consumers by unveiling the world's first display credit card, the MasterCard “SinoPac Display Card”.

As e-commerce has become an increasingly significant driving force in the global economy, the demand for payment security has never been keener. With the introduction of the MasterCard “SinoPac Display Card”, consumers in Taiwan get to be the first in the world to enjoy the security and convenience of leading-edge interactive credit card payment technology. Cardholders can now take advantage of a wide range of mobile financial services, such as online transactions using 3D authentication security as well as non-predesignated account transfers. Swiss-based security specialist NagraID Security has been chosen as the technology provider for the program.

MasterCard Unveils World's First Display Credit Card work towards marrying technology and functionality in payments. The MasterCard “SinoPac Display Card” in Taiwan is the first such program in the world on a credit card for MasterCard, and an extension of our success in Europe in June when we launched the first display debit card for Maestro. We thank Bank SinoPac and NagraID Security for making this innovation possible.” In June this year, Turkish bank TEB, a subsidiary of BNP Paribas, was the first issuer to bring the display card to consumers with a Maestro® eCommerce authentication program. It was the first display card for MasterCard debit cards.

How it works The display card is the first interactive payment credit card on the market. The one-time password (OTP) security technology with two-factor authentication represents the state of the art in security maintenance. When a cardholder lightly taps a button on the credit card, a six-digit screen at the top right corner will display a one-time dynamic password. The embedded technology also provides better security and convenience for the cardholder and eliminates the need to wait for a text message while authorizing a non-predesignated account transfer.

Desmond Jiang, President & Chief Executive of Channel Marketing, Bank SinoPac said, “Bank SinoPac is honored to be the first bank in the world to adopt this innovative technology with a display card in the credit card sector. We believe that this initiative will lead consumers in Taiwan towards more advanced and user-friendly payment solutions including mobile payment. Bank SinoPac will continue to strengthen its capabilities by developing more products that integrate technology with financial management, providing consumers in Taiwan newer, better and safer payment methods.” Yunsok Chang, group executive, Global Products and Solutions, Asia/Pacific, Middle East, and Africa, MasterCard Worldwide said, “With consumers looking to shop online and transact using their mobile phones, our role is to foster a safe and convenient environment for cashless payments. The new display card is a milestone for MasterCard as we innovate and MasterCard Worldwide –

HK Women Rank High in Investment/Money Management

2011-07-31T06:16:00.000-07:00

Women in Hong Kong ranked in the top five for Investment and Basic Money Management across Asia/Pacific, however they were outshined by their counterparts in terms of Financial Planning skills, according to MasterCard Worldwide’s inaugural Index of Financial Literacy released today.

Hong Kong women had the third and fourth highest scores in Basic Money Management (71.0) and Investment (60.9) respectively across Asia/Pacific. However, they were particularly weak in Financial Planning as indicated by their score of 67.8, which is near the bottom of the ranking for that component in Asia/Pacific and below the regional average (74.6). They ranked eighth in the overall Financial Literacy Index with an Index score of 68.0. In Asia/Pacific, women scored the best in Financial Planning (74.6), followed by Basic Money Management (63.9) and Investment (56.7).

The MasterCard Index of Financial Literacy is based on a survey of consumers from 24 markets1 across Asia/Pacific Middle East Africa (APMEA). It comprises three major components: Basic Money Management, which examines the respondents’ skills in terms of budgeting, savings and responsibility of credit usage; Financial Planning, which assesses their knowledge of financial products, services, concepts and ability to make long-term plans for financial needs; and Investment, which indicates their basic understanding of the various investment risks and different investment products, and if they have the necessary skills.

They are financially savvy to some extent, in particular among the over-30, married, working group, but the level of financial literacy in women can be raised further, especially among the younger generation. “With the financial world becoming increasingly complex, there is a compelling need for women to be more financially confident and competent,” observed Jeroen van Son, Head of Hong Kong & Macau, MasterCard Worldwide. “This new MasterCard Index has certainly provided us with fresh insights into women’s aptitude for, and knowledge of, managing their finances. It is encouraging to see that women in Hong Kong scored high in basic money management and investment, reinforcing Hong Kong as an international finance hub,”

Chinese women were particularly weak in Basic Money Management and Investment (both 54.4), near the bottom of the ranking for these two components in Asia/Pacific.  Taiwan (68.7) in sixth place did relatively well in terms of Financial Planning (82.4) and Investment (61.3) – it ranked third in Asia/Pacific for both components.  Thai women topped the Financial Literacy Index with an Index score of 73.9. They had the highest scores in Financial Planning (87.0) and Investment (69.3), outshining their peers in the other 13 Asia/Pacific markets surveyed.  Also noteworthy were Vietnamese women, who took fourth place, with an overall Index score of 70.1.