The 2011 Business Directory published by the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut will be available at the Southeastern Connecticut Home Show Friday through Sunday and will be distributed as an insert in The Day on Tuesday, March 22.

This popular directory is full of information and is a good guide to help people find local businesses, said Tony Sheridan, the chambers president and chief executive officer. It is useful for visitors and residents alike.

Copies of the 77-page directory will be available at the chamber office at 914 Hartford Turnpike in Waterford and at select locations in the region.

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Quail Run RV Resort in Wesley Chapel recently doubled in size through a $4 million expansion effort.

Among the improvements, the resort has stepped up its focus on accommodating recreational vehicle owners with big rigs, who are often hard-pressed to find big sites in Floridas older RV parks and resorts.

The park has added 140 sites in the past two years, all of which are 40 by 70 feet, with the exception of pull-through sites, which are 85 feet long and 40 feet wide. Even the parks older section includes 35-foot-by-50-foot sites, with 35-foot-by-70-foot pull-through sites.

RV sites feature 50-amp electrical service, plus free cable and free Wi-Fi service at each site.

We just poured 5,000 yards of concrete, park co-owner Frank Gilmore said, adding that his next improvements will include a new state-of-the-art laundry facility and a new 4,500-square-foot clubhouse. We hope to have both completed by the end of summer.

Briefly

Horizon Homecare, a nurse-owned Medicare home health agency, celebrated its sixth anniversary in February. Owners Stephanie Henchey and Velvet Baxley, both registered nurses, said the business has grown and now serves clients in Hernando, Citrus, Sumter, Pasco and Pinellas counties.

Horizon Homecare is at 7421 Ridge Road, Unit 1, Port Richey and at 2977 Landover Blvd., Spring Hill.

For information, call (727) 844-5600 or (352) 684-3550.

Community Hospital, the future Medical Center of Trinity, has begun construction of its new medical office building on the campus of the new Medical Center of Trinity, located at 9330 State Road 54.

The four-story, 90,000-square-foot building will house womens diagnostic services and physician offices, as well as an outpatient surgery center. The building is scheduled to open in October. For information, call (727) 834-4000.

Prudential Commercial Real Estate FL announces the sale of two 28,000-square-foot buildings on Gunn Highway for $3.1 million.

The property is located at 1838/1842 Gunn Highway and was purchased by Gunn Highway REEP LLC, according to Renee Dyer and Matt Shaw, who handled the transaction.

The seller is Paladin Properties, which will continue to occupy one of the buildings, and the tenant of the second building is Pro Tech Monitoring (owned by 3M).

Prudential Commercial Real Estate has offices in Land OLakes and South Tampa. For information, call Allison Crumbley at (727) 858-1281.

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 14000 Fivay Road, Hudson, was recently awarded a three-year term of accreditation in computed tomography (CT) as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology. CT scanning, sometimes called CAT scanning, is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and tailor treatments for various medical conditions.

In addition, the hospital also announced that it was recently recognized at the International Stroke Conference for achieving a Stroke Gold Plus award as part of the Get With the Guidelines-Stroke Program.

For information, visit www.rmchealth.com or www.heartoftampa.com.

The Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce has changed its name to the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce. The board approved the name change at the February meeting, recognizing that its membership base and interests extend to surrounding communities of Zephyrhills.

RS Media Solutions, a website and design company, provided a new logo for the chamber.

For information, visit www.zephyrhillschamber.org.

Whos news

Shantelle Johannesen was recently named the senior graphic designer at Iernas Heating amp; Cooling, 19121 US 41 N, Lutz.

Johannesen brings five years of experience in graphic design and marketing to the business and will be responsible for all graphic design and advertising efforts. She previously worked as the sole designer for Explicitly Intense, a heavy-metal magazine.

Johannesen holds a masters degree in graphic design from Miami International University of Art amp; Design.

For information, call 1-866-456-4632.

Pasco County resident Paul Friedlander has joined My Marketing Department as its senior vice president of sales and marketing. He will play a key role in new client development and help expand the companys client services portfolio.

Friedlander has had a successful business career working with LEGO USA as business development manager for the southeastern United States. Most recently, he was marketing manager for Homes amp; Land Magazine and the owner of Home Improvement Resource Guide of Pinellas/West Pasco.

Friedlander is active in the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce and serves as Ambassador chairman, as well as on other committees.

Dr. Brandon Delle Chiaie recently joined the Unger Chiropractic Clinic, 2154 Duck Slough Blvd., Trinity.

Delle Chiaie, born in Dade City, has lived in New Port Richey since age 3. He earned a bachelors degree in exercise physiology at Florida State University, then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic. After graduation, Dell Chiaie completed his internship at the Unger Chiropractic Clinic, shadowing Dr. Stephen Unger.

Delle Chiaie participates in several charitable and networking groups in the area. Once a month, he dedicates his time to the Good Samaritan Clinic.

Delle Chiaie can be reached at (727) 372-3312.

Jamie Mick, owner and founder of Tampa Bay Property Management in Port Richey, along with her staff, have merged with Prudential Commercial Real Estate FL.

Mick and her team bring more than 30 years of combined experience in commercial, condo and homeowner association property management. Mick serves as secretary of the local chapter of the Institute of Real Estate.

For information, call Alison Crumbley at (727) 858-1281.

Dr. Douglas Harris Cohen, doctor of podiatric medicine and wound care medicine at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, was appointed to the American Academy of Wound Managements Certified Wound Specialist-Physician subcommittee.

Cohen is one of the elite few in the country to hold the designation. The subcommittee will convene to review submitted items and develop the exam that will be administered later this year.

Cohens practice is at 10499 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. He can be reached at (352) 263-2010.

Dr. David Kimmel of the Florida Center for Laser Dentistry recently completed exams for board certification from the American Board of Aesthetic Medicine.

Prior to his certification, Kimmel completed an extensive study, along with hands-on training, in Botox and facial fillers such as Juvederm and Radiesse, facial laser resurfacing and medical-grade peels. He was awarded diplomat status in the American Board of Aesthetic Medicine on Feb. 26.

Kimmel has been practicing in Bayonet Point for more than 21 years. His office is at 12124 Cobble Stone Drive, Bayonet Point. He can be reached at (727) 862-8513.

Events

Service Corps of Retired Executives Pasco-Hernando Chapter 439 will present a workshop, Business Plans Made Easy, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm today at the SCORE office, 6014 US 19, Suite 302, New Port Richey.

Dick Hall, a SCORE counselor, will introduce the new, free ToolKit Business Plan software he developed to help people develop a business plan.

Participants will not use the software during the workshop but will receive a ToolKit CD containing all of the software as part of a $20 workshop fee. The software includes a copy of Halls book, The Good Idea and Good Resources Business Plan Workbook.

The workshop is limited to eight participants. Register by e-mail at rehall1225@aol.com and send your $20 tuition fee check, made out to SCORE 439, to Dick Hall, 1332 Hickory Moss Place, Trinity.

For information call the SCORE office at (727) 842-4638.

The West Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have the following ribbon-cuttings during the coming week:

Dance Extreme Academy, 1645 Davenport Drive, Trinity, 11:30 am Monday.

Read Financial Group, 5924 Main St., New Port Richey, 11:30 am Tuesday.

Panache Vue Magazine, at the chambers office, 5443 Main St., New Port Richey, 11:30 am Wednesday.

For information, call the chamber at (727) 842-7651.

Womens Connection of New Port Richey: Monthly luncheon, 11:30 am to 1 pm Monday at Spartan Manor, 6121 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey. Kerrie Adent will give a Premier Design Jewelry presentation. Yvonne Hancock will speak about Pearls of Wisdom. Cost is $15 and incl> includes luncheon, speaker and feature. Today is the deadline to make a reservation. Call Ruth (727) 375-9873 or Linda (727) 856-4042.

The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce and Driftwood of Zephyrhills Condo Association will co-host the March Mixer at 5 pm Thursday at 38333 Cotton Wood Place, Zephyrhills.

The event is sponsored by the Maine-ly New England restaurant, which will cater the event. For information, call (813) 782-1913.

Service Corps of Retired Executives Pasco-Hernando Chapter 439 will present a free small business seminar, Business Opportunities Work From Home Ads, from 11 am to 1 pm March 19, at the Hudson Regional Library, 8012 Library Road, Hudson.

Dick Bendtzen, veteran SCORE counselor and author of Yes You Can Start and Run a Small Business, will answer questions for those who have decided to work part time from home.

For information or reservations, call the library at (727) 861-3040 or the SCORE office at (727) 842-4638.

The West Pasco Legal Support Association invites judicial assistants, paralegals, legal office staff members and those interested in the legal field to its membership recruitment meeting March 21 at the River of Praise Church, 5320 Palmetto Road, New Port Richey.

A meet-and-greet will be from 5:30 to 6 pm Attorney Charles N. Castagna of Clearwater will speak about mediation ethics.

Attendees receive Florida Bar approved CLE (continuing legal education) hours. Admission is free. Refreshments and door prizes. To RSVP, call Carole Hanan at (727) 934-9261.

If you have business announcements you would like to share with our readers, mail the details to Jean Hayes, Business Digest, Pasco Times, 11321 US 19, Port Richey, FL 34668. You may also e-mail items to jhayes@sptimes.com or fax them to (727) 869-6233. Photos are published as space permits; they will not be returned.

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Direct sales motivational speaker and trainer, Deb Bixler will be presenting a home business and party plan training event for Kentuckiana direct selling consultants on Friday, March 4th and Saturday, March 5 @ the Fairfield Inn, Jeffersonville, Indiana.

Online PR News 01-March-2011 Press Release: Immediate Release
Date: March 02, 2011

Deb Bixler retired from the corporate world in 2000 to enjoy life as an entrepreneur. In the first 9 months as a work at home direct seller she built a party plan business capable of providing her with an income that replaced her corporate business salary of $80,000 per year.

Deb has been honored 2 years in a row in the Direct Selling Power 50 as one of the most influential professionals in the direct sales industry worldwide.

Kentuckiana Cash Flow Show Home Business Training Event

Friday, March 4th Saturday, March 5 @ Fairfield Inn, Jeffersonville, Indiana.

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With tax season in full swing, almost everyone is preoccupied with tax returns, W-2s, and old receipts. Preparing your taxes can be very stressful, as can paying the tax bill that comes as a result.

However, while paying your taxes may be a requirement, paying too much in taxes is not. There are many unique and specific deductions that can be used to defray your total tax bill, so long as you know what to do and what you are looking for. It is especially wise to familiarize yourself with new tax deductions that are available starting this year. Congressional legislation, such as the Small Business Jobs Act, has introduced many new and improved deductions. The following are ten of the most commonly overlooked tax deductions to keep in mind while preparing your tax returns this year.

1. Healthcare Tax Credit
If you own a small business that pays for at least half of its employees healthcare coverage, youre eligible for a tax credit of up to 35 percent of what you spend on the health insurance premiums. The credit is maximized for businesses that have ten or fewer employees that average $25,000 or less in annual wages so smaller businesses are favored here. If you have a qualifying business (based on number of employees and average annual wages) but arent paying for at least half of your employees healthcare coverage, now is the time to consider changing your practices because the maximum available credit will be raised to 50 percent in 2014.

2. Health Insurance Deduction for the Self-Employed
In past years, the money you spent on health insurance premiums was only eligible as a deduction on your income tax, not your self- employment tax. This year, however, its available as a deduction on both taxes. Dont forget to include it twice when you prepare your returns.

3. Depreciation on Your Business Car or Truck
Depreciation on new passenger vehicles purchased to use in a business are significantly higher this year than last, building on top of the usual first-year deduction that is allowed. Gas and maintenance on this vehicle (and others already purchased for your business) are also deductible for any transportation you do for the business. For example, if you own a furniture store and have a truck you use exclusively for delivering furniture, 100% of gas and maintenance will be deductible, including any money you pay for parking and toll roads.

4. Out of Town Business Travel Costs
Almost any travel you do for business is deductible on your taxes for at least some percentage. This includes business meals, travel costs (think baggage fees!), and hotel rooms for the duration of your trip. The key here is to keep the receipts from your travels for use while preparing your taxes.

5. Home Office Deduction
Working out of a home office can provide you with many deductions on your taxes that you may not be aware of. Almost all business owners can take deductions for qualifying newly acquired equipment and computer software and fees charged to the business account including ATM fees, credit card fees, and bank charges. However, business owners with a home office can also deduct for the business space used in the home and for the percentage of internet and phone used in running the business.

6. Professional Fees and Classes Deductions
Many other costs associated with running a business are also deductible. Any professional fees that you pay to continue in your career are deductible on your tax return, as well as much of the costs of attending classes, seminars, and training sessions. Subscriptions to professional journals, newspapers, and books are also included as tax deductions. Finally, any membership fees you pay to trade organizations, professional groups, or chambers of commerce count as well.

7. Charitable Non-Cash Contributions
Giving to charity is good for everyone because it helps the less fortunate and is a deduction on your tax return. If you dont have the money to make a donation this year, you can always charge the donation. Tax deductions are usually taken when the purchase is made, not when the charge is paid off so it will still apply for this year. You can also take a deduction on almost anything donated to charity such as old clothes, used books, and old furniture. The only qualification for the deduction on donation of items is that for items like clothes and household goods, the items need to be in good or better shape. In the case of an audit, you must have the written receipt to get the deduction so be sure you get a receipt for all your donations before you leave.

8. Energy Savings Home Improvement Credit
If over the last year you built a new home, remodeled your current home, or replaced anything within your home, check out the IRSs list of home improvement credits that are available to you. One main credit offered is for putting in new energy saving appliances, windows, doors, roofs, or basically anything that is identified as energy saving. The energy saving home improvement credit is particularly helpful because it allows for a dollar-for-dollar reduction in tax, although it does have a maximum limit of $1500. Still, if you spend less than that on the improvements, the credit cuts down the amount youll owe in April by more than the usual tax credit or deduction can.

9. Investment and Tax Expenses
One of the most easily forgotten tax deductions is for the money spent on investments and tax preparation. In general, things like fees for planning out your taxes by a lawyer and/or an accountant qualify as tax preparation fees and are deductible, as well as the usual tax costs you have. Almost anything spent on investments counts too as a deduction in this category. Fees paid to your broker and IRA, subscriptions to investment magazines, long distance phone calls to your broker and/or investment advisors, even mileage to go see them all qualify as deductible investment expenses. The only restriction for this deduction is that the total of all these expenses must be greater than 2 percent of your adjusted gross income before the deduction can be used.

10. Retirement Tax Credit
This credit actually has two great benefits. First, any contributions in to your retirement account arent taxed as of now so its a great idea to get a jumpstart in building your retirement account while this provision lasts. Second, you get a credit on the first $2,000 you invest, resulting in a reduction on your taxes. Contributions to retirement accounts arent the only things that qualify here either. IRAs and Roth IRAs, Employee Pension plans, and 401ks all qualify for the deduction when a contribution is made.

One of the most effective ways to protect yourself from paying too much in taxes this year is to get educated about the different tax deductions and credits that are available to you. Learning how the way you live your life can save you money at tax time is very beneficial to lowering your tax bill and can really save you in the end on things you are already doing. These ten deductions can serve as a good starting point for your tax preparation and provide some guidance on what to look for in other deductions.

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DUBLIN, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–SuperGen Inc., (NASDAQ:SUPG), a pharmaceutical company dedicated to the
discovery and development of novel cancer therapies, today reported
financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31,
2010.

We have reported profitability in three of the last
four years and our balance sheet is the strongest it has ever been. We
believe that our operating funds are sufficient to execute the current
and planned discovery and development initiatives over several years.

The Company reported net income for the 2010 fourth quarter of $6.7
million, or $0.11 per share, compared with net income of $2.3 million,
or $0.04 per share, for the same prior year period. The Company reported
net income for the year ended December 31, 2010 of $16.3 million, or
$0.27 per share, compared with a net income of $4.7 million, or $0.08
per share, for the same prior year period.

Highlights of 2010 include:

“During 2010, SuperGen continued to make significant progress,
operationally and financially. Our clinical-stage drugs, amuvatinib
(MP-470) and SGI-110, advanced in the clinic. Our multi-year discovery
and development collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is progressing
on schedule, said James SJ Manuso, PhD, President and Chief
Executive Officer. “We have reported profitability in three of the last
four years and our balance sheet is the strongest it has ever been. We
believe that our operating funds are sufficient to execute the current
and planned discovery and development initiatives over several years.”

2010 Fourth Quarter Financial Results

Total revenues for the 2010 fourth quarter were $15.3 million compared
with $12.0 million for the same prior year period. Total revenues for
the 2010 fourth quarter includes royalty revenue of $15.2 million
compared with $11.9 million for the same prior year period. Royalty
revenue is earned pursuant to the license agreement entered into with
MGI PHARMA (acquired by Eisai Corporation of North America in January
2008) during 2004, which granted MGI PHARMA exclusive rights to the
development, manufacture, commercialization and distribution of Dacogen.
The Company generally recognizes royalty revenue when it is received.
Total revenues for the 2010 fourth quarter also include development and
license revenue of $127,000 compared with $97,000 for the same prior
year period. Development and license revenue represents the amortization
of deferred revenue relating to payments received pursuant to the
collaborative research and license arrangement entered into with GSK
during October 2009.

Excluding gain on sale of products, total operating expenses for the
2010 fourth quarter were $8.8 million, compared with $10.7 million for
the same prior year period. The primary reasons for the decrease in
total operating expenses for the 2010 fourth quarter were lower research
and development expenses due to reduced activities during the period for
product development and clinical trial programs including lower costs
associated with the discontinuance of the Phase I clinical trial for
SGI-1776, and lower stock-based compensation expense offset in part by a
modest increase in general corporate expense. Stock-based compensation
expense, a non-cash expense that is included in total operating
expenses, was $183,000 for the 2010 fourth quarter, compared with
$693,000 for the same prior year period. The reduction in the current
year’s quarterly charge primarily relates to changes in expected vesting
assumptions of certain performance-based option grants.

The gain on sale of products for the 2010 fourth quarter was $50,000
compared with $75,000 for the same prior year period. The gains on sale
of products for the 2010 and 2009 fourth quarters related to a reduction
in the remaining estimated price protection liability resulting from the
sale in a prior year of the worldwide rights for Nipent® (pentostatin
for injection) to Mayne Pharma (acquired by Hospira, Inc. in February
2007). The price protection liability expired during the 2010 fourth
quarter and no further liability as such exists.

The Company reported net income for the 2010 fourth quarter of $6.7
million, or $0.11 per share, compared with net income of $2.3 million,
or $0.04 per share, for the same prior year period. The net income for
the 2010 fourth quarter includes an income tax provision of $26,000
compared with a tax benefit of $898,000 for the same prior year period.
The income tax benefit in 2009 was primarily due to the Worker, Home
Ownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009 that allowed for certain
net operating losses to be used to eliminate or refund alternative
minimum tax.

2010 Year-End Financial Results

Total revenues for 2010 were $53.0 million compared with $41.3 million
for the same prior year period. Total revenues for 2010 include royalty
revenue of $52.5 million compared with $41.2 million for the same prior
year period. Total revenues for 2010 also includes development and
license revenue of $509,000 compared with $97,000 for the same prior
year period. Development and license revenue represents amortization of
deferred revenue relating to payments received pursuant to the
collaborative research and license arrangement entered into with GSK
during October 2009.

Excluding gain on sale of products, total operating expenses for 2010
were $37.8 million compared with $38.7 million for the same prior year
period. The primary reasons for the decrease in total operating expenses
for 2010 were a decrease in research and development expenses related to
the staging of our product development activities including the
discontinuance of a Phase I clinical trial for SGI-1776, and lower
stock-based compensation expense offset in part by a modest increase in
general corporate and legal expenses. Stock-based compensation expense,
a non-cash expense that is included in operating expenses, was $1.4
million in 2010 compared with $2.5 million for the same prior year
period.

The gain on sale of products for 2010 was $750,000 compared with
$595,000 for the same prior year period. The gain on sale of products
for 2010 and 2009 relate to the receipt of additional payments and a
reduction in the estimated remaining price protection liability
resulting from the sale of the worldwide rights for Nipent to
Hospira.

The Company reported net income for 2010 of $16.3 million, or $0.27 per
share, compared with net income of $4.7 million, or $0.08 per share, for
the same prior year period. The net income for 2010 includes an income
tax provision of $39,000 compared with a tax benefit of $886,000 for the
same prior year period. The 2009 income tax benefit was primarily due to
the Worker, Home Ownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009 that
allowed for certain net operating losses to be used to eliminate or
refund alternative minimum tax.

Financial Position

As of December 31, 2010, the Company had approximately $120.4 million in
unrestricted cash, cash equivalents, and current and non-current
marketable securities compared to $100.8 million at December 31, 2009.

2011 Financial Guidance

The initial financial guidance for 2011 is as follows:

Conference Call Information

SuperGen will host a conference call to discuss the 2010 fourth quarter
and year-end financial results today at 1:30 pm PT / 4:30 pm ET. A
live webcast of the conference call is accessible via the investor
relations section of the Company’s website at http://www.supergen.com.
A webcast replay of the conference call will be available for 90 days.

About SuperGen

SuperGen is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and
development of novel cancer therapeutics in epigenetic and cell
signaling modulation. The Company develops products through biochemical
and clinical proof of concept to partner for further development and
commercialization. For more information about SuperGen, please visit http://www.supergen.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking” statements within the
meaning of Section 21A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is
subject to the safe harbor created thereby. Actual results could differ
materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a
result of a number of risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking
statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the
progress of our collaboration with GSK; the sufficiency of our operating
cash to fund our development initiatives this year and thereafter;
expectations about increases in royalty revenue, changes in research and
development expenses or expectations about general and administrative
expenses; changes in development and license revenue, and gains from
sales of products from the previous sale of commercial business;
estimates of 2011 net income; estimates of non-cash stock-based
compensation; and expectations regarding Eisai’s and Johnson amp; Johnson’s
plans for Dacogen. Important factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially from the expectations reflected in the
forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the ability
of Eisai and Johnson amp; Johnson to generate global sales of Dacogen;
risks and uncertainties related to the achievement of developmental
milestones with respect to the compounds in development; the research
and development of amuvatinib, SGI-1776 and SGI-110; GSK’s decision
whether or not to license and then develop and commercialize the
products that are the subject of our collaboration with them and whether
any of those products will be commercially successful; and the outcome
of Eisai’s and Johnson amp; Johnson’s examination of Dacogen
clinical trial data and the submission of US and EU regulatory filings.
In general, our future success is dependent upon numerous factors,
including our ability to generate pre-clinical development candidates
for selection into clinical testing, obtaining regulatory approval of
product development programs, conducting and completing clinical trials,
and obtaining regulatory approval of our products and product
candidates, and creating opportunities for future commercialization of
compounds. Our future revenue and operating and net income or loss could
be worse than anticipated if demand for our products is less than
expected, if our partnerships and collaborations with other parties are
not successful, or if the introduction of new products is delayed, for
any reason, including regulatory delay. References made to the
discussion of risk factors are detailed in the Company’s filings with
the Securities and Exchange Commission including reports on its most
recently filed Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. These forward-looking statements
are made only as of the date hereof, and we disclaim any obligation to
update or revise the information contained in any such forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or
otherwise.

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Press Release: Immediate Release
Date: February 05, 2011

Deb Bixler retired from the corporate world in 2000 to enjoy life as an entrepreneur. In the first 9 months as a work at home direct seller she built a party plan business capable of providing her with an income that replaced her corporate business salary of $80,000 per year.

Deb has been honored 2 years in a row in the Direct Selling Power 50 as one of the most influential professionals in the direct sales industry worldwide.

Kentuckiana Cash Flow Show Home Business Training Event

Friday, March 4th amp; Saturday, March 5 @ Fairfield Inn, Jeffersonville, Indiana.

The Cash Flow Show home business training event teaches the skills and systems that all successful businesses are founded on. http://www.DebsEvent.com

Professionalism In Direct Sales Friday, March 4th

When home business owners incorporate the professional systems that all successful corporations use into their home based businesses they will achieve the same results. Friday’s topic is professionalism in direct sales. There are systems that all professional companies follow to achieve results. Direct sales professionals can benefit from the same systems that corporate America uses.

You will learn proven systems that will bring you the results that you deserve from your business. The eventing starts with networking at 6:30 PM followed by an hour workshop presentation.

Marketing Your Sales Business On Saturday, March 5th

The Saturday event focuses on creating a marketing plan for direct sales businesses. Most home business owners struggle with the challenge of where to find business. This program which starts 9:30 AM will teach work at home consultants where to find an unlimited supply of leads for their home business so that they do not have to depend on family and friends.

According to Deb:
“Marketing is the art, science and skill of creating more and more desire in the market place for your product, opportunity and services.

Whether you are just starting your direct sales business or a seasoned leader, this marketing training will explode your results! The event two day reservation only event is affordable for small business owners at $35 for both days or $25 for one event.

Learn more about the Kentuckiana Cash Flow Show Event or make your reservation at: www.DebsEvent.com

Learn more about Deb Bixler amp;the Cash Flow Show at: www.CreateACashFlowShow.com

Contact:
Deb Bixler
Deb@DebBixler.com
Telephone: 717-751-2793
Website:

http://www.DebBixler.com

http://www.CreateACashFlowShow.com

###

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The iPad for Business Series is supported by LogMeIn Ignition, the #1 third-party Productivity app for iPad and iPhones in 2010. Get one-touch access to all your applications and files, on all your remote computers with LogMeIn Ignition for iPad/iPhone.

Apples iPad tablet device is helping businesses take on more environmentally friendly habits, enabling them to cut costs and save resources.

Energy usage, environmental auditing and paper reduction are all areas where businesses are seeing improvements as a result of adopting the iPad. Read on for a closer look at each, and let us know in the comments how else businesses can go green with the iPad.

Managing Energy Usage

One of the best ways to save energy is to arm yourself with the proper tools for managing it. There are many types of energy management solutions in the beginning, it was all about buying eco-friendly gadgets and appliances, coupled with energy-saving power sources. But more and more, the focus is on tackling the underlying problem the overuse of energy from the get-go.

Lutron is one of the top lighting control design and manufacturing companies, having created energy-saving solutions for homes and businesses of all types, including those that power The New York Times Building. Lutron is now leading the way in how people manage energy control systems from tablet devices.

With the Lutron Home Control+ iPad app ($19.99), home or business users with Lutrons RadioRA 2 or HomeWorks QS control systems installed can monitor their systems while away from home, control multiple systems, adjust energy-saving preferences, modify time clock functionalities and edit presets. The app is basically a remote control for a users lights, window shades, temperature thermostats and appliances.

While the iPad app runs with Lutrons RadioRA 2 and HomeWorks QS systems, which are specifically designed for home use cases, a Lutron technician explained that the systems (and app) are currently being used by smaller scale businesses, including offices and restaurants.

Simplifying Environmental Auditing

An important part of environmental goal setting for many businesses, especially manufacturing and industrial companies, is how they stack up on their Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) audits, in which they are rated on compliance with environmental laws, permits and company standards. The iPad is making this process more streamlined and less document intensive.

The Elm Consulting Group International, an HSE auditing firm, uses the smartNotes iPad app to create paperless iPad-based audits while also increasing efficiency, reducing errors and improving data management.

SmartNotes enables the company to import and notate scanned documents; capture data (over 50 pages of handwritten notes for an average audit); create charts, tables and diagrams; highlight important notes with the highlighter feature; tag data needing further clarification and export notes for e-mailing to clients as one handy file.

It is important to note that it wasnt at all necessary for Elm to create its own iPad app for auditing instead, Director Lawrence Heim, CPEA reviewed a number of apps to find the one that filled the companys needs.

Heim says that more clients have come to the company as a result of using the iPad. We have been using it for audits for 6-8 months now and have shown a 15-20% time efficiency and labor savings in the dozen or so audits we have done with the iPad, he said. Our use also reduces errors and omissions in audits, ensuring a more thorough process and end result.

With more accurate and timelier documents, its no wonder why businesses are interested in giving the firms method a try. With Elms iPad auditing, businesses are not only on their way to being greener by improving upon HSE compliance laws, but theyre also employing a more environmentally friendly firm.

Elm claims to be the only consulting firm using the iPad for HSE audits. While the firm currently holds an advantage over other paper-heavy auditors, it is offering up its advice in upcoming webinars on how to use the iPad for HSE auditing.

Reducing Paper Usage

Paper usage reductions is one of the more obvious ways that the iPad has helped businesses get in touch with their environmentally friendly sides. For starters, the iPad is suitable for cutting down on all kinds of paper when it comes to note taking, reading documents and filling out forms and reports.

Architectural design firm BCRA, for example, turned to the iPad to lessen its impact on the environment and decrease printing costs.

Design firms are traditionally very heavy on paper use, as brochures are a means of marketing their portfolios. Prior to adopting iPads, BCRAs 150-person staff relied solely on about 200 unique printed pieces to tell its story. The first step for BCRA was to decrease printing impact by opting for more environmentally friendly printing products, such as soy-based inks and FSC-certified paper.

But to truly make an impact, the firm decided to decrease its dependency on printing altogether. Instead, the company uses iPads to showcase presentations, designs and maps to clients. BCRA estimates that the use of iPads has lead to a reduction of about 41 pounds of paper per month, representing about $1,507 per month in savings associated with printing costs alone.

By the end of 2011, BCRA plans on outfitting each of its departments that interact with clients with iPads, loaded with up-to-date brochures and other marketing and productivity materials that aid in client presentations and working meetings. Furthermore, the firm estimates that by years end, new orders of printed brochures will be reduced by 80%, as those brochures will be found on employee iPads instead. This amounts to roughly 1,000 new brochures and 6,000 individual high quality single sheet handouts that do not need to be produced, saving the company $15,000+ annually on printing cost, according to BCRA.

Your Findings

There are a lot of apps out there to help home owners and businesses in their efforts to be more environmentally friendly, and here, weve noted a few interesting case studies. Let us know in the comments about how youve seen businesses using the iPad to go green.

Series Supported by LogMeIn Ignition

The iPad for Business Series is supported by LogMeIn Ignition. Contrary to popular opinion, iPads aren’t just for games any more. Unleash it’s full potential and make your iPad work for work, download LogMeIn Ignition and get one-touch access to all your applications and files on your remote computers from your iPad/iPhone. You’ll be more productive anywhere, anytime thanks to the App Store’s #1 third-party Productivity App of 2010.

More Business Resources from Mashable:

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– How Facebook Deals Are Helping One NBA Team Connect With Fans
– 4 Small Business Mobile Predictions for 2011
– How Brands Can Make the Most of Facebook’s New Pages
– HOW TO: Optimize Your Social Media Budget

Image courtesy of iStockphoto, ArtisticCaptures

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CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–February 16, 2011. A national home security company based in northwest suburban Cook County has been accused in a consumer fraud lawsuit of ripping off customers by providing false and misleading information about the company’s cancellation policies, Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez announced today.

CastleRock Security Inc., of Arlington Heights, is accused of violating the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act as well as the Automatic Contract Renewal Act. Also named in the lawsuit is Brian Johnson, president of the company. The suit was filed on behalf of four former customers who were fraudulently billed by the company despite having cancelled their service contract.

“These individuals all believed they took the appropriate steps to cancel a service they no longer wanted,” said Alvarez. “Consumers should be aware that there are protections under the law that prevents them from being taken advantage of by unscrupulous practices.”

According to the lawsuit, CastleRock Employees are alleged to have routinely omitted or provided inaccurate information to consumers who called to cancel their service contracts causing them to incur thousands of dollars in unwanted charges and harassment from collection agencies.

Although automatic consumer contract renewals are allowed under Illinois law, a company is required to notify customers at least 60 days prior to expiration of the contract in order to provide the consumer with the opportunity to cancel the contract in writing or by telephone. In the last three years, the Better Business Bureau has logged over 750 complaints from consumers nationwide in relation to the business practices of CastleRock Security.

According to the lawsuit filed by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, one of the victims was assured by a representative of the company that her service would be cancelled when her contract expired. A few months later she received a bill from CastleRock and when she inquired was told that proper procedure to cancel her contract had not been followed and thus it had been automatically renewed for another year. When the victim refused to pay, the company sent her past due bills to a collection agency that continues to contact her to this day.

In another instance, a customer attempting to cancel her service was told that in order to cancel she was required to fax a letter to the company prior to the contract’s renewal date. A few months later the victim discovered that the company had deducted money from her checking account despite having faxed the proper cancellation letter. When she called the company, another representative told her that the letter had to be received at least 30 days before the expiration of the contract and that her contract had been renewed for another year.

All of the victims represented in the lawsuit had their bills referred to collection agencies that continue to contact them to this day. The disputed charges were also referred to credit reporting agencies.

In addition to seeking restitution for the victims, the lawsuit seeks to enjoin CastleRock Security from engaging in deceptive practices in the future. Consumers who believe that they may have been victimized by this company or any other can contact the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Consumer Fraud Unit for assistance at (312) 603-8700.

Source: statesattorney.org

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Home Business Mom of 2 Wins a goodypass Invitation to dine with Celebrities at Make A Wish Charity Ball in London

TV Presenter Kate Garraways New company goodypass, selected the Work at Home Mom of 2, Tracey Hurst ,Age 38 from Solihull, as the goodypass Facebook Competion Winner of 2 VIP Tickets to the Special 25th Anniversary Make A Wish Valentines Ball, on Saturday 12th February 2011 at The Dorchester Hotel, London.

Tracey learned about the competition through the popular Netmums website. The goodypass site offers exclusive discounts usually only available to celebrities, such as 50-70% off top restaurants, beauty treatments and a whole range of other high quality products and services.

(PRWeb UK) February 14, 2011

TV Presenter Kate Garraways New company goodypass, selected the Work at Home Mom of 2, Tracey Hurst ,Age 38 from Solihull, as the goodypass Facebook Competion Winner of 2 VIP Tickets to the Special 25th Anniversary Make A Wish Valentines Ball, on Saturday 12th February 2011 at The Dorchester Hotel, London.

Tracey runs an Information publishing business from home and admitted she was over the moon when she got the news by email on Friday that she had won the tickets.Having always admired and supported the Childrens charity Make A Wish, Tracey was really excited to be going to such a well known charity Ball and in the famous Dorchester Hotel.

She then quickly arranged for her Mom to babysit and informed her husband that they were going to London the next day to a Ball.It was a great surprise especially as it was Valentines Weekend and as the couple were planning on staying in watching their favourite TV show Dancing on Ice, with their two little boys, Rory aged 9 months and Shea aged 2 and a half.

Tracey explained We arrived at The Dorchester and were met by Kate Garraway and her husband Derek Draper who were both so warm and lovely to us putting us at ease straight away. We enjoyed a fantastic Champagne reception before going in to The Ballroom for the evening of entertainment and dining.

Tracey and her husband were sat with Kate and her husband Derek, along with others from goodypass,but noticed there were 2 empty seats on the table, one next to Tracey, and one next to her husband John McGowan. They never took much notice and just thought the guests must be late.The couple were enjoying the fabulous starters and were watching the great entertainment which included The Jersey Boys west end singers who were spectacular. So they were not missing the usual Saturday night watching TV at home one bit.

Tracey explained You can imagine the shock and surprise when we were then joined by the two missing guests on our table as they were Laura Hamilton and Colin Ratushniak who are starring together in this years Dancing on Ice. We were absolutely thrilled. We had a great time chatting to them both at dinner as well as everyone else on our table. I even managed to have a good boogie on the dance floor with Colin before he left.They definitely have our votes.

Then later in the reception Tracey also got to meet Sheridan Smith ,the actress from the series Benidorm who was the presenter of the night, and also her favourite celebrity TV chef Ainsley Harriott. Tracey said The celebrities were really friendly and kind and I was so pleased that I had my photo taken with them all so I will have great memories from a Fantastic Valentines Surprise

Tracey said It was very emotional to be sat in such a beautiful hotel, eating the best food, and drinking the lovely wine but at the same time to learn of illnesses that I had never heard of before, that the children were having to live with on a day to day basis along with their families.It was also very uplifting to see all of the childrens wishes paid for by generous guests raising their hands up to each and every one read out.

Tracey has vowed that she will return to the charity Ball next year too as she wants to offer products from her numerous websites to Make A Wish Foundation so that they can possibly be either given as part of the Goody Bags or offered in the auctions to raise some money for the charity.

Tracey is a work at home Mom, who recently launched her website where she has numerous courses available at http://www.InformationEmpires.com as well as one of her latest additions, a home study course teaching how to create Apple iPhone Applications at http://www.AppleiPhoneSecrets.info

Tracey hopes that her wish will come true too in that her websites will be successful enough that she will be able to go to the Make A Wish Charity Ball every year and afford to pay to make some of the dreams a reality for the children, just like so many kind and generous people did on that night.

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For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2011/02/prweb5069004.htm

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CHANTILLY, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A recent United States Department of Labor poll has revealed that 12
percent of full-time American workers complete some of their work at
home. Home builders have seen a renewed interest in creating space for a
home office, with 71 percent of home buyers calling the room
“essential,” according to research done by the NAHB (National
Association of Home Builders) and Better Homes amp; Gardens
magazine. As an example of the trending shift, this year Virginia
governor Bob McDonnell will offer tax
incentives to companies that allow workers to telecommute in order
to help budgeting.

Our office collections fill the need
for furniture that is beautifully designed while being remarkably
functional.

“With our economy being one of the big reasons for this growing trend,
companies are looking for ways to reduce operating costs while improving
productivity,” says Bill Becker, BDI’s Design Director and CEO. “For a
growing number of people, the home is more than where they live – it’s
where they work as well.” Furniture manufacturer BDI is an industry
leader in home theater furniture that is designed to seamlessly
integrate technology into the home. Recognizing a need for office
furniture that combines the requirements of technology with great
design, BDI applied its expertise to the office category.

Both the NAHB and Better Homes amp; Gardens studies have
reported the benefits of working from home, which include employers
cutting back on office overhead spending, while employees enjoy a better
work/home life balance. In addition, according to Business Week, in
the last few years telecommuters are at least 40 percent more
productive. Businesses offering this option can lure more qualified and
technically skilled workers who have greater continuity of operations.
According to Fast
Company, home-based employees are happier and have a better
quality of life while being significantly less expensive for their
companies to maintain.

Yet in spite of the new technology and the increasing importance of the
home office space, home office furniture hasn’t really changed for three
decades. “We have seen very few home office collections that are at the
forefront of design while also catering to today’s technology
advancements,” commented Becker. “Our office collections fill the need
for furniture that is beautifully designed while being remarkably
functional.”

BDI’s home office collections, such as the top-selling Sequel Collection
and the newly introduced Cascadia Collection, incorporate various
features that bring a well-designed office environment into the home.
The Sequel Collection is available in a variety of models that allow for
endless configurations, letting the user create a solution specific to
their needs. Unique features, such as panels that keep messy cords out
of view, help to create an organized workspace. The Cascadia
Collection’s compact, wood-topped design offers a great solution for
smaller spaces. Both collections include BDI’s proprietary cable
management system and a multifunction desk drawer that is perfect for
storing a keyboard and mouse, rechargeable electronics and other office
supplies.

Becker adds, “With home offices becoming a growing part of daily life, a
well designed office that is organized and efficient can inspire
productivity. We’re addressing elemental design needs that have been
missing for so many years.”

About BDI:

Since 1984, BDI has been driven by a passion for great design. BDI
furniture is designed to seamlessly integrate technology into the home.
BDI home theater cabinets, office, tables and mirrors collections set
the standard by beautifully combining unique styling with thoughtful
engineering, earning a reputation in the industry for innovation and
quality. Visit BDI online at www.bdiusa.com.
Follow BDI on Facebook and check out the latest tips on selecting office
furniture.

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