The Women For Hire Career Expo will be held Tuesday, October 14, 2008 from 10 AM to 2 PM at Cobb Galleria located at Two Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339 (free admission and free parking). Meet face-to-face with more than 50 top employers with great jobs at Atlanta's most popular, high caliber recruiting event for professional women.
Register in advance for an exclusive early morning seminar with Women For Hire CEO Tory Johnson and Good Morning America’s Workplace Contributor to get a jump-start on your job search success! Business attire and resumes required. Free resume critique throughout the day. Learn more details at www.womenforhire.com or by calling 212-290-2600.
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Friday, September 5, 2008
Career Expo Brings Opportunities for Professional Women Atlanta Women For Hire Career Expo
Statement by John McCain on Today's Jobs Report
U.S. Senator John McCain today issued the following statement on the jobs report:
"Americans are hurting and we must act to create jobs. Unfortunately, while millions of Americans are gathering around the kitchen table and questioning how they can keep their homes, pay their medical bills and afford their children's education, Washington has failed to act.
As I promised last night, I will fight for those that lost their jobs, savings, and real estate investments. Some Americans have been left behind in the changing economy, and it often seems your government hasn't even noticed. We must prepare every worker for the jobs of tomorrow. We will use our community colleges to help train people for new opportunities in their communities. As President, I will enact a Jobs for America economic plan that creates jobs, helps small businesses, expands opportunities and opens markets to American goods. Washington must stand beside the American people, not in their way.
"Sadly there are those who believe that to grow this economy we must raise taxes, impose costly new mandates and isolate America from the global economy. When our economy is hurting, the last thing we should do is raise taxes as Barack Obama plans to do and has done. The American people cannot afford a Barack Obama presidency."
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Thursday, September 4, 2008
New Cars Show Signs of Sales Strength in August '08
PRNewswire/ -- The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord saw a rise in views of 34% and 39% respectively in August 2008 compared to August 2007, enough to give them the first and second place slots as the most-viewed new vehicles on AutoTrader.com according to the just released August 2008 AutoTrader.com TrendEngine report.
Views for cars on AutoTrader.com generally increased year-over-year from 2007, and despite dropping gas prices, trucks largely continued the downward trend in views begun earlier this year.
The full-size Ford F-150 pick-up was one of the few trucks to show signs of improvement, with an uptick of 18.45% in views as consumers searched for deals. Ford is currently offering sizable incentives on remaining 2008 F-150 inventory in preparation for the September launch of an all-new 2009 model.
Compact crossovers -- car-based vehicles designed to offer a higher driving position without the drawbacks of truck-based vehicles -- had seen their sales suffering alongside traditional SUVs during this past June and July. August saw the beginning of a rebound for these vehicles, as was evidenced by the 7.12% year-over-year increase in views for the Honda CR-V and the 19.36% year-over-year increase in views for the Toyota RAV4.
"Though much has been made of the rise of small cars, the biggest beneficiaries of rising gas prices have been midsize sedans and compact crossovers, the latter having served to replace the traditional family station wagon and larger SUVs," said AutoTrader.com President and CEO Chip Perry. "As manufacturers reallocate resources away from full-size pick-ups and traditional SUVs, our market demand data suggests they would be wise to pay the most attention to these vehicles which make up the heart of the market."
Among smaller cars, two larger gainers were the Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus, both of which continued to enjoy the success of recent redesigns. The Corolla improved its position on the most-viewed list from 12th in August 2007 to 7th this year, with views up 43%, while the Focus moved from 32nd to 19th, as views increased 63% in August 2008 compared to August 2007.
"Today's compact cars offer significantly more in terms of value, features and, most importantly, space, than what consumers traditionally think of when they consider 'small' cars," said Perry. "The most popular vehicles in this segment, such as the Civic, Corolla and Focus, offer an ideal mix of room and comfort for not only single people, but even small families."
The new Chevy Malibu continues to also generate dramatic interest. In August '08, views of the Malibu were up 279% compared to views in August 07, following on a 293% surge in views of the Malibu in July '08 compared to July '07. This car continues to benefit from strong marketing and consumer interest.
Truck Resale Values Continue to Plummet
The used car market continued to show overall softness, especially in terms of pick-up trucks and SUVs. While the asking prices among cars in the top 20 most-viewed used vehicles were generally flat, or in the case of the small cars such as the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, up slightly, truck asking prices recorded double-digit year-over-year declines. The asking price for used Ford F-150s took the largest hit, recording a drop of 17.56%, or $3,479 on average. The once-popular Chevrolet Tahoe was also not immune, with asking prices for used versions of the full-size SUV dropping 17.26%, or $4,104 on average.
"For buyers who need a pick-up or SUV, whether for work or for personal use, this is definitely a great time to buy," added Perry. "Manufacturers are offering strong incentives on new trucks, while records of inventories for used models allow consumers the chance to score a truly great deal."
A "view" on AutoTrader.com is the display of the details page of a specific automobile, which includes information, photographs and contact information for that vehicle, and is thus a stronger indication of consumer interest in that model than searching broadly for information on that make and model.
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Grubb & Ellis Realty Investors Acquires The Retreat at Peachtree City in Peachtree City, Ga.
PRNewswire/ -- Grubb & Ellis Realty Investors, LLC today announced it has acquired The Retreat at Peachtree City, a 312-unit multifamily community in the Atlanta suburb of Peachtree City, on behalf of tenant-in-common investors.
Situated on nearly 26 acres, the approximately 306,000-square-foot property consists of 15 residential buildings and a separate building that houses the clubhouse and leasing center. Built in 1998, The Retreat at Peachtree City features numerous community amenities, including a swimming pool, lighted tennis court, fitness center, storage units, executive business center and direct access to a 90-mile walking and golf cart trail. The property offers spacious floor plans and an average unit size of approximately 980 square feet. Select units feature full-size washers and dryers, linen closets, wood burning fireplaces, and recessed art niches. The property offers tenants ample parking and is currently approximately 94 percent occupied.
"The property's location in a thriving submarket, as well as the asset's outstanding amenities makes The Retreat at Peachtree City an attractive addition to our portfolio of assets under management," said Jeff Hanson, President and Chief Investment Officer of Grubb & Ellis Realty Investors.
In the last decade, the Atlanta metropolitan area's population increased by approximately 40 percent to more than 5.1 million people. The property is located in the South Fulton submarket, which led Atlanta in apartment rent growth in 2007 with a 4.6 percent increase. According to Reis Inc., this submarket includes 29,550 multifamily units and will add minimal new inventory during the next five years, an average of approximately 356 units per year through 2012. The rental growth is projected by Reis to continue at an average rate of 2.9 percent for the next five years.
Grubb & Ellis Realty Investors purchased The Retreat at Peachtree City from a joint venture between AMLI Residential and Prudential, which was represented by Engler Financial Group. Financing was provided by Teacher's Insurance and Annuity Association, arranged by Capstone Realty Advisors.
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LATINA Style Applauds Aflac for Its Commitment to Workforce Diversity
/PRNewswire/ -- Aflac has been recognized among the corporate elite in the 2008 LATINA Style 50 Report, which sets the standard for corporate America's sensitivity to Latinas' needs and goals in the workplace identifying companies that provide the best career opportunities for Latinas in the United States.
This year, the magazine's annual awards ceremony will celebrate its 11- year anniversary and honor the LATINA Style 50 companies during a Diversity Leaders Conference on February 5, 2009, in Washington, D.C.
"It is a great honor for the Aflac family to be recognized among LATINA Style's 50 best companies in America for the ninth year," said Brenda Mullins, second vice president and diversity officer for Aflac Human Resources. "We value our talented and diverse workforce and pride ourselves in creating an environment that fosters career advancement opportunities for all our employees."
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Wednesday, September 3, 2008
World Airways Operates MD-11 Freighter for Air France
PRNewswire/ -- World Airways has signed a contract with Air France to operate one MD-11F on a full-time basis for service from France to a variety of destinations in North Africa and a weekly flight to Brazil. World Airways began operating the aircraft for Air France on Aug. 31, 2008. This is the second consecutive year that World Airways has provided a freighter aircraft to help Air France meet its African market requirements.
"Air France is a leader in the airline industry, and we are pleased with the opportunity to partner with them for an MD-11F to help meet their cargo lift requirements," said Jeff Sanborn, chief marketing officer.
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C.D. Moody Opens the Jim Wood Lecture Series at Clayton State
James M. “Jim” Wood, Jr., president of Jim Wood Associates, former owner/publisher of the Clayton News-Daily, and the only original member still serving on the Board of Trustees of Clayton State University Foundation, and his wife, Dr. Martha Wood, professor emerita of Mathematics at Clayton State, have joined with their family, friends and business associates to create an endowed fund for the Jim Wood Lecture Series for the Clayton State University AACSB-accredited School of Business.
On Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2008, at noon in room 272 of the James M. Baker University Center, the Jim Wood Lecture Series officially kicks off with a visit from C.D. Moody, Jr., president and CEO of C.D. Moody Construction Company, Inc. Since its start in 1983, C.D. Moody Construction Company has grown from $1 million to more than $70 million in annual revenues. According to School of Business Dean Dr. Jacob Chacko, Moody’s presentation will typify the Wood Lecture Series, which will support the efforts of the School of Business to seek and obtain guest lecturers who are some of Georgia’s most celebrated business personalities.
“The School of Business sees the series as a means to forge bonds between Georgia’s business leaders and Clayton State students, while ensuring students gain insights into current business trends and corporate strategies,” says Chacko.
The Woods’ son, James Wood, III, a former student at Clayton State who serves as vice president of Business Services at AT&T, is the founder of and principal contributor to the Jim Wood Lecture Series endowment. However, according to Jim Wood, the Series is a good fit for the whole family.
“We wanted the students enrolled in the school to be able to talk and listen to individuals who have distinguished themselves in business,” he says. “It’s important that students realize that these successful people went through struggles just like themselves and have made a success of their professional life.”
Jim and James Wood already are recruiting and recommending additional guests for the lecture series. In October, the Series will offer lectures from Frank Argenbright, chairman of Air Serv Corporation, and Milton H. Jones, Jr., market president, Bank of America, Georgia.
A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding, comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.
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East Point Library Holding SBA Workshop On Locating/Leasing Property for a Small Business
A free workshop on locating and leasing property for a small business will be held from 6-8:00 p. m. on October 15th at the East Point Branch Library. The workshop is sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System.
The workshop will show how to find the right property/location for your business. It will explain the purpose and common terms of a commercial lease. Attendees will also learn the advantages of a lease versus ownership and how to set up the terms of a lease for your advantage.
Terre Bowden, Realtor at Prudential Georgia Realty, will host the workshop at the East Point Branch, located at 2757 Main Street, East Point, GA 30344. Ms. Bowden will explain costs associated with leasing and what a real estate broker can do for you.
Pre-registration is required for the workshop. To register online, go to www.sba.gov/ga and cursor down to “Spotlight.” Click on Public Training and Seminars-Register Now! Select seminar date from this drop-down list. Complete name, telephone and email address and click “Register.” Registration information can also be faxed to Dorothy Fletcher at 404/331-0101.
The public can also pre-register by calling the East Point Branch Library at 404/762-4842.
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Researcher and Entrepreneur Named Director of Georgia Center of Innovation-Life Science
Georgia’s Centers of Innovation program recently named Stacy Williams, Ph.D., the director of Georgia Center of Innovation-Life Sciences, with offices at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta and at the Georgia Department of Economic Development in Atlanta. Williams’ background in academia and as an entrepreneur will strengthen the center’s role as a critical resource for the life sciences industry across all of Georgia.
“Stacy’s experience as both a researcher and an entrepreneur will help the Center of Innovation-Life Sciences connect with the industry,” said Ken Stewart, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), which directs the Centers of Innovation program. “The Centers of Innovation are a key component in growing Georgia’s strategic industries.”
Williams brings extensive entrepreneurial and research experience to her new position at the center. After earning a Bachelor of Science with a chemistry major from the University of Georgia and a doctorate in inorganic chemistry from Carnegie-Mellon University, Williams launched a science toy company and invented a crystal growing kit for children. She received a patent on the kit in 2004 and marketed it via children’s websites and a major retailer.
Williams’ experience also includes securing intellectual property rights and navigating the product approval process for retail sale. As an inventor who has been on both sides of the patent process, she understands first-hand the conception to commercialization process.
“Stacy Williams is well equipped to assist the center in its goal to expand statewide,” said Sterling Wharton, director of the Centers of Innovation. “Her experience in both academia and in business as an entrepreneur will help connect Georgia’s life sciences industry with the tools it needs to grow.”
The Center of Innovation-Life Sciences is housed on the campus of The Medical College of Georgia in Augusta and provides statewide strategic industry expertise while accelerating growth among Georgia’s life sciences and biotechnology industry across the state. For more information about the center, please visit lifesciences.georgiainnovation.org.
The Centers of Innovation (COI) program focuses on six areas of strategic industry growth and expansion: agriculture, aerospace, energy, life sciences, logistics and manufacturing, located respectively in Tifton, Eastman, Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah and Gainesville. COI's services include access to deep industry expertise and university-level research; product commercialization, and client connections to key state resources. For more information, visit www.georgiainnovation.org.
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, video and music projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development.
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The Coca-Cola Company Offers To Buy Huiyuan Juice Group
BUSINESS WIRE --The Coca-Cola Company announced today its intention to make cash offers to purchase China Huiyuan Juice Group Limited, a Hong Kong listed company which owns the Huiyuan juice business throughout China.
The Coca-Cola business in China has been operating since 1979 and is well known for its sparkling beverage brands such as Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta. In the last few years, the Company has also introduced a number of still beverage brands, including Guo Li Chen (Minute Maid Pulpy) and Yuan Ye (Original Leaf Tea), with the objective of offering consumers a wide range of beverage choices. In line with this, the Company is seeking to further develop its beverage business through this acquisition.
“Huiyuan is a long-established and successful juice brand in China and is highly complementary to the Coca-Cola China business,” said Muhtar Kent, President and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company.
“This acquisition will deliver value to our shareholders and provide a unique opportunity to strengthen our business in China, especially since the juice segment is so dynamic and fast growing in China. It is also further evidence of our deep commitment to China and to providing Chinese consumers with the beverage choices that meet their needs,” Mr Kent said.
If successful with the offers, the Company will use its expertise as a global beverage company to further develop the Huiyuan brand to address the evolving needs of consumers. There are anticipated synergies that will drive operational efficiencies, particularly in the Huiyuan business’ production footprint and in Coca-Cola’s distribution and raw material purchasing capabilities.
The making of the offers is subject to preconditions relating to Chinese regulatory approvals.
The Coca-Cola Company intends that the Huiyuan business will continue to carry on its business, while reviewing its operations and synergies over time.
“I am very pleased that the current Chairman of the Huiyuan business, Mr Zhu, has agreed to take up the role as Honorary Chairman. Both the Huiyuan business and The Coca-Cola Company will benefit from his deep understanding of the beverage business in China, as well as his on-going experience and advice,” Mr Kent said. “We are strongly committed to building on the Huiyuan business’ current brand, improving the utilization of its fixed assets and enhancing opportunities for employees of the Huiyuan business.”
The Coca-Cola Company is offering HK$12.20 per share, and an equivalent price for outstanding convertible bonds and options.
The Company has accepted irrevocable undertakings from three shareholders for acceptance of the offers, in aggregate representing approximately 66 percent of the Huiyuan shares.
Assuming full acceptance of the offers, the deal is valued at approximately US$2.4billion. The transaction is expected to be dilutive to the Company’s earnings per share by $0.03 to $0.04 in the first full year following completion of the acquisition and accretive to earnings per share in year 3 after completion.
The Company now expects to repurchase a total of $1 billion of its stock for the full year.
Forward-Looking Statements
This presentation may contain statements, estimates or projections that constitute “forward-looking statements” as defined under U.S. federal securities laws. Generally, the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “project,” “will” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which generally are not historical in nature. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from The Coca-Cola Company’s historical experience and our present expectations or projections. These risks include, but are not limited to, obesity concerns; scarcity and quality of water; changes in the nonalcoholic beverages business environment, including changes in consumer preferences based on health and nutrition considerations and obesity concerns; shifting consumer tastes and needs, changes in lifestyles and increased consumer information; increased competition; our ability to expand our operations in emerging markets; foreign currency and interest rate fluctuations; our ability to maintain good relationships with our bottling partners; the financial condition of our bottlers; our ability to maintain good labor relations, including our ability to renew collective bargaining agreements on satisfactory terms and avoid strikes or work stoppages; increase in the cost of energy; increase in cost, disruption of supply or shortage of raw materials; changes in laws and regulations relating to beverage containers and packaging, including mandatory deposit, recycling, eco-tax and/or product stewardship laws or regulations; adoption of significant additional labeling or warning requirements; unfavorable economic and political conditions in international markets, including civil unrest and product boycotts; changes in commercial or market practices and business model within the European Union; litigation uncertainties; adverse weather conditions; our ability to maintain brand image and product quality as well as other product issues such as product recalls; changes in legal and regulatory environments; changes in accounting standards and taxation requirements; our ability to achieve overall long-term goals; our ability to protect our information systems; additional impairment charges; our ability to successfully manage Company-owned bottling operations; global or regional catastrophic events; and other risks discussed in our Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, which filings are available from the SEC. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. The Coca-Cola Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.
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