Thrivent Financial for Lutherans announced that in 2011 it will fund the construction of 164 Habitat for Humanity homes in 33 states with a $10.4 million contribution. Thrivent Financial’s total six-year commitment to Habitat for Humanity to help families achieve the dream of homeownership will surpass $150 million in 2011. This commitment is through a unique partnership called Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity.
To view Multmedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/thriventbuilds/47118/
Kia Motors America (KMA) transforms dreams into reality at the 2017 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show with custom vehicle builds and opportunities to experience the all-new Stinger GT. Attendees will have the opportunity to ride alongside professional Formula Drift drivers who will provide thrilling drifting demonstrations as well as experience the vehicle’s athletic performance first hand from behind the wheel on a challenging autocross course2. In advance of the Stinger going on sale this December,3 KMA invited West Coast Customs to modify and feature two highly customized works of art, one based on the Stinger GT and the other on the current Cadenza premium sedan. KMA also revealed a uniquely modified Stinger equipped with a host of parts and accessories from leading aftermarket suppliers.
“We are so thrilled to show off what Kia has become at SEMA because 2017 is a momentous year for our Kia brand,” said Justin Sohn, President and CEO of Kia Motors America. “We ranked #1 in quality for the second year in a row in JD Power’s Initial Quality Study, we are top three in Consumer Reports reliability and we are now introducing the all-new 2018 four-door Stinger Sports Fastback, Kia’s fastest ever and our first performance vehicle.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8016956-kia-motors-2017-sema-show/
https://youtu.be/Y6rIs220PXc More businesses are taking their products and services online than ever before. Consumers, for the most part, are feeling safer about completing online transactions – especially with businesses they trust.
But some entrepreneurs in the e-commerce world have never started their own business. Many are unfamiliar with how to run an e-commerce store. There’s no doubt that this is an exciting time to explore the e-commerce marketplace – especially for people who are testing it out while keeping their full-time jobs.
Having said that, business owners new to the online world should understand from the get-go that the e-commerce industry is one of the most lucrative targets for cyber criminals. News of the recent eBay hack is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities associated with online businesses. But big businesses aren’t the only ones getting hacked. More than 20 WordPress sites are hacked every minute of every day.
But there are a few basic things you can do to help prevent losing control of your website and your customer’s private information.
Choose a Secure eCommerce Platform
More than two third of all active e-commerce sites are using either Magento or WordPress’ WooCommerce. Why? Mainly because of their sophisticated security features. There are other factors as well, but what makes them stand apart is the extensive security. PrestaShop can be yet another choice with a proven security framework.
Keep your software up-to-date and, it should go without saying, keep your passwords unique and secure. Educate your clients, as well as your workforce, about your information security practices. Let them know how you are protecting customers’ credit card information and what they should do from their end to keep the financial information secure.
Implement SSL Certificates
SSLs (secure socket layers) are the de facto standard when it comes to securing online transactions. An SSL certificate authenticates the identity of users and encrypts data while at store and transit. Implementing SSL is essential for E-commerce websites to establish secure connectivity between the end-user systems and your website.
For tech-savvy buyers, the padlock icon with HTTPS in the address bar is an essential prerequisite for providing their personal details and credit card information. If the consumers believe that a vendor is doing everything possible to secure their transactions, they are more likely to do business with them.
Scan Your Site for Security Vulnerabilities
Although SSLs protect your transactions, they don’t protect your website. No matter which platform you decide to use, ensure that your server maintains PCI compliance requirements by running PCI scans on your server to validate whether you are compliant or not. Companies like Trust Guard not only scan your site for more than 75,000 known vulnerabilities, giving you detailed reports about its safety, but they also provide users with trust seals.
These small, digital images, when placed on your home page and checkout page, have been proved to drastically increase sales and conversion rates. They show potential buyers through accompanying certificates that you are serious about their privacy and security. It gives them the peace of mind they need to make the buying decision.
Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just are getting started, you should understand that keeping your site safe is your most important endeavor. Hackers can (and do) cause economic, legal and reputational damage every day. Keep your site safe and protected by following these three simple website security tips for your online business.
Great Britain’s largest group of independent hotels, Best Western, has today announced a change to the structure of its 276 hotels.
Today Richard Lewis, newly appointed CEO of Best Western, launched three hotel tiers; Best Western, Best Western Plus and Best Western Premier, in a move that sees the company embark upon a nationwide brand enhancement strategy.
The move aims to give consumers more choice and clarity easing their decision making process, something that travel customers are increasingly searching for.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/prne/bestwestern/52127/
For this year’s World Osteoporosis Day (October 20), the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) is releasing a 24-page report promoting a three-step strategy for healthy bones and strong muscles.
Professor Heike Bischoff-Ferrari, director Centre on Aging and Mobility at the University of Zurich/Waid City Hospital and author of the report, stated, “Put simply, no matter how old you are you can optimize your bone health by following three essential steps.”
“First, you must ensure sufficient vitamin D intake. Secondly, your diet should include adequate amounts of calcium and protein. Finally, you should make sure that you’re doing daily weight-bearing and muscle strengthening exercise.”
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/prne/iof/52143/
Imagine starting a company from nothing and selling it six years later for over $100 million? Finally, here’s a book about how to prosper in business and life by someone whose only advantage from poverty to success has been to live the three simple steps he teaches. Try them yourself. Find out more here, http://bit.ly/IWxRh6 Non-Fiction
Tor Books is thrilled to announce the THREE NIGHTMARES YOU CAN’T RESIST tour, featuring three amazing YA titles: Kristen Simmons’ THREE, Mindee Arnett’s THE NIGHTMARE DILEMMA, and Jenna Black’s RESISTANCE. YA Paranormal
Tuesday, March 11: Lexington – Joseph-Beth Booksellers
Wednesday, March 12: Cincinnati – Joseph-Beth Booksellers
Thursday, March 13: Dayton – Books & Co
Friday, March 14: Louisville – Carmichael’s Bookstore
Monday, March 17: Chapel Hill – Flyleaf Bookstore
The Lincoln Continental, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Toyota Avalon come out at the top of a group of six large cars recently evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The three cars qualify for TOP SAFETY PICK+, the Institute’s highest award. The Tesla Model S, the Chevrolet Impala and the Ford Taurus fall short of any award because they each earn only an acceptable rating in the small overlap front test.
Vehicles qualify for either the TOP SAFETY PICK or TOP SAFETY PICK+ award if they have good ratings from IIHS in five crashworthiness tests — small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints — and an available front crash prevention system that earns a superior or advanced rating. To qualify for TOP SAFETY PICK+, a vehicle also must come with good or acceptable headlights
The thrilling conclusion to Kristen Simmons’s post-apocalyptic YA trilogy (Article 5, Breaking Point), set in a future American in which the Bill-of-Rights has been replaced by the Moral Statutes, and young Ember and her boyfriend have been branded criminals. Now, joined up with the resistance movement, they are trying to find a safe place to settle—but they may be coming closer to facing the notorious organization known only as Three. The CW Atlanta has dubbed Simmons: “A true dystopian force.” YA/fantasy/romance
Thorntons, everyone’s favorite place to stop while on the go, announced today the official launch of 28 new store concepts across the local market. These stores redefine convenience and offer guests a distinctly elevated experience with quality food that is deliciously fresh and effortlessly fast, all within a real kitchen setting.
“We believe you should be able to get quality, quantity and convenience, all in one place,” said Tony Harris, President of Thorntons. “That’s why we’re going beyond gas and changing the perception of what convenience stores have to offer.”
The Thorntons Real Kitchen. Real Food. locations are equipped with real kitchens and real cooks who handcraft crave-worthy, high-quality food. A whole new menu includes hot, salted pretzels, savory breakfast and lunch burritos, pizza sticks, and more, all freshly prepared in-store. The grab-and-go concept allows guests to get in and get out in an average of three minutes, with a delicious meal in hand.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7897951-thorntons-real-kitchen-real-food/
Academy of Country Music's Male Vocalist of the Year Thomas Rhett will perform LIVE at AT&T Stadium during the nationally televised halftime of the Dallas Cowboys game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thanksgiving Day, kicking off The Salvation Army's annual Red Kettle Campaign. Donations to the iconic campaign help provide shelter and meals for the homeless and hungry, and Christmas toys for millions of children, in addition to numerous other social service programs The Salvation Army provides year-round.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8179631-salvation-army-red-kettle-fight-for-good/
It’s been a year since a meteor collided with the moon, catastrophically altering the earth. For Miranda Evans, life as she knew it no longer exists. As the struggle to survive intensifies, Miranda must make a decision that will change her life forever. Learn more about his author here: http://tinyurl.com/2fmr2n5 Learn more about this book here: http://tinyurl.com/2b5v6re YA
