As the summer months approach, area retailers and consumers alike eagerly anticipate the launch of the 2011 season for locally and regionally grown produce. “What we’ve found is that our customers associate in-season produce with peak freshness, better value and environmental consciousness,” said Giant Eagle Vice President of Produce, Craig Ignatz. “No matter where it’s from – a local farm or the far side of the globe – we ask ourselves the same questions, every day: how fast can we get it to our customers, and how fresh can it be?”
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/gianteagle/49859/
McGraw-Hill Construction, part of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP), today released its 2012 Dodge Construction Outlook, a mainstay in construction industry forecasting and business planning, which predicts that overall U.S. construction starts for next year will remain essentially flat. The level of construction starts in 2012 is expected to be $412 billion, following the 4% decline to $410 billion predicted for 2011.
To watch a video about the forecast featuring Robert Murray, McGraw-Hill Construction’s Vice President of Economic Affairs, visit http://www.youtube.com/user/McGrawHillConstructn.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/52705-mcgraw-hill-construction-2012-dodge-outlook-report
The 2011 China (International) Urban Development Co-operation and Tourism Destination Brand Marketing Summit was held in Sanya, Hainan province from the 19th to the 22nd of November 2011. This is the first major annual meeting bringing together advertisers in the travel field from both within and outside of China. The event was jointly hosted by the China Association of National Advertisers – Tourism Advertisers Branch, the Hainan Tourism Development Commission and the municipal government of Sanya. Attendees included Gu Xiulian, vice chairman of the standing committee of 10th National People’s Congress of China; Zheng Silin, vice chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People’s Congress; as well as representatives from the China National Tourism Administration and from renowned world travel destinations including the Seychelles, Turkey and Mexico. Cui Feng, deputy director of co-organizer Lushan Scenic and Historic Interest Administration Bureau and general manager of Lushan Tourism Development was also in attendance. Mt. Lushan was named at the event as one of the award-winning scenic spots.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/53430-china-urban-development-co-operation-tourism-brand-marketing-summit
Callaway Golf Company (NYSE: ELY) today announced the establishment of an advanced, creative position for multiple Emmy and Grammy Award-winning actor, musician and avid golfer Justin Timberlake. A Callaway Staff Professional since 2008, Timberlake will lend his versatile talents as a Creative Director for the Callaway portfolio of Brands. Timberlake will engage in the development and execution of high-level concepts within Callaway’s marketing activities and offer wide-ranging consultation on the visual representation of the Brand. The multi-year agreement was announced by Jeff Colton, Sr. Vice President of Global Brand and Product, Callaway Golf.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/callawaygolf/40584/
Starting March 26, cola lovers everywhere will be invited to get a first taste of new Pepsi NEXT, a game-changer in the cola category and the first to deliver real cola taste with 60% less sugar than Pepsi-Cola.
“We’re on a mission to get consumers to experience the real cola taste of Pepsi NEXT for themselves,” said Angelique Krembs, Vice President TM Pepsi Marketing. “We’re excited that after years of research and development, we’ve unlocked the great taste of Pepsi NEXT, the choice for consumers who want real cola taste with less sugar.”
Research has shown that there is a segment of consumers who are resistant to both regular, full-sugar cola and diet cola offerings. These consumers love the taste of Pepsi but they don’t believe you can achieve full-flavor taste with a diet cola. The launch of Pepsi NEXT is intended to fulfill this unmet need in the category.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/54979-pepsi-next
According to Genworth’s (NYSE: GNW) 2012 Cost of Care Survey, the cost to receive care in the home remained unchanged from 2011 to 2012 and home care costs have also risen less dramatically over the past five years than for other types of long term care services.
“Overwhelmingly, Americans prefer to receive long term care in the home and the relatively muted increase in home care costs over the past few years can be viewed as a positive for consumers,” said Steve Zabel, senior vice president of Long Term Care at Genworth. “Consumer demand for home care services has led to a proliferation of home care services providers and more choice for consumers. This competition has kept home care costs relatively stable, especially when compared to the cost of care in a nursing home or assisted living facility.”
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/54344-genworth-financial-2012-cost-of-care-survey-long-term-care
TripAdvisor®, the world’s largest travel site*, today launched its “Friend of a Friend” feature that highlights trusted reviews and opinions from friends of Facebook friends. Representing the next step in making travel planning more social for the TripAdvisor global community, travelers are now ten times more likely to see personalized travel advice on TripAdvisor.
“Travel advice from friends is incredibly useful, but your inner circle may not have all the answers on a particular hotel or destination you are researching,” says Adam Medros, vice president of global product for TripAdvisor. “The Friend of a Friend feature increases the probability of an even greater personalized TripAdvisor experience by highlighting opinions from a larger network of travelers that know the people you trust.”
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/49262-tripadvisor-introduces-travel-advice-from-friend-of-a-friend
In the 2011/2012 vacation season, Riu Hotels & Resorts will open four new hotels in Mexico, Caribbean and Costa Rica and overhaul four more. Riu Hotels & Resorts is one of Apple Vacations’ most popular hotel chains. In 2011, 10 Riu Hotels in Mexico, the Caribbean and Costa Rica were awarded the Golden Apple Award for exceptional service, quality and value, as rated by Apple Vacations’ customers.
“Apple Vacations has had a long and successful partnership with Riu Hotels,” said Sandy Babin, Apple Vacations’ Vice President of Marketing. “Since 1998, Apple Vacationers have enjoyed Riu Resorts, referred their friends and returned time and again to experience Riu’s exceptional service and consistency.”
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/55585-apple-vacations-riu-hotels-and-resorts
In a detailed 45-minute webinar attended by executives from hospitals and health systems, physician practices, payers, and other healthcare professionals from around the nation, Ken Perez, MedeAnalytics’ director of healthcare policy and senior vice president of marketing, separated fact from speculation in the national debate on Medicare reform. The webinar, titled “Straight Talk About Medicare Reform,” is the latest example of MedeAnalytics’ ongoing commitment to provide clear, accurate, and unbiased information in a nonpartisan way to the healthcare industry on issues of critical importance. MedeAnalytics is a leading provider of healthcare performance management solutions.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/58881-medeanalytics-ken-perez-straight-talk-about-medicare-reform-webinar
In honor of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and the holiday season, Sunrise Senior Living (NYSE: SRZ) is offering tips and support groups to help families as they care for the growing number of seniors with memory loss.
“The holidays can be a stressful time for any family and celebrating with a loved one with memory loss adds unique challenges,” said Rita Altman, vice president of Memory Care and Program Services at Sunrise. “The holidays are meant for celebrating together, so it is important to help those with memory loss feel that they are a part of your celebration. By following these simple tips, you can include your loved ones in more meaningful ways.”
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/58277-sunrise-senior-living-memory-loss-alzheimer-s-awareness-month
John Hancock Financial Network today introduced the Retirement Ready iPad app, an interactive tool designed to help financial professionals engage prospects and clients in an educational retirement income conversation. The app, which is customizable to display the representative’s name and firm, includes information on the basic concepts of retirement income in distinct chapters, videos, exercises and interactive worksheets.
“Retirement income planning is a huge need for a significant portion of the population, and this tool is perfect for assisting a financial professional to have a personal, engaging, and useful discussion about retirement income with clients,” said Bruce Harrington, vice president, Sales and Business Development, John Hancock Financial Network.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/johnhancockfinancialnetwork/49221/
Hallmark Signature Collection holiday cards are truly unique, just like a signature. The exquisite textures, premium quality paper, fun embellishments, and relevant messages are sure to help Hallmark Signature Collection cards become holiday favorites to place on the mantle and be appreciated for several seasons.
“These cards are perfect for shoppers who like sophisticated, dimensional designs,” said Dan Foster, Hallmark Vice President of Creative Commercialization Greetings. “Consumers told us they wanted cards that were meaningful and authentic, as well as surprising, unexpected, and appropriate for a keepsake.”
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/59627-hallmark-signature-collection-holiday-cards-a-distinctive-experience