Blink Interactive is thrilled to introduce interaction design veterans Lisa Spencer and Jupiter Barton as the newest additions to its growing team of user experience consultants.

“We spent a great deal of time looking for the right people to join our team. Both Jupiter and Lisa bring a strong history of UX experience combined with client consulting skills. They are going to be huge contributors to Blink” states Karen Clark Cole, Co-founder and President of Blink Interactive.

Blink continues to experience dramatic growth in demand for its services. Research and design teams have increased by nearly 60% over the past twelve months. With the need to service a rising number of large national clients, Blink brought in Lisa and Jupiter to expand its delivery management team.

Lisa has dedicated the last 15 years to the study and design of usable and engaging user experiences. She strives to help organizations in defining their user experience strategy, enabling them to bridge their business goals with the design of their product experience. Lisa has advanced degrees in Medical and Life Sciences, specializing in Human Factors. She also holds Bachelor degrees in Sociology and Psychology.

Prior to joining the Blink, Jupiter spent 4 years working in the mobile arena. He has experience with mobile applications, mobile web, cross platform solutions, and OS level Android device customization. Jupiter has combined degrees in Fine Arts and Web Design/Multimedia with a background in Interaction Design.

As we looked to expand our leadership team it made sense to seek out individuals with experience from the types of organizations we work with. Both Lisa and Jupiter bring a great deal of enterprise experience. They truly understand the business challenges our clients face says Kelly Franznick, Co-founder and CEO of Blink Interactive.

About Blink Interactive

Blink is a Seattle-based user experience research and design firm dedicated to helping clients achieve their business goals through a flexible user-centered design approach. We thrive on making complex interactions simple, compelling, and meaningful. Our evidence-driven design services help companies who depend on technology take the guesswork out of delivering great user experiences. For more information, please visit http://www.blinkux.com.

Cigna, a global leader in providing international health insurance to expatriates and other globally mobile individuals, has redesigned its website selling and servicing individuals international health care needs through its business unit known as Cigna Global Health Options.

The revamped site cignaglobal.com went live last month and features the companys recent global re-branding, including a new logo and other design elements reflecting its customer and corporate mission. Direct from the landing page and throughout the decision-making and ultimately the purchase process, customers can now access quick pricing information and easily view at a glance product information.

The refreshed site has a contemporary new look and feel which we believe will appeal to a global audience, says Phil Austin, Head of Cigna Global Health Options. This transformation is about continuing to evolve and strengthen every element of our proposition, opening up and extending dialogue with our customers and responding to what theyre looking for, and how we can facilitate their health care needs.

The site was developed in line with customer usability feedback and also utilised the experience and successes learned from Cigna’s businesses and operations in the United States and elsewhere. Product enhancements and updated marketing collateral are also scheduled for imminent release.

Its by listening to our customers and making continuous improvements like our new website that we live out our promise to supporting the health and well-being of the individuals we serve with access to high-quality health care worldwide and best in class service, said Austin.

Notes to editors:

The Cigna Global Health Options plan is designed for customers who want the flexibility of having easy access to high quality health care around the world.

????International Medical Insurance
????International Medical Insurance Plus
????International Health and Well-being
????International Vision and Dental
????International Emergency Evacuation

For more information, please visit cignaglobal.com

About Cigna

Cigna is a global health service company dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and sense of security. Cigna Corporation’s operating subsidiaries in the United States provide an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioural health, pharmacy and vision care benefits, as well as group life, accident and disability insurance. Cigna maintains sales capability in 30 countries and jurisdictions and has approximately 70 million customer relationships throughout the world.

Cignas International division operates four business units: Health, Life & Accident (HL&A), Health care Benefits, Global Health Benefits and Individual Private Medical Insurance.

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Now in its 8th year, SFIWFF will showcase a plethora of exciting and diverse films directed, written and produced by women at the Roxie Theater, 3117-16th St. (at Valencia St.) in San Francisco.

This marks a banner year for the festival, with four women directors in attendance for Q&A sessions about their films, the triumphs and trials of making and often starring in their own films, and working within and outside of the Hollywood system:

SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 8:00PM: CARRIE PRESTON (Arlene in HBOs True Blood) will answer questions about her second directorial feature, Thats What She Said, along with screenwriter Kellie Overbey (The Good Wife, Law & Order: SVU). A romantic comedy starring Anne Heche, Thats What She Said chronicles epic dates, Biblical rainfall and one weird stranger in a hilarious tale of love and friendship.

SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 11:00 AM: BRUNCH WITH PAGE OSTROW: A Film Financing & Distribution Workshop. Hollywood veteran Ostrow gives an insider’s perspective on the business side of film, based on her experience financing and negotiated distribution for over 250 feature films, including Stolen Childhoods with Meryl Streep, Juvies with Mark Wahlberg and Drugging of Our Children, with Michael Moore.

SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 3:00 PM: TRUE BLOOD’S TANYA WRIGHT DIRECTS and acts in her new film Butterfly Rising, a tale of two women on a journey to find the mythical Butterfly Man.

SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 7:30 PM: TIFFANY SHLAIN (one of Newsweeks Women Shaping the 21st Century and the Webby Awards founder) will be presenting her documentary on the influence of hi-tech and our personal lives, Connected: An Autoblogography about Love, Death & Technology.

SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 5:15 PM: WRITER/DIRECTOR/ACTRESS CHRISTINA BECK began her career as a teenager acting in such cult classics as “Suburbia”, “Boys Next Door” and “Dudes” (directed by Penelope Spheeris). Becks film Perfection chronicles the inner torment and ultimate self-acceptance of a mother and daughter.

In 2012 SFIWFF will host thought-provoking, enlightening and entertaining feature-length and short films from all over North America, Europe, Africa and Asia, highlighting the accomplishments and triumphs of women of all ages, status and cultures. These fresh and engaging works are a distinct from Hollywood multiplex fare, and give a voice to rising artists from around the world.

For press inquiries, information on tickets, directions, related events and more, visit the festival website: http://www.sfiwff.com or call (415) 754-3456.

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While the recession traumatized the US economy and caused great concern for most industries, the subprime loan crisis that preceded it drove a boom in funding for the Community Housing and Homeless Shelters industry. According to IBISWorld industry analyst Eben Jose, “The following credit freeze and spike in unemployment left many people homeless or in need of temporary housing.” The sharp, unprecedented increase in home vacancies caused the government to greatly increase funding for community and homeless housing projects. As a result, the industry experienced strong growth during the worst of the recession, with revenue increasing 8.1% and 11.2% in 2008 and 2009, respectively. A clear correlation exists between empty homes and people in need of emergency housing. As a result, demand for industry services has increased since 2007. Industry revenue (funded predominantly by the government) is set to increase in the five years to 2012. In 2012, though, industry revenue growth is expected to slow, reflecting the economys measured recovery.

Philanthropic groups like this industry’s operators often rely heavily on volunteer labor. As such, pay rates are quite low, despite most groups being large enough to fund hospice management and other forms of housing. In the five years to 2012, employment is expected to increase slowly mainly due to the lack of monetary incentives. “On the other hand,” says Jose, “the number of enterprises is expected to increase during the same period, which represents heightened concern over the growing number of distressed and homeless people.” The Community Housing and Homeless Shelters industry is very fragmented, with no single player accounting for a significant share of the industrys revenue. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) distributes federal funding among the industrys various shelters and organizations.

As the US economy continues to recover and more Americans find jobs and permanent housing, industry funding will slow after the robust increases of the past five years. In 2013, industry revenue is expected to increase only moderately because federal, state and local governments, faced with the need to balance budgets, will likely limit funding increases. Through 2017, industry revenue is forecast to increase at a marginal average annual rate. As a result of decreased funding, the growth rates of both enterprises and establishments are also forecast to slow. For more information, visit IBISWorlds Community Housing & Homeless Shelters report in the US industry page.

Follow IBISWorld on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/IBISWorld

Friend IBISWorld on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/IBISWorld/121347533189

IBISWorld industry Report Key Topics

Establishments in this industry provide a variety of community housing services, including short-term emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or child abuse, in addition to temporary residential shelter for the homeless, runaway youths and parents and families caught in medical crises.

Industry Performance

Executive Summary

Key External Drivers

Current Performance

Industry Outlook

Industry Life Cycle

Products & Markets

Supply Chain

Products & Services

Major Markets

Globalization & Trade

Business Locations

Competitive Landscape

Market Share Concentration

Key Success Factors

Cost Structure Benchmarks

Barriers to Entry

Major Companies

Operating Conditions

Capital Intensity

Key Statistics

Industry Data

Annual Change

Key Ratios

About IBISWorld Inc.

Recognized as the nations most trusted independent source of industry and market research, IBISWorld offers a comprehensive database of unique information and analysis on every US industry. With an extensive online portfolio, valued for its depth and scope, the company equips clients with the insight necessary to make better business decisions. Headquartered in Los Angeles, IBISWorld serves a range of business, professional service and government organizations through more than 10 locations worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.ibisworld.com or call 1-800-330-3772.

Portland-based sustainable agriculture certification body Food Alliance is pleased to announce a new partnership with Foodtree Media Inc, a web and mobile technology company offering social media and marketing tools to its membership.

We are excited to offer Foodtrees technology platform to help our clients and stakeholders reach more customers through social media, mobile and web-based channels, says Food Alliance Executive Director Scott Exo. This partnership is yet another way we help Food Alliance Certified farms, businesses, and their customers promote sustainability in food and agriculture.

The new agreement grants Food Alliance Certified companies and Food Alliance Supply Chain Allies free access to Foodtrees full range of marketing tools for food businesses, including store locator maps and quick response (QR) codes. The QR codes link to a customized mobile profile displaying farm details, including where consumers can find Food Alliance Certified products in their community.

Foodtree founder, chef and CEO Anthony Nicalo says, Food Alliance is the perfect partner for us, in that were both working hard to make sure great food producers are recognized for their efforts and have affordable ways to connect with consumers.

The internet has fundamentally transformed consumer expectations about the purchases they make, and the power of communication and transparency is just beginning to impact food. Foodtree exists to connect food lovers and food businesses, and we couldnt be more excited to help Food Alliance communicate the work theyre doing around the country.

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The independent authority on Search vendors in Canada, canada.topseos.com, has named HigherVisibility the third best SEO company in the Canadian online marketing industry for the month of February 2012. The list of the best SEO companies in Canada includes online marketing companies who provide an exceptional service to help businesses improve their placement in major search engines. Thousands of online marketing services have been considered for the evaluation and ranking service whereas only the thirty best in Canada are highlighted in the SEO rankings.

HigherVisibility helps businesses in Canada and the United States improve their search engine ranking positions through researching and implementing proven strategies. They consistently test and research various strategies to understand how they affect the SEO rankings of their customers and ensure that their customers are given the necessary tweaks to maintain high search engine ranking positions. They also provide a variety of online marketing services to help their customers ranging from their pay per click management services to their social media marketing.

The process for evaluating and ranking the best SEO companies in Canada involves a meticulous process through a set of evaluation criteria, customer references, and industry resources relating to search engine optimization. Five areas of evaluation are used to compare the best in the industry based on their strengths, weaknesses, and competitive advantages. These five areas include reporting methods, on page optimization, off page optimization, keyword analysis, and needs analysis. HigherVisibility was identified based on their results in this process covering each of these critical areas including their dedication towards testing their various on page and off page optimization techniques.

Customer references are also used for a more in-depth evaluation where information is being obtained directly from the customers which have used each SEO company in the rankings. These customer references provide detailed information about the services that have been provided to them and the impact which the services have had on their marketing initiatives. Customers of HigherVisibility have indicated increased relevant traffic due to the organic rankings which they had achieved which effectively increased their conversion rates and brought them more business.

canada.topseos.com evaluates and ranks the best in the Canadian online marketing industry to help businesses find search engine optimization companies who provide valuable services to help them achieve organic results. Those looking for a proven SEO company with a history of results should consider HigherVisibility.

ABOUT topseos.com

topseos.com is a well-known independent authority on search vendors. Established in 2002, the goal of topseos.com is to recognize and rank those individuals or companies providing the best online marketing services all over the world. A specialized team of researchers examine thousands of applicants each month who are seeking to be ranked as a top internet marketing service provider by the independent authority. This website is being visited daily by thousands of visitors all over the world looking for the best services available. The website also provides various types of facilities other than the independent rankings which provide useful information to customers and providers of online marketing services.

For more information about the best SEO companies in Canada visit:

http://canada.topseos.com/rankings-of-best-seo-companies

To view the profile for HigherVisibility on topseos.com visit:

http://canada.topseos.com/highervisibility

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Potts Brothers Land and Auction, an independently owned and operated auction company, is hosting the East Tennessee Real Estate Auction from February 15th to March 1st. The auction, which is lender owned and online only, features an historic home and properties ranging from five acres to over 790 acres.

When asked about the action, Bruce Potts, Owner and Auctioneer, says, Our family has been in this business since 1975, when my father owned the company. Potts Brothers Land and Auction became an established name throughout Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama and we take pride in our reputation as a trustworthy and reliable firm. There are very exciting listings in the East Tennessee Real Estate Auction, and I think well have some pleasing results.

Highlights of the auction include*:

Property 101 – 5.15 +/- Acres on County Road 226 in McMinn County, TN
Property 102 – 230 +/- Acres on Hiwassee Rd & Red Ankle Rd in Monroe County, Madisonville, TN
Property 103 – Beautiful Historic 2 Story Home in Downtown Pikeville, TN
Property 104 – 15 +/-Acres located on Upper East Valley Rd in Bledsoe County, Pikeville, TN????
Property 105 – 790 +/-Acres on Reagan Valley Road in Monroe County, TN

Potts Brothers Land and Auction specializes in auction sales of residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural real estate as well as personal property, vehicles, farm and construction machinery, business liquidations and much more. Potts Brothers Land and Auction clients have included individuals, estates, banks, government agencies, family groups and bankruptcies.

*15%-20% down. Balance due in 30 days. – 10% Buyer’s premium added to final bid, – 2% Broker’s registration offered.

About Potts Brothers Land and Auction

Established on the highest professional and ethical standards, Robert H. Potts founded Robert Potts Land and Auction Company in 1975 with his sons, Ben and Bruce Potts. After his death in 1994, the company name was changed to Potts Brothers Land and Auction Company. Since then, Potts Brothers continues to be a family owned and operated business providing professional and personal service to each client.

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Generation Opportunity President Paul T. Conway, former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Department of Labor under Secretary Elaine L. Chao, responds to the January 2012 jobs numbers report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Young Americans, including young veterans who have honorably served their nation, are being told by President Obama and his administration to settle for a new economic status quo where the lack of jobs, high unemployment, a record high number of people dropping out of the labor force, and limited economic opportunity are considered normal. Instead of being allowed to pursue their dreams and careers through meaningful work, regular paychecks, and new skills gained on the job, the ongoing poor economy is forcing young adults to delay their plans, delay their lives, and scramble to simply make ends meet.

Despite thirty-six consecutive monthly jobs reports with unemployment over eight percent and a new CBO forecast of higher unemployment in the year to come, the message from the Obama administration to young Americans is to expect more of the same higher taxes, more regulations, and more federal interference targeted at private sector job creators. Young adults pay dearly for this administrations disregard and diminishment of private employers. Their level of aloofness and lack of empathy for the daily concerns of young Americans is as astounding as it is unacceptable.

January’s 8.3 percent overall jobless rate fails to reflect the significant and ongoing challenges faced by young Americans in the continually poor economy. Joblessness among Millennials ages 18-29 is already at historic levels since the end of World War II, and hidden behind Januarys numbers is the fact that many Americans have either accepted short-term, seasonal work or simply given up looking for work and are, therefore, not factored into the unemployment rate.

Even worse, the long-term U.S. job growth picture remains grim based on an official report released this week by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). CBOs January 31, 2012 report concluded a large portion of the economic and human costs of the recession and slow recovery remains ahead. CBO is also forecasting that the U.S. unemployment rate could reach 8.9 percent by the end of 2012, and could potentially increase to 9.2 percent in the year 2013. Finally, the report forecasts that the unemployment rate could remain as high as seven percent through the end of 2015, and that economic activity may remain below the economys potential until 2018.

Generation Opportunity commissioned a poll with the polling company, inc./WomanTrend (April 16 22, 2011, +/- 4% margin of error) and select highlighted results for all young Americans ages 18-29 appear below:

Dissatisfaction with Current Level of Employment and President Obamas Handling of Unemployment:

????43% are not satisfied with their current level of employment.
????Just 31% of 18 29 year olds approve of the President Obamas handling of youth unemployment.

Delayed Dreams Resulting from a Poor Economy:

????77% of young people ages 18-29 either have or will delay a major life change or purchase due to economic factors:

????44% delay buying a home;
????28% delay saving for retirement;
????27% delay paying off student loans or other debt;
????27% delay going back to school/getting more education or training;
????26% delay changing jobs/cities;
????23% delay starting a family;
????18% delay getting married.

Leaders In Washington, D.C. Fail to Reflect Interests of Young Americans:

????69% say the current leadership in Washington fails to reflect the interests of the younger generation.
????Only 36% believe there is the right leadership in Washington.
????61% indicated that a candidates positions on issues and record in office will be more important than charisma and likeability when they cast their vote for President in 2012.

Government Spending and Economic Opportunity:

????76% of overall Millennials would favor a decrease over an increase in federal spending from its current level if given the chance to set Americas fiscal priorities.
????69% prefer reducing federal spending over raising taxes on individuals in order to balance the federal budget.
????59% of overall Millennials agree the economy grows best when individuals are allowed to create businesses without government interference.
????53% of overall Millennials agree if taxes on business profits were reduced, companies would be more likely to hire.

ABOUT GENERATION OPPORTUNITY

Generation Opportunity is a non-profit, non-partisan 501 (c)(4) organization that seeks to engage everyone from young adults, to early career professionals, college students, young mothers and fathers, construction workers, current service men and women, veterans, entrepreneurs, and all Americans who find themselves dissatisfied with the status quo and willing to create a better tomorrow. Generation Opportunity will continue to engage young Americans on issues that impact their lives and the nation as a whole and encourage them through both social media and grassroots organizing to become more civically engaged and make their voices heard.

Generation Opportunity operates on a strategy that combines advanced social media tactics with proven grassroots tactics to reach young Americans 18-29. The organizations social media platforms Being American on Facebook and The Constitution on Facebook have amassed a total fan base of more than two million. Both pages post links to relevant articles and reports from sources ranging from the federal General Accountability Office (GAO), to The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Brookings Institution, The Wall Street Journal, The Huffington Post, and The Heritage Foundation.

Read about Generation Opportunity here; visit Being American on Facebook here and The Constitution on Facebook here.

For our Spanish-language page Generaci?n Oportunidad click here.

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The State Bar of Wisconsin recently published the revised Wisconsin Discovery Law and Practice (PINNACLE, 4th ed., 2011available in hard copy and by on-line subscription). This year the publication contains a significant new chapter, Electronic Discovery Law written by KMKSC attorneys Stephen D. R. Taylor and Robert L. Gegios (with Matthew Stippich of Digital Intelligence Inc.).

The new chapter is the first treatise on electronic discovery law and practice published under the auspices of the Wisconsin State Bar, and the first such work to explicitly address the 2011 electronic discovery-related changes to the Wisconsin Rules of Civil Procedure.

KMKSC is delighted to be at the forefront of this increasingly essential area of law. Bob Gegios and Stephen Taylor regularly present on electronic discovery and to corporate and legal audiences. They are also the authors of a number of practical papers aimed at explaining electronic discovery and examining how to comply with the current rules while minimizing the cost and risk associated with doing so. If your company is looking for an in-house or attorney seminar on issues related to electronic discovery, contact Robert Gegios at (414) 962 5110 or gegios(at)kmksc(dot)com.

About Kohner, Mann & Kailas S.C. (KMKSC)

Founded in 1937 as a law firm devoted exclusively to advancing the interests and upholding the rights of businesses, Kohner, Mann & Kailas, S.C. is a business transactions, commercial finance and litigation law firm offering sophisticated, high-quality legal expertise in the areas encountered by businesses in the course of their commercial operations and development. The firms services range from high-profile appellate representation and international business issues to ensuring that critical everyday commercial needs, such as debt recovery, are fulfilled efficiently and expertly. The firms purpose is to deliver excellent results to their clients in negotiations, transactions, litigation, and alternative dispute forums across North America and beyond.

For more information on Kohner, Mann & Kailas, S.C., visit their website: http://www.kmksc.com or contact Stephen Taylor at (414)962-5110.

Kohner, Mann & Kailas S.C. is a member of the International Society of Primerus Law Firms.

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About The Surety Group Agency, LLC

The Surety Group was founded in 1977. It is 1 of the elite agencies in the land with in-house underwriting authority and a newsroom dedicated exclusively to certainty. It offers usage bond programs to businesses throughout the US. The Surety Group represents a number of surety companioned that are A-rated by Best’s Review and appear on the Federal Treasury Circular (T-List).

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