Friday, December 21, 2012

Go Team! DownEast is Official Sponsor of USU Spirit Squad

DownEast Home & Clothing (http://www.DownEastHome.com ), a high-style, low-price apparel and furniture retailer, today announced that it is the exclusive sponsor for the Utah State University Spirit Squad with the start of the 2010-2011 school year. As part of the sponsorship, the Aggiettes Dance Team and female members of the USU Cheer Squad will receive practice wear from the DownEast Basics line and also sport its cute tops and smart layering pieces.

DownEast will be recognized as the Spirit Squad's exclusive sponsor at games, including a prominent display of its company logo on the USU scoreboard. Cheer Squad members will also do a DownEast "t-shirt" toss into crowds. Additionally, USU Spirit Squad members, including its popular "Big Blue" mascot, will appear at the Logan DownEast Home and Clothing store for an upcoming promotional event.

The Aggiettes, Cheer Squad and university mascot are an important part of USU athletics, including sideline and halftime performances at football and basketball games.

"We're very excited by DownEast's sponsorship. It's a great match for our dance and cheer teams," said Linda Zimmerman, Utah State University Spirit Squad Advisor. "DownEast is a great brand renowned for its fashionable yet modest, affordable apparel. We're thrilled to have them on board."

"The Aggiettes and USU Cheer Squad are celebrated for their enthusiastic spirit and talent, and they're vital to generating support for the university's sports teams," said Rich Israelsen, Chief Operating Officer for DownEast. "We're proud to be their exclusive fashion sponsor and look forward to seeing them modeling our great DownEast Basics styles."

About DownEast Home & Clothing
DownEast Home & Clothing, a leader in stylish and affordable apparel, home furnishings and accessories, believes that shopping should be a fun, guilt-free experience. Founded in 1991 and still family-owned women's coats and operated, DownEast continues its goal of bringing customers the very best merchandise including modest clothing – from national brands to its own DownEast Basics apparel – at the very best prices.

The DownEast Basics clothing line features smart layering pieces and wardrobe enhancing garments so you can embrace the American classic look with your own sense of style.

Shop for cute tops, modest dresses and accessories for women and girls at DowneastBasics.com.

The fast-growing retailer operates nationally with its Basics line via its online store in addition to 39 locations throughout the West including Utah, California, Idaho, Arizona, Washington, Nevada and Wyoming.

###

Survey Shows Philadelphians Willing to Fight Like Rocky or Root for Eli Manning Before Giving Up Their Cup of Coffee

A survey conducted on behalf of Green Mountain Coffee? shows what many of us would already suspect: Philadelphia is a coffee-crazed town. In fact, according to Green Mountain Coffee's Fair Trade-Out Survey, more than 1 in 3 Philadelphians confess that they need coffee every day, and on average drink more than 2.6 cups of coffee per day. Almost 1 in 4 (26%) drinks four or more cups daily.

But even with all the coffee drinking in Philly it seems very few in the city know much about the coffee in their cup, including how to make it, where it comes from, and perhaps most importantly, how their choice of coffee can make an impact on communities around the world. Conducted in celebration of Fair Trade Month in October, The Fair Trade-Out Survey explores Philadelphia's relationship with coffee and aims to educate coffee drinkers on the benefits of trading out their coffee for Fair Trade Certified? varieties. Fair Trade provides a fair, minimum price to coffee farmers for their beans, resulting in higher quality coffee, and a higher quality of life in coffee-farming communities.

What would Philadelphians Trade Out for Their Coffee?

When faced with the choice of losing their daily cup of coffee, Philadelphia-area coffee drinkers would trade out most anything to keep it, including their car (21%), mobile phone (46%), and their pet (34%). What else would Philadelphians trade out to keep their coffee?

  •     Almost as many Philadelphians would opt to wear an Eli Manning jersey to an Eagles home game (38%) as would go to the Mummer's Day Parade in shorts and a tee (37%).
  •     Start blasting "Eye of the Tiger" because 27% of Philadelphia-area residents would "absolutely" sprint up the Philadelphia Art Museum steps like Rocky.
  •     And talk about patriotism, 45% of Philadelphians would dress up in period clothing and ring the Liberty Bell every hour for one day before giving up their coffee.
  •     Overall, Philadelphia-based men would go to greater lengths to keep their coffee:
  •     So much for man's best friend! Nearly twice as many men (37%) as women (21%) would trade out their pet before giving up their coffee.
  •     Baby, You Can Drive My Car: More men (38%) than women (21%) would trade out their car to keep their coffee.
  •     What would women do?: The one thing women would do more than men when it comes to keeping their coffee is volunteer at a non-profit for a month, with almost 4 of 5 women (79%) willing to volunteer vs. 62% of men.

Free Green Mountain Coffee for Philadelphians for Fair Trade Month in October

The Fair Trade-Out Survey is part of a campaign to encourage Philadelphia-area residents to trade out their usual cup of coffee for Green Mountain Coffee's Fair Trade Certified blends.

"The Fair Trade-Out Survey is a fun way to remind people that coffee is more than just a part of a daily routine," said Sandy Yusen, Director of Public Relations, GMCR Specialty Coffee Business Unit. "The choices we make about what's in our cup have the power to improve the lives of coffee farmers and their families all over the world."

Green Mountain Coffee's guerilla sampling teams will be distributing free Fair Trade coffee samples throughout the city October 19th and 20th. Coffee lovers can also get a free sample of Green Mountain Coffee while samples last by visiting http://www.facebook.com/greenmountaincoffee. Visitors to the page can RSVP for a live, guided online tasting taking place on October 26, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. ET.

The Fair Trade-Out Survey underscores the opportunity to promote better understanding of the benefits of Fair Trade. Currently, about only 1 in 7 (15%) Philadelphians regularly buy Fair Trade Certified products – that's less than one-third of those who regularly buy local products (46%). The survey suggests that this may be due to lack of education on what Fair Trade means:

  •     More than 3 in 4 (76%) Philadelphians stated that they did not fully understand what Fair Trade means, and almost 2 in 5 (38%) admitted they had no idea. Even when given options, less than half (43%) could identify the definition of Fair Trade.
  •     However, after reading an explanation on the meaning of Fair Trade, 71% of Philadelphians were likely to purchase Fair Trade Certified products in the future.
  •     When it comes to paying a premium for Fair Trade products, 1 in 4 of those surveyed agreed that they would be willing to pay 5% to 10% more.

Philadelphia's Coffee Culture

  •     There's no such thing as an occasional coffee drinker: 75% of Philadelphia-area respondents drink coffee every day. Only 8% drink coffee less than 5 days per week.
  •     And when Philadelphians indulge, they really indulge: only about 1 in 5 respondents (22%) stop at one cup of coffee per day. In fact, 23% of Philadelphians drink four or more cups daily!
  •     Make mine black: 27% of respondents nationally take their coffee black, while only 19% of Philadelphians enjoy the brew in its purest form.
  •     Half and half is the most popular coffee lightener: 21% of respondents prefer half and half over flavored creamer (11%), whole milk (10%), and cream.
  •     Most popular place to drink coffee? An overwhelming 78% drink coffee at home, followed by the office at 13%.
  •     Philadelphians are sweet: Almost 7 in 10 (69%) men and women (68%) go for the sweet stuff.

Green Mountain Coffee is part of the Specialty Coffee Business Unit of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. (NASDAQ: GMCR), and is a leader in Fair Trade coffee.

About The Survey
The national and regional survey was developed by Green Mountain Coffee and conducted by Toluna in Wilton, CT. Toluna surveyed by email 250 adults. Interviews were weighted by variables including age, sex and geographic region to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the total adult population. Interviews were conducted on Sept. 30 – Oct. 8, 2010.

About Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. (NASDAQ: GMCR)
As a leader in the specialty coffee industry, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. is recognized for its award-winning coffees, innovative brewing technology, and socially responsible business practices. GMCR's operations are managed through two business units. The Specialty Coffee business unit produces coffee, tea and hot cocoa from its family of brands, including Tully's Coffee?, Green Mountain Coffee?, Newman's Own? Organics coffee, Timothy's World Coffee? and Diedrich?, Coffee People? and Gloria Jeans?, a trademark licensed to the Company for use in North America and owned by Gloria Jeans Coffees International Pty. Ltd. The Keurig business unit is a pioneer and leading manufacturer of gourmet single-cup brewing systems. K-Cup? portion packs for Keurig? Single-Cup Brewers are produced by a variety of roasters, including Green Mountain Coffee, Tully's, Timothy's and Diedrich. GMCR supports local and global communities by offsetting 100% of its direct greenhouse gas emissions, investing in Fair Trade Certified? coffee, and donating at least five percent of its pre-tax profits to social and environmental projects. Visit http://www.gmcr.com for more information.

GM women's jackets CR routinely posts information that may be of importance to investors in the Investor Services section of its web site, including news releases and its complete financial statements, as filed with the SEC. The Company encourages investors to consult this section of its web site regularly for important information and news. Additionally, by subscribing to the Company's email alerts, individuals can receive news directly from GMCR as it is released.

###

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Project 2011 Fashion Extravaganza, 100 Models will be Chosen at the Dec 11, 2010 Kick-off and Model Casting Event

Forget the runway show and the catwalk. Say goodbye to fashion shows in which clothing is presented completely out of the context in which it was meant to be worn. Fashion Designer Bijou Champagne has a new vision, and he has created Project 2011 a two-week-long Beauty and Fashion Extravaganza to bring it to fruition.

"When a designer creates a garment," explains Bijou, "it is meant to evoke a particular emotion in the wearer and the onlooker. Our vision is to showcase fashion in a setting that reflects this. How and where should the clothing be worn? How should it affect the community? How will a woman feel when she puts that item on? Project 2011 event will present fashions in context, in scenes meant to portray the emotion and relevance of the designs."

Imagine, for example, a stage set with a detailed summer party scene, complete with swimming pool, barbecue and patio furniture. Models enter in swim suits and summer clothing, interacting with each other as though they're enjoying a social event. Later in the day new props are brought out, and the scene turns into a cruise ship deck, where formally attired models are arriving for a dinner dance.

Various techniques will be used to add to the realism of the scenes, such as wind blowing, water falls, clouds, bright day, dark skies and more. Creative sound effects will be designed for each scene, to further enhance the visual impact and atmosphere created. All sound used during the show will be performed live (no DJs).

Project 2011 Beauty and Fashion Extravaganza is expected to attract major players in the beauty, fashion and entertainment industries, as well as members of the general public. Each day of the December 2011 event will feature different, elaborately created theatrical scenes. Over the course of the two-week Extravaganza, the works of fifty different fashion designers will be showcased. This ambitious event is structured to stimulate the garment business and lead the way to a new era in fashion display.

Leading up to the December 2011 Fashion Extravaganza will be monthly events designed to stimulate the garment industry, held at major venues throughout the country. An extensive marketing campaign will advertise the event; sponsorships are available. The entire Project will be officially launched: December 11, 2011 at 6pm

venue: High Profile Productions 5896 Smiley Drive, Culver City, CA 90232.

women's coats

For more information about Project 2011, including details about sponsorship opportunities and event booths, visit http://www.Project2011.com or call 310-943-6433.

###

Debenhams Reports 'Granny Chic' Creating Sales Storm

Debenhams, a leading department store, has reported that, even though they are often the last people to be associated with the phrase "fashion icon", frumpy and practically dressed Grannies across the nation are now inspiring the season's latest dress code on British streets.

The fashion set saw granny style cardigans (http://www.debenhams.com/women/knitwear ), twee women's coats online d mid-length skirts and flesh coloured tights (http://www.debenhams.com/lingerie/socks-tights ) walk down the catwalks of Paris, New York, London and Milan and the trends have now filtered down to the high street.

The look has been embraced by fashion icons and 'now' girls Alexa Cheung, Agyness Deyn and the Geldof girls.

Demand for 'Nan favourites such as round-neck blouses (+34%), mid-length skirts (http://www.debenhams.com/women/skirts ) (+96%), tweed skirts (+110%), brogues (+35%), low-heeled shoes (+62%) and even flesh coloured womens tights (http://www.debenhams.com/lingerie/socks-tights ) (+20%) - albeit with a designer twist - have soared in Debenhams stores.?

Debenhams Director of Design, Karen Peacock said: "Some may say that this trend is more Miss Marple than Marni but its popularity continues to increase.?

"Once reserved for bingo halls and bridge classes, 'granny chic' is more likely to be seen on trendy streets in Shoreditch, Manchester, Glasgow, Belfast, Dublin and Brighton.

"So strong is the trend that there has even been a wave of girls dying their hair grey."

Karen continued: "This is progression from the popularity of vintage clothing we have seen in recent years but now, instead of buying old clothes, the cool kids are imitating old women."

Designers who led the trend at the Autumn Winter catwalks shows included big hitters such as Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton.

About Debenhams:
Debenhams is a leading department stores group with a strong presence in key product categories including womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, home and health and beauty.

Debenhams is the second largest department store chain in the UK and operates 167 stores in the UK, Republic of Ireland and Denmark, comprising 154 full departments stores and 13 Desire by Debenhams stores, which is a small store concept featuring an edited product range. Debenhams also has 60 international franchise stores in 23 countries. Debenhams' online store is available at http://www.debenhams.com.

Designers at Debenhams include Ted Baker, Jeff Banks, Jasper Conran, Erickson Beamon, FrostFrench, Henry Holland, Betty Jackson, Ben de Lisi, Julien Macdonald, Melissa Odabash, Jane Packer, Pearce Fionda, Janet Reger, John Rocha, Lisa Stickley, Eric Van Peterson and Matthew Williamson.

PR Contact:??
Ruth Attridge
PR Manager - Menswear,?Beauty, International & Retail Services
Debenhams?
33 Wigmore Street
London
W1U 1QX
0207 529 0172
http://www.debenhams.com

###

Friday, December 14, 2012

Leading Online Shopping Mall MyReviewsNow.net Welcomes Bloomingdales to Virtual Mall

People who appreciate the exclusive merchandise, cutting edge fashion, and customized service that Bloomingdale's is famous for, can now shop through online mega mall MyReviewsNow.net to access the elite department store.

Since the 1800's Bloomingdale's has been the place people shop when they want to have an upscale shopping experience. From silverware and china to men's and women's clothing, the fine department store offers a broad inventory for all shoppers to browse from.

"We are very happy that Bloomingdale's has joined us", commented Lina Andrade from MyReviewsNow.net. "This department store has always been in a league of its own. Although the merchandise is clearly exclusive and can often be classified as luxury, the free shipping and extensive holiday sale they are running right now makes the store accessible to everyone!"

People ready to take advantage of the free shipping offer on any order from Bloomingdale's are able to do so when they head over to MyReviewsNow.net's Online Department Stores Portal. There they will also be able to shop online for holiday gifts and look for gift ideas among the many available services and products. In addition, shoppers can read the daily updated shopping blog, read through the hundreds of reviews left by other shoppers and submit their own service experiences.

For more information or media inquiries, contact Lina Andrade at info(at)myreviewsnow(dot)net. Press release issued by SEOChampion.com.

About MyReviewsNow.net Shopping Mall

An Internet superstore of clothing, home goods, holiday gifts and thousands of other services, products and publications availabl Tips: Find Street Fashion Online(may be you can find what you want on the oasap.com) e online, MyReviewsNow.net is a business directory that sets itself apart from similar sites by offering both professional reviews and consumer reviews on the Internet's hottest offerings in a fun, simple format that is easy for visitors to shop online and enjoy. Plus, MyReviewsNow.net is 100% free, open 24/7, and the best way avoid crowded malls and parking lots.

About SEO Champion

SEO Champion was started in 1999 and is owner operated by Michael Rotkin, SEO Specialist for over 17 years. Michael Rotkin's goal for his clients is to "own" keyword placements for the top 3 slots organically, so that his clients can earn a higher return on investment from their advertising dollars. Rotkin realizes the value of SEO over Pay-Per-Click campaigns, where click-throughs are generally more expensive and harder to convert into sales. SEOChampion's intense work ethic can be seen in daily and weekly reports that show progress through organic keyword gain. This effort is the reason his SEO firm has been able to build a loyal client base for many years. Learn more at SEO Champion

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Maternity Clothes Store Receives Top 5-Star Rating From TopConsumerReviews.com

TopConsumerReviews.com recently awarded their highest five-star rating to Destination Maternity, an online industry leader in maternity clothes.

Shopping for maternity clothes can be a very disappointing and frustrating experience. Most large chain stores provide a very limited selection of maternity clothes. When a woman's body grows during pregnancy, they deserve to look their best and feel comfortable. In recent years, online internet shopping has become an excellent way to resolve the exasperating search for maternity clothes. In fact, many women that have turned to online maternity stores have found an abundance of attractive clothes that allow them to feel beautiful and maintain their dignity without spending a fortune.

"You can't beat Destination Maternity for selection, prices, and customer service," explained Brian Dolezal, of TopConsumerReviews.com, LLC. "In addition to a well organized and professional website, Destination Maternity supports a number of consumer-friendly features. For example, Destination Maternity offers an easy-to-read size chart to make sure you get the right fit the first time, low cost shipping, an excellent customer service team, and expert advice on pregnancy in general, Also, if you're not satisfied with your purchase, they offer returns within 45 days of purchase. Destination Maternity has earned our highest rating."

To find out more about the Destination Maternity on-line maternity clothes, including reviews and comparison rankings, please visit the Maternity Clothes category of TopConsumerReviews.com at http://www.topconsumerreviews.com/maternity-clothes.

About Destination Maternity
Rebecca Matthias started Destination Maternity Corporation from scratch out of her home with a little money and a lot of determination and drive. Now Rebecca is the president and founder of a multi-million dollar, publicly traded company. Founded in 1982 as a catalog business, Destination Maternity Corporation has grown to become the world's largest maternity apparel retailer with more than 1,000 locations. Since the time of its initial public offering in March 1993, Destination Maternity Corporation has grown as a result of the addition of new stores, the acquisition of existing maternity stores, new brands, increased sales volume and most importantly, a great group of team members!

About TopConsumerReviews.com
TopConsumerReviews.com, LLC is a leading provider of independent reviews and rankings of hundreds of consume Tips: Find Street Fashion Online(may be you can find what you want on the oasap.com) r products and services. From debt relief and payday loans, to hgh and menopause, TopConsumerReviews.com delivers in-depth product evaluations in order to make purchasing decisions easier.

# # #

Top Women’s Clothing Designer Chooses Computer Generated Solutions’ BlueCherry PLM to Integrate Creative, Production Teams

Computer Generated Solutions (CGS), a leading global provider of technology solutions, announced today that Velvet by Graham and Spencer has chosen the BlueCherry PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) software solution to help manage its creative and production teams.

Velvet by Graham and Spencer, a contemporary clothing manufacturer based in Culver City, California, has been in need of a PLM system in order to better monitor the design process and to integrate it into the BlueCherry system. With a wide collection of PLM solutions on the market, Velvet by Graham and Spencer had other options but chose to go with CGS's BlueCherry PLM based on a core set of factors.

"After a review of products in the marketplace, BlueCherry PLM was an easy decision due to its functionality, ease of use and expanded capabilities with ERP integration," said Henry Hirschowitz, President of Velvet. "As a result of the implementation, we expect to see improved productivity and increased visibility which will allow for better communication and decision making."

As a longstanding BlueCherry customer, Velvet by Graham and Spencer continues to develop its alliance with CGS and the selection of BlueCherry PLM further demonstrates this commitment.

"We at CGS are delighted to have the opportunity to expand our partnership with Velvet by Graham and Spencer," said Paul Magel, President of the Application Solutions Group at CGS. "With its selection of BlueCherry PLM, Velvet by Graham and Spencer will now be able to decrease lead times, improve internal and supplier collaboration, increase process visibility, and achieve many other strategic business enhancements that were previously unfeasible."

BlueCherry PLM helps companies manage design images, product and raw materials development, purchasing and sample approval, and end-to-end workflow tracking.

About Velvet

Velvet by Graham and Spencer designers, Jenny Graham and Toni Spencer expertly fuse soft sumptuous fabrics with modern feminine fit resulting in a timeless contemporary collection that women covet each season. From your treasured weekend tee to your cozy cashmere cover up, Velvet is a chic stable for everyday life. The brand is sold in upscale department stores and boutiques across the U.S. and worldwide. For more information, please visit http://www.velvet-tees.com.

About CGS

For more than twenty-eight years, CGS has enabled global enterprises, regional companies and government agencies to drive breakthrough performance through technology. Headquartered in New York City, CGS employs over 4,500 professionals in 20 offices in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia. With global delivery capabilities, expertise across leading platforms and deep experience in multiple industries, CGS has become the IT partner of choice for thousands of organizations worldwide. CGS delivers a wide array of proprietary and third-party business applications, technology, business services and business process outsourcing solutions, including customer Tips: Find Street Fashion Online(may be you can find what you want on the oasap.com) care, technical support and corporate learning & training. For more information please visit http://www.cgsinc.com
About BlueCherry

A fully integrated enterprise solution with the power to manage the entire concept-to-consumer product lifecycle, BlueCherry enables Soft Goods companies to streamline processes, gain visibility, reduce costs, increase productivity, and enhance competitiveness. Comprehensive BlueCherry capabilities include Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Supply Chain Management (SCM), Shop Floor Control (SFC), Warehouse Management (WMS), E-Commerce, Salesforce Automation (SFA), Business Intelligence (BI), Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and more.

Long considered the most functionally-complete ERP in the soft goods industry, the BlueCherry enterprise solution leverages the latest Microsoft? .NET, SQL Server? and Silverlight? technologies to deliver a superior user experience and the lowest total cost of ownership for CGS clients. Learn more at http://www.bluecherry.com.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Chico's and Soma Intimates Opening New Stores at Vero Beach Fashion Outlets

Vero Beach Fashion Outlets is pleased to announce the grand openings in April of two well known new stores: Chico's and Soma Intimates. Chico's is opening on April 11 and Soma will welcome shoppers beginning on April 13. Chico's is a specialty retailer of sophisticated, casual-to-dressy clothing, intimates, complementary accessories, and other non-clothing gift items. Soma Intimates offers luxurious and sensual lingerie, loungewear and beauty items. "Vero Beach Fashion Outlets is thrilled to be the home of the only Chico's and Soma Intimates outlet stores on the Treasure Coast," says Lisa Wagner, a spokesperson for Vero Beach Fashion Outlets.

To celebrate the grand opening, Soma Intimates at Vero Fashion Outlets will offer Buy One Get One 50% off your lowest priced item when you purchase 2 or more items of equal or higher value. The offer is valid 4/13-5/11/2011. At Chico's, customers will receive a free tote with a $100 purchase during the grand opening celebration, while supplies last. Full details are available at the stores.

For over 25 years, Chico's has helped millions of women look as great as they feel. Chico's Additions and Easywear collections, chic prints, artisan jackets and unique accessories have built quite a following and its combination of great style, one-of-a-kind details, and warm, personal service has captured the hearts of women nationwid fashion coats e.

Each and every intimate and apparel item that Soma creates is distinguished by the "Soma Kiss" and the "Soma Touch" – thoughtful design details, a supremely soft feel and a superior fit that's stylish, comfortable and gorgeous. Soma offers warm, personal service and each associate is highly-trained to provide individual fittings and recommendations on what works best for each body type.

Some highlights of the Soma Intimates boutique include:

  •     Fit for Every Body – With more than 50 bra styles ranging in sizes from 32A – 42DDD, Soma Intimates offers a wide variety of fits and styles.
  •     The Original Vanishing Edge? Panty and Shapewear Collection – A collection with a revolutionary design that makes panty lines vanish and prevents undergarments from riding up or shifting. More than 3 million Vanishing Edge panties have been sold nationwide to date!
  •     Vanishing Back Bras? – Now you see it, now they don't! These bras feature a unique design with a powerful, seamless back that eliminates lumps and bumps and gives a completely smooth silhouette. The Vanishing Back collection offers two bra styles – a front-close and a back-close – with a variety of gorgeous fashion colors and prints.
  •     Oh My Gorgeous Sleepwear – Soma Intimates also specializes in luxurious sleepwear including Soma's exclusive "Cool Nights Collection", a naturally soft, moisture-absorbent rayon derived from bamboo that keeps women cool and supremely comfortable while they sleep.
  •     Oh My Gorgeous Fine Fragrance Collection?– The latest from Soma Intimates, "Oh My Gorgeous" is a collection of fine fragrances, body lotions, soufflés, and more. Featuring three distinct scents – vibrant, embraceable, and passionate – this collection allows women to wardrobe their fragrances just as they would create a lingerie wardrobe.

Soma believes strongly in giving back to the community. It's semi-annual bra drive supports local women's shelters across the county and to date, Soma has collected over 60,000 bras to help women in need.

Founded on Sanibel Island, FL, Chico's currently operates 599 frontline boutiques and 44 outlets in 48 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Chico's sister company, Soma Intimates, currently operates more than 120 boutiques nationwide and Soma.com. To schedule an interview with Soma's Fit Stylist, Jessica Wells, or for more information about Soma, images or samples, please contact Dayna Isom at dayna.isom(at)soma(dot)com or (212) 524-6349. The new Soma store can be reached directly at (772) 563-0987. The direct line for the new Chico's store is (772) 569-3165.

The new Chico's and Soma stores are joining over 40 other stores in Vero Beach Fashion Outlets, which is conveniently located on Route 60, West of I-95 at Exit 147 in Vero Beach. Stores are open 9 A.M. - 8 P.M. from Monday-Saturday and 11 A.M. - 6 P.M. on Sunday.

For more information about Vero Beach Fashion Outlets, including directions and a complete list of stores, visit http://www.verobeachoutlets.com.

###

Friday, December 7, 2012

New Website -- CarlasAmazingDiscounts.com Great Products, Amazing Discount Available Today at CarlasAmazingDiscounts.com Online Superstore.

For brand new electronics women's jackets , books, music, movies, jewelery, magazines, cameras, tools, office materials and more, visit http://www.CarlasAmazingDiscounts.com now.

Thousand of deals on thousands of products hidden all over the Web are uncovered. The biggest discounts on the best beauty products from Neutrogena, OPI. Paris Hilton, Sarah Jessica Parker, Versace and Victoria Secret are available everyday. Find men's and women's clothing from Levi's , Nike and many more .The online discount superstore should be a first stop for brand name items at the lowest price. Bookmark it on your internet browser today.

Or set http://www.CarlasAmazingDiscounts.com as an Internet homepage.

###

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Oh So Celeb Announces Beach Bunny Swimwear Now Available

Oh So Celeb, a website that carries some of today's hottest women's fashion online, is proud to announce that they will now carry Beach Bunny Swimwear. Beach Bunny Swimwear is a popular brand of swimwear and other apparel that can be seen on many different celebrities this summer.

Beach Bunny Swimwear features a line designed by reality stars and sisters Kourtney, Khloe, and Kim Kardashian. The Kardashian sisters are the stars of shows such as Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Khloe and Kourtney Take Miami, and Khloe and Lamar. The line of swimwear designed by the Kardashian sisters is called Kardashians for Beach Bunny.

Oh So Celeb is excited to carry the Kardashians for Beach Bunny line of swimwear exclusively. They believe the line fits perfectly with their image and will appeal greatly to their target clientele. Oh So Celeb also carries many other popular brands and is a great place to buy celebrity clothing, such as womens dresses, jeans, tops and accessories.

About Oh So Celeb:
Oh So Celeb makes it easy and accessible to get the latest dirt on who and what is hot right now within the Hollywood fashion scene, straight from the sets of TV shows & movies to shopping on Robertson Blvd in Hollywood. Oh So Celeb provides the most up to date resource to buy celebrity fashion, clothes and accessories. The eCommerce website creates the most detailed, stylish, exciting and up to date womens fashion online.

Oh So Celeb is the destination for the hottest clothes and products as seen on favorite television shows, movies and celebrities. Oh So Celeb is women's coats a survival guide for all things celebrity fashion and style. Visit their website at http://www.ohsoceleb.com.

Original content created by Madwire Media http://www.madwirewebdesign.com

###

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Starblu Re-launches Their Luxury Swimwear, Beachwear & Resort Wear Line

The summer may have ended and school is back in session, but perhaps now is the best time to take a holiday somewhere warm. With Starblu re-launching their website, which is filled with luxury swimwear and resort wear, why not take advantage of the offers on the site? From Kaftans to cool cotton tunics, silk cover ups and lightweight beachwear, view a range of men's and women's swimwear perfect for those autumn trips to luxury resorts such as those in the Caribbean and Mediterranean.

Amongst the new products in the site's re-launch, there are over 20 exclusive pairs of men's swim shorts that feature top quality quick dry cotton fabric, along with kids beachwear garments that are flexible enough for children to wear off the beach. This includes items from the new honeymoon boutique collection or the Monaco sun dress for women, which looks good whether you're at the beach or going for a quick trip shopping away from the beach.

Starblu is available in several markets around the world, and its products are available in some of the top resorts all around the world, including five star resorts and hotels. In addition to their commitment to creating fantastic clothing, the company also shares a strong environmental belief. So each purchase comes with a reusable beach bag and they also donate a percentage of all sales to charities that protect endangered turtles. The site runs a range of fashion jackets online sale offers, including the current discount on all ladies swimwear which means you can get up to 50% off in the September sales, while stocks last.

Find out more about the Starblu range of designer swimwear for men and women, along with other products and accessories Starblu has on sale. These sale items include various types of jewellery, hats, sandals and more. To ensure you get the latest news about products and sales, you can visit our blog that features the latest updates from our team online at http://www.starblu.com.

###

Vintage Clothing Site Wishes Everyone a Very ‘Ugly’ Christmas

Rusty Zipper, the world's first virtual vintage clothing store, is celebrating their website's 16th anniversary this holiday season, and they're giving shoppers an early Christmas present. Be the envy at every holiday party and outdo all others this year with their latest collection of festive, overdone Christmas Sweaters only found at http://www.RustyZipper.com.

"The sweaters look like the holidays just threw up women's jackets on your chest. Add to that a little flirty kitten, reindeer or teddy bear fun, and that pretty much sums up these fantastic vintage Ugly Christmas sweaters," said founder Jennifer Chadwick.

The Ugly Christmas Sweater Party phenomenon began a few years ago as a college campus trend. Outfits were put together from thrift stores and parent's closets to win the coveted best garishly dressed award.

"A few years ago we would have sold a few dozen Christmas sweaters during the holiday season. Last year however, we sold out selling well over 3,000," said Jennifer Chadwick.

Nothing says holiday spirit like a little family and friend rivalry, and with a selection of over 5,000 (and more added daily) Ugly Christmas sweaters, everyone in the family can join the fun. Each sweater, sweater vest and sweatshirt features festive colors, nauseatingly cute animal themes, or holiday staples like Santa and Rudolph – all easily searchable on the site.

Throughout November and right up to Christmas, Rusty Zipper's team of 10 are devoting days, nights and weekends to sorting, laundering and photographing the whole Christmas sweater collection with accompanying detailed descriptions for each garment on the website for shoppers to read. The crew will also be working hard to brighten holiday spirits, literally, by adding twinkling, blinking LED lights to several hundred sweaters.

For more information and to shop online, visit http://www.rustyzipper.com/uglychristmassweaters/.

About Rusty Zipper
RustyZipper.com started off as a hobby business and became the web's first virtual vintage clothing store. Since its launch in November 1995, they have been doing what their team of 10 loves – amassing the web's largest collection of vintage clothing and Ugly Christmas Sweaters. For 16 years the company has been growing and expanding its one-of-a-kind clothing collection of items from the 1940s through the 1980s. Over 29,000 unique items for men, women and children, spanning across a 7,000 sq. feet warehouse are available online to view and order.

Contact:
Jennifer Chadwick
jen(at)rustyzipper(dot)com

# # #

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Online Retailers Aggressively Slashing Prices to Attract Last Minute Holiday Shoppers

New research conducted by ZingSale.com has found that online retailers are aggressively slashing prices in many popular product categories*. With average mark-downs of over 42%, consumers are now finding even better deals than were available on Black Friday – which has historically been considered the best day to shop for Christmas.

"We found that on Black Friday consumers were able to save about 34% on their purchases," says Chris Garlotta, co-founder of ZingSale.com, an online price tracking web site, "But now online retailers are offering even bigger discounts -- with average markdowns of over 42%."

In the final 2 weeks before Christmas some of the most deeply discounted products are:

  •     34% off HDTVs
  •     46% off Video Games
  •     43% off Furniture & Home Décor
  •     41% off GPS Systems
  •     31% off Digital Cameras
  •     45% off Perfume & Cologne
  •     23% off Tablet Computers
  •     40% off MP3 Players
  •     52% off Winter Clothing & Accessories
  •     31% off Blu-Ray Players
  •     41% off Watches
  •     39% off Sunglasses

ZingSale is a free online price tracking web site that alerts shoppers to online fashion jackets sales. Consumers can visit ZingSale.com where they can create a "wish list" of all of the items they want to buy and ZingSale will automatically send them an email alert when the price of any of those items drops. It's free, and takes just 10 seconds to get started.

Some recent deals ZingSale has found for holiday shoppers are**:

  • 70% off PanDigital 7-Inch Tablet Computer (Sale Price: $89.00)
  • 38% off LG 42-Inch 1080p HDTV (Sale Price: $499.99)
  • 81% off Syma Remote Controlled Helicopter (Sale Price: $24.95)
  • 40% off The Help on DVD (Sale Price: $17.99)
  • 34% off XBOX 360 Kinect Sensor with 3 Free Games (Sale Price: $99.00)
  • 35% off Garmin nüvi Portable GPS Navigator with Lifetime Map & Traffic Updates (Sale Price: $149.99)
  • 32% off Women's Isotoner Gloves (Sale Price: $22.97)
  • 50% off Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson - Hardcover Edition (Sale Price: $17.49)
  • 35% off Canon PowerShot ELPH 12.1 MP Digital Camera (Sale Price: $149.00)
  • 70% off Angry Birds Plush Stuffed Bird with Sound (Sale Price: $4.99)
  • 66% off Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 on DVD (Sale Price: $9.99)
  • 44% off Cuisinart SmartStick Immersion Hand Blender (Sale Price: $30.95)
  • 50% off Logitech HD Webcam (Sale Price: $24.99)
  • 57% off Samsung WEP460 Bluetooth Headset (Sale Price: $17.25)
  • 50% off LeapFrog Leapster 2 Learning Game System (Sale Price: $34.99)

ZingSale also helps shoppers be more informed by providing a detailed price history chart for many items, which shows how the prices have changed each day. By using a free service like ZingSale to check an items' price history before buying, online shoppers are able to see if the sale they are being offered is truly a good deal or not.

About ZingSale
Launched in 2008, ZingSale is a free online price tracking web site that monitors the price of over 350,000 products in hundreds of shopping categories like Electronics, Clothing, Children's Toys, Video Games, and even Groceries.

To get started, simply go to ZingSale.com, create a list of the products you are interested in buying, and within minutes, ZingSale begins tracking the price of those products from online merchants. As soon as a sale is found, you will automatically receive an email alerting you to the price drop. To make life even easier, the email alert also contains a link to the store where you can purchase the item at the sale price. No need to go to the store or hunt down coupon codes. It's an easy way to save time, while still making sure you're getting the best deals when shopping online -- especially this holiday season.

http://zingsale.com

  • The research was conducted in December 2011 by ZingSale. Average savings calculations were derived by evaluating the price changes of over 7,000 products by hundreds of merchants selling through Amazon.com.

** Prices for these products were found on December 13, 2011 at 6:00PM Pacific. The prices may have changed since then. Please visit ZingSale for the latest pricing information
Video courtesy of Digitwirl.

# # #

The Imperfect Messenger Foundation Supports Renovating the U.S. Senate 2012 & Went Looking For Signs of Citizen Patriots Willing to Take a Stand

During a recent visit with Tim Aalders, Curtis Greco discussed the Exploratory Committees' progress and the greater message of his political ambitions. Greco views Tim Aalders appeal as "being driven by a truly grass-roots organization that has grown weary of the detached and non-responsive routines of Utah's multi-term tenured Senator, Orrin Hatch. He is viewed as a practical extension of the excesses of government; inefficient, excessive, non-responsive and contributory negligent." The Committee was established by local attorney, Dwayne Vance, who stated that "We are responding to the call of our fellow citizens to reduce the size, scope and influence of the federal government."

Curtis Greco commented, "Tim Aalders own words echo with a timber that speaks not only of his own trials, he speaks for a growing body of his fellow citizens as well who share similar concerns. He is the bedrock of a stout spirit and the purest emblem that I know of for the iconic American Identity and precisely why we must continue to 'Hold these truths as self-evident'!" In Aalders own words he speaks the perfect message; "Every day millions of Americans wake up to an uncertain future; they go without food or clothing.... They're losing their jobs, businesses, homes and livelihood. Yet these stories go untold…you see, Washington and Wall Street do not adhere to the same rules that we do. Americans are listening to our message and waking up." Aalders is leveraging his influence both through his daily radio shows, Buy fashion coats Back America, national audience and his inspire project; Declaration of Restoration.

Following his return from Salt Lake City, Utah, Carmen Mete, The Imperfect Messenger Foundation lead researcher, caught up with Curtis Greco for his insights on what the future holds for Mr. Aalders and his message. Greco offered the following observation: "True, the State of Utah shares a 1/50th interest in the future of these United States yet in the domain of suffering and loss of Freedoms & Liberties long since thought to be sacred, the price of our tolerance for political failure is a distinctly individual burden and one of epidemic proportions and not simply confined to the Wasatch Range and high-desert plains of Utah. His is a message of America as it is today; a story of Tim Aalders, an every-man American. As he explores the feasibility of a U.S. Senate Campaign, I truly hope he takes the next step. The Nation needs to populate the entire Congress with men and women with this type of conviction. I share Mr. Aalders belief in the uncommon goodness of the common ideal particularly when expressed by an individual who represents the very reason why the cause of this Nation is worth perfecting. Mr. Aalders is the very image of an attribute which seems foreign to the practices of government at all levels: The attribute of character. If Aalders makes a formal run Senator Hatch could face a challenge his thirty-six years of cumulative influence may not be sufficient to overcome a substance-based challenge."

Greco continued, "You know Carmen, some will wonder, more will sit and lament in the company of common miseries; fortunately though there will be a few who will rise and lead those who labor in anonymity and though they may be of different minds they remain eager to insure their common ideal. This, my friend, is the very core of the American Identity. It remains a National cause worth perfecting."

The Imperfect Messenger Foundations fundamental cause revolves around a simple principal: "To compel the higher ideals of purpose and duty" by promoting a greater and more universal understanding of the Ideals expressed in this Nations own Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness." As Curtis Greco, Author & Founder, regularly states, "This simple phrase is a National Cause in search of a willing People who dare express a willing commitment to preserving a cause worth perfecting!"

Greco's articles can be seen with regularity in various publications however feel free to source and view each of his commentaries online at The Imperfect Messenger Foundations website.

The Blind-Vision Series: We Hold These Truths, Value Given, Value Received and Valor in Prosperity 2nd Edition are Available Now online and through your local bookseller!

The Imperfect Messenger Foundation - Changing the conversation; One American at a time!

Follow On:

Facebook: The Imperfect Messenger Foundation
Twitter: imprfctmsngr

Media Scheduling:
Call/Text: (707) 484-1804
Email: celias(at)theimperfectmessenger(dot)com

"Who Is" The Imperfect Messenger Foundation?

Curtis C. Greco, Author & Founder of The Imperfect Messenger Foundation is a provocative and engaging speaker and writer covering a variety of topics including "kinetic behavioral dynamics" and socio-political, economic and corporal philosophies. Combining his commitment to life-long study, his formal education, 13 years in public accounting and 20 years in real estate portfolio management, development, financial and economic analysis; he brings a broad and seasoned knowledge base in dynamic and captivating form.

"Man must be Free for Independence to be at Liberty to be expressed!" C. Greco

# # #

Summerfest, Tap Milwaukee and Boston Store's Mambo Brand Announce National Talent Search “Land the Big Gig”

Summerfest has teamed up with Tap Milwaukee and Boston Store's exclusive surf and streetwear apparel brand Mambo, to search for the next great musical talent. Aspiring musicians and acts nationwide are challenged to enter the "Land the Big Gig" music talent search now through Sunday, April 22 by submitting a performance video of original material online at http://www.LandTheBigGig.com.

"The winner of this contest is going to have the career opportunity of a lifetime," said David Wise, Marketing Director for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "At stake is a chance to perform at Summerfest in front of thousands of fans and to win a share of $45,000 in cash prizes."

Starting today, artists 18 years and older are encouraged to upload a performance video of original material online at http://www.LandTheBigGig.com through the end of the entry phase of the competition, Sunday, April 22, 2012. Complete rules and information can be found on the contest website.

Public voting commences on Wednesday, April 25. Music fans will have the chance to vote for their favorite entries on http://www.LandTheBigGig.com and be entered in the consumer sweepstakes. One lucky voter will win a brand new 2012 Hyundai Veloster valued at more than $17,000 from Boucher Automotive with a trip for two to Milwaukee's Summerfest that includes round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, tickets and VIP Deck passes to Summerfest 2012.

The top 45 vote-getters will be announced mid-May. A second round of voting will then begin to narrow the field of 45 Semi-Finalists to the Top 3 Finalists with those three performers/musical acts winning a trip to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to perform live on stage at Summerfest on Wednesday, July 4 in front of fans and a panel of celebrity judges. The judges will score the performances and select one winning act who will be awarded the top prize of $25,000. The second and third place finishers will win $12,500 and $7,500 respectively.

"'Land the Big Gig' is a great way for talented musicians from around the country and music fans to celebrate the 45th Anniversary of Summerfest and win great prizes at the same time," said John Boler, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Summerfest. "Performing at Summerfest is an incredible opportunity for bands of all styles and genres. We encourage all musicians with original material to enter 'Land the Big Gig' and invite music fans to vote online and cheer on their favorite performers at Summerfest on July 4."

Summerfest has rocked Milwaukee's lakefront for 45 years and wears the crown as the "World's Largest Music Festival". Featuring over 700 acts on 11 stages over 11 days, Summerfest shares unforgettable live music experiences with approximately 900,000 music fans from around the world every year.

"Boston Store and Mambo are excited to be part of this talent search. Mambo's casual, free-spirited surf and streetwear compliments the vibe of Milwaukee's lakefront Summerfest celebration" said Christine Hojnacki, Vice President, Special Promotions and Publicity at Boston Store.
Fans and performers are encouraged to stay connected to "Land the Big Gig" via LandTheBigGig.com, Summerfest, Tap Milwaukee and Boston Store for updates and info.

About Summerfest

Summerfest 2012 will take place June 27 – July 1 and July 3 – 8, from Noon until Midnight and will be closed Monday, July 2. In 2012, The "World's Largest Music Festival" and Milwaukee's cornerstone summer event will celebrate its 45th Anniversary. Since 1968, Summerfest has provided unforgettable live music experiences for fans from around the world. Summerfest attracts over 700 bands, including the music industry's hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites and hosts a diverse selection of food and beverage vendors, marketplaces and interactive exhibits set against the Lake Michigan and downtown backdrops, creating a festival experience like no other. Patrons can also enjoy Miller Lite, the Official Beer of Summerfest. For more details visit Summerfest.com, Facebook.com/summerfest or Twitter: @Summerfest.

About Tap Milwaukee
TapMilwaukee.com is Southeastern Wisconsin's essential guide to entertainment, providing everything you need to know about going out, staying informed and sharing that information with friends. Tap was created in 2011 to engage a growing market of readers who want local entertainment news at their fingertips. Our readers are passionate about things to do - from music to movies to dining and galleries – TapMilwaukee.com has it.

About Mambo
Mambo is an Australian company established in 1984 and is owned by The Nervous Investor Group, a collective of creative and surfing entrepreneurs. The brand is built on the pillars of surf, art, skate, music and humor. Mambo has hosted major international music festivals, surfing events and has had its unique art exhibited in museums around the world. Mambo develops young artistic talent, produces innovative products, artworks and quality clothing. In 2000, due to d women's coats emand from the athletes, Mambo designed the Australian team uniforms for the opening ceremony of the Sydney Olympic Games. There have been several books written on Mambo, as well as a lead business TIME magazine article, and just last year, esteemed UK publication, Cult Street Wear, listed Mambo as one of the world's most influential apparel brands of the past 30 years alongside Nike, Adidas and A Bathing Ape.

About The Boston Store
The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc., with corporate headquarters in York, Pennsylvania and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, operates 272 department stores, which include 11 furniture galleries, in 23 states in the Northeast, Midwest and upper Great Plains under the Bon-Ton, Bergner's, Boston Store, Carson's, Elder-Beerman, Herberger's and Younkers nameplates and, in the Detroit, Michigan area, under the Parisian nameplate. The stores offer a broad assortment of national and private brand fashion apparel and accessories for women, men and children, as well as cosmetics and home furnishings. The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. is an active and positive participant in the communities it serves. For further information, please visit the investor relations section of the Company's web site at http://investors.bonton.com. Facebook.com/bonton, Twitter: @thebonton

Sunday, December 2, 2012

SINGER22 Improves Automated Email Marketing Solution To Deliver Better Customer Experience

SINGER22 has added the latest automated email and marketing software designed by Data Subsystems, Inc. The new feature combines a number of Internet marketing needs, using Constant Contact developer API for a total notification solution. This launch gives SINGER22 the ability to automatically upload mailers, manage customer contact lists, and add website information to generate email notifications. The software option addresses the ongoing and previously labor intensive problem that every business faces, finding a speedy delivery method to get the word out for product and news to their customer base. New arrival information is distributed via email notifications and the VIP subscribers are assured of up-to-the-minute information regarding their favorite fashions and styles and immediate notification when something they were unable to purchase previously is back in stock.

"Thanks to email marketing automation, it takes less time for us to set up our campaigns and gives us more time to bring value to our customers. Our email list is called the VIP List, because that is how we feel about our loyal customers."

  • Jon Singer, CEO SINGER22.com

"We are glad that Constant Contact is a developer-friendly company. Integrating Constant Contact, using API, to our e-commerce product was a seamless experience."

  •     Alex Shortov, CEO, Data Subsystems, Inc.

SINGER22.com is a top website for everything fashion. Beyond cutting edge, SINGER22 is known as 'the' company offering not only the hottest trends, but also the edgy fashion info that its followers are looking for. SINGER22 is renowned for its innovative marketing approaches that go beyond the status quo and achieve a level of excellence for its customers. The fashion industry is in constant flux, changing minute-by-minute and SINGER22 keeps pace through with its focus on flexibility, the latest in technology and a consistent customer centric attitude.

About SINGER22:
SINGER22 is one of the fashion industry's leading retailers featuring the latest in both men's and women's contemporary clothing, shoes and accessories. Its success as a top Internet fashion destination is due to its innovative vision. The site carries hundreds of brands including Halston Heritage, Riviera Club, Winter Kate, Rogue, Alice & Olivia, Steven Alan, J Brand, LnA and many worn by today's celebrities. The customer base looks to SINGER22 to bring them the latest fashions of their favorite icons such as Beyonce, Zac Efron, Megan Fox, Brad Pitt, Nicole Richie, David Beckham, Vanessa Hudgens, Ryan Gosling, Ashley Tisdale, Paris Hilton, Jude Law, Kim Kardashian, and Angelina Jolie, fashion coats to name a few. Husband and wife team of Jon and Alicia Singer started SINGER22; they opened their first store in Great Neck, NY and soon after complemented their brick-and-mortar site with their online web presence of http://www.singer22.com. Within a year the second store opened in East Hills, NY and their success is certain to bring about more brick-and-mortar retail stores for the future.

For more information about SINGER22 visit: http://www.singer22.com

About Data Subsystems, Inc.
Data Subsystems, Inc. is a software and web development company based in Tampa, Florida. The company specializes in vast experience in search engine optimization and marketing. Data Subsystems has a proven record of successful marketing campaigns that reach the first page of Google for targeted keywords. Data Subsystems, Inc. has a team that works within the cutting edge topics of the internet. The combination of professional management, skilled developers and in-depth web and marketing knowledge gives the company the edge that elevates them above the rest.

For more information about Data Subsystems, Inc. visit: http://www.datasub.com

Direct Selling Association Announces 2012 ETHOS Award Winners

The Direct Selling Association (DSA), the association representing more than 200 leading firms that manufacture and distribute goods and services sold directly to consumers, announced today the sub-category award winners and finalists of its prestigious 2012 ETHOS Awards program.

ETHOS Awards are given annually to DSA member companies with programs that empower independent direct sellers and fuel business processes. This year's sub-category award winners and finalists are:

Marketing & Sales Campaigns

  •     Launches: Morinda Bioactives
  •     Promotions: Rodan + Fields Dermatologists
  •     Social Media/Online: Rodan + Fields Dermatologists

Product Innovation

  •     Clothing/Accessories: Paperly
  •     Education/Leisure/Other: Creative Memories
  •     Home Décor/Durables/Home Care: Paperly
  •     Personal Care: Rodan + Fields Dermatologists
  •     Wellness: XANGO

Salesforce Development

  •     Business Tools: Signature HomeStyles
  •     Business Training: Scentsy
  •     Incentive Programs: 21Ten
  •     Personal Development/Motivation: Initials, Inc.
  •     Recognition: 4Life Research

Technology Innovations

  •     Back Office/Business Support: 21Ten
  •     Customer/Sales Support: Team Beachbody
  •     Mobile Technology: Mary Kay Inc.

Vision for Tomorrow

  •     Philanthropy: The Pampered Chef
  •     Public Affairs: Mary Kay Inc.
  •     Public Awareness: Mary Kay Inc.

Rising Star finalists

  •     Simply Said
  •     Viridian Energy
  •     YOR Health

Sub-category winners will be recognized June 5 during DSA's 2012 Annual Meeting at the Gaylord Texan Hotel in Grapevine, Texas. Category award winners will be announced during the Awards Gala, taking place June 5 at the conclusion of the Annual Meeting.

DSA would like to congratulate all the sub-category winners and finalists for their remarkable achievement and the outstanding example they set for the direct selling industry.

DSA also recognizes its distinguished judging panel for this year's ETHOS Awards. The 2012 judging panel included:

Tory Johnson (Founder and CEO, Women for Hire); Suzanne Fanning (President, WOMMA); Jon Phillips (Senior Editor, Wired.com); Nicole Marie Richardson (Executive Editor, Special Projects, Inc. Magazine Online); Joanna Pineda (CEO, Matrix Group); Judy Blatman (Senior Vice President, Communication, CRN); Jonathan Blum (Freelance Tech Writer); Linda Ferrell (Professor of Marketing, University of New Mexico); Brenda Cude (Professor of women's jackets Housing and Consumer Economics, University of Georgia); Elizabeth Davis (Associate Professor and Program Director, Organizational Sciences, George Washington University); Greg Marshall (Professor of Marketing and Strategy, Crummer Graduate School of Business, Rollins College); Christie Phillips (Principal, BlueTree, LLC); Sabrina Kidwai (Senior PR Manager at ASAE and the Center for the Association of Leadership); Trey Campbell (Director, Communications, Southwestern Advantage); Sarah Baker Andrus (Director, External Relations and Academic Programs, CUTCO/Vector Marketing Corp.); Kimberly Cornwell (CEO, Celadon Road); Karen Eschebach (President, Clever Container); Angela Chrysler (President & CEO, Team National); Laurie Leopold (Editor, Product Girl); Pam Dean (President & CEO, Avalla); Dave Enders (President, YOR Health); Calvin Jolley (Vice President, Communications, 4Life Research); Mary Julich (Senior Vice President, Business Development, Symmetry); Denise Needham (Senior Director, Network Marketing and Training, Beachbody); Cortney Carroll (Vice President of Meetings, Incentives & Communication, Vollara); Pam Henrickson (Recognition Manager, Tastefully Simple); Laura Bynum (Communications/Media Relations Manager, American Public Works Association); Marmie Edwards (Vice President, Communications, Operation Lifesaver); Aaron Ellis (Communications Director, American Association of Port Authorities); Olivia Tong, CFA (Equity Research Analyst); John Curtis (Vice President, Brand and Communication, Scentsy).

About the Direct Selling Association
DSA is the national trade association of the leading firms that manufacture and distribute goods and services sold directly to customers. Among its more than 240 active and pending members are companies selling both via a party-plan method and in the traditional person-to-person style. In 2010, U.S. direct sales were more than $28.5 billion with nearly 16 million direct sellers nationwide. The vast majority are independent business people – micro-entrepreneurs – whose purpose is to sell the product/service of the company they voluntarily choose to represent. Approximately 90 percent of direct sellers operate their business part-time. For more information, visit http://www.dsa.org.

Saturday, December 1, 2012

IOC Announces Olympic Highlights of the Week

IOC ACTIVITIES
PRESIDENT
On 28 June in Lausanne, IOC President Jacques Rogge met a delegation from the City of Lausanne, led by Mayor Daniel Brélaz.

This weekend, President Rogge will be in Kiev (Ukraine), attending the final of the Euro 2012 football championships between Spain and Italy, in the Olympic Stadium.

MEMBERS
Nawal El Moutawakel was named Chevalier de l'Ordre national of Benin at the 18th African Athletics Championships, being held from 26 June to 1 July in Cotonou.

Sergey Bubka has been selected for the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF)'s Hall of Fame. An Olympic pole vault champion in 1988 in Seoul and six-time world champion, Bubka is currently an IAAF Vice-President, like Sebastian Coe, the Chairman of London 2012, who has also been selected for the Hall of Fame. Bubka and Coe join Irena Szewinska on the list of 24 athletes selected. The induction ceremony will take place on 24 November 2012 in Barcelona (Spain) during the IAAF Centenary Gala.

OTHER NEWS
The IOC and the NOC of Panama met on 25 June in Lausanne. The main purpose of this meeting was to follow up on the IOC visit to Panama in April and to consider the next steps in assisting the NOC of Panama to clarify its internal situation in view of the next NOC elections, which will be held in December 2012.

The IOC, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Samsung, one of the IOC's TOP partners, have launched a major two-year programme to distribute sports kits to over 15,000 young refugees in 20 countries in Asia, Africa and America. Last week, the programme was launched in India (New Delhi) and South Africa (Cape Town and Limpopo province), where more than 17,000 and 59,000 young asylum-seekers and refugees respectively will benefit from the distribution of sports kits.

The IOC has launched an innovative TV spot as part of its "Show Your Best" global campaign and video competition to help build involvement with the Olympic M women's jackets online ovement among young people and create the next generation of Olympic fans. This spot will be broadcast before Olympic events in the stadiums throughout the London Games, including at the Opening Ceremony, and at LiveSites across the UK. It will also appear on the IOC's YouTube channel and other social media sites.

INTERNATIONAL SPORTS FEDERATIONS
SUMMER IFS
The schedule for the men's and women's handball competitions at the London Games has recently been unveiled. This indicates the dates on which the teams will compete in the preliminary rounds of the tournament at the Copper Box in the Olympic Park.

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has announced the full list of participants – representing 45 nations – for the London Games tennis events from 28 July to 5 August at the All England Club in Wimbledon. Sixty-five players will compete in the singles event. Thirty-two teams will take part in the (men's and women's) doubles events. Mixed doubles will be on the Olympic programme for the first time since 1924, with 16 teams.

The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) has announced that 63 nations will be represented in the London Games sailing competition. In total, 380 athletes will compete in the Olympic events.

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has unveiled the schedule for the Olympic tournament in London this summer. The women's competition will begin on 28 June at Earls Court, with Japan against Algeria. For the men, the competition will start the next day with Great Britain versus Bulgaria.

WINTER IFS
The International Ski Federation (FIS) has announced the death of Swedish cross-country legend Nils "Mora-Nisse" Karlsson at the age of 94. Karlsson won the famous Vasaloppet 90km-race - the finish of which was in his home town of Mora - nine times. He was Olympic champion in the 50km event in 1948 in St Moritz. During his career, he won 17 individual titles in the Swedish championships.

In addition, the FIS Congress met recently in Kangwonland (Republic of Korea), and affiliated Eritrea, Haiti, the British Virgin Islands, Palestine and Togo as associate members of the FIS.

NATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEES
In Bogota, Olympic Day on 23 June brought together many children, accompanied by their parents, who took part in various activities offered by the Colombian NOC. They were also able to have photos taken with athletes qualified for the 2012 Games, climbing the podium in front of a poster of the London Olympic Stadium. Everyone went home with an Olympic Day diploma.

On 23 June, thousands of youngsters celebrated Olympic Day at the Costa Rican NOC headquarters. Numerous activities were on offer such as climbing, trampolining, clown face painting, and races around the NOC gardens. All the children wore Olympic Day T-shirts. On the same day, in the presence of the President of the Republic, Laura Chinchilla Miranda, the Costa Rican delegations who will compete at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London officially swore an oath to their country. Marathon runner Gabriela Tra?a Trigueros will be the delegation's flag-bearer at the Opening Ceremony on 27 July.

In the June edition of the "ANOCA Update", the newsletter from the Association of the NOCs of Africa (ANOCA), it is reported that the National Youth and Sports Institute of C?te d'Ivoire recently received sports equipment from the NOC of Germany. A ceremony was held at the C?te d'Ivoire NOC headquarters in the presence of Thomas Bach, German NOC President and IOC Vice-President, as well as Lassana Palenfo, C?te d'Ivoire NOC President and an IOC member. This donation comprised sports equipment for athletics, football, basketball, volleyball and handball.

This year, the French NOC wanted to incorporate Olympic Day into its Sporting and Cultural Olympic Programme, by inviting its overseas territories to take part in various ways. With a London Games theme, the 2012 edition was organised by 22 departmental committees, 7 regional committees and one territorial committee, bringing together thousands of participants.

The Hellenic NOC and the National Olympic Academy organised an Olympic Day celebration on 23 June in Thessaloniki. Also on the programme were cycling and rowing races. Olympians gave speeches to the participants of all ages. A collection of equipment and clothes was organised to benefit those in need.

The Olympic Day Run was a great success in Hong Kong. Organised on 24 June, it brought together 5,000 people who responded to the invitation by the NOC of Hong Kong. Also taking part were 23 teams made up of sponsors, partners, national sports associations and athletes. Lucky draws, games, marching bands, dancing and rope skipping were also on the programme of festivities.

The "Honesty in Sport" contest, launched by the Giulio Onesti Foundation, in collaboration with the Italian NOC and the Ministry for Education, Universities and Research, saw hundreds of pieces of artistic expression historical document work produced by schools across the country. The winners were a school from Mantua, with a rap inviting people to share the values of sport, and a school from Catania, with a painting which, symbolically, stamps out doping. The winners were received on 22 June in Rome at the CONI headquarters, by the President of the Franco Carraro Foundation. Their prize was a trip to London during the Games for five of them.

On the same day, at a ceremony organised at the Quirinal Palace, the President of the Republic, Giorgio Napolitano, presented the national flag to Valentina Vezzali, the Olympic delegation's flag-bearer for London, and Oscar De Pellegrin, the Paralympic flag-bearer. Some 80 athletes from the London Olympic delegation attended the ceremony, as did CONI President Gianni Petrucci among others. Giorgio Napolitano also awarded the Order of Sporting Merit to four athletes who competed at the London 1948 Games: Franco Faggi and Giuseppe Moioli (rowing), Carlo Monti (athletics) and Giovanni Rocca (flag-bearer).

In the framework of the Olympic Day "festas" organised by the Japanese NOC, the city of Iwaki (Fukushima Prefecture), celebrated Olympic Day on 23 June (photo). It was the 16th event out of the 60 that will be held by the end of 2013 with the slogan "Smiles Come from Sports", sponsored by the IOC/Olympic Council of Asia "Tsubasa" support project.

To date, 5,000 children have taken part in these "festas" across the whole of Japan. These events are aimed at supporting children affected by the earthquake of March 2011. Besides collecting funds and equipment, the NOC launched a five-year project to send Olympic and Paralympic athletes to young people in the affected areas. This Sports Kokoro Project is set to visit 542 schools and put smiles on the faces of some 46,000 schoolchildren.

On 23 June in Ulaanbaatar, the Mongolian NOC celebrated Olympic Day, its 50th anniversary and Mongolian Athletes' Day. Many personalities were present, including Head of State Ts. Elbegdorj, Deputy Prime Minister M. Enkhbold, NOC President Demchigjav Zagdsuren and IOC honorary member Shagdarjav Magvan. The Head of State handed the national flag to marathon runner B. Ser-Od, flag-bearer for London. Some 29 Mongolian athletes will compete at the Games this summer.

On 24 June, over 5,000 people took part in the 25th Olympic Day Run organised by the Peruvian NOC and the Peruvian Sports Institute, under the patronage of Samsung Peru. Those present included NOC President Jose Qui?ones González, the Institute's President, Francisco Boza Dibos, and IOC member Iván Dibos. On this same day, the winners of the 22nd Drawing and Painting Contest received their prizes. On 30 June, a race will also take place in 21 cities across the country, with the participation of over 10,000 people.

In the June edition of the "ANOCA Update", we learned that, to celebrate Olympic Day, the S?o Tome and Principe NOC decided to organise a series of events from 21 to 24 June. Besides the purely sports activities, the other highlight was the inauguration of the new NOC headquarters, a library and a large open space for leisure and sports activities.

For more information, please contact the IOC Media Relations Team.