CHICAGO, Nov. 15, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Today Chicago based FanFueled officially launched their answer to the live entertainment business: an event ticketing and marketing platform that incentivizes, tracks, and rewards fan engagement.  By harnessing the power of social media networks to spread the word, event organizers will see an increase in ticket sales and a decrease in marketing costs.  With this revolutionary model, fans spread the word and FanFueled spreads the wealth.  After successfully completing extensive beta testing, fans, artists, and organizers now have an alternative way to connect and get compensated for loyalty, while saving money.

(Logo:  http://photos.CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM.com/prnh/20111115/LA07088LOGO)

“We are excited to offer a new way of doing business that allows people to come together and leverage the word of mouth buzz to drive a more successful and efficient live entertainment industry,” Says Anderson Bell, FanFueled Founder & CEO.  ”Over 20% of our users share their ticket purchase with their social networks and each one of those shares is generating over 500 free peer-to-peer impressions for our events.”

As a ticketing option, FanFueled offers a mutually beneficial solution that slashes fees for event organizers, which are inevitably passed on to the ticket holder.  A $99 ticket for example, would carry a service fee of $3.  FanFueled’s patent-pending platform tracks all sharing on Facebook and Twitter from ticket purchases and rewards fans with rebates when additional purchases result from a share.  But it doesn’t stop there: FanFueled has the unique ability to track the ripple of influence of the original share and offers rewards on multiple degrees of separation.  At any time fans can apply their rewards toward future purchases or request a cash-out and FanFueled will send them a check.

As a marketing option, FanFueled Engage provides an opportunity for fans to talk about events they are attending and rewards them for doing what they love — sharing plans on Facebook and Twitter.  Fans receive points that may then be used toward exclusive merchandise or special marketing offers set up between the event and FanFueled.  Rewards run the gamut, whether an autographed photo, backstage pass, posters, t-shirts, meet-n-greet, VIP upgrade, or other traditional promotions.  FanFueled Engage has produced over 5 million peer-to-peer impressions for clients like Camp Bisco and the North Coast Music Festival.

FanFueled continues to raise capital in excess of a million dollars led by prominent New York angel investor William Lohse and Listen LLC. William Lohse is the founder of The Tomorrow Project, The Pivot Conference, and an investor with New York Angels.  Listen LLC is a brand and innovation consulting firm that invests time, expertise and capital in “ear to the ground ideas” such as: CouponTrade, Fango Software Systems, and DigitalAisle.

Music lovers may follow FanFueled at http://www.facebook.com/FanFueled and http://www.twitter.com/FanFueled to start earning rewards.

FanFueled provides event organizers with the ability to recognize their most important fans, the ones who turn an event into an experience through their influence, passion and loyalty. The data generated from this patent-pending marketing platform will allow clients to identify and reward fans in new ways based on their contribution to an event’s success.  This uniquely tailored information is also designed to augment strategies and create a valuable approach to marketing efforts and ticket sales, significantly lowering costs.

To schedule an interview with Anderson Bell please contact Andrea Kramer Kramer67@mac.com 602 617 8640.

SOURCE FanFueled

FanFueled Launches Innovative Event Ticketing and Marketing Platform; Rewards Fan Engagement | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Nov. 9, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — The Entertainment Products division of Tribune Media Services, a subsidiary of Tribune Company, today announced the appointment of Dan Kazan as chief executive officer and John Kelleher as president and chief operating officer.  Entertainment Products is a global leader in entertainment navigation and the provider of industry-leading databases of television, movie and celebrity information to thousands of companies. Both appointments are effective immediately.  

Kazan, who has overseen the division since Tribune Media Services was restructured in June, will be responsible for its strategic vision; Kelleher assumes responsibility for day-to-day operations.  Kazan will continue to serve as Tribune Company’s Senior Vice President/Investments, a position he has held since 2009.    

Kelleher served most recently as Vice President and General Manager/Entertainment Information, overseeing the division’s core database business.  He joined Tribune Media Services in 1985, and has served in roles of increasing responsibility within Entertainment Products during the course of his career.

“The Entertainment Products division is a market leader, run by talented people who are dedicated to providing their customers with the best products and services,” said Kazan.  ”John Kelleher is the right person to lead the business into the future and enable it to continue growing and thriving.  His vast experience, as well as his vision and drive, are tremendous assets and complement all of the great people that work in this business.”

Kelleher takes over for Jay Fehnel, who has left the division after 19 years of service.

“Jay’s leadership and dedication have been extremely important over the years,” said Kazan. “We thank him for his efforts and wish him the very best.”

TRIBUNE is one of the country’s leading multimedia companies, operating businesses in broadcasting, publishing, and interactive. The company’s broadcasting group owns or operates 23 television stations, WGN America on national cable and Chicago’s WGN-AM.  In publishing, Tribune’s leading daily newspapers include the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, The Baltimore Sun, Sun Sentinel (South Florida), Orlando Sentinel, Hartford Courant, The Morning Call and Daily Press. Popular news and information websites complement Tribune’s print and broadcast properties and extend the company’s nationwide audience

ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTS is an international leader in entertainment navigation.  It provides industry-leading databases of television, movie and celebrity information; guides in print, online and on-screen formats; and advertising and marketing services to build audiences.  For more information about TMS Entertainment Products, visit TribuneMediaServices.com.

SOURCE Tribune

http://www.TribuneMediaServices.com

Tribune Media Services’ Entertainment Products Division Names New Management Team | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CAMDEN, NJ—A mother and daughter from New Jersey and a Las Vegas woman pleaded guilty mid-trial today to participating in a mortgage fraud scheme that caused mortgage lenders to release more than $1.9 million in mortgage loans obtained by fraud, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

Patricia Smith, 57, of Irvington, N.J., pleaded guilty to counts four and five of the superseding indictment, which charged her with wire fraud. Smith’s daughter, Jamilah Smith, 30, of Irvington, N.J., pleaded guilty to counts two and three of the superseding indictment, which charged her with wire fraud. Carol Ashley, 57, of Las Vegas, NV, pleaded guilty to counts four and five of the superseding indictment which charged her with wire fraud.

All three defendants entered their guilty pleas on the fifth day of trial which had started on October 24 before U.S. District Judge Jerome B. Simandle in Camden federal court.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Patricia Smith and Jamilah Smith served as “straw buyers” to purchase two condominiums each in North Wildwood, N.J. The straw buyers had good credit scores, but lacked the financial resources to qualify for mortgage loans. The Smiths’ accomplices created false documents, such as fake bank statements, W-2 Forms, and pay stubs to make the straw buyers appear more creditworthy than they actually were in order to induce the lenders to make the loans. Ashley falsely verified to the lenders that Patricia Smith worked for Ashley’s company, Exclusive Entertainment Production, based in the Los Angeles area.

Once the loans were approved and the mortgage lenders sent the loan proceeds in connection with real estate closings on the properties, the defendants’ accomplices took a portion of the proceeds from the fraudulent mortgage loans and ultimately paid the Smiths for their roles.

Each charge to which the defendants pleaded guilty carry a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Patricia Smith agreed to forfeit $82,716.80, and Jamilah Smith agreed to forfeit $65,047.70, representing the amount of proceeds obtained as a result of the offenses. Sentencing for all three defendants is scheduled for March 2, 2012. A fourth defendant named in the Superseding Indictment Ollie Rudolph Thaxton, pleaded guilty to Count One, which charged him with wire fraud on Sept. 20, 2011, and is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 12, 2012.

U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents from the FBI’s Atlantic City Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael B. Ward in Newark, and special agents from IRS-Criminal Investigation in Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Victor W. Lessoff, with the investigation leading to the trial and guilty pleas.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys R. Stephen Stigall of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden, and John E. Clabby of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.

Defense Counsel:
Patricia Smith: J. Michael Farrell Esq., Philadelphia
Jamilah Smith: Tory A. Archie Esq., Camden
Carol Ashley: Michael E. Riley Esq., Mount Holly, NJ

Three Women Plead Guilty in Mortgage Fraud Scheme | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

LOS ANGELES—A man accused of targeting the entertainment industry by hacking into the personal e-mail accounts of celebrities was arrested today after being charged with a range of cyber-related crimes, announced André Birotte Jr., the United States Attorney in Los Angeles; and Steven Martinez, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office.

Christopher Chaney, 35, of Jacksonville, Florida, was arrested this morning by FBI agents without incident. A federal grand jury in Los Angeles returned a sealed indictment yesterday charging Chaney with violations under Title 18 of the U.S. Criminal Code, including: accessing protected computers without authorization; damaging protected computers without authorization; wiretapping; and aggravated identity theft.

According to the indictment, which was unsealed this morning, Chaney used several aliases while illegally obtaining personal information of numerous celebrities through a series of computer intrusions. The aliases used include: “trainreqsuckswhat,” “anonygrrl,” and “jaxjaguars911.”

Investigators believe that Chaney used publicly available sources to mine for data about his female and male victims, all of whom are associated with the entertainment industry. Once Chaney gained access and control of an e-mail account, he would obtain private information, such as e-mails and file attachments, according to the indictment. In addition, investigators believe that Chaney was led to new victims by accessing the address books of victims whose computers he already controlled.

Throughout the 11-month investigation, agents identified over 50 victims whose accounts were illegally accessed by Chaney. The 26-count indictment details specific instances in which Chaney violated 11 of the victims, some of whom are identified by initials only. The victims are identified in the indictment as: Simone Harouche, Mila Kunis, Christina Aguilera, Scarlett Johansson, Renee Olstead, B.P., J.A., L.B., L.S., D.F., and B.G.

The indictment specifically charges Chaney with illegally accessing the computers, e-mail accounts and account settings of several victims, beginning November 13, 2010, through February 10, 2011. The indictment further alleges that Chaney knowingly caused the transmission of programs, information codes and commands, resulting in damage to e-mail servers, causing losses of at least $5,000 per instance. Chaney also used the identities of some of the victims to illegally access and control computers, according to the indictment. In other instances, Chaney allegedly intercepted and endeavored to intercept wire communications; specifically, e-mails and attachments.

In most cases, Chaney accessed the administrative settings on the victims’ accounts so that all of their e-mails would automatically be forwarded to a separate e-mail account Chaney controlled. This form of wiretapping allowed Chaney to continually receive victims’ e-mails even after a password had been reset.

Investigators determined that Chaney distributed some of the files he obtained illegally, including photos of celebrities, and offered them to various celebrity blog sites. Some of the illegally obtained files, including private photographs, were ultimately posted online as a result of Chaney’s alleged activities.

“While the case against Mr. Chaney involves celebrities who were targeted because of their fame, this case reminds us that we are all potential victims of computer hackers,” said United States Attorney André Birotte Jr. “Everyone can take simple steps that will help protect a computer system. Taking these steps will go a long way in protecting yourself from the financial and emotional costs of having someone intrude on your private life and potentially steal your identity.”

“As we highlight cyber awareness during the month of October, it’s important to remember that, although these victims appear to have been targeted based on their celebrity, similar methods may be used to illegally access any one of our computers,” said Steven Martinez, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “Strict computer security should be practiced when using smart phones, laptops, desktops, iPads, or any other device that provides Internet access.”

Chaney will have an initial appearance in United States District Court in Jacksonville, Florida. It is anticipated that the government will request that Chaney be removed to Los Angeles, the district in which he was charged, to face prosecution.

If convicted on all counts, Chaney faces a statutory maximum penalty of 121 years in federal prison. This investigation was conducted by the FBI. The charges against Chaney will be prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Florida Man Arrested in “Operation Hackerazzi” for Targeting Celebrities with Computer Intrusion, Wiretapping, and Identity Theft | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

PERU, Ill., Oct. 11, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — AT&T* today announced the opening of a high-tech retail store in Peru. The store offers a unique way for customers to interact with and shop for a wide array of communications and entertainment services, including a hands-on demonstration area to engage customers and provide a “try before you buy” service experience.  

“Consumers love wireless technology and this new retail store in Peru will allow them to see and test the latest mobile devices so they can make the best choices,” said State Rep. Frank Mautino. “This AT&T retail store is a great addition to the community.”

The new Peru location showcases a wide range of products and services, including the latest in mobile devices such as the Motorola Atrix™, the HTC Status™, the Samsung Focus™ and the BlackBerry® Torch™. Customers visiting the store can test drive various wireless data applications, including AT&T Navigator™ which provides GPS navigation with turn-by-turn directions, or AT&T Family Map, a family locator service designed to help give parents peace of mind.  

“In a world where mobile broadband is driving the economy, this AT&T retail store will help local consumers and businesses have access to the high tech wireless devices they want and need,” said State Sen. Sue Rezin. “Wireless broadband is the economic infrastructure of today and tomorrow and these devices will help our businesses compete across the nation and around the world.”  

“Our new store redefines the sales experience by allowing consumers to test drive our entire portfolio of products and services in an innovative way,” said AT&T Illinois Vice President and General Manager Dave Fine. “Our goal is to help people choose the best mix of products and services that meet their individual needs to stay connected everywhere they live and work.”

AT&T recently implemented its “Retail Promise” program to ensure that customers have the very best in-store shopping experience, based on their needs. The company uses its own wireless technology to quickly capture customers’ comments, and posts this information to a website for store managers to review.  

The Illinois store builds upon AT&T’s overall commitment to the region. AT&T is continuing to expand and enhance its presence in central Illinois, ensuring consumers have convenient access to the latest in communications and entertainment services.  

“This store opening is more great news. It’s yet another example of AT&T investment in Illinois since state lawmakers passed and Gov. Quinn signed a new, modern telecommunications law for our state,” said AT&T Illinois President Paul La Schiazza.

Year-to-date, AT&T has activated 22 new cell sites, upgraded more than 40 cell sites with mobile broadband technology and added additional UMTS mobile broadband capacity to over 900 cell sites in Illinois. Between 2008 and 2010, AT&T invested more than $3.8 billion in its wireless and wireline networks in Illinois.  

Located at 4361 Venture Drive, store hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.,  

Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Store Manager Jason McCauley and his knowledgeable sales consultants are ready to assist customers—both business and consumer—with purchasing decisions and technical support.

To help celebrate the opening of this new store, AT&T will offer a free Samsung Focus to customers who purchase a two-year service agreement and data plan.

There are more than 70 AT&T owned-stores in Illinois. AT&T’s products and services are also available at a number of authorized dealer and national retail locations.  

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.  It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T |DIRECTV brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. 

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.  This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT.

© 2011 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE AT&T Inc.

http://www.att.com

AT&T Celebrates Opening of New High-Tech Store in Peru | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Oct. 7, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — AT&T* today announced the opening of a high-tech retail store in Springfield. The store offers a unique way for customers to interact with and shop for a wide array of communications and entertainment services, including a hands-on demonstration area to engage customers and provide a “try before you buy” service experience.  

“We all use our phones and wireless devices more than ever,” said State Rep. Raymond Poe. “This expanded store will offer the latest devices that consumers want and businesses need. Wireless telecommunications is one area of the economy that is growing and we need to keep it growing.”

The new Springfield location showcases a wide range of products and services, including the latest in mobile devices such as the Motorola Atrix™, the HTC Status™, the Samsung Focus™ and the BlackBerry® Torch™. Customers visiting the store can test drive various wireless data applications, including AT&T Navigator™ which provides GPS navigation with turn-by-turn directions, or AT&T Family Map, a family locator service designed to help give parents peace of mind.  

“People love their smartphones and tablets and this new, expanded AT&T retail store will help them see a wide variety of the latest choices,” said State Sen. Larry Bomke. “An expanded store is good news for our local economy.”

“Our new store redefines the sales experience by allowing consumers to test drive our entire portfolio of products and services in an innovative way,” said AT&T Illinois Vice President and General Manager Dave Fine. “Our goal is to help people choose the best mix of products and services that meet their individual needs to stay connected everywhere they live and work.”

AT&T recently implemented its “Retail Promise” program to ensure that customers have the very best in-store shopping experience, based on their needs. The company uses its own wireless technology to quickly capture customers’ comments, and posts this information to a website for store managers to review.  

The Illinois store builds upon AT&T’s overall commitment to the region. AT&T is continuing to expand and enhance its presence in central Illinois, ensuring consumers have convenient access to the latest in communications and entertainment services. Between 2008 and 2010, AT&T invested more than $3.8 billion in its wireless and wireline networks in Illinois.  

“This store opening is more great news. It’s yet another example of AT&T investment in Illinois since state lawmakers passed and Gov. Quinn signed a new, modern telecommunications law for our state,” said AT&T Illinois President Paul La Schiazza.

Year-to-date, AT&T has activated 20 new cell sites, upgraded more than 40 cell sites with mobile broadband technology and added new layers of frequency, also known as “carriers,” to over 900 cell sites in Illinois. Between 2008 and 2010, AT&T invested more than $3.8 billion in its Illinois wireless and wireline networks.  

Located at 2410 W. Wabash, store hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Store Manager Robert Smithers and his knowledgeable sales consultants are ready to assist customers—both business and consumer—with purchasing decisions and technical support.

To help celebrate the opening of this new store, AT&T will offer a free Samsung Focus to customers who purchase a two-year service agreement and data plan.

There are more than 70 AT&T owned-stores in Illinois. AT&T’s products and services are also available at a number of authorized dealer and national retail locations.  

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. 

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT.

© 2011 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE AT&T Inc.

http://www.att.com

AT&T Celebrates Opening of New High-Tech Store in Springfield | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

OAKBROOK, Ill., Oct. 6, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM-iReach/ — The Chas. Levy Company LLC today announced that it has sold its sole operating subsidiary, Levy Home Entertainment LLC, to Readerlink LLC, an affiliate of Treesdale Investments, Inc.  Financial terms of the transaction, which became effective as of October 3, 2011, were not disclosed.

Levy Home Entertainment is the largest full-service distributor of books in the United States, providing distribution, category management and other services to leading retailers in the mass merchant, grocery, drug, warehouse club and specialty retail channels.

Dennis E. Abboud, Managing Partner of Treesdale Investments, and President of Readerlink LLC, previously served as an executive at Chas Levy Company, from 1994-2000. “We believe that the Company’s exceptional management team, talented employees and world-class customers and suppliers distinguish the Company as a leader in its industry,” said Abboud, who also has deep experience in ecommerce, digital media and direct-to-consumer fulfillment. “Our Company will strive to become the ‘reader link‘– the essential link between our publishers, our retail partners and their customers. Our new strategy will help us compete in our industry’s newest frontiers, from eBooks, to ecommerce fulfillment, to proprietary publishing. Most importantly, we will pursue these initiatives while continuing to focus on, and invest in, our core full-service print book distribution business.” 

All of the current operational management and employees of Levy Home Entertainment will remain unchanged, including Carol Kloster, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, and Steve Carlson, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, who will continue to lead the Company. The Company will continue to be called Levy Home Entertainment over the next several months as it gradually undergoes rebranding to Readerlink Distribution Services.

Prior to the acquisition, Levy Home Entertainment had been continuously majority-owned and controlled by the Levy family since its founding in 1962. Barbara Levy Kipper, Chairperson of Chas Levy LLC, said, “This transaction will allow Levy Home Entertainment to focus on continued growth and investment in its core competencies while leveraging new expertise in digital media and direct-to-consumer fulfillment. We are pleased to have identified the right buyer and are confident the business, its customers and its publisher partners are in good hands.”

“This is an exciting opportunity for our Company, our customers and our publisher partners,” said Carol Kloster, who has been with the company for 35 years. ”I’ve known Dennis over 20 years and believe he has the vision, experience and talent needed to help us grow in this difficult market. He shares our deep commitment to our customers and publishing partners and values the culture that Barbara and the Levy family have developed over many decades. This transaction will provide us with additional resources and expertise to continue our long-standing, proven commitment to customer service and help us leverage our strengths to take advantage of a dynamic and evolving print book market.”

Upon completion of the transaction, Barbara Levy Kipper and Jim Levy, Chas. Levy LLC’s Vice Chairman, are retiring from the Company.

Media Contact: STEVE CARLSON, Levy Home Entertainment, 708-356-3664, scarlson@levybooks.com

News distributed by PR Newswire iReach: https://ireach.CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM.com

SOURCE Levy Home Entertainment

Levy Home Entertainment Sold to Treesdale Investment Group | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Sept. 29, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — AT&T* today announced the opening of a high-tech retail store in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood. The store offers a unique way for customers to interact with and shop for a wide array of communications and entertainment services, including a hands-on demonstration area to engage customers and provide a “try before you buy” service experience.

The new Chicago location showcases a wide range of products and services, including the latest in mobile devices such as the Motorola Atrix™, the HTC Status™, the Samsung Focus™ and the BlackBerry® Torch™. Customers visiting the store can test drive various wireless data applications, including AT&T Navigator™ which provides GPS navigation with turn-by-turn directions, or AT&T Family Map, a family locator service designed to help give parents peace of mind.

“Our new store redefines the sales experience by allowing consumers to test drive our entire portfolio of products and services in an innovative way,” said AT&T Illinois Vice President and General Manager Dave Fine. “Our goal is to help people choose the best mix of products and services that meet their individual needs to stay connected everywhere they live and work.”

AT&T recently implemented its “Retail Promise” program to ensure that customers have the very best in-store shopping experience, based on their needs. The company uses its own wireless technology to quickly capture customers’ comments, and posts this information to a website for store managers to review.

The Chicago store builds upon AT&T’s overall commitment to the region. AT&T is continuing to expand and enhance its presence in Chicago, ensuring consumers have convenient access to the latest in communications and entertainment services. In fact, AT&T invested nearly $2.4 billion in its Chicago area wireless and wireline networks from 2008 through 2010.

Located at 1617 N. Damen Avenue, the Bucktown location is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Store Manager Richard Litchfield and his knowledgeable sales consultants are ready to assist customers—both business and consumer—with purchasing decisions and technical support.

To help celebrate the opening of this new store, AT&T will offer a free Samsung Focus to customers who purchase a two-year service agreement and data plan.

There are more than 70 AT&T-owned stores in Illinois. AT&T’s products and services are also available at a number of authorized dealer and national retail locations.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT.

© 2011 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.

SOURCE AT&T Inc.

http://www.att.com

AT&T Celebrates Opening of New High-Tech Store in Chicago | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Sept. 6, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Tribune Broadcasting announced today that veteran media executive Bob Cook will serve as a strategic advisor, reporting to the division’s CEO and President, Nils Larsen.  Cook will work with the division’s management team in a variety of areas, including strengthening and expanding its sales efforts, developing and distributing original programming, and generally advancing the company’s businesses.

“Bob brings not only a long and distinguished record of accomplishment, he also brings a fresh perspective and a variety of new and interesting ideas about where the industry is heading and how we should position our broadcast operations for long-term success,” said Larsen.  ”I’m excited to have Bob join our team and I look forward to working with him.”

Through his advisory company MBN Inc., Cook works with top-tier entertainment companies to help market to and acquire content for broadcast and cable networks, local TV stations, emerging digital channels, and advertising agencies.  Before establishing MBN, Cook was president of Twentieth Television, the syndication sales/production arm for News Corporation’s broadcast and cable operations at Fox Television.  For nearly a decade under his leadership, Twentieth Television enjoyed sales and profits that were the highest in its history, exceeding $1 billion in annual sales.

“Tribune Broadcasting has an outstanding collection of assets in the country’s top markets and a talented, first-rate team that is envied across the industry,” said Cook.  ”There is a lot of opportunity for Tribune Broadcasting and I am thrilled to be helping the company.”

During his career Cook has launched or spearheaded innovative sales and marketing efforts of approximately 140 television programs comprised of first run syndication, network, off-network syndication and motion pictures, as well as some of TV’s most recognizable programs including “Family Guy,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “Married With Children,” “The Practice,” “Hollywood Squares,” “COPS,” “America’s Most Wanted,” “King of the Hill,” “Wheel of Fortune,” “Jeopardy,” and the three most successful off-net series in syndication history: “Seinfeld,” “Everybody Loves Raymond,” and “The Simpsons.”

Cook has also pioneered a host of creative and strategic initiatives in cable and broadcast sales, advertising sales and marketing that have resulted in enormous ratings success and over $10 billion dollars in revenue. Throughout his 35-year career, Cook has won numerous awards for his work; he was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame in October, 2008.

Tribune Broadcasting is a division of Tribune Company.  The division owns and/or operates 23 television stations concentrated in major markets and WGN America on national cable. The group’s combined reach is more than 80 percent of U.S. television households. Tribune Broadcasting also includes Chicago’s WGN-AM Radio and a 31% investment interest in the TV Food Network.

SOURCE Tribune Broadcasting

Tribune Broadcasting Names Veteran Media Executive Bob Cook as Strategic Advisor | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

SPRINGFIELD – August 30, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today highlighted the success of the record-breaking 2011 Illinois State Fair, “We’ve Got a Good Thing Growing.” Attendance increased by 10 percent this year, with 817,393 fairgoers visiting the 11-day event. In addition to offering families affordable entertainment, the fair showcases the best in Illinois agricultural products, from livestock to wine, produce and agricultural technology.

“Illinois has a proud agricultural heritage, and agri-business is key to our long-term economic growth,” said Governor Quinn. “This year, record numbers of families came to the fair to enjoy affordable entertainment, food and to learn about the importance of agriculture to our state’s history – and our future. The state fair is a tradition that will be around for years to come.”

The state fair began 158 years ago as a way for Illinois farmers to showcase their labor. The fair continues to feature Illinois livestock, as well as produce and other Illinois products at the Farmers’ Market Tent. This year saw a 10 percent increase in attendance, with more than 817,000 individuals visiting the fair – up by more than 74,000 last year. In fact, this year’s attendance levels were the highest since 2002.

“I thank fairgoers for coming out to support the fair,” Agriculture Director Tom Jennings said. “It’s their support that has made the Illinois State Fair a premiere summer festival. To borrow this year’s theme, we really do ‘Have a Good Thing Growing’.”

Governor Quinn this year hosted the Governor’s Sale of Champions, the annual auction of prize-winning junior livestock, with proceeds going toward scholarships and the state’s 4-H and FFA youth education programs. The grand champion junior steer shown by Sherman teenager Austin Burris sold for a record $51,200, surpassing the previous high of $50,100. It was one of three record prices at the sale: the grand champion sheep ($12,500) and Land of Lincoln barrow ($10,100). The event raised $135,200, not only for the youths who raised the animals, but also for the state’s 4-H and FFA youth education programs.

Records were not only set in the livestock arena: music fans flocked to the fair en masse to enjoy the affordable entertainment available at the Grandstand. Country music star Jason Aldean attracted a record 15,329 people. Aldean’s ticket sales surpassed the previous record set in 1995 by Hootie and the Blowfish. Collectively, the Grandstand performers, who ranged from comedian Jeff Dunham to rap icon MC Hammer, sold 49,649 tickets, the highest sales in 11 years.

Governor Quinn Announces Record Success of 2011 Illinois State Fair – Highlights Importance of Agri-Business in Economic Growth | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

WOOD DALE, Ill., Aug. 15, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — AAR CORP. (NYSE: AIR) announced today that it has been awarded an eighteen month contract from Virgin America to provide maintenance and installation services for the airline’s growing fleet of Airbus 320 series aircraft.

Through its Aircraft Services facility in Miami, Fla., AAR will perform comprehensive heavy maintenance “D-Checks” on Virgin America’s existing fleet of aircraft and install seating and advanced in-flight entertainment systems (IFEs) on their upcoming aircraft deliveries from Airbus. The Virgin America aircraft feature some of the most sophisticated and feature-rich IFEs in use today, providing passengers with in-flight access to satellite TV, movies, games, Internet and personal mood lighting.

AAR’s President and Chief Operating Officer Timothy J. Romenesko said, “In four years, Virgin America built a thriving airline with a reputation for value and high-quality service. We are enthusiastic about working with them to maintain their A320 fleet and provide passengers with the very best in on-board entertainment.”

“We are pleased to partner with AAR to continue to offer our guests the best in-flight entertainment in the domestic skies,” said Mark Bianchi, Senior Vice President of Technical Operations at Virgin America.  ”AAR is a key partner as we continue to grow in the North American market and bring our low-fare, upscale service to more new destinations in 2011 and beyond.”

AAR was recently named a Top-Performing Company by Aviation Week and Space Technology, and ranked the number one U.S.-based company in all categories of Overhaul & Maintenance magazine’s biennial “Top 10 MRO” report.

AAR is a leading provider of value-added products and services to the worldwide aerospace and government and defense industries. With facilities and sales locations around the world, AAR uses its close-to-the-customer business model to serve aviation and government and defense customers through four operating segments: Aviation Supply Chain; Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul; Structures and Systems; and Government and Defense Services. More information can be found at www.aarcorp.com

Named one of The Most Trustworthy Companies by Forbes magazine.

This press release contains certain statements relating to future results, which are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These forward-looking statements are based on beliefs of Company management, as well as assumptions and estimates based on information currently available to the Company, and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated, including those factors discussed under Item 1A, entitled “Risk Factors”, included in the Company’s May 31, 2010 Form 10-K. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize adversely, or should underlying assumptions or estimates prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described.  These events and uncertainties are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many are beyond the Company’s control.  The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events. For additional information, see the comments included in AAR’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE AAR

http://www.aarcorp.com

AAR Wins Maintenance and Modifications Contract from Virgin America | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

LANSING, Ill., July 20, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Land O’Frost, the nation’s largest family owned packaged lunchmeat brand, is teaming up with Marvel Entertainment, LLC to celebrate the launch of its next summer blockbuster, Captain America, on July 22, 2011, by offering customers the chance at a thrilling Super-Fan Trip to attend a Marvel movie premiere in 2012.

Beginning June 27, 2011, specially marked packages of Land O’Frost Premium products will contain instant win cards. One special card will contain a Marvel package including special access to a Marvel World Movie Premiere in Los Angeles for four, including tickets to a 2012 Marvel Premiere, round-trip travel and three nights of hotel accommodations.

In addition to the grand prize trip, there will be 500 instant-win cards giving customers an action-packed Captain America video game and 100,000 packages will be filled with exclusive Captain America trading cards.

“We have such enthusiastic customers, that we consider them to be super fans of Land O’Frost,” said Stephan Williams, vice president of marketing at Land O’Frost. “It is these super fans that have made us America’s favorite one-pound deli pouch, so it’s only fitting that we team up with Super Hero, Captain America, to reward them for their support. Giving them the opportunity to win a Super-Fan trip to see a Marvel movie in 2011 is just one more way for us to say thank you for buying our products.”

A co-branded spot from Land O’Frost and Marvel will be aired throughout the promotional period, including select scenes from Captain America. Super fans can also visit www.landofrost.com to watch the thrilling Captain America trailer, try their hand at a Captain America Red Skull and Crossbones arcade game, read original Captain America comic book, First Vengeance, and download Captain America wallpaper for their computer.

This is the third year in a row that Land O’Frost is partnering with Marvel, and just like Marvel movies, each promotion is just as successful as the last. Last year Land O’Frost ran a similarly fantastic instant-win promotion in coordination with the launch of Marvel’s hit sequel, Iron Man 2.

Land O’Frost is honored to be a part of Marvel’s continued success in the creation of award-winning Super Hero films. With the anticipation of a new movie launch in 2012, Land O’Frost believes this prize will rival its past customer rewards programs.

In addition to its Super Hero theme, Land O’Frost enjoys regularly rewarding its customers through promotional giveaways and contests. Earlier this year, Land O’Frost gave away more than $50,000 in Ticketmaster gift cards through an on-package promotion. It also sent one lucky customer a VIP trip to the 2011 Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony.

For more information on the promotion, consumers can visit www.landofrost.com and www.landomoms.com.

About Captain America: The First Avenger

“Captain America: The First Avenger,” directed by Joe Johnston, from a screenplay by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely, will focus on the early days of the Marvel Universe when Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) volunteers to participate in an experimental program that turns him into the Super Soldier known as Captain America.  As Captain America, Rogers joins forces with Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) and Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) to fight the evil HYDRA organization, led by the villainous Red Skull (Hugo Weaving). One of a continuing slate of films being produced by Marvel Studios based on the Marvel characters, “Captain America: The First Avenger” joins Thor which was released on May 6, 2011 and Marvel’s The Avengers which is coming to theaters on May 4, 2012.” “Captain America: The First Avenger” will be distributed by Paramount Pictures on July 22, 2011.

About Marvel Entertainment

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years.  Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing.  For more information visit www.marvel.com.  Super Hero(es) is a co-owned registered trademark.

About Land O’Frost

Land O’Frost manufactures sliced packaged luncheon meats (beef, chicken, turkey, and ham), and is the largest family owned brand of packaged deli meat in the U.S.  Some of the leading products marketed by Land O’Frost include: Land O’Frost Premium® One Pound the top selling deli pouch in the U.S.; Land O’Frost DeliShaved®, and their ultra premium line Land O’Frost® Bistro Favorites™. Information on several additional items can be found on their website. The Land O’Frost brand can be found in the supermarkets and mass merchandisers that account for nearly 90 percent of the retail sales in the country, as well as Mexico, Puerto Rico and other U.S. Territories. Land O’Frost also manufactures specialty meat products sold to restaurants and major food manufacturers. The company operates three facilities in Lansing, Ill., Madisonville, Ky. and Searcy, Ark. Visit www.landofrost.com for additional information.

SOURCE Land O’Frost

http://www.landofrost.com
http://marvel.com

Ordinary Customers Turn Into Super-Fans During Land O’Frost’s Captain America Instant Win Game | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, July 11, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Abe’s Market, the go-to shopping destination for natural products online, today announced a strategic relationship with Endemol USA, the world leader in entertainment programming and production responsible for such mega-hits as Big Brother, Deal or No Deal, Wipeout, and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. The partnership is a first for both companies, bringing the e-commerce and entertainment worlds together to re-create the online customer experience.  Abe’s Market will tap into Endemol’s deep consumer entertainment, content development, and production savvy to extend the site’s digital reach, boost its popular live shopping web series, Abe’s Live, and more actively engage anyone shopping for natural products online.

Abe’s Market consistently goes beyond traditional e-commerce, integrating numerous interactive and social features so consumers can discover new natural products that fit their lifestyles – while also meeting the companies behind them. The result is a more personalized, meaningful experience incorporating video clips, vendor profiles, online reviews, blog posts, social shopping incentives, and more. Recently, Abe’s Market also introduced Abe’s Live, a series of live online webisodes in which consumers can interact with vendors to explore products, ask questions, and access limited-time discounts. After a successful trial run, Abe’s Live has attracted a growing audience, media partners, and celebrity guests. The relationship with Endemol seeks to increase the show’s reach, enhance its content, and further elevate the level of consumer engagement through the site.

“Endemol is the perfect partner to help us grow Abe’s Live, and bring e-commerce and entertainment together in a new way. Abe’s Live delivers the interactive shopping experience consumers crave – connecting them with the people behind the products, while giving our vendors a stage to share their stories,” said Richard Demb, co-founder of Abe’s Market. “With so many television blockbusters under its belt, Endemol truly understands what consumers want. Together, we plan to deliver ‘hit show’-quality, original entertainment that has typically only been associated with television, bringing a new dimension to the e-commerce experience.”

“By focusing on the human interest stories and personal appeal of its vendors as much as its products, Abe’s Market truly stands out among the e-commerce crowd. This same commitment to storytelling has been the underpinning of our success in television production, which is why this partnership, though unprecedented, seemed such a natural fit,” said David Armour, VP of Digital Media at Endemol USA. “We are excited about the opportunity to bring our entertainment expertise to the Abe’s Market community, and help to further transform e-commerce as we know it.”

About Endemol

Endemol USA is a leading producer of television and digital programming specializing in unscripted and scripted genres. The company produces the hit TV shows “Wipeout,” “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” “Jerseylicious,” and “Big Brother,” and digital hits, “Married on MySpace,” “MLB Fan Cave” and “Vidas Cruzadas.”  Endemol USA is a division of the Endemol Group, a leading international content developer, producer and distributor of television and online programming. The company, headquartered in the Netherlands and the UK, has subsidiaries and joint ventures in 26 countries, including the major European markets, the U.S., South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Australia. Endemol is owned by a consortium consisting of Goldman Sachs Capital Partners, Mediaset Group and Cyrte Group. For more information, please visit http://www.endemolusa.tv. Endemol is a privately held company.

About Abe’s Market

Abe’s Market is the go-to destination for natural products online, giving shoppers the opportunity to discover amazing green products, and the unique stories behind them. Sellers on Abe’s Market include mompreneurs, former corporate execs, father-daughter teams, celebrities, and others with a passion for natural products. Abe’s Market brings them together in a marketplace that combines the feel of a local, organic market with the selection you’d expect from an online superstore. Shop Abe’s Market for everything green, natural, and organic – including gourmet foods, health & beauty, clothing, pet care, home décor, baby & kids’ products, and more. http://www.AbesMarket.com

Media Contact:
Jesson Burnam, Resound Marketing
Jesson@ResoundMarketing.com
(609) 279-0050 x104

SOURCE Abe’s Market

http://www.AbesMarket.com

E-Commerce Goes Hollywood: Abe’s Market Partners with Entertainment Industry Giant Endemol USA to Enhance the Experience of Shopping for Natural Products | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, June 24, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Extra^® gum, the Official Chewing Gum of the Mexican National Team (MNT), is offering soccer fans an opportunity to win such prizes as official merchandise, soccer balls and even a package to help create the entertainment space of their dreams at home as they continue to celebrate the triumphs of the CONCACAF Gold Cup^™.

To participate, consumers over the age of 18 must text a UPC code found on Extra gum packs and the word EXTRA to 47647 through July 15, 2011. Winners will receive an instant code that must be entered in the site www.extra-soccer.com with their contact information in order to redeem the prize. No purchase is necessary to enter to win; full contest rules are available on the site.

“We are proud to again partner with the Mexican National Soccer Team,” said Juan Carlos Davila, Wrigley’s U.S. Multicultural Marketing Director. “Mexico has dominated in the group stages of the 2011 Gold Cup and we look forward to seeing them in the championship game on June 25. Fans attending the match can also visit Planeta Wrigley in the fan festival area for a chance to win instant prizes and to meet Mexican soccer legend Luis ‘El Matador’ Hernandez.”

Extra gum is an easy alternative to high calorie snacks to keep in your arsenal while watching the games. Fans can indulge and experience the unique, delicious flavors of Extra Dessert Delights that comes in mouth-watering Mint Chocolate Chip, Strawberry Shortcake and Key Lime Pie flavors, or Extra Fruit Sensations® Gum with Strawberry Banana, Sweet Watermelon and Sweet Tropical to help satisfy sweet cravings.

This summer’s Gold Cup matches will be held in 13 venues across the US. The high-stakes tournament concludes with a championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California on June 25 with the winning team earning a spot in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil.

For more information on the promotion, visit http://www.extra-soccer.com.

About Wrigley

The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company is a recognized leader in confections with a wide range of product offerings including gum, mints, hard and chewy candies, lollipops, and chocolate. The Company has operations in more than 40 countries and distributes its world-famous brands in more than 180 countries. Three of these brands – Wrigley’s Spearmint^®, Juicy Fruit^®, and Altoids^® – have heritages stretching back more than a century. Other well-loved brands include Doublemint^®, Life Savers^®, Skittles^®, Big Red^®, Boomer™, PimPom™, Winterfresh^®, Extra^®, Starburst^®, Freedent^®, Hubba Bubba^®, Orbit^®, Excel^®, Creme Savers^®, Eclipse^®, Airwaves™, Solano™, Sugus™, Lockets™, P.K.™, Cool Air™ and 5^®. Wrigley is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois and operates as a subsidiary of Mars, Incorporated, based in McLean, Virginia. Mars is a $30-billion, family-owned company that produces some of the world’s leading confectionery, food and petcare products and has growing beverage and health & nutrition businesses.

© 2011 Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company.  All Rights Reserved.  5, Stimulate Your Senses, Vive Tu Musica With 5, Wrigley’s Spearmint, Juicy Fruit, Altoids, Doublemint, Life Savers, Skittles, Big Red, Boomer, PimPom, Winterfresh, Extra, Starburst, Freedent, Hubba Bubba, Orbit, Excel, Creme Savers, Eclipse, Airwaves, Solano, Sugus, Lockets, P.K., Cool Air and any affiliated designs are trademarks of the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company or its subsidiaries.

SOURCE Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company

http://www.extra-soccer.com

Extra® Gum, the Official Sponsor of the Mexican National Team, Brings CONCACAF Gold Cup™ Fans a Chance to Celebrate the Sport With Special Prizes | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, April 1, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ – Bo Jackson will be hosting the 3rd Annual Celebrity Charity Golf Classic on Friday, June 24, 2011, at Old Oaks Country Club in Homer Glen, IL. The event will benefit the Give Me A Chance Foundation, dedicated to guiding disadvantaged youth toward personal and professional growth… All proceeds will go toward the development and support of the many athletic/educational programs offered by the foundation. Last year’s event drew a virtual “Who’s Who” list of top name sport celebrities, TV and radio personalities and recording artists, from virtually every pro-sport and entertainment sector. Guests will have the extraordinary opportunity to mingle, dine or golf with the likes of Bo Jackson, Jim McMahon, Richard Dent, Stan Makita and many others. The program includes a continental breakfast, driving range, a round of golf, lunch, attendee gift bag, dinner, and DJ entertainment. In addition, the day will be highlighted by an extensive silent and live auction featuring rare sports/entertainment collectibles, along with prizes, awards, contests and photo opportunities with the stars.

The foundation is extremely proud to have a number of Fortune 500 sponsors for this event including Nike, Mercedes Benz, Navistar, Best Buy, BMW, FedEx, Subway and many other top corporations.  Additional sponsorship opportunities range from Hole Sponsor, Longest Drive, Hole-In-One, Closest to the Pin and more. Media are invited to attend the event.

“The driving force behind the Give Me A Chance Foundation is to ‘give back’ the time, understanding and guidance underprivileged kids never have the chance to experience. Our programs have positively impacted the lives of hundreds of disadvantaged children.  Events like our Celebrity Charity Golf Classic significantly broaden the framework of the foundation and strengthen our position in the charity arena,” said Werner Koos, Board of Directors President, Give Me A Chance Foundation.

Not a golfer? There are many other opportunities to get involved in this worthwhile event. Those interested are welcome to donate a prize for inclusion in the silent auction or raffle, volunteer or make a cash donation. The Give Me A Chance Foundation is an all volunteer, nonprofit 501c3 corporation, with all donations fully tax deductible.

For more information please visit www.givemeachancefoundation.org.

SOURCE Give Me A Chance Foundation

http://www.givemeachancefoundation.org

Bo Jackson 3rd Annual Celebrity Charity Golf Classic to Benefit Give Me A Chance Foundation | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Feb. 28, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — As customers spend more time using communication related media and entertainment sources, vendors must find new ways to promote and sell their products. This market change makes the patented process developed by Shadow Enterprises and represented by ICAP Ocean Tomo of interest to virtually every company doing eCommerce.

The portfolio will be auctioned at ICAP Ocean Tomo’s Spring 2011 Live IP Auction in New York on March 31st.

Key Characteristics & Benefits

The lot discloses the following:

• Technology to power a vendor’s instant messaging presence to create an automated sales channel.
• The patent in this lot allows for a system where a vendor signs on with an instant messaging service using a unique name, which customers can add to their contact lists.
• Software resident on a vendor’s computer responds by supplying a list of goods and/or services. The customer makes one or more selections and generates an order to the vendor.
• Customers are then able to initiate an instant message communication with a selected vendor for ordering purposes.
• Now vendors can have commerce-enabled instant messaging profiles just as they have eCommerce websites.
• Instant messaging commerce applications have additional advantages:
  1. They are powerful and engaging interactive marketing tools that provide a constant presence to the customer.
  2. They allow vendors to send out proactive marketing messages
• System supplies a platform useful for conducting market research and enabling and viral marketing.
• Overall, enabling commerce through new technologies increases revenues by creating alternative methods for accepting customer orders.
• Additional sales platforms also serve to extend the reach, exposure, and appeal of vendor brands.
• This lot has already been cited by Pivot Solutions and Rockwell Collins.

Market Potential

This patent should be of interest for the following reasons:

• Market research suggests that by 2012 there will be more than 1.6 billion instant messaging users around the world.(1)
• In addition, the worldwide market for online mobile shopping is projected to reach $119 billion by 2015.(1)
• Based on figures such as these, this lot should be of interest to software companies, retailers, mobile service providers, and virtually all entities involved in eCommerce.

To learn more about the assets available for sale in this portfolio:

Contact Dean Becker of ICAP Ocean Tomo at Dean.Becker@us.icap.com

About ICAP Ocean Tomo LLC

ICAP Ocean Tomo is the intellectual property brokerage division of ICAP and the world’s premier patent auction firm.

About ICAP

ICAP is the world’s premier interdealer broker and provider of post trade services. The Group matches buyers and sellers in the wholesale markets in interest rates, credit, commodities, foreign exchange, emerging markets, equities and equity derivatives through voice and electronic networks. ICAP plc was added to the FTSE 100 Index on 30 June 2006. For more information go to www.icap.com.

(1) http://www.cnbc.com/id/35443154/Mobile_Online_Shopping_to_Double_in_2010

SOURCE ICAP Ocean Tomo

www.icapoceantomo.com

Instant Messaging for Placing Orders – ICAP Ocean Tomo Announces Convenient New Way to Sell – With Over One Billion Users Worldwide(1) | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, IL February 22, 2011 – Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart will be the featured speaker at the 84th Annual Dinner Meeting of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago & Northern Illinois (BBB) on Tuesday, March 1 at the Hilton Chicago Hotel.

Tom Dart will speak on the importance of making ethical hiring choices a reality in the marketplace. In addition, he will discuss the BBB mission and the fact that ethical business actions are good for business especially in today’s economic climate.

“It’s really an honor for the BBB to have Sheriff Tom Dart speak on ethics in today’s society at our Annual Dinner Meeting,” said Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving < ?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = “urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags” /?>Chicago and Northern Illinois. “Dart is a former state prosecutor and state legislator who has long fought for the rights of others and protecting the most vulnerable of our society. As Sheriff, Dart is responsible for overseeing a police department that patrols and investigates crimes, throughout suburban Cook County. This combination makes him uniquely suited to speak on the topic of business operations and ethics.”

The 84th Annual Dinner Meeting of the BBB will be emceed by NBC 5 Chicago News Anchors Allison Rosati and Rob Stafford, with the presenting of the coveted Torchbearer of the Year Award to Attorney General Lisa Madigan following dinner.

Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart to Highlight Better Business Bureau 84th Annual Dinner on March 1 | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Feb. 21, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — U.S. Cellular, recently ranked the best wireless carrier in the country in a customer survey conducted by Consumer Reports, is offering a pair of family-sized deals to fit a wide range of mobile tastes. Through March 10, customers who buy a Samsung Mesmerize (a Galaxy S device) for just $99.99 can get up to five LG Optimus U smartphones free. For first-time smartphone users or anyone ready to experience the power of Android technology, customers can buy an LG Optimus U at $29.99 and get up to five more for free.

The Samsung Mesmerize, with its large touchscreen and super fast 1 GHz processor, makes watching videos, playing games and zipping through business and entertainment applications easy. With Android 2.2 technology, the LG Optimus U is ideal for smartphone users who want to explore a wide range of multimedia entertainment and time-saving Android applications. Both phones have cool Swype technology for blazing fast text messaging.

U.S. Cellular is offering a similar deal on its popular messaging phones for families who like to talk, text and surf the web. Customers can buy one Samsung Messager Touch for $29.99 and get up to five Samsung Profiles free. To top it off, the carrier dropped prices on its entire lineup of Android-powered phones to under $100, including the popular HTC Desire for just $69.99, the LG Apex for $29.99 and the Samsung Acclaim for free.

“These amazing deals are great for customers who want devices to fit their family’s wide variety of needs and lifestyles,” said Alan D. Ferber, executive vice president of operations for U.S. Cellular. “Busy parents will love how the cutting-edge Android-powered smartphones help them stay productive, and kids can stay entertained and connected with friends on the go. Many of our customers prefer texting over talking, so we also wanted to delight them with great deals on our messaging phones.”

Also through March 10, new customers who purchase a smartphone with a Belief Plan can get a $100 Smartphone Activation Credit per line. Current customers who add a new smartphone line also are eligible. They can pair their new smartphones with the Premium Plus Family Plan for $179.99, which includes two lines with unlimited minutes and messaging, 5GB of data per line, Phone Replacement and GPS navigation.  They could also opt for the “best value in wireless” by signing up for the carrier’s $69.99 Primary Plus Plan that comes with 5GB of data, unlimited text, picture and video messaging, free unlimited incoming calls, nights and weekends, mobile-to-mobile calls and GPS navigation.

All of the offers are backed by U.S. Cellular’s high-speed nationwide network and The Belief Project, both of which have received high marks from industry insiders and consumers. U.S. Cellular has the highest call quality and network satisfaction of any national carrier, and The Belief Project was recently named Frost & Sullivan’s Customer Value Enhancement of the Year. The Belief Project recognizes customer loyalty with unmatched benefits and rewards like faster upgrades to the coolest phones at promotional prices every 18 months or sooner without requiring customers to repeatedly sign contracts. It also offers an assortment of bundled National Single Line and Family Belief Plans designed to mirror the way people use their phones.

New customers who sign up for a Belief Plan and fulfill an initial two-year commitment will never have to sign another one with U.S. Cellular’s “no contract after the first.” Current U.S. Cellular customers who previously signed up for a Belief Plan and are already eligible for a phone upgrade can get promotional prices without signing another contract. Customers automatically get valuable rewards that can be used for faster phone upgrades in as little as 10 months, additional lines, phones, accessories and ringtones.

For more information about all of U.S. Cellular’s deals, plans and phones, and other restrictions on these offers, visit any U.S. Cellular store, go to uscellular.com or check out U.S. Cellular on Facebook.

About U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular is committed to fixing wireless one project at a time and recently unveiled The Belief Project, an array of industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Belief Project complements the Chicago-based carrier’s growing catalog of cutting-edge phones that are all backed by its high-speed nationwide network. U.S. Cellular was recently named a J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Customer Service Champion and provides the best cell phone service in the country according to survey results released by Consumer Reports, which found that wireless customers are more satisfied with U.S. Cellular than every other major wireless company. U.S. Cellular was also named one of Forbes Magazine’s 2010 “Most Trustworthy Companies.” To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or uscellular.com. You can also check out U.S. Cellular on Facebook.

SOURCE U.S. Cellular

http://www.uscellular.com

U.S. Cellular Launches Family-Sized Buy-One-Phone-Get-Five Free Deals and Drops Prices on Android-Powered Smartphones | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

20% TO 40% DISCOUNTS OFFERED ON INCREDIBLE ASSORTMENT OF LITERATURE, ENTERTAINMENT MEDIA AND MORE

CHICAGO, Feb. 17, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Under authority of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, store closing sales will begin on Saturday, February 19th at 200 Borders book stores in 35 states and Puerto Rico.  Over $350 million of inventory including books, magazines, music and movie media, calendars, posters and more will be liquidated.  

Discounts from 20% to 40% with limited exceptions are offered on all merchandise at every closing location. Consumers will benefit from very significant savings on the entire stock of books in every category, including new releases, best sellers, text books, rare and collectible books and children’s books.  There are also substantial price reductions on, thousands of music CDs and video DVDs, calendars, posters, puzzles and arts and crafts items.

Borders Rewards programs, including Borders Rewards Plus, remain in effect. Customers can continue to earn and redeem their Rewards in all stores and on Borders.com.  Gift cards will also be honored as usual.

The liquidation of inventory and store fixtures is being managed by a joint venture composed of Hilco Merchant Resources, LLC, Gordon Brothers Group, SB Capital Group, LLC, and Tiger Capital Group.  A spokesperson for the joint venture said, “This is a tremendous opportunity for consumers to take advantage of truly compelling discounts on a huge selection of literature, entertainment media and much more.  We anticipate that today’s value conscious consumer will respond very positively to these outstanding savings.  We expect this will be a short sale.”

About Hilco Merchant Resources, LLC

Based in Northbrook, IL, Hilco Merchant Resources (www.hilcomerchantresources.com) provides a wide range of analytical, advisory, operational, asset monetization and capital investment services to help retailers define and execute strategic initiatives.  Hilco can acquire, co-invest in or facilitate the merger of retail operations; purchase or otherwise dispose of duplicative stores, underperforming divisions, unnecessary distribution centers, inventory, owned real estate, leases, and furniture, fixtures and equipment.  Hilco also provides retail restructuring services, interim store management, loss prevention services, marketing and advertising management, merchandising management, and strategic store opening programs.

About Gordon Brothers Group

Founded in 1903, Gordon Brothers Group (www.gordonbrothers.com) is a global advisory, restructuring and investment firm specializing in the retail, consumer products, industrial and real estate sectors.  Gordon Brothers Group maximizes value for both healthy and distressed companies by purchasing or selling all categories of assets, appraising assets, providing debt financing, making private equity investments, and operating businesses for extended periods.  Gordon Brothers Group conducts over $50 billion in transactions and appraisals annually.

About SB Capital Group, LLC

SB Capital Group, a Schottenstein affiliate, is a leader in the field of asset recovery, rescue finance, restructuring and strategic store closing events.  As equity stakeholders in businesses comprising sectors as diversified as retail enterprises, consumer products, franchising, licensing and real property, SB Capital Group leverages resources and depth of experience to provide services with applicability across a wide spectrum of industries.  Recognized worldwide as a trusted partner for businesses and professionals, SB Capital Group’s participation in transactions that span the globe has solidified a reputation as one of the most creative and innovative financial service and asset realization firms in existence today.  Discover more at www.sbcapitalgroup.com.

About Tiger Capital Group

Tiger Capital Group (www.tigergroupllc.com) specializes in the planning, promotion, and management of store-closing events in connection with mergers, acquisitions, downsizing, corporate divestitures and Chapter 11 proceedings. Our focus is to help retailers, assets-based lenders, and other financial institutions understand the underlying value of inventory and to provide key monitoring advice.  Professionals within Tiger Capital have many years’ experience and extensive knowledge in the valuation and disposition of assets.  Tiger and its affiliated companies provide comprehensive advisory, valuation, auction, management, and disposition services for a broad range of retail, wholesale, and industrial companies.

NOTE TO EDITORS: STORE LOCATION LIST FOLLOWS

SOURCE Hilco Merchant Resources, LLC

http://www.hilcomerchantresources.com

Store Closing Sales Begin Saturday at 200 Borders Locations in 35 States and Puerto Rico | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Jan. 27, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Kmart, LF USA (a subsidiary of Hong Kong-headquartered multinational Li & Fung Limited), and Latin World Entertainment Licensing today announced the launch of a new lifestyle collection by renowned actress Sofia Vergara. Sold exclusively through Kmart, the collection will embody the “Modern Family” star’s signature style of glamour and sexiness with an air of approachability.

The collection, which will include sportswear, dresses, handbags, jewelry, and footwear, is designed to offer young, fashion-conscious women the trend-right must-haves of each season, including figure flattering styles and fashion-forward prints and patterns that easily transition from day to night. Reflecting Sofia’s unique fashion sensibilities, the brand is a modern and fresh approach to everyday style. Kmart will be the exclusive provider and marketer in the United States for all Sofia Vergara apparel, accessories and other merchandise, available at over 800 Kmart stores nationwide and Kmart.com beginning fall 2011.

“The Sofia Vergara collection will draw on the star’s notable, personal style with designs that will have broad appeal,” said John Goodman, executive vice president of Apparel and Home for Sears Holdings. “As you look at the current brand portfolio at Kmart—from our longstanding relationship with Jaclyn Smith to our more recent introduction of Dream Out Loud by Selena Gomez—it is clear that we value the authenticity that comes from collaborating with talented celebrities whose sense of fashion is aspirational but attainable. We’re particularly pleased to be able to strengthen our apparel offering with this contemporary brand, designed especially for a young, fashion-conscious customer. We look forward to welcoming Sofia Vergara to the Kmart family.”

Named as one of the most talented and powerful women in Hispanic entertainment today by The Hollywood Reporter and Billboard, Sofia Vergara is the only Hispanic actress to begin her career on a U.S. Hispanic network and successfully cross over to the general market. She can currently be seen every week on ABC’s six-time Emmy award-winning series, “Modern Family” and will participate in some of the most anticipated films of 2011, Columbia Picture’s “The Smurfs,” Warner Bros’ “Happy Feet,” and New Line Cinema’s “New Year’s Eve.” Recently selected by The New York Times as one of this year’s “Faces to Watch”, Sofia was nominated this year for a Golden Globe, an Emmy and a Screen Actors Guild award for her role in “Modern Family.”

“I am thrilled to be introducing the Sofia Vergara brand with Kmart!” said Sofia Vergara. “I wanted to work with a national retailer that would truly value a collection that provides both fashion and quality at a price women could afford.”

“As an actress, businesswoman, philanthropist and fashion trend-setter, Sofia Vergara is truly today’s modern woman,” said Rick Darling, president of LF USA. “Just as Sofia’s talent has won her fans across a broad audience base, we believe her collection will appeal to a range of fashion conscious consumers. The combination of one of America’s top retailers in Kmart, along with LF USA’s design capabilities and global sourcing network and Sofia’s strong consumer appeal, creates a powerful fashion proposition for our customers.”

In addition to her acting career, Sofia is a founding partner with Luis Balaguer of Latin World Entertainment, a 100 percent Hispanic-owned entertainment company serving the U.S. Hispanic market.

“When creating the Sofia Vergara Brand, we were looking for a strategic relationship to capture the essence of Sofia and work closely with her to translate it into a line that reflects her passion, personality and beauty,” said Luis Balaguer, president and CEO of Latin World Entertainment. “Kmart is the ideal retailer and will be the home to the Sofia Vergara Brand for many years to come!”

About Kmart

Kmart, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation (Nasdaq: SHLD), is a mass merchandising company that offers customers quality products through a portfolio of exclusive brands that include Jaclyn Smith, Joe Boxer, Country Living, Route 66 and Smart Sense. For more information visit the company’s website at www.kmart.com or the Sears Holdings Corporation website at www.searsholdings.com.

About LF USA

LF USA is a subsidiary of Li & Fung Limited, the Hong Kong-headquartered multinational consumer goods export and logistics group and recognized as the world’s leader in consumer goods design, development, sourcing and distribution. From over 140 offices in the United States, Europe, Africa and Asia, the Group manages the supply chain for retailers and brands worldwide and sources from more than 40 economies. It also operates an extensive integrated distribution network serving a portfolio of customers. Corporate website: www.lifung.com

About Latin World Entertainment

Latin World Entertainment is the premier talent management and entertainment marketing firm in the United States—a multi-service company offering a 360 degree approach that includes publicity, licensing, endorsements, brand integration, production and content development. After sixteen years developing Hispanic celebrities, this 100% Hispanic owned company serving the US Hispanic market has the reputation of being the number one Hispanic talent agency in the country and the strongest multi-service and synergy provider in its kind.  Corporate website: www.latinwe.com.

SOURCE Kmart

http://www.kmart.com
http://www.searsholdings.com
http://www.latinwe.com
http://www.lifung.com

Kmart, LF USA and Latin World Entertainment Licensing Announce Contemporary Lifestyle Collection by Sofia Vergara | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.