CHICAGO, July 11, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — The RoomPlace, a leading furniture retailer with locations throughout Illinois and Indiana, as well as an online store, has chosen HY Connect, an integrated communications agency with offices in Chicago and Milwaukee, as its media planning and buying agency.  The well-known Illinois-based retailer cited HY Connect’s strategic and creative media thinking, and strong service orientation as key reasons for awarding the business.

“The RoomPlace is a great brand with a standout retail concept,” said HY Connect President Dave Sheehan.  ”We look forward to working together and helping them grow.”

The RoomPlace makes furniture buying easy thanks to completely furnished, coordinated rooms created by the company’s team of experienced designers. With more than 700 employees and historical media spending between $10-12 million, The RoomPlace is looking to the future with an aggressive marketing and development plan.

“Our distinctive retail experience allows The RoomPlace to stand out in an extremely competitive environment,” said The RoomPlace Vice President of Marketing Brian Wiborg.  ”Partnering with an agency that understands the retail experience, the markets we operate in and how to use media to drive traffic to our stores is critical to our continued growth.  HY Connect demonstrated an excellent understanding of our business and female target consumer.  We’re excited to begin collaborating with them to generate positive results.”

The RoomPlace

The RoomPlace is one of the Midwest’s leading furniture retailers.  Headquartered in Lombard, Ill., the company currently operates 22 stores located throughout Illinois and Indiana.  The RoomPlace makes furniture buying easy for customers, thanks to showrooms with completely furnished, coordinated rooms created by the company’s team of experienced designers.  Customers not only save on every piece of furniture they buy, they save even more when they buy a complete room.

For more information, please visit theroomplace.com.

HY Connect

HY Connect (formerly Hoffman York) is a fully integrated marketing and communications agency that builds effective and meaningful connections between clients and their customers.  HY Connect offers a full suite of traditional services such as advertising, interactive, public relations and social media, as well as specialty services such as mobile and marketing to women.  The agency has offices in Milwaukee and Chicago with $110 million in annualized billings.  Visit hyc.com for more information.

SOURCE HY Connect

http://www.hyc.com
http://www.theroomplace.com

HY Connect Wins Media Planning and Buying for The RoomPlace | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, IL – June 1, 2011 – If your small business is starting to take up more room than your home office has to offer, it’s time to think about moving your business out of your house. Taking the leap and leasing a commercial office space can be a frightening prospect. But if you ask the right questions and take the time to do your research, you’ll avoid the common pitfalls. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers tips to business owners on how to land the right space for the best price.

“Choosing the work environment that’s right for you makes all the difference when it comes to your overall productivity,” said Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and northern Illinois. “An efficient work space allows for an overall efficient work ethic.”

The BBB recommends considering the following when choosing a leasing space that’s right for your business:

What are your needs? Before you start your search, spend some time thinking about what you need in an office space. Don’t just consider how many employees you currently have; seriously consider your company’s growth and estimate how many employees you’ll gain over the course of a lease. The general rule for allotting space is 175 to 250 square feet of usable area per person. Also consider the common areas such as break rooms, reception area, and conference rooms you and your employees will need.

Get professional help. Finding the right commercial office space isn’t as easy as finding residential property. Chances are you’ll need a realtor to navigate you through the process of finding that perfect office space. Before you select your realtor, check out their free BBB Business Review at www.bbb.org

Location, Location, Location. The perfect location can often depend on what kind of business you run. If you regularly expect clients in your office you’ll need a convenient, safe, location.

Consider safety and accessibility. Look for parking, public transportation as well as the condition of the building and the neighborhood. Also ask if your employees with be able to easily get to work.

Go ahead, kick the tires. Take a long hard look at the office space and assess the condition of the building. Ask the landlord about recent improvements and upgrades as well as the condition of the air conditioning and heating units.

Also, discuss with your landlord how much remodeling needs to be done to the office space and determine who will foot the bill. You may need to consider the basics such as new carpet, fixtures, and fresh paint as well as major interior renovations such as constructing new walls.

Review the lease carefully. Read all of the fine print of your lease. If you need help deciphering the legalese of your lease, an attorney who specializes in lease agreements can help negotiate the terms. Don’t be shy about negotiating; this is a major investment and a big step for your company and you don’t want to get locked into a bad deal.

For more business tips you can trust, visit www.bbb.org

BBB Tips for Leasing an Office Space That Works for You | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

These sites, which are located in an Environmental Justice area, have been the location of chronic open dumping for many years.

The Illinois EPA is using funds from its Used Tire Cleanup Program to remove and properly dispose of waste tires first from the 500 block of North 20th Street site in East St. Louis on Wednesday.

When that removal action is completed, they will move to the 6881 Forest Blvd. site in Washington Park.

Illinois EPA expects each cleanup to take about three days, depending on weather conditions.

“The disregard for the law by illegal dumpers not only puts the public at risk, it harms property values and affects the quality of life of the citizens who live near them,” said Illinois EPA Interim Director Lisa Bonnett.

This removal action will be conducted using monies from the Used Tire Management Fund. The Illinois EPA is able to provide financial assistance to some units of local government for waste tire removal actions. The Illinois EPA is conducting a limited number of waste tire removal actions in Environmental Justice areas where because of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, income, age, or gender, exposure to greater environmental impact may exist or happen. It is also working with these units of local government to curtail the chronic illegal dumping activities occurring in these communities through enhanced patrolling, community education/action, surveillance and enforcement.

In addition, the Agency is stepping up its enforcement against chronic waste tire dumpers and other open dumping violators. House Bill 2001, which recently passed the Illinois House of Representatives and is now under consideration by the Senate, increases the penalties for this type of violation from a misdemeanor to a felony.
The Environmental Protection Act currently allows state and local law enforcement to issue citations of up to $1500 for each violation, including causing or allowing water accumulation in used or waste tires, failure by a tire retailer to collect the tire user fee from retail tire customers, failure by a tire retailer to file a quarterly tax return with the Illinois Department of Revenue (also a Class 4 Felony), and transporting used tires without a valid Illinois EPA registration and vehicle placard.

The Illinois EPA’s used/waste tire removal program began in 1990. It is funded by a $1 per tire user fee that consumers pay when purchasing new tires. Used tires are among the few products having a “closed loop” recycling program. Used tires are collected by tire dealers and are passed along to tire recyclers or processors. Some tires are retreaded and reused; others are recycled into a variety of products and uses; but most are shredded into a high-energy fuel supplement known as tire-derived fuel (TDF) and are burned in power plants, industrial boilers or cement kilns for energy recovery.

Illinois EPA to Clean up Unsafe Tire Dumps in East St. Louis and Washington Park – Waste tires spread mosquito-related diseases | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO (CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM) — Tuesday April 19, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that the state’s Michael A. Bilandic Building has received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR award, recognizing it as one of the most energy-efficient buildings in the nation.

The Bilandic Building in Chicago has increased its energy efficiency by nearly 68 percent since 2008, resulting in significantly reduced energy usage and energy cost savings of approximately $100,000 per year.

“We are honored to receive this recognition for our work to improve the energy efficiency of the state’s buildings,” said Governor Quinn. “A cleaner and greener future for Illinois is one of my administration’s top priorities, and this award demonstrates the success of our efforts. We must continue to work together to find ways to further reduce our emissions and protect our environment.”

Renovations and enhancements to the Bilandic building have reduced its carbon dioxide emissions by 35 percent. The ENERGY STAR rating requires buildings to perform in the top 25 percent of similar facilities nationwide. The energy improvements made to the Bilandic building place it among the top 20 percent of the nation’s EPA-partnered buildings.

“U.S. EPA congratulates the State of Illinois for earning this Energy Star award,” said EPA Regional Administrator Susan Hedman. “The energy-saving investments that have been made in the Bilandic building will help to reduce air pollution and will save taxpayers’ money.”

As part of the state’s overall efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs, the Department of Central Management Services and Capital Development Board replaced the building’s outdated, inefficient heating and cooling equipment. The energy-saving features at the Bilandic building include a combination of gas-fired boilers for heating operations and electric chillers for air conditioning, as well as upgraded walls, windows, roofing, and electrical and mechanical systems.

The building serves approximately 25,000 people per month, and houses the Illinois Supreme and Appellate Courts, offices, conference space and hearing rooms for the Illinois House of Representatives, the Illinois Senate and multiple state agencies. The building was built in the 1920s and was the original state of Illinois flagship office building in downtown Chicago. At approximately 450,000 square feet, it still represents one of the state’s largest facilities.

Gov. Quinn Announces State Building Receives U.S. EPA’s Prestigious ENERGY STAR Award | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

If you’re looking to get a reputational boost from your dedication to the environment, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends sticking to the truth and not exaggerating your company’s impact.

There are many different shades and hues when it comes to being a green company. Some businesses strive to manufacture products that are better for the environment, while others take steps to be greener in daily operations, through measures such as recycling, using carbon offsets and taking steps to save energy.

“Going green can save your company money, especially if you take steps to conserve energy,” said Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. “It may also make your company money as consumers are looking for products and services that won’t be as harmful to the environment.”

The BBB offers the following advice on promoting your business’ greener side

Get a stamp of approval.

Successfully Promote Your Company’s Greener Side | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

“I’m proud of the environmental leadership example that Chicago has set over the years and I want to remind Chicagoans how important it is to re-commit ourselves to protecting human health and the environment,” the Mayor said in a news conference held at the Academy for Global Citizenship, a kindergarten through third grade school at 4647 W. 47^th St.

At the news conference, Daley also reported on his recent trip to China and Hong Kong with a delegation of Chicago business leaders, where they began the “Chicago-China Friendship Initiative,” whose purpose is to raise the City’s profile as a center of international commerce and establish Chicago as the most “China-friendly” city in the United States.

The Academy for Global Citizenship is a charter school that has taken as part of its mission two things that Daley said are critical to promoting economic development throughout the city: cultivating international awareness and fostering environmental stewardship.

The Mayor said the most important investment the City has made over the years to support its long-term economic health is education – which includes both actively encouraging the development of charter and contract schools and ensuring there is a  strong system of neighborhood schools to go along with a strong collection of charter schools.

“Students are never too young to be taught about other cultures around the world, and they’re never too young to be told that it’s everybody’s job to protect the environment,” Daley said.

He singled out for mention the school’s “Edible Schoolyard” program, which teaches students about the connection between the food they eat every day and the overall health of the community.

By maintaining a garden on the school property, the students are made aware of their connection to the land and the things that grow on it. And, it involves the students, teachers, parents and community members in taking care of the garden.

“Our vision is to give all our students the kind of global education that prepares them to be leaders in Chicago, in our nation and in the world. The Academy for Global Citizenship is helping us carry out that vision,” the Mayor said.

Daley called the recent trip to China and Hong Kong another tool to help carry out that vision.

“We were able to create a solid framework for expanding our business, educational and cultural connections with China and Hong Kong,” he said.

On the trip, the Daley signed agreements with the City of Tianjin and the City of Chongqing for continued cooperation with Chicago.

Tianjin has had an economic development office in Chicago for the past 10 years and the cooperative relationship between the two cities has grown over the years.

Chongqing has been compared to Chicago because it is an industrial gateway that opens the country to its rural heartland.

Daley said he rode the high-speed train from Beijing to Tianjin and that while the delegation was in Hong Kong, Chicago Aviation Commissioner Rosemarie Andolino met with the chairman of the MTR Corporation to talk about Chicago’s interest in establishing express rail service between O’Hare and downtown. MTR operates the Airport Express railway system between the Hong Kong’s airport and its central business district.

Daley met with, among others, the Chinese Minister of Commerce, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, the mayors of all the cities he visited and the U.S. Consul General.

The delegation toured urban planning exhibitions in Tianjin and Chongqing and a Motorola Plant in Tianjin.

Daley made presentations in four of the five cities telling about Chicago and the “Chicago-China Friendship Initiative,” and did numerous media interviews to talk about how Chicago is a great place to do business and visit.

Daley said there will be updates in the coming weeks about further results of the China trip.

“We already have a very strong relationship with China, but the economic future of Chicago depends greatly on our success in seeking opportunities in China and around the globe,” he said.

Mayor Daley Tours Academy For Global Citizenship To Raise Awareness Of Environmental Sustainability | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Mayor Richard M. Daley today joined Lakeview Community leaders to celebrate the renovation of the Sheil Park playground at 3505 N. Southport Ave.

“Our parks and open spaces are among our greatest treasures. When we invest in parks and playgrounds and field houses, we are helping keep our neighborhoods strong,” Daley said in a news conference at the park.

Daley said that it has been important to him that the City’s parks offer new and renovated facilities to meet the changing desires of residents.

In the last 22 years, he said, the Chicago Park District has acquired 501 additional acres of parkland, added 73 new parks, built 18 new field houses and built or refurbished 70 fitness centers. In that time, Chicago has added 1,500 acres of open space.

Today’s parks system now includes: 537 baseball fields, 218 soccer fields, 520 playgrounds, 86 swimming pools, 18 dog parks, 9 skate parks, 9 ice skating rinks, 6 golf courses and 89 community gardens.

As part of the renovation project, the existing Sheil Park playground received many improvements, such as a new stone entry plaza with steps and a stroller-friendly ramp, concrete pavers, benches, entry planters, fencing, landscaping and other site furnishings.

The new playground equipment and soft surfacing have a baseball theme, complete with a chalk scoreboard that the community requested to highlight the park’s close proximity to Wrigley Field.

The park visit also represented another stop on the “Neighborhood Appreciation Tour” the Mayor will make in communities all over the city before he leaves office in May to thank Chicagoans for their collaboration in helping the City move forward.

“Today I want to thank the residents of the 44^th ward for their hard work and dedication.  Working together, we’ve brought Chicago into the 21st century, and given it a bright future,” he said.

The Mayor said the renovation of Sheil Park is just one of the projects that have helped to make this part of the City a better place.

He identified a number of those initiatives in the 44^th Ward:

• In 2007, Mayor Daley dedicated the Center on Halsted, the first community center in the Midwest for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

The $20 million center was constructed with the help of private contributions and city, state and federal assistance. It provides social and recreational programs, counseling, legal and mental health services for young and elderly people.

The Center on Halsted is an important project that helps Chicago lead the way when it comes to meeting the needs and aspirations of the members of the gay and lesbian community.

• The City recently opened the new 23^rd District Police Station that replaced the old Town Hall district station, which was built in the 1930′s and didn’t have adequate space or amenities to service the community.

The new 44,000-square-foot station is designed to accommodate the needs of the police, as well as the community with a 100-seat meeting room. It will also achieve LEED “Gold” Certification for environmental design.

• Both the Chicago Public Schools and the Public Building Commission have carried out numerous projects in this community in recent years, including improvements or renovations at four schools in the 44^th Ward, with two new playlots and a campus park at School and Seminary.

• The Chicago Park District has completed 12 separate improvement projects at 11 parks and beach locations in the 44^th Ward, including major improvements to Belmont Harbor including the installation of 108 boating slips.

Other park projects include improvements to the lakefront multi-use trail, the development of the Diversey Driving Range and the acquisition and development of Kelly Park.

• The CTA has undertaken big projects that have benefited the 44^th ward over the past 20 years. For example, the CTA has:
  • Opened three new train stations on the Brown Line and Red Lines at Southport, Addison and Belmont.
  • And today, all CTA buses are equipped with cameras for customer safety and customers can use the award-winning BusTracker to plan their travels.
• The Southport Farmers Market on Saturdays gives our residents more access to healthy, fresh foods.

• The City has completed a dozen street-scaping projects in the ward, 20 major street improvement projects and marked out four miles of bike routes in the ward.

• The City helped redevelop the former Wieboldt’s department store in the heart of the Lincoln-Belmont-Ashland commercial district.

• The City also helped rebuild the Lake Michigan shoreline from Belmont to Diversey, and improved the Lake Shore Drive underpasses at Barry and Roscoe.

“So I’m here today to thank every resident, every community organization, every business, every not-for-profit for their advice, support and cooperation on all these projects,” Daley said.

“Thank you for participating in the process. Thank you for your ideas, your input and your time. That’s what our system of government is based on – the people.

“It’s been a joy and an honor to be your Mayor,” he said.

Mayor Daley, Lakeview Residents Celebrate Renovation of Sheil Park Playground | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

LISLE, Ill., March 28, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Choose DuPage announces Gregory M. Bedalov of Downers Grove, Ill., as its new President.

“I’m looking forward to my position with Choose DuPage,” Bedalov said. “It represents a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with the private sector and the municipalities within DuPage County, as well as county and state officials, in a concentrated effort to enhance the economic well-being of the region.”

Choose DuPage serves to strengthen DuPage County’s business environment by stimulating business investment and opportunity within both the public and private sectors.

“Greg’s role as President of Choose DuPage is to expand and diversify DuPage County’s economy,” said Choose DuPage Private Sector Co-Chair Jim Sheehan. “His experience gives him the tools he needs to drive the mission of Choose DuPage and succeed in this position.”

Bedalov graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1987. After graduation, Bedalov gained years of leadership and management experience—most notably during his time as president of the Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation and director of global business development and North American sales and marketing manager for Pulsafeeder, Incorporated.

As President, Bedalov will be responsible for a host of duties—namely developing, planning and implementing strategies to promote DuPage County as an ideal business and industry location. He will also be in charge of client management, partner networking and effectively working with the 39 distinct communities within DuPage County.

“Greg is the kind of dedicated, energetic leader we need to help boost economic opportunities in DuPage County and partner with local officials to attract new businesses to our county,” said DuPage County Chairman Dan Cronin. “This is a competitive environment as every county seeks to attract new employers and create new jobs. I believe Greg will fully embrace this challenge and think of new, creative ways to enhance economic development in DuPage County. I look forward to working with him on this important and essential effort.”

“Congratulations to Greg Bedalov on his new position,” said Downers Grove Mayor Ron Sandack. “We wish Greg well in his new endeavors and the village looks forward to continuing to work with Choose DuPage.”

Bedalov lives in Downers Grove with his wife and three daughters.

For more information or with any questions, please contact Kathleen Gutierrez at kgutierrez@choosedupage.com or 630-955-2090.

Choose DuPage:

Choose DuPage is a public/private nonprofit countywide economic development organization that promotes DuPage County as a premiere business location. In the face of regional and global competition for business investment, Choose DuPage has championed critical and visionary leadership from the public and private sectors of DuPage County partnering with the

39 communities to:

• Support local municipal economic development initiatives
• Grow, retain and attract businesses
• Address policy issues critical to the needs of business
• Leverage assets and partnerships
• Connect with state, regional and local public resources
• Promote a coordinated marketing message and county identity

To learn more, visit www.choosedupage.com.

SOURCE Choose DuPage

http://www.choosedupage.com

Choose DuPage Hires New President | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

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CHICAGO, March 21, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) will receive an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year award from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its ongoing commitment to protecting the environment through energy efficiency.

Boeing is among 40 ENERGY STAR Partners of the Year – including 15 from the industrial category – that will be honored by the EPA during an awards ceremony on April 12 in Washington, D.C.  

“Boeing’s robust energy management program is a national model,” said Elizabeth Craig, acting director of EPA’s Office of Atmospheric Programs. “Effective energy management not only helps the bottom line, but it also is our most cost-effective climate strategy.”

Boeing received the award after demonstrating an ongoing commitment to effective energy-management practices; enterprise-wide reduction in energy consumption; and employee engagement and awareness activities. The award honors Boeing for embedding energy conservation practices into all sustaining operations and using common tools, plans and performance metrics to drive improvements.

Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Jim McNerney credited employees. “This achievement is a testament to the innovation and creativity of the entire Boeing team, which simultaneously cut our energy usage, reduced our facilities’ environmental footprint and drove improvements in our business performance. We are proud of our teams’ efforts. This is a great honor for Boeing—one that will motivate us to keep improving our energy efficiency and reducing our environmental footprint even further.”

Boeing is making measurable progress to improve the environmental performance of Boeing operations.

From 2002 through 2010, on a revenue-adjusted basis, Boeing has reduced energy consumption by 30 percent and CO2 emissions by 28 percent. On an absolute basis since 2002, Boeing has reduced energy consumption by 15 percent, which is equal to saving 2,121,643 MMBtus, or enough energy to power 54,168 average homes for a year in the United States.

Additionally, five Boeing buildings have received ENERGY STAR labels for energy efficiency improvements, including the Boeing Corporate Offices building in Chicago.

ENERGY STAR was introduced by the EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants associated with energy use. Today, the ENERGY STAR label can be found on more than 60 kinds of products as well as new homes and buildings. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved $18 billion on their utility bills and prevented greenhouse gas equivalent to those of 34 million cars. Products, homes and buildings that have earned the ENERGY STAR prevent emissions by meeting strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the EPA. For more information, go to www.energystar.gov.

Boeing has been an ENERGY STAR Industrial Partner since 1997, and this is its first Partner of the Year award since earning an award under the prior EPA Green Lights Program in 1999. For more information about environmental issues at Boeing visit http://www.boeing.com/aboutus/environment/.

Contact:
Kathleen Spicer, Seattle
Phone: 425-865-7509
kathleen.m.spicer@boeing.com

SOURCE Boeing

http://www.boeing.com/

Boeing Named ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

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CHICAGO, March 7, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Companies are increasing their demand for maximum productivity and smart growth, a shift from the focus on cost control that came with 36 months of turbulence in the corporate operating environment, according to the inaugural Jones Lang LaSalle and Thomson Reuters’ Global Corporate Real Estate Survey. According to the report, as companies emerge from the global financial crisis they are seeking to restructure and plan for a new economic era, which is placing more pressure and scrutiny on the productive use of corporate real estate (CRE).

This presents a powerful opportunity for CRE teams to drive strategic change and bring added value to their wider businesses. CRE teams will be required to respond with greater agility, expediency and productivity, increasing their reliance on outsourced service providers.

The first-ever survey drew responses from more than 500 CRE executives across the globe, including China, India, Australia, UK, France, Germany and North America, and across a variety of industries, including banking and finance, pharmaceutical, government and IT. This is the firm’s first global effort to formally identify the future challenges facing the CRE industry and the likely consequences over the next three years.  

“This survey gives us an unprecedented window into the mind of the CRE community, as well as the global business marketplace as a whole,” said Stuart Hicks, CEO of Corporate Solutions at Jones Lang LaSalle. “Corporations have clearly shifted from short-term, survival motivated tactics towards medium-term, strategic initiatives aimed at driving productivity enhancements.”

“Driving improved productivity by implementing more strategic real estate initiatives can release tremendous value given that real estate typically accounts for 7 to 12 percent of a corporation’s total operating costs,” said Mr. Hicks.

“These survey results should also be of interest to the investor community, as they point at important cyclical and structural shifts in demand for space, as well as operational priorities for the tenants,” said Robert Ciemniak, Global Head of Real Estate Markets at Thomson Reuters.

As corporations globally responded to tightening financial conditions and shrinking revenues, attention predictably turned quickly towards real estate. This pressure was firmly felt by CRE teams across the world with 97 percent of survey respondents supporting their business with one or more tactical real estate plays to reduce cost.

Now that corporate health is improving, firms are turning to growth strategies that balance the dual forces of growth and cost control.  When asked what will be the most influential factor in shaping real estate strategy in the next three years, growth was the standout response (35%), followed by cost pressures (11%).

“CRE teams will be challenged to drive increased productivity through real estate while pursuing portfolio growth alongside continued right-sizing,” said Mr. Hicks.” Many will need to progress their journey along the outsourcing curve and partner with specialist real estate service providers in order to effectively meet these challenges. For those already at the head of the curve, re-evaluating existing relationships will ensure full value and benefit is being extracted.

Among the top influences on future real estate strategies, seventy-seven percent of survey respondents identified the need to attract talent, the quest for enhanced productivity, right-sizing the portfolio for a new organizational reality or a desire to change the culture and nature of work. Creating more efficient workspace that is conducive to modern work styles and receptive to the demands of knowledge workers will assist CRE leaders in meeting these demands and building additional value for their businesses.  

Portfolio growth predicted, but geographically focused

The survey reveals that respondents are seeing a return to growth in select geographies. Thirty-nine percent of respondents anticipate an increase in the total size of their global real estate portfolio over the next three years, while 31 percent predict a reduction.

• Net growth is strongest in the Asia-Pacific region and in particular North Asia (60%), South Asia (primarily India) (43%), and South East Asia (37%).
• In the EMEA region this same Eastwards and Southwards shift is evident. Strong portfolio growth is predicted for Central and Eastern Europe (34%) and the Middle East (24%).  
• In the Americas the growth dynamic is Southwards, in the Latin America region (34%).  

Respondents suggest that in the United States and Western Europe overall portfolio size will reduce over the next three as consolidation continues to drive utilization rate improvements.

Among the most active industry sectors, the finance sector is forecast to grow most notably in North Asia with 63 percent of respondents predicting portfolio growth. The technology sector is also predicting portfolio growth in North Asia (67%), Latin America (44%) and Southeast Asia (44%).

Acting with conviction in an uncertain business environment

While most corporations today are in a stronger cash position, there are still hurdles inhibiting broad real estate moves.  Forty-three percent of respondents cited “uncertainty around future shape/size of business” as the obstacle preventing them from executing desired strategies during the financial crisis. Twenty-nine percent cited “economic uncertainty.”  

Contrary to most expectations, more respondents listed “uncertainty and risk minimization” as a factor shaping their real estate strategy three years from now than today (22% vs. 25%).

Companies can reduce these levels of uncertainty by enhancing their ability to predict demand using improved forecasting models, more comprehensive demographics information, and more sophisticated risk management techniques.

Global crisis causes lasting change and gives CRE a seat in the C-Suite

When asked for legacies of the global financial crisis, 92 percent of the respondents cited “greater visibility and engagement with senior business leaders” with 90 percent stating they had gained “greater visibility and ability to influence business decisions.”  Eighty-one percent of respondents maintained that the CRE function had been placed under greater scrutiny by the wider business since the onset of the global financial crisis.

Outlook: Re-Shaping CRE Structures and Skills

When asked which scenarios were most likely within the next three years, 77 percent stated “CRE leaders to be more actively involved in developing and implementing organizations’ strategic direction.”

Respondents firmly believe that transformations in the role and structure of the CRE function are underway and will intensify over the next three years. The challenges facing CRE are significant and demanding. CRE leaders who address these challenges head on and invest in recruiting and developing key CRE talent, from the industry or from outside traditional boundaries, will be operating at the vanguard of the industry.    

“There is a clear opportunity for CRE leaders to redefine their organizations and drive a more strategic real estate agenda as the importance of this role continues to broaden in board room across the globe,” said Hicks. “We expect to see fundamental and sustained changes in the structure and remit of CRE teams across the world and stronger engagement with outsourced service providers as they progress toward partnership with 80 percent of respondents planning to either fully or partially outsource their CRE functions within the next three years.”

Jones Lang LaSalle and Thomson Reuters’ Global Corporate Real Estate Survey is designed to capture the insights into: CRE trends and concerns in emerging and developed economies; how the global financial crisis has changed the CRE landscape and reshaped its function and strategy; short-term and long-term CRE priorities and developments and practices among industry peers. To read the full report, please visit http://www.joneslanglasalle.com/MediaResources/AP/Marketing/Singapore/CRE_Global_Survey_2011_Final.pdf.

Graphics of the report statistics are available upon request.

About Jones Lang LaSalle

Jones Lang LaSalle (NYSE: JLL) is a financial and professional services firm specializing in real estate. The firm offers integrated services delivered by expert teams worldwide to clients seeking increased value by owning, occupying or investing in real estate. With 2010 global revenue of more than $2.9 billion, Jones Lang LaSalle serves clients in 60 countries from more than 1,000 locations worldwide, including 185 corporate offices.  The firm is an industry leader in property and corporate facility management services, with a portfolio of approximately 1.8 billion square feet worldwide. LaSalle Investment Management, the company’s investment management business, is one of the world’s largest and most diverse in real estate with more than $41 billion of assets under management. For further information, please visit our website, www.joneslanglasalle.com.

SOURCE Jones Lang LaSalle

http://www.joneslanglasalle.com

Corporations Move from Cost Concerns to Higher Demands on Productivity and Smart Growth as Key Real Estate Drivers in 2011 | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

NORTHBROOK, Ill., Feb. 11, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — UL is notifying manufacturers that the transformer below bears an unauthorized UL Recognized Component Mark. This transformer has not been evaluated by UL to the appropriate Standard for Safety for the United States, and is not authorized to bear the UL Recognized Component Mark. It is unknown if this transformer complies with applicable safety requirements.

About UL

UL is a premier global safety science company with more than 100 years of proven history. Employing more than 6800 professionals in over 96 countries, UL is evolving the future of safety with five distinct business units – Product Safety, Environment, Life & Health, Verification and University–to meet the expanding needs of customers and the global public. Additional information about UL can be found at UL.com or Safetyathome.com. 

SOURCE UL

http://www.UL.com
http://www.Safetyathome.com

UL Warns of Flyback Transformer With Unauthorized UL Mark | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Feb. 10, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Black or silver? Sedan or coupe? Compact or hatchback? Consumers have much to consider when they’re on the hunt for a new car. But, according to Mintel research, it’s a hassle-free sales environment that really gets shoppers’ motors running, as 27% of consumers who have bought a new vehicle in the past three years say they were influenced by the stress-free sales floor.

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The test drive is by far the most powerful motivator of new vehicle purchase with 63% of respondents who got a new car in the last three years, though 37% were influenced by the dealer warranty. Meanwhile, 20% were swayed by the demeanor of the sales agent and 27% were wooed by the dealer trade-in amount.

“Our findings suggest that consumers are looking for a tangible experience when they are browsing for a new car,” says Mark Guarino, senior analyst at Mintel. “These big-ticket purchases are always going to be influenced by financial aspects, but consumers still value service and don’t want to be pressured by a pushy or overbearing salesperson.”

Who—not what

Many factors at the dealership can influence a vehicle purchase, but there are also factors outside the showroom, as consumers often seek a second opinion from a friend or family member. Fifty-eight percent of individuals who purchased a car in the last three years say their spouse or partner helped them make the decision. Another 9% say they consulted their parents while 27% say they made the decision on their own.

“Most often, car buyers don’t operate alone,” adds Mark Guarino. “Spouses or loved ones are not only a trusted source of information, there is also the practical aspect too: the spouse or partner may likely also be driving the vehicle—and in some cases helping pay—so they have a say in which one their significant other purchases.”

About Mintel

Mintel is a leading global supplier of consumer, product and media intelligence. For more than 38 years, Mintel has provided insight into key worldwide trends, offering exclusive data and analysis that directly impacts client success. With offices in Chicago, New York, London, Sydney, Shanghai and Tokyo, Mintel has forged a unique reputation as a world-renowned business brand. For more information on Mintel, please visit www.mintel.com. Follow Mintel on Twitter: http://twitter.com/mintelnews

SOURCE Mintel

http://www.mintel.com

One in Five Consumers Say the Hassle-Free Sales Environment Revved Their Last Vehicle Purchase | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

NORTHBROOK, Ill. and RIVERWOODS, Ill., Feb. 8, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) and Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) today announced their plans to enter into a multi-year distribution and marketing agreement. As part of the transaction, Discover Bank will purchase substantially all of the deposits of Allstate Bank. The parties expect the transaction to close by mid-year, subject to regulatory approval. Under the terms of the agreement, Discover Bank will assume the Allstate Bank deposit accounts and provide banking products and services to Allstate customers. Allstate Financial does not intend to originate banking products or services after the transaction closes. Financial terms of the transaction are not considered material.

“Allstate Financial has refocused on insurance, retirement and investment products.  That, combined with the changing regulatory environment, led us to the determination that operating Allstate Bank is no longer core to our long-term strategy,” said Matthew Winter, president and chief executive officer, Allstate Financial. “This agreement will enable Allstate Financial to deepen its focus on producing differentiated products for our key markets, strengthening relationships with existing customers, and creating profitable growth for Allstate. Our customers will have uninterrupted access to their FDIC-insured deposits and services through Discover, a leading direct bank with a nationally respected brand.”

As part of the distribution and marketing agreement, Allstate affiliates and agents will offer personal savings and money market accounts, CDs and individual retirement account CDs to their customers through Discover. Discover Bank offers a differentiated set of products with competitive rates, financial management tools, 24/7 customer service, and broad online functionality with mobile access. Discover Bank accounts are insured by the FDIC for up to $250,000 per depositor.

“By joining forces with Allstate, an industry leader with a well-known brand, Discover will continue to offer the safe and secure products Allstate customers have come to trust,” said Carlos Minetti, president of consumer banking and operations for Discover. “Affinity relationships with leading organizations have provided us with an effective platform for offering Discover Bank’s products to an expanded customer base.”  

The transfer of deposits will not affect insurance policies and other non-banking products that customers have with Allstate. Discover will continue to offer Allstate customers many of the same banking services that are available through Allstate Bank today. Bank customers can expect to receive further notification about timing and the transition of their accounts in the next few months. Allstate Financial will continue to offer and administer business loans to Allstate agencies through Allstate Finance Company, LLC.

About Allstate

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®” slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help nearly 16 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®.

Allstate Bank received its thrift charter in 1998 and began offering retail banking products in 2001 as part of Allstate’s strategy to help Americans save for their financial futures. The bank currently offers FDIC-insured certificates of deposit, money market accounts, savings accounts, checking accounts, ATM/debit cards and home mortgages. Allstate Bank had $1.1 billion in deposits at Sept. 30, 2010.

About Discover

Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a direct banking and payment services company with one of the most recognized brands in U.S. financial services. Since its inception in 1986, the company has become one of the largest card issuers in the United States. The company operates the Discover card, America’s cash rewards pioneer, and offers personal and student loans, online savings accounts, certificates of deposit and money market accounts through its Discover Bank subsidiary. Its payment businesses consist of Discover Network, with millions of merchant and cash access locations; PULSE, one of the nation’s leading ATM/debit networks; and Diners Club International, a global payments network with acceptance in more than 185 countries and territories. For more information, visit www.discoverfinancial.com.

SOURCE The Allstate Corporation; Discover Financial Services

http://www.allstate.com
http://www.discoverfinancial.com

Allstate and Discover to Enter Into Multi-Year Marketing Agreement | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Feb. 3, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — While most automakers will be showcasing their trucks and sport utility vehicles in the carpeted confines of McCormick Place’s convention center, Toyota is providing visitors to the Chicago Auto Show a unique opportunity to experience the handling and capability of its award-winning vehicles in a more fitting, rugged environment.

The “Toyota Drive Center” is a 50,000-square-foot experiential ride course located in McCormick Center’s South Hall.  With a strong construction theme, this course will involve natural elements such as gravel, mounds of dirt, and logs to demonstrate the vehicles’ durability and agility in realistic conditions.  

Featured vehicles in Toyota Drive Center ride-along program include: 4Runner, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, Tacoma and Tundra.

This is a ride-along-only program, with course driving handled by experienced, professional drivers. These drivers will also perform a short, back-up-camera demonstration for participants. Consumers will receive a complimentary Toyota baseball cap for participating in the program, while supplies last.

“We’re excited to be bringing this experiential program to the Chicago Auto Show,” said Ruslan Polinovsky, Auto Show Engagement Manager at Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “Even though we’re indoors, visitors will definitely experience the outdoor ride and capability of our vehicles in a number of simulated scenarios. With professional drivers at the helm, consumers will be amazed at what these trucks and SUVs can do in tough, challenging situations.”

The Toyota Drive Center will open on the auto show’s Second Media Day on Thursday, February 10 and operate throughout Public Days, February 11-20.

About Toyota

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion.  Established in 1957, TMS markets products and services through a network of nearly 1,500 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers which sold more than 1.76 million vehicles in 2010. Toyota directly employs nearly 30,000 people in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18 billion. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyota.com, www.lexus.com, www.scion.com or www.toyotanewsroom.com.

SOURCE Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

http://www.toyota.com

Toyota Invites Chicagoans to Get Down and Dirty with its Vehicles at 2011 Chicago Auto Show | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.