Government Facing Ticking Time Bomb Over Lack of Desperately Needed New Antibiotics, warns Antibiotic Action

Prof Laura Piddock

London (PRWEB UK) 27 October 2011

The government is warned that the NHS faces a ticking time bomb over the lack of modern antibiotics due to increasing resistance to infections, and must take immediate action to prevent an unprecedented crisis, says a group of scientists and medical experts who are supporting a global initiative by Antibiotic Action.

The situation is so grave that they believe urgent action is needed to accelerate the approved licensing process for new antibiotics, adopting similar regulatory procedures that produced antiviral therapies for the treatment of HIV/AIDS more speedily.

Professor Laura Piddock, President of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy(BSAC), warns that we face a near depletion of effective antibiotics which could have a devastating impact on global health, and that we need to identify new ways of public/private partnership for their discovery, research and development.

She says: “The magnitude of the crisis we face becomes apparent when we note that 16 new antibacterial agents were approved and brought to market between 1983-1987, compared with less than four agents between 2008-12.

“The dearth of new antibiotics reaching the marketplace today potentially threatens not only the management of “superbugs”, such as NDM 1 producing E. coli and multi-drug resistant gonorrhoea, but also the success of many routine treatments and procedures, from life-saving transplants and cancer chemotherapy, to joint replacements and therapies for cystic fibrosis sufferers. I fear there could be a return to a pre-antibiotic era where many people suffer or die from untreatable bacterial infections.”

Recently, BSAC has launched a global initiative,Antibiotic Action, to highlight its grave concerns and has already received more than 1,000 signatures from UK citizens, plus considerable international support for its petition which will be presented at 10 Downing Street on Wednesday, 9 November.

The petition, which has been signed by researchers, scientists and clinicians working in the NHS, as well as the public, calls upon the government to identify the following:

1.    What opportunities exist to safely streamline and accelerate the licensing processes for new antibiotic agents.

2.    How to address and incentivise the commercial challenges faced by industry in developing and bringing new antibiotics to the marketplace.

3.    Initiatives to that will encourage greater partnership working between pharmaceutical and diagnostics companies as well as academia in the UK in order to maximise the conversion of discovered candidate molecules into licensed antibiotics available for use on the NHS.

Antibiotic Action has the support of MP Kevin Barron, who is hosting an event in Westminster on 9 November which is hoped will result in establishment of an All-Party Parliamentary Group on Antimicrobial Discovery, Research and Development. There are also plans to table and Early Day Motion at the event.

Mr Barron says: “Antibiotic Action is bringing together government with patient charities, partner organisations and clinicians to discuss key drivers that will stimulate interest and investment in the discovery and development of new antibiotics. I am supporting this initiative and look forward to the future where we start to see positive collaborations in this very important area.”

The campaign is also supported by ITV’s Dr Hilary Jones, who will speak at the Antibiotic Action parliamentary event on addressing the public need, and will also join supporters in delivering the petition to 10 Downing Street.

He says: “As a general practitioner I am very aware of the essential role antibiotics play in ensuring the health of our nation. Antibiotics not only combat mild bacterial infections that I see every week in my GP surgery, but they are also vital in hospital practice. They not only save lives but have a crucial role in improving the quality of life too. As patron of charities such as The Meningitis Research Foundation, Diabetes UK and Bliss, I have met many people who simply would not have survived without them.

“Health practitioners are working hard to use antibiotics appropriately so that antibiotic resistance does not reduce the number of effective treatments available. This is one small step in ensuring we can treat infections – mild and life-threatening – in the future. There must be more action from all to support the discovery and development of new agents.”

The media invited to attend the following events on Wednesday, 9 November:

Parliamentary launch: 1300 – 1500

Delivery of petition at 10 Downing Street: 1600

Please confirm with ellee.seymour(at)btopenworld if you would like to attend or request an interview, phone 07939 811961

Ends:

Notes to Editors:

Further information is available from:

Press Officer Ellee Seymour

Tel: 07939 811961

Email: ellee.seymour(at)btopenworld(dot)com

Professor Laura Piddock

Tel: O121 414 6966

Email: l.j.v.piddock(at)bham(dot)ac(dot)uk

Laura Piddock is President of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy http://www.bsac.org.uk and Professor at the University of Birmingham and leads a research team investigating clinically important antibiotic resistance: http://www.infection.bham.ac.uk/ARG/staff/lpiddock.html

Background:

    The majority of antibiotics used today were discovered over 45 years ago .
    1980 – more than 20 large, profitable companies had antibiotic discovery programmes 2011 only 6 remain.
    WHO listed infections due to resistant bacteria at the top of their preliminary ranking of pharmaceutical gaps in 2004, above pandemic influenza cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
    In EU in 2007 the cost of resistance to antibacterials calculated at 900 million euros annually and 600 million days of lost productivity.

References: Discovery research: the scientific challenge of finding new antibiotics, David Livermore, http://www.bsac.org.uk/News/TUN

Effective antibacterials: at what cost? The economics of antibacterial resistance and its control, Tony White http://www.bsac.org.uk/News/TUN

Website: http://antibiotic-action.com/

Petition: http://antibiotic-action.com/petition/

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The NPD Group Reports on the Tabletop Industry ?Appearance? Moves Slightly Ahead of ?Price? as Top Driver in Tabletop Purchase Decision Process

The NPD Group Reports on the Tabletop Industry ‘Appearance’ Moves Slightly Ahead of ‘Price’ as Top Driver in Tabletop Purchase Decision Process

Port Washington, New York (PRWEB) October 25, 2011

Some bright spots in the tabletop industry so far this year have been crystal and acrylic or plastic beverageware, accounting for a third of the dollars in the 12 months ending August 2011, grabbing market share away from more mainstream products where glass is the primary material. Wine glasses, champagne glasses, and goblets are rising after taking a bit of a dip in sales the year prior, accounting for 15 percent of the dollars spent on beverageware.

Casual dinnerware and flatware continue to gain market share, (up five and four percentage points) respectively. Serving items, such as platters, bowls, and utensils, all had a good year in the market, thanks to the continued trend of entertaining at home.

Counter to many other industries, share of online sales are not growing for the housewares industry overall, signifying the importance of the in-store shopping experience, which accounts for 75 percent of the tabletop market. Purchasers of dinnerware, beverageware, and flatware prefer seeing and holding the products in person as part of the decision-making process. NPD also found that the incidence of buying tabletop items as gifts has declined (from 21% to 17%), indicating that more consumers are buying these items for themselves.

“With so many categories competing for consumers’ hard-earned disposable income, it will take more than a great price to attract buyers to a particular category,” said Debra Mednick, executive director, The NPD Group. “Key purchase influencers are more often newness and appealing design. Certainly we cannot diminish the importance of promotion, but today it’s expected as consumers are conditioned to shopping in this fashion. It’s not just about the bare necessities anymore.” “There’s more focus on self-purchasing as opposed to gifting, which has additional implications for marketing and promotion. The industry has a window of opportunity to capture the attention of conflicted consumers with products that have the look and value they are seeking,” noted Mednick.

About The NPD Group, Inc.

The NPD Group is the leading provider of reliable and comprehensive consumer and retail information for a wide range of industries. Today, more than 1,800 manufacturers, retailers, and service companies rely on NPD to help them drive critical business decisions at the global, national, and local market levels. NPD helps our clients to identify new business opportunities and guide product development, marketing, sales, merchandising, and other functions. Information is available for the following industry sectors: automotive, beauty, entertainment, fashion, food, home and office, sports, technology, toys, video games, and wireless. For more information, contact us, visit http://www.npd.com/, or follow us Twitter at https://twitter.com/npdgroup.

CONTACT:

Dora Brunette

The NPD Group, Inc.

516-625-6190

dora.brunette(at)npd(dot)com

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Consumer Justice Foundation Alerts the Public of a December 8 Joint Meeting of FDA Committees Regarding Drospirenone-containing Oral Contraceptives Including Yaz, Yasmin

(PRWEB) October 27, 2011

The Consumer Justice Foundation, a team of consumer advocates who dedicate their time to providing free online resources to consumers who need information regarding dealing with large corporations such as insurance companies and the risks associated with pharmaceutical drugs, hereby alerts the public to a December 8, 2011 FDA meeting that includes Advisory Committee for Reproductive Health Drugs and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee in order to discuss the benefits and risks of drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives. These contraceptives include brand names Yaz and Yasmin. The announcement came via the Federal Register Volume 76, Number 185 (Friday, September 23, 2011), Pages 59143-59144, FR Doc No: 2011-24532.

Specifically, the FDA stated in a Safety Communication on September 26 that appears on its Web site that the agency “remained concerned” about the potential increase in risks for women who use these medications of developing blood clots that could in some cases prove to be fatal. Over time, Yaz, Yasmin and other birth control medications containing drospirenone have been linked to side effects that include DVT, or deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolisms, heart attacks and strokes. Specifically, the FDA stated, “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is informing the public that it has not yet reached a conclusion, but remains concerned, about the potential increased risk of blood clots with the use of drospirenone-containing birth control pills.”

This announcement of this December 8 joint meeting from the FDA comes on the heels of reviewing a study that indicated that women who used any of these birth control medications faced a 1.5 times greater chance of developing these types of blood clots than those women who did not use them. However, this study also conflicts with other studies that have concluded the lack of the existence of Yaz or Yasmin side effects.

As a result of this conflicting information, the FDA has scheduled this joint meeting of the Reproductive Health Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee on December 8, 2011. This meeting will be in part held to move towards some sort of conclusion regarding the safety of these birth control medications.

About the Consumer Justice Foundation

The Consumer Justice Foundation, whose Web site can be found at http://www.consumerjusticefoundation.com, is a for-profit organization that serves two purposes for consumers: (1) to provide educational information regarding the policies and procedures of large corporations and how they affect the average consumer; and (2) to provide news updates and resources that continue to update consumers regarding developments taken by corporations that include pharmaceutical drug companies, auto manufacturers and insurance companies so that consumers who have been harmed can use these informational resources to connect to an experienced professional who can help them. The team at the Consumer Justice Foundation is staffed by experienced and passionate consumer advocates whose mission is to raise the awareness of issues that could pose a risk of harm to those who may not otherwise be aware of the dangers they face.

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Related Health Press Releases

Industrial Scientific Opens ?The Ventis Diner? at the National Safety Council 2011 Congress & Expo

Industrial Scientific Opens “The Ventis Diner” at the National Safety Council 2011 Congress & Expo

Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) October 27, 2011

“The Ventis Diner” from Industrial Scientific will open in Philadelphia, Pa., at the National Safety Council (NSC) Expo on Monday, October 31.

Industrial Scientific’s booth (#1323) will be transformed into “The Ventis Diner” as music from the ‘50s and ‘60s plays in the background, and visitors are served sorbet by the diner’s staff. Booth personnel will be ready to discuss the latest products and solutions from Industrial Scientific including the recently launched Ventis MX4 multi-gas detector, as well as a new, innovative safety solution offered through collaboration between Accenture, AeroScout, Cisco and Industrial Scientific.

Kent McElhattan, chairman of both Industrial Scientific and the Board of Directors of the National Safety Council, will be a keynote speaker at the opening session of the NSC Congress & Expo entitled, “The Pursuit of Continuous Improvement” on Monday.

In addition, Griffin Schultz, general manager of Predictive Solutions, will be joined by Raghu Arunachalam, Ph.D., and Dave Wagner of Industrial Scientific to present a technical session entitled, “Using Data to Drive Change in Your Safety Culture.” The session will take place on Monday at 1:00 p.m. in Room 113A. Chuck Pettinger, Ph.D., implementation & change manager of Predictive Solutions, and three of Chuck’s colleagues, will also present a technical session entitled, “Mainstream Safety – From the Shallow to the Rapids.” This session will take place Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. in Room 121C.

Show attendees can learn more about Predictive Solutions, an Industrial Scientific company, at Predictive Solutions’ booth #1421. The expo runs through Wednesday, November 2.

About Industrial Scientific Corporation

Industrial Scientific Corporation is the world’s leading provider of Gas Detection as a Service. With more than 850 people working in 20 countries, Industrial Scientific is dedicated to eliminating death in the workplace by the end of this century. Achieving this goal requires dedication to delivering highest quality and best customer service in all transactions. Industrial Scientific also focuses on providing analysis of data from equipment use and maintenance to identify problems before they happen. Industrial Scientific has operations based in Pittsburgh (USA), Arras (France), Dortmund (Germany) and Shanghai (China). The company provides technical services to customers from local service centers around the world, and has additional offices in Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, India, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. Industrial Scientific is the parent company to Oldham (http://www.oldhamgas.com) and Predictive Solutions Corporation (http://www.predictivesolutions.com). For more information, visit http://www.indsci.com.

About Predictive Solutions Corporation

Predictive Solutions Corporation, formerly DBO2, saves lives by predicting workplace injuries. Its software solutions help track, trend and analyze safety related data. They also employ proprietary models that predict the likelihood, frequency and location of workplace injuries using its customers’ safety observation data. In addition, Predictive Solutions delivers consulting services that drive culture and process change within organizations to create sustainable safety processes that reduce injuries. With more than 100 million observations and nearly 40,000 reported incidents from more than 15,000 worksites around the world, Predictive Solutions has emerged as an industry leader in predicting injuries before they occur. Predictive Solutions, based in Pittsburgh, Pa., was founded in 2001 and became an Industrial Scientific company in 2008. Its employees, along with those of its parent company, are dedicating their careers to ending death on the job in this century. For more information, visit http://www.predictivesolutions.com.

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Xenna Footcare CEO Highlights Stress-Reducing Benefits of Foot Massage

Princeton, NJ (PRWEB) October 27, 2011

Consumers are adding massage therapy into their regular health maintenance routine at unprecedented rates, according to the American Massage Therapy Association®. Foot massage is one of the most requested massage services.

Carol J. Buck, CEO of Xenna Corporation (http://www.xenna.com), a distributor of natural foot care products nationwide, says, “I find foot massage particularly relaxing after a day on my feet. The Japanese have incorporated foot massage clinics into their shopping malls and they are well attended by tired shoppers who can make ‘walk in’ appointments. While pedicure spas are common in USA malls, retail spas in the Far East focus more on reflexology and foot massage.”

Massaging the feet is a major way to alleviate stress and bring about a deep state of relaxation.

An important point situated on both feet is the solar plexus reflex. The solar plexus actually stores stress. According to experts, when the solar plexus point is pressed on during massage, stress is released and the whole body is renewed.

“But the fact is,” comments Buck, “ many therapists encounter people whose feet are dry and cracked. In those cases, massage therapists and consumers need to look to products that can alleviate dry skin on feet and toes in order to achieve the full benefit of the massage.”

Xenna’s diabetic-friendly CalleX® Ointment is sold in drug and grocery stores as a natural, effective solution to the problem of dry, feet. Buck says, “The thing that makes CalleX Ointment different than other products for dry feet is that it’s formulated with natural enzymes and is free of potentially-irritating acids, parabens, preservatives and lanolin.”

CalleX Ointment’s unique enzyme formula helps thin and soften hardened, thickened skin and remove dry, cracked, or scaly buildup, while leaving normal skin unaffected. CalleX is also a humectant for dry feet by holding in the skin’s moisture and requires no scraping.

The results of a four-week, in-use evaluation of acid-free CalleX Ointment which included diabetics confirmed that CalleX Ointment effectively exfoliates dry, flaking or cracked skin on soles and heels.

The Xenna founder and CEO also believes that the mood-enhancing benefits of an at-home foot massage can’t be underestimated. “You just need to find a willing partner; and usually return the favor.”

After just a few weeks of daily application those with dry, cracked heels find feet smoother, moisturized and baby-soft.

A rebate coupon for CalleX Ointment downloadable at http://www.callexointment.com. Like all Xenna products Callex Ointment is 100% money-back guaranteed.

CalleX Ointment is available in the footcare aisle at Walgreens, Rite Aid, Kinney Drugs, Kerr Drug, Stop & Shop and many Medicine Shoppes. CalleX is also available for purchase online at http://www.drugstore.com and http://www.CallexOintment.com.

For those too embarrassed by discolored toenails to visit a spa for enjoy a home foot massage, Xenna developed natural NonyX® Nail Gel for clear, healthy-looking toenails. NonyX is also found in the foot care aisle of leading drug chains and Walmart. For more information on NonyX and store locations, visit http://www.nonyx.com.

All Xenna products, including those for hair care, are biodegradable, contain no animal byproducts and are not tested on animals. For more information about Xenna products, go to http://www.xenna.com, or call 800-368-6003.

About Xenna: Based in Princeton, NJ, Xenna’s mission is to provide innovative solutions in personal care. Reflecting the success of that mission, the company was a recipient of the TOP 50 Research Facilities Award in 2006.

Xenna is a privately-held, woman-owned company which develops and distributes natural personal care products for skin, hair and nails. To contact them call 800-368-6003 during business hours, Monday through Friday Eastern Time).

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Chicago Area Teen Creates a New Fashion Magazine to combat social issues using unique Fashion Spreads with strong messages

uStyleu Magazine

Matteson, IL (PRWEB) October 25, 2011

uStyleu Mag was created to provide fashion and a voice for young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 using bold fashion spreads to tackle socially conscience issues like race relations, weight and eating disorders.

According to Chloe Graham, uStyleu’s 17 year old editor-and-chief, the magazine covers issues that occurs everyday in schools and on college campuses.

uStyleu features real people, emulating real life in fun fashion spreads. “uStyleu’s concept is a perfect combination for me because I love fashion, and I’m very respectful of other’s opinions even if I don’t agree with them.” “If a subject matter is relevant to our readers, it’s important to uStyleu,” Chloe says, “The elements you will never find in uStyleu Mag are hate and disrespect,” she added.

The first issue of uStyleu, released in July, 2011, featured light-hearted fashion spreads promoting self confidence and inner beauty. The current issue plows deeper with more mature relatable subject matters for uStyle’s targeted age groups like interracial dating and the popular media’s limitations based on a person’s weight and appearance. Regardless of the subject matter, uStyleu’s goal is to create fashion spreads that are fashionable, uplifting and fun shown with dignity and positivity.

uStyleu features local Chicago area students, aspiring models, designers, photographers, entertainers and writers who are interested in expanding their portfolios or just want to have fun. Funding for the magazine is provided by organizations interested in sponsoring a “Fashage” (a uStyleu term meaning Fashion with a Message) and ads from advertisers.

After the first issue published, uStyleu received over 200 emails from young adults, teachers and organization leaders thanking uStyleu for featuring normal people with flaws. The magazine is saying its ok not to be perfect, but on the road to improving ourselves, it doesn’t hurt to look good, feel good and set your own definition of fashion.

Chloe Graham is a high school senior and spends her time working part-time at a local bank and is currently regional president of Top Teens of America, a youth organization promoting community support, leadership and services. With TTA, Chloe loyally participates in the Lupus, Breast Cancer and MS Campaigns yearly and volunteers her time in senior citizen communities, community clean up initiatives and food pantries.

From the ages of 12 to 14, Chloe worked as a youth reporter for rapper/entertainer Common’s non profit organization, The Common Ground Foundation. Chloe has interviewed noted people like poet Nikki Giovanni, entertainers, Will.i.am, Musiq and other well known entertainers and sport figures. The former director of Common Ground Foundation, Jodie Blum inspired and supported Chloe to create uStyleu Magazine. Common told her to not to look at what she does as a hobby, but as an entrepreneur. Chloe ran with Common’s advice and created uStyleu Magazine.

uStyleu is currently available to purchase on-line at http://www.ustyleu.com or at MagCloud.com, keyword uStyleu. Contact us at contact(at)ustyleu(dot)com to sponsor a “Fashage Magazine Spread”

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HCG Diet Recipes and Diet Guide Help Dieters Long Term Keep Weight Under Control After The 23 Or 40 Day HCG Diet Protocol

SIMPLE CHOCOLATE DIET GUIDE

(PRWEB) October 26, 2011

True Healthy Products, a Florida based nutrition company who offers its version of the HCG Diet, The Fat Release System, creates a long term eating plan for post 23 or 40 day HCG Dieters. This new eating guide was designed to help the HCG dieter to make better long term eating choices and have a simple eating road map to long term health.

This program “The Simple Chocolate Diet” is simple and easy for anyone to implement. The diet plan is free and can be found at: http://www.simplechocolatediet.com

Many dieters that go through short term diets like the HCG Diet Fat Release System may have quick success hitting their weight loss goals but suffer long term because they did not have guidance or a long term nutrition plan.

The Simple Chocolate Diet guide employs an easy numbering system for dieters to follow:

    Food List 1: Leanest foods that will best support fat loss

    Food List 2: Provide more energy but can support fat loss

    Food List 3: Will help to support a long term healthy lifestyle, not a fat loss regimen

The company’s “Simple Chocolate Diet” is a sensible and nutritious eating plan that allows you to eat nutritious healthy dark chocolate, “The Doctors Chocolate” along with a flexible and healthy eating plan. We designed The Simple Chocolate Diet so it can lead to healthy weight loss and long term health. The Doctor’s Chocolate is a mere 20 calories per piece, is diabetic safe and because it is not weighed down with all the sugars and milk that processed chocolate is famous for, it is metabolized slowly and leaves you feeling satisfied after only a couple of pieces. The Simple Chocolate Diet is a simple solution for a long term healthy eating plan.

The Doctors Chocolate is also part of Fat Release System HCG Diet Plan offered by True Healthy Products. The chocolate combined with HCG makes this HCG Diet different from others.

The company’s Fat Release System HCG Diet guide can also be downloaded for free and is found at this web site: http://www.fatreleasesystem.com

True Healthy Products is a nutrition company the not only offers the HCG Diet program but they offer a wide range of products from healthy dark chocolate, all natural sports nutrition products, organic skin care and whole food vitamin supplements.

To learn more about other nutritional products that are all natural and truly good for you visit: http://www.truehealthyproducts.com

Toll Free: 888-400-2920

2460 N Courtenay Parkway, #210

Merritt Island, FL 32953

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MOGO Design Closes Initial Venture Round

Seattle, WA (PRWEB) October 25, 2011

MOGO Design, Inc. (http://www.mogocharm.com) announced today that it has closed a 0,000 Series A venture round, receiving funding from Omshreembrazee (OSB) Holdings LLC and RJR Family Enterprises LLC. Both Washington-based venture funding entities are managed by Robert M. Harris, Jr., CEO of Pacific Market International. MOGO Design creates, markets and distributes patented magnetic accessories, footwear and charms that are wildly popular among tween and teen girls. The newly acquired funds will be allocated to further establish MOGO brand awareness and distribution in international markets, expand retail channels in North America, and accelerate the research and development of new MOGO fashion-inspired products.

MOGO Design also announced the appointment of Chelsey Owen to its Board of Directors. Ms. Owen is a partner with The 10th Muse, an organization that works with select entrepreneurial businesses to infuse resources and expertise to accelerate growth and expand market share. Ms. Owen also co-founded Chelsey Henry LLC, a highly successful designer handbag company.

“When taking a look at MOGO Design, we immediately recognized an innovative product concept that has proven to be successful in the U.S. among the highly elusive tween girl market,” said Robert Harris, Jr. “The appeal and quality of MOGO products combined with the incredibly talented executive team – both from a fashion design and business perspective – was enough to capture the attention of investors who were very interested in being a part of the company’s expansion into international markets.”

MOGO Design was founded by Paige Clark in 2009. Since that time, the company has launched three core products – MOGO Charmbands, MOGO Click Flops and MOGO Mosies – along with more than 400 MOGO Charms. MOGO products are currently sold in 3,400 independent retail stores as well as online at http://www.mogocharm.com and through other e-commerce retailers. In March 2011, MOGO entered a distribution agreement with Nordstrom for MOGO Charmbands and MOGO Charms to be carried in all full-line locations throughout the U.S. In recent months, the company has also established retail presence in Italy, Australia, Canada, among other regions.

“This round of funding will allow us to expand our extensive patented and trademarked intellectual property in the global marketplace,” said Paige Clark, CEO of MOGO Design. “We also have aggressive plans to take the MOGO product line in new and exciting directions through co-branding and licensing agreements that will both deepen and broaden our demographic, while staying true to MOGO’s core design essence of allowing consumers to customize their wardrobes in very inventive, stylish and personal ways.”

About MOGO Design, Inc.

Founded in 2009, MOGO Design, Inc. is a Seattle-based company that has developed a patented magnetic accessory and footwear line which lets girls and women celebrate all the things that make them click. With a colorful array of MOGO Charmbands and more than 400 magnetic MOGO Charms, girls of all ages can mix and match or trade with friends. Whether they love horses, sports, ballet or dogs, there is a MOGO Charm to match every interest and mood. Collections can be even further personalized with alphabet and birthstone charms and creative linking of multiple charmbands resulting in everything from chokers to ankle bracelets, headbands and more. The MOGO Charmbands were also recognized by The Parents’ Choice Foundation in fall 2011 receiving the Parents’ Choice “Fun Stuff” Award. On the footwear front, MOGO Click Flops and MOGO Mosies allow fans to extend charm collections to the feet for all seasons. MOGO products are sold in 3,400 independent retail stores as well as all full-line Nordstrom locations throughout the U.S. In 2011, the company also established MOGO Furr-Ever-Friends, a national program that aids in the rescue and support of animals. Go to http://www.mogocharm.com to find the MOGO collection that clicks with you.

MOGO is a registered trademark of MOGO Design, Inc.

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Scheduling Software Helps Baseball Facility Owner Double Record Revenue

One Balls-n-Strikes baseball facility used eSoft Planner scheduling software to break a revenue record.

Springfield, MO (PRWEB) October 25, 2011

Jamie Sheetz, part-owner of three Balls-N-Strikes baseball facilities in southwest Missouri, used eSoft Planner online scheduling software to create a new membership structure that generates passive income for his baseball facility.

Sheetz recently launched eSoft Planner at one of his locations so that his clients could easily schedule and pay for baseball lessons and cage rentals online.

As he set up the software and created memberships, Sheetz paid special attention to subtle marketing advantages that his new system allowed him to put in place. He made sure that he allotted special privileges to his VIP members. Privileges included being able to schedule lessons farther in advance than other clients, getting the first chance to register for camps and clinics, and receiving discounts on baseball lessons. Many of Sheetz’s clients have jumped at the chance to get those special advantages, and they have purchased VIP memberships for an additional monthly cost.

So, although it didn’t cost Sheetz any significant time or resources to give special access to his VIP members, he is able to generate extra income because of it. And, since the memberships are open ended and re-bill automatically unless there’s a cancellation, he can potentially make that extra income steadily every month, adding convenience for his regular clients at the same time.

eSoft Planner scheduling and management software helped Sheetz put his membership plan into action by allowing him to completely automate the membership purchasing processes – his clients can purchase memberships anytime for themselves online, and their benefits are distributed automatically as they schedule and shop.

Sheetz’s work is a great example of how sports facilities should creatively market their services toward various client groups and take advantage of marketing features built into baseball facility scheduling software.

About eSoft Planner: eSoft Planner, produced by PPC Communications in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a web-based scheduling and management software that was developed to decrease administrative overhead costs and eliminate lost revenue due to late cancellations and no-shows. PPC Communications provides ongoing support to its clients for free after a customized and consultative setup process. eSoft Planner’s functionality allows users to manage appointments, group classes, location rentals and add-on products and services, all of which can be grouped together and distributed for custom prices with packages and memberships. eSoft Planner also has a Point of Sale system and a League manager, but clients only pay for the features that they need.

For more information, fill out a demo request or call (513) 791-4940.

About Balls-n-Strikes: Balls-n-Strikes is the premier indoor baseball and softball training company in the United States. Through private instruction, camps, small group classes, and one-day clinics, its staff provides players of all ages with the fundamentals necessary to develop their skills in state-of-the-art training facilities. Their goal is that every individual in their programs has a great experience, learns the proper training to enhance their playing skills, and meets instructors and friends along the way.

Balls-N-Strikes Springfield: (417) 866-8200

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Sarasota, Florida to Host 2013 Pan American Masters Championship

Sarasota, FL (PRWEB) October 25, 2011

United States Masters Swimming (USMS) is pleased to announce that it will partner with the Sarasota Family YMCA to host the 2013 Pan American Masters Championship May 31 – June 10, 2013. The championship, to be held at the Selby Aquatic Center, part of the Sarasota YMCA’s Evalyn Sadlier Jones branch, will include synchronized swimming, U.S. Masters swimming events and open water swimming events.

“The Sarasota Family YMCA has one of the most respected aquatic programs, and certainly Masters swimming programs, in the country,” said USMS Executive Director Rob Butcher. “They have experience hosting large events and have the facility, volunteers and community support to showcase this international event.”

USMS, the national governing body for adult swimming, bid for and was awarded the championship by the Union Americana de Natacion, an organization that oversees amateur aquatic sports competition in the western hemisphere. This will be the first time the United States will host the biennial event, which is expected to attract up to 2,000 adult participants and their families from South America, Central America, the Caribbean, Canada and the U.S. In addition, the 10-day competitive swimming event will bring millions of dollars to the local economy in Sarasota County.

“Nearly 90 percent of the participants at the Pan American Masters Championship will come from outside of Florida, and more than half from outside the U.S.,” said Jason Puckett, director of the Sarasota County Sports Commission. “We are looking forward to welcoming these athletes to Sarasota County and to hosting the open water event at Siesta Key, which was recently voted the #1 in the United States by Dr. Stephen Leatherman, aka ‘Dr. Beach.’ The hospitality and experience we offer to these guests will have a long-lasting benefit to Sarasota County and our tourism industry.”

“It is an honor for the Sarasota Y to host the Pan American Masters Championships,” said Sarasota Family YMCA Executive Vice President Jim Purdy. “We recognize the prestige of hosting this international event, and our Sarasota Y Sharks Masters team, Y Synchro team, Sharks age group team and volunteer support team are excited for the opportunity.”

“Our aquatics programs are a treasured resource,” says Nora Patterson, Sarasota County Commission Chair. “We have the U.S. Masters Swimming headquarters, nationally recognized swim programs, organizations like the Sarasota Family YMCA that teach water safety to thousands and now we have a prestigious international event coming to Sarasota County!”

2013 Pan American Masters Championships Schedule:

Masters Synchro:    May 31 – June 2, 2013

Masters Swimming:    June 5 – 8, 2013

Open Water:        June 10, 2013

About U.S. Masters Swimming

U.S. Masters Swimming, founded in 1970, is a membership-operated national governing body that promotes adult health, fitness, wellness and competition through aquatics. It does so by partnering with more than 1,000 adult swim programs across the country that offer swimming and fitness programs, promotes information via a bimonthly member magazine and usms.org, and sanctions and promotes pool, open water and virtual competitions. More than 55,000 adults are registered members of USMS. For more information, contact us at 655 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236 or by phone at 941-256-USMS (8767).

About Union Americana de Natacion

UANA is a sports organization representing the Western Hemisphere, including South America, Central America, Canada and the USA, with the purpose of organizing, supervising and controlling the amateur aquatics activities of swimming, diving, water polo, synchronized swimming, Masters swimming and open water. For more information, visit uana-aquatics.org.

About the Sarasota Family YMCA

The Sarasota Family YMCA is a charitable nonprofit organization in good standing with the national organization, the YMCA of the USA. The YMCA of the USA exists solely to serve its member associations, currently totaling 2,575 nationwide and in over 120 countries around the world. The Sarasota Family YMCA is home to the nationally recognized age group swim team, the Sarasota YMCA Sharks, and the Sarasota YMCA Sharks Masters.

About Sarasota County Sports Commission

The mission of the Sarasota County Sports Commission, a division of the Sarasota Convention & Visitors Bureau, is to position Sarasota County as the must-experience sports destination on Florida’s Gulf Coast through quality events and initiatives. For a list of upcoming events, visit sarasotafl.org/sports.

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