Ventures

Move

Display 0 | 5 | 10 | 15 Stories

GoSmallBiz

Topics

Top Story

Zurvita Launches New Video Phone Service

TREVOSE, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- WorldGate (OTCBB: WGAT.OB), a leading provider of digital voice and video phone services and next generation video phones, has announced a new service provider agreement...

The Amacore Group, Inc., Announces Its Wholly-Owned Sales and Marketing Subsidiary, Zurvita, Inc., Has Signed an Exclusive Marketing Agreement with MXenergy Inc.

The Amacore Group, Inc., Announces Its Wholly-Owned Sales and Marketing Subsidiary, Zurvita, Inc., Has Signed an Exclusive Marketing Agreement with MXenergy Inc. The Amacore Group, Inc., (OTCBB:ACGI stock),...

Ventures

Scion Announces Pricing for 2010 xD That Receives New Audio System, Vehicle Stability Control Standard

Scion today announced the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2010 xD five-door urban subcompact. The xD rolls into its third model year with new standard and optional audio systems and also gains standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).

The enhancements to the 2010 xD come with a modest MSRP increase of $150. The base MSRP for the xD is $14,800 when equipped with a manual transmission and $15,600 with an automatic transmission.

New and Upgraded Audio System

The xD’s new standard AM/FM/CD/USB 160-watt maximum output Pioneer audio system receives additional functionality for 2010. New features include an organic electroluminescent (OEL) screen, iPod®/USB connectivity, Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR), and a subwoofer RCA output. The standard Pioneer system has a USB port and universal auxiliary (AUX) port located on the center console that allows users to listen to their portable music collection through the xD’s six Pioneer speakers.

Connectivity is achieved by simply plugging the portable music player, including iPod® and iPhone®, into the USB or AUX port. The head unit’s screen displays track number, track name and artist information from select USB units. The audio system provides outstanding sound quality through the car’s stereo system and constant power to select iPods. Music is controlled through the head unit and the steering wheel audio control buttons for radio, CD and certain USB devices; iPod® users can also use an alphabetical speed search to find a specific artist or album.

The ASR function restores a wide, deep and rich quality to MP3/WMA/AAC sound. Through the subwoofer RCA output, xD owners can add an external amplifier to drive one or more subwoofers. For easy operation, the system’s multi selector allows for easy control of the head unit. Unique to the standard Pioneer audio system is the customizable welcome screen that also lets users create a personal message of up to 16 characters.

The optional Alpine Premium audio system has the same basic features as the standard Pioneer audio system, but it adds a 4.3-inch color touch panel thin-film-transistor (TFT) screen, HD Radio™ technology, Media Expander (MX) and both front and rear RCA outputs. Passengers can listen to HD Radio™ broadcasting with the premium audio system and view text, song titles, album and artist name on the head unit. Alpine’s MX technology improves the compressed audio sound often found on digital music. The RCA outputs allow for up to three amplifiers -- front, rear and subwoofer. The optional audio system is also back-up camera and navigation ready.

Scion also offers an optional plug-in navigation unit for the Alpine Premium audio system. Navigation and audio functions utilize the head-unit screen for display. Features include voice guidance; day and night screen modes; support in English, French and Spanish; 200 available address book entries; map coverage across the U.S. and Canada including Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Hawaii; three map views (3-D, north up, and heading up); and more than six million points of interest. Users can also program up to three destinations before arriving at their final programmed stop. Scion makes this navigation unit customizable by allowing the user to change the vehicle position icon from an arrow to an icon of the xD, which can be customized in every xD exterior color.

Both the standard and premium head units retain key Scion audio system features such as Scion Sound Processing (SSP) where listeners can choose from three pre-set equalizer settings, satellite radio compatibility and MP3, AAC and WMA capability. In addition, both units adjust the volume control based on driving speed. The sound systems feature six speakers: a tweeter and a speaker in each front door panel, plus two full-range speakers in the rear.

Aggressive Styling

The xD’s distinct exterior is characterized by aggressive styling— a wide stance, thick muscular body, a long and narrow back window, accentuated wheel flares, an integrated rectangular lower and upper grille, and horizontal headlamps. The xD also features side mirrors with integrated turn signals. The xD rolls on 16-inch steel wheels and 195/60 R16 tires. Customers can choose from three standard wheel covers, which are also shared with the xB.

Fun-To-Drive

The xD’s 1.8-L four-cylinder engine with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) generates 128 horsepower. This engine features a roller-rocker system and lightweight pistons for better fuel economy, and a piston-cooling oil jet for better efficiency. Customers have the choice of a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.

The xD sits on a short, wide frame for a pleasing ride. To help enhance control, the xD features an L-arm type MacPherson strut in the front and torsion beam suspension in the rear. The xD stops with front-ventilated disc and rear-drum brakes.

Interior Details

The instrument panel features indicator lamps, an LCD fuel gauge, odometer and a unique, radar-like speedometer and tachometer. The digital clock, and HVAC and audio controls flow down the center console.

Storage and cargo space is plentiful with the xD. The driver has easy access to a change box and storage tray located beneath the steering wheel. The xD also has a small box in the front of the center console for holding portable music players or cell phones, an upper and lower glove box, and a hidden storage space located below the rear-cargo area. The xD also features 60/40 fold flat rear seats for a level cargo space.

For versatility, leg room and added cargo space, the rear seats can slide forward and back up to six inches. The rear seats also can recline ten degrees and be adjusted into five different positions for additional comfort.

Mono-spec Features

Like all Scion vehicles the xD comes mono-spec with a surprising array of standard features. Customers only need to choose exterior color and transmission type. The xD’s standard features include power steering, windows, door locks and mirrors; remote keyless entry; air conditioning; four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA); Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC); a tire pressure monitor system; driver and front-passenger dual-stage airbags; front-seat-mounted side airbags; front and rear side-curtain airbags; cruise control; first-aid kit; and tilt steering wheel with audio controls.

All Scion models come with complimentary factory-recommended maintenance services at the first 5,000 mile and 10,000 mile intervals, to be performed by an authorized Scion or Toyota dealership.

Color Availability

The xD is available in seven exterior colors, Super White, Silver Streak Mica, Black Sand Pearl, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Barcelona Red Metallic, Nautical Blue Metallic and the all-new Black Currant Metallic. The interior features a high-quality dark charcoal fabric.

The delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee for all Scion models is $670 and is not included in the MSRP. DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

Port San Antonio Firm Adding 300 Jobs

Andrew Robles fills out an application for one of 500 jobs on March 10, at Affiliated Computer Services. ACS recently announced it will hire another 300 workers.

Port San Antonio held a ceremony on June 23 to officially announce the expansion of Affiliated Computer Services Inc (ACS).

Dallas-based ACS will add 300 jobs at a relocated site within Port San Antonio next year.

After eight years of successfully operating their service out of Port San Antonio, a new lease agreement has entitled ACS to lease out what used to be the headquarters of Port San Antonio.

Company officials plan to create more opportunities for local jobs, and create more supportive services for existing employees.

“ACS helps governments reduce cost and help citizens receive benefits and payment assistance,” said John Bayne, ACS' senior manager of operations.

ACS provides transaction processing for the U.S. Treasury, the state of Texas and numerous other state and county governments.

Presently, ACS has a workforce of more than 500 people. Three hundred workers will be added as ACS moves its government services operation to the former port headquarters building at 143 Billy Mitchell Blvd. in April 2010.

ACS will need additional workers to process electronic payments as they increase for new clients, Bayne added.

“This is just another important example of how I believe the port is going to be the most vital entity on the South Side to our continued economic success here on the Southern Side of San Antonio,” said District 4 Councilman Philip Cortez.

ACS received a $300,000 incentive grant from city officials to support the company's expansion.

ACS considered moving its port center to sites in Austin, Indiana and Utah but decided to move instead to another Port San Antonio location after the incentive grant.

The incentive comes from retained interest earnings in San Antonio's Economic Development Incentive Fund.

The lease agreement was finalized on May 12, and proposes the relocation and improvements to the facility before move in.

“This is the old home of Fort San Antonio and the new home of ACS,” Miller said.

The port is spending $10.8 million to renovate its former headquarters to accommodate ACS in nearly 74,000 square feet of office space.

ACS currently is housed in Building 171 at the port, where it has operated for eight years.

SunPower, Wells Fargo Team to Finance $100 Million in Solar Projects First Projects with University of California, Merced and Western Riverside County Regional Wastewater Authority

Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC) and SunPower Corp. (Nasdaq: SPWRA, SPWRB) today announced a new collaborative effort to fund up to $100 million in SunPower commercial-scale solar systems.

Under the financing program, SunPower will enter into power purchase agreements with qualified customers and Wells Fargo will finance the solar power systems that SunPower will design, build, operate, and maintain. Customers hosting the systems will buy the electricity from SunPower at prices that are competitive with retail rates, providing them with a long-term hedge against rising power prices and the ability to take advantage of the environmental and financial benefits of solar power with no initial capital investment.

“We see increasing opportunities over the next several years to support renewable energy markets,” said Barry Neal, director of Wells Fargo’s Environmental Finance. “By teaming up with SunPower, we intend to support growth in the solar energy market by making it easier and more affordable for businesses and public entities to benefit from solar electricity today.”

The first projects financed under the program include a 1.1-megawatt system for University of California, Merced, and a 1-megawatt system for the Western Riverside County Regional Wastewater Authority. Scheduled for completion by year end, both will be ground-mounted systems using the patented SunPower® T20 Tracker technology, which follows the sun throughout the day and delivers up to 30 percent more energy than fixed-tilt ground systems.

“SunPower offers high performance solar technology and financing expertise that helps customers maximize savings on their electricity expenditures. Our relationship with Wells Fargo strengthens our project finance efforts, streamlining the implementation of clean, renewable solar power for SunPower’s large commercial and public customers throughout the US,” said Mac Irvin, managing director of SunPower’s structured finance group.

SunPower has more than 500 large public and commercial solar power systems installed or under contract, representing more than 400 megawatts. The company pioneered the use of solar power purchase agreements in 2000.

Wells Fargo has provided more than $1.75 billion in financing for renewable energy projects since 2006. That includes funding for 27 wind projects, more than 150 commercial-scale solar projects and 1 utility-scale solar thermal project.

About SunPower
Founded in 1985, SunPower Corporation (Nasdaq: SPWRA, SPWRB) designs, manufactures and delivers the planet's most powerful solar technology broadly available today. Residential, business, government and utility customers rely on the company's experience and proven results to maximize return on investment. With headquarters in San Jose, Calif., SunPower has offices in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia. For more information, visit www.sunpowercorp.com.

About Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified financial services company with $1.3 trillion in assets, providing banking, insurance, investments, mortgage and consumer finance through more than 10,400 stores, over 12,000 ATMs and the internet (wellsfargo.com) across North America and internationally. The Company promotes economic growth and self-sufficiency, education, social services, the arts and the environment in thousands of communities across North America. In 2008, the Company gave $226 million in grants to 14,000 nonprofits. Team members contributed 1.4 million volunteer hours and served on 16,000 nonprofit boards. The merger of Wells Fargo and Wachovia makes our presence stronger in the communities we serve. For more about Wells Fargo’s achievements in Social Responsibility: www.wellsfargo.com/about/csr.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release has forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements do not represent historical facts and may be based on assumptions. The company uses words and phrases such as “to finance,” “to help fund,” “will,” “increasing,” “next,” “growth,” and “scheduled,” to identify forward-looking statements in this press release, including forward-looking statements regarding: (a) SunPower designing and building up to $100 million in solar projects financed by Wells Fargo; (b) customers entering into power purchase agreements with SunPower at prices competitive with retail rates, providing customers with long-term hedges against risking power prices; (c) opportunities in the renewable energy markets increasing over the next several years; and (d) SunPower completing solar system projects for University of California, Merced and Western Riverside County Regional Wastewater Authority before 2010. Such forward-looking statements are based on information available to the company as of the date of this release and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, some beyond the company's control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by these forward-looking statements, including risks and uncertainties such as: (i) construction difficulties or potential delays in the project implementation process; (ii) unanticipated delays or difficulties securing necessary permits, licenses or other governmental approvals; (iii) the risk of continuation of supply of products and components from suppliers; (iv) unanticipated problems with deploying the systems on the sites; (v) actual electricity generation; (vi) the actual energy consumption rate; (vii) unexpected changes in utility service rates; (viii) systems qualifying for financing under the facility; and (ix) other risks described in SunPower's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2009, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the company's views as of any subsequent date, and the company is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any responsibility to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

###

Broadway Bank Opens Two Full-Service Banking Centers Near Austin

Broadway Bank announced the opening of its thirty-seventh and thirty-eighth full-service banking centers located in the south Austin market area. The two new full-service banking centers will offer a complete portfolio of financial products and services for personal, business, private, and military banking, including wealth management.

“We view the directional growth and expansion along the I-35 corridor as an opportunity to expand our footprint and as a precursor to entering the Austin market,” said Jim Goudge, chairman and CEO of Broadway Bank. “These two new locations compliment our strategy to expand northward, which we initiated in 2005 with the purchase of four banking centers in San Marcos, Kyle, Wimberley and Buda, Texas.”

The new 3,300 square foot Bee Cave Banking Center, located just west of Austin in Travis County, will have three drive-thru lanes, an ATM drive-thru lane, and will employ a staff of eight employees, including a private banker. The Dripping Springs Banking Center is located at the intersection of Highway 290 at Ranch Road 12 and is the largest banking center to date at 5,500 square feet and three drive-thru lanes and an ATM drive-thru lane. It will employ eight staff members. Hours of operation are:

Lobby – Monday thru Friday (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.);

Motor Bank – Monday thru Friday (7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.), and

Saturday (9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.).

Broadway Bank has named Tyler Lee as Vice President – Market Manager and Roger Bott as Sr. Vice President – Private Banker for the Bee Cave Banking Center. Pablo Melendez has been named Vice President – Market Manager and David M. Edwards will serve as Sr. Vice President – Private Banker for the Dripping Springs Banking Center.

Broadway Bank will also be introducing new electronic services for its customers at the new locations, such as mobile phone banking, and iStatements, for reviewing and sorting bank statements online. In addition, customers can now enjoy the benefits of extended deposit posting hours until 6 p.m.

For the opening celebrations, Broadway Bank will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and an open-house reception at each of the Banking Centers inviting local dignitaries, customers and residents to tour the facilities, meet the staff, and enjoy refreshments. Celebration dates and time are:

Dripping Springs – May 7 (5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.);

Bee Cave – May 21 (5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.).

Broadway Bank’s financial position continues to earn the highest independent ratings for financial safety and soundness from the nation’s leading independent financial rating services, including Bankrate.com, Bauer Financial, TheStreet.com and LACE Financial Corp.

About Broadway Bank:

Broadway Bank was founded in 1941 to serve the San Antonio community. It has evolved from a small neighborhood bank into the largest independently-owned bank headquartered in the San Antonio metropolitan area, and continues to operate as a locally-owned and managed financial institution. Broadway Bank offers a full range of sophisticated financial services including retail banking, private banking, military banking, business banking and wealth management. With approximately $1.8 billion in assets, the highly-rated Broadway Bank and its military division, Eisenhower Bank, operate 38 locations in South Texas and the surrounding area. Visit the Broadway Bank website at broadwaybank.com and Eisenhower Bank at eisenhowerbank.com for more information.

Advertisement

GoSmallBiz

Zurvita Launches New Video Phone Service

The Amacore Group, Inc., Announces Its Wholly-Owned Sales and Marketing Subsidiary, Zurvita, Inc., Has Signed an Exclusive Marketing Agreement with MXenergy Inc.