Business

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),...

Business

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.

Wells Fargo Names Seaton Head of Sustainable Public Infrastructure Based in New York

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) today named Wayne Seaton as head of sustainable public infrastructure for Wells Fargo Securities’ Public Finance Investment Banking group. Seaton is based in New York City.

In his new role, Seaton will seek to satisfy the capital markets financial needs of cities and counties as they deal with the current economic downturn. As part of the solutions they offer clients, his team will consider sustainable technology and help municipalities finance “green” public works projects. Seaton’s new role is an extension of Wells Fargo’s commitment to support and provide financing for environmentally beneficial business opportunities.

“Wayne brings a new environmental dimension to our national practice that can provide lasting benefit for our clients and communities,” said Peter Hill, head of Public Finance Investment Banking for Wells Fargo Securities. “We want to promote economic prosperity and a clean environment. When you combine Wayne’s expertise with our nationwide reach, this creates a powerful combination for our current and future clients.”

Before joining Wells Fargo, Seaton served for four years as head of public finance for M. R. Beal & Company in New York. He has 15 years of experience in public finance and municipal securities. Seaton holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Harvard University and a master’s in business administration in finance and international business from Columbia Business School.

With 175 associates in 20 offices on a combined basis among its affiliates, Wells Fargo’s Public Finance Investment Banking teams provide advisory services and municipal derivatives to government and institutional customers throughout the U.S. As of June 2009, the Wells Fargoaffiliates that comprise its Municipal Products Group rank on a combined basis among the top 10 underwriters of municipal securities in the U.S., according to Securities Data Corp. Wells Fargo Securities is the trade name for certain capital markets and investment banking services ofWells Fargo & Company and its subsidiaries, including Wachovia Bank, National Association.

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.

Add Comment (0)

Broadway Bank Surpasses $2 Billion in Total Assets

The Board of Directors and executive leadership of Broadway Bank recently announced that the bank surpassed $2 billion in asset size. Compared to second-quarter 2008, assets have risen by $264 million. The increase has been driven by deposits, which grew by $140 million during the first half of this year and were up by 20% over the prior year. Broadway Bank continues to be strongly capitalized and a safe haven for depositors looking to preserve and manage their wealth.

“We’re very pleased to have reached this $2 billion asset milestone,” said Jim Goudge, chairman and CEO of Broadway Bank. “For more than 68 years, we’ve never waivered from our commitment to being a trusted financial advisor to our local communities and military customers, and we’ve also built a solid foundation for future generations.”

Goudge went on to state, “As an independent, locally owned bank—we said ‘No’ to government TARP bailout money; we did not engage in sub-prime lending or hold risky derivatives in our investment portfolio. As a result, we remain strong and well poised to assist customers with all their financial needs in these uncertain and challenging times.”

“Over these many years, we attribute much of our success to our more than 650 employees who are committed to customer service excellence, process improvement and solid business practices,” said Shaun Kennedy, president of Broadway Bank. “Our employees’ professional dedication and hard work has enabled the bank to gain the trust and confidence of customers resulting in a satisfied and loyal clientele.”

“We’re prepared to meet the challenges that lie ahead and remain confident that our sound and responsible lending and investment philosophy will help strike the proper balance in meeting our goals and sustaining growth,” said Goudge.

This month, Broadway Bank expanded its mobile banking service — offered to its world-wide military customers since 2005 — to all bank customers. Earlier this year, the bank announced the opening of its thirty-seventh and thirty-eighth full- service banking centers in the Bee Cave and Dripping Springs communities, which are located near Austin.

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 operated 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 $2 billion in total 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.

Add Comment (0)

AT&T and Cell Phones for Soldiers Celebrate Two Years of Recycling and 3.6 Million Milestone to Support Military Families with Free Calls

Second Year of Recycling Work Connects Military Families with 350,000-Plus Free Phones Cards Both Empower Youth to Make a Difference for Military Families and the Environment

Dallas, Texas, July 1, 2009

ShareThis

At more than 3.6 million recycled cell phones and counting since July 2007, Cell Phones for Soldiers (CPFS) and AT&T* are sharing fireworks with patriots, environmentalists, and young people across the country this Independence Day. Sparking more enthusiasm for the cause, the two are launching a new “double duty” advocacy campaign that empowers young people of all ages to make a difference this summer for military families and the environment by recycling wireless phones through social media and recycling drives.

CPFS uses the proceeds from recycling used wireless phones to buy free phone cards for military members away from home. Since July 2007, AT&T has been offering wireless users two simple ways to donate phones for the cause: Wireless customers of any carrier can drop off used cell phones and accessories at any of the 2,000-plus AT&T stores across the U.S. Or, they can download free shipping labels from www.att.com/recyclewireless.

In its second year of work with AT&T (July 2008-July 2009), CPFS has recycled more than 2.1 million phones, an increase of more than 43 percent versus the same time last year. And, the charity used its 2008-2009 recycling proceeds to send more than 350,000 prepaid phone cards to the troops to help them stay in touch with friends and family for free. AT&T and CPFS are celebrating the two-year anniversary in a few ways:

AT&T will continue to collect phones for recycling in all 2,000-plus retail locations through 2010. Partial proceeds from these collections will continue to support CPFS — and its mission to connect military families with free phone cards.
Through August 2009, AT&T and CPFS are working with the American Camp Association (ACA) to reach over 2 million children, tweens, and teens across the country with the patriotic and environmental cause. ACA outdoor camps are competing to collect the most phones and create the most environmentally friendly and most creative recycling bins.
AT&T volunteers are handing out roughly 20,000 free CPFS recycling mailer bags to visitors attending the AT&T National in Bethesda, Md., this week, giving golf fans an easy way to recycle old wireless devices after they depart from the event.
Recycling efforts with CPFS will also extend through AT&T-sponsored music festivals this summer and the Campus MovieFest this fall, which is estimated to reach more than a million college students across the country.

The two-year anniversary follows another recycling milestone: A successful Earth Day challenge. With AT&T, CPFS invited wireless customers to join the effort to recycle at least 1.8 million devices between Earth Day 2008 and Earth Day 2009. In that time, the charity collected more than 2.5 million wireless devices for recycling.

Recycling with ACA Campers

Recycling work with ACA-affiliated camps across the U.S. begins this month and runs through the end of the summer. Competing children and youths will create their own recycling bins and post photos of them to a dedicated online site. AT&T will also house key photos via its Flickr channel and Facebook page. The most environmentally friendly and the most creative bins will be recognized. CPFS teen founders will visit a camp at the close of the contest to recognize every camp’s recycling work, including the camp that recycles the most phones.

“It’s important for children and young people to know that they can make a difference,” said CPFS co-founder Brittany Bergquist. “Robbie and I are really glad we stuck with our idea for Cell Phones for Soldiers, especially when we hear from soldiers we’re working to support. We celebrate the ACA campers and the many AT&T leaders, employees and volunteers who are working with us to make a difference for the troops and the environment. It doesn’t have to be Independence Day or Earth Day or any other holiday to remember that recycling with us is helping people all over the world stay in touch with people they love.”

Since 2008, the AT&T Pioneers, a network of more than 300,000 AT&T volunteers has been working to expand the charity’s cell phone donation drives into communities across the U.S. Since last spring, volunteer efforts have generated more than 25,000 wireless phones for recycling, and volunteers continue to collect phones in corporate offices and community locations.

Free online tools are also available to support community groups and help individuals launch and conduct their own donation drives with a new electronic “starter kit,” available at www.att.com/recyclewireless.

For more information about AT&T’s efforts to support military families, please visit www.att.com/troopsupport.

For more information about AT&T’s sustainability efforts, please visit www.att.com/sustainability.

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

About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s fastest 3G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. AT&T offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verseSM and AT&T | DIRECTVSM brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T’s Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations are known for their leadership in directory publishing and advertising sales. In 2009, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE® magazine’s list of the World’s Most Admired Companies.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATTNews. Find us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ATT to discover more about our consumer and wireless services or at www.Facebook.com/ATTSmallBiz to discover more about our small business services.

© 2009 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. 3G service not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.

Add Comment (0)

More Articles...

<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 4 Next > End >>

Page 1 of 4