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President Obama on Energy Reform and Jobs |
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(President Barack Obama shakes hands with Energy Secretary Steven Chu following remarks about innovation
in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Thursday, July 2, 2009, following his meeting with business leaders. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson is second from left. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) The President met with a group of innovative energy leaders today to discuss job creation and long-term plans for strengthening the industry which will play a key role in America’s economic future. CEOs from both small and large energy companies shared their own ideas about how to increase productivity through innovation and technology. Finding new ways of producing, saving, and distributing energy is not only good for our energy independence, but also presents opportunities to create millions of jobs for Americans. In his remarks, the President explained that energy is one of the main pillars in our new economic foundation, which is why the administration has put it at the forefront of the recovery effort: I'm pleased to say that we've achieved more in the past few months to create a new clean energy economy than we had achieved in many decades before. The recovery plan will double our country's supply of renewable energy, and is already creating new clean energy jobs. Thanks to a remarkable partnership between automakers, autoworkers, environmental advocates, and states, we also set in motion a new national policy to increase gas mileage and decrease carbon pollution for all new cars and trucks sold in this country, which is going to save us 1.8 billion barrels of oil. And last Friday, the House of Representatives passed an extraordinary piece of legislation that would make renewable energy the profitable kind of energy in America. It will reduce our dependence on foreign oil. It will prevent the worst consequences of climate change. And above all, it holds the promise of millions of new jobs -- jobs, by the way, that can't be outsourced. The CEOs standing behind me know a lot about these kinds of companies. These are folks whose companies are helping to lead the transformation towards a clean energy future. Even as we face tough economic times, even as we continue to lose jobs, the CEOs here told me that they're looking to hire new people, in some cases to double or even triple in size over the next few years. They are making money and they are helping their customers save money on the energy front. So these companies are vivid examples of the kind of future we can create, but it's now up to the Senate to continue the work that was begun in the House to forge this more prosperous future. We're going to need to set aside the posturing and the politics -- and when we put aside the old ideological debates, then our choice is clear. It's a choice between slow decline and renewed prosperity. It's a choice between the past and the future. The American people I believe want us to make the right choice, and I'm confident that the Senate will. For at every juncture in our history, we've chosen to seize big opportunities -- rather than fear big challenges. We've chosen to take responsibility. We've chosen to honor the sacrifices of those who came before us -- and fulfill our obligations to generations to come. That's what we're going to do this time, as well. The President went on to praise the innovation that is now taking place, from LED lighting to waterproof, long-lasting concrete. He added that although the economy continues to struggle, these are advances that will help us succeed both now and well into the future. "We always meet the challenges by moving forward," he said. |
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Locked-in natural gas price contracts get share of review |
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MILLERSBURG -- When deciding how to heat homes this year, it's important to weigh the risks and benefits of variable pricing contracts and fixed rate contracts for natural gas. "If a customer feels they want to budget in their home budget or business budget the current cost of energy, they should do it (lock in with a fixed rate)," said Jeffery Mayer, president and chief executive officer of MXenergy, a supplier of natural gas. "If they want to take a gamble the price will go lower, they should go with a variable." But for some, those who locked in their prices at a fixed rate, when natural gas was trading at higher levels in mid- to late-2008, are now stuck paying that until the end of their contracts even though natural gas is now at a lower price. Dave Zimmerman, Smithville, was one of those individuals. A customer of Dominion East Ohio for almost 50 years, he was able to renegotiate his natural gas bill to a lower rate. "Three times I called, three times I got reduced rates, which makes me very happy in the end," Zimmerman said. He's even started to help neighbors with the same supplier achieve a reduced rate, if they are eligible. Natural gas prices averaged $6.87 per Mcf (1,000 cubic feet) in November, according to the Energy Information Administration, down from an average of $13.06 in June, reflecting the current economic downturn. The EIA, in its short-term energy outlook released Tuesday, said natural gas prices will decline from an average of $9.13 per Mcf in 2008 to $5.78 -- a 57 percent decline. But 2010 will see a 14.7 percent increase to $6.63. IGS Vice President Doug Austin said depending on where the market is, consumers can try to renegotiate to a lower fee. "We want to keep our customers happy. We're not in the business of making our customers upset," he said. However, if a consumer wants out of a contract, they might be subject to a fee, ranging from $50 to $150 depending on the supplier, according to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. PUCO's Web site gives consumers comparison of variable and fixed rate contracts with the major distributors in the area, including termination fees. PUCO said it averaged 56 calls per month from July-Decemeber with questions of service and competition regarding distributor Columbia Gas. Dominion, the other major area distributor, received 88 calls in that same period, according to PUCO spokesman Matt Butler. "(It) could have been anything from someone upset, or someone wanting to get out of their contract, to someone saying is this a legitimate competitor, what does this contract term mean, or just general questions," he said. Consumers can get some relief with budget billing, although Mayer warned that has its disadvantages, especially in the summer months when natural gas consumption is typically low. And conservation -- whether it's reducing the thermostat or putting on a sweater -- always helps. "If you can adjust, reduce your usage, it's going to have a significant impact on the bill," Columbia Gas spokesman Ray Frank said. "Seventy-five to 80 percent of your monthly bill represents the commodity or the natural gas that you actually consume. So, if you can reduce your usage, you're going to have an impact on the major portion of your gas bill." Reporter Chris Leonard can be reached at 330-674-1811 or e-mail
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Amacore Group Featured on CBS' Biz Talk |
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339
(1 vote, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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The Amacore Group, Inc., (OTCBB: ACGI), a leader in providing health-related membership benefit programs, insurance programs, and other innovative and high-quality solutions to individuals, families and employer groups nationwide, today announced that the Company's founders - Amacore CEO Clark A. Marcus and CMO Jerry Katzman, MD - will be guests on CBS' weekly radio show "Biz Talk with Josh," hosted by Joshua I. Smith, renowned businessman and lecturer. The show can be listened to live via the airwaves in the Washington, D.C. area on CBS Radio, WPGC/HEAVEN 1580 AM, and nationally, via audio streaming, on www.heaven1580am.com . The radio segment will cover the entrepreneurial side of the Company, which will include an overview of Amacore's vision and overall mission; pivotal and groundbreaking experiences at the Company's beginning stages; changes and evolution of Amacore's business model since inception; the Company's perspective on the United States' healthcare crisis; and Amacore's outlook ahead. "We are extremely excited to be on Joshua's show to present Amacore's ideas for new healthcare options," stated Amacore CEO Clark A. Marcus. "We're also delighted to have the opportunity to engage in an interview and conversation with Joshua, a man who is one of the foremost authorities on business development and commerce, and who is a distinguished leader in both the business and public service community. To sit down and discuss our Company's innovative strategies to problem-solve the healthcare system with a person who is so expansive in his experience and knowledge makes for a perfect situation and interview." Joshua I. Smith, a leading entrepreneur and orator who was asked by Former President George H.W. Bush to lead a commission on business development, is frequently sought after by the boards of Fortune 100 companies. He has been the chairman and managing partner of The Coaching Group since 1998 and previously, was the founder, chairman, and CEO of The MAXIMA Corporation, a 20-year-old consultancy that achieved a national reputation as one of the top African American owned, and fastest growing firms in the United States. Mr. Smith serves on the board of directors of Caterpillar, Inc.; FedEx Corp.; Allstate Insurance Corp; the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Business Advisory of Sodexho; and the United Methodist Church Foundation. Additionally, the Governor of the State of Maryland most recently appointed Mr. Smith to the Board of the Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority. Concerning Amacore's forthcoming interview on "Biz Talk with Josh," Mr. Smith stated, "I'm very pleased to have the founders of The Amacore Group, Clark Marcus and Dr. Jerry Katzman, on my show. This company is an ideal fit for my show's agenda which concentrates on the entrepreneurial spirit that is a key element in our country's success. Amacore represents this spirit, as seen by its applying that same enthusiasm to create a new approach to providing healthcare benefits and other healthcare services to multitudes of people at a low-cost, backed by a more efficient technology. I'm looking forward to my interview with Amacore and to discussing the road ahead for this forward-thinking company." About The Amacore Group, Inc. The Amacore Group, Inc. (www.amacoregroup.com) Amacore, through its unique distribution model, has partnered with some of the nation's top rated carriers to bring to individuals, families and employer groups nationwide a cutting-edge portfolio of health insurance products ranging from traditional major medical insurance to high-deductible plans, Health Saving Accounts, PPO's, limited medical coverage as well as dental, vision and prescription drug plans. These programs are designed to provide consumers with a broad array of product offerings and choices, and marketing partners with compelling new business opportunities in the multi-trillion dollar healthcare market. Leveraging that unique portfolio, Amacore offers a business partner model that combines development innovation with technology and resource tools that create a partner approach that is industry-leading, supportive and cutting edge. Amacore's drive for industry leadership began with a clear purpose: to have a positive impact on healthcare in America. Amacore embraces consumer-driven healthcare and works with a variety of partners to educate, advocate, present and provide consumers with the many options available to them. The key to our success has been to implement a strategy that results in giving different customers very unique and compelling reasons to choose Amacore programs. Amacore offers real solutions in the marketplace and is poised for real growth. We are committed to offering the highest quality products with cutting edge and industry leading infrastructure, tools, customer service and support for our partners and clients. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, LifeGuard Benefit Solutions, Inc., Amacore now has the ability to provide administrative and back-office services to other healthcare companies, in addition to expanding its own call center capability through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, JRM Benefits Consultants, LLC, and its recently acquired, US Health Benefits Group, Inc. Zurvita, Inc., Amacore's newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiary specializing in direct to consumer multi-level marketing, provides yet another channel for Amacore's ever-increasing range of healthcare and healthcare-related products. About Biz Talk with Josh Biz Talk with Josh is a weekly radio show that airs on CBS Radio, WPGC/HEAVEN 1580 AM 3 p.m. EST on Sundays. The show, presented by Joshua I. Smith, a nationally renowned entrepreneur and lecturer, can be heard over the airways in the greater Washington, D.C., area, and via live audio streaming on www.Heaven1580am.com. Listeners can call in during the show and talk to Mr. Smith and his guests at 888-432-1580. Listeners will also be able to hear Biz Talk with Josh archived shows by visiting www.biztalkwithjosh.com following each broadcast. This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans and objectives, including anticipated revenues, losses and profit margins. In some cases, you may identify forward-looking statements by words such as "may," "should," "plan," "intend," "potential," "continue," "believe," "expect," "predict," "anticipate" and "estimate," the negative of these words or other comparable words. These statements are only predictions. One should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are qualified by their terms and/or important factors, many of which are outside the Company's control, involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from the statements made. The forward-looking statements are based on the Company's beliefs, assumptions and expectations of our future performance, taking into account information currently available to the Company. These beliefs, assumptions and expectations can change as a result of many possible events or factors, including those events and factors described in "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for 2007 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, not all of which are known to the Company. Neither the Company nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of these statements. The Company will update the information in this press release only to the extent required under applicable securities laws. If a change occurs, the Company's business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations may vary materially from those expressed in the aforementioned forward-looking statements. Amacore Group, Inc. Jay Shafer, Pres.
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or Wolfe Axelrod Weinberger Associates, LLC 212-370-4500 Stephen D. Axelrod, CFA (Investors)
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or Alisa Steinberg (Media)
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Zurvita, Inc., Partners With MXenergy |
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292
(1 vote, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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LAKE MARY, Fla. -- The Amacore Group, Inc. (OTC BB: ACGI), a leader in providing health and health-related programs and other innovative and high-quality solutions through its unique multi-channel distribution system, today announced its wholly-owned subsidiary, Zurvita Inc., has entered into an exclusive agreement with MXenergy Inc. for the sale and distribution of MXenergy's energy and energy-related products. MXenergy is one of the nation's leading natural gas and electricity suppliers, currently selling its products in 39 utility territories. With many states deregulating the sale of energy, companies such as MXenergy have emerged bringing to a wide range of consumers and small businesses affordable energy coupled with environmentally-friendly programs. MXenergy is a leader in this space supplying natural gas and electricity in North America to approximately 500,000 customers. 
The agreement designates Zurvita as MXenergy's exclusive network marketing seller of MXenergy's products throughout MXenergy's current footprint. The agreement has an initial three-year term with two-year renewal periods thereafter. The agreement also provides for cross-pollination selling with Zurvita marketing the MXenergy products to not only new customers but to existing Zurvita customers, and marketing the Zurvita products to MXenergy's existing and new customers. Mark Jarvis, President of Zurvita, with over 26 years experience in network marketing, stated, "We are very excited about this new relationship with MXenergy since it adds to Zurvita's product mix one of the strongest new products to hit the market in over 15 years. The deregulation of electricity and natural gas has created a new market for consumers and small businesses that allows them to control their energy costs" Mr. Jarvis noted, "This arrangement gives our representatives a wonderful new product to add to Zurvita's already terrific product line, and we are confident that it will serve to attract substantially more representatives to Zurvita by reason of this exciting selling opportunity. The last time the networking industry experienced this type of growth potential was 15 years ago with the deregulation of the telecom industry where billion-dollar companies grew up seemingly 'overnight.' The cross-pollination opportunity will only add to our representatives' ability to build substantial long-term revenue streams for themselves. From Zurvita's perspective, we believe this can only dramatically and rapidly enhance the growth we are anticipating to take place within the next 24 months."
Steven Murray, Chief Operating Officer of MXenergy, stated that "Zurvita expands MXenergy's ability to reach a larger audience and its hope to see a significant boost to our business. Zurvita's background and experience in delivering products through its distribution channels should align extremely well with the energy products that we market."
About The Amacore Group, Inc. The Amacore Group, Inc. (www.amacoregroup.com)
Amacore, through its unique distribution model, has partnered with some of the nation's top rated carriers to bring to individuals, families and employer groups nationwide a cutting-edge portfolio of health insurance products ranging from traditional major medical insurance to high-deductible plans, Health Saving Accounts, PPO's, limited medical coverage as well as dental, vision and prescription drug plans. These programs are designed to provide consumers with a broad array of product offerings and choices, and marketing partners with compelling new business opportunities in the multi-trillion dollar healthcare market. Leveraging that unique portfolio, Amacore offers a business partner model that combines development innovation with technology and resource tools that create a partner approach that is industry-leading, supportive and cutting edge. Amacore's drive for industry leadership began with a clear purpose: to have a positive impact on healthcare in America. Amacore embraces consumer-driven healthcare and works with a variety of partners to educate, advocate, present and provide consumers with the many options available to them. The key to our success has been to implement a strategy that results in giving different customers very unique and compelling reasons to choose Amacore programs. Amacore offers real solutions in the marketplace and is poised for real growth. We are committed to offering the highest quality products with cutting edge and industry leading infrastructure, tools, customer service and support for our partners and clients. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, LifeGuard Benefit Solutions, Inc., Amacore now has the ability to provide administrative and back-office services to other healthcare companies, in addition to expanding its own call center capability through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, JRM Benefits Consultants, LLC, and its recently acquired, US Health Benefits Group, Inc. Zurvita, Inc., Amacore's newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiary specializing in direct to consumer multi-level marketing, provides yet another channel for Amacore's ever-increasing range of healthcare and healthcare-related products. About MXenergy MXenergy is one of the fastest growing retail natural gas and electricity suppliers in North America, serving approximately 500,000 customers in 39 utility territories in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1999 to provide natural gas and electricity to consumers in deregulated energy markets, MXenergy helps residential customers and small business owners control their energy bills by providing both fixed and variable rate plans. MXenergy is committed to best practices in environmental conservation and is a member of the Chicago Climate Exchange. For more information, contact MXenergy customer care at 800.785.4373 or online at www.mxenergy.com. This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of our business, including anticipated revenues, growth and growth in the revenue streams of Zurvita's representatives, and opportunities presented by the deregulationof energy markets. In some cases, you may identify forward-looking statements by words such as "may," "should," "plan," "intend," "potential," "continue," "believe," "expect," "predict," "anticipate" and "estimate," the negative of these words or other comparable words. These statements are only predictions. One should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are qualified by their terms and/or important factors, many of which are outside the Company's control, involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from the statements made. The forward-looking statements are based on the Company's beliefs, assumptions and expectations of the Company's future performance, taking into account information currently available to the Company. These beliefs, assumptions and expectations can change as a result of many possible events or factors, including those events and factors described in "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for 2007 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, not all of which are known to the Company. The Company will update the information in this press release only to the extent required under applicable securities laws. If a change occurs, the Company's business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations may vary materially from those expressed in the aforementioned forward-looking statements. ### |
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