Budget papers have revealed that a draft review of Forestry Tasmanias operations shows it is facing a cash deficit due to low woodchip sales and the closure of mills.

A final report is due in the coming weeks and it may suggest some of Forestrys functions be taken over to ensure the business is sustainable.

The Premier, Lara Giddings, says the $110 million injection is based on a no-change scenario and is in response to market pressures.

When I talk to people involved in the forest industry and they tell me about the pain that their own businesses are going through right now in forestry, I assure them that I understand that pain because I too have a business that is involved in forestry and it happens to be Forestry Tasmania, she said.

Topics:
budget,
states-and-territories,
timber,
tas,
hobart-7000,
launceston-7250

First posted

May 17, 2012 16:50:03

Houston, TX (PRWEB) May 11, 2012

Womens Business Enterprise Alliance is pleased to announce that Lynn Tilton, founder and CEO of Patriarch Partners, will be the keynote speaker at the WBEA Annual Conference Awards Luncheon on May 17 in Houston.

“We are excited to have Ms. Tilton at our Annual Conference. Her dedication to saving American companies and Mayor Parker’s Hire Houston First have the potential to give small businesses in our area a much needed boost. Small businesses are still the backbone of economy,” Susan Repka of WBEA said.

Over the last 10 years, Tilton and Patriarch Partners have committed to debt and equity investments and provided operational and strategic expertise to more than 150 companies, saving 250,000 American jobs that would have otherwise been lost through liquidations. It is Tilton’s belief that our country’s most valuable asset is human capital and that job creation is the essential element to a true and sustainable economic recovery and prosperity.

The WBEA’s Annual conference will feature more than 1,200 attendees and corporations, such as Chevron, BP America Inc., Shell Oil Company, ExxonMobil and Bayside Publishing among many others.

This year’s Conference will include six workshops held on Wednesday, May 16, a private reception later that evening and numerous activities on Thursday, May 17 including one-on-one meetings between corporate buyer and certified WBEs, the Awards Luncheon and an all day expo with silent auction.

The Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance is committed to increasing supplier diversity and business opportunities for woman-owned businesses and corporate members through education, programs and professional networking. Women-owned businesses comprise one of the fastest growing segments in todays economy. Since the WBEAs inception in 1995, the number of WBEA Annual Conference businesses owned and operated by women has increased substantially, creating new jobs, generating unique opportunities and fostering a resurgence of the entrepreneurial spirit in the marketplace.

“In 2011 our WBEs employed over 31,000 employees and had a combined revenue of $8.3 billion, this is a significant impact to the Texas economy”, stated Repka.”We believe that 2012 will have an even greater impact as many of our WBEs are adding new jobs.” To register for The Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance, log on to http://www.wbea-texas.org/conference.

About Womens Business Enterprise Alliance:

With more than 750 certified WBEs, the WBEA membership has grown rapidly since its inception and has become one of the nations leading certifiers of women-owned businesses by way of its network of corporate sponsors, supplier diversity programs and dedicated WBEs.

As an affiliate of the Womens Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the WBEA serves as a third-party certifying organization for women-owned business enterprises (WBEs) in South Texas. Businesses that are at least 51-percent owned by a woman and meet specific criteria as outlined by WBENC standards and procedures are eligible for this certification — a designation that is not only recognized but required by most major corporations and governmental agencies as a purchasing criteria.

For additional information, contact Susan Repka at (713) 681-9232, ext. 209 or log onto: http://www.wbea-texas.org.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2012/5/prweb9492179.htm

Senior Corps Week celebrates volunteers ages 55 and up who work as foster grandparents or senior companions.

In the foster grandparent program, adults go to local schools to tutor at-risk and special needs children.

I work basically with the whole class, and just give them a little bit of extra attention maybe the teachers cant do on a daily basis and just basically help and support the teachers too, said Roz Hayward, a foster grand parent.

Its a chance for kids to get more one-on-one help as schools cut back on teachers.

theyre really shorter on the staff than they would like to be, and our foster grandparent volunteers go out and spend anywhere from 15 to 35 hours a week in the school, working with these kiddos, giving them that extra attention, said Tanya Fink, the foster grandparent program coordinator.

Senior companion volunteers help older Americans who cant drive anymore.

They run errands and spend time with them, which is often an overlooked necessity, said program coordinator Tamara Vliek.

Sometimes we take for granted that we can just hop in our cars and go to the grocery store or to a doctors appointment. But for a senior citizen who may have visual issues, or no longer drives, having a senior companion is going to be an integral part of them being able to get things done, said Vliek.

Thursday, May 10, the program coordinators are hosting an open house for those who want to know more about becoming a volunteer.

It will be at the Senior Companion office at 2232 North 7th Street, Suite 2 from 12:30 to 3:30.

Everything from local spa treatments and dog training to team building experiences, government services and children’s entertainers was on display at the fourth annual Biznet Regional Business Expo held last Wednesday, May 9 at the Springwood Civic Centre.

Sponsored by Blue Mountains Business Enterprise Centre and Blue Mountains City Council, there were also free executive seminars held throughout the day.

Biznet president Dave Garner welcomed exhibitors and visitors at the official opening, saying the event was about supporting local business.

“Today is all about retaining local business in the local area . . . [and] keeping shopping in the Blue Mountains,” he said.

“As you walk through the event today, you’ll see some of the quality of the local businesses and the way they present themselves is second to none.”

Mayor Daniel Myles thanked all those involved in making the day “a huge success” on behalf of the council.

“Keeping people shopping in the Blue Mountains is a vital part of keeping our economy strong,” he said during his speech.

“Financial independence is a key sign of a strong and vibrant society and you are helping that here today.

“The message has to go out time and time and time again that while we think we can get all the services we need in Penrith . . . the reality is we can get everything up here in the Mountains.”

The Springwood Chamber of Commerce was using its presence at the expo to continue its drive for more members, with a special business expo offer of $100 for a year’s membership plus 500 business cards. The membership drive is continuing and those interested in joining should email springwood.chamber@gmail.com.

HONG KONG, May 01, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) –
Today,
www.BrightonMarkets.com announced new reports highlighting
Atmos Energy Corporation

/quotes/zigman/218562/quotes/nls/ato ATO
+0.49%

and AGL Resources Inc.

/quotes/zigman/159452/quotes/nls/gas GAS
+0.51%

. Gain market insight with full analysis and research downloads
available at
www.BrightonMarkets.com/index.php?coa=ATO&cob=GAS .

Economic fundamentals leading into 2012 have set a generally positive
pace with GDP growth likely to pick up through the coming year.
However, there are several important caveats to note as the world
economy continues to face headwinds and risks weigh to the downside.
Positive outlooks are conditional on fiscal policy in payroll taxes
and unemployment insurance benefits and upon the easing of the
European debt situation. A repeat of volatility experience in 2011 is
likely in 2012, as perceptions about the strength of the U.S. economy
and the euro zone will vary over time as events unfold.

Despite the current situation, our team continues to identify high
momentum situations with growth potential — there remains strong
opportunity within careful discretion.

Brighton Markets is releasing new coverage on Atmos Energy
Corporation for its current position within the utilities industry.
Atmos Energy Corporation (Atmos Energy) is engaged primarily in the
regulated natural gas distribution and transmission and storage
businesses, as well as other non-regulated natural gas businesses.
The full research report on Atmos Energy Corporation

/quotes/zigman/218562/quotes/nls/ato ATO
+0.49%

is
available here:
www.BrightonMarkets.com/index.php?coa=ATO .

Brighton Markets has released research on AGL Resources Inc. for its
changing role within the utilities industry. AGL Resources Inc. (AGL
Resources) is an energy services holding company whose principal
business is the distribution of natural gas. AGL Resources operates
its natural gas in seven states includes Illinois, Georgia, Virginia,
New Jersey, Florida, Tennessee and Maryland. As of December 31, 2011,
the Company’s seven utilities served approximately 4.5 million
customers. The full research report on AGL Resources Inc.

/quotes/zigman/159452/quotes/nls/gas GAS
+0.51%

is available here:
www.BrightonMarkets.com/index.php?cob=GAS .

About Brighton Markets
Brighton Markets was founded on the guiding
principle of providing highly relevant, meaningful, and actionable
information direct to investors. Across the investment spectrum,
Brighton Markets shines light on today’s events.

Contact:

Jean Barnes
Email Email Contact

www.BrightonMarkets.com

SOURCE: Brighton Markets

http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=E2B67C4129485C67

http://www.brightonmarkets.com/

Copyright 2012 Marketwire, Inc., All rights reserved.

/quotes/zigman/218562/quotes/nls/ato

Add to portfolio

ATO

Atmos Energy Corp.

US

: U.S.: NYSE

$
32.85

+0.16
+0.49%

Volume: 378,294
May 16, 2012 4:03p

P/E Ratio17.72
Dividend Yield4.20%

Market Cap$2.94 billion
Rev. per Employee$809,812

/quotes/zigman/159452/quotes/nls/gas

Add to portfolio

GAS

AGL Resources Inc.

US

: U.S.: NYSE

$
37.64

+0.19
+0.51%

Volume: 490,203
May 16, 2012 4:03p

P/E Ratio24.74
Dividend Yield4.89%

Market Cap$4.45 billion
Rev. per Employee$442,500

/quotes/zigman/218562/quotes/nls/ato

Add to portfolio

ATO

Atmos Energy Corp.

US

: U.S.: NYSE

$
32.85

+0.16
+0.49%

Volume: 378,294
May 16, 2012 4:03p

P/E Ratio17.72
Dividend Yield4.20%

Market Cap$2.94 billion
Rev. per Employee$809,812

/quotes/zigman/159452/quotes/nls/gas

Add to portfolio

GAS

AGL Resources Inc.

US

: U.S.: NYSE

$
37.64

+0.19
+0.51%

Volume: 490,203
May 16, 2012 4:03p

P/E Ratio24.74
Dividend Yield4.89%

Market Cap$4.45 billion
Rev. per Employee$442,500

Financial Glossary

Words used in this article:

I know that unlike Western attitudes of individualism, our communal way of supporting each other as friends and family means that one doesnt have to shoulder all the burdens alone.

It is all exciting times, but there are a few concerns that I am sure I share with many regarding young weddings in Kigali.

To start with, I am yet to understand the phenomenon of having huge, lavish weddings on an almost non-existent budget.

To know that ones wedding costs are out of a couples financial realm, and still go ahead with execution, banking on the generosity of friends and family is something that has befuddled me for years. How people do this and do not have brain aneurysms out of worry is beyond me.

I know that unlike Western attitudes of individualism, our communal way of supporting each other as friends and family means that one doesnt have to shoulder all the burdens alone. Still, to have wedding meetings where included on the list of things a soon-to-be wedded couple will need are the grooms suit, the brides wedding dress, gloves and shoes — is confounding as it is illogical.

The idea of setting a date for the special day some months in advance means that this time will be used to plan and, importantly, save for the occasion. It is understandable that in this day and age, many a couple face the pressure to have a guest list of 1,000 people hosted at the Kigali Serena Hotel.

But to have to repay a bank loan for over a year for that single day is surely too much of a price to pay? The manner in which this occurrence is fast becoming the norm in Kigali – if it isnt already – says something about our culture of saving. It is most likely a rarity to find a couple who have been engaged for a few years, have spent that time saving not only for their wedding, but the beginning of their married life.

Once at a forum for young women, one of the speakers (a role model in her own right) assured the audience how she and her husband decided that they wouldnt start their journey of matrimony dependant on the financial generosity of others. Theirs was a small do, surrounded by close friends and family, and no doubt a matter of sound financial reasoning.

If weddings are a reflection of the savings culture amongst young, working class Rwandans, then were in for a tough ride ahead. Perhaps its time to rethink purchasing that Prado on a bank loan, and instead invest in a mortgage or some other form of long-term tangible asset.

Unless you can afford it without a loan, the ten million Rwandan francs that will be poured into a 24-hour event will most likely be better utilized as down-payment for a house. Or the first injection into your sons college education fund.

Or a bakery business that will add to a couples combined income. I recently met someone who told me about the concept of Whats the next, next? When D-day is done and youre faced with a huge dent in your finances and a colossal bank loan to repay, whats the next, next?

The Support Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand (Sacict), a non-profit public organisation of the Commerce Ministry, markets goods made by Ayutthayas Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Training Centre under the patronage of Her Majestys the Queen under the Sacict brand.

Pimpapaan Chansilpa, Sacicts CEO, said the centres targeted segments accounted for 25% of the market so the strategy over the next five years would be value creation to upgrade the quality of Thai traditional arts and crafts through design.

Advanced Diagnostic and Hearing Solutions of Brandon is set to present a talk with Cochlear Americas representatives and a Bloomingdale resident born with a hearing loss, who has a hearing dog from Canine Companions for Independence.

The online retailer touts its dog-friendliness, even allowing employees to bring canine companions to work.

Amazons architects presented more detailed plans for the companys 3.3 million-square-foot office complex to the citys advisory Downtown Review Board Tuesday night. Among other things, those plans show a circular dog park about 40 feet in diameter just off Sixth Avenue between Lenora and Blanchard streets, in a parklike plaza between a tower and smaller office building.

The dog park is not only for the Amazon employees, but the neighborhood, landscape architect Mark Brand told the board. Theres a lot of demand.

Fast-growing Amazon has tentatively agreed to buy three blocks bounded generally by Westlake Avenue, Sixth and Blanchard from Seattles Clise family. It filed preliminary paperwork with city planners for the massive office complex downtowns largest project ever earlier this year.

Each block would have a tower of up to 37 stories, plus a smaller building office buildings of up to six stories on two blocks, a meeting hall seating 2,000 on the third.

Each block also would feature open space and extensive landscaping, and each of the six buildings would have ground-floor retail space. Altogether, the complex, which would be built in phases over four to eight years, would have about 3,300 underground parking stalls.

Some board members said they found the project a little overwhelming.

One of the things that makes me nervous is the sheer magnitude, Chairman Gabe Grant said.

Its moving very fast, Brian Scott agreed. Im struggling to keep up.

But he said Amazons architects from NBBJ were moving in the right direction.

New features in the more detailed designs include:

A rooftop cafeteria, with outdoor dining, atop the meeting hall, which would be on the south side of Lenora Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues.

A horizontal architectural trellis, perhaps covered with glass, high above part of the 50-foot-wide landscaped plaza between the meeting hall and the tower on the block. It would help make the plaza usable and enjoyable any time of the year, architect Dale Alberda said.

A covered walkway linking the two buildings on the block bounded by Sixth, Seventh, Lenora and Blanchard. It replaces two multistory skybridgelike structures in the earlier design that some board members had questioned.

Off-street space for food trucks along Eighth Avenue.

Alberda said elevators from the underground parking garages on each block would deliver passengers not to building lobbies, but to the outdoor plazas and courtyards to help keep those spaces busy.

The blocks Amazon proposes to redevelop are now mostly parking lots, but construction would require demolition of the Sixth Avenue Inn hotel, the King Cat Theater and the Toyota of Seattle dealership.

Development would occur first on the Sixth Avenue Inn block, between Sixth, Seventh and Westlake avenues and Virginia and Lenora streets. That block includes the proposed meeting hall.

Amazons plans are on a fast track. The design-review board already has tentatively scheduled another meeting July 10 at 6 pm in City Halls Bertha Knight Landes Room.

That session is billed as a recommendation meeting, at which the board could gives its blessing to the design and several exceptions from city design guidelines that Amazon has requested.

Eric Pryne: 206-464-2231 or