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Grail Advisors to Launch Industry’s First Single Manager ETFS Using Traditional Active Management

Posted by Erik Keith on June 9, 2009 at 4:50pm

Grail Advisors, a leader in the development and distribution of active Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), today announced the registration of four new actively-managed ETFs--RP Growth ETF, RP Focused Large Cap Growth ETF, RP Technology ETF, and RP Financials ETF. The new offerings represent the industry’s first traditional actively-managed ETFs using a single-manager approach. New York-based RiverPark Advisors, LLC (RiverPark) will serve as the primary sub-adviser for each of the funds. Wedgewood Partners, Inc., of St. Louis will also serve as sub-adviser to the RP Focused Large Cap Growth ETF. “One of our goals from the outset was to bring traditional, active fund managers to the ETF marketplace,” said William M. Thomas, CEO of Grail Advisors LLC. “With these four new RiverPark offerings, that day has come, and it’s come a lot sooner than even the most enthusiastic proponent of the ETF structure could have imagined.” Grail unveiled the market’s first true, actively-managed equity ETF last month—the Grail American Beacon Large Cap Value ETF—and will follow up this summer with the Grail American Beacon International Equity ETF, the first international ETF of its kind. Those funds were designed to incorporate the traditional investment management approach and a multi-manager format into an active ETF structure. The single-manager RiverPark funds will take active ETFs a step further. The funds will be designed to combine all the benefits of an ETF structure—lower costs, tax efficiency, transparency of holdings, and intra-day trading—with actively-managed strategies from a veteran asset management team. RiverPark will provide day-to-day portfolio management services to RP Growth ETF, RP Technology ETF, and RP Financials ETF, and, in conjunction with Grail, oversee the day-to-day portfolio management services provided by Wedgewood to RP Focused Large Cap Growth. RiverPark was founded in 2006 by Morty Schaja, CFA, who serves as the firm’s Chief Executive Officer, and Mitchell Rubin, CFA, who is the Chief Investment Officer. All of RiverPark’s principals, including Mr. Schaja, Mr. Rubin, and portfolio manager Conrad van Tienhoven, came to the firm from Baron Funds. RiverPark has assembled a prestigious group of outside advisors to support the senior team in the management of the funds. David A. Rolfe, CFA, will be the portfolio manager of RP Focused Large Cap Growth ETF. Mr. Rolfe is the Chief Investment Officer of Wedgewood, and together with Anthony L. Guerrerio, the firm’s CEO and founder, has worked on various large-cap growth strategies for the firm since its inception in 1992. Each of the funds’ managers will have the discretion on a daily basis to choose securities for the ETF’s portfolio consistent with the ETF’s investment objective. Unlike index-based ETFs that seek to replicate the holdings of a specified index, each of the new Grail ETFs will use an actively-managed investment strategy to meet its investment objective. All four of the funds’ holdings will be fully disclosed on a daily basis. “We fully embrace the movement toward full transparency, continuous liquidity, and a low-cost fee structure,” said Mr. Schaja from RiverPark Advisors. “In today’s environment, investors are demanding a superior vehicle in which to make their investments without having to sacrifice access to world-class portfolio management. We’re thrilled to be on the cutting edge of this evolution with Grail.” Trading for shares the new ETFs is expected to begin September 1 on the NYSE Arca, Inc. The new funds will represent the latest in what is anticipated to be a series of offerings of the Grail Advisors ETF Trust. The San Francisco-based firm intends to make the benefits of ETFs available to the large pool of investors who currently select traditional mutual funds or other vehicles to access active portfolio management. Mr. Thomas says Grail Advisors is currently in discussions with a number of leading financial institutions and asset managers and expects to launch more customized, actively-managed ETFs this year.

Decline in U.S. House Prices Levels Off in April

Posted by Erik Keith on June 9, 2009 at 4:47pm

Integrated Asset Services®, LLC (IAS®) (www.iasreo.com), a leader in default management and residential collateral valuation, today released its latest IAS360™ House Price Index. The benchmark for national house prices, based upon the timeliest and most granular data available in the industry, moved up a fraction of a point in April. April’s report reflects the first non-declining numbers for the index in 10 months. The IAS360 had fallen more than 19% from its high-water mark in June of 2007. On a year-over-year basis, U.S. house prices are still down 13.0%, but the volatility of the trend line is less than the previous year, a critical point to industry analysts. More importantly, three of the four U.S. census regions were stable to positive for April. Only the South, which includes several particularly hard-hit Florida communities, was down for the month (0.3%), but there, too, the trend line was flattening. “It’s too soon to call this a turn in the housing market, particularly given all the political and regulatory uncertainties,” said Dave McCarthy, President and CEO of Integrated Asset Services. “I think that we’re still in for some difficult spells ahead, but we are seeing a certain kind of pricing equilibrium in several important markets. That’s encouraging for the long term.” Among metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), IAS360 reports that three of the country’s ten largest MSAs—Boston, Chicago, and San Diego—joined Denver, previously the only region in the nation showing gains, in positive territory in April. “Inventory levels are declining and sales are increasing in the lower priced markets through a combination of incentives and low interest rates creating a positive outlook for the entire market,” said Rick Foos, President of SRA Foos & Associates, Inc. “However, if we begin to see rising interest rates and an increase in foreclosures in tandem we could be experiencing a “false bottom”, but if neither materializes to a great degree then it does appear that the market may have bottomed.” IAS360 data also revealed certain evidence of normalization, or at least a return to seasonality, in California, arguably the first and foremost damaged state in the U.S. (six of the 10 hardest-hit counties in the country are in California.) Representative counties up and down the state, including Monterey, San Bernadino, Ventura, Riverside, Sacramento, Sonoma, and King, continue to report convincing upticks in housing prices. For its part, the aforementioned San Diego, down almost 24% from its high in 2007, has reported three straight months of stable prices. “We’re looking at daily information on more than 15,000 market segments across the country,” said McCarthy, “and we’re keeping a keen eye out for trends all the way down to the county and neighborhood level. With the benefit of our uniquely granular and timelier data, the IAS360 will report the turn in the market first.” The IAS360 House Price Index is a comprehensive housing index tracking monthly change in the median sales price of detached single-family residences across the U.S. The index, based on all arms-length transactions, tracks data of 15,000 “neighborhoods”, which are rolled up to report on the changes in 360 counties, nine census divisions, four regions, and the nation overall. The IAS360 House Price Index is delivered on a monthly basis.

Research Shows 52% of Clinicians Have Seen Increase in Eating Disorder Patients

Posted by Erik Keith on June 8, 2009 at 1:53pm

Increasing patient caseloads, professional collaboration/patient sharing and lack of medical resources are among the trends revealed in a May 2009 survey of eating disorder professionals conducted by the Eating Recovery Center (http://www.eatingrecoveryinfo.com), the premier treatment center for eating recovery. Due to the rapid growth in the number of patients presenting with an eating disorder, as well as increased awareness of the medical complications often associated with eating disorders, clinicians are finding it critical to work with other professionals to effectively treat eating disordered patients. Among 158 respondents, 52 percent have seen their eating disorder patient caseloads increase over the past three years. While 83 percent of respondents are very comfortable diagnosing eating disorders and 81 percent are very comfortable treating eating disorders, 94 percent responded that they share some portion of that treatment with other professionals. “Eating disorders are complicated diseases with multiple etiologies,” explained Kenneth L. Weiner, M.D., medical director of the Eating Recovery Center. “As these results show, the vast majority of our colleagues understand that a cross-disciplinary approach is necessary for successful and sustainable treatment.” When asked why they refer patients, eating disorder professionals point to the following: • Lack of the medical resources to treat medical complications (63%) • Lack of the necessary resources to treat patients (49%) • Patients have co-existing psychological illnesses or addictions they do not treat (38%) • Their facility is not eligible for or does not accept patients’ insurance (37%) • They lack the necessary expertise to treat patients (16%) • Liability issues (13%). “Results show that the majority of eating disorder professionals will refer patients when they feel they don’t have the resources to effectively treat them,” added Weiner. “It’s critical that when making that decision, clinicians understand the importance of finding the right solution for each patient’s individual needs.” The vast majority (92%) of behavioral health professionals look to an organization with which they have an existing professional relationship when making a referral. Of respondents, 48 percent consult other professionals, 36 percent rely on a referral from the patient’s insurance company and 23 percent seek referral sources using the Internet. Most respondents (74%) have referred to an eating disorder-specific inpatient treatment center or an eating disorder-specific residential treatment center (73%). Data shows that most professionals treating eating disorders (86%) consider clinical strength the most important factor to consider when making a referral decision. Other factors considered include reputation of the referral source (47%), cost (36%), location (35%) and aftercare availability (29%). This survey was completed by 158 clinicians from across the U.S. who are engaged in eating disorder treatment. Psychologists represented 39 percent of all survey respondents, with psychiatrists, therapists, licensed social workers, registered dietitians and other clinical professionals representing the remaining respondents. Nearly half of the survey respondents (47%) treat patients in an individual private practice. The Eating Recovery Center is currently producing a white paper that discusses the survey results in further detail. The white paper will be available in early July. To request a copy, please visit http://www.eatingrecoveryinfo.com.

A dark anniversary

Posted by Forrest Hershberger on June 8, 2009 at 12:00am

I wish I had a dollar for each cheap cliché I've heard during the last three years. Many of them I've tried to forget.The best one though, is some variation of "Time heals all wounds."Sorry, but losing one's only child is not that superficial. And, if it is that thin, I question the depth of the relationship between the deceased child and the parents.I'm not sure who came up with that, but Time personified has about as much chance of healing as a mechanic does of properly performing heart surgery. Time is nothing more than a measurement of existence. It is a tool no different than a yard stick or a tape measure. It can measure the distance between Point A and Point B, even though the points are theoretical moments in thought.Three years ago, time suddenly stopped. The immediate reaction is that the world stopped for us, and us alone. Initially, that was probably correct. But as we moved away from that exact moment, we met others who went through similar experiences.It didn't lessen the loss, but it did make us feel a little less alone with it.Apparently, there is an accepted time line when most people experience grief as very raw during the first five to seven years. It doesn't surprise us, but sometimes I do wish others knew that little factoid. This thought is completely contradictory to the people who would tell us, or try to imply that we need to "just get over it."If it were that easy, I would have to question your value of human life, and the relationships built in this experience called life.Even with the fallacies used in Hollywood's artistic license, there is some truth in movies like "Final Destination." The truth is simple. We don't know when it is our turn. It could be a disease or biological malfunction hidden in the body, or a truck that didn't see the stop sign at the next intersection, or a host of other issues that could happen, many that we have no control over, yet impact us just the same.The reality is life has meaning by who we include in it: friends, co-workers, business associates, and most importantly -- God. I didn't say religion, I said God, the god of the Holy Bible.

Obama unexpectedly joins Barak meeting

Posted by jpost online news on June 3, 2009 at 3:50am

online news websiteWith the public spat between Jerusalem and Washington over construction in the settlements intensifying daily, US President Barack Obama dropped in unannounced on Defense Minister Ehud Barak while he was meeting National Security Adviser James Jones in the White House on Tuesday.read the full news article on the international news on the Jerusalem post online news website

SRI in the Rockies Conference to Celebrate 20 Years

Posted by Erik Keith on June 1, 2009 at 5:04pm

SRI in the Rockies, the largest and longest-running sustainable and responsible investing conference in the world, will mark its 20th year and highlight growing opportunities for investors who embrace innovative investment strategies targeted on environmental, social, and governance factors. More than 650 attendees from the U.S. and around the world are expected to gather October 25–28, 2009 at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona. The 20th Anniversary SRI in the Rockies Conference. From Crisis to Opportunity: Investing for a Sustainable Economy, will be presented by First Affirmative Financial Network in collaboration with the Social Investment Forum. “Sustainable and responsible investing is moving rapidly to the forefront of investment strategy,” said Steve Schueth, President of First Affirmative. “This year’s conference has a particular responsibility to highlight how we all can play a crucial role in finding real market solutions to the world’s environmental and social problems and make money in the process.” The 2009 conference list of speakers include: James K. Galbraith, PhD, the Lloyd M. Bentsen chair in Government and Business Relations and professor of Economics at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin; Mindy S. Lubber, president of Ceres, the leading U.S. coalition of investors and environmental leaders working to improve corporate environmental, social, and governance practices; Auden Schendler, executive director of Sustainability at Aspen Skiing Company; and Andy Serwer, managing editor of FORTUNE magazine. Visit SRI in the Rockies (http://www.sriintherockies.com) to access speaker photos and bios. Lisa Woll, CEO of the Social Investment Forum, said: “The 20th anniversary of SRI in the Rockies occurs in a year in which there already have been significant steps forward in the national commitment to advancing policies that support good governance, transparency, and concerted attention on environmental and social issues within businesses and financial institutions. With national attention on addressing the financial crisis and regulatory frameworks, dealing with climate change and creating a clean, green economy, and looking at broad social and governance issues including executive compensation and mortgage and credit card reform, we believe that more individual and institutional investors will become socially responsible investors.” As the premier industry event, SRI in the Rockies attracts a wide range of investment professionals—from financial advisors to institutional investors and mutual fund companies, as well as social research and proxy voting organizations. Members of religious organizations and social change non-profits, and officers from community development banks, credit unions, and related organizations also will be in attendance. “Given the growing global awareness of investing for a more sustainable future, this year’s conference is all about identifying opportunities that are presenting themselves at this important juncture in the history of investing,” said Schueth. The 2009 conference will benefit from the support of leaders in the SRI industry including Calvert, a mutual fund company that for 30 years has been offering the nation's largest array of sustainable and responsible mutual funds. Calvert is unique among sponsoring organizations in that it has been a supporter of all 20 SRI in the Rockies conferences. For a full list of sponsoring organizations, visit http://www.sriintherockies.com/sponsors.jsp.

Flatirons Habitat ReStore

Posted by Jamil Zeinab on June 1, 2009 at 7:00am

HFH2.docx

Boulder Surgeons Pay it Forward: Breast Cancer Survivor Returns the Favor in Kind

Posted by Emily O'Brien Jasiak on May 29, 2009 at 10:30am

Lynda Larsen is many things, a business owner of Bald Lady Coffee, a wife, a friend and a breast cancer survivor. Her primary battle with breast cancer began a few years ago when she was diagnosed. Her double mastectomy saved her life, yet there were some complications with radiation treatments that disfigured her initial breast reconstruction. Grateful for her life, she still struggled with the battle of feeling marked and scarred.Earlier this year, Boulder Plastic Surgery surgeons Dr. Hans Kuisle and Dr. Winfield Hartley were approached with Lynda’s plight and wanted to help. The surgeons waived the fees and went to work. They carefully removed the damaged implants and skillfully crafted new breasts for Lynda using an abdominal TRAM flap—helping improve circulation to Lynda’s damaged tissue and reconstructing both of her breasts with her own tissue from her abdomen.

“Healing the scars helps give survivors closure. Breast cancer survivors must go through various stages. If the stages are left incomplete, it is common to feel one’s bout with cancer isn’t quite over, “ said Dr. Hans Kuisle. “In Lynda’s case, we are so grateful to help give her that closure—to help her feel complete again and move on.”Lynda is thrilled with the results – physically and emotionally. “Happy is not even close to the right word… ecstatic maybe. It is the best experience without a doubt—I have a sense of touch back. I wake up and feel like it is me- not rubber and silicon. That makes all the difference in the world.”Lynda, who’s given to others her whole life, found it difficult to be the recipient of kindness and attention, “My most important thing in the whole journey from day one till now—you have to learn to receive. I was always a giver—my family, my husband, we have to thank the caregivers.”And this July, Lynda Larsen will do just that. She will walk alongside thousands of others in The American Cancer Society Relay For Life®. She’ll walk as a survivor as an inspiration of hope for many, and in thanks for so many who have reached out to her along the way.

The old is new again at the Molly Brown House

Posted by Howard Lorton Galleries on May 28, 2009 at 12:46pm

After almost 40 years with the same carpet, the Molly Brown House is replacing the Karastan Multicolor Panel Kirman with the same exact carpet. With an average of 40,000 visitors a year, the carpet at the Molly Brown House gets a lot of use, especially from schoolchildren visiting the historic home. The Karastan carpet has worn so well that they have chosen the same carpet to replace it.Howard Lorton Galleries provided the carpet both times, first in 1971 when the house was first opened to the public, and again in 2009. Located just a few blocks away from the Molly Brown House, Howard Lorton Galleries was around in Molly Brown's day. Howard Lorton opened his fine furniture store in 1927 and Molly Brown died in 1932.Howard Lorton's is proud to be active in the Golden Triangle neighborhood, bringing beauty, style and comfort to homes around Colorado for over 80 years.

Graduates Start New Life Via Second Life

Posted by Erik Keith on May 28, 2009 at 11:58am

The virtual world of Second Life has seen a host of experiences over the years, but on June 10th, the first Second Life college graduation will be held on the Second Life campus of the 150 year old Bryant & Stratton College. Approximately 40 graduates ranging in age from 25 to 45 will don their virtual cap and gown to receive their college degrees with all of the pomp and circumstance regularly witnessed in the real world, including the procession, the commencement speaker and the conferring of degrees.Second Life is an online virtual world where visitors, called Residents, can interact with each other through avatars. Residents can explore, meet other residents, socialize, participate in individual and group activities, and create and trade virtual property and services with one another, or travel throughout the world.Second Life has a large, active education community—with hundreds of higher education members (the likes of Harvard, MIT, Duke, and Penn State). Many of these forward thinking universities, including Bryant & Stratton, have set up virtual campuses where students can meet, attend classes, and create content together. In fact, recently Bryant & Stratton hosted its first open house to introduce the college to prospective students in the vibrant 3-D environment of Second Life. The school has already reaped the rewards by enrolling one student who came directly from that open house.Sheri Frost, a mother of four, went online for school and in the process also became engaged in Second Life. On June 10th, she will be one of the Bryant & Stratton graduates receiving her associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies. “Going to school online has fulfilled a long time dream of mine—achieving a degree and setting a good example for my children. To cap off the online education experience with a virtual graduation, with my family by my side, will be extremely rewarding.”The Bryant & Stratton Second Life graduation will only be open to graduates and their families. However, the school has built a viewing area for people to explore the Second Life experience at http://online.bryantstratton.edu/slgraduation.

New Survey Reveals Two In Three Could Easily “Break Up” With Their Current Bank

Posted by Erik Keith on May 28, 2009 at 11:30am

The most fundamental of American’s money relationships are with their banks, where a new study finds almost two in five Americans are unable to classify their current bank as “Mr. or Ms. Right,” with dissatisfaction higher among younger adults and those with most of their money in large banks.“Some relationships can lead in unhealthy directions without us even realizing it. The sad thing is, once it’s over you realize you should have packed up and left months ago,” said Gabe Krajicek, Chief Executive Officer of BancVue, the company that sponsored the research. “Unfortunately in the case of banking relationships, people don’t believe that there is a financial institution that can offer them what they really want—great products and great service—leading to paralysis.”Paralysis is of particular note among bank account holders with most of their money in large banks, such as Wells Fargo and Bank of America. Almost one in two (49%) big bank customers claim their current bank is far from “the one.” They’re more likely to see their banks as partners who are uncommitted or clingy. This dissatisfaction is also high among Americans ages 18-29, nearly half (45%) of which say they have yet to find their Mr. or Ms. Right of financial institutions.What is most telling, however, is that two-thirds (67%) of bank account-holding Americans admit they wouldn’t hesitate to consider a new banking relationship. This was confirmed by a recent J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Retail Banking Satisfaction Study which found that only 35 percent of customers are highly committed to their retail bank in 2009, compared with 37 percent in 2008 and 41 percent in 2007. This marks a two-year decline of 6 percentage points in customer commitment since the 2007 study. Again, according to the BancVue study, Americans with most of their money in large banks are antsy for a change – three in four (75%) would be willing to make a change, vs. 60 percent of those with their funds elsewhere.“Apparently, bigger isn’t better,” continued Krajicek. “With 70% of Americans’ deposits sitting in big banks, it may be time for people to heed the warning signs of their unhealthy relationship.”So what would make Americans break up with their banks? Just a few slight improvements, it seems. Less fees (39%) and higher interest rates (32%) top the list, with better banking products (29%) and ATM refunds (29%) also in demand.“Americans are fishing in the wrong pond. Mr./Ms. Right may actually be the guy or girl that has been right in front of you—the one you take for granted when you pass them each day,” says Krajicek. “And, in banking vernacular, Mr./Ms. Right is community financial institutions.”Selected community banks and credit unions are now meeting American’s banking dream of a perfect financial mate by providing the customer-centric service they are known for and offering a product that doesn’t just take, but gives back. Customers receive a free checking accounts with CD-like yields, no monthly fees and nationwide ATM fee refunds when they do simple activities, including accepting eStatements, utilizing direct deposit, accessing online banking, and increasing their debit card usage. All of these things help save the financial institutions money, and unlike the big banks that keep it for themselves, these financial institutions are returning to their account holders in the form of higher yields.www.CheckingFinder.com provides consumers a one-stop-shop for the best high-yield checking accounts among community banks and credit unions. The site enables consumers to search for a free, high-yield account by rate, distance from their home, and best annual return based on average account balance and ATM usage and then open the account online.“Now, those discontent with their banking relationship don’t have an excuse not to ‘break up’ with their bank,” concludes Krajicek.About BancVueBancVue is the leading provider of innovative products, marketing, and consulting solutions to community financial institutions nationwide. Serving over 600 community banks and credit unions around the country, BancVue’s solutions allow these institutions to compete and win in the war against the mega banks and net banks. Consumers benefit from the development and implementation of BancVue’s innovative products, including REWARDChecking®, a free high-yield checking account specifically designed for community banks and credit unions. For more information on BancVue, visit www.bancvue.com.MethodologyThe BancVue Survey was conducted by Kelton Research between April 14th and April 21st, 2009 using an email invitation and an online survey. 924 American bank account holders ages 18 and over responded to the survey. Quotas are set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the U.S. population ages 18 and over. Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results. In this particular study, the chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 3.1 percentage points from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample.

2009 Clean Tech Open Announces Rocky Mountain Sponsors

Posted by Erik Keith on May 27, 2009 at 12:54pm

The Rocky Mountain chapter of the Clean Tech Open (www.cleantechopen.com), the nation’s leading clean tech business competition, announced that it has received strong support from the region’s business community, but is seeking additional sponsors for the competition.The law firm of Faegre & Benson is the Rocky Mountain region’s lead Gold sponsor. EKS&H, Hein & Associates, Van Gilder Insurance, and KPMG have also pledged support. Additional local sponsors include:• South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce• CORE--Connected Organizations for Responsible EconomyCleanSpark Colorado• ICOSA• 9 News• Cultivator• CSG|PR“We are very honored to have the support of these companies as we drive the development of a clean, sustainable economy in the Rocky Mountain west,” said Richard Franklin, co-chair of The Clean Tech Open, Rocky Mountain chapter. “As the competition moves forward, we welcome the participation of other sponsors who wish to take advantage of this unique opportunity to engage with some of the nation’s greatest thinkers in clean tech.”In addition to regional sponsors, Clean Tech Open is made possible by the generous support provided by National Expansion Sponsor, U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; Platinum Sponsor, PG&E; Gold Sponsors The Cleantech Circle, Google, Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich and Rosati; Silver Sponsors Accretive Solutions and RoseRyan; and Program Sponsors California Clean Energy Fund, Ernst & Young, and Korn/Ferry International.To help expand its reach, the Clean Tech Open is also partnering with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the largest U.S. foundation that focuses on advancing entrepreneurship and innovation.Clean Tech Contest Deadline ApproachingAs the leading clean tech business competition, the Clean Tech Open has already helped more than 120 entrepreneurs launch companies—and subsequently raise over $125 million in external funding—since its inception in 2006.Early-stage startups in the Rocky Mountain region are invited to enter in the competition from a variety of clean tech categories, including renewable energy, transportation, smart power, energy efficiency, green building, and air/water/waste management. More information on the competition is here: http://www.cleantechopen.com/competition.php?page=homeRocky Mountain startups will first compete for three regional prizes of cash and services worth $50,000. Similar regional competitions will also take place in California and the Pacific Northwest. Twelve regional winners will then face off in a national competition, vying for the Grand Prize of $250,000 in cash and services.In addition, semifinalists will be invited to participate in the Clean Tech Open Accelerator program, where they will be given hands-on training and experience in all aspects of starting and sustaining their businesses from national experts in venture capital, business, law, marketing and sustainability.Startups have until May 30, 2009 to submit entries. Semifinalists will be selected in each category and invited to participate in the Clean Tech Open Accelerator program, where they will be given hands-on training and experience in all aspects of starting and sustaining their businesses from national experts in venture capital, business, law, marketing and sustainability.About the Clean Tech OpenClean Tech Open is a catalyst for clean tech innovation, and the impetus behind the Clean Tech Open’s 100K Jobs Challenge. A non-profit organization founded in 2006, it provides today’s clean tech innovators with the tools, training and connections they need to become tomorrow's viable clean tech businesses. The core of Clean Tech Open is an annual business competition, supported by expert volunteers and mentors, which provides entrepreneurs with the crucial business training, services and insights they need to go to market successfully. The Clean Tech Open has assisted over 120 companies raise more than $125 million in external funding, and has spurred the creation of hundreds of jobs in California. Fueled by a network of over 400 volunteers and sponsors, the Clean Tech Open unites the public and private sectors in a shared vision for making America's clean tech sector a thriving economic engine. Past alumni successes include Adura Technologies, Cool Earth Solar and GreenVolts. To learn more, visit: www.cleantechopen.com.

Do Something Different This Summer!

Posted by Cottonwood Institute on May 27, 2009 at 7:38am

Sitting on the couch and playing video games or watching re-runs of survival shows like Survivorman and Man Vs. Wild is no way to spend the summer. Do something different this summer!

2009 SUMMER COURSES FOR TEENAGERS

Our unique courses range from the Stone Age Survival Project to the Endangered Wolves and Animal Tracking Project. All of our courses have an exciting blend of adventure, wilderness survival, and will inspire you to change the world! To view our full course schedule, Click Here.

Scholarships and Payments Plans and Gear Rental Plans are available so please contact us for more information. Also, High School and College Credit are available and our courses look great on college applications! Space is limited, so Register Today!

Spring Promotion: If you register by May 31, 2009 and bring a friend on your course, you will receive an Official Cottonwood Institute Survival Kit, valued at $75! Please note: this offer only applies to our 2009 Summer Courses for teenagers.

SUMMER COURSES FOR ADULTS

If you are obsessed with survival shows like Survivorman and Man Vs. Wild, and you are interested in getting outside to practice these survival skills yourself, then register for the Essential Survival Skills Overnight June 6 -7, 2009. You will learn survival priorities, survival shelters, and survival fires and participate in a 24-hour survival scenario to put your skills to the test. Space is limited, so Register Today!

Mt. Evans Volunteer Project: August 21 - 23, 2009, Mt. Evans near Idaho Springs, CO. This is a great chance to give back to the mountains and head to the high country in a spectacular setting. Grab a group of friends or co-workers and help make a difference on Colorado's 14,000 foot peaks this summer. Space is limited to the first 15 volunteers, so Register Today!

Please help us spread the word by Forwarding This Post To A friend. We hope to see you in the field with us soon! If you have any questions, please contact me via Email or by phone at 303.447.1076.

Thank you so much for all of your support!

Ford Church, Founder and Executive Director

Cottonwood Institute

Father's Day Music Festival at Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch

Posted by Tami Inskeep on May 25, 2009 at 9:18am

Dad deserves the kind of day he can really enjoy! Bring him on June 21 to Sylvan Dale for aid back outdoor fun, BBQ and burgers, and toe-tappin’ music! He can bring his fishing pole, his appetite and the whole family for a relaxing time at the bend of the Big Thompson River. It’s a great way to salute Dad on FATHER’S DAY! Featuring music by: Bill Barwick and Friends, Cowtown, and Pete & Joan Wernick (Dr. & Nurse Banjo) Activities include: Fishing, Horse-Drawn Hayrides, Trail Rides, Lead-Around Rides, Horseshoes,Volleyball, Hiking, & Swimming - additional charge for some activities Bring folding chairs, sunscreen, and blankets! No outside food & drink allowed.Call 877-667-3999 for event schedule and advanced reservations!

Ranch Days for your Colorado Vacation!

Posted by Tami Inskeep on May 25, 2009 at 9:00am

Ranch Days at Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch - June 21 – June 26 Agri- & Eco-Friendly Activities for All Ages! Treat yourself and your family to the best “Staycation” experience on the Front Range. Where else could you find so much fun so close to home? Opening Day - Sunday, June 21 with our Father’s Day Music Festival. Followed by a week of ranch-style FUN! Daily Activities may include: Hands-on Ranch Chores, Horses and More, Nature Awareness, Self-improvement Activities, Overnight Camp-outs, Old-fashioned Fun, Sustainable Practices, and Outdoor Adventures. Pick your package! Stay 1 night or all 6. Meals included. Call for daily schedule of activities and discount pricing. (970) 667-3915 or toll-free 877-667-3999. We can’t wait to share the beauty of Sylvan Dale with you!

Big Green Rabbit at Boulder Creek Festival this weekend

Posted by Cheryl on May 22, 2009 at 2:29pm

Join Charlie, the BIG GREEN RABBIT, and friends at the Boulder Creek Festival Memorial Day Weekend, May 23rd, 24th, and 25th.Stop by the Kids’ Area to meet Charlie, munch on a healthy carrot, and discover what’s new in the world of BIG GREEN RABBIT!Don’t miss Charlie, Isabelle, and the GREAT BIG GREEN DANCERS as they perform each day on the Kids’ Place Stage (13th and Arapahoe). Dance along with the songs you love from the BIG GREEN RABBIT television program on Rocky Mountain PBS, Channel 6.BIG GREEN RABBIT performances will be:* Saturday, May 23rd: 10:30 am and 12:30 pm * Sunday, May 24th: 10:00am and 3:00 pm * Monday, May 25th: 12:00 pm

Free Performance at Longmont Theatre

Posted by Tracy Cravens on May 21, 2009 at 2:49pm

Love Letters by A. R. GurneyJune 12 & 13, 20097:30 pmLongmont Theatre is showing it's appreciation to the community for their continued support of the arts in Longmont during these tough financial times by having Free Admission for these two nights of performances."Love Letters" is a play consisting of a lifetime of correspondence between a man and a woman. The play chronicles their lives, from the time when they are learning to write, till one of them dies. The humor, love and truth it reveals is in each of our lives in these simple letters.Performing in The Longmont Theatre's production is Steve Carver, LTC Board President as Andrew Ladd and Jennifer Gaydosh, LTC Board Vice President as Melissa Gardner."Love Letters" has been performed over the years by many famous actors as Elizabeth Taylor and James Earl Jones to Steven Weber and Laura Linney in the movie version.Longmont Theatre is a non-profit community theatre that has been doing productions for more than 50 years in Longmont. A donation would be greatly appreciated.http://www.longmonttheatre/.303-772-5200

Namasté Solar co-owner & education manager headlines Women’s Chamber North Lunch

Posted by Sanya Andersen-Vie on May 21, 2009 at 9:15am

Lauren Coyne, Co-Owner, Education & Outreach Manager for Namasté Solar will discuss her life story at the Women’s Chamber of Commerce North Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jun. 4 at Dave & Buster’s, 10667 Westminster #100, Westminster, CO.The luncheon is sponsored by Wealth Management Partners, Mass Mutual Financial. The cost is $27 for members and $37 for non-members and walk-ins. Attendees can register online at www.cwcc.org.Coyne is a co-owner and the Education and Outreach Manager for Namasté Solar. According to Coyne, her position allows her to combine her passion for environmental issues, her desire to educate the public about renewable energy, and her entrepreneurial spirit. She joined the company in 2007 with seven years of teaching and advocacy experience in Colorado and California. Working as a field representative for a state assembly member during the California energy crisis, Coyne learned first-hand that renewable energy is a key solution for the future of energy, the environment, and the economy.She returned home to Colorado in 2003. Prior to joining Namasté Solar, she spent two years teaching sixth grade at Kent Denver School in Englewood and two years teaching middle school English at St. Anne’s Episcopal School in Denver. Coyne volunteers on political campaigns and has been active in the passage of several important ballot issues, including Amendment 37 and FasTracks. She holds a B.A in Environmental Studies and Public Policy from Dartmouth College.For more information on the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce, call 303.458.0220, e-mail info@cwcc.org or visit www.cwcc.org.

IAS Applying “Distressed” Methodology to Automated Real Estate Valuations

Posted by Erik Keith on May 20, 2009 at 10:56am

Integrated Asset Services®, LLC (IAS®) (www.iasreo.com), a leader in default management and residential collateral valuation, announced today the availability of a “distressed” valuation feature within the iValue suite of automated valuation products. This new feature is intended to help mortgage servicers around the country more accurately value distressed residential properties and loans associated with such collateral. Industry leaders anticipate an unprecedented volume of distressed properties and fluctuating loan-to-value ratios over the next several quarters as a flood of default and REO properties enter the market. “Financial institutions and mortgage servicers need a fast and affordable way to review their portfolios and make decisions for each individual loan,” said Dave McCarthy, President and CEO of Integrated Asset Services. “The distressed valuation feature is a way to individualize the value of each property according to the state of the local market and the property-specific factors that may negatively impact value.” iValue already delivers deeper business intelligence than any other single Automated Valuation Model (AVM) source in the market, reporting on subject value, median house price trends, and neighborhood intelligence. The new “distressed” feature extends the AVM to extract and weigh key data points that indicate whether a property is considered distressed within the iValue model. Other AVMs typically overlook a property’s state of distress; resulting in valuation error and greater portfolio risk. The iValue enhancement will identify and flag those properties that are in some state of distress, including notice of default, company-owned, abandoned and sheriff sale. The feature also applies neighborhood analytics to search and select area listings and sales that can be identified as distressed, enabling the AVM to utilize relevant comparables. The distressed methodology isolates and monitors price trends for distressed properties in a local market, allowing the model to accurately establish the spread between retail market value and distressed value. “An intelligent AVM is able to recognize a distressed property state, quantify the price pressure on a given market and value each asset accordingly,” said Ric Miles, CEO of IntelliReal, IAS’s technology partner. “Identifying the distressed value of a property within its local market will give servicers and mortgage traders the ability to more proactively strategize and manage portfolio risk.” iValue is one of several innovations introduced by IAS to assist financial institutions mitigate risk through a fast and low cost solution. The firm recently launched its monthly-reported IAS360 House Price Index last year. IAS’s high-tech and high-touch product lines (www.iasreo.com/iseries.html) offer an unmatched level of detail in a rapidly changing housing environment. About Integrated Asset Services, LLC IAS (www.iasreo.com) is a privately-held Colorado-based corporation specializing in default mortgage services including valuation, reconciliation and full cycle REO disposition. The Company’s advanced valuation and volatility technology combined with its expert professional services help its clients reduce exposure while expediting the entire asset management process. Founded by REO industry experts, IAS provides services that go beyond industry expectations, from the level of integrity of its employees to the measurably better service it routinely provides.

The Art Underground in Louisville Offers Unique and Affordable Camps for kids of all ages!

Posted by Claire Clurman on May 19, 2009 at 3:46pm

The Art Underground located at 901 Front St. in Historic Downtown Louisville is currently enrolling children of all ages in a wide variety of dance, theatre, music and visual arts camps for the summer. Over 30 classes will be taught by professional instructors and begin in early June. Call 303-229-1127 for more information or visit www.theartunderground.org.“Whether it’s music, art, cooking, dance, sewing or film production that interests your child” says Lori Jones, Founder and Executive Director of The Art Underground, “we have designed week-long camps and classes that will allow each child to explore his or her special talents. With our custom-designed dance studio and additional space for theatre, visual arts, sewing, music and cooking classes, we’ve been able to attract top-notch instructors. We’re thrilled to be in our 2nd year of offering fun and affordable opportunities for kids to experience the joy of the arts!”Pre-schoolers can experience Story Art where children create their own stories to be filmed based on beloved classics such as The Little Red Hen and Corduroy. Jungle Animal Mania will feature creative movement, cooking and art activities woven together with animal themes. Other offerings include the popular Polka Dot Art, Fanciful Fairy Camp and Camp Dynamite. Additional music classes will build a foundation of musical skills in young children.For teens and school age children, The Art Underground will feature Urban Arts Camp (June 22-26) where 8-12 year-olds experience the world of Hip Hop, Beat Box and Grafitti Art. Digital Music Creation lets kids create their own musical collage and composition, using specialized electronic software and hardware for recording and editing music and sounds. Art, Music and Science Express will bring impassioned teachers to explore each medium, culminating in a science, art and musical finale. Middle Schoolers in Runway Project Camp will design, sew and showcase their own creations in a final runway show. Irish Dance, CenterStage Theatre, Trash to Treasure Camp, Jewelry-Making, Digital Photography and the TAU Summer Film Festival are just a few of the many artistic opportunities available for teens to experience this summer. Dance classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop and musical theatre will also be available.The Art Underground is a non-profit organization located in Historic Downtown Louisville that offers dance, theatre, music, photography, film and visual arts classes for all ages. Founded in 2007 by concerned parents and community leaders, The Art Underground also hosts art galleries/exhibitions and other events that promote opportunities for patrons and artists to connect and support a growing arts community in East Boulder County. TAU is honored to be a part of the Louisville Arts Hub which also includes CenterStage Theatre Company, Coal Creek Theatre Company, Louisville Art Association, and Louisville Cultural Council.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.