Saturday, November 15, 2014

Northern California Based Netswitch Announces It Has Joined Equinix’s Cloud Ecosystem in Hong Kong

Equinix, Inc. (Nasdaq: EQIX), the global interconnection and data center company, recently announced the continued growth of its cloud ecosystem in Asia-Pacific, with the number of cloud customers growing over 25% year-over-year.

Carmel, CA, November 14, 2014 - Equinix, Inc. (Nasdaq: EQIX), the global interconnection and data center company, recently announced the continued growth of its cloud ecosystem in Asia-Pacific, with the number of cloud customers growing over 25% year-over-year. In Hong Kong specifically, cloud customers have increased 15% as local and international cloud service providers (CSPs) are choosing to deploy with Equinix Hong Kong as an entry point into Asia-Pacific.


Northern California based Netswitch Technology Management, Inc. is one of noteworthy Hong Kong partners who has joined Equinix’s cloud ecosystem while simultaneously leveraging its newly launched Cloud Exchange, a multi-cloud and multi-network solution.

“Considering our rapid expansion across the US and Asia, as well as our need to provide the highest levels of security and operational reliability to our customers through our MADROC® Solution, it was critical that we found a data center partner with a global footprint that provided stability and met our network requirements. By deploying in Equinix’s IBX data center in Hong Kong, we’ve been able to meet these needs, while enjoying 99.999% uptime, reduced latency and access to a robust ecosystem of networks. In turn, this has further enabled us to maintain our leadership position in the information security space, as we can guarantee that our customers’ mission-critical data is protected across continents.” -- Steve King, Chief Operating Officer, VP Sales and Marketing, Netswitch, Inc

Highlights / Key Facts
· Hong Kong is the city of choice for cloud service providers breaking into the Asia-Pacific market. With 3,835 regional headquarters or offices based in the city and thousands of Hong Kong businesses located throughout the Greater Pearl River Delta (GPRD) region, Chinese and international CSPs are tapping into Hong Kong’s robust enterprise market for business expansion. In terms of cloud growth rates globally, Hong Kong also ranks the highest with 77% growth in the IaaS market from 2012 to 2013 ahead of North America at 60% and EMEA at 69%.

· International and local cloud service providers such as Netswitch are increasingly looking for an advanced interconnection solution that enables seamless, on-demand and direct access to multiple clouds and multiple networks across the globe. By connecting to Equinix’s Cloud Exchange, CSPs like Netswitch can rapidly advance their cloud computing agendas, scale their businesses globally and speed-up their time to market.

· Netswitch, a global technology solutions provider that specializes in cybersecurity, turned to Equinix’s global footprint to expand its presence in the United States and Asia-Pacific. Due to the need for the highest level of data protection for its customers, Netswitch’s demand for reliable, secure and high-speed infrastructure is crucial.

· By deploying in Equinix’s Hong Kong data center with 99.999% uptime, direct cross connects, peering, and Ethernet services, Netswitch is able to expand rapidly around the globe and deliver maximum security through its MADROC® Solution without fear of downtime or latency. With Equinix Cloud Exchange, Netswitch now has a secure path to access cloud resources at much higher throughput while increasing the privacy, performance and reliability of cloud service connections.

About Equinix Cloud Exchange
The Equinix Cloud Exchange is an advanced interconnection solution that enables seamless, on-demand and direct access to multiple clouds, across multiple networks around the globe. By combining the automated interconnection of cloud, network and managed service providers with advanced service orchestration for the first time, the Equinix Cloud Exchange provides enterprises with simple, scalable, direct access to the multiple cloud services they need to build highly flexible hybrid cloud solutions. This removes the security, performance and vendor lock-in concerns holding many organizations back from fully adopting and reaping the benefits of cloud services. For more information on the Equinix Cloud Exchange, please visit http://www.equinix.com/solutions/by-services/interconnection/exchanges/equinix-cloud-exchange/.

About Equinix
Equinix, Inc. (Nasdaq: EQIX), connects more than 4,500 companies directly to their customers and partners inside the world's most networked data centers. Today, businesses leverage the Equinix interconnection platform in 32 strategic markets across the Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific. http://www.equinix.com/.

Background on Netswitch:
When a computer virus infected the network at Crouse and Associates in San Francisco, the insurance services company ground to a halt during a weeklong outage — costing a significant amount of time and money to resolve. The company does not have a large IT staff or a chief information security officer, it can’t afford to employ security experts and it doesn’t have the time or expertise to wade through the complicated Internet security landscape filled with intimidating terminology like “botnets,” “kill-chains,” “application firewalls” and “advanced persistent threats.”

So the busy company left it all up to global technology solutions provider Netswitch and its innovative MADROC® Integrated Security Platform that maximizes network security for more than 2,500 global businesses, large and small. MADROC® provides complete intrusion detection and prevention along with event management and immediate alerting and remediation — complete peace of mind within a monthly subscription plan.

The future is very clear: Cyber-crime is growing rapidly and as security gets better, the criminals get smarter. To respond to this real problem, Netswitch has revolutionized the way IT security is delivered — controlling and monitoring a heterogeneous mix of IT technology from top to bottom at every touch point; a true Defense in Depth security strategy. A MADROC® subscription includes all engineering, configuration, tuning, licenses and maintenance, along with a dedicated Security Operations Control Center providing support around the clock, with 15 minute response and immediate remediation.

“Netswitch is applying technology to important security and social issues that I care deeply about,” said Ken Chrisman, Board Member of Netswitch. “This is an important opportunity to use technology to protect personal and sensitive information. I believe MADROC® is poised to revolutionize the personal information security space with enhanced security protection through advanced behavioral analytics while leveraging the cloud to manage the massive data being generated.”

For more information go to http://www.netswitch.net/.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
PO Box 3396
Ocean Avenue 3 SE Of San Carlos
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921-3396
831-747-7455
http://www.netswitch.net/

Thursday, November 13, 2014

SAFE International™ Launches Self Defense For Real Estate Agents in Houston, Texas

The owners of SAFE International™ have announced they are launching a self defense program which is tailored specifically to the needs of real estate agents.

Houston, TX, November 13, 2014 - The owners of SAFE International™ have announced they are launching a self defense program which is tailored specifically to the needs of real estate agents. The real estate profession carries with it many potential safety risks, from meeting new prospective clients to conducting open houses and showings.

SAFE International™, which has been in the forefront since 1994 empowering people to save their own lives through the use of self-defense concepts, believes its current focus on empowering people to protecting themselves is needed now more than ever with recent violent events in the real estate profession.

“Unfortunately, we live in an increasingly violent society, and we, here at SAFE International™, want to not only share our knowledge and experience with others, but while in the process of sharing we are also empowering people throughout Houston, Texas, and globally to defend themselves,” said Christopher Roberts, Managing Director of SAFE International™.

Even though their mission at SAFE International™ is to teach real self-defense skills to as many women, children, and men, from 12 years of age to 82 years of age, SAFE International™ does offer corporate self defense courses to those in working environments that are considered higher risk.

Some of the topics that are addressed during a 2 or 4 hour Houston Real Estate Safety seminar are distraction techniques used on real estate agents, car safety, safety in the home, dangers of letting income rule over intuition, how attackers choose their victims, importance of body language, the good and bad of cell phones, plus much more!

At SAFE International™, they are not offering a martial arts program. Rather, they are offering what they consider to be “a practical and realistic approach to personal safety.”

“What sets our approach to self-defense training apart from all other programs is how we present our courses with real-life simulated scenarios, with hands-on techniques and with humor, yes… humor,” added Roberts, who believes that while the subject matter is a very serious one, SAFE International™ knows that learning in a safe, fun, and enthusiastic environment is the best way to retain what is being presented.

For further information, please visit: http://safeinternationalhouston.biz/

Press Release Distributed by Straight Line PR

Contact:
David Clark
Managing Director
SAFE International Houston
10218 F Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77001
1-832-270-7638
davidclark@safeinternationalhouston.biz
http://www.safeinternationalhouston.biz

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

One Performance Only! Emmy-Award-Winning Comedian Dana Carvey Coming to The Golden State Theatre on Friday, November 14th

Don’t miss the hilarious comedian Dana Carvey appearing at the Golden State in Theatre in Downtown Monterey on November 14th.

Monterey, CA, November 12, 2014 - Don’t miss the hilarious comedian Dana Carvey appearing at the Golden State in Theatre in Downtown Monterey on November 14th

AT A GLANCE:

WHAT: Emmy-award-winning comedian Dana Carvey at the Golden State Theatre

From his appearances on seven seasons of TV’s “Saturday Night Live” to his role as “Garth” in Wayne’s World and many other films, Dana Carvey has consistently received accolades throughout the world. Also known for his uncanny impersonations of celebrities and his hilarious stand-up comedy, Dana Carvey is one of the top comedians of our time. This is a not-to-be-missed one night performance at the Golden State Theatre.

WHEN: Friday, November 14th at 8:00 p.m.

WHERE: Golden State Theatre, 417 Alvarado, Downtown Monterey. (831) 649-1070.

TICKETS: Tickets are available now at www.goldenstatetheatre.com, or by calling 831-649-1070 or on the day of the show. Tickets range from $34-$78 .Group ticket discounts are available for 10 or more.

About Dana Carvey:
Emmy-award winning comedian Dana Carvey has maintained an illustrious career. Carvey was born in Missoula, MT. While a student at San Francisco State University, he won the San Francisco Stand-Up Comedy Competition. After his graduation (with a degree in communication arts), he played at numerous clubs in the Bay Area and then moved to Los Angeles in 1981 to pursue his career.

A repertory member of “Saturday Night Live” since the 1986-87 season, Carvey left in 1992 after seven seasons. Carvey is best known for his characters the Church Lady; Hans, of the Hans and Franz body building duo; Garth, Wayne Campbell’s (Mike Myers) ‘Excellent Co-Host’ on the immensely popular sketch ‘Wayne’s World,’ and Weekend Updates Grumpy Old Man.

In addition to these characters, Dana has received widespread praise for his uncanny comedic impersonations of such political figures as Ex-President George Bush, H. Ross Perot, Jerry Brown, David Duke and Bob Dole. He also does impersonations of George Burns, Johnny Carson, Jimmy Stewart, John McLaughlin, Mickey Rooney, Casey Casem, and Regis Philbin.

On television, he hosted the 1992 presentation of the MTV Music Awards, co-starred in two pilots and was a member of the Showtime special “Salute to the Improvisation,” with Billy Crystal, Robin Williams and Robert Klein. In 1995, Dana performed stand-up in his own one hour comedy special on HBO aptly named “Critics Choice ****.” In 2008 Dana recorded his second solo comedy special for HBO entitled “Dana Carvey: Squatting Monkeys Tell No Lies.”

In 1992 Carvey appeared in the blockbuster film “WAYNE’S WORLD,” based on the hit “Saturday Night Live” sketch. The film grossed over $160 million and was produced by “SNL” creator Lorne Michaels. The public demanded a sequel and in 1993 Carvey appeared in “WAYNE’S WORLD 2,” recreating his role of Garth, alongside Mike Myers’ Wayne. The film was hugely successful.

Carvey’s transfer from the small screen to the large screen included roles in Alan Parker’s “THE ROAD TO WELLVILLE,” for Columbia Pictures, Richard and Lili Zanuck’s “CLEAN SLATE” for MGM, and Twentieth Century Fox’s “TRAPPED IN PARADISE.” His early film work includes his debut in “THIS IS SPINAL TAP,” “RACING WITH THE MOON,” “ONE OF THE GROUP” where he portrayed Mickey Rooney’s grandson, “BLUE THUNDER” with James Farentino, “TOUGH GUYS,” with Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas, and starring in the comedy “OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS.” In 2004, he starred in “The Master of Disguise” comedy fantasy for the whole family which features Carvey in 36 different identities and speaking 14 different languages as the hapless and heroic Pistachio Disguisey.

Carvey won an Emmy Award in 1993 for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program. He has received a total of six Emmy nominations one of which was for a guest appearance on HBO’s highly acclaimed “LARRY SANDERS SHOW.” Also, he was honored with The American Comedy Award as Television’s Funniest Supporting Male in 1990 and 1991.

About the Golden State Theatre:
In 1926, a 15,000 square-foot Moorish castle rose on Alvarado Street, to the amazement of locals and visitors alike. A new cinema and live performance venue to rival those in California's largest cities, the Golden State Theatre , which was built by the Reid Brothers, was the definition of an opulent movie palace. After decades of deterioration, it was faithfully restored to its former glory, featuring an Old World grand lobby and mezzanine, one thousand plush velvet seats, state-of-the-art sound, and the indefinable magic of a truly historic setting. B.B. King, Bill Cosby, Willie Nelson, Yes, Patti Smith, Bob Weir and The Smothers Brothers — these are just some of the names that have graced the stage, contributing to the Theatre's new legacy since its renovation and exciting revival. The community is invited to attend a world-class concert or film festival at the Golden State Theatre, or host your own special event here, and become part of its new chapter of history.

The Golden State Theatre is operated by husband and wife entrepreneurs, Eric and Lori Lochtefeld, along with a team of industry professionals from across the country. They are also co-owners of the Fox Theatre in Redwood City, also built by the Reid Brothers in 1929, where they hold nearly 200 events per year. Through their work with the Fox Theatre and the community, they have helped to revitalize downtown Redwood City. For more information, go to www.goldenstatetheatre.com or call (831) 649-1070.

The Golden State Theatre is located at 417 Alvarado Street in Downtown Monterey and has many outstanding events coming up in 2014/2015 including performances by The Temptations, four performances of the Cole Porter musical, Anything Goes by the award-winning Broadway By The Bay, Comedian Brian Regan and more. To arrange any interviews, please call Wendy Brickman at (831) 633-4444 or email Brickman@BrickmanMarketing.com. For more information and to be added to their newsletter list, go to www.goldenstatetheatre.com.

Contact:
Wendy Brickman
Brickman Marketing
395 Del Monte Center #250
Monterey, CA 93940
831-633-4444
http://www.goldenstatetheatre.com

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Over 400 People Attended William Ritchey Insurance’s 2nd CIG Insurance Community Safety Saturday™ October 18, 2014, in Delano, California

The community event was part learning, part fun, with lots of safety information for everyone.

Delano, CA, November 11, 2014 – William Ritchey Insurance hosted its 2nd CIG Insurance Community Safety Saturday, October 18th in Delano, California. The free family-friendly event attracted over 400 attendees. Children, teens and adults alike received a wealth of safety-related information and resources from over 20 local, regional and national organizations.


William Ritchey, President of William Ritchey Insurance, remarked, “This was our second CIG Insurance Community Safety Saturday and we are extremely pleased by the turnout from the community and for the number of generous patrons who provided valuable information and demonstrations. We are also very grateful for the important support of our event sponsor, Capital Insurance Group, who helped us bring this event to the people of Delano.”

Capital Insurance Group ® (CIG) established these popular family and community events in 2010 and holds Community Safety Saturday events throughout California and Nevada. During the Opening Ceremony, William Ritchey, Arne Chatterton, President and CEO of Capital Insurance Group, and Marc Klaas, Founder and President of KlaasKids Foundation were honored with Certificates of Recognition from United States Congressman, David Valadao and California State Senator, Andy Vidak. California State Assemblymember Rudy Salas presented Certificates of Recognition and spoke about the importance of community safety, and Delano City Councilmember, Joe Aguirre on behalf of Mayor Vallejo, read the Proclamation from the City of Delano proclaiming October 18, 2014, William Ritchey Insurance CIG Insurance Community Safety Saturday.

Ritchey added, “As a small business owner, we are thrilled to be recognized by some of the leaders of the country, state and city; but more importantly, we want to get the message out about safety. We believe an ounce of prevention is worth ten pounds of cure. Even if we can make a small impact, we consider this our mission, our commitment to our community.”

Children are Safer and Parents Received Vital Safety Information. Highlights Included:

* The complimentary child car seat inspection station, sponsored by Safe Kids Central California. Over 48 child safety seats were inspected by the California Highway Patrol with trained child car seat inspection technicians from CapK of Kern County.

* Over 159 children were served at The KlaasKids Foundation Print-A-Thon which provided digital photo IDs & fingerprinting for every child. Parents received a free DNA collection kit, child-safety tips, and a 9-point plan on what to do if their child disappears.

* Parents and teens learned about the dangers of distracted driving. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the Bakersfield Police Department provided “A Life Interrupted” program information and crash car.

* The Kern County Department of Human Services educated families about the dangers of leaving children in hot cars with its “Kids in Hot Cars" demonstration.

* Children and families enjoyed stepping in to the Kern County Fire Department Safety Trailer where they learned how to stay safe in case of a fire.

* Kern County Sheriff’s Department brought several vehicles from its Bakersfield Search and Rescue Division, including its K9 team.

* Delano Police Department provided safety and crime prevention information.

* American Red Cross Central Valley Region offered emergency preparedness information.

* First 5 Kern gave out kits that included preschool-level books, safety-related giveaways and information for parents of children ranging from newborns to five years of age.

* City of Delano Public Works Department Water Division handed out information about “Water Conservation” mandatory activities taken by the City during “Drought Emergency” Fire Prevention.

* Boy Scouts of America–Southern Sierra Council provided emergency survival and safety information and knot tying demonstrations.

* Girl Scouts of Central California South provided first aid kits, lunch bags, pens and safety information.

* 211 Kern County staff handed out Rip cards that provide information about 211.

* Mexican American Opportunity Foundation brought information on child care and pre-school services.

* United Way of Kern County offered information about their emergency programs.

* Kern County Animal Services shared information about emergency preparedness for pets.

* Delano Chamber of Commerce shared information about their organization and programs.

* Kern County Head Start/State Child Development Program provided information about medical and dental community resources.

* FBI talked to families and handed out safety information.

* Delano Ambulance brought an ambulance for tours.

* Pepe Reyes of La Preciosa Bakersfield Radio 105.3, entertained people and provided music and prizes.

In addition to educational activities and demonstrations, and fun games during “Community Safety Saturday,” there was a drawing at the end of the event for prizes including a Solar Safety Flashlight, a Bluetooth® headset, StoveTop FireStop devices, an emergency radio and an emergency roadside kit. The grand prize was a 32” flat screen TV.

Jeff Batozech, Northern California Regional Field Executive, remarks, "We are very proud to partner with community safety-oriented public services and William Ritchey Insurance. CIG’s ‘Community Safety Saturday’ was born from our concern and commitment to keep children and families safe.”

For more information about the event, please go to www.CIGsafetysaturday.com or call (661) 725-2063.

About Capital Insurance Group:
Capital Insurance Group® (CIG) is the leading regional property and casualty insurer serving the Western U.S. since 1898. CIG insures Personal Auto, Homeowners, Farmowners, Condo Owners, Vacation Property, Renters, Apartment Building Owners, and many kinds of Commercial and Agricultural Auto and Property. The more than 115 year-old company is rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best, the independent financial monitor of the insurance industry. CIG manages personal, business, and agriculture risks underwritten by its affiliate companies: California Capital Insurance Company, Eagle West Insurance Company, Nevada Capital Insurance Company, and Monterey Insurance Company. Types of policies may vary from state to state. For more information, please visit www.CIGinsurance.com

CIG DELIVERS MORE. Continuously.™

About the KlaasKids Foundation:
The KlaasKids Foundation was established by Marc Klaas in 1994 to give meaning to the death of his twelve-year-old daughter, Polly Hannah Klaas, and to create a legacy in her name that would be protective of children for generations to come. The foundation’s mission is to stop crimes against children by providing education and knowledge to the general public and promoting partnerships with concerned citizens, the private sector, organizations, law enforcement and legislators. www.klaaskids.org

Contact:
Wendy Brickman
Brickman Marketing
395 Del Monte Center #250
Monterey, CA 93940
831-633-4444
http://www.CIGsafetysaturday.com

Saturday, November 8, 2014

Best-Selling Author John Mattone to Co-Author Forthcoming Book on Leadership

The author of seven books on leadership, talent, executive coaching and succession planning, John Mattone is widely acknowledged as one the world’s leading authorities on leadership, talent and culture.

Harrisburg, PA, November 09, 2014 - One of the world’s leading authorities on leadership, talent and corporate culture is teaming with the Managing Editor of The CEO Magazine to co-author a forthcoming book, “Cultural Transformations: Lessons on Leadership & Corporate Reinvention from the C-Suite Elite” (Wiley & Sons, 2016).

John Mattone, a best-selling leadership author, leading C-Suite coach, speaker and top-ranked independent leadership consultant, and Nick Vaidya, Managing Editor of The CEO Magazine, will co-author the book.

By using engaging CEO “fireside” chats, this book will expose current leaders of all levels, emerging c-suite executives, and future leaders to the unique insights, thoughts, beliefs, values, character success stories, setbacks, failures, and lessons learned of some of the world’s most successful CEOs. The book will also show how these successful CEOs have leveraged what they’ve learned about themselves as the critical foundation to their creating and sustaining powerful and positive organizational cultures.

“It is our premise that creating and sustaining a winning culture in any organization starts at the top with CEOs and senior leaders who possess a strong and vibrant ‘inner-core’, which includes their character, values, beliefs, thinking patterns, and emotional make up,” says Mattone.

Having already received commitments from one of the world’s top female executives, Kathy Mazzarella, Chairman, President & CEO of Fortune 500 Graybar and Juan Carlos Archila , CEO of Claro Colombia, Mattone and Vaidya are currently lining up interviews other top international CEOs who have earned a reputation for being a leaders of character and leading positive transformation in their respective businesses.

“The 25 leaders who are selected for inclusion in the book will be the best-of-the-best CEOs who are leaders of character and who have proven to be positive leaders of transformation in their organization,” says Mattone.

The authors are donating 50 percent of their earned royalties on the book to breast cancer research, too. Mattone notes that his wife, Gayle, is a two-time breast cancer survivor and continues to be a tremendous inspiration to him and their four-adult children.

The author of seven books on leadership, talent, executive coaching and succession planning, John Mattone is widely acknowledged as one the world’s leading authorities on leadership, talent and culture. He advises Fortune 1000 CEO’s and senior leadership teams on how to create and sustain a “game-changing” leadership and talent culture that drives superior operating results. He is a powerfully engaging, internationally-acclaimed keynote speaker and top ranked CEO executive coach. He was nominated for the prestigious 2013 Thinkers50 Leadership Award, which recognizes the global thinker who has contributed most significantly to our understanding of leadership over the last two years. He appears on 2013 Thinkers50 “Guru Radar”, which recognizes the fastest rising stars in the field of leadership and he is currently recognized by HR.com and Leadership Excellence Magazine as one of the world's top independent leadership consultants, executi ve coaches, and speakers. He is the co-author of one of the most respected studies of leadership and talent management in the world, “The Trends in Leadership Development and Talent Management, which is published bi-annually by Pearson. He was recently appointed Distinguished Senior Fellow of one of leading business schools in the world, the Hult International Business School.

In addition to his work at The CEO Magazine, Vaidya works with senior executives at large and smaller firms. After MBA and PhD research in Psychometrics, Nick has spent over 15 years helping firms like eBay, Dell, Microsoft, Trilogy, IBM, etc. as well as SMBs improve revenue & profitability. He conducts seminars on sales, marketing, and strategy. In past roles he served the Strategy Team with the Office of the Chairman at an F-50 firm as a Senior Advisor. Later he was responsible for leading the profitability & pricing team for almost half of the company. He headed the consulting team at Advertising Agency Avenue A / Razorfish in Seattle and worked for OC&C Strategy Consultants in Boston. Nick started his career in a sales and sales management role with a TATA company. He has been an entrepreneur since 2002 starting with Teleologies - a database marketing firm.

CEOs interested in being profiled in the book can contact Mr. Mattone at 321-279-4416 or john@johnmattone.com; or contact Nick Vaidya at 512-772-3701 or Nick@The-CEO-Magazine.com

Contact:
Steven Infanti
SMI Communications
6106 Terry Davis Court
Harrisburg, PA 17111
717-982-3772
SMICommunications@Earthlink.net
http://www.JohnMattone.com

AuraPortal to Participate as Platinum Partner at the National Conference in Bucharest

The conference, held on October 9 in Bucharest, Romania, will feature the most renowned representatives of the BPM community worldwide, including the IT research analysts from Gartner who will engage in talks, tutorials and scientific discussions.

Woburn, MA, November 09, 2014 – AURA (www.auraportal.com), a global provider of AuraPortal Business Process Management (BPM) software, has announced its participation in the BPM Eastern Europe Conference in Bucharest. This event, held annually, covers all aspects of BPM, including theory, models, techniques, architectures, systems and empirical studies.

AuraPortal has been distinguished with great advantage over its competitors by Ovum in its Decision Matrix report and by other renowned analyst firms.

Cristobal Toro, AuraPortal Executive Manager for Eastern Europe will actively participate in the training workshops, solution provider (real-life case studies), Success Stories (end-users and providers) and face-to-face consultation meetings in order to present the best about the Business Process Management concepts and about the technology that it supports.

Moreover, AuraPortal will sponsor the practical workshop about BPM conducted by ABPMP Romania (Association of Business Process Management Professionals) of which Cristobal Toro holds the rank of Vice President.

ABOUT AURA (http://www.auraportal.com)
AURA is a global BPM (Business Process Management) software provider delivering a solution that creates, without the need of IT programming, Business Process Workflow Execution Models. AuraPortal is 100% Web-based, and is complementary to existing ERP and CRM systems.

AURA has a presence in 40 countries with more than 300 customers including, among others: Walmart, Toyota, General Motors, Pemex (Petroleos Mexicanos), Carrefour, ArcelorMittal, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Danone, INCAE, Kimberly-Clark, Yamaha, Royal KPN, Bristol-Myers Squibb, etc., as well as many Government Agencies and Departments in several countries. All of these customers benefit from maintenance contracts.

It is headquartered in Europe and has an executive branch in North America (Florida). It also has offices in several countries and a vast network of partners who locally attend customers throughout the world.

Press Release Distributed by Straight Line PR (http://www.Straightlinepr.com)

Contact:
Cristina Siscar
Auraportal
400 Trade Center
Woburn, MA 01801-7472
978-808-6340
pr@straightlinepr.com
http://www.auraportal.com

Thursday, November 6, 2014

5th ANNUAL WHALEFEST MONTEREY to be held at Old Fisherman’s Wharf

Whale Watching Capital of the World!™ Inspire - Educate - Explore – Empower & Protect Our Beautiful Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Monterey, CA, November 05, 2014 - Over the past year, thousands of whale watchers have enjoyed viewing a variety of hundreds of whales, orcas, dolphins and pelicans who continue to feast on a “krill and anchovy buffet” in the Monterey Bay, in Monterey, California. A very special festival, Whalefest Monterey, celebrates its 5th year highlighting community efforts and building more awareness about the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, helping to educate, inspire, empower and protect it. Don't miss a free fun interactive family event for all ages that celebrates the migration of the gray whales, the Monterey Bay, and Old Fisherman's Wharf, while benefiting many local and national marine organizations.

On Saturday, January 24th and Sunday, January 25th, 2015 from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, the Monterey Old Fisherman's Wharf Association (www.montereywharf.com) will hold the 5th ANNUAL WHALEFEST MONTEREY at and around Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey, CA, the “Whale Watching Capital of the World™ .

Throughout the year, the Monterey Bay offers sightings of 15 species of whales, 10 species of dolphins and 2 species of porpoise, 6 species of pinnipeds and 1 species of Fissiped (sea otter). Visitors to the Monterey Bay can enjoy viewing six Baleen Whales that include Blue Whales, Fin Whales, Sei Whales, Humpback Whales, Gray Whales, Minke Whales and North Pacific Right Whales (rare). There are also eight toothed whales that include Sperm Whales, Baird’s Beaked Whales, Curvier’s Beaked Whales, Pygmy Sperm Whales, Dwarf Sperm Whales, Stejneger’s Beaked Whales, Blainville’s Beaked Whale sand Hubb’s Beaked Whales. The Monterey Bay also features 9 dolphin species including Orcas (Killer Whale), Northern right whale Dolphins, Pacific White-sided Dolphins, Risso’s Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Short-beaked Common Dolphins, Long-beaked Common Dolphins, Striped Dolphins, Short Fin Pilot Whales and the False Killer Whale (rare).

There are two porpoise species including Harbor Porpoises and Dall’s Porpoises. There is one Fissiped, the Southern Sea Otter. There are also four Otariid Pinnipeds including Guadalupe Fur Seals, Northern Fur Seals, California Sea Lions and Northern Sea Lions (Steller Sea Lions). There are also two Phocid Pinnipeds, including Harbor Seals and Northern Elephant Seals. (Source: Monterey Bay Marine Life Studies).

Among the highlights will be a symposium with lectures and documentaries related to ocean and marine life conservation presented at the Museum of Monterey, Stanton Center (MoM) Auditorium and the Wharf Theatre, musical and theatrical performances with a maritime theme, and many educational displays by participating organizations.

Thousands of attendees are expected again this year that range from local families and school children who want to learn more about our maritime environment to visitors from near and far who want to explore the annual whale migration. The event will also feature a science credit program for students from university level to schoolchildren. Weather permitting, whale watching tours will be operating from the Wharf, and Wharf restaurants will be serving a variety of small bites.

The two days will feature a wide array of fun and informative activities including:

* A 60-foot model gray whale (attendees can climb inside)

* Live musical performances will be provided by Nick Fettis & His Orca-stra, and a number of local bands playing rock, reggae, and jazz.

* Whale watching trips on Monterey Bay will run all day from the wharf, weather permitting, including an American Cetacean Society Benefit Whale Watching Cruise at 8:00 am on Sunday, January 25th.

* Award-winning documentaries and lectures by world renowned scientists will focus on the Pacific Current System.

* Expert panelists including scientists and business leaders.

* “Sea creatures” from Save the Whales will be interacting with attendees and providing marine and event information.

* Beach and street cleanups by The Wahine Project and by Marine Life Studies (Take It to the Streets) and Save Our Shores.

* Shark and Humboldt Squid will be dissected.

* Mock Whale Disentanglement demonstrations.

* Gyotaku (Japanese fish printing) demonstrations staffed by volunteers from the Japanese American Citizens League.

* Historic walking tours by maritime historian, Tim Thomas.

* U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will have several displays that may include Coastie the Safety Tug Boat, its rescue boat and a Coast Guard 29' Transportable Response Boat and Auxter, the Otter.

* Local marine photography fundraiser exhibit and drawing at Museum of Monterey Stanton Center – Stanton Center (MoM), 5 Custom House Plaza.

Other activities to be announced!

Participating Marine Conservation Organizations:

Local national and international marine conservation organizations will line the Causeway at Old Fisherman’s Wharf or give presentations at the Museum of Monterey.

Past participants included:

* American Cetacean Society
* BLUE Ocean Film Festival and Conservation Summit
* California Coastal Commission
* California State Parks
* Camp SEA Lab
* City of Monterey Environmental Program
* Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University
* Marine Life Studies
* Marine Mammal Center
* Monterey Academy of Oceanographic Science
* Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
* National Marine Sanctuary
* Monterey Green Action
* Monterey History and Art Association
* Monterey Public Library
* Monterey Peninsula Regional Water Authority
* Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club
* Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency
* Moss Landing Marine Laboratories
* Pacific Grove Museum
* Pacific Shark Research Center
* PUACF
* Save Our Shores
* Save the Whales
* Sea Save Foundation
* Surfrider Foundation – Monterey Chapter
* The Marine Mammal Center
* The Otter Project
* U.S Coast Guard Auxiliary

For more information, to volunteer or to become a sponsor, call Bob Massaro at (831) 649-6544 or email Bob at bmassaro@bostrommanagement.com and check out the website at www.montereywharf.org

Contact:
Wendy Brickman
Brickman Marketing
395 Del Monte Center #250
Monterey, CA 93940
831-633-4444
http://www.montereywharf.org