Corporate

Cyber security expert to address lessons learned from Hurricane Sandy at Chicago confab

Hurricane Sandy provided a real-time, real life example of what can happen with almost any disaster. In particular, it showed the flaws and strengths of computer network based controls for a variety of systems ranging from gas pumps at a convenience store to the controls operating the largest utility.

The lessons of Sandy, will be discussed on Sept. 25 in Chiago at the ASIS Internation conference by cyber security guru Raj Goel. Mr. Goel said the devastation wrought on the infrastructure of the region and the rebuilding efforts gave computer experts there an up close and personal view of what can happen.

“Now this was a natural disaster and look what happened. If this had been a terrorist attack, it could have been just as bad. If it had been a concerted attack on the computer systems which ran the utilities and other services, the actual property destruction would be less, but the damage overall would be extremely bad,” he said.

With power, water and gas systems increasingly run by computer and over the internet, if hackers took control of those systems they could cause power outages, cut water off and in combination with gas line regulations, possibly create huge fires, he said.

“This is real. This is not some pie-in-the sky make believe kind of stuff. If computer techs do not keep security protocols in place and current and constantly monitor for threats and attacks, a disaster is going to happen,” Mr. Goel said. “At the conference, Iʼll discuss ways to make systems more secure and keep them that way.”

“Many of the tools to protect our organizations and users are deployed and in use already. Join the conference as I share techniques from our peers in making the best use of our past investments to mitigate these risks and more,” he said.

The ASIS International conference will be Sept. 24-27 at McCormick Place, Chicago. Apple co-founder Steve Wozniack and former Australia Prime Minister John Howard are the keynote speakers. For more information about the conference visit https://www.securityexpo.org/Pages/default.aspx.

ABOUT RAJ GOEL – Raj Goel, CISSP, is an IT and information security expert with over 20 years of experience developing security solutions for the banking, financial services, health care, and pharmaceutical industries. A well-known authority on regulations and compliance issues, Raj has presented at information security conferences across the USA and Canada.

For more information about Mr. Goel and his work, please visit http://www.brainlink.com. For more information about ASIS, visit https://www.asisonline.org.

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For immediate release

Short circuit that pending overload with new edition of Time Management Magazine

Stephen Dodd, the creator of the explosively popular OfficeTime software has written an article on overloads and how to avoid them in the May edition of Time Management Magazine.

His article “Overload? Using Time Management and ʻWhat is Most Importantʼ to Escape Lifeʼs Asylum!” is one of several featured pieces in the May edition, said Senior Editor Glenn Watt.

“In the business world, OfficeTime Software has enjoyed the kind of popularity that drove Stephen to rock-star status in short order. His novel approach to handling billing hours by customer and how to track that accurately with a minimum of effort has created a new paradigm for multi-client offices,” Mr. Watt said. “Heʼs since expanded on that original software and formed an entire company around it.”

On the way, Mr. Dodd also learned a lot of about how to handle everything that life throws at people. He shares some of his experiences and what he learned from them in his article.

“In order to develop the software, Stephen had to understand how clientʼs projects were managed and how that time was billed. Then he had to figure out a way to make those billing hours easy to enter into a computer. While he distilled that into a software package, there is much he learned that wonʼt fit into computer code,” mr. Watt said. “There are practical applications for using your time more effectively which he shares.”

Mr. Watt said Mr. Doddʼs article is one of several in the May edition which will provide valuable tips to how to be better organized and use the available time far more effectively.

“We strive every month to bring our readers practical and useful information to help them become better organized. Itʼs our goal to help our readers be as productive as possible in everything they do, whether at home or the office,” Mr. Watt said.

For more information visit http://TimeManagementMagazine.com.

ABOUT TIME MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE – Time Management Magazine can be downloaded by searching in the App Store for “Time Management Magazine”, If on an iPad or iPad Mini select “NewsStand” as the category. Once the app is downloaded, on the app home screen a free special, single issue, or subscription is available. Time Management Magazine is available only on the iPad and iPad Mini from the Apple App Store http://bit.ly/ZSuM06.

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Arbor Day Foundation replants trees in critical areas with support from AutoWranglers

The Arbor Day Foundation, the nation’s largest tree advocacy organization, today announced it has secured an agreement with a national company to provide an ongoing source of revenue.

The Foundation will receive $15 for every vehicle purchased by AutoWranglers, a company that buys used cars, RVs, motorcycles and other vehicles. That is in addition to vehicles donated to AutoWranglers whose proceeds will go toward the Foundation.

“We buy a lot of cars a month,” said Barry Barbee, president of AutoWranglers.com.“With each car we buy, the Arbor Day Foundation will get $15. With the joint campaign we have in place, I expect AutoWranglers to process 300 cars a month.”

The Foundation expects to promote the program through its website and its national fundraising efforts. Mr. Barbee said the harder the Foundation promotes the program, the more money can be raised.

“This program has the potential to raise more than $50,000 a year for the Foundation,” said Dan Lambe, vice president of programs for the Arbor Day Foundation.

For information on the program and how to make a vehicle donation, visit http://www.autowranglers.com/donate/arbor.

The funds money will be used for replanting efforts in state forests and communities throughout the country with the greatest need.

“This is a legacy project and something I want this company and myself to be known for,” Barbee added. “I want my grandchildren to know their grandfather helped plant trees for their future.”

“We’re grateful for the generousity of AutoWranglers,” Mr. Lambe said. “These trees will provide lifeline for forests damaged by fire, infestation, disease and other disasters that can hit virgin, old growth and new growth stands alike.”

Over the course of 50 years, a single tree can generate $31,250 worth of air pollution control, recycle $37,500 worth of water, and control $31,500 worth of soil erosion. Trees are also a renewable resource. When trees are harvested for timber, the land can be replanted with trees for a future forest and a future harvest.

THE NEXT STEP IN RECYCLING

Trees and the products they produce have long been part of the recycling stream. AutoWranglers is taking used vehicles and putting them into the recycling stream as well.

“Together, we are working to clean up the environment and leave the world cleaner than we found it,” Mr. Barbee said. “We take any vehicle in any condition. We don’t care if it is running or not. It can be on fire when you call us and we’ll still buy it Every time we make a deal with someone, the Arbor Day Foundation is going to get money and the environment is going to benefit from the new trees and having an old heap that leaks oil and other fluids removed and recycled.”

HOW TO CONTRIBUTE

Any old vehicle can be sold to AutoWrangers by visiting http://www.autowranglers.com/request-a-quote.php or calling 877-845-7378. AutoWranglers has offices in every state.

“At your request, the old vehicle can be donated to the Foundation in which case 100 percent of the money goes to Arbor Day. Or you can sell it us and we’ll make a $15 donation,” Mr. Barbee said. “We’ll pick up the car within 24 hours of your call and have a check delivered to you or the Arbor Day Foundation. You just need to tell us if the car is a donation to the Arbor Day Foundation.”

Old vehicle donations to the Arbor Day Foundation are tax deductible. In that case, AutoWranglers supplies the car owner with a letter of donation.

About the Arbor Day Foundation: The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation and education organization of one million members, with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at arborday.org or by visiting us on Facebook at facebook.com/arborday or Twitter at twitter.com/arborday.

About AutoWranglers.com: Autowranglers.com is a Tifton, GAbased national company that buys automobiles, RVs, motorcycles and boat, no matter the condition they are in. At the seller’s request, money from the sale can be donated to a favorite charity like the Arbor Day Foundation or to a charity Autowranglers.com already works with. For more information call 877-845-7378 or visit support@autowranglers.com or follow them at www.facebook.com/AutoWranglers.

Williams Syndrome Family of Hope foundation benefits from old vehicle donations

Heʼs five years old, non- verbal right now, but he is learning some words. A few years ago he went into cardiac arrest at the Augusta Medical Center.

Thatʼs what clued doctors into the fact that little Dawson Bedore was not a typical baby.

“They decided to do genetic testing. Thatʼs when they found out he has Williams syndrome,” said his mom Kelley.

Itʼs not a disease. Dawson canʼt pass it to someone else. Williams syndrome (WS) is a genetic disorder caused by a deletion of a small segment of the long arm of chromosome 7. It occurs in approximately 1 in 10,000 births. WS is characterized by mild to severe medical difficulties, including cardiac abnormalities, mild to moderate developmental delays, a distinctive facial appearance and a unique personality that combines over-friendliness and high levels of empathy with anxiety.

Dawson doesnʼt have the elf-like facial features, which is why the doctors didnʼt immediately notice something needed to be checked, Mrs. Bedore said. But everything else, thatʼs Dawson.

“He is very friendly. He doesnʼt know a stranger. He loves to hug and loves to laugh,” she said.

Dawson, like other people who suffer from this genetic disorder, also called Williams-Beuren syndrome, often need help in coping with the realities of life, but they can do it with the right kind of support.

Thatʼs where the Williams Syndrome Family of Hope Inc., www.wsfamilyofhope.org/, comes in. Based in Tifton, GA, the Williams Syndrome Family of Hope is committed to helping people with Williams syndrome and their families. The organization offers financial assistance, support, guidance, links to counseling and other resources. The group also works to increase public awareness of Williams syndrome.

“Our mission is families helping families with Williams syndrome,” Mrs. Bedore said.

AutoWranglers, www.autowranglers.com, has teamed with the Williams Syndrome Family of Hope to raise money to further this important work. Anyone can donate an old car, truck, RV, motorcycle or ATV to the Williams Syndrome Family of Hope through AutoWranglers. AutoWranglers will buy the old ride and deliver a check to the Williams Syndrome Families of Hope, often within 24 hours.

“You just call us. We take care of the rest,” said Barry Barbee, AutoWranglers president. “Tell us what you have and where it is. Weʼll come pick it up and the Williams Syndrome Family of Hope will get a check the same day we pick up the old car. You get rid of a hunk of junk and the Williams Syndrome Family of Hope gets money to help families in need.”

Mrs. Bedore said money from the sale of old cars will be used for financial help for WS families.

“Families just have to fill out an application,” she said. The Hope Assistance Program provides financial assistance in getting necessary medical treatment, testing, medication assistance, therapeutic, recreational and educational therapies, support resources, medical equipment and travel assistance for individuals with Williams syndrome.

For more information on Williams syndrome, visit www.wsfamilyofhope.org.

For more information on how to donate your old vehicle to support the Williams Syndrome Family of Hope, visit www.autowranglers.com/donate/wsfamilyofhope or contact Barbee at Barry.Barbee@autowranglers.com, 877-845-7378.

For immediate release

Asheville restaurants come together in major way for Dining Out For Life

Dining Out For Life is the biggest AIDS fundraiser in western North Carolina. This yearʼs event is set for today, April 35 and will have 111 restaurants across the Asheville area participating.

“This has been a major, major success in the past years,” said Chef Pete Affatato of Nona Mia restaurant. “Harry [Brown, the event organizer] says we have raised more than $1 million in the 11 years weʼve done this. That puts our little town on at No. 5 in the nation for fundraising efforts.”

As part of the fundraising effort, Nona Mia is releasing a short promotional video – http://www.citizen-times.com/article/ 20130418/ASHEVILLESCENE/304180061/Asheville-Dining-Out-Life-back-11th-year. Harry, Chef Peter, Nona Mia general manager Richard Jones and Michel Baudouin owner of Bouchon and past president of Asheville Independent Restaurants appear in the video.

The group encourages everyone to come out and support the event. Chef Peter notes that every restaurant in Asheville is supporting Dining Out For Life.

“Thatʼs just another testimony to the people and businesses here in Asheville,” the chef said. “When there is a real cause, a real need, we come together and get things done.”

Participating restaurants, like Nona Mia, will donate 20 percent of the gross receipts for the night to WNCAP, Western North Carolina AIDS Project.

“Thatʼs 20 percent of the gross, not net. We are making a significant contribution across the city to WNCAP,” said Yolie Affatato, Chef Peterʼs wife. “We strongly believe in AIDS research and helping everyone afflicted by this disease. As we prepare for todayʼs meals and the hoped for mass of visitors, news that a baby has been cured of HIV is on our minds. That happened because of research funded by efforts like WNCAP.”

In addition to the 20 percent the restaurant kicks in, Chef Peter is encouraging patrons to include some extra in their bill for WNCAP. All donations directed to WNCAP will be set aside and tallied at the end of the night, he said. Asheville already has a history of that kind of support. Mr. Brown said the city is No. 2 in the nation “for actual dollars raised in extra donations.”

“That just reconfirms what we already know. Asheville and the surrounding areas have a heart as big as the South,” Chef Peter said. “The only reason weʼre not No. 1 is because of our size. The other communities ahead of us have a lot more people and more restaurants. But I bet you if itʼs totaled up per capita, Asheville leads everybody. Thatʼs just the kind of people who live here.”

A short video of the Nona Mia may be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Era8fzUzZQ. For more information about the restaurant please visit http://nonamiaasheville.com or call (828) 505-2028.

For more information about WNCAP, please visit www.wncap.org. For a detailed list of the participating restaurants and the national Dining Out for Life event, please visit http://www.diningoutforlife.com/asheville/restaurants.

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New auto responder sets standard for Internet

Despite the hype that accompanies social media when talking about Internet marketing, email is not dead.

In fact, email is still a vital part of the Internet marketing world. Rather than saying social media rules, a better way of putting it is: Social media and email together are the dominant forces for online marketing, said Peter Kaestner, developer of SendReach software.

SendReach is a new autoresponder Kaestner helped develop.

“If you know much about autoresponders then you know about Aweber. SendReach adds the features people have been asking for and includes more,” Mr. Kaestner said.

In addition to providing automatic responses to emails, SendReach gathers detailed demographic information about subscribers. With this information in hand, a marketing expert can refine and detail his sales pitch to generate more sales per message sent.

“Demographics is the gold mine for online marketing,” Mr. Kaestner said. “With that information, you can pinpoint your audience and tailor the message to them. You wonʼt wast time contacting people who are not interested.”

Age, gender and visited sites are among the information SendReach can gather. This kind of data harvesting puts people who use the autoresponder software on the same level as giant corporations.

“Since all this information is in the public domain, SendReach is completely legal. We do not violate privacy laws,” he said. “It can harvest information from a personʼs public Facebook profile. Youʼll learn what they like and donʼt like, political persuasion and even what TV shows they like. Solid data.”

SendReach also allows a user to personalize emails to customers. A personal touch can be the different between a sale and someone just trashing the message, he said.

“Itʼs also simple to use. We made that a priority when developing this software,” Kaestner said. “We said if this is going to complicated, no one will use it. We applied the KISS principle and the result is easy use by anyone.”

For more information visit http://www.sendreachx.com.

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