Afdil Finance

Rainmaker Advisors Acquires Telx-Dallas.com

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) February 28, 2012

Rainmaker Advisors, LLC. (“RMKRA”), Intellectual Capitalists, announces it acquired http://www.telx-dallas.com. No financial details were disclosed. RMKRA stated the acquisition was a part of its marketing strategy for its investment in 2020 Live Oak Street mission critical facility in Dallas, Texas. An RMKRA spokesman said “in this economy, consumers of mission critical facilities need reliable infrastructure without layers of middle-men needlessly increasing costs.”        

For more information on RMKRA, please visit http://www.rmkradvisors.com.

About Rainmaker Advisors, LLC.

RMKRA is a boutique advisory services firm located in Dallas, Texas specialized in extracting value from intellectual capital on behalf of its clients throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. RMKRA provides a range of services in the area of mergers & acquisitions, agreement structuring, organizational design & restructuring, cost control techniques, infrastructure, crisis management, financing, and litigation management.

About 2020 Live Oak Street

2020 Live Oak Street is a mission critical facility located on its own city block in the heart of the Dallas Central Business District. The facility infrastructure serves enterprise companies, hosting companies, major telecommunications companies all utilizing space for data center operations, disaster recovery, colocation facilities, interconnections, and points of presence. The property is served by significant diverse and redundant paths of power and fiber optic connectivity. http://www.2020liveoakstreet.com

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©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Nexus Named to CRN’s 2012 List of Tech Elite 250

Valencia, Calif. (PRWEB) February 27, 2012

Nexus IS, Inc. (“Nexus”) announced today it has been named to CRN’s second annual list of the Tech Elite 250. Companies on the 2012 Tech Elite 250 list represent an elite group of IT Solution Providers that have invested in the training and education needed to earn the most technical certifications in the IT Channel.

In compiling the list, CRN editors worked with the UBM Channel research group and a team of outside experts to define the most customer-beneficial technical certifications in the IT channel. These technical certifications have enabled solution providers to deliver the most premium products, service and support to their North American customers.

“At Nexus, we truly believe our people make the difference. We invest over a million dollars annually in hiring, training, and retaining the industry’s most experienced talent,” said Dave Elsner, Nexus Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We have over 430 employees who collectively hold hundreds of advanced certifications. Plus, we use nearly every technology we sell in our own business every day. This means every customer implementation Nexus does is handled by top experts with firsthand expertise in and across every technology, every step of the way.”

“The 2012 Tech Elite 250 list recognizes an exclusive group of Solution Providers that have shown a dedication to helping customers innovate while reducing costs,” said Kelley Damore, Vice President, Editorial Director at UBM Channel. “By identifying and adapting to the skills and training needed to best serve today’s customers, members of the Tech Elite 250 have proven their commitment to delivering the products and services that today’s end-users value most.”

“Nexus is pleased to be included in this select group of solution providers recognized for maintaining the highest-level partnerships in the industry,” said Waheed Choudhry, Nexus President and COO. “We believe in partnering with the best technology manufacturers and investing in training with our partners and associates to bring our customers the best the industry has to offer.”

About Nexus IS, Inc.

Based in Valencia, CA, Nexus IS, Inc. leverages its extensive experience and expertise to enable organizations to connect to their customers, collaborate to achieve their vision, and create innovative ways to solve business problems. We do this by providing expertise in end-to-end technology solutions based on five distinct, yet complementary practices: Collaboration, Data Center, Borderless Networks, Business Video, and Managed Services. Nexus partners with industry leaders including Cisco, EMC, VMware, NetApp, Citrix, Microsoft, and NEC to ensure its customers are provided the most comprehensive and competitive solutions. Nexus serves the private sector, from small business to the Fortune 500; and the public sector including education and local, state, and federal governments. Additionally, Nexus has specialized healthcare solutions offered under its brand, Nexus Connected Healthcare. For additional information, please visit http://www.nexusis.com.

About UBM Channel: (http://www.ubmchannel.com)

UBM Channel is the premier provider of IT channel-focused events, media, research, consulting, and sales and marketing services. With over 30 years of experience and engagement, UBM Channel has the unmatched channel expertise to execute integrated solutions for technology executives managing partner recruitment, enablement and go-to-market strategy in order to accelerate technology sales. UBM Channel is a UBM company. To learn more about UBM Channel, visit us at http://www.ubmchannel.com.

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©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Saving for the future with the Contractor Mortgage Company

(PRWEB UK) 25 February 2012

Saving for your future is about long-term investment. When you decide to invest in property you are staking an investment in your future, whether that be for your family and a new family home or even a buy-to-let investment to aid your pension.

Yet as a contractor or freelancer it can often seem as though the odds are stacked against you. You roam from one high street lender to another only to find them turning you down. And why you ask? You have a healthy deposit, enough money to cover your mortgage repayments. But it just doesn’t seem enough.

The fact of the matter is, you are a risk. As a contractor the truth is you are penalised because you chose the career path that allows flexibility and that provides for your family. This just isn’t enough for the average mortgage lender. Which is why the Contractor Mortgage Company is not your average mortgage lender. They lend to contractors and freelancers looking for a mortgage.

At the Contractor Mortgage Company you are not penalised for being a contractor. Your story is important and whether you are after your first contractor mortgage or looking for a re-mortgage, the Contractor Mortgage Company is happy to help.

Getting a contractor mortgage can be a tricky business but the Contractor Mortgage Company is there to assist you every step of the way. Paperwork in abundance is not something you need when buying a house, and that is one of the added advantages of choosing a contractor mortgage company like the Contractor Mortgage Company.

Their four part process breaks it down into easy steps:

1. Let them use their knowledge

The experts at the Contractor Mortgage Company have years of experience. They want to use their knowledge of the market to help you.

2. Know what you can afford

Use their contractor mortgage calculator to find out what you can afford and how much you could borrow.

3. Chat to the team

The Contractor Mortgage Company team are on hand to find the right mortgages for contractors, whatever their circumstances.

4. Secure your mortgage

Once you have gone through the three steps above you can then secure your mortgage. It really is as simple as that.

The Contractor Mortgage Company has actually taken it upon themselves to educate the lenders that they work with to explain the risks, so you don’t need to battle it out with lenders anymore. Finding the right product with your contractor mortgage consultant is all you need to worry about. What’s more the Contractor Mortgage Company consultants are not tied to any particular lender, so their main concern is finding the right mortgages for contractors. Independence is key here.

The Contractor Mortgage Company doesn’t believe that finding the right mortgages for contractors should be a taxing business. In fact, they even offer a contractor mortgages jargon buster on their website to help you understand exactly what is involved. But questions are encouraged.

To find out more why not visit their website? http://www.contractor-mortgages.com/ contact them today for a call back and you could soon be in the home of your dreams.

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©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Bay Area Home Insurance Company, EQ Insurance Service Offers Tips About Earthquake Insurance Options

Johnny Huang – MBA Commercial Insurance

Walnut Creek, CA (PRWEB) February 24, 2012

The Bay Area’s home insurance company, EQ Insurance Service of Walnut Creek provides the top three reasons why homeowners should explore options for earthquake insurance in lieu of accepting the limited scope of protection provided by the California Earthquake Authority’s policy.

“This policy is not covered by the California Insurance Guaranty Association (CIGA). Therefore, the CIGA will not pay your claims or protect your assets if the CEA becomes insolvent and is unable to make payments as promised. In addition, your CEA policy may be subject to future surcharges of the policy premium in certain cases where an earthquake or a series of earthquakes has exceeded available resources to pay claims,” according to the CEA Disclosure.

Each time a person purchases a home, state laws requires new homeowners to purchase a home insurance policy; however, earthquake insurance is optional. EQ Insurance would like to take this moment to explain the top three reasons why homeowners should explore all earthquake insurance options:

1)    State law requires any new homeowner insurance policyholder be offered earthquake insurance within 60 days of purchase; however, many insurance agents propose the CEA policies that their parent company offers without fully understanding the policies and other available options.

2)    The CEA is not backed by the California Insurance Guaranty Association, meaning if it run out of money and is unable to make payments, the CIGA will not provide financial support and the CEA may reassess current policyholders.

3)    There are other earthquake insurance policies and companies that are backed by guarantee funds and not part of the State of California. Many plans offer more options and better premiums.

EQ Insurance Service knows that most home buyers are content to purchase home insurance for their properties but often neglect to obtain proper earthquake insurance, which can become a crucial mistake, especially for California residents. EQ advises homeowners to explore available, guaranteed insurance options, before accepting a CEA policy.

“Who really manages the CEA’s money? It’s a state conglomerate that was put together to comply with the Department of Interior’s rule to provide earthquake coverage for current homeowners’ policies,” said Myron Carlson, owner of EQ Insurance Service. “Last time anyone checked, the State of California is in a budget crisis, and if an earthquake devastates a region, where is the money going to come from? The Federal Government will come and bail it out, right? But please remember how the government handled Hurricane Katrina. Do not rely on government loans and grants for your assets, home or business.”

EQ Insurance Service offers homeowners the chance to protect their assets and investments before it is too late.

For more information about any of EQ Insurance Service’s policies, call 866-945-8800, view the earthquake insurance company on the web at http://www.eqinsuranceonline.com or visit 1399 Ygnacio Valley Road, Suite 2, in Walnut Creek.

About EQ Insurance Service

Aside from earthquake and home insurance, EQ Insurance Service also offers commercial insurance and earthquake protection for commercial establishments. It provides expert knowledge for property owners throughout the Bay Area and all surrounding locales of Northern California.

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Attachments

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, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

CEO, Garrett Puckett, Proudly Announces the Recently Launched VA Loan Websites with Security America Mortgage, Inc., for Veterans Relocating to North Carolina

Toll Free VA Loan Number

(PRWEB) February 03, 2012

Security America Mortgage, Inc. recently announced released the VA Loan calculations on YouTube to grow the knowledge base for American Veterans and Military War Heroes who are purchasing a home in 2012. The VA home mortgage company also launched an additional “VA Home Loan” websites. These changes were done to reflect more location specific challenges coming this year. With a proactive and supporting role, Security America Mortgage, Inc. announced the 2012 calculation changes to all of their connected military members in Florida as well as launching new location websites that support the need to spread the word to all military service members about how the VA Purchase in Florida will be affected.

For example, as of January 1, 2012, the Department of Veteran Affairs changed a few of their standards for how calculations can be made to VA loans by lenders, which are the methods used to calculate the VA loan maximum amounts/minimum amounts. But what will these changes really mean for veterans and active duty military members who are ready to buy a home using a VA Loan in Florida? It means that Veterans buying a home in cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa will need to re-learn what to expect (and how much they can receive) from their VA Home Loan.

The VA Home Loan experts take a unique approach to showing how much better VA Loan amounts will be in the year going forward by reminding military members how easy buying a home can be with simplified examples of the VA Loan Process and VA Refinance.

The good news is that the loan amounts are funded by lenders, like Security America Mortgage, Inc., and the amounts are all calculated by the mortgage company – not the VA. The VA only insures the VA guaranty loan up to a certain amount – which is kind of like a “promise” to the lender to pay a home loan for a veteran if they ever default on a loan for any reason. For expert mortgage companies like Security America Mortgage, Inc., who specialize in VA loan and Real Estate services for Florida home buyers, they can still offer VA loans that provide the lowest rates possible in 2012. Since the 2012 VA loan calculations do not alter the great VA benefits, VA loans can still be obtained by eligible members in order to:

1. Purchase or build a new home

2. Purchase a residential condominium unit

3. Purchase a residential cooperative housing unit

4. Repair, alter, or improve a residence owned by the veteran and occupied as a home

5. Refinance an existing VA or conventional home loan

6. Buy a manufactured home and/or lot

7. Install a solar heating or cooling system or other energy-efficient improvements

The 2012 calculations also make it easier for Security America Mortgage, Inc. provide better Florida VA loan services to pre-approve VA home and refinance loans for military members buying a home in Florida cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. In fact, there are actually the three different VA Refinance options available for military individuals who want to save money by lowering monthly mortgage payments significantly.

The Florida VA Refinance Loan options are as follows: VA Loan Refinance Option #1 – VA Streamline Refinance – Interest Rate Reduction Loan (IRRL), VA Loan Refinance Option #2 – “Cash-Out” or Debt Consolidation Refinance, VA Loan Refinance Option #3 – Conventional to VA Refinance Loan.

GET STARTED WITH A VA HOME LOAN BENEFIT WITH SECURITY AMERICA MORTGAGE EXPERTS NOW!

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Attachments

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Atlas Van Lines Agency Leader, Professional Van Operator and Agency Honored With Major Industry Awards

Evansville, IND. (PRWEB) February 22, 2012

Atlas Van Lines, one of the nation’s leading moving companies, announces three industry award wins for Atlas affiliated moving professionals. John Westerberg, chairman and CEO of Atlas agency Nelson Westerberg, received The Moving and Storage Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Distinguished Service; Atlas driver and Professional Van Operator Charles Allen earned the American Moving & Storage Association’s (AMSA) 2011 Special Commodities Super Van Operator Award; Michigan-based Atlas agent DMS Moving Systems earned AMSA’s Moving and Storage Agent of the Year Service Excellence Award.

“It’s an honor to have the Atlas name attached to three of the moving industry’s most prestigious awards,” said Jack Griffin, president and COO of Atlas Van Lines. “Together, John Westerberg, Charles Allen and DMS Moving Systems have played vital roles within the Atlas family for decades, and we’re ecstatic so see each of them receive such distinguished recognition within the moving industry.”

John Westerberg, chairman and CEO of van line agent Nelson Westerberg, received national recognition for his professional achievements and contributions to the moving industry when he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for Distinguished Service at AMSA’s Annual Conference and Expo. Westerberg’s impact on Atlas and the industry as a whole have made a lasting impact on his peers. His accomplishments include assisting Atlas Van Lines in expanding operations into all 50 states, reorganizing the annual Forum on Moving, establishing a Consumer Advisory Council, expanding world headquarters and furthering quality and accountability standards throughout the company.

As the winner of AMSA’s Special Commodities Super Van Operator Award, Atlas Professional Van Operator Charles Allen is recognized among an elite group of drivers and owner-operators who provide the best in safe, reliable and customer-oriented truck transportation. This 27-year veteran has received the Atlas Safe Operator Award for 16 consecutive years.

AMSA awarded Atlas agent DMS Moving Systems its prestigious Agent of the Year award for its industry-leading use of state-of-the-art applications and community involvement. Now in its 28th year of serving as an Atlas Van Lines agent, DMS Moving Systems is also a 13-time winner of Atlas’ Milton M. Hill Quality Award winner, which recognizes the company’s outstanding performance ratings in customer satisfaction, estimating, claims, safety and warehouse operations.

About Atlas Van Lines

Atlas Van Lines, a national moving company, is the largest subsidiary of Atlas World Group, an Evansville, Ind.-based company. Atlas World Group companies employ nearly 700 people throughout North America. Nearly 500 Atlas interstate moving agents in the United States and Canada specialize in corporate relocation, household moving services and in the specialized transportation of high-value items such as electronics, fine art, store fixtures and furniture. For more information, visit http://www.atlasvanlines.com.

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©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Nextpoint Announces Automated DeNIST Data Reduction Feature Across Discovery Cloud™ and Trial Cloud™ Applications

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) February 21, 2012

Nextpoint, Inc., the nation’s leading provider of cloud-based regulatory, compliance, and litigation software, announces a new data processing feature that significantly reduces the number of files to be processed for litigation. When data is uploaded to Nextpoint’s Discovery Cloud™ and Trial Cloud™ applications, users can apply the industry-standard DeNIST filter to quickly eliminate files known to be of no evidentiary value, all through a user-friendly interface.

The exploding volume of digital evidence that is discoverable for litigation poses a major challenge to the legal profession. Nextpoint’s DeNIST feature takes advantage of the same information used by the FBI and other law enforcement agencies to identify computer files not needed for investigations. The DeNIST feature lets lawyers reduce the volume of data to be reviewed and more quickly focus on the data that is relevant and useful to them.

Nextpoint has created a simple and intuitive interface for applying the DeNIST filtering process when importing data. By comparing files to the National Institute of Standards and Technology National Software Reference Library, or NIST list, Discovery Cloud and Trial Cloud can identify application files that are not likely to have any evidential purpose. The new DeNIST feature and existing de-duplication tools already available across Nextpoint’s innovative technology platform ensure that lawyers have tools they need to meet their unique data challenges.

Discovery Cloud and Trial Cloud users can now choose to tag or filter files based on the NIST list. When configured to tag files, a new “NIST” tag will be applied to all files on the NIST list for easy identification. When configured to filter, those files will automatically be removed completely from imported batches. This new feature can be found on the import page within Discovery Cloud or Trial Cloud, as well as the General Settings page, where there is a full explanation of the feature.

The new DeNIST feature is just another way in which Nextpoint reduces complexity and cost in the processing and review of electronic evidence, eliminating unnecessary and redundant expenses. “Our cloud-based discovery solutions are designed to simplify the processing of large volumes of evidence in litigation,” says Rakesh Madhava, CEO of Nextpoint. “The DeNIST feature takes advantage of an accepted industry standard to maximize the efficiency of our platform and streamline the processing of data in a user-friendly interface. We’re excited about this latest enhancement and the positive impact it will have for our customers going forward.”

More information on Nextpoint’s Discovery Cloud and Trial Cloud services can be found at http://nextpointlab.com, http://www.discoverycloud.com, and http://www.trialcloud.com.

About Nextpoint

Nextpoint (http://www.nextpoint.com/) provides cloud computing tools and services for legal, compliance and regulatory needs. The Nextpoint platform is an on-demand, multi-tenant suite of software-as-a-service products that are changing the way corporations, governments and lawyers collaborate and manage electronic data. Nextpoint manages terabytes of data for hundreds of large corporate customers across the nation and law firms of all sizes, from solo practitioners to the AmLaw 200.

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©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

US Federal Contractor Registration: SBA Redefines Small Business, Reviews are Mixed

St. Petersburg, FL (PRWEB) February 19, 2012

A redefinition of small business was reported in the Federal Register on Feb. 10 by the Small Business Administration. The SBA concluded that larger businesses in three sub-industries in the professional, scientific and technical services may be considered small businesses after all. Under the new standards, a greater emphasis will be placed on average firm size, degree of competition and federal contracting trends. It is estimated that under the new guidelines, around 8,350 additional businesses will be eligible for the SBA’s programs.

The Federal Register was met with mixed reviews from lobbying organizations and lawmakers. Jean Card, spokeswoman for The National Federation of Independent Business noted that she was “not real clear on why the definition changed.”

The NSBA does not distinguish businesses by industry or revenue and limits its membership to businesses with fewer than 500 employees. Some congressional lawmakers are unhappy with the SBA and will try to implement new legislation to combat their new regulations for small businesses.

Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), co-author of the Small Business Protection Act, was quoted in an article by the Government Executive saying, “If the size standards are adjusted then we don’t need to change the definition, but we do need complementary incentives for advanced [and] growing small businesses.”

Despite the redefinition of small business and whatever future implications it will illicit, small businesses should expect to see even further growth in government contract awards throughout the remainder of the fiscal year.

A report on the Federal Procurement Data System shows over 12% of government contracts were awarded for Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, second only to Electronics, Computer and Transportation Equipment Manufacturing. With the Obama Administration’s push for agencies to adopt cloud computing, provide more transparency to tax payers and allow more federal employees to engage in telework, IT government contractors in particular should expect significant growth during 2012.

Posted over the last 30 days, there are over 1,064 opportunities listed for professional, scientific and technical services firms on the FedBizOpps website, which lists federal contracting opportunities valued at $ 25,000 or higher. Opportunities are not limited to large businesses only; 212 of those listings are set aside solely for various small business concerns.

In order to be considered eligible for any federal government contracts, firms must complete the required registration. This includes obtaining a D&B number and completing CCR registration and ORCA filing. Additional registration forms may be required for individual agencies and contracting vehicles.

US Federal Contractor Registration is a third party registration firm that has helped thousands of businesses complete their CCR registration and bid on contracts. US Federal Contractor Registration pairs businesses with a dedicated case manager who helps them every step of the way from initial registration to bidding on contracts. To request a free evaluation and assessment by a Placement Specialist for your business, call the Contractor Helpline at (877) 252-2700 ext 1 or visit our website at https://www.uscontractorregistration.com/.

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©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

IRA Financial Group Introduces Text Messaging Technology To Communicate With Self-Directed IRA & Solo 401K Clients

IRA Financial Group Logo

Miami, FL (PRWEB) February 18, 2012

IRA Financial Group, the leading provider of “Checkbook Controlled” Self-Directed IRA and Solo 401 (K) plans, has recently contracted the services of Text Marketing Miami to expand its client base via text messages.

IRA Financial Group, with offices in New York and Miami and clients all over the country, relies heavily on technology to promote and conduct business. Text Marketing Miami provides an alternative, efficient means of communication for people on the go in this technology driven world. By simply texting the word “IRAFG” to 69302, potential clients’ will receive information about Self-Directed IRA and Solo 401(k) plans.

A Self-Directed IRA, also called a Self-Directed IRA LLC with checkbook control, is an IRS approved structure that allows one to use their retirement funds to make real estate and other investments tax-free and without custodian consent. The Self-Directed IRA involves the establishment of a limited liability company (“LLC”) that is owned by the IRA (care of the IRA custodian) and managed by THE IRA holder or any third-party. As manager of the IRA LLC, the IRA holder will have control over his or her IRA assets to make the investments they want and understand – not just investments forced upon them by Wall Street.

The tax experts at the IRA Financial Group have helped thousands of people take back control of their retirement funds by investing in domestic real estate. Now their expert tax attorneys have expanded their Self-Directed IRA program to include international investments. The IRA Financial Group has launched a platform for Self Directed IRA real estate investors to use retirement funds to purchase foreign real estate all over the world tax-free. “Our tax experts have carefully studied international tax treaties as well as local tax rules to offer our clients with a customized self-directed IRA platform for making tax efficient foreign real estate investments,” states Adam Bergman, a tax attorney at the IRA Financial Group.

IRA Financial Group will take care of setting up your entire Self-Directed IRA LLC structure. The whole process can be handled by phone, email, fax, or mail and typically takes between 7-21 days to complete, the timing largely depending on the state of formation and the custodian holding your retirement funds. IRA experts and tax and ERISA attorneys are on site greatly reducing the set-up time and cost. Most importantly, each client of the IRA Financial Group is assigned a tax attorney to help with the establishment of the Self-Directed IRA LLC structure for purposes of making foreign real estate investments.

IRA Financial Group was founded by a group of top law firm tax and ERISA lawyers who have worked at some of the largest law firms in the United States, such as White & Case LLP and Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP.

IRA Financial Group is the market’s leading “Checkbook Control” Self-Directed IRA and Solo 401k Plan Facilitator and has helped thousands of clients take back control over their retirement funds while gaining the ability to invest in almost any type of investment, including real estate tax-free and without custodian consent!

To learn more about the IRA Financial Group please visit our website at http://www.irafinancialgroup.com or call 800-472-0646.

To learn more about Text Marketing Miami, please visit TextMarketingMiami.com

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©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Bryson Appoints Executive Director of Puerto Rico Tourism Company to U.S. Department of Commerce’s Travel and Tourism Advisory Board

Puerto Rico

San Juan, Puerto Rico (PRWEB) February 17, 2012

U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson today appointed Mario González-Lafuente, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC), to the Travel and Tourism Advisory Board (TTAB) of the U.S. Department of Commerce, as part of a strategy to promote the United States.

The announcement of González-Lafuente’s participation as one of the 32 members of the TTAB was made during visit by President Obama and Commerce Secretary Bryson to Orlando, Florida today and is the latest in a series of “We Can’t Wait” actions that President Obama and his administration have undertaken to aid job creation through executive action.

As part of today’s swearing-in ceremony and inaugural meeting of the TTAB, González-Lafuente will present his thoughts to Secretary Bryson and fellow Board members on the issues he feels most affect the travel and tourism industry. For González-Lafuente, these are as follows:

    Broaden the current Visa Waiver Program, to include those countries that have historically provided large numbers of visitors to the United States. This is particularly important for emerging economies such as those of Brazil, Colombia, Chile and Mexico, for example.

    Improve efficiencies at U.S. consular offices to reduce the backlog of requests for tourist visas. Support in-transit programs for airports that have been negatively affected by the changes that resulted from 9/11.

    This would result in increased access to different markets in the U.S. for international airlines, support U.S. Open Skies agreements efforts, and increase air traffic in markets that have been affected by post-9/11 changes. It would also support destinations that are currently only served through the major air hubs allowing, for example, for a market such as Puerto Rico to become a strategic connecting hub for Latin America and the Caribbean.

    Increase awareness of the financial benefits to hotel owners and developers by implementing green tourism initiatives. Puerto Rico has developed guidelines for green hotels, for example, and green tourism has been growing on the island with the development of eco-friendly and eco-related attractions.

“This Board represents the eyes and ears of our nation’s travel and tourism industry and I am committed to working with each of the esteemed members to bring more visitors to the United States,” Bryson said. “I appreciate the Board members’ dedication to our economic recovery and look forward to working with González-Lafuente to put ideas into action to bolster job creation in this critical economic sector.”

“Congratulations to Mario for this designation, which honors his vast experience and knowledge of the tourism industry. Likewise, this appointment represents the federal government´s acknowledgment of the great advance Puerto Rico has made in positioning the Island as one of the most important tourism destinations in the hemisphere. Through Mario, we wish to continue to contribute to the development of the tourism sector in the United States, by developing strategies and participating directly in the economic recovery of the Nation,” said the governor of Puerto Rico, Luis G. Fortuño.

PRTC’s executive director has dedicated most of his professional life to the travel and tourism industry, including more than a decade as part of PRTC. González-Lafuente has held various positions within the organization in areas such as marketing, public relations and promotion. He was directly involved in developing the organization’s strategic marketing plans, maximizing Puerto Rico’s exposure in the U.S. and developing policy for the cruise ship industry. His knowledge of the inner workings of PRTC, and the industry as a whole, has provided his tenure as Executive Director with the vision that gives San Juan Puerto Rico a successful platform in the travel industry.

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Attachments

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.