White Star, Sasha Petraske’s new, anti-cocktail bar in Manhattan is pushing the envelope with its focus on whiskeys, whiskies and absinthe, while saying no to anything that resembles a cocktail. At White Star, customers say goodbye to juice, soft drinks and mixers and hello to water and ice. When it comes to absinthe, Petraske’s taste is also well-defined.

“Obsello is the only absinthe verte I drink myself,” says Sasha Petraske, Managing Partner of White Star and Milk and Honey, N.Y.

At a time when U.S. consumers are getting bombarded by questionable, sub-par “absinthe like” products, Obsello offers consumers a taste of quality, artisan authenticity.

Hand-crafted using the same techniques applied in the early 1900’s, Obsello is rare in its soft, rich flavor and affinity to original pre-ban absinthe. Obsello is distilled from eight botanicals, and eau de vie from Penedes Spain.

In taste tests, Obsello has received overwhelming positive feedback from bars, patrons, press and critics alike. In fact, after tasting the premium absinthe, several restaurant managers made the decision to discontinue selling other brands.

“This recipe is the product of 10 years of research and careful artistry,” said Obsello distiller, B. Alex. “I worked until I thought it was perfect.”

About Obsello

Obsello Absinthe is an award-winning, authentic absinthe that is twice distilled with eight natural herbs including grande wormwood, anise and fennel. Hand-crafted in small batches in Europe, Obsello is made in traditional alembic stills using an un-aged brandy base from Penedes (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pened%C3%A8s) wine stock. Obsello embraces original absinthe production, once banned in the early 1900’s, and excludes any artificial flavoring, coloring or essences. With honey and vanilla undertones, a surprising lack of bitterness, and a hypnotic velour mouth feel, the taste of Obsello stands clearly apart from competitor brands.

Please visit us at www.Obsello.com and experience absinthe again for the first time.

Technorati Tags: Obsello Spanish absinthe verte, eau de vie from Penedes Spain, Sasha Petraske

Three quarters (76%) of respondents agreed that emerging markets offer increasing growth of purchasing power compared to the slowing growth of more mature markets with 66% agreeing that they offer greater opportunities for market leadership. Conversely, only 30% of respondents thought emerging markets would be less affected by an economic slowdown than more established markets.

Commenting on the research, Damian McKinney, CEO at McKinney Rogers said, “While interest in emerging markets is nothing new, it certainly seems to have gained even greater momentum in recent months. With the current unprecedented economic climate as it is in the U.S. and Europe, it is no wonder that entrepreneurs are looking for investment potential in less troubled regions.”

In terms of elements essential to success in emerging markets, an overwhelming majority of business leaders questioned (93%) agreed that hiring local management expertise and developing operational plans to overcome challenges such as poor transportation and infrastructure and dealing with red tape were vital. Respondents also agreed that it was key to invest in emerging markets where there is economic and political stability as well as a highly educated workforce.

He added, “There is no doubt that emerging markets can have lucrative business potential, but careful attention to risk and reward has to be paid, as there are some particular hazards that come into play. As the business leaders questioned in this research have astutely observed, due diligence is paramount - it is vital to have a sound operational plan in place. Indeed, we have witnessed a definite increase in clients asking for our help in putting operational plans in place for their emerging market investment strategies, delivered through practical tools and training focused on behaviors, process and performance.”

“The logical first step is to determine which markets are best suited to the company’s products/services. Look at issues such as local demand and competition, customer dynamics and market segmentation. Really take time to explore the market before committing to anything. Although it may seem tempting to speed up the process to steal a march on the competition, jumping in blind is a sure-fire recipe for disaster. Naturally, one of the most important areas to evaluate is potential risks,” continues McKinney.

Of those questioned eight in ten said they had invested in emerging markets in the last 12 months and 87% intended to do so in the next year. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) markets top the list of investment destinations and it is these that are seen to have the most stable economic and political environments, as well as strong infrastructures and workforce.

“Many of the emerging markets that are coming to the fore have historically been underdeveloped and low-income economies that are now experiencing unprecedented growth. Of course, with this growth, comes a set of challenges, which add a certain element of risk to doing business in these regions. It is those companies that can successfully balance risk and reward that will reap the benefits,” concludes McKinney.

For a copy of the “Investing in the markets of the future” report please email claudia.kellermann@portfoliocomms.com or call +44 (0)02072406959.

About McKinney Rogers:

McKinney Rogers is a global business performance consultancy, with operations in the U.K., Europe, Africa, Asia and the U.S. In partnering with its clients, McKinney Rogers strives to continually add value, by focusing on driving business performance and delivering sustainable growth year on year. Its Business Performance Solutions take business from strategy to execution through the rigor of robust processes and behaviours.

McKinney Rogers works with a number of global clients including Diageo, Pfizer, Wal-Mart and Thomson Financial Services.

Visit McKinney Rogers’ website at www.mckinneyrogers.com .

Technorati Tags: research report, Investing in the markets of the future, McKinney Rogers

Americans spend $7,500,000,000 annually on greeting cards with the average household purchasing 30 cards per year. More people are going to the internet to purchase their printed greeting cards than ever before. Card Cafe is unique in that it will mail the cards for the customer in a stamped envelope.

With the Charity Builder, businesses who donate to non-profits can now give even more money by simply purchasing customer gifts, employee incentives, etc. through the non-profit’s site.

“We will put the logo of the charity on the site and set up their online business for them. Their site offers greeting cards, gift baskets, chocolate, gourmet popcorn and gift cards,” said Kira Case, Vice President of Card Cafe, “We even help with the marketing. This is an exciting new way for charities to make extra money year round.”

Non-profit organizations can go to www.1to1Specialists.com or call Randy Barney at (888) 426-5095 to learn more about the Charity Builder.

Card Cafe was founded in 2005 as an easy way to keep in touch with people through online ordering of printed greeting cards. It quickly developed into a leading technology provider. Card Cafe produces more than two million cards each year. In 2008 Card Cafe launched a commercial division called 1:1 Specialists (www.1to1Specialists.com). 1:1 Specialists focuses on providing web-to-print and marketing technology for many industries.

Technorati Tags: Card Cafe Charity Builder, Teague Bengtzen, printed greeting cards

All videos are posted on the company Web site in QuickTime but with links to the videos located on such social networking sites as YouTube and Veoh. In addition, FookMovie videos also appear on Blip and BetaRecords. “The adults-only videos are on Veoh because they have a category for 18+ content,” G notes, “and they are on our site with warnings about the content.

Notable productions include videos for “Bright Sun at Midnight” (Jonny Harmonic), “Keyboard Flavor Monkey” (The G-Man), “Evolution Destiny” (James Sotelo), and “Electrivicious Party Doll” (Country-Fried Funk).

About John Scott G

Scott is owner of G-Man Marketing in Los Angeles, where he consults on advertising, marketing, and sonic branding. G-Man Marketing has produced broadcast advertising for Verizon Wireless, Goodrich, The Auto Club, DIRECTV, Micron, Legoland, General Dynamics NASSCO and many others. Scott writes about marketing for the Advertising Industry Newswire(TM).

A member of The Recording Academy (www.grammy.com) and on the Board of Directors of NARIP, The G-Man has 8 albums on iTunes. He and NLG are the principal directors at FookMovie(TM), with video contributions from a wide variety of painters, filmmakers, and light artists.

Learn more online: www.fookmovie.com.

Technorati Tags: John Scott G, FookMovie collective, music video production, Golosio Publishing

“Combining complementary technical, research and operational expertise to optimize Quality Assurance for current and new consumer technologies is just one example of how the testing group is already reshaping the QA industry,” said Evers. “With the testing group’s integrated approach to QA, this critical service will no longer be seen as an isolated and optional step in bringing digital content to market, but rather as an activity that is nearly transparent to any step in the production process. This approach will greatly eliminate redundancies, improve quality and reduce costs. James and I are confident that the merging of our technologies and experts is taking Quality Assurance for the digital marketplace to its next level.”

“Our joining together as one Quality Assurance powerhouse reinforces the importance of leading edge, adaptable, and objective third-party testing for the expanding digital content industry,” commented Richardson. “This new entity is greater than the sum of its parts and that offers vast benefits for digital content owners and manufacturers as a whole.”

the testing group is fully operational in a state-of-the-art, custom-designed facility located in Glendale, California, 7.46 miles from Los Angeles.

More information: www.thetestinggroup.com.

Technorati Tags: Quality Assurance industry, Intellikey Labs, Direct QC, the testing group inc

Neotrope, and its division Send2Press Newswire (www.Send2Press.com), have previously sponsored art benefits contributing to aid efforts for the homeless in Chicago, groups providing environmentally sustainable housing in areas of the world where disaster has left people without adequate shelter; and to orgs who raise money for Tanzanian AIDS orphans. Neotrope also sponsors entertainment events as diverse as Apple QuickTime shows, and both-coasts music showcases for indie bands, including the LAMN Jam series presented by the Los Angeles Music Network.

Non-profit organizations may apply for free services starting October 1st, through November 12th, 2008. Organizations will be selected as applications are received, and the amount donated to each selected non-profit will vary. Half of the grants will be provided to California-based non-profits, who will receive additional promotional assistance through California Newswire®. Additionally, all 501(c)(3) organizations automatically qualify for a 20% service discount. Finally, all qualified applicant organizations will be entered into a drawing to win a new One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) notebook which can be used for fund-raising purposes.

The 2009 Neotrope PR grant application can be found at
www.Send2Press.com/non-profit/index.shtml.

Past recipients of the PR grant program include the Native Voices Foundation (www.nativevoices.org and www.snow-riders.org). “Thank you so much for putting Native Voices Foundation under your wings and on the U.S. map as never before,” said Suzy Chaffee (”Chapstick”), Olympian, and Co-chair of NVF. “Your encouragement, savvy coaching, and access to the major newspapers in America, has been priceless in getting out our message.”

About Neotrope®

Since 1983, Neotrope (www.neotrope.com) has been helping small-to-medium businesses and entertainment companies establish their brand and grow revenue. The Neotrope marketing team includes Christopher Laird Simmons, who is an award-winning designer, photographer, musician and digital artist. He is a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Graphic Artists Guild, and ASCAP. Simmons has been widely interviewed by publications as diverse as Entrepreneur, Chicago Post Tribune, PCWorld, and TrendWatch. Other team members include accredited public relations professionals, working journalists and broadcast veterans.

About Send2Press® Newswire

Send2Press offers best-in-class affordable Direct-to-Editors™ news distribution and alternative placement of news content to improve its “persistence” versus the traditional one-shot approach. In addition to sending news directly to working journalists, print and broadcast media, Send2Press places news into social networks and deep into search engines using proprietary ContextEngine® press release optimization technology developed in 1997. For more information on Send2Press, visit: www.Send2Press.com.

Jan. 2005 grant announcement:
www.send2press.com/newswire/2005-01-0128-002.shtml

Aug. 2000 grant announcement:
www.neotrope.com/text/news_PR_00-0802.shtml

Neotrope is a U.S. registered trademark and service mark, with international trademark applications pending. Send2Press, California Newswire, and ContextEngine are registered trademarks of Neotrope. All other trademarks acknowledged.

Technorati Tags: Christopher Simmons, Neotrope Interactive, ContextEngine deep linking technology, DotComMojo, PR grants for nonprofits

A POS system should be one of a restaurant’s most important assets by providing cash and inventory controls, improved speed of service, better decision-making and even sales growth opportunities. This survey confirms that if properly chosen, a POS can potentially pay for itself in a matter of months. But conversely, selecting the wrong system or one from the wrong vendor can become a source of operational problems and ongoing frustration for the operator for years to come.

Survey results indicate a strong correlation between the operators’ degree of overall satisfaction with their POS system and their relationship with the POS vendor. “Operators that had good experiences with respect to vendor training & support, be it online or on site, generally reported they were pleased with their POS choice,” said Joe Erickson, Vice President of RestaurantOwner.com.

Survey questions captured operator responses regarding their POS system’s ease-of-use, programmability and reliability. Participants also rated the quality of vendor training and ongoing support as well as common POS features such as reporting, timekeeping and inventory control.

In addition, many survey participants provided extensive comments about their experiences with the functional aspects of their POS system and the quality of the vendor training and support they received.

For more information on the Restaurant POS Survey results, go to www.RestaurantOwner.com/survey.htm.

Technorati Tags: RestaurantOwner portal, membership website for independent restaurant operators, Joe Erickson, Restaurant POS Survey

As part of a larger growth strategy, Jimmy Jazz will continue to open several retail stores in the eastern United States before the end of 2008. Expected locations for the remainder of the year include: Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

“The company is also building its first e-commerce site for online shopping, with an anticipated launch date in spring 2009,” commented David Wachter, VP of eCommerce for the chain.

The Jimmy Jazz location in the Southlake Mall will be open for business on Friday, September 26th. For more information on this location, please contact (770) 961-1168.

About Jimmy Jazz

Based in Brooklyn, New York, Jimmy Jazz stores are well known throughout the eastern United States for over 20 years. They offer uniquely inspired original streetwear, accessories and shoes with high energy and style.

Stores feature premier lifestyle brands including Ed Hardy, Laguna Beach, Timberland, Monarchy, Adidas Originals, Creative Recreation and DC Shoes, to name a few. They receive merchandise daily from vendors who are creating the hottest styles and colors, providing and ever-changing showcase of the newest fashion available for men, women, and kids.

For more information and further details, please visit the Jimmy Jazz website at www.JimmyJazz.com.

Technorati Tags: Jimmy Jazz clothing, urban apparel and footwear retailer, Southlake Mall Georgia

INSIGHT Research’s market analysis study, “Communicating Green: Telecommunications Value in Promoting Environmental Improvement, 2008-2013,” evaluated the use of existing telecommunications technologies and services applied to five key domains: transportation demand management to improve gasoline consumption; demand side management of electrical power; machine-to-machine communications to improve operational efficiencies; the recycling of electronic devices; and regulatory compliance and audits. To impact the environment positively in each of the domains, specific improvements were quantified in nine solution areas: mobile workforce; field services and personnel; data center operations; telecommuting; facilities/building management; environmental audit and compliance systems; branch and remote office capabilities; environmentally located data centers; and ICT equipment recycling.

“Instead of investing in new technology, all the telecommunications industry has to do is organize their existing capabilities into solutions sets,” says Robert Rosenberg, INSIGHT Research. “For example, the phone companies and cellular providers have technologies that can be used to reduce auto emissions as well as energy demand to heat and cool offices and homes. Enterprises and households that reduce their carbon footprint will be able to monetize the results, while the carriers generate new revenue from existing capabilities,” Rosenberg concluded.

“Communicating Green: Telecommunications Value in Promoting Environmental Improvement, 2008-2013″ examined over 50 technologies, services and applications to create an algorithmic model that combines over 60,000 relevant variables to assess telecommunications’ impact on environmental mitigation.

An excerpt of the Communicating Green market research report, table of contents, and ordering information are online at:
www.insight-corp.com/reports/green08.asp .

This 210-page report is available immediately for $3,995 (hard copy). Electronic (PDF) reports can be ordered online. Visit our website, or call 973-541-9600 for details.

Technorati Tags: INSIGHT Research Corporation, Communicating Green market research report, Telecommunications Value in Promoting Environmental Improvement

Mr. Wang Sanyong, a corporate officer of GDFII/L&P Food commented, “We are ecstatic with the determination handed down by the ITC. The initial determination has reaffirmed the strength and innovation of our capability and processes, and the integrity of our Sucralose technology and our company.”

Roger Matkin, CEO of Ingredient Specialties, Inc., the international marketing and distribution arm of L&P/GDFII, echoed Wang’s remarks by saying, “The International Trade Commission has reassured the international business community and consumers alike, that our manufacturing partner’s years of Sucralose research and development were not done in vain. They [ITC] confirmed what we have known for years - that GDFII/L&P has indeed created a unique way to manufacture Sucralose that competes fairly in world markets. This expected positive determination fuels our planned marketing and sales expansion of our Zueit(TM) Sucralose brand worldwide to established multinationals and smaller manufacturers alike.”

Guangdong Food Industry Institute/L&P Food Ingredient Co. Ltd. (GDFII/L&P) is a specialty ingredients manufacturer that pioneered the development and manufacturing of Sucralose in China. GDFII/L&P also engages in the production of many new and innovative nutraceutical and health food ingredients, including: polyphenols, functional food/dietary fibers and other natural and plant derived ingredients. GDFII/L&P, headquartered in Guangdong Province, China in alliance with Ingredient Specialties, Inc. in Exeter, California, provides a global distribution network that markets Zueit(TM) brand sucralose to the food, beverage, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries as a high intensity, non-caloric sweetener. Zueit(TM) is a trademark of Ingredient Specialties, Inc. Exeter, CA, USA.

For more information visit: www.gdfii.com or www.ingredientspecialties.com .

Technorati Tags: Ingredient Specialties Inc, Zueit brand sucralose, Guangdong Food Industry Institute, non-caloric sweetener, CEO Roger Matkin, Wang Sanyong, Tate and Lyle Section 337 complaint