The web site, kruseauctionripoff.com, quickly became a gathering point for victims of Dean Kruse’s questionable business tactics, logging over 1,500 visitors in its first month.

“I knew that I wasn’t the only person who was having a problem getting my money from Kruse,” Ross said. “So I figured that there’s power in numbers. Maybe together, we can get some justice. If not, we’ll at least be able to warn others so they don’t get burned like we did.”

The website is now full of stories similar to Ross’ about people not being paid by Dean Kruse and Kruse Auctions International. Kruse has even had his business license revoked in Arizona, and his rating with the Better Business Bureau is an “F”, due to numerous unresolved consumer complaints.

“The deck is really stacked against the seller when there is a problem with payment in dealing with car auction companies, so we set up a site to let people who have been ripped off tell their stories,” said Ross. The site has been so successful that Ross has decided to expand it to cover other auto auction companies.

Fort Worth business consultant and car collector Ron Sturgeon actively monitors the site. “A few years ago Barrett-Jackson reneged on an agreement with me when I sold several cars at one of their auctions, so I am glad have a place where I can keep up-to-date on the business practices of car auction companies,” said Sturgeon.

When he consigned the cars, a Barrett Jackson representative promised Sturgeon that he could sell the cars without setting reserve prices because he would be allowed to bid on his own cars on auction day. Had he bought them back, there would be an agreed fee; however, on auction day Sturgeon was not allowed to bid on his cars. “Several of the cars ending up selling for much less than reserves that I would have set,” says the Fort Worth, Texas-based entrepreneur.

Members of the media or law enforcement wishing to contact Rodney Ross about his dealings with Kruse Auctions may do so at 817.320.7628 or by e-mail at rodneyross@sbcglobal.net. Others owed money from the auction of a classic or exotic car by Kruse Auctions International or other auction companies are encouraged to share their stories on the website.

Website: http://kruseauctionripoff.com/

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Dot Com Infoway (DCI), one of the top Indian Custom Software and Mobile Application/Integration Development Companies, is gearing up for the approaching CeBIT 2010, the International IT trade expo to be held from March 2 to 6 in Hannover, Germany. The company will be exhibiting some of its most significant integrated software systems and innovative technology solutions, which streamline multiple projects and make business processes more effective and efficient, ensuring a good ROI. DCI’s representatives will demonstrate the company’s array of custom software development service domains such as .NET, PHP, e-commerce solutions, web development and mobile application development under all major mobile platforms to C-level executives, business leaders and investors attending CeBIT 2010 ( http://www.dotcominfoway.com/cebit-2010 ).

DCI’s representatives are looking forward to demonstrate to executives of small to mid-sized business enterprises, how employing DCI’s integrated software and technology can help boost productivity, simplify processes, cuts down operating/overhead costs and streamline internal cum external operations. Business leaders who visit Dot Com Infoway’s booth # J23/1 at Hall 6 will learn how DCI’s e-commerce solution facilitates real-time information, instantaneous tracking, encrypted transactions and many more. In conjunction with e-commerce solutions, business leaders will also be demonstrated about the benefits of implementing integrated management software systems and custom content management systems development, for specifically fulfilling their corporate needs. Dot Com Infoway’s representatives enjoy educating enterprise leaders about cutting-edge enterprise-level content management systems development services which stands for exceptional innovation, integration capabilities and unbeatable quality.

Commenting about the participation at CeBIT 2010 trade expo, Mr. C R Venkatesh, CEO & Managing Director of DCI, said “We are extremely proud to be the premier software developer and top Indian mobile developer to take part in this year’s CeBIT. Our major capabilities include specialization in development, implementation and customization. DCI’s web development services, custom application development, mobile application development ( http://www.dotcominfoway.com/mobile-application-development/ ), search engine optimization (SEO) / marketing services, easy-to-use Content Management Systems (CMS) offer solutions to all types of enterprises and the ultimate streamlined business management experience. The forthcoming CeBIT fair would be a perfect possibility for DCI to meet both existing and prospective partners in person and get to know the finest possibilities and their new business demands. At CeBIT international fair, we would be presenting DCI, as a team of highly qualified custom software developers and creators of several successful mobile applications. We would be glad to see our current and future partners at our stand J23/1 in Hall no.6 at CeBIT expo.”

Pointing out the recent success in iPhone Mobile App Development and marketing services, Mr.Vijayakumar, CTO of Dot Com Infoway opined, “In today’s ever-changing global mobile app marketplace, competitive small and mid-sized companies require unique mobile applications that provide the ability to improve mobility, rendering unique entertainment experience, streamlining productivity, integrating with numerous applications, helping enterprises with profitable ROI on mobile applications. Currently, DCI provides mobile applications under all platforms such as iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Windows Mobile, Symbian, Palm Pre, J2ME and others. DCI Mobile Studios, the mobile app development division of DCI, assists its global mobile app client to make better, faster decisions and remain relevant into the future. Our commitment to provide the apt and right mobile solutions, with customizable mobile apps that can meet every client’s exact specifications, earns DCI recognition as one of the top mobile app pacesetters and listed as one of the top 5 mobile app developers in India.”

About CeBIT:

CeBIT is the only International trade show, which showcases the complete spectrum of ICT technology and enables business people to bring together new partners interested in growth of global IT industry. This international event has a programmatic motto – “Connected Worlds” – which describes the convergence of individual technologies and the integration of international innovations. This year’s CeBIT expo will be held on March 2 through 6 at Hannover, Germany.

About Dot Com Infoway:

Dot Com Infoway is a top Indian IT technology firm and a leader in Custom Software Development and Mobile Application Development. DCI is an ISO 9001:2000 certified company and CMMI level 3, multi-disciplined professional IT service firm. DCI is a Microsoft Gold Partner and Sun Associate Partner and a proud member of the prestigious NASSCOM. For more than a decade, DCI provides a full suite of information technology for numerous small, mid-sized, enterprise class business clients in Americas, Europe, Australia and far-east countries.

Dot Com Infoway allows its clients to make faster business decisions, experience high ROI, outperforming the competition through DCI’s integrated, simplified, streamlined, unique, scalable and customizable software. DCI’s spectrum of services includes Custom Software Development, Mobile Application Development, Content Management Systems Development ( http://www.dotcominfoway.com/web-development/cms/ ), e-commerce solutions development and other complex software development projects, enhancing business growth of its customers. Dot Com Infoway is to participate in CeBIT 2010, which will be held at Hannover, Germany from March 2 to 6 and DCI will be exhibiting its range of mobile app and other product line which includes e-commerce solutions, .NET, PHP and web development products. Meet DCI’s representative at Booth # J23/1 of Hall 6 at CeBIT 2010.

Press Information:
Dot Com Infoway

Plot No 3, Vaigai Colony II Floor
Anna Nagar,
Madurai – 625 020
Tamil Nadu
India

Contact Person:
C.R Venkatesh
CEO
Phone: +91-452-2522257
eMail: info@dotcominfoway.com

Web: http://www.dotcominfoway.com

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From the age of 10, Sam spent weekends and evenings with his father Chris Burke, at Burke Brothers Removals, the family furniture removal business based in Wolverhampton.  As well as general duties such as washing the vehicles, Sam really enjoyed getting behind the wheel when the vans or lorries needed to be moved around the yard. When, at the tender age of 13, Sam announced that he would have his own recovery business, Chris thought it was just a passing whim, but how wrong could he be.

Sam was determined and had it planned out. He avidly read the vehicle recovery magazines, and spent most evenings surfing the Internet, desperate to learn all he could about the recovery business.  He knew he would need capital, so he started saving the income from weekend jobs. As the lorry park is close to Wolves football ground, Sam showed his entrepreneurial spirit by opening it as a car park for keen football fans on match days which proved very successful. Burke Bros were removals specialists so had no expertise in vehicle recovery. So when he was 14, Sam spent ten months working for a local recovery company learning the ropes and gaining the practical experience he would need to run his own recovery business.

Sam was only 15 when he decided to take the plunge.  He knew he wanted a versatile vehicle, and he knew from his researches that Recovery World had one of the largest selections of recovery vehicles, so he contacted them. As a result, he invested his hard earned savings in a 7.5 tonne crew cab, tilt and slide truck with a spec lift, and a range of recovery accessories that would be essential for the job, which was delivered just one week before his 16th birthday.  

Sam then embarked on a concerted campaign of cold calling to build a solid customer base – quite a challenge for one so young, but his determination and enthusiasm paid dividends. Twelve months later he has contracts with a dozen organisations including clubs, dealerships and body shops.

“But it’s not all been plain sailing.” said father Chris. “It was a minefield just setting up basic things like bank and trading accounts because of his age. Of course I’ve been totally behind Sam and given him encouragement and support, but I made it clear from the start, that we don’t carry ‘family’ passengers.  He bought the truck himself with his own hard earned cash.  Sam is covered under our Operator Licence but he runs it as a totally independent business, paying all his own bills and operating costs including rent and storage.”

As he can’t drive the vehicles yet, Sam uses Burke Bros Removals regular drivers, but they just do the driving. Sam’s the expert on vehicle recovery, so he not only goes out on every job, dealing with everything bar the driving, but he also runs the business side of things in the office.

Sam commented, “There were a few problems to start with, but I just love the work and am determined to make it succeed. There’s still loads to learn and the only way is to get out there and do it myself. I’m planning to buy another truck later this year, and pass my HGV Class 2 licence when I’m 18 so I can do the driving as well.  I’m not trying to run before I can walk, but I want to build a solid, profitable company based on a reputation of good value and excellent customer service. I plan to grow the business steadily and achieve my long term ambition for Burke Bros Recovery to become the leading recovery firm in the West Midlands, if not the UK.”

Sam is living proof that age is no barrier to success, and it shows that if you have belief in yourself, determination and are prepared to put in the hard work, you will succeed. 

More about Recovery World
Recovery World was established in January 2001 to supply both new & used vehicles to the UK & Europe. With now over 150 vehicles on site at any one time Recovery World holds the largest collection of recovery vehicles in Europe, if not the world.  The Recovery World website has become a community focus for all those involved in the vehicle recovery industry, not just for vehicle sales, but a central information point.  The forum is very active with drivers and operators able to air their views and opinions and maintain contact with each other. Recovery World has recently expanded the operation to become a leading supplier of specialist recovery accessories via their on-line shop and mobile service.

For further media information contact
Colin Caldicott, Ultimedia PR  Tel: 01767 601470 or colin@ultimediapr.co.uk

For further information about Recovery World contact
Lynn Engledew  Tel: 01707 266318 or lynn@recoveryworld.co.uk.

Recovery World customer, Stephen Greenhorn of 911 Recovery in Glasgow commented, “I can’t find a better price anywhere in the UK, and in any event, we can usually backcharge to the insurance company following recovery.”

The robust 3mm puncture resistant plastic is ideal for securing cracked windshields, broken windows, sprung doors, caved-in roofs and protecting the interior from water or  contamination.  Adhering to clean and dry surfaces, it provides clear visibility when the vehicle is being moved, and can be easily removed by cutting with a razor blade or poly-knife.

Stephen Greenhorn added, “Unless the vehicle is a write off, we use collision wrap for most of our recovery jobs. Recovery World’s brand is not a cheap cling film, but really heavy duty and ideal for securing the vehicle against further damage and protecting the interior from the effects of rain, wind, snow, or dirt.”

Following a collision, drivers often leave personal possessions in the vehicle, so using collision wrap secures the vehicles and reduces the risk of pilfering either during recovery or when it’s in storage, especially if the vehicle is left unattended. If it’s recovered following theft, the police may want to carry out forensic examination, and collision wrap is the easiest way to maintain the integrity of the interior.

Stephen added, “Even if it has suffered collision damage, the car we’re recovering is still someone’s pride and joy, so it’s our professional responsibility to look after it. Using collision wrap shows we have taken due care of the vehicle we’re recovering and it minimises the risk of any subsequent claims against us, and it’s certainly a lot cheaper than getting a bill for a waterlogged interior or damage resulting from flying debris during transit.”

The low cost collision wrap is available on-line from www.recoveryworld.co.uk/store
More about Recovery World
Recovery World was established in January 2001 to supply both new & used vehicles to the UK & Europe. With now over 150 vehicles on the site at any one time it has to be the largest collection of recovery vehicles in Europe if not the world.  In 2009, Recovery World introduced a mobile accessory service and launched their on-line store supplying a wide range of competitively priced recovery accessories. The Recovery World website has become a community focus for all those involved in the vehicle recovery industry, not just for vehicle sales, but a central information point.  The forum is very active with drivers and operators able to air their views and opinions and maintain contact with each other.

For further media information contact
Colin Caldicott, Ultimedia PR  Tel: 01767 601470 or colin@ultimediapr.co.uk

For further information about Recovery World contact
Lynn Engledew  Tel: 01707 266318 or lynn@recoveryworld.co.uk.

In its new discussion paper Acas highlights the simple procedures that can increase employee engagement in the workplace, to improve staff retention, increase morale and encourage greater productivity.

It also indicates that there is a good case for focusing on employee engagement as a business priority. Employees who are committed to their work are much more likely to behave in a positive, cooperative way. Engagement is therefore a benefit to both employees and the business.

Ed Sweeney Acas Chair said: “The recession means that a lot of businesses have experienced a challenging period. Inevitably, this has had a knock-on effect on employees and morale. As we approach what might be the beginning of the end of the downturn, business leaders and managers have a responsibility to encourage an open business culture.

“There is plenty of evidence which suggests strong employee engagement can help boost the bottom line. Our advice to businesses is that by engaging properly with staff, organisations will put themselves in a better position to emerge from the recession in a healthy position.”

The discussion paper also highlights the important role played by line managers but argues that they should not work in isolation. It also suggests that to be effective, they need good teams around them and senior managers who support the same values and demonstrate the same kind of behaviours. These include open communication, regular positive feedback and an emphasis on personal skills and development.

The paper identifies some specific factors, based on The MacLeod report, published in July 2009, outlining four broad enablers, which are critical to gaining employee engagement. These are:
- Leadership – employees need to understand not only the purpose of the business but also how their individual role contributes to that vision
- Engaging managers – engaging managers offer clarity for what is expected from the employees, treat their people as individuals with fairness and respect
- Employee voice – employees’ views should be sought out, listened to and employees made to feel that their opinions count
- Integrity – if an employee sees the values of the business ingrained in the management team, a sense of trust is more likely to be developed.

The new discussion paper Building Employee Engagement and the advisory booklet, How to Manage Change, helping line managers and employers manage major change are available through the ACAS website.

About Acas:
Acas’ aim is to improve organisations and working life through better employment relations. It provides information, advice, training courses and a range of services working with employers and employees to prevent or resolve problems and improve performance. It is an independent statutory body governed by a Council consisting of the Acas Chair and employer, trade union and independent members.

Website: http://www.acas.org.uk/

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Andrew joins from Whitbread where he was assistant manager at their Hockley Heath Premier Inn.  Andrew commented, “It’s refreshing to join a growing, dynamic company like Chartridge, where I’m not limited by regimented company procedures. I have an opportunity to be creative and develop my own personal approach to the restaurant and bars. I intend to make our customers’ experience memorable which is the ethos behind the Chartridge style.”

With all food prepared and cooked on site, Andrew plans to focus on developing the highest standards of customer service in the restaurants and bars and bring a fresh approach the customer experience   

Andrew added, “I’ve spoken to many of The Beeches regular customers, and they’re delighted with the service they get.  My challenge is to improve on it and make their experience even better.”
e n d s

More about Chartridge Conference Company
The Chartridge Conference Company provides five dedicated conference and meeting venues located in the Home Counties and West Midlands.  All CCC venues are set in out-of-the-ordinary locations, that provide the perfect secluded environment for meetings. All venues provide the highest standards of fully equipped training facilities in rooms that are bright, inviting and adaptable with on-site technical support.  Superb food is created with care and flair by dedicated chefs, and when the learning is over, delegates can relax in style in beautiful and peaceful surroundings. The ethos of CCC is to successfully combine total professionalism, excellent value in a friendly relaxing environment.  CCC is a member of MIA and Conference Centres of Excellence.

For further information about Chartridge Conference Company  visit  www.chartridge.co.uk

For further media information contact Colin Caldicott, Ultimedia Public Relations
Tel: 01767 601470            E-mail: colin@ultimediapr.co.uk

by Dan Miller, Macworld.com

Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveiled the iPad today. Positioned between a smartphone and a laptop, the tablet does many of the same things as the iPhone, but on a bigger, more easily viewed screen.

Steve Jobs shows off Apple’s iPad on Wednesday.

Demonstrating the iPad at an event in San Francisco, Jobs showed how it could be used for e-mail and Web browsing, viewing photos, managing calendars and contacts, listening to music, viewing video, and more.

The iPad is a half-inch thick, weighs 1.5 pounds, and has a 9.7-inch LCD screen. It’s run by a custom-made 1GHz CPU, and comes with 16, 32, or 64GB of flash storage. For connectivity, it has 802.11n, WiFi, and Bluetooth 2.1. Jobs claimed it will get up to 10 hours of battery life.

In addition to the built-in Apple apps, the iPad will also run third-party software. Senior Vice President Scott Forstall said that the tablet will run most existing iPhone apps unmodified, right out of the box. Those apps can run at their existing size in a black box or can be doubled to run in full-screen mode.

Apple is also making a software development kit available to developers, to help create apps specifically for the new device. To demonstrate what vendors could do with those tools, Forstall introduced representatives from Gameloft, Electronic Arts, the New York Times, and MLB.com to show off iPad apps they’d already built.

Jobs also introduced a new app, called iBooks, to manage e-books on the iPad. While crediting Amazon for its pioneering efforts with the Kindle, he announced that Apple was opening its own e-book store for the iPad. He said that Penguin, Harper-Collins, Hachette, Simon & Schuster, and other publishers were already signed up to supply titles. Those titles will use the ePub format—an open e-book standard.

Original article link

by Philip Michaels, Macworld.com

As part of its new iPad tablet unveiled Wednesday, Apple has come out with an e-book reading app. Dubbed iBooks, the app lets you read e-books on the iPad’s 9.7-inch LCD screen.

“Amazon’s done a great job of pioneering this functionality with the Kindle, so we’re going to stand on its shoulders,” Apple CEO Steve Jobs said at Wednesday’s product launch.

iBooks lets users buy and download electronic books directly from the iPad. Users will buy books through Apple’s new iBook Store, which will be fully integrated into the app. From the iBooks demo on Wednesday, it appears book prices will be between $8 and $15.

Jobs said that five of the largest publishers—Penguin, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Macmillan, and Hachette Book Group—will have content on the store.

iBooks will use the EPUB standard, the most popular open book format in the world.

“We think iPad will be a terrific e-book reader for popular books and textbooks,” Jobs said.

Original article link

Apple introduces iWork for iPad

by Roman Loyola, Macworld.com

Apple today at its iPad introduction announced a new version of iWork designed specifically for the iPad. The iWork for iPad application suite broadens the potential target audience for the iPad.

iWork is Apple productivity software suite, which includes Keynote (for presentations), Numbers (spreadsheets), and Pages (word processing). The new iWork for iPad suite takes advantage of the iPad’s multitouch input.

At today’s event, Apple’s Phil Schiller demonstrated each app on the iPad. All of the iWork apps launch to a library of documents that allow you to tap on the document you want to open. An on-screen keyboard appears when you need to type text.

Keynote runs only in landscape mode, since slides are designed horizontally. Pages has a new tool called Page Navigator, where you hold your finger on the right of the iPad’s screen and it brings up a loupe that lets you skim through your pages. All three iWork apps come with templates to help you create documents quickly.

The iWork for iPad apps are $10 each and will be available at the iTunes App Store.

Original article link

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The programs, ‘Broadband Technology Opportunities Program’ and ‘Broadband Initiatives Program’, created as a result of the funding allocation from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), are awarding funds based on their first application period. While the large telecommunications providers chose not to participate in the first application period, it is possible that a second round could be of interest. Nevertheless, the programs have received a large number of applications for funding grants from public and private parties interested in completing broadband service projects. All funds from these programs, approximately $7.2 billion, must be awarded by Sept. 20, 2010.

Fitch’s ‘Biannual Telecommunications Regulatory Register’ addresses the topic of the National Broadband Plan, the status of the $7.2 billion recovery act broadband program and an update on net neutrality. The report aims to give the reader an ability to evaluate the potential effects of regulatory developments on industry participants. In addition, the report provides a review of important regulatory developments in the U.S. telecommunications industry over the past six months. The full report is available on Fitch’s web site at ‘www.fitchratings.com’.

Additional information is available at ‘www.fitchratings.com’.

ALL FITCH CREDIT RATINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS. PLEASE READ THESE LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK: HTTP://FITCHRATINGS.COM/UNDERSTANDINGCREDITRATINGS. IN ADDITION, RATING DEFINITIONS AND THE TERMS OF USE OF SUCH RATINGS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE AGENCY’S PUBLIC WEBSITE ‘WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM’. PUBLISHED RATINGS, CRITERIA AND METHODOLOGIES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THIS SITE AT ALL TIMES. FITCH’S CODE OF CONDUCT, CONFIDENTIALITY, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, AFFILIATE FIREWALL, COMPLIANCE AND OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE ‘CODE OF CONDUCT’ SECTION OF THIS SITE.

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