Find out the ROI of a BPM Project Before Beginning the Implementation

The scope, the methodology and the tools to be implemented largely determine the ROI of a Business Process Management implementation project in a company, and are the main causes of success and also of most failures.

Woburn, MA, October 12, 2014 – AURA (www.auraportal.com), a global provider of AuraPortal Business Process Management (BPM) software, has announced that its investigation team has undertaken an extensive study of the factors that determine ROI (Return on Investment) in a BPM implementation project. The results of this study will be showcased in an upcoming webinar which will be announced in the near future, and will minimize the investment risks in companies interested in adopting Business Process Management.

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

Implementing BPM in an organization represents a substantial change in the way to manage and understand the way of working in a company, and it is not without risk. However, the correct implementation of a BPM suite unquestionably improves the entire organization, exposing weaknesses and strengthening activities. As analysts have confirmed, it makes the organization more efficient, more effective and more competitive.

This study, performed by AuraPortal, has calculated the Return on Investment of the methodology to be used and the tools to be implemented in a BPM project. It has taken into consideration not only the basic factors of ROI (such as the benefits obtained and the investment to be made), but also two other factors that are very important in this type of project, the risks and the flexibility.

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

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

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

Contact:
Nina Moon
AuraPortal
400 Trade Center
Woburn, MA 01801-7472
978-808-6340
info@auraportal.com
http://www.auraportal.com

Indulgent Confections is The Perfect Gift for Loved Ones this Holiday Season

Treat the Sweetest People in Your Life with Indulgent Confections Artisan Gourmet Treats.

Scottsdale, AZ, October 11, 2014 — Holiday gift–giving just got sweeter with Indulgent Confections line of artisan gourmet treats, carefully crafted from natural, wholesome ingredients and beautifully packaged for perfect presentation. Indulgent Confections creations are the perfect way to celebrate life’s sweetest moments with those you love.

Founder Glen Flook said, “Indulgent Confections really is the perfect gift for every occasion. When visiting friends or family this holiday season bring a gift that truly says thank you for inviting me in to your home. With perfect packaging and satisfyingly scrumptious recipes, Indulgent Confections is sure to leave a lasting memory with all of your family and friends.”

Indulgent Confections can be found across the country in high-end gift shops, wineries, florists and more. Indulgent Confections products are also available for purchase online at Amazon. Future endeavors will add a fundraising component, where corporations, charities and schools can resell Indulgent Confections products and help raise money for their cause at the same time.

Indulgent Confections is pleased to offer the following products:

• Chocolate Caramel Popcorn
• Almond & Raspberry Bark
• Almond Cluster
• Dark Chocolate Tart Cherry
• Caramelized Nut Mix
• Cinnamon Toffee Almond
• Pecan Praline
• Blueberry & Pomegranate Nut Crunch

Place an order for the holidays today! One box filled with eight Indulgent Confections creations makes gift giving easy! You’ll take the guesswork out of selecting the right gift for family members, friends, co-workers, neighbors and more!

About Indulgent Confections:
Indulgent Confections, started in 2013, is the wonderfully satisfying result of bringing together artisan confectionary recipes, the most wholesome ingredients and an unrelenting commitment to quality. This loving attention to detail enables us to offer a decadently delicious, beautifully packaged product that makes an outstanding gift, a celebration or just a little reward for a job well done.

Indulgent Confections is available at fine retailers and online at Amazon.com. We also offer a Corporate Gift Program for thanking customers and rewarding employees and a fundraising program for non-profits.

Our products are more than delicious. They represent a belief that life’s sweetest moments and dearest friendships are enhanced by small indulgences. That it’s often the little things that says a lot. With that thought in mind, we offer our exquisitely delicious line of fine confections.

Visit Indulgent Confections online: http://www.indulgent-confections.com
Fundable.com Profile: https://www.fundable.com/indulgent-confections

Live Confectionately!

Contact:
Scott Kelly
Black Dog Promotions
9920 S. Rural Rd., Ste 108
Tempe, AZ 85284
480-206-3435
http://www.blackdogpromotions.com

Grammy® Winner Laura Sullivan Calls out to The World to make History by Singing in her New Music Video

Grammy® winning artist Laura Sullivan is well known for teaming up with talented music industry professionals.

Hollywood, CA, October 11, 2014 - Grammy® winning artist Laura Sullivan is well known for teaming up with talented music industry professionals. Whether in providing music to the hit show “So You Think You Can Dance,” Emmy winning documentaries, or national television commercials, she has always sought to bring people together to create new music.

However, this time Sullivan is reaching out to a completely different collaborator – the whole wide world.

Sullivan is calling out to her fans and the entire global community to contribute their voices to her new music video “We Are Love.”

“It’s never been done like this before, so far as I know.” Says Sullivan.“Amateurs, professionals, kids – really anybody with a cell phone and five minutes can participate. Record it, and send it – that’s it. We have made it so easy to be part of a music video.”

While past endeavors by other producers have crowdsourced seasoned or professional singers recording to their webcams, Sullivan’s unique project welcomes not just the pros but anyone of any age and ability to join in. Technological advances and ease of use in video recording quality and digital transmission for the first time allow a worldwide, high-fidelity collaboration with just about anyone who has a cell phone. Interested parties should watch the Teaser video at GetInTheVideo.com or can view it online at: youtu.be/dMu1yV_A_Ng.

“I encourage anyone that would like to participate to submit their video clip. We don’t only need singers, we need everybody!” Sullivan emphasizes. “This project is about love, joy, unity, inclusion, and our human connection. Don’t worry about how you sound. Just have fun!”

Sullivan released her Teaser video on October 6th with a call to action promoting open submissions.

Submissions to the video project are open now until November 14th.

The official video will be released in February 2015.

Through this unique project, Sullivan is supporting Little Kids Rock, a non-profit organization who provides free musical instruments and classes to underserved children. Over the past 12 years, they have provided over 300,000 children the gift of music education. 50% of the proceeds of the crowd created song and video “We Are Love” will be donated to the Little Kids Rock foundation.

“Little Kids Rock is so grateful to Laura Sullivan for her support,” says Little Kids Rock Founder and CEO, David Wish. “It’s up to the big people to stand up for the little kids, and that is exactly what Laura is doing by including Little Kids Rock in her next project, inspiring our kids, and helping bring the lifelong gift of music to even more kids in our nation's most economically challenged school districts!"

Sullivan is working with Eepybird LLC, in the development of her crowdsourcing music video. Eepybird LLC has created viral campaigns for companies such as OfficeMax, ABC Family, Coca-Cola, and McDonald's. They have received two Emmy nominations, four Webby Awards, and were voted “Online Game Changers of the Decade” at GoViral.com.

To view the Teaser video visit: GetInTheVideo.com

For more information:
Chip Schutzman / Miles High Productions
323-806-0400/ chip@mileshighproductions.com

About Little Kids Rock
Little Kids Rock is a national nonprofit that seeks to build a world where kids can live rich, purposeful lives, and won’t rest until all children have the opportunity to unlock their inner-music makers. The organization partners with economically disadvantaged public school districts to train their teachers to run innovative Modern Band music programs. This includes donating all of the instruments, curricula and resources necessary to run rockin’ music programs rooted in popular music, with a heavy emphasis on improvisation and composition. To date they have served more than 300,000 students in 13 states. More info at www.littlekidsrock.org

Contact:
Chip Schutzman
Miles High Productions
P.O. Box 93157
Hollywood, CA 90093
323 806-0400
chip@mileshighproductions.com
http://www.mileshighproductions.com

Destination Scuba, New Scuba Dive Shop in Glendale, Now Open for Business

Take An Underwater Adventure With Friendly, Neighborhood Scuba Experts At Destination Scuba

Glendale, AZ, Oct 09, 2014 — Destination Scuba is now open for business! The Valley’s newest dive shop opened its doors on Sept. 6, in Glendale, Ariz., inviting the community to learn more about the world of scuba diving. This beautiful new dive shop is a place for old friends and new to connect, share stories and plan dive trips together. Destination Scuba is a place to dive amongst friends.

As experienced divers, Co-Founders Tania Land and CG Durda are very excited about this new venture. They believe the sport of scuba diving is special and can’t wait to share their love for diving near and far, starting with the local dive community and eventually working with scuba divers around the world.

Co-Founder’s Tania Land and CG Durda said, “Scuba is not just a sport, it’s a lifestyle and we live life in style.”

Destination Scuba offers the following Scuba Services:

* Dive certification

* Personal vacation and trip planning

* Scuba gear sales

* Service for gear

* Rental equipment

Come meet the Destination Scuba team! Find out how you can get involved with the local scuba community by attending their regular Scuba Socials held at Heights Sports Grill, the 2nd Wednesday of the month, at 6:30 p.m. Or feel free to stop into the Destination Scuba shop, located at 7260 W Bell Road, Suite 5A, Glendale, Arizona 85308.

About Destination Scuba:
We are your destination for scuba diving in Arizona!

At Destination Scuba, we have a passion for diving and that is our motivation to create opportunities to share the spectacular underwater world with others. At Destination Scuba, we are always ready to go diving! We plan local dives, small dive trips and luxury dive vacations - that you’ll never forget.

Come enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of our dive shop and meet other divers in the local scuba community. Whether you just dove into the scuba world for the first time, or you’re a scuba veteran, we are happy to help. Our retail store offers a wide variety of Scuba gear, Classes, Apparel and Scuba Trips! Come dive with us. Once you get to know us, you’ll see why we love scuba and what we do! Call Destination Scuba at 623-979-7094 for your next adventure. Connect with us on Facebook (facebook.com/destinationdivers) and Twitter (@DestinationDive ).

Contact:
Scott Kelly
Black Dog Promotions
9920 S. Rural Rd., Ste 108
Tempe, AZ 85284
480-206-3435
http://www.blackdogpromotions.com

SAFE International Aims to Help Women Learn How to Defend Themselves by Launching Self Defense Fort McMurray, Alberta

The owners of SAFE International have announced they are well on its way towards realizing their mission by launching Self Defense Fort McMurray.

Fort McMurray, Alberta, October 09, 2014 – (Straight Line PR) - The owners of SAFE International have announced they are well on its way towards realizing their mission by launching Self Defense Fort McMurray. They are aiming to accomplish this feat through the offering of their self-defense training seminars, which will include women’s self-defense parties, high school self defense, and corporate lunch and learns.

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

“Unfortunately, we live in an increasingly violent society, and we, here at SAFE International, want to not only want to share our knowledge and experience with others, but while in the process of sharing we are also empowering people throughout Canada, the United States, and globally to defend themselves,” added Roberts. Adding SAFE International self defense in Fort McMurray is another step in that journey.

Even though their mission at SAFE International is to teach real self-defense skills to as many women, children, and men, from 12 years of age to 82 years of age, they are focusing their attention primarily on civilians who really need these skills.

While continuing to meet the growing needs of people, corporations, organizations and schools year after year, SAFE International™ has continuously provided both effective, and highly memorable, personal protection instruction through their unique ability to reach more people in a way that enables them to retain and utilize the skills if necessary.

According to Roberts, complicated techniques that require regular practice in order to become second nature weren’t simply going to help in a potentially life-threatening situation, and therefore, they aren’t offering a martial arts program. Rather, they are offering what they considered to be “a practical and realistic approach to personal safety.”

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

“While others in the self-defense industry focus solely on the physical side of personal protection, we here at SAFE International™ focuses on all aspects. Our training, for example, covers the most important awareness and avoidance phases, to intelligent verbal strategies, and to the physical aspects you may require to enable yourself get home safely to your family,” explained Roberts, who has had the great fortune of collaborating with professionals and specialists from all fields within the realm of self defense.

“There is violence everywhere, and everyone is responsible for their personal security, and it s on that basis that SAFE teaches self-defense that addresses real-life violence, thus providing a no-nonsense approach to personal safety. Our goal is to teach our students to Recognize, React, and Respond effectively to any confrontation in the quickest possible time,” concluded Roberts.

For further information on Fort McMurray Self Defense, please visit: http://safeinternational.biz/

Contact:
Chris Roberts
SAFE International™
15535 Cooper Rd
Lunenburg, ON
Canada K0C 1R0
1 800 465-5972
http://www.safeinternational.biz

Gateway to Big Sur presented by Hyatt Carmel Highlands and The Big Sur Food and Wine Festival to Kick Off on Thursday, November 6, 2014, at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands

Chefs and Wineries Announced

Carmel Highlands, CA, October 08, 2014 - Hyatt Carmel Highlands, located at 120 Highlands Drive in the Carmel Highlands, long known as the legendary location for culinary talent and host of the world famous Masters of Food and Wine will serve as the lead sponsor and host of the opening event of the Big Sur Food and Wine Festival.

Tickets will be on sale through EventBrite for $125.00. Tickets can be purchased at https://gatewaytobigsur.eventbrite.com

Join us on Thursday, November 6th from 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. for the Gateway to Big Sur presented by the Hyatt Carmel Highlands and Big Sur Food and Wine Festival. The Gateway to Big Sur entices the palate in a celebration of local flair and regional flavor in the epicenter of culinary innovation.

Here is a preview of some of the top caliber restaurants that will be participating:

Restaurants to include:
• 1300 on Fillmore
• Andres Bouchee
• Aubergine
• Bernardus Lodge
• Big Sur Roadhouse
• Black River Caviar
• Carmel Valley Ranch
• Cuvaison
• Dosa San Francisco
• Esalen Institue
• Grasing's
• jennini kitchen + wine bar
• la Balena
• Mundaka
• Pacifics Edge - Hyatt Carmel Highlands
• Passionfish
• Porters in the Forest
• The Cheese Shop
• The Preserve
• The Hitching Post II
• Treebones

Wineries include:
• Albatross Ridge
• Birichino
• Calera Wine Company
• Chanin
• Chappellet Vineyard
• Cold Heaven Cellars
• Continuum (Carlo Mondavi)
• Crocker & Starr
• Dirty & Rowdy
• Domaine Select - 1st Winery
• Domaine Select - 2nd Winery
• Foxen
• Galante Vineyards
• Hartley Ostini
• Kunin
• Liquid Farm
• Madeleine Winery
• Maison Marques and Domaines - Roederer Champagne
• McIntyre
• Morgan Winery
• Mount Eden
• Paso CAB Collective
• Paul Lato Wines
• Perception
• Pisoni
• ROAR
• Shared Notes
• Tablas Creek Vineyard
• Talbott Vineyards
• Talley Vineyards
• Vineyard Brands
• Wedell Cellars
• Wind Gap Wines

Hyatt Carmel Highlands will be donating a portion of the proceeds from this event on November 6th to our charity partner the Big Sur Health Center.

The 2014 Big Sur Food and Wine Festival takes place November 6 - 9 throughout the coast of Big Sur. For more information, please contact Toby Rowland-Jones at 831-667-0800 or toby@bigsurfoodandwine.org, or visit www.bigsurfoodandwine.org

Background on Pacific’s Edge:
Pacific’s Edge is an award winning, glass-walled restaurant with spectacular ocean vistas. Our “California Coastal” cuisine provides the freshest local ingredients, meats and seafood, with dishes that meld a seasonal focus with sophisticated comfort food in a convivial ambiance that makes it appealing for everyday dining or any special occasion. Pacific’s Edge has received AAA 4 Diamond awards year after year, and has been named one of the Top 100 Restaurants in the United States by Zagat and one of the Top Ten Restaurants with a View by USA Today. Wine Spectator has lauded our wine list throughout the years with both Grand and Best of Award of Excellence awards.

About Hyatt Carmel Highlands, Overlooking Big Sur Coast
Perched on the hillside of the Carmel Highlands with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Hyatt Carmel Highlands combines true Carmel luxury with an approachable and sophisticated spirit. A haven for artists and discerning travelers since its opening in 1917, Hyatt Carmel Highlands features 48 luxuriously renovated guestrooms, including 11 suites, 32 Ocean View rooms and 5 Garden View rooms. In addition, Hyatt Carmel Highlands offers spectacular dining at the award-winning Pacific’s Edge restaurant and California Market, 4,800 square feet of meeting space, in-room spa services, heated outdoor swimming pool, three spa tubs and a StayFit fitness facility. Situated only four miles from downtown Carmel, Hyatt Carmel Highlands idyllic setting and personalized service has attracted families, weddings, honeymooners and privileged travelers for nearly a century. Hyatt Carmel Highlands is recognized among the world’s finest hotels as part of Condé Nast Traveler's 2010 Gold List and Travel + Leisure’s 2009 “T+L 500” World’s Best Hotels. www.hyattcarmelhighlands.com.

Media Contact for Hyatt Carmel Highlands and November 6 Event:
Contact Marci Bracco Cain (831) 747-7455 marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com

Media Contact for Big Sur Food and Wine Festival:
Contact Toby Rowland-Jones – 831-667-0800– toby@bigsurfoodandwine.org

For Media Interviews or Media Tickets for the Thursday, November 6th event at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands, contact Marci Bracco Cain, Chatterbox PR (831) 747-7455 or marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox
Carmel, CA 93923
831-747-7455
http://www.hyattcarmelhighlands.com

William Ritchey Insurance Agency Hosts Its 2nd CIG Insurance Community Safety Saturday™, October 18, 2014

Delano Community will Learn About Child, Teen, Family and Community Safety at this Free Family Event!

Delano, CA, October 05, 2014 – Mark your calendar! William Ritchey Insurance will host its 2nd CIG Insurance Community Safety Saturday, October 18th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at William Ritchey Insurance, 617 Main Street in Delano, California. This free, not-to-be-missed, community safety event is fun for the whole family and will feature many valuable safety activities and demonstrations.

“We are looking forward to another fantastic Community Safety Saturday!” remarks Bill Ritchey, President of William Ritchey Insurance Agency. “As we focus on family and community safety, awareness is the first step in prevention.  An event like this puts people and safety resources together in a fun and safe environment.”

One of the most important features of Community Safety Saturday will be the complimentary child car-seat safety inspection station with trained child car seat inspection technicians sponsored by Safe Kids Central California. National studies reveal that 80 to 90 percent of children are not properly restrained when in a vehicle, and many local car-seat check points report that 95 percent of car seats are installed incorrectly. At Community Safety Saturday, experts will check for proper installation and give parents and caregivers critical information about installing car seats correctly for their child and particular vehicle.

The KlaasKids Foundation Print-A-Thon is another important and free service that will be offered at Community Safety Saturday. The Print-A-Thon provides digital photo IDs & fingerprinting for every child. Parents receive a free DNA collection kit, child-safety tips, and a 9-point plan on what to do if their child disappears. KlaasKids is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to stop crimes against children by providing education and knowledge to the general public, and by promoting partnerships with concerned citizens, the private sector, organizations, law enforcement, and legislators. Marc Klaas advises, “The best way to avoid victimization is through education and knowledge.”

Community Safety Saturday will also feature the following attractions with more organizations to be confirmed soon:

*    Kern County Fire Department will bring a fire engine and safety trailer for tours.
*    Delano Police Department will bring safety and crime prevention information.
*    American Red Cross Central Valley Region will bring emergency preparedness information, a CPR mannequin and giveaways.
*     First 5 Kern will bring free kits that include preschool-level books, safety-related giveaways and information for parents of children ranging from newborns to five years of age.
*     City of Delano Public Works Department Water Division will bring information about “Water Conservation” mandatory activities taken by the City during “Drought Emergency” Fire Prevention.
*     Kern County Department of Human Services will provide child safety and child abuse information.
*     Boy Scouts of America–Southern Sierra Council will provide emergency survival and safety information and do knot tying demonstrations.
*     Girl Scouts of Central California South will provide first aid kits, lunch bags, pens and safety information.
*     211 Staff will hand out Rip cards that provide information about 211.
*     United Way of Kern County will bring information about their programs.
*     Kern County Animal Services will share information about emergency preparedness for pets.
*     Delano Chamber of Commerce will bring information about their organization and programs.
*     Bakersfield Police Department and MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) will bring A Life Interrupted trailer and handouts about the dangers of drinking and driving.
*     KlaasKids Foundation will conduct a Print-A-Thon that provides digital photo IDs & fingerprinting for every child.
*     Mexican American Opportunity Foundation will bring information about childcare and pre-school services.
*     Kern County Head Start/State Child Development Program will bring information about medical and dental community resources.
*     FBI will bring safety information for families.
*     Delano Ambulance will bring an ambulance for tours.
*     La Preciosa Bakersfield Radio 105.3 is the media sponsor and will provide music and prizes.

In addition to educational activities and demonstrations, and fun games during “Community Safety Saturday,” there will be a drawing at the end of the event with prizes such as a Solar Safety Flashlight, a Bluetooth® headset, StoveTop FireStop devices, an emergency radio and an emergency roadside kit. The grand prizes will be a 32” flat screen TV and a Google Tablet. Free recyclable tote bags with safety coloring books, crayons and other giveaways will also be distributed while supplies last.

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

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

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

CIG DELIVERS MORE. Continuously. ™

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

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