Combination Products, Package Design, and OEE on the Agenda for May 26th Conference in Princeton, NJ

Combination Products, Package Design, and OEE on the Agenda for May 26th Conference in Princeton, NJ

Healthcare Packaging’s annual event for packagers of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, nutraceuticals and biologics is scheduled for May 26 in Princeton, NJ. Combination products packaging, working with the FDA, continuous manufacturing, and brand strategies are among the key topics.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) January 24, 2011

Summit Media Group’s Healthcare Packaging returns to Princeton, NJ, for its annual educational and networking conference. This year’s gathering, May 26 at the Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village, will cover operational strategies, package design case histories, global market research and peer-to-peer education on how to create packaging that delivers improved sales, compliance, protection, and profits. The program is designed for packaging decision-makers, including packaging engineers, validation and regulation specialists, package designers, security and quality control professionals, sustainability managers, and solution providers in the pharmaceutical, medical device, and related healthcare industries.

Mike Wokasch, author of Pharmaplasia and long-time pharmaceutical industry veteran, will deliver the keynote address, focusing on what today's pharmaceutical manufacturers must do to weather the uncertainties in the healthcare marketplace. Mike Drues, Ph. D. and president of Vascular Sciences will cover the latest developments in combination products and offer his perspective on working with the FDA. Laure L. Larkin, packaging validation supervisor, Synthes USA, an international medical device company, will address combination product package stability aspects and validation issues.

James Evans, of The Novartis-MIT Center for Continuous Manufacturing, will examine packaging’s role in transforming pharmaceutical production with continuous manufacturing. He’ll describe the benefits this process delivers, including production efficiency, lower capital costs, and minimized waste and energy consumption.

Russ Napolitano, vp of strategic development at New York City brand identity consultancy Wallace Church, will explain how brand owners can make their products stand out in the marketplace. Napolitano will examine Internet and sampling strategies, focusing on packaging structure and graphics. Throughout the day, the Euromonitor International global research firm will share insights and statistics pertaining to consumer behavior and pharmaceutical and healthcare trends. Registration is open at http://www. healthcarepackaging. com/conference.

About Summit Media Group, Inc.

Chicago-based Summit Media Group, Inc. (http://www. summitmediagroup. com) is an integrated media publisher offering business information for professionals in packaging and manufacturing automation. Print magazines include flagship monthly Packaging World, Automation World, Packaging World’s PACK EXPO Showcase, Healthcare Packaging, and Contract Packaging. In addition to publishing a variety of newsletters, Summit also produces webinars and conferences and owns Web resource GreenerPackage. com.

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Legendary Jockeys to Appear at the International Equestrian Festival

Legendary Jockeys to Appear at the International Equestrian Festival

The International Equestrian Festival in Lexington, Kentucky pays homage to the Thoroughbred industry with special appearances and autograph sessions by renowned jockeys Jean Cruguet, Steve Cauthen, Pat Day and Calvin Borel, as well as Secretariat jockey Ron Turcotte and Kate Tweedy (daughter of Secretariat owner Penny Chenery). The jockeys will appear in the Horze exhibition at the Pre-Vent Feeders International Equestrian Festival beginning October 3 through October 7.

Lexington, KY (PRWEB) September 30, 2010

The Pre-Vent Feeders International Equestrian Festival presented by HRTV today announced several special appearances planned to showcase Kentucky’s proud Thoroughbred heritage. Autograph sessions by legendary jockeys Ron Turcotte, Jean Cruguet, Steve Cauthen, Pat Day and Calvin Borel, and a special signing by Kate Tweedy of her book, “Secretariat’s Meadow,” take place at the Horze stage and display at the International Equestrian Festival, which runs now through October 10 at the downtown Lexington Convention Center. 

Sunday, October 3
1:30 p. m. – Triple Crown winning jockeys Ron Turcotte, Jean Cruguet and Steve Cauthen will share with festival goers reflections on their celebrated careers.

2:00 – 4:30 p. m. – Ron Turcotte, Jean Cruguet and Steve Cauthen autograph session

Monday, October 4
2:00 p. m. – Meadow Stable Day – meet Secretariat jockey Ron Turcotte, Kate Tweedy and exercise rider Charlie Davis

Tuesday, October 5
5:00 p. m. – “Secretariat’s Meadow” book signing by Kate Tweedy, daughter of Penny Chenery, owner of the 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat. 

Wednesday, October 6 3:00 p. m. – Jean Cruguet and Pat Day autograph session

Thursday, October 7
3:00 p. m.- Calvin Borel autograph session with special Borel bobbleheads available

About the Jockeys
Ron Turcotte is best known as the jockey of Secretariat, the 1973 Triple Crown winner. That campaign set still-existing track records in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. A Hall of Fame jockey, Mr. Turcotte won over 3,000 races and is the only jockey ever to have won five of six consecutive Triple Crown races.

Jean Cruguet holds the distinction of being the only jockey to ride an undefeated Triple Crown champion – 1977’s Seattle Slew. In his forty years as a jockey, Mr. Cruguet won more than 2,400 races.

Steve Cauthen became the youngest jockey to ever win the Triple Crown when, in 1978, he rode Affirmed to victory, a feat that also garnered him Sports Illustrated’s “Sportsman of the Year” award. A Kentucky native, Mr. Cauthen enjoyed a lucrative career, winning nearly 2,800 races.

With more than 8,800 winning races, Hall of Fame jockey Pat Day holds nine individual Triple Crown race victories. He is the all-time winning jockey at Churchill Downs and holds the record for all-time North American race earnings.

Winning in 2007, 2009 and 2010, Calvin Borel holds the distinction of being the first jockey to win three Kentucky Derbys in a four-year span. He is also one of only a few jockeys ever to win both the Kentucky Oaks and Derby in the same year. In June of this year, Mr. Borel became the second jockey (Pat Day being the first) to win 1,000 career races at Churchill Downs.

The jockeys will appear at the Horze stage and booth, located within the Festival’s shopping expo of more than 200 vendors. Horze is one of Europe’s largest horse and riding equipment providers, with an online shop accessible in English, German, Finnish, Norwegian, Danish, Swedish, Russian, Spanish, French, Dutch and Italian. For more information, visit www. horze. com.

In addition to the Legendary Jockeys activities, the Festival offers visitors an international shopping expo, horse demonstrations, equestrian celebrities, educational seminars and a wide variety of entertainment options. Tickets to the Festival are $5 for a one-day pass, or $8 for a multi-day pass and can be purchased at the door. For a complete event schedule, visit www. internationalequestrianfestival. com.

Horse Capital Productions, LLC promotes entertainment, education, and tourism for the horse industry with large-scale events production and web-based education and entertainment solutions. The 2010 Pre-Vent Feeders International Equestrian Festival presented by HRTV (September 25 – October 10, 2010), is a Horse Capital Productions event sponsored by Pre-Vent Feeders, HRTV, Active Interest Media, ABC-36 television, The UPS Store, Nutrena, Hollywood Casino, Bayer Animal Health, Martin Collins International, Spoga Horse, Kraft Brothers Inc., Segway of Paducah and Julie Goodnight, with partnerships including Eastern Kentucky University and the Kentucky Horse Council, and support from Horse Radio Network. Horse Capital Productions, which also runs the Kentucky horse farm tours online ticketing system HYPERLINK "http://www. HorseCapitalTours. com" (http://www. HorseCapitalTours. com") www. HorseCapitalTours. com, is based in Lexington, the heart of Kentucky bluegrass horse country, and operates under the philosophy of doing what is right for the horse, the community and the sport of horses. Horse Capital Productions, LLC and the International Equestrian Festival are not sponsors or affiliates of the 2010 Alltech World Equestrian Games.

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Byron Miller for Congress: We can make a difference

Byron Miller for Congress: We can make a difference.

Byron Miller announces his candidacy for the 2006 election to the U. S. House of Representatives, to serve the people of Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District

(PRWEB) February 14, 2005

It is with great pleasure and pride that I announce my candidacy for the 2006 election to the U. S. House of Representatives, to serve the people of Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District. I want to help ensure a better future for us, our children, and our parents by promoting the Democratic Party's platform – promoting the needs of working families and seniors, and increasing access to educational opportunities, health care, and jobs.

Our Constitution enshrines our commitment to a government of, for, and by the people of this great republic. I want to bring our government – our Congress – back to the people, back to its roots: to the citizens it is supposed to serve and protect. I want to help my fellow Pennsylvanians show the world that the ideal of democracy is worth the struggle, worth the fight – and that the freedoms our Constitution holds sacred are open to all.

I firmly believe in American values: strong families, a well-rounded education, and opportunity for all. I will stand with you in fighting to uphold these values, and I will hold them dear to my own heart.

It is YOU that I will fight for, YOU that I want to represent – not simply out of the goodness of my heart, but also out of the passion that drives me to help my fellow Pennsylvanians succeed by working to create an equitable future for all.

To find out more information or to contact us please visit http://www. byronmiller. org (http://www. byronmiller. org).

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Consumer Driven Health Plans [CDHP]

Consumer Driven Health Plans [CDHP]

CDHP is about transferring the reins of health-care costs to the participating individual, thereby making him an active and informed decision maker for his/her heath-care needs.

(PRWEB) May 21, 2005

Do you know that skyrocketing health care costs have been draining the federal government and employerÂ’s exchequers over the last couple of years? The health care costs account for 15.5 percent of U. S GDP and is the most expensive benefit paid by employers, seriously affecting their competitiveness in the global market. Health care spending is projected to top $1.9 trillion in 2005, about twice the amount being spent on education. According to the Employment Policy Foundation, employers have spent $331 billion last year for health insurance, a 50 percent increase since 1998. All of these never-improving alarming statistics did result in designing the Consumer Driven Health Plan (CDHP), making the insured person an active member in controlling the costs, rather than being passive and relying on the managed benefit program. The idea was pioneered by Definity Health in Minnesota in the year 2000 and has seen a rapid adoption by the employers/employees over the years due to its inherent cure-for-all strategy.

CDHP ( http://www. healthinsurancedepth. com (http://www. healthinsurancedepth. com)) is all about transferring the reins of health-care costs to the participating individual, thereby making him an active and informed decision maker for his/her heath-care needs. Consumer-directed health plans (CDHPs) are typically a combination of a high-deductible medical insurance plan coupled with an employer sponsored reimbursement account (HRA) or a health care savings (HSA) plan that consumers access to pay for eligible medical care expenses. Unutilized funds may be carried over for health care expenses for future years, encouraging the participants to use the accumulated asset in a wise manner. The plans would also include coverage for any preventive care services such as annual health-checkups, immunizations and childcare. The money from the savings plan can also be used for tax-free reimbursement of post-retirement insurance premiums.

In the HRA version of the plan, the employer sets aside a pre-defined set of dollars for usage by the employee. The HRA plan is not transferable between employers. When the amount is exhausted, there is some out-of-pocket expenditure incurred by the participant. Employers are now able to control the health-care costs, and the member is encouraged to wisely utilize the money using the annual rollover feature to save for possible major future expenses. The HSA based plan, involves contribution to a savings account on a pre-tax basis, by the employer and/or employee and is portable as the participant changes employer / plan. The member also has the flexibility to select the investment options for the savings account. In either of the plans, the participant has to pay the pre-defined level of annual deductible and the remaining expenses are reimbursed by the plan on a co-payment basis, subject to a maximum level of out-of-pocket payment. The memberÂ’s incentive of maintaining the assets in the account encourages proper scrutiny of health-care related bills, costs and/or evaluation of the necessity of visits to the doctor. Inherent to the design of the plan, the participant is rewarded through increased savings by judiciously controlling his/her medical expenses.

HSA is a comparatively newer development in the insurance industry, resulting in a usual time lag of adoption by the employers. As per a recent survey conducted by America's Health Insurance Plans, 79 percent of the HSA adoptions were by individuals. Even though the number of employers offering HRAs outnumber those that offer HSAs, but in the long-run it is estimated that the latter will take over due to its simplicity and popularity among the consumers as they have more control on the accumulated medical dollars.

Another recent survey of employers conducted by Mercer Human Resource Consulting, reveals a preference of HSAs being offered by as compared to the other plan by the year 2006. According to Charles Koser, Infinisource Vice President of Business Development, 40 percent of businesses with less than 10 employees do not offer health insurance based on a recent study done by the National Federation of Independent Businesses [ NFIB ]. He further states that, HSA is a very affordable option for these employers and probably proves the point when the study also reveals that 32 percent of HSA adopters were uninsured.

Proper Communication is probably the key factor in ensuring adoption of CDHPs in an organization. According to Sara Taylor, national leader for annual enrollment at Hewitt Associates "Employers aren't going to see much enrollment in consumer-driven health plans, if it's only one option out of 15 plans….Having a choice between a consumer-driven plan and a traditional health plan is a better way to drive employee enrollment to HSAs and HRAs”. Also, the initiatives must stress on building a healthier and health-care-cost-conscious workforce with cheaper access to preventive care with a CDHP. Over the next couple of years, we are probably going to see more adoptions of CDHPs by the major corporations, giving the employees direct control of the medical dollars and controlling the investment opportunities for the accumulated assets.

A recent survey was conducted by Aon Consulting and International Society of Certified Employee Benefit Specialists (ISCEBS), in January and February of this year. The survey of 208 benefit managers revealed that 22 percent of the businesses offered a CDHP to their employees. To indicate that CDHP has gained significant popularity in recent years, the survey also mentions that 74 percent of the corporations offering a CDHP started doing so in 2004 and 2005, with over half that group having started in January this year. As per a Forrester Research study, about $88 billion of insurance-premium dollars are estimated from adoption of CDHP model by 2007. With a gradual adoption of CDHP model among the employees - an organization of about 10,000 employees, incurring about $8,000 per employee annually – can save up to $10 million over a period of four years.

At the same time, consumer needs to make sure they at least get a PPO (http://www. healthinsurancedepth. com (http://www. healthinsurancedepth. com)) style negotiated price through their health insurance carriers before they meet their deductibles – otherwise savings of the affordable health insurance may go way. More and more doctors and hospitals are getting it in writing from the patients that they will be paying usual and customary charges instead of lower PPO negotiated prices. This trend itself can make Consumer Driven Health and Medical Insurance unattractive.

To sum it up, CDHP seems to be offering a reliable antidote for the raging health-care costs in corporate America and create a new pool of cost-conscious consumers.

For more info visit: http://www. healthinsurancedepth. com (http://www. healthinsurancedepth. com)

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Going Green? Don't Forget Sunscreen

Going Green? Don't Forget Sunscreen

The rush to go green is like the gold rush of 1849. If you really desire to positively impact the environment, one of the first things you should do is get yourself a green sunscreen--one that is made with all natural ingredients.

Panama City Beach, FL (PRWEB) March 6, 2008

The rush to go green is like the gold rush of 1849. If you really desire to positively impact the environment, one of the first things you should do is get yourself a green sunscreen (http://www. puresunscreen. com)--one that is made with all natural ingredients.

Traditional sunscreens contain chemicals that can impact our environment. The chemical UV filters, preservatives and scents wash off and can contaminate pools, oceans, lakes and streams when you go swimming. In fact, there is some evidence that at least one of these chemicals survives the sewage treatment process.

One of the most recent studies to link sunscreen chemicals to adverse reactions in the environment was completed by the Polytechnic University of the Marche (http://www. ehponline. org/members/2008/10966/10966.pdf), Italy. It documents the effects of sunscreen exposure on coral samples from reefs in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans. This study concluded that even low levels of sunscreen chemicals, at or below the typical amount used by swimmers, could promote viral infections that can completely bleach coral in just four days.

The Italian researchers estimate that 4,000 to 6000 metric tons of sunscreen washes off swimmers annually worldwide. Eco-parks in Mexico, such as Xel-Ha and Xcaret, have already banned the use of sun-tan lotions and sunscreens with oils and chemical ingredients because, according to their website, "these sunscreens damage marine flora and kill fish."

If you are serious about protecting our planets sensitive ecosystems, using a chemical free sunscreen is an easy transition. One environmentally friendly sunscreen that can make it easy for you is MelanSol®--it contributes to a healthy body and a healthy planet.

MelanSol® is a biodegradable sunscreen invented by Peter Zahner, a basal cell skin cancer survivor. Zahner designed his chemical free sunscreen to be safe for all ages, while being in complete harmony with our environment. "MelanSol® is a great fit for parents who want to make healthy choices for their family and practice environmental conservation at the same time." said Michael Russ, US distributor for MelanSol®.

What sets MelanSol® apart from other sunscreens is that it gives your skin the all important topical anti-oxidant protection traditional sunscreens rarely provide. "Topical anti-oxidants are important because they help prevent the oxidative stress that occurs when free radicals outnumber your body's natural anti-oxidants on the skin," says Zahner. Free radicals (oxidants), caused by UV rays, are the culprits responsible for long-term skin damage that can lead to leathery skin, wrinkles, sagging skin, sun spots and possibly even skin cancer later in life. MelanSol® has been a favorite all natural sunscreen among Swiss Dermatologists for several years.

MelanSol® is the first all natural biodegradable sunscreen to meet the rigorous environmental criterion of the fast growing Green Hotels Association (http://www. greenhotels. com). "Hotels can now proudly offer their guests an all natural sunscreen that fits their image and environmental commitment." said Russ. "Companies can benefit when they provide or recommend a green sunscreen to their employees as part of their green policy."

MelanSol® is made in the USA and distributed by Oceana Naturals, LLC. It is available on the web (http://www. PureSunscreen. com) and through a growing number of selected retailers nationwide.

Media inquiries, please call Michael J. Russ at 866-242-3776.

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SmartNow. com's "Back to You" Makeover Promotion - Already a Winner

SmartNow. com's "Back to You" Makeover Promotion - Already a Winner

SmartNow. com, a site for women over 35 which provides information and community for those who want to feel good, do good and look good, announces early success with its "Back to You" beauty makeover promotion. There were hundreds of applicants. Voting for the winner began August 22nd and thousands of votes have been cast within two days. All are encouraged to visit SmartNow. com and cast their vote before voting ends on September 4th.

San Francisco (PRWEB) August 26, 2008

SmartNow today announced that their first promotion, an all expense paid trip to NYC for a beauty makeover, has attracted and engaged women across the US. SmartNow. com launched in late May with the mission of providing women 35+ with a place to get relevant, age-appropriate information on health, beauty, fitness, relationships, nutrition and philanthropy, while providing a community where women can actively engage with SmartNow's group of experts and with each other.

SmartNow. com posted the Top 20 semi-finalists of its first promotion, the Back to You Makeover on August 23rd. Site visitors are now casting their votes for a winner, and in the first 24 hours thousands of votes were registered. The SmartNow experts will also weigh in on the final winner. For this first promotion, the SmartNow experts involved include Dr. Lenora Felderman, a leading NYC dermatologist practicing at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center and Lenox Hill Hospital; Matthew Shields, accomplished hair stylist at Sally Hershberger whose clients have included Jane Fonda and Meg Ryan; Bridgette Raes, stylist and author of Style Rx: Dressing the Body You Have to Create the Body You Want and Raychel Wade, makeup expert and owner of Cheek to Chic in NYC.

The women's stories are all posted on SmartNow. com and anyone can vote. Emails to friends and family are encouraging all to vote early and vote often. Voting ends September 4, 2008 at 5pm PST. The winner must be ready to pack their bag and head off to NYC on September 9th for a day of beauty the following day.

"The women who applied for this makeover had stories that made us laugh, cry and empathize with them. Plus the applicants are really having fun with this promotion and that is part of our mission," said Julie Wainwright, CEO and Co-founder of SmartNow. Based on the traffic patterns so far, it seems that other women are finding the women's stories to be inspiring as well.

To further drive brand awareness and traffic, SmartNow will regularly offer targeted promotions as a key vehicle for women to find and explore SmartNow. The next promotion is a Holiday themed event and begins in September.

About SmartNow. com
SmartNow. com provides women over 35 with information to help them feel good, look good and do good. The site has over 10,000 pages of expert information and community on health, nutrition, fitness, beauty, humor, relationships and inspiration. Dedicated to providing practical advice and solutions, the site has a wide variety of experts, including doctors and researchers, coaches for diet and general wellness, nutritionists, fitness and yoga professionals and beauty experts contributing to the site on a regular basis. www. smartnow. com

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Health Club Marketing and Advertising Powerhouses Join Forces

Health Club Marketing and Advertising Powerhouses Join Forces

Profit Partners LLC of Fair Haven NJ and Susan K. Bailey of Ontario Canada have joined forces to create more effective marketing and advertising for health club owners in the U. S. and Canada. Profit Partners LLC has been creating marketing systems for the health club industry exclusively since 2003. The award-winning firm of Susan K. Bailey has been creating advertisements and lead generators for the health club industry since 1983. Together, these two firms bring decades of experience to deliver the most effective marketing and advertising solutions to health club, fitness center and gym owners.

FAIR HAVEN, NJ (PRWEB) November 16, 2006

Profit Partners LLC of Fair Haven NJ and Susan K. Bailey of Ontario Canada have joined forces to create more effective marketing and advertising for health club owners in the U. S. and Canada. Profit Partners LLC (http://www. myprofitpartner. org) has been creating marketing systems for the health club industry exclusively since 2003. The award-winning firm of Susan K. Bailey (http://www. clubads. com) has been creating advertisements and lead generators for the health club industry since 1983. Together, these two firms bring decades of experience to deliver the most effective marketing and advertising solutions to health club, fitness center and gym owners.

43.8 million Americans have spent $15.9 billion dollars on memberships to health, sports and racquet clubs last year. This industry has grown every year, yet many of the owners of these clubs are reporting flat or declining revenue. The reason is simple; more competition. Although a record number of people are buying memberships, the number of choices has also increased. This has brought with it a new challenge for the owners; get more members than the competition.

The Price of the Membership is not the Problem

In the last twelve months, Profit Partners has surveyed over 2,400 people who have joined health clubs, gyms, athletic and fitness centers. This survey confirmed the fact that price is not the #1 reason people pick one club over another. Yet when you look at health a club ad, that's all they talk about. "People, who are trying to look better and feel better, want convenience, no hassles and variety. If you provide that at a reasonable cost, you will win the market share" said Bob Sisk co-founder of Profit Partners LLC. Profit Partners creates the messaging and systems for clubs from their website, phone scripts and drop in scripts. They create all of the facets of a club's strategic marketing. The focus is on what makes that club unique and different from the rest. "Susan K. Bailey provides the highest quality look needed to create the all important first impression. They continue to exceed the expectations of their clients. Profit Partners are very excited about the finished products." said Allan Boushie Co-Founder of Profit Partners LLC.

The Playing Field Has Been Leveled

Profit Partners has made it possible for small and mid-sized club owners to receive the same high quality marketing and advertising solutions as the $100 million national chains. "In a sense, we have leveled the playing field." Sisk said. Smaller health clubs can now achieve the same impact in the market place as the mega centers. Too many hard working entrepreneurs watched their revenues disappear when a national chain moved into town. With a proven marketing and advertising system a health club will achieve growth in a competitive environment.

Sue Kell, President of Susan K. Bailey, says "People are powered by emotion more than reason. We are 80 percent emotional and 20 percent rational. If we can't get emotional about fitness, why will our customers? The message that we at SKB constantly retain in the back of our creative minds is that being fit simply makes life better. Our focus is clear: to be passionate about our client's club and create compelling advertising that convinces individuals to become members and get more out of life. While reason makes all advertising the same, emotion creates differences no one dreamed of."

Health Club owners don't have the time to learn how to become marketing experts. Thanks to the joint efforts of Profit Partners LLC and Susan K. Bailey Advertising, they don't have to.

About Profit Partners LLC

Profit Partners LLC is headquartered at 492 River Road in Fair Haven, NJ 07704. They are a Marketing firm which was founded in 2001. Since 2003, they have worked exclusively with health clubs and the fitness industry; becoming an industry leader. Their successful programs were launched nationally in 2004. For more information on their services or the other benefits they provide, visit www. MyProfitPartner. org, or call 732-419-9001.

About Susan K. Bailey Advertising

Susan K. Bailey is headquartered at 244 Ashley Street, Foxboro, Ontario, Canada K0K2B0. They are a full scale print shop, mailing house with 19 graphic designers. They have been creating award winning advertisements and lead generators for the industry since 1983. For more information on their services or the other benefits they provide, visit www. ClubAds. com or call 888-349-4594.

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