http://www.marketwire.com Market Wire - Financial Services: General Copyright 2006 Market Wire, Inc. All Rights Reserved. cs@marketwire.com 10 en-us http://www.marketwire.com/IMAGES/marketwire.gif http://www.marketwire.com Tue, 6 Jan 2009 22:14:00 GMT TORONTO, ONTARIO (MARKET WIRE) Sentry Select Capital Inc. ("Sentry Select" or the "Manager") announces that Sentry Select Diversified Income Trust (TSX: SDT.UN) has been renamed Sentry Select Diversified Income Fund (the "Fund"). The Fund's units are expected to begin trading under the new name on January 8, 2009. The Fund's units will continue to trade on the TSX under the symbol SDT.UN. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=464064&tsource=3 Financial Services SDT.UN Tue, 6 Jan 2009 21:15:00 GMT PARK RIDGE, NJ (MARKET WIRE) http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=464035&tsource=3 Financial Services Automotive Travel and Hospitality Professional Services HTZ Tue, 6 Jan 2009 20:51:00 GMT MONTREAL, QUEBEC (MARKET WIRE) OphiraVencap Inc. (the "Corporation") (TSX VENTURE: OPV.P) announces that the third paragraph of the Press Release of December 30, 2008 should have read as follows: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=464036&tsource=3 Financial Services OPV.P Tue, 6 Jan 2009 20:00:00 GMT BROOKLYN, NY (MARKET WIRE) Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: DCOM), the parent company of The Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh ("Dime"), today announced that Dime has opened its 23rd retail branch office. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=464005&tsource=3 Financial Services DCOM Tue, 6 Jan 2009 18:55:00 GMT CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA (MARKET WIRE) Eagle Technology Management, Inc. (ETM) has launched MuniTables, an online database that contains the information insurers need to make municipal tax payments -- accurately and on time -- for all of the states that assess municipal taxes. In addition to addresses by city or town, MuniTables contains names and contact information for the parties to whom payments should be remitted. It also contains due and delinquent dates, non-compliance penalties, issuance fees, and other sources of municipal tax information. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463995&tsource=3 Financial Services Computers and Software Tue, 6 Jan 2009 18:19:00 GMT SALT LAKE CITY, UT (MARKET WIRE) In a move that will deliver performance dashboards to a variety of enterprises, Corda Technologies has signed a partnership with Vigilant. Vigilant's comprehensive approach to IT management optimizes its ability to meet and maintain business growth and operations. The company's offerings mitigate risk while eliminating costly inefficiencies, focusing on organization and technology for increased ROI and lowered total cost of ownership. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463976&tsource=3 Financial Services Computers and Software Tue, 6 Jan 2009 18:00:00 GMT SAN RAFAEL, CA (MARKET WIRE) Goodman Marketing Partners (GMP), an independent full-service direct marketing company based in San Rafael, CA, announced today that Aon Affinity Insurance Services has selected GMP to manage the strategic planning, creative and production duties for a select group of client associations. Aon Affinity provides insurance brokerage, marketing, administration and claims management services to a variety of association and non-profit professional organizations to meet their professional, personal and business needs. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463814&tsource=3 Financial Services Professional Services Tue, 6 Jan 2009 17:00:00 GMT LOS ANGELES, CA (MARKET WIRE) Winston Baker, a revolutionary event producer of educational forums for the financial community, announced today that it will be offering the inaugural "Film Finance Forum" on March 11 - 12, 2009 at the Century Plaza Hyatt Regency. The forum has been designed for investors seeking new opportunities within the film industry, including current M&A and distressed deals, promising films and production start-ups, plus updates on digital innovations and secondary releases. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463787&tsource=3 Financial Services Computers and Software Telecom Media and Entertainment Tue, 6 Jan 2009 16:24:00 GMT LANCASTER, PA (MARKET WIRE) Fulton Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: FULT) today announced that it will distribute its fourth quarter/year-end earnings news release and accompanying charts on Tuesday, January 20 at approximately 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463950&tsource=3 Financial Services FULT Tue, 6 Jan 2009 16:16:00 GMT SHANGHAI, CHINA (MARKET WIRE) Dragon Capital Group Corp. (PINKSHEETS: DRGV), a leading holding company of emerging high-tech companies in China, announced today the company's financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2008 ended September 30, 2008. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463941&tsource=3 Financial Services Computers and Software Professional Services Retail DRGV Tue, 6 Jan 2009 15:36:00 GMT BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (MARKET WIRE) Power of the Dream Ventures, Inc. (OTCBB: PWRV), Hungary's premier technology acquisition and development company, today announced that in4, Ltd., a Hungarian software company in which PDV owns substantial equity, is preparing to launch a Public Beta of iGlue, in4's internet search and content organizer application on January 31st, 2009. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463928&tsource=3 Financial Services Computers and Software PWRV Tue, 6 Jan 2009 15:30:00 GMT OAK BROOK, IL (MARKET WIRE) Millennium Trust Company, a leading provider of IRA administrative and custody services, announced today that it has joined Wealth Management's (WMSI) Rollover Network. Through WMSI's Rollover Solution Network, Third Party Administrators and plan sponsors will be able to select Millennium's Automatic Rollover IRA solution and systematically rollover plan assets for missing and nonresponsive participants of active and terminating plans. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463919&tsource=3 Financial Services Professional Services Tue, 6 Jan 2009 15:17:00 GMT WALTHAM, MA (MARKET WIRE) ClickSquared, Inc., a leading interactive relationship marketing firm, today announced that long-time company COO Wayne Townsend has been promoted to CEO effective January 1, 2009, replacing Andrew Frawley. Townsend has been with the company for five years, and brings more than fifteen years of experience in CRM, direct marketing and analytics. The company also announced the closing of an $11 million Series B round of financing, led by JMI Equity, ABS Venture, and Flybridge. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463895&tsource=3 Financial Services Travel and Hospitality Computers and Software Telecom Professional Services Retail Tue, 6 Jan 2009 15:08:00 GMT NEW YORK, NY (MARKET WIRE) Insurance claims professionals, insureds and outside defense lawyers have often worked at cross-purposes, making for inefficiency and less-than-optimal results. But change has been afoot since the Council on Litigation Management (CLM) began aligning defense-team goals in early 2007. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463307&tsource=3 Financial Services Professional Services Tue, 6 Jan 2009 15:05:00 GMT LOS ANGELES, CA (MARKET WIRE) Abacus Insurance Brokers, Inc., a Los Angeles-based program manager that distributes specialty insurance products online through www.abacus.net, has enhanced its portfolio of production programs to include stunt coverage. This is the first time stunt coverage has been offered online by any program manager or insurance carrier. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463807&tsource=3 Financial Services Media and Entertainment Tue, 6 Jan 2009 15:00:00 GMT NEW YORK, NY (MARKET WIRE) Kamakura Corporation announced Tuesday that the Kamakura index of troubled public companies showed strongly deteriorating global credit quality in December, the 16th decline in credit quality in the last 17 months. The Kamakura global index of troubled companies increased to 24.0% of the public company universe from 22.6% of the universe in November. Kamakura defines a troubled company as a company whose short term default probability is in excess of 1%. The all-time high in the index was 28%, recorded in September 2001. Kamakura Corporation labeled the current economic contraction a http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463749&tsource=3 Financial Services Computers and Software Professional Services Tue, 6 Jan 2009 14:35:00 GMT HOUSTON, TX (MARKET WIRE) Kayne Anderson MLP Investment Company (the "Company") (NYSE: KYN) today provided an unaudited balance sheet at December 31, 2008. As of such date, its unaudited net asset value was $589.2 million or $13.34 per share. The unaudited balance sheet reflects a deferred tax asset of $103.0 million or $2.33 per share. The deferred tax asset at this date reflects a valuation allowance of $24.2 million. The Company's policy regarding the valuation allowance was established in October 2008 and is in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company also disclosed that it does http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463890&tsource=3 Financial Services KYN Tue, 6 Jan 2009 14:27:00 GMT MURRIETA, CA (MARKET WIRE) CLX Medical, Inc. (OTCBB: CLXN), which is focused on the marketing and distribution of unique medical diagnostic testing products, today announced the appointment of Patrick Edgerton as Chairman of the Board of Directors to fulfill the remainder of the term vacated by the resignation of Robert McCoy as Chairman. Mr. Edgerton, who has served on the company's Board of Directors since February 2007, has extensive experience in the medical supply industry, including in several key positions with a Fortune 15 company. Mr. McCoy will continue to serve on the Board as a Director. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463888&tsource=3 Financial Services Pharmaceuticals and Biotech Medical and Healthcare CLXN Tue, 6 Jan 2009 14:23:00 GMT BOCA RATON, FL (MARKET WIRE) Perfect Web Technologies, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: PWBI) has begun a licensing campaign with respect to its 7,353,199 patent. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463886&tsource=3 Financial Services Computers and Software PWBI Tue, 6 Jan 2009 14:00:00 GMT DALLAS, TX (MARKET WIRE) NewMarket Technology, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: NMKT) today announced that CEO Philip Verges will be in China this week to finalize recently announced plans to increase the Company's ownership in its Chinese operating subsidiary. China Crescent Enterprises, Inc. (OTCBB: CCSE), NewMarket's independently listed operation doing business in China, currently has a 51% ownership position in a Chinese subsidiary dedicated to domestic growth within China. China Crescent plans to acquire an additional 25% interest from the Chinese operating subsidiary's minority shareholder. The Chinese subsidiary currently http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463866&tsource=3 Financial Services Computers and Software Professional Services NMKT CCSE Tue, 6 Jan 2009 14:00:00 GMT KANSAS CITY, MO (MARKET WIRE) H&R Block Inc. (NYSE: HRB) will host its Investment Community Conference in New York City on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009. H&R Block's senior leaders will outline the company's growth strategies and outlook. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463805&tsource=3 Financial Services Professional Services HRB Tue, 6 Jan 2009 14:00:00 GMT LOS ANGELES, CA (MARKET WIRE) Chartwell Independent Insurance Brokers LLC, a leading wholesale and specialty insurance broker focusing on high-risk, hard-to-place coverage, announced the launch of its Commercial Storage Insurance (CSI) Program. This program offers specialty insurance coverage for warehouse and storage facilities, including self storage, mobile storage, boat and recreational vehicle (RV) storage, cold storage, and cargo. Working exclusively through independent agents and brokers, Chartwell is distributing this program nationwide. The CSI Program offers in-depth industry expertise; coverage, terms, and http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463774&tsource=3 Financial Services Real Estate and Construction Tue, 6 Jan 2009 14:00:00 GMT SAN RAMON, CA (MARKET WIRE) AurionPro, a leader in offshore product development and outsourcing services, today announced it has been named in the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 India and Fast 500 Asia Pacific rankings of fast-growing technology companies for a second consecutive year. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463775&tsource=3 Financial Services Computers and Software Professional Services Retail Tue, 6 Jan 2009 13:30:00 GMT WEST PALM BEACH, FL (MARKET WIRE) HearUSA, Inc. (AMEX: EAR), the recognized leader in hearing care for the nation's top managed care providers through 200 company-owned hearing care centers and a network of over 1,900 affiliated providers, has been awarded Health Network Accreditation from URAC, a Washington, DC-based health care accrediting organization that establishes quality standards for the health care industry. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463753&tsource=3 Financial Services Medical and Healthcare Lifestyle and Leisure EAR Tue, 6 Jan 2009 13:19:00 GMT TORONTO, ONTARIO (MARKET WIRE) Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (TSX: FFH)(NYSE: FFH) announces that it has declared a dividend of US$8.00 per share on its outstanding multiple voting and subordinate voting shares, payable on January 27, 2009 to shareholders of record on January 20, 2009. Applicable Canadian withholding tax will be applied to dividends payable to non-residents of Canada. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463868&tsource=3 Financial Services FFH Tue, 6 Jan 2009 13:15:00 GMT CHICAGO, IL (MARKET WIRE) Spectrem Group (www.spectrem.com) invites members of the media to join its experts and discuss the findings of Spectrem's new report, "Attitudes of Affluent Investors on Surviving the Economic Crisis," which was released today. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463811&tsource=3 Financial Services Tue, 6 Jan 2009 13:00:00 GMT NEW YORK, NY (MARKET WIRE) FRSGlobal, the only global provider of risk and regulatory compliance solutions with coverage for over 30 countries, today announced that it has released a validation and audit platform for the advanced approach to Basel II. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463238&tsource=3 Financial Services Computers and Software Tue, 6 Jan 2009 13:00:00 GMT DALLAS, TX (MARKET WIRE) WFG Investments, Inc. is proud to announce that one of its registered representatives, Mike Leara, was elected as a State Representative in the Missouri House of Representatives in November's election. He will succeed Representative Jim Avery as the representative of the 95th legislative district. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463698&tsource=3 Financial Services Government Tue, 6 Jan 2009 13:00:00 GMT CHICAGO, IL (MARKET WIRE) America's millionaires are feeling significant pain. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463810&tsource=3 Financial Services Tue, 6 Jan 2009 13:00:00 GMT LOS ANGELES, CA (MARKET WIRE) Erickson Capital announced today that the company is offering customized and transparent money management services for institutional and high-net-worth investors. "We're essentially offering individual, customized hedge fund portfolios with daily liquidity, and without onerous performance fees, withdrawal restrictions or leverage," says Dean Erickson, CFA, founder of Erickson Capital. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463816&tsource=3 Financial Services Professional Services Tue, 6 Jan 2009 12:30:00 GMT MENLO PARK, CA (MARKET WIRE) CoBank, a leading cooperative bank serving agribusinesses and rural utilities throughout the United States, has selected BoardVantage to manage its board communications. CoBank uses BoardVantage to increase the efficiency of their governance process and to manage document retention policies of board materials. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463729&tsource=3 Financial Services Computers and Software Professional Services Energy and Utilities Tue, 6 Jan 2009 12:07:00 GMT PALO ALTO, CA (MARKET WIRE) Voltage Security, a global leader in information encryption, today announced that RLI, a leading specialty insurance company, will use breakthrough security technology from Voltage to protect critical customer information. Voltage SecureData(TM), based on Format-Preserving Encryption(TM), will protect personally identifiable information (PII) as it is received from business partners and stored at RLI. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463833&tsource=3 Financial Services Computers and Software Retail Tue, 6 Jan 2009 12:00:00 GMT RALEIGH, NC (MARKET WIRE) Given the current economic climate, many Americans may be resolving to pay down debt, or improve their financial situation in 2009. But how can you stay on track to achieving your New Year's resolutions this year? When it comes to finances, planning and budgeting are key to achieving financial success says Consumer Education Services, Inc. (CESI), a nonprofit debt management company. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463658&tsource=3 Financial Services Retail Lifestyle and Leisure Tue, 6 Jan 2009 12:00:00 GMT LAS VEGAS, NV (MARKET WIRE) National Automation Services, Inc. (www.nasautomation.com) (PINKSHEETS: NASV) today announced the S1 Filing to the SEC was completed in December and a new website and web address is being unveiled this Friday. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463808&tsource=3 Financial Services Professional Services Electronics and Semiconductors NASV Tue, 6 Jan 2009 10:45:00 GMT VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA (MARKET WIRE) Global Health Ventures Inc. (OTCBB: GHLV) is pleased to announce that it has closed a non-prospectus issued private placement offering of 2 million units, common stock. Each unit is comprised of one common share of Global Health Ventures (the "Company") and one common share purchase warrant, at a price of US$0.25 per unit for a gross proceeds of US$500,000. Each whole common share purchase warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share of Global Health Ventures upon payment of US$0.40 within two years. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463850&tsource=3 Financial Services Pharmaceuticals and Biotech Medical and Healthcare GHLV Tue, 6 Jan 2009 09:00:00 GMT LOS ANGELES, CA (MARKET WIRE) With the current state of the economy it's becoming increasingly difficult to qualify for a loan -- even if you have perfect credit. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463475&tsource=3 Financial Services Computers and Software Tue, 6 Jan 2009 07:30:00 GMT LOS ANGELES, CA (MARKET WIRE) The New Year is always a time for reflection and a time to look forward and anticipate what challenges and opportunities lie ahead; it is also a time to make plans for responding to challenges and opportunities in the coming year. The year 2008 was marked by considerable uncertainties and challenges as the world confronted "triple crises": soaring food and fuel prices, climate change, and also development emergencies. Now all these triple crises have been compounded by the global financial crisis. We come together today at a time of intense crisis -- unrelenting waves buffeting the world's http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463834&tsource=3 Financial Services Professional Services Tue, 6 Jan 2009 05:01:00 GMT NEW YORK, NY (MARKET WIRE) According to the October 2008 RPX™ Monthly Housing Market Report released today by Radar Logic Incorporated, home prices and sales volumes decreased more in October 2008 than in any other October since the beginning of Radar Logic's data, January 2000. Five MSAs saw their largest month-over-month declines and 13 MSAs saw their largest year-over-year declines. Home sales across the 25 MSAs declined by 14.9% during October but sales in Sun Belt cities remained elevated relative to October 2007 due to rapid growth in motivated sales during the intervening year. The large concentrations of http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463680&tsource=3 Financial Services Real Estate and Construction Mon, 5 Jan 2009 23:01:00 GMT SAN JOSE, CA (MARKET WIRE) Callidus Software Inc. (NASDAQ: CALD), the leader in Sales Performance Management (SPM), today announced that Leslie Stretch, president and CEO, and Ron Fior, senior vice president of finance and operations and CFO of Callidus Software, will present at the Needham Growth Stock Conference at the New York Palace Hotel in New York, NY. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463756&tsource=3 Financial Services Computers and Software CALD Mon, 5 Jan 2009 22:23:00 GMT TORONTO, ONTARIO (MARKET WIRE) DundeeWealth Inc. ("DundeeWealth") (TSX: DW) reported total revenue earning fiduciary assets at December 31, 2008 of $54.3 billion. This includes $25.4 billion in assets under management, $4.7 billion in Bank Deposits from Dundee Bank of Canada and $24.2 billion in assets under administration. For the 12 month period ended December 31, 2008, DundeeWealth recorded gross additions of $8.7 billion and net additions of $3.4 billion. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463748&tsource=3 Financial Services DW Mon, 5 Jan 2009 22:13:00 GMT TORONTO, ONTARIO (MARKET WIRE) C.A. Bancorp Inc.("C.A. Bancorp") (TSX: BKP) and Sentry Select Capital Corp. ("Sentry Select") announce that they have reached an agreement providing for a reduction in the management fee paid to Sentry Select by C.A. Bancorp and the concurrent termination of the quarterly service fee paid by Sentry Select to registered dealers on the common shares of C.A. Bancorp. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463743&tsource=3 Financial Services BKP Mon, 5 Jan 2009 21:30:00 GMT BLAIRSVILLE, GA (MARKET WIRE) United Community Banks, Inc. (NASDAQ: UCBI) announced today an updated outlook on credit quality for the fourth quarter of 2008. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463711&tsource=3 Financial Services UCBI Mon, 5 Jan 2009 21:16:00 GMT SAN FRANCISCO, CA (MARKET WIRE) Change.org, the leading online platform for social change, today announced it has opened voting for the Top 10 Ideas for America, to be presented to the Obama Administration at an event at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., just days before the Inauguration. Each winning idea will form the basis of a national advocacy campaign organized in collaboration with leading nonprofits to translate each idea into real policy. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463664&tsource=3 Financial Services Government Computers and Software Professional Services NWS NWS.A NWSLV Mon, 5 Jan 2009 21:10:00 GMT BROOKLYN, NY (MARKET WIRE) Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: DCOM) (the "Company"), the parent company of The Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh (the "Bank"), today announced that it has elected not to participate in the U.S. Department of Treasury's Capital Purchase Program ("CPP"). The Company disclosed on December 5, 2008 that the Bank had received preliminary approval to receive up to $77.3 million of capital from the CPP and that its evaluation as to the costs and benefits of participation was ongoing. The determination not to participate in the CPP was reached after evaluating all of the relevant http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463687&tsource=3 Financial Services DCOM Mon, 5 Jan 2009 21:03:00 GMT TORONTO, ONTARIO (MARKET WIRE) Mulvihill Premium Split Share (the "Fund") (TSX: MUH.A)(TSX: MUH.PR.A) has declared its quarterly distribution of $0.206250 on each of its Priority Equity Shares and $0.01175 on each of its Class A shares, payable January 30, 2009 to shareholders of record as of January 15, 2009. The amount of the distribution may be subject to minor adjustment. To the extent that any portion of the distributions are ordinary taxable dividends and not capital gains dividends, they will be eligible dividends. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463718&tsource=3 Financial Services MUH.A MUH.PR.A Mon, 5 Jan 2009 21:03:00 GMT TORONTO, ONTARIO (MARKET WIRE) Core Canadian Dividend Trust (the "Trust")(TSX: CDD.UN) has declared its monthly distribution of C$0.03337 per unit payable January 30, 2009 to unitholders of record as of January 15, 2009. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463716&tsource=3 Financial Services CDD.UN Mon, 5 Jan 2009 21:03:00 GMT TORONTO, ONTARIO (MARKET WIRE) Mulvihill Premium Canadian Bank (the "Fund") (TSX: PIC.A)(TSX: PIC.PR.A) has declared its quarterly distribution of $0.215625 on each of its Preferred Shares and $0.10 on each of its Class A shares, payable January 30, 2009 to shareholders of record as of January 15, 2009. The amount of the distribution may be subject to minor adjustment. To the extent that any portion of the distributions are ordinary taxable Dividends and not capital gains Dividends, they will be eligible Dividends. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463717&tsource=3 Financial Services PIC.A PIC.PR.A Mon, 5 Jan 2009 21:03:00 GMT TORONTO, ONTARIO (MARKET WIRE) S Split Corp. (the "Fund") (TSX: SBN.PR.A)(TSX: SBN), has declared its monthly distribution of $0.04375 on each of its Preferred Shares and $0.02970 each of its Class A shares, payable January 30, 2009 to shareholders of record as of January 15, 2009. To the extent that any portion of the distributions are ordinary taxable dividends and not capital gains dividends, they will be eligible dividends. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463720&tsource=3 Financial Services SBN SBN.PR.A Mon, 5 Jan 2009 19:27:00 GMT FORT WORTH, TX (MARKET WIRE) PDA Inc. announces the promotion of Katherine Slate to Vice President of Franchise Relations and Corporate Development, effective immediately. Ms. Slate joined PDA in 2005 as Director of Enterprise Development and was promoted to Assistant Vice President in 2007. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463672&tsource=3 Financial Services Automotive Mon, 5 Jan 2009 19:19:00 GMT WINNIPEG, MANITOBA (MARKET WIRE) IGM Financial Inc. (IGM) (TSX: IGM) today reported preliminary total assets under management of $101.7 billion and mutual fund assets under management of $85.0 billion as at December 31, 2008. Total mutual fund net new money in December was ($279.0) million. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463679&tsource=3 Financial Services IGM Mon, 5 Jan 2009 19:05:00 GMT TORONTO, ONTARIO (MARKET WIRE) Counsel Group of Funds Inc. a division of Investment Planning Counsel, Inc. today reported preliminary mutual fund assets under management and sales for the month ending December 31, 2008 as follows: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463678&tsource=3 Financial Services Mon, 5 Jan 2009 19:03:00 GMT WINNIPEG, MANITOBA (MARKET WIRE) Investors Group today reported preliminary mutual fund assets under management and sales for the month ending December 31, 2008 as follows: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463674&tsource=3 Financial Services Mon, 5 Jan 2009 18:57:00 GMT MONTREAL, QUEBEC (MARKET WIRE) National Bank of Canada ("National Bank") (TSX: NA) today announced that it has entered into an agreement with a group of underwriters led by National Bank Financial Inc. for an issue on a bought deal basis of 5 million non-cumulative 5-year rate reset first preferred shares series 24 (the "Series 24 Preferred Shares"), at a price of $25.00 per share, to raise gross proceeds of $125 million. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463671&tsource=3 Financial Services NA Mon, 5 Jan 2009 18:51:00 GMT ITASCA, IL (MARKET WIRE) First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. ("First Midwest") (NASDAQ: FMBI), the holding company of First Midwest Bank, today announced the following schedule and contact information for its fourth quarter 2008 earnings release and teleconference: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463662&tsource=3 Financial Services FMBI Mon, 5 Jan 2009 18:38:00 GMT ROCKVILLE, MD (MARKET WIRE) Rydex Investments today announced the distribution declarations for seven CurrencyShares exchange traded products: CurrencyShares(SM) Australian Dollar Trust (NYSE: FXA), CurrencyShares(SM) British Pound Sterling Trust (NYSE: FXB), CurrencyShares(SM) Canadian Dollar Trust (NYSE: FXC), CurrencyShares(SM) Euro Trust (NYSE: FXE), CurrencyShares(SM) Mexican Peso Trust (NYSE: FXM), CurrencyShares(SM) Russian Ruble Trust (NYSE: XRU), and CurrencyShares(SM) Swedish Krona Trust (NYSE: FXS). http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463659&tsource=3 Financial Services FXA FXB FXC FXE FXM XRU FXS BK JPM Mon, 5 Jan 2009 18:06:00 GMT MINOT, ND (MARKET WIRE) Investors Real Estate Trust (NASDAQ: IRET) (NASDAQ: IRETP) today announced the final tax treatment (Form 1099) for calendar year 2008 distributions on its common and preferred shares of beneficial interest. Shareholders are encouraged to consult with their personal tax advisors as to the specific tax treatment of their Investors Real Estate Trust distributions. None of the following 2008 calendar year distributions is eligible for treatment as "qualified dividend income." http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463645&tsource=3 Financial Services Real Estate and Construction IRET IRETP Mon, 5 Jan 2009 17:54:00 GMT SAN JOSE, CA (MARKET WIRE) Technology Credit Union (Tech CU) announced it has become a proud member of Businessownerspace.com (BOS), an online resource of information and services for entrepreneurs and small business owners in Silicon Valley who want to start, grow and sustain a business in the greater San Jose metropolitan area. Tech CU is among the first credit unions to partner with the online network where it will offer its Business Services Suite, a comprehensive package of financial services that assists small business owners in the financial management of their companies. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463651&tsource=3 Financial Services Computers and Software Mon, 5 Jan 2009 16:37:00 GMT LONDON (MARKET WIRE) Veridigm, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: VRGD) today announced the Board has initiated final preparations for Mobile Media Unlimited, Inc. to be traded as a public company. Veridigm, Inc. (DE) will be name changed to Mobile Media Unlimited Holdings, Inc. (DE) in due course. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463613&tsource=3 Financial Services Computers and Software Telecom Professional Services vrgd VRGD Mon, 5 Jan 2009 16:11:00 GMT SAN FRANCISCO, CA (MARKET WIRE) MACWORLD -- GT SecuriKey, the leader in cross platform data security, announces the launch of the new SecuriKey Pro Boot Camp Bundle, providing data security together with Apple's Boot Camp interface for running both Mac OS X and Windows on the Macbook line of notebook computers. The new SecuriKey Pro Boot Camp Bundle includes SecuriKey software for both Mac OS X and Windows, together with two software licenses and two cross-platform SecuriKey USB security keys. The solution provides quick, straightforward data security for both Windows and Mac OS X partitions, allowing Boot Camp users to http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463490&tsource=3 Financial Services Government Medical and Healthcare Professional Services Mon, 5 Jan 2009 15:51:00 GMT TORONTO, CANADA (MARKET WIRE) Canadian General Investments, Limited (CGI) (TSX: CGI)(TSX: CGI.PR.B)(TSX: CGI.PR.C)(LSE: CGI) reports on an unaudited basis that its net asset value per share (NAV) at December 31, 2008 was $13.94, resulting in a one-year NAV return, with dividends reinvested, of -55.9%. This compares with the -33.0% return of the benchmark S&P/TSX Composite Index on a total return basis for the same period. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463617&tsource=3 Financial Services CGI CGI.PR.B CGI.PR.C Mon, 5 Jan 2009 15:46:00 GMT TORONTO, CANADA (MARKET WIRE) Canadian World Fund Limited (CWF)(TSX: CWF) reports on an unaudited basis that its net asset value per share (NAV) at December 31, 2008 was $2.87, resulting in a one-year NAV return of -63.2%. This compares with the -30.0% return of the benchmark Morgan Stanley Capital International All Country World Index, in Canadian dollar terms, for the same period. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463616&tsource=3 Financial Services CWF Mon, 5 Jan 2009 15:22:00 GMT TORONTO (MARKET WIRE) Although Canadian consumers are in structurally better financial shape than U.S. consumers, Canadians plan more dramatic spending cuts and shifts in behavior this year in response to the recession than do U.S. consumers, according to research and a new survey by The Boston Consulting Group (BCG). http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463595&tsource=3 Financial Services Retail Lifestyle and Leisure Mon, 5 Jan 2009 15:19:00 GMT MONTREAL, QUEBEC (MARKET WIRE) National Bank Financial Group is pleased to announce that it has been named to the list of the "50 Best Employers in Canada" for a 5th consecutive year. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463605&tsource=3 Financial Services NA Mon, 5 Jan 2009 15:02:00 GMT MURRIETA, CA (MARKET WIRE) ActionView International, Inc. (OTCBB: AVWI) today announced the appointment of Gary Nerison, a business professional with extensive experience in operations, executive management and Board oversight for companies in a number of industries, to the company's Board of Directors. Mr. Nerison's appointment to the Board fills the position left vacant by the resignation of Christopher Stringer. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463580&tsource=3 Financial Services Professional Services AVWI Mon, 5 Jan 2009 14:32:00 GMT BOCA RATON, FL (MARKET WIRE) Perfect Web Technologies, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: PWBI) has filed a notice of Appeal with the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in respect to U.S. Patent No. 6,631,400. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463572&tsource=3 Financial Services Computers and Software PWBI Mon, 5 Jan 2009 14:30:00 GMT HOUSTON, TX (MARKET WIRE) AUGRID Global Holdings Corp. (PINKSHEETS: AGHG), a holding company dedicated to acquiring and managing ownership interests in a diverse range of businesses, re-negotiated very favorable terms for the Halal meat processing plant acquisition, to acquire 100% ownership and the rights to US and International expansion for multiple products and distribution, as opposed to an earlier 51% stake in that company. Management agrees with securities counsel that at a pre determined time Augrid will become reporting by filing the proper documents to be listed to the OTCBB. This acquisition, once http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463491&tsource=3 Financial Services Agriculture Food and Beverage Retail AGHG Mon, 5 Jan 2009 14:27:00 GMT BOSTON, MA (MARKET WIRE) Compliance Technologies International, LLP ("CTI") announces the release of MD3 ("Mandatory Document Due Diligence") version 2.0, its popular Tax Form Validation Software tool. MD3 enables U.S. Withholding Agents and Qualified Intermediaries to systemically validate tax withholding certificate Forms W-8, W-9 and KYC documentation in accordance with the mandatory due diligence rules provided in the Internal Revenue Code § 1441 regulations. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463567&tsource=3 Financial Services Professional Services Mon, 5 Jan 2009 14:00:00 GMT TORONTO, ONTARIO (MARKET WIRE) Energy Savings Income Fund (TSX: SIF.UN) filed notice with the Toronto Stock Exchange today announcing its regular distribution for January. A distribution of $0.10333/unit ($1.24 annually) will be paid on January 31st, 2009 to Unitholders of record at the close of business on January 15th, 2009. The Units trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "SIF.UN". http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463563&tsource=3 Financial Services SIF.UN Mon, 5 Jan 2009 13:30:00 GMT LANCASTER, PA (MARKET WIRE) The decision by 21st Services and AVS Underwriting to lengthen mortality tables sent shockwaves through the life settlement industry. The effects of this industry shakeup, in combination with the economic crisis, left many in the industry clinging for survival. Providers across the country have been pulling offers and are scrambling for funds; many are even struggling to stay afloat. Milestone Providers, LLC is most definitely not one of these providers. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463291&tsource=3 Financial Services Professional Services Mon, 5 Jan 2009 13:30:00 GMT LOS ANGELES, CA (MARKET WIRE) Zcom Networks, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: ZCNW) management announced that it is actively seeking acquisition targets as part of the company's restructuring and vision of growth throughout its Media & Broadcasting and Real Estate & Mineral Rights divisions. The company recently completed its capital restructuring to facilitate acquisitions in line with management's plan for diversified growth throughout its principal industries divisions including the broadcast media, real estate and mineral rights industries. The company's growth plan, dubbed "Zcom Concentric Model," is based on Zcom seeking http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463512&tsource=3 Financial Services Telecom zcnw ZCNW Mon, 5 Jan 2009 13:15:00 GMT LONDON and BOSTON, MA (MARKET WIRE) http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463501&tsource=3 Financial Services Professional Services Mon, 5 Jan 2009 13:01:00 GMT WASHINGTON, DC (MARKET WIRE) The Mexico Fund, Inc. (NYSE: MXF) announced that it will pay today a cash dividend distribution of $1.2388 per share, equivalent to 3.28% of the Fund's NAV per share on July 31, 2008, to stockholders of record on December 18, 2008. As described further below, it is estimated that this dividend distribution, which is the third under the Fund's Managed Distribution Plan (MDP), will be fully comprised of long-term capital gains. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463414&tsource=3 Financial Services MXF Mon, 5 Jan 2009 13:00:00 GMT MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA (MARKET WIRE) Adaptive Planning, the worldwide leader in on-demand financial planning and reporting solutions for companies of all sizes, today announced that it has named Hamid Bahadori as Vice President of Engineering and Hosted Operations. Bahadori will assume primary responsibility for Adaptive Planning's product development and data center operations. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463318&tsource=3 Financial Services Mon, 5 Jan 2009 12:03:00 GMT AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS and LAS VEGAS, NV (MARKET WIRE) CES 2009 -- As social networking migrates from the computer to real life via mobile devices, presence will give life to digital relationships in the real world and expand connections online, says Frank Schuil, CEO of In Real Life (IRL), a social networking company that is evolving location-based services beyond simple mapping of events and places. IRL is the only presence-based social networking company that links virtual information and social context to the physical world. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463496&tsource=3 Financial Services Computers and Software Mon, 5 Jan 2009 12:00:00 GMT BEVERLY HILLS, CA (MARKET WIRE) Companies that need funding from venture capitalists, angel investors and other funding resources are realizing that PR firms can help them get noticed by prospective investors. Results of a survey sponsored by BIGfrontier Communications Group show that startup companies who engage in PR campaigns are 30% more successful in getting funding within one to three months than those that don't. StevenPR, a Los Angeles public relations firm that offers venture capital raise services, is helping many companies get the funding they need by developing and executing a high-impact PR campaign that gets http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463368&tsource=3 Financial Services Computers and Software Professional Services Retail Media and Entertainment Mon, 5 Jan 2009 11:00:00 GMT VANCOUVER, WA (MARKET WIRE) Green Star Energies Inc. (PINKSHEETS: GSRE) announces today that they have executed an agreement amending their original agreement with Bialy Gas Production LLC (BGP) in order to hasten production returns. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463532&tsource=3 Financial Services Energy and Utilities GSRE Mon, 5 Jan 2009 08:59:00 GMT LONDON, UK (MARKET WIRE) http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463526&tsource=3 Financial Services PRU PUK Sat, 3 Jan 2009 00:32:00 GMT HOUSTON, TX (MARKET WIRE) Kayne Anderson Energy Total Return Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") (NYSE: KYE) announced that as of December 31, 2008, its net assets were $399 million and its net asset value per share was $12.24 based on 32.6 million shares outstanding. As of December 31, 2008, the Fund's asset coverage ratio under the 1940 Act with respect to senior securities representing indebtedness was 342%. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463473&tsource=3 Financial Services KYE Sat, 3 Jan 2009 00:29:00 GMT HOUSTON, TX (MARKET WIRE) Kayne Anderson MLP Investment Company (the "Company") (NYSE: KYN) today announced its net asset value and asset coverage ratios under the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("the 1940 Act") as of December 31, 2008. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463474&tsource=3 Financial Services KYN Fri, 2 Jan 2009 21:00:00 GMT DAYTONA BEACH, FL and TAMPA, FL (MARKET WIRE) Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE: BRO) today announced the completion of the previously announced acquisition by Brown & Brown, Inc. of the small business insurance unit of Conner Strong Companies, Inc. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463448&tsource=3 Financial Services BRO Fri, 2 Jan 2009 20:31:00 GMT CHICAGO, IL (MARKET WIRE) The Options Industry Council (OIC) announced today that 221,367,212 total options contracts were traded in December representing a 6.69 percent decline compared to December 2007 volume. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463447&tsource=3 Financial Services Fri, 2 Jan 2009 19:32:00 GMT BURLINGTON, ONTARIO (MARKET WIRE) Copernican Capital Corp. today announced the finalized consolidation ratio in connection with the special income distribution payable to unitholders ("Unitholders") of record of Copernican International Premium Dividend Fund (TSX: CPM.UN) (the "Trust") as at December 30, 2008. Unitholders of the Trust will receive a special income distribution on December 31, 2008 in the aggregate amount of $0.004675 per Trust unit ("Unit). Such distribution will be paid by way of Units to all Unitholders, rather than by way of cash. Immediately following the Unit distribution, outstanding Units of the Trust http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463441&tsource=3 Financial Services CPM.UN Fri, 2 Jan 2009 19:16:00 GMT BURLINGTON, ONTARIO (MARKET WIRE) Copernican Capital Corp. today announced the finalized consolidation ratio in connection with the special income distribution payable to unitholders ("Unitholders") of record of Copernican British Banks Fund (TSX: CBB.UN) (the "Trust") as at December 30, 2008. Unitholders of the Trust will receive a special income distribution on December 31, 2008 in the aggregate amount of $0.311846 per Trust unit ("Unit"). Such distribution will be paid by way of Units to all Unitholders, rather than by way of cash. Immediately following the Unit distribution, outstanding Units of the Trust will be http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463435&tsource=3 Financial Services CBB.UN Fri, 2 Jan 2009 18:52:00 GMT DAYTONA BEACH, FL and TAMPA, FL (MARKET WIRE) Michael A. Paschke, Regional Executive Vice President of Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE: BRO), and Gary F. Hapip, Craig S. King and Gary R. Honea, the members and managers of Preferred Insurance Services, L.L.C., of Phoenix, Arizona, announce the asset acquisition of Preferred Insurance Services, L.L.C. by a subsidiary of Brown & Brown, Inc. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463426&tsource=3 Financial Services BRO Fri, 2 Jan 2009 17:22:00 GMT WASHINGTON, DC (MARKET WIRE) Although the worst year the stock market has seen since the 1930s, aerospace and defense companies continued to outperform the broader markets, with the benchmark SPADE Defense Index (NYSE Alternext US: DXS) outperforming the S&P500 for the ninth consecutive year. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463408&tsource=3 Financial Services Aerospace and Defense DXS PPA BA LMT GD RTN NOC Fri, 2 Jan 2009 15:37:00 GMT NEW YORK, NY (MARKET WIRE) The Zweig Total Return Fund, Inc. (NYSE: ZTR), announced that its last monthly distribution for 2008 will be $0.033 per share, payable on January 12, 2009, to shareholders of record on December 31, 2008 (ex-date January 5, 2009). http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463402&tsource=3 Financial Services ZTR Fri, 2 Jan 2009 15:37:00 GMT NEW YORK, NY (MARKET WIRE) The Zweig Fund, Inc. (NYSE: ZF), announced that its fourth quarterly distribution for 2008 will be $0.084 per share, payable on January 12, 2009, to shareholders of record on December 31, 2008 (ex-date January 5, 2009). http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463401&tsource=3 Financial Services ZF Fri, 2 Jan 2009 15:24:00 GMT OSWEGO, NY (MARKET WIRE) Thomas W. Schneider, President/CEO of Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc., the mid-tier holding company of Pathfinder Bank, (NASDAQ: PBHC) (listing: PathBcp) has announced that the Company has declared a cash dividend of $.1025 per share on the Company's common stock for the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2008. The dividend will be payable to all shareholders of record on January 16, 2009 and will be paid on January 30, 2009. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463400&tsource=3 Financial Services pbhc PBHC Fri, 2 Jan 2009 14:00:00 GMT OTTAWA, ONTARIO (MARKET WIRE) Paramount Gold and Silver Corp. (TSX: PZG)(NYSE-A: PZG)(AMEX: PZG)(FRANKFURT: P6G)is pleased to announce a private placement of CDN$2,000,000 through the sale of 3,636,363 units at $0.55 each to the MineralFields Group. Each flow through unit is comprised of one restricted common share and one share purchase warrant exercisable for a period of two years from closing at a price of $1.00 per share during the first year and $1.25 during the second year. First Canadian Securities received commission of 5% of the proceeds and warrants for acting as agent in the financing. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463392&tsource=3 Financial Services Manufacturing and Production PZG P6G Fri, 2 Jan 2009 12:59:00 GMT BOSTON, MA (MARKET WIRE) Many people are perplexed about what to do with their 401(k) or similar retirement plan. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463012&tsource=3 Financial Services Professional Services Fri, 2 Jan 2009 12:00:00 GMT NEW YORK, NY (MARKET WIRE) The Midas Awards, the only international competition to recognize excellence in financial services communications on a global scale, announced the winners today for its 2008 competition. One prestigious Grand Midas Trophy was awarded, as well as eight Gold Ingots and twenty-two Silver Ingots. In addition, seventy-nine entries were awarded Finalist Certificates. http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463375&tsource=3 Financial Services Professional Services Real Estate and Construction Fri, 2 Jan 2009 07:50:00 GMT BRUSSELS, BELGIUM (MARKET WIRE) http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=463380&tsource=3 Financial Services RHJI