Autism Speaks Co-Founder Bob Wright To Step Down As Chairman Of The Board

NEW YORK, May 1, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Bob Wright, Co-Founder of Autism Speaks, the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization, will step down as Chairman of the Board of Directors on May 1^st.  Mr. Wright has served as Chairman since he and his wife, Suzanne, founded Autism Speaks in 2005 when their grandson was diagnosed with autism. Brian Kelly, an original member of the Autism Speaks Board of Directors and its Executive Committee, has been elected Autism Speaks Chairman of the Board. Mr. and Mrs. Wright will remain on the Board as Co-Founders.

"Ten years ago, we started Autism Speaks because we were shocked at the lack of research, awareness, and access to care for the fastest growing developmental condition in the world," Mr. Wright said in making this announcement. "We set out to change that from the bottom up, by giving a voice to parents and families, and from the top down, by pressing the medical research community, policy makers, and corporate leaders for action. We have made progress, but there is still work to be done. Brian Kelly has been a big voice at the Autism Speaks table and, as the new Chairman, he is prepared to carry the torch forward on behalf of our families."

"As a parent of a child on the spectrum, I joined Autism Speaks because I saw how underserved the autism community was and knew Bob was the right leader to change that. I am honored and humbled to have been elected Chairman of the Board as we embark on the next chapter of our mission," said Brian Kelly. "We hear from families every day that they need supports and services more than ever. Autism Speaks will continue to drive a leadership agenda around the issues that matter most to parents. We will partner with community organizations, businesses, educators, and researchers across the country to foster innovation that will improve the lives and futures of people across the autism spectrum."

"Bob Wright brought his decades of executive experience at GE and NBC Universal to change the world for people affected by autism," said Liz Feld, President of Autism Speaks. "Because of Bob's leadership, millions of families feel more accepted, empowered, and hopeful.  He has been a tireless champion for better research, greater health care coverage, and access to affordable services that impact the daily lives of individuals living with autism. Bob's legacy is set. He has built a foundation that is prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead for the autism community. Brian Kelly assumes his role as Chairman from a position of strength and we are poised for further success under his leadership."

Mr. Kelly, 53, served as Chair of the Audit and Family Services Committees until his election as Chairman of the Board. In 2005, he and his wife, Tricia, donated $2.35 million dollars to The Autism Research and Training Center at UC Santa Barbara's Gevirtz Graduate School of Education that provided enhanced facilities for what is widely recognized as one of the nation's leading centers for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of autism. In 2006, Mr. Kelly was a leader in the property acquisition and development of the Melmark New England campus in Andover, Massachusetts, a school that services individuals with autism and other disabilities. In 2013, the Kellys established the Brian & Patricia Kelly Postsecondary Scholarship Fund at Autism Speaks to support vocational and educational opportunities for young adults on the spectrum.

Mr. Kelly is co-founder of Eastern Real Estate LLC, a leading commercial real estate investment, development, and asset management firm.  Mr. Kelly was raised in New York and then Boston, where he met his wife.  They now reside in Santa Barbara, California with their six children.  Their eldest child, Patrick, has autism.

Bob and Suzanne Wright will be honored for their decade of service with a celebrity Chef Gala in Los Angeles, California on October 8^th and at The Winter Ball at the Metropolitan Museum in New York on December 8^th.

About Autism SpeaksAutism Speaks was founded by Suzanne and Bob Wright in 2005. Mr. Wright is the former Vice Chairman of General Electric and Chief Executive Officer of NBC and NBC Universal. The organization is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.  Since its inception, Autism Speaks has raised and invested more than $550 million, in science and medical research, advocacy, awareness and family service programs. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 100 cities across North America. Autism Speaks has helped to secure autism insurance coverage in 41 states and $3 billion dollars in federal autism research through congressional action. Autism Speaks is currently engaged in an historic whole genome sequencing project with Google. The organization has established partnerships in more than 60 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org.

SOURCE Autism Speaks


RELATED LINKS
http://www.autismspeaks.org

Mohamed Amin Africa Media Awards on the 2015 World Press Freedom Day

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

May 3rd every year is a day set aside worldwide to appreciate the need for freedom of the press.

"Let Journalism Thrive!" is the main theme for this year while focusing on "Towards Better Reporting, Gender Equality, and Safety in the Digital Age".

Towards better reporting is a major fundamental that Africa24 Media is keen on. It is for this reason that we have created a forum for appreciating journalism work.

Through the Mohamed Amin Africa Media Awards; MAAMAs we will be able to honour outstanding pressmen and women. This is not just about the awards, there will be seminars for the participants to help them connect with each other, learn how to sharpen their skills and engage media personalities on issues that affect our industry.  A symposium on Press Freedom, Responsibility and Safety will be held on the last day of the event. 

Named after our company's founder, who 50 years ago embarked on a career that produced some of the most indelible TV images of Africa ever seen, AFRICA24 honors his commitment to quality production values and telling Africa's positive stories.  From motivating the world to care about starving people in Ethiopia, to celebrating the continent's beauty in his exquisitely photographed books, Mo Amin was Africa's media champion.  

The MAAMAs will take place in Nairobi May 20-22nd 2015. Crowning the event will be excursions to some of the special sights that make Nairobi a top international travel destination and a gala dinner on the 22nd. IT ALL AWAITS YOU AT THE MAAMAs!  http://www.moaminama.com  

On this press freedom day, we salute all press people and voice our encouragement to initiatives in favour of letting journalism thrive and scale new heights, especially in this digital age.

AFRICA24 MEDIA... I AM AFRICA

Contact: JACKLINE ANYANGO, +254-(0)725060464, info@a24media.com

SOURCE AFRICA24 MEDIA

United Way Silicon Valley Hosts GradNation Youth Summit Focused on Ways to Better Prepare Local Youth for Careers in Silicon Valley

SAN JOSE, Calif., May 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Today more than 200 local teens joined forces at United Way Silicon Valley's GradNation Youth Summit to envision what a career in high tech might look like and ways to make that vision a reality. Held at East San Jose's Independence High School, the summit is part of a nationwide effort by America's Promise Alliance to ensure that young people graduate from high school prepared for success. AT&T is the premier sponsor of the national Grad Nation Community Summits campaign and participated in the local event.

"We want to make sure all kids, including those in families with no college experience or who are struggling to make ends meet, can see a place for themselves in the knowledge-based workforce that exists in Silicon Valley today," said Carole Leigh Hutton, president and CEO of United Way Silicon Valley. "Spending time with mentors and actually talking about coding or becoming an entrepreneur can motivate and inspire students to pursue a STEM-based education."

The summit was held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and included an inspiring keynote address by Jaime Carias, who talked about overcoming adversity to achieve success. Carias was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, where he saw poverty and violence firsthand. Now the Civic Engagement Coordinator for the University of Southern California Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism, he motivates and shares his evidence-based strategies with students to improve their academic performance, graduate, and pursue higher education.

Five workshops were offered throughout the day, including:

• How to Become a Social Entrepreneur presented by Youth Seed and Empathy
• Designing Your Own School presented by Teach for America
• Basics of Coding presented by Girls Who Code
• The Fun and Power of Data: A New Way to Discover and Invent presented by AT&T
• App Development in the World of Startups presented by United Way Silicon Valley's Emerging Leaders United

"We know that graduation rates go up when students are enrolled in programs that expose them to college and career opportunities – and how better to do that in Silicon Valley than to expose them to different opportunities in STEM and tech fields," said Marc Blakeman, Vice President of External Affairs for AT&T California. "We have AT&T data scientists here today giving students a very hands-on introduction to big data. We're thrilled to provide that kind of window into a possible career path and help get kids excited about going into STEM fields."

The summit is one of 100 that will be held around the country through 2016. The summits are co-sponsored  by America's Promise Alliance as part of its GradNation campaign, a large and growing movement of dedicated individuals, organizations and communities working together to raise the national high school graduation rate to 90 percent by 2020, with no school graduating fewer than 80 percent of its students on time. 

"The progress we are seeing toward the national goal of raising graduation rates is based on communities coming together to support and insist on better outcomes for young people," said John Gomperts, president and CEO, America's Promise Alliance. "Summits like the event in San Jose are rallying points for communities. America's Promise is delighted to support this effort and work with leaders in San Jose and communities across the country to help advance this campaign."

The premier sponsor of the national GradNation Community Summits initiative is AT&T, whose support is part of AT&T Aspire, the company's $350-million commitment to graduate more students from high school ready for college and career.  The other national sponsors include Southwest Airlines and GE Foundation.

For more information and to learn how to get involved visit www.gradnation.org.   

About America's Promise Alliance

Founded in 1997 at the Presidents' Summit for America's Future, America's Promise leads an alliance of organizations, communities and individuals dedicated to fulfilling the presidential declaration signed on that day calling upon the nation to keep five crucial promises to every young person in America: the presence of caring adults in their lives; safe surroundings to live, learn and grown; healthy starts and healthy childhoods; an effective education that builds marketable skills; and opportunities to serve others.  As its signature effort, the GradNation campaign, launched in 2010, mobilizes Americans to increase the on-time high school graduation rate to 90% by 2020 and prepare young people for postsecondary enrollment and the 21^st century workforce. For more information, visit AmericasPromise.org.

About United Way Silicon Valley

United Way Silicon Valley is committed to improving community conditions by helping families with children become economically secure, able to support their children's educational success, physically and emotionally healthy, and connected to the community. To drive positive change, United Way Silicon Valley helps people help themselves by identifying critical needs, mobilizing the caring power of the community, and aligning resources to achieve the best results. United Way is focused on the building blocks for a good life: income, education, and health. For more information about United Way Silicon Valley, visit www.uwsv.org.

About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T

AT&T Inc. is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its community initiatives, AT&T has a long history of investing in projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; or address community needs. In 2013, more than $130 million was contributed or directed through corporate-, employee-, social investment- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs. AT&T Aspire is AT&T's signature education initiative that drives innovation in education by bringing diverse resources to bear on the issue including funding, technology, employee volunteerism, and mentoring.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120612/DA23287LOGO

SOURCE AT&T Inc.

Grupo Simec Announces Audited Results of Operations for the Twelve Month Period Ended December 31, 2014

GUADALAJARA, Mexico, April 29, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Grupo Simec, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: SIM) ("Simec") announced today its results of operations Audited for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

Twelve-Month Period Ended December 31, 2014 compared to Twelve-Month Period Ended December 31, 2013.

Net Sales

Net sales increased 10% by the combination of higher shipments of finished steel products by 6% and the average sales price per ton of 3% compared the same period of 2013, the sale rose from Ps. 24,369 millions in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2013 to Ps. 26,829 millions in the same period of 2014. Shipments of finished steel products increase 6% to 2 million 197 thousand tons in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2014 compared to 2 million 064 thousand tons in the same period of 2013. Total sales outside of Mexico in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2014 increased 17% to Ps. 13,314 million compared with Ps. 11,347 million in the same period of 2013. Total sales in Mexico increased 4% from Ps. 13,022 millions in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2013 to Ps. 13,515 millions in the same period of 2014.  The increase in sales is due to the increase of the average sales price of 3% and higher shipments of finished steel products by 6%.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales increased 14% from Ps. 22,410 millions in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2013 to Ps. 25,492 millions in the same period of 2014. Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales in twelve months ended on December 31 of 2014 represented 95% and 92% in the same period of 2013. The average cost of finished steel produced in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2014 compared to the same period of 2013 increased approximately 7% by higher costs of SBQ steel.

Gross Profit

Gross profit of the Company in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2014 was of Ps. 1,337 million compared to Ps. 1,959 millions in the same period of 2013. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales represented 5% in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2014 and 8% in the same period of 2013. The decrease in the gross profit is due to higher shipments of finished steel products and higher inputs costs in 2014, compared with the same period of 2013.

Operating Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 7% from Ps. 1,117 millions in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2013 to Ps. 1,194 million in the same period of 2014. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales represented 5% during the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2013 and 4% in the same period of 2014.

Other Expenses (Income) net

The company recorded other expenses of Ps. 59 millions in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2013 compared to other net income of Ps. 61 millions in the same period of 2014.

Operating Income

Operating income decreased 74% from Ps. 783 million for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2013 to Ps. 203 millions in the same period of 2014. Operating income as a percentage of net sales represented 3% during the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2013 and 1% in the same period of 2014.

EBITDA

The EBITDA of the Company decreased 28% from Ps. 1,836 millions in the twelve-month prior ended December 31, of 2013, to Ps. 1,321 millions in the same period of 2014.

Comprehensive Financial Cost 

Comprehensive financial cost in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2014 represented a net income of Ps. 477 million compared with a net expense of Ps. 75 millions in the same period of 2013. The net interest was an income of Ps. 3 millions in 2014 compared with a net interest expense of Ps. 9 million in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2013. As a result, we registered a net exchange income of Ps. 474 millions in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2014 compared with a net exchange loss of Ps. 66 millions in the same period of 2013, reflecting a 13% increase in the value of the peso versus the dollar in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013.

Income Taxes

The Company have recorded an expense net tax of Ps. 162 millions in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2014 (including the income of deferred income tax of Ps. 116 millions) compared with a net income tax of Ps. 282 millions in the same period of 2013 (including the expense tax deferred of Ps. 339 millions).

Net Income (loss) (After Minority Interest)

As a result of the foregoing, net income decreased by 21% from Ps. 1,517 millions in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2013 to a net income of Ps. 1,204 millions in the same period of 2014. 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2014, Simec's total consolidated debt consisted of U.S. $302,000 of 8 7/8% medium-term notes ("MTN's") due 1998, Ps. 4.5 million (accrued interest on December 31, 2014 was U.S. $555,585 or Ps. 6.9 millions).  As of December 31, 2013, Simec's total consolidated debt consisted of U.S. $302,000 of 8 7/8% medium-term notes ("MTN's") due 1998, Ps. 3.9 million (accrued interest on December 31, 2013 was U.S. $527,048, or Ps. 6.9 millions).

Comparative fourth quarter 2014 vs third quarter 2014.

Net Sales

Net sales decreased 6% from Ps. 7,021 millions in the third quarter of 2014 to Ps. 6,604 million for the fourth quarter of 2014. Sales in tons decreased from 583 thousand ton in the third quarter of 2014 to 548 thousand ton in the fourth quarter of the same period a decrease of 6%. Total sales outside of Mexico for the fourth quarter of 2014 decreased 9% from Ps. 3,482 millions in the third quarter to Ps. 3,176 millions in the four quarter of 2014. Sales in Mexico diminish to 3,428 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared Ps. 3,539 millions in the third quarter of 2014 an decrease of 3%. Prices of finished products sold in the fourth quarter of 2014 remained compared to the third quarter of the same period.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales increased to Ps. 6,858 millions in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to Ps. 6,564 million for the third quarter of 2014. With respect to sales, in the fourth quarter of 2014, the cost of sales represented 104% for the fourth quarter of 2014 while for the third quarter of 2014 was of 93%. The average cost of sales by ton increased 11% in the fourth quarter of 2014 versus the third quarter of 2014.

Gross Profit

Gross profit of the Company for the fourth quarter of 2014 decreased 156% to Ps. -254 million compared to Ps. 457 millions in the third quarter of 2014. The gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the fourth quarter was of -4% and 7% for the third quarter of 2014.

Operating Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 35% to Ps. 367 millions in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to Ps. 271 million for the third quarter of 2014. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales represented 6% during the fourth quarter of 2014 and 4% for the third quarter of 2014.

Other Expenses (Income) net

The company recorded other net income of Ps. 3 millions in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to other net income of Ps. 49 million for the third quarter of 2014.

Operating (Loss) Income

Operating income was of Ps -618 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to an operating income of Ps. 235 millions in the third quarter of 2014. The operating income as a percentage of net sales in the fourth quarter of 2014 represented -9% while the operating income for the third quarter of 2014 represented 3%.

EBITDA

The EBITDA was Ps. 487 millions in the third quarter of 2014 compared to Ps. -249 million for the fourth quarter of 2014 due to the above explained.

Comprehensive Financial Income (Cost)

Comprehensive financial cost for the fourth quarter for 2014 was a net income of Ps. 415 million compared with a net income of Ps. 89 million for the third quarter of 2014. The net interest income in the fourth quarter was Ps 11 million compared to Ps 5 millions in the third quarter of 2014. At the same time we registered an exchange net income of Ps. 84 millions in the third quarter of 2014 compared with an exchange net income of Ps. 404 millions in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes for the fourth quarter of 2014 had an expense net tax of Ps. 225 million (including an income tax deferred for Ps. 71 millions) compared to an income of Ps. 28 million for the third quarter of 2014, (including an expense tax deferred of Ps. 6 millions).

Net Income (loss) (After Minority Interest)

As a result of the foregoing, the Company had a net income of Ps. 21 millions in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to Ps. 460 million of net income in the third quarter of 2014.

Comparative fourth quarter 2014 vs fourth quarter 2013

Net Sales

Net sales increased 19% from Ps. 5,532 million for the fourth quarter of 2013 to Ps. 6,604 million for the fourth quarter of 2014. Sales in tons of finished steel in the fourth quarter of 2013 were 485 thousand tons versus to 548 thousand tons in the fourth quarter of 2014. Total sales outside of Mexico increase 30% from Ps. 2,437 million for the fourth quarter of 2013 to Ps. 3,176 millions in the fourth quarter of 2014. Sales in Mexico increased 11% from Ps. 3,095 millions in the fourth quarter of 2013 to Ps. 3,428 millions in the fourth quarter of 2014. The average sales prices of finished products sold in the fourth quarter of 2014 increased approximately 6% compared to the fourth quarter of 2013.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales increased 26% from Ps. 5,446 millions in the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to Ps. 6,858 million for the fourth quarter of 2014. With respect to sales, the cost of sales represented 104% during the fourth quarter of 2014 and 98% during the fourth quarter of 2013. The average cost of steel products increased 11% in the fourth quarter of 2014 versus the fourth quarter of 2013.

Gross Profit

Gross profit for the fourth quarter of 2014 decreased 395% from Ps. 86 millions in the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to Ps. -254 millions in the fourth quarter of 2014. The gross profit as a percentage of net sales represented -4% during the fourth quarter of 2014 and 2% during the fourth quarter of 2013.

Operating Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 58% from Ps. 233 millions in the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to Ps. 367 million for the fourth quarter of 2014. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales represented 6% during the fourth quarter of 2014 and 4% during the fourth quarter of 2013.

Other Expenses (Income) net

The company recorded other expenses net of Ps. 68 millions in the fourth quarter of 2013 compared with other income net of Ps. 3 million for the fourth quarter of 2014.

Operating (Loss) Income

Operating loss was of Ps. 618 millions in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to an operating loss of Ps. 215 millions in the fourth quarter of 2013. The operating income as a percentage of net sales in the fourth quarter of 2014 was -9%, compared to an operating loss of -4% in the fourth quarter of 2013.

EBITDA

The EBITDA from the fourth quarter of 2014 increased 3,457% from a loss of Ps -7 million in the fourth quarter of 2013 to a loss of Ps -249 million in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Comprehensive Financial Income (Cost)

Comprehensive financial cost for the fourth quarter of 2014 was a net income of Ps. 415 million compared with a net income of Ps 84 million in the fourth quarter of 2013. Net interest income was of Ps. 11 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared with a net interest expense of Ps. 18 million in the fourth quarter of 2013. At the same time we registered a net exchange income of Ps. 404 millions in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared with an exchange income of Ps. 66 millions in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Income Taxes

The Company  recorded an expense net taxes for the fourth quarter of 2014 of Ps. 225 million (including an income of deferred income tax of Ps 71 millions),  compared to an income taxes of Ps. 35 million for the fourth quarter of 2013, (including an expense of deferred income tax of Ps. 198 millions).

Net Income (loss) (After Minority Interest)

As a result of the foregoing, the Company recorded a net income of Ps. 21 millions in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to Ps. 151 million of net income in the fourth quarter of 2013.

(millions of pesos)	Jan - Dec '14		Jan - Dec '13		Year 14 vs '13
Sales	26,829		24,369		10%
Cost of Sales	25,492		22,410		14%
Gross Profit	1,337		1,959		(32%)
Selling, General and Administrative Expense	1,194		1,117		7%
Other Income (Expenses), net	61		-59		(203%)
Operating Profit	203		783		(74%)
EBITDA	1,321		1,836		(28%)
Net income	1,204		1,517		(21%)
Sales Outside Mexico	13,314		11,347		17%
Sales in Mexico	13,515		13,022		4%
Total Sales (Tons)	2,197		2,064		6%
Cost by ton	11,603		10,858		7%

Quarter
(millions of pesos)	4Q'14	3Q '14	4Q '13	4Q´14vs 3Q´14	4Q´14 vs 4Q '13
Sales	6,604	7,021	5,532	(6%)	19%
Cost of Sales	6,858	6,564	5,446	4%	26%
Gross Profit	-254	457	86	(156%)	(395%)
Selling, General and Adm. Expenses	367	271	233	35%	58%
Other Income (Expenses), net	3	49	-68	(94%)	(104%)
Operating Profit	-618	235	-215	(363%)	187%
EBITDA	-249	487	-7	(151%)	3457%
Net Income	21	460	151	(95%)	(86%)
Sales Outside Mexico	3,176	3,482	2,437	(9%)	30%
Sales in Mexico	3,428	3,539	3,095	(3%)	11%
Total Sales (Tons)	548	583	485	(6%)	13%
	12,515	11,259	11,229	11%	11%

Product	Thousands of Tons Jan-Dec 2014	Million of Pesos Jan-Dec 2014	Average Price per Ton Jan-Dec 2014	Thousands of Tons Jan – Dec 2013	Million of Pesos Jan- Dec 2013	Average Price per Ton Jan-Dec 2013
Special Profiles	1,199	16,985	14,166	1,175	15,965	13,587
Commercial Profiles	998	9,844	9,864	889	8,404	9,453
Total	2,197	26,829	12,212	2,064	24,369	11,087

Product	Thousands of Tons Oct-Dec 2014	Million of Pesos Oct-Dec 2014	Average Price per Ton Oct-Dec 2014	Thousands of Tons Jul-Sep 2014	Million of Pesos Jul-Sep 2014	Average Price per Ton Jul-Sep 2014	Thousands of Tons Oct-Dec 2013	Million of Pesos Oct-Dec 2013	Average Price per Ton Oct-Dec 2013
Special Profiles	253	3,605	14,249	311	4,326	13,910	266	3,633	13,657
Commercial Profiles	295	2,999	10,166	272	2,695	9,908	219	1,899	8,671
Total	548	6,604	12,051	583	7,021	12,043	485	5,532	11,406

Any forward-looking information contained herein is inherently subject to various risks, uncertainties and assumptions which, if incorrect, may cause actual results to vary materially from those anticipated, expected or estimated. The company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information contained herein.

Contact:
Sergio Vigil Gonzalez
Mario Moreno Cortez
Grupo Simec, S.A.B. de C.V.
52 55 1165 1025
52 33 3770 6734

SOURCE Grupo Simec, S.A.B. de C.V.


RELATED LINKS
http://www.gsimec.com.mx

Thomas Franco Joins Virtus Investment Partners As Divisional Sales Manager for Wirehouse Channel

HARTFORD, Conn., April 29, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. (NASDAQ: VRTS), which operates a multi-manager asset management business, today announced that Thomas Franco has joined the company as managing director and divisional sales manager.

Franco will lead the Western regional sales directors who support the wirehouse channel for Virtus' open- and closed-end mutual funds and separately managed accounts. John McCormack continues to lead regional directors in the Eastern region. Both report to Barry M. Mandinach, executive vice president, head of distribution.

"Tom is an experienced leader who brings a proven track record of building durable relationships with financial advisors and growing the business. He understands the challenges advisors face in providing investment solutions for their clients, and will be instrumental in helping us further distinguish our value proposition among our distribution partners," Mandinach said.

Franco joins Virtus from UBS Global Asset Management, where he was managing director and head of national sales since 2009, responsible for leading the wholesale distribution sales team for the private client and ultra-high-net-worth channels. Prior to becoming head of national sales, he was executive director and national sales manager at UBS for the PACE Select Funds.

He joined UBS in 2001 from Phoenix Investment Partners (PXP), the predecessor to Virtus, where he was a regional sales manager, a position he also held at Zweig Mutual Funds, which was acquired by PXP in 1999.

About Virtus Investment Partners

Virtus Investment Partners (NASDAQ: VRTS) is a distinctive partnership of boutique investment managers singularly committed to the long-term success of individual and institutional investors. Virtus offers access to a variety of investment styles across multiple disciplines to meet a wide array of investor needs, and provides products and services through affiliated managers and select subadvisers, each with a distinct investment style, autonomous investment process and individual brand. Its affiliates include Cliffwater Investments, Duff & Phelps Investment Management, ETF Issuer Solutions, Euclid Advisors, Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management, Kleinwort Benson Investors International, Newfleet Asset Management, Newfound Investments, Rampart Investment Management and Zweig Advisers.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121031/NE03346LOGO

SOURCE Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.


RELATED LINKS
http://www.virtus.com

Republic Bank's Pennsylvania Commercial Lending Team Continues to Grow

PHILADELPHIA, April 29, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Republic First Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRBK), the parent company of Republic Bank, today announced that Eric Tweer was named Vice President Commercial Lender for Pennsylvania. In this role, Tweer will develop commercial lending opportunities for Republic Bank throughout the Delaware Valley. Most recently, Tweer was a Commercial Lender at Citibank where he executed on a strategic business plan to grow portfolio assets by marketing to multi-national commercial clients.

Prior to his time at Citibank, Tweer served as Vice President of Commercial Banking at TD Bank. While at TD Bank, he contributed to the success of the bank's middle market lending portfolio by cultivating high quality new credit opportunities while focusing on long-term relationship building through providing elite customer service.

"Eric Tweer brings twenty years of diverse lending experience to his new role, making him an ideal candidate for the position," said Harry Madonna, Chairman and CEO of Republic Bank. "He has worked at a number of banking institutions across the Philadelphia region, and has an excellent track record for building strong relationships with a variety of sophisticated clients. Eric's passion for client service and work ethic will be invaluable as we continue our expansive regional growth."

Tweer commented, "I am thrilled to be joining the Republic Bank team, especially during a time when it is experiencing such impressive growth. I look forward to embracing the bank's Customer-centric philosophy to provide our clients throughout Pennsylvania with the highest level of service and convenience."

Building on the momentum of its aggressive growth plan, coined "The Power of Red is Back," Republic Bank continues to rapidly expand its regional footprint with new stores under construction in Evesham Township and Berlin, NJ.  New store locations are planned for the next year in Washington Township, Moorestown, Medford, Gloucester Township and a second store in Cherry Hill, NJ.  In addition, relocation is underway of its Ardmore store to an innovative all-glass store in Wynnewood, PA. As one of the largest Philadelphia-based retail banking institutions with 15 convenient locations regionally, Republic Bank stores are open seven days a week, 361 days a year, with extended lobby and drive-thru hours, providing customers with the longest hours of any bank in the area. The bank also offers absolutely free checking, free coin counting, ATM/Debit cards issued on the spot and access to more than 55,000 surcharge free ATMs worldwide via the Allpoint network. 

About Republic Bank

Republic Bank is the operating name for Republic First Bank. Republic First Bank is a full-service, state-chartered commercial bank, whose deposits are insured up to the applicable limits by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The Bank provides diversified financial products through its 15 offices located in Abington, Ardmore, Bala Cynwyd, Plymouth Meeting, Media and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Glassboro, Cherry Hill, Voorhees and Haddonfield, New Jersey.

Forward Looking Statements

Republic First Bancorp, Inc. ("the Company") may from time to time make written or oral "forward-looking statements", including statements contained in this release and in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements include statements with respect to the Company's beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, estimates, and intentions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. These factors include competition, timing, credit risks of lending activities, changes in general economic conditions, price pressures on loan and deposit products, and other factors detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The words "may", "could", "should", "would", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "plan", and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All such statements are made in good faith by the Company pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company, except as may be required by applicable law or regulations.

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SOURCE Republic First Bancorp, Inc.

ShoreTel, Ingram Micro and HP Team to Provide Unified Communications Solutions for SMBs

ORLANDO, Fla., April 29, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- At the ShoreTel® (NASDAQ: SHOR) Champion Partner Conference today, ShoreTel, Ingram Micro Inc. (NYSE: IM) and HP announced they will jointly bring to market unified communications offerings for small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs).  The new solution sets are sold through Ingram Micro's channel partner network and will include ShoreTel cloud services and HP routers and POE switches.

Ingram Micro has been selling the ShoreTel on-premises solution for four years, and is now certified to offer ShoreTel Sky®, making them both a Valued Added Distributor (VAD) and Cloud Service Distributor (CSD). (See press release issued earlier today titled ShoreTel Sky Now Available to Ingram Micro Channel Partners.)

"Unified Communications-as-a-Service is a growing sales and ongoing service opportunity for channel partners who specialize in the IT needs and business outcomes of SMBs," said Eric Kohl, executive director of Ingram Micro Advanced Solutions. "By working closely with HP and ShoreTel, we're able to bring to market a tightly integrated, seamless, end-to-end hosted IP telephony and UC solution that is built for SMBs and easy for channel partners to market, sell and support."

"Our SMB customers are looking to reap the benefits of a hosted solution, and this solution complements the existing on-prem HP-ShoreTel offering and provides the network backbone for ShoreTel's complete UC&C solution," said Bob Johnson, vice president of HP Networking Americas. "This is HP's first offering for the ShoreTel Sky cloud solution and will help SMB customers realize benefits including ease of management, increased efficiency and lower costs."

With this joint solution, named HP Networking for ShoreTel Solutions, customers purchase the ShoreTel cloud offering and can choose from an HP Switch or both an HP switch and an HP router, depending on their needs. The offers will be available via joint HP and ShoreTel channel partners who work with Ingram Micro. 

"We have been working closely with Ingram Micro and HP – as a member of the HP AllianceOne Network partner program – to offer premises solutions to our joint customers, and now this is the next evolution in our relationships," said Sam Koury, vice president of channels and strategic alliances at ShoreTel. "This collaboration between leading solutions will provide the SMB marketplace a brilliantly simple way to address their core communications needs. Users will gain high value, productivity enhancing tools that make a difference in today's always-on workplace."

HP Networking for ShoreTel Solutions will be available in calendar Q3 2015.

About ShoreTel
ShoreTel, Inc. (NASDAQ: SHOR) is a leading provider of brilliantly simple IP phone systems and unified communications solutions. Its award-winning on-premises IP-PBX solution and cloud-based hosted phone system eliminate complexity and improve productivity. Recognized for its industry-leading customer experience and support, ShoreTel's innovative business phones, application integration, collaboration tools, mobility, and contact center applications enable users to communicate and collaborate no matter the time, place or device, with minimal demand on IT resources. ShoreTel is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., and has regional offices and partners worldwide. For more information, visit www.shoretel.com.

ShoreTel, ShoreTel Sky and the ShoreTel logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of ShoreTel, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. HP and HP AllianceOne are registered trademarks that belong to Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. All other trademarks, trade names and service marks herein are the property of their respective owners.

Media contact: Katie Maller
408-962-2786
kmaller@shoretel.com

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SOURCE ShoreTel


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Microsoft empowers Windows, iOS, Android, Mac and Linux developers to reach billions of new customers

SAN FRANCISCO, April 29, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Microsoft Corp. on Wednesday announced new features in Windows 10 and unveiled a set of software development kits (SDKs) to help developers bring their code for the Web, .NET, Win32, Android and iOS to Windows 10. At the company's annual Build developer conference, Microsoft also announced new Microsoft Azure data services for intelligent applications; Visual Studio and .NET tools and runtimes for Windows, Mac and Linux; and APIs that enable developers to build rich apps with Office 365.

"Microsoft has bold ambitions for platforms that empower developers across Windows, Azure and Office," said Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft. "Together, we will create more personal and more intelligent experiences that empower billions of people to achieve more."

Windows 10 offers unique scale and opens up new platform opportunities for developers Microsoft showcased several new features in Windows 10, from new capabilities to scale applications across devices to new ways for developers to build code for Windows 10. Capturing the breadth of opportunity, the company declared its ambition to have 1 billion active Windows 10 devices by FY18.

The company further detailed ways in which developers can create a single app that scales across all Windows 10 devices, automatically adapting to different screen sizes. With the Universal Windows Platform, developers can tailor their apps to the unique capabilities of each device, integrate Cortana and Xbox Live into their apps, offer trusted commerce, create holograms, and publish their apps into the Windows Store. Also as part of the Universal Windows Platform, the company shared how apps can scale using Continuum for phones, enabling people to use their phones like PCs for productivity or entertainment.¹

The Windows Store will also offer a single unified experience for Windows 10 customers across devices and make finding great content easier than ever — across apps, games, music, video and other content.² Transactions will take advantage of a range of popular payment options, including the largest carrier billing footprint of any ecosystem supporting 90 mobile operators. USA Today, WeChat, Disney and Netflix Inc. are a few of the partners referenced in the keynote already building apps for the Windows Store.

Microsoft welcomed all developers to the Universal Windows Platform by announcing four new software development toolkits that will make it easy to bring their code for the Web, .NET, Win32, iOS and Android to the Windows Store with minimal code modifications. This will enable developers to start with an existing code base such as Android or iOS, integrate with the Universal Windows Platform capabilities, and then distribute their new application through the Windows Store.

New features for Microsoft Edge, the new browser for Windows 10, were also unveiled, offering developers better discoverability of their apps and future extensibility with JavaScript and HTML.

Highlighting the opportunity with Windows 10, Microsoft shared the progress it has made in fewer than 100 days since unveiling Microsoft HoloLens — the world's first untethered holographic computer powered by Windows 10 — and showcased how customers like Trimble, Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic are using this innovative new technology.

More information on Windows 10 and Microsoft HoloLens can be found at Blogging Windows.

Azure and Visual Studio help developers build intelligent apps on multiple platforms and devices 

Microsoft previewed Azure SQL Database elastic database, which allow ISVs and software-as-a-service developers to pool capacity across thousands of databases, enabling them to benefit from efficient resource consumption and the best price and performance in the public cloud. To help developers manage massive datasets, Microsoft introduced Azure SQL Data Warehouse, the industry's first enterprise-class cloud data warehouse as a service that can grow, shrink and pause in seconds. Microsoft also announced Azure Data Lake, an open and massively scalable data repository that supports petabyte-size files and provides high-speed integration with Azure HDInsight, Azure Machine Learning, Cloudera and Hortonworks to quickly derive insights from vast amounts of data.

To help every developer be more productive, Microsoft announced new best-in-class tools and runtimes for multiple platforms and devices. In preview on Windows, Mac and Linux, Visual Studio Code is a free code-focused editor optimized for Web and cloud applications. Furthering its work with open source and .NET communities, Microsoft released a preview of the .NET Core for Windows, Linux and Mac OS X. Microsoft also released Visual Studio 2015 Release Candidate, which makes it easier for developers to build and deploy applications to Windows, Linux, iOS and Android platforms.

Office gives developers opportunities to reach more users and build intelligent solutions Microsoft introduced more ways for developers to reach 1.2 billion Office users, including the new Office Graph API, expanded add-in capabilities for the iPad and Outlook, and unified APIs. The Office Graph API allows customers and developers to access, add to and build with the Office Graph, an intelligent store of Office 365 user, service and relationship data. Unified APIs across OneNote, Outlook and OneDrive, combined with the Office Graph, will enable developers to help consumers and organizations take advantage of some of their most valuable and useful data.

More about Microsoft Azure, Visual Studio and the Office Graph API can be found here.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services, devices and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

¹ Limited to select premium phones at launch. External monitors must support HDMI input. Accessories sold separately.
² App availability and experience may vary by market.

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SOURCE Microsoft Corp.

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http://www.microsoft.com