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Showing posts from 2013

We would like to introduce to you Ariel Investments.

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About Ariel A stable perspective in a changing world Since our founding in 1983, much has changed in the investment world, but a clear mission has consistently defined who we are and what we do. Our patient investment philosophy We use the market's short-term focus to uncover mispriced companies whose true value will be realized over time. Our focus We began as a small- and mid-cap value manager, and evolved strategically to offer three approaches - all of which seek out attractive intrinsic value through relatively concentrated portfolios. Our culture of learning Intensive fundamental research is essential to our proprietary investment processes. We also value the importance of learning in a broader context and are committed to promoting education and financial literacy. Independent Thinking   Lessons Learned From The Basketball Court Learn from John W. Rogers, Jr. how he successfully applies teamwork, patience and hard work both on and off th...

IBM Helps Women Entrepreneurs in Africa Develop Business Strategies

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Teams developed strategies for cultural preservation & sustainable development by  C. Daniel Baker      Posted:   December 22, 2013 A team of IBM (NYSE:  IBM ) specialists today presented business management strategies to Tangier-area non governmental organizations (NGOs) that promote economic development, cultural preservation and sustainable development. The 9-person IBM team, from 8 countries, was the fourth group since 2010 to provide assistance to Morocco as part of IBM’s Corporate Service Corps, which provides problem-solving support to educational institutions, small businesses, non-governmental organizations, and governmental agencies in the developing world and emerging markets. The IBM team worked with Tanger Med Foundation for Human Development (Fondation), which runs women’s cooperatives as part of its mission to promote development through education, vocational training and healthcare initiatives. IBM provided guidance f...

Adam Sandler, Katherine Heigl lead Forbes' overpaid-actors list

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Actor Adam Sandler leads Forbes' 2013 list of the most overpaid actors.  ( Kathy Kmonicek / Associated It makes so much sense that  Adam Sandler  is branching out into animated movies. His juvenile sense of humor is perfect for kids who find farting really funny. His latest film is the animated  Hotel Transylvania  and it’s expected to top the box office this weekend with $24 million, according to Exhibitor Relations. Sandler has struggled with his adult audience lately. His last movie,  That’s My Boy , was a bona fide flop. It earned only $50 million globally. His film before that,  Jack & Jill , will maybe end up breaking even. It earned $150 million globally but on an $80 million budget. With about half of that take going to theater owners and the cost of marketing the movie added in — the film was not a hit. For years Sandler had been critic-proof. His 2010 film  Grown-Ups  earned horrible reviews scoring a  10 out of 1...

Obamacare – What Does it Mean for Your Business?

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Like it or not health care reform is a reality.  President Obama has signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law and the “fixes” in the reconciliation bill are awaiting his signature.  Even with a law of more than 2,000 pages there are more questions than answers in how the new system will work.  Undoubtedly it will take volumes of new regulations and several years before all of the questions are answered.  In the meantime, here are the areas of most significant impact on Ohio employers: All plans will be required to provide dependent care coverage up to age 26, beginning September 2010. Plans cannot place annual or lifetime limits on the value of benefits received by any participant, effective September 2010 for annual limits and January 2014 for lifetime limits. Requires guaranteed issue and renewability (beginning January 2014) and no pre-existing exclusions for children (effective September 2010). Requires all plans t...

A Startup Aims to Fill a Hole in the Housekeeping Market

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5 in Share 0 Smell this: Archer Air Superiority's | Photography by Ben Alsop Entrepreneurs:  John Bleeden, Todd Durston and Berk Wasserman, founders of  Archer Air Superiority , a line of air fresheners aimed at male consumers. “Aha” moment:  In 2011 the three colleagues at a Chicago ad agency decided to fill a hole they saw in the housekeeping market. “We’re really tuned in to trends, given our backgrounds,” Bleeden says. “We wondered why men weren’t represented. Each of us contributes to the shopping and cleaning duties at home, and we don’t want fragrances that smell like cinnamon-apple pie or spring meadows. We realized we’re the guys we should be targeting.” Man caves:  Archer Air’s first collection of three sprays strives to replicate the smell of “manly places.” Hunting Lodge combines scents of stone, gunpowder and “damp timber”; Distillery is inspired by bourbon, with notes of charred oak; and European Sports Car has hints of leather a...

How Niche Players Can Compete Against Big Brands

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If any company can prove that banking on a niche product can return a goldmine, it’s Warby Parker. But rather than designer eyewear for a fraction of the price,  Warby Parker  co-founder Jeff Raider last month set his sights on something even more niche: men’s grooming.   With the launch of his ecommerce-shaving-accoutrements store  Harry’s , Raider is planning on redefining the grooming market, much like he and his co-founders did with eyewear. As with any highly-specific product or service, Raider had to find a way to angle his startup to standout. What could he change about the men’s grooming industry that could make a difference in the eyes of customers? As it turns out, the way men interact with razors is as old as… well, facial hair. So, Raider focused on offering a unique user experience at an affordable price — think $2 blades, $10 handles and $8 shaving cream. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that he added a socially conscious component — donating a ...

How to Start a Business Using Grants

Business grants are available for some types of businesses, but they aren't as prevalent as late-night TV would have you believe. Most government grants are earmarked for research and technological businesses, nonprofits or minority business owners. If you have a for-profit business idea, you may have a hard time finding grants to start your business. However, if you do fit into one of the aforementioned categories, you may be able to start a business using grants. Sponsored Link Apply Now for a Grant Hundreds of Grant Applications. Apply Today. Deadlines Approaching. AmericasGotFunding.com/NewGrants Step 1 Research available grants for businesses. Look for grants that may be available for your type of business. If you are a woman or racial minority, you may be able to find grants designed for you. The best source to research grants is the official government website Grants.gov. Step 2 Choose several grants that relate to your business idea. There ...

Grants for Truck Drivers to Start Their Own Business

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Truck drivers may qualify for a variety of grants. A variety of grants are available that may help you prepare for and start your own trucking business. Most of these grants were not designed specifically for the trucking industry but can still be used toward the startup costs of purchasing your own truck and equipment. In addition, you may be able to win contract bids of sufficient size that they will provide the startup funding you need. Sponsored Link Apply Now for a Grant Hundreds of Grant Applications. Apply Today. Deadlines Approaching. AmericasGotFunding.com/NewGrants Education If you're considering starting your own trucking business from scratch, the very first step is to become a licensed truck driver. Truck driving school is treated just like any other trade school when it comes to financial aid. Pell grants, federal scholarships and student loans may be available through the Free Application for Student Aid, through Workforce Investement...