21 Jun 2013

Can Anyone Become a Millionaire?

By Ginny Grimsley
Research Says 'Yes;' Expert Shares 4 Tips to Take You There
No Matter What Your Income
By: Rick Rodgers

A report released earlier this year from the Chicago-based Spectrem Group estimated there were 8.99 million households in the United States with a net worth of at least $1 million at the end of 2012.

A contrasting report issued late last year from the American Payroll Association showed 68 percent of Americans live paycheck to paycheck.  More than two-thirds of the 30,600 people surveyed said it would be somewhat difficult or very difficult if their paychecks were delayed for a week.

Is it possible for that average American to become a millionaire?

American millionaires are not all greedy corporate executives. Dr. Thomas Stanley has studied the habits of wealthy people for the past 30 years. His groundbreaking research has uncovered the truth about the lifestyles of the wealthiest Americans.

• Four out of five millionaires are self-made.
• Many millionaires own their own business and consider themselves to be entrepreneurs.
• Their companies are rarely glamorous and are more likely to be very ordinary jobs, like paving contractors and pest control businesses.

Becoming a millionaire most likely doesn't just happen to you.Rather, it takes planning and perseverance.  Here are some steps you can take to grow your net worth.

• Live below your means. This step is so obvious we shouldn't need to be reminded.  Unfortunately, most people never learn to spend less than they make.  Unless you discipline yourself to save something from every paycheck, you will never be able to accumulate money that can work for you.  The secret to living below your means is to have a budget and work your budget every month.

• Save a minimum of 10 percent. George Clason's classic book "The Richest Man in Babylon" tells the story of a man who wanted to become wealthy.  He started by saving 10 percent of his income and eventually became wealthy by having his money work for him.  Research has shown many of today's millionaires accumulated their wealth by saving and disciplining themselves to increase their savings every year.

• Invest your savings in businesses. Your savings should be put into growth-oriented investments. Not everyone has the ability or desire to start and run their own business. However, we all have the opportunity to own businesses by buying stock. Stock prices can be volatile but you can minimize the volatility by owning stocks through diversified mutual funds.  Investing on a regular basis allows you to take advantage of the stock market downturns through dollar cost averaging. 

• Don't follow the herd. The Great Panic of 2008 turned out to be one of the greatest buying opportunities. Stock prices fell by more than 50 percent during this downturn and have recovered to move on to new highs.  Unfortunately, many investors sold their stocks during this period instead of buying as evidenced by the net redemptions of stock mutual funds which totaled in the billions.  This prompted legendary investor Warren Buffett to write in an op-ed article for the Wall Street Journal "A simple rule dictates my buying: Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful."

• Hire a financial adviser. It's not easy to stay the course.  You often need an independent third party to remind you of your goals and help you make the right financial moves -- especially during times of great uncertainty.  A good financial adviser will try to help you develop a good investment strategy and keep you focused when you need it most.  Investors often make their biggest mistakes by allowing emotions to interfere with good judgment.  A financial adviser can help you keep your emotions in check.

Becoming a millionaire is not easy or there would be more of them! It takes discipline to live below your means and to save and invest.  One of the millionaires interviewed by Dr. Stanley never made more than $60,000 per year.

"I have accumulated most of my net worth by living below my means," she told him. "I have everything I want, but I have learned not to want too much."

About Rick Rodgers

Certified Financial Planner® Rick Rodgers is president of Rodgers & Associates, "The Retirement Specialists," in Lancaster, Pa., and author of "The New Three-Legged Stool: A Tax Efficient Approach to Retirement Planning." He's a Certified Retirement Counselor and member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisers. Rodgers has been featured on national radio and TV shows, including "FOX Business News" and "The 700 Club," and is available to speak at conferences and corporate events (www.RodgersSpeaks.com).
21 Jun 2013

The 97 Percent

By Rep. Dave Loebsack

According to the Small Business Administration, 97 percent of Iowa's employers are small businesses.  These businesses are the backbone of our economy and are essential to growing our economy and creating jobs.

I'm back home in Iowa working every weekend and one of my favorite things to do is visit small businesses.  I am constantly impressed with the innovation and dedication of employers and employees alike.  You can see photos of some of the businesses I have visited here.

To honor small businesses this week, I joined a bipartisan group to introduce a Resolution supporting "National Small Business Week."  This week is all about supporting local businesses and recognizing the contributions small businesses make to our communities and our economy.  I hope all Iowans will join me in making this week a celebration of Iowa's small businesses.

As a founding member of the bipartisan Small Business Caucus, I have made championing small businesses a top priority.  This includes supporting numerous initiatives to help small businesses including joining the other side of the aisle in supporting a 20 percent small business tax cut and increased tax deductions for capital expenses.  It is critical that small business in Iowa continue to grow and prosper and I will continue to fight to ensure they have the tools they need to succeed. 

Sincerely,


Dave Loebsack
Iowa's Second District

21 Jun 2013

Harkin Announces Nearly $2.7 Million to Support AmeriCorps Service Programs Across Iowa

By Sen. Tom Harkin

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that a total of $2,673,197 has been awarded to ten AmeriCorps programs across Iowa. This competitive funding comes from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). Harkin has been a longtime supporter of AmeriCorps and is the Chairman of the panel that funds these initiatives.

"The work that AmeriCorps members do across Iowa is essential in helping build strong communities," said Harkin. "Getting young people involved in service to improve their community and enhance the lives of those around them is at the heart of AmeriCorps programs. From teaching and mentoring children to building houses for the poor to restoring wildlife habitats, today's funding will improve the lives of countless Iowans and I commend these organizations on receiving it."

The grants awarded today will allocate AmeriCorps resources across a range of issues including strengthening education, fostering economic opportunity, preparing for and responding to disasters, improving health, meeting environmental and energy efficiency needs, and assisting veterans and military families.

Details of the grants follow:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley: $129,949 to recruit and support volunteers to mentor disadvantaged youth at risk of leaving school without a diploma in Eastern Iowa.

Community Corrections Improvement Association: $460,169 to recruit volunteers to provide mentoring and out of school time programming as a prevention strategy for youth who are at-risk of involvement or already involved in the juvenile justice system. Members will also provide mentoring for system-involved adult offenders, particularly targeting veterans and families in the child welfare system for abuse and neglect. The initiative will focus on the CNCS focus areas of Education, Healthy Futures, Veterans, and Economic Opportunity in Linn, Johnson, and Tama counties.

Des Moines Independent Community School District: $610,064 to provide tutoring, mentoring and service-learning interventions to students at risk of dropping out or underperforming in math and literacy. Members will recruit volunteers to increase academic performance and engagement rates of K-12 students. The program will serve urban schools in Des Moines, Iowa.

City of Dubuque: $210,581 to provide in-school, before school and after-school academic mentoring and summer learning opportunities to improve math and reading proficiency in the city of Dubuque, Iowa.

Graceland University: $175,146 to leverage volunteers to strengthen academic engagement through mentoring, service-learning, cultural/enrichment opportunity programs and building 'developmental assets' as indicators of academic achievement in rural south central Iowa.

Habitat for Humanity of Iowa, Inc.: $260,847 to recruit and manage volunteers to make homeownership a reality by building safe and affordable homes in partnership with financially challenged families. The program will serve 25 counties across the state of Iowa.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources: $532,155 to improve public lands and trails through habitat restoration, trail work, and disaster response, resulting in improved water quality, miles of trails accessible to those with disabilities, and communities with improved capacity to respond to and recover from natural disasters. This program will serve all residents, particularly in rural communities, throughout the state of Iowa.

Iowa Legal Aid: $132,600 for members of the Iowa Legal Aid (ILA) AmeriCorps to serve in non-attorney positions to assist with outreach, education, and representation of low-income clients in civil legal matters. Members help expand the services that ILA offices provide to economically vulnerable individuals and families in every county of the state.

Iowa Western Community College: $28,348 for the Iowa College AmeriCorps Program (ICAP), an initiative that increases college students' skills and interest in citizenship and leadership, building the capacity of local community partner nonprofit organizations. AmeriCorps members will serve through 10 college campus sites throughout Iowa. These members will recruit and manage volunteers, improve partner organization volunteer practices, and conduct community impact assessments to improve the performance of targeted community organizations.

United Way of East Central Iowa: $133,338 to provide early literacy activities and tutoring in out of school time programs to children and parents, and provide outreach services for children and families with disabilities. Members will serve in Eastern Iowa and the program will address the CNCS focus area of Education.

###

19 Jun 2013

Universal design is smart design

By Morgan Zenner

Design solutions cover long-term, situational needs for all

Des Plaines, Illinois, June 18, 2013?Remodeling trends may come and go, but one trend has evolved into an improved design movement focused on increasing accessibility for everyone in the home. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) recognizes universal design projects as proven design solutions for not only aging-in-place, but for families with special needs or anyone who wishes to move about his or her home freely, without barriers.

Russell Long, president of Aloha Home Builders based in Eugene, Ore., is a pioneer of Universal Design, remodeling his home to fit the accessibility needs of his 16-year-old son who was born with cerebral palsy.

Though Long's accessibility needs may be greater than others, he always communicates the benefit of Universal Design to all of his clients. "Most people don't think about Universal Design until it's too late," he says. "A healthy person can be injured or need to care for a loved one who is aging, and suddenly, your needs have changed," he says.

Long believes many of the design elements incorporated into his project, which won a 2012 Northwest Regional CotY Award in the Entire House $500,000 to $1,000,000 category with Universal Design Project Recognition, are convenient and luxurious, as well as functional and wheelchair accessible. For example, the universal design features from his project include :

  • Zero barriers, which mean there are no steps in the home, especially for entryways. All living quarters are on the first floor, with the exception of an upstairs area that was converted into an apartment with the purpose of housing a caregiver at some point.
  • Wide hallways, open living spaces and dual entries in all rooms are common design elements used in wheelchair accessibility. Long's hallways are more than 5 feet wide, and living spaces are expanded so wheelchairs can move around furniture easily. Also, two entryways in all rooms?including the living room, dining room and kitchen?allows for ample traffic flow throughout the house.
  • Microwaves drawer and/or refrigeration drawers are also common in universal design, but Long says it is also a stylistic feature for those who prefer to showcase beautiful cabinetry and granite countertops rather than the eye-sore of a microwave taking up counter space.
  • Hardwood flooring is superior over carpeting for wheelchair accessibility. Long removed all carpeting on the first floor and installed engineered hardwood flooring throughout the entire floor, only covering certain areas with rugs. The new flooring also allowed for a five zone, energy-efficient radiant heating system throughout the house, which couldn't have been accomplished with carpeting.
  • Ramped pool entrance is a unique design feature developed by Long to make it easier for his son to be transferred in and out of the pool safely. However, once installed, the ramped entrance doubles as a convenient bench for guests to sit on while they enjoy the pool.

The key to Universal Design, according to Long, is to come up with design solutions that address current needs and future needs down the road. "We tried to think of solutions that could easily be added or taken out if we needed them or decided to sell our home one day," Long says.

He also adds a big misconception of Universal Design is that it looks institutional. "We research products and designs that blend functionality with beautiful aesthetics of a home, so that it never compromises a client's style," Long says.

NARI is the source for homeowners seeking to hire a professional remodeling contractor because members are full-time, dedicated remodelers who follow a strict code of ethics that observes high standards of honesty, integrity and responsibility.

Visit the NARI.org site to get tips on how to hire a remodeling professional and to search for NARI members in your area.

Click here to see an online version of this press release.

# # #

About NARI: The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is the only trade association dedicated solely to the remodeling industry.  The Association, which represents 7,000 member companies nationwide?comprised of 63,000 remodeling contractors? is "The Voice of the Remodeling Industry."® To learn more about membership, visit www.NARI.org or contact national headquarters, based in Des Plaines, Ill., at (847) 298-9200.
18 Jun 2013

4 'Aha' Truths for a Changing Corporate Landscape

By Rick Martin
Thought-Leading CEO Reviews Time-Tested Principles

Technology is moving much faster than many of our institutions - while it continues to change the way people interact with businesses, many corporate leaders are still operating as if it didn't exist, says Thought Leader Architect Mitchell Levy.

"There are countless corporate leaders who do not recognize how today's shopper is different from yesterday's," says Levy, author of "#Creating Thought Leaders Tweet," (www.thinkaha.com/experts2gurus).

"Today's customers often become well-informed about products available to them even before companies have had a chance to reach out to them. They've made tech tools, from social media to mobile apps, an intimate part of their daily lives; the corporate leaders who have not done this often don't understand the new ways people are learning about and using - or not using - their products."

Corporate leaders can remedy that by becoming thought leaders, both within their businesses and beyond the corporate walls, and filling their ranks with thought leaders, Levy says.

"They need to become the voices that customers and industry peers turn to for expert advice, the voices that influence customer and industry decision-making," Levy says.

Anyone with expertise in their industry can do that with two core essential tools: a book they've authored, and social media.

Levy identifies four nuggets management should keep in mind:

• Make sure you are getting the right H.E.L.P.: This is an acronym Levy uses when evaluating a company; it stands for Healthy following, Execute well, Leadership and Proven platform. A healthy following means overall respect and esteem, both from colleagues in an industry and from customers. Increasing visibility online, utilizing social media platforms, blogs, search engine optimization (SEO) all contribute. Execute well and leadership are self-explanatory. "P" involves utilizing a marketing platform that allows you to reach your intended audience.

• The world seeks brands. People listen to and buy from people they know, like and trust: As consumers ourselves, we all are familiar with the visceral reaction we have to strong brands, everything from the Apple logo to our favorite paper towels at the local grocery store. Building your brand involves making sure that you're recognized in multi-sensory ways, and that customers associate what they hear, see and read with a very high rate of customer satisfaction. This means establishing a visual and interactive presence, and addressing any customer dissatisfaction.

• There is one reason thought leaders make it look so easy: they work at it all day, every day: Speaking of Apple, it would be an understatement to call the late Steve Jobs a perfectionist. The man who said, "My job is not to be easy on people. My job is to make them better," was never one to assume good things will happen on their own. Likewise, if an organization is to be at or near its best, leaders need to be "on it" 24/7 - knowing what to focus on and what to ignore.

• Thought leaders create trends and influence the industry: In business as in most areas of life, there are innovative leaders and those who follow them. The perceived brilliance of an idea is not just in how good it is, but in how bold it comes across. Of course, a bad idea will show itself in time. A leader cannot be afraid of stating his or her position clearly, or of thinking outside the box.

About Mitchell Levy

Mitchell Levy, Thought Leader Architect and CEO at THiNKaha, has created and operated 15 firms and partnerships since 1997. Today, he works with companies who are active in social media to leverage their IP and unlock the expertise of the employee base to drive more business. He is an Amazon best-selling author with eighteen business books including the recently released #Creating Thought Leaders Tweet. He has an extensive network, which he taps into to drive success for those around him. Levy is a frequent media guest and a popular speaker. In addition to the companies and joint ventures he has started, he has provided strategic consulting to over 100 companies, has advised over 500 CEOs on critical business issues through the CEO networking groups he's run, and has been Chairman of the Board of a NASDAQ listed company.

14 Jun 2013

How Your IRA Can Become Your Tax Nightmare

By Ginny Grimsley
Financial Expert Offers Tips to Avoid
a Hefty Bill from Uncle Sam

Uncle Sam wants you! That is, he wants you to spend your Individual Retirement Account in a manner that he finds appropriate, says independent retirement advisor Gary Marriage, Jr.

"Millions of Americans have put away money into their IRA throughout their professional life, which the government encourages with tax-deferred growth throughout the working years, allowing employees to accumulate more money faster - but there's a catch," says Marriage, CEO of Nature Coast Financial Advisors (www.naturecoastfinancial.com), which specializes in maximizing retirees' finances. He is also responsible for Operation Veteran Aid, which benefits wartime veterans and their families.

"The government's Required Minimum Distribution, RMDs including 401(k)s, 403(b)s or 457 plans, paint retirees and their employer-sponsored retirement plans into a corner."

That's because by the time retirees reach the age of 70½, RMDs require individuals to make withdrawals, which are heavily taxed, he says. Marriage explains the process further with the theoretical example of John and Mary Smith:

• Smooth sailing ... at first: By age 65, the couple has saved $500,000 in their IRA, and because they have been taking no income from it, they're averaging a 6 percent return each year. They sail along smoothly, compounding the growth in the account and earn a return of $40,147 by age 70. But halfway through that year ...

• Compounded tax liability: At 70½, John's IRA has an accumulated value of $669,113. Therefore, his RMD - the amount he's required to withdraw - is  $24,420.  John and Mary weren't expecting the tax bill this creates, which, in their 25 percent tax bracket, is a staggering $6,105! More upsetting to the couple, however, is that this scenario will continue for the rest of their lives.

• Down the road: Fast forward to age 90 and the total withdrawals the couple have been forced to take reaches $908,005. The total taxes owed are a staggering $227,001 - which goes straight to Uncle Sam! Worse still, when John and Mary pass away, their children will pay taxes on the remaining money - likely at a much higher tax rate.

• The solution: Rather than wait for the inevitable RMD, John and Mary can convert to a Roth IRA. This entails taking their distributions early, at age 65, even though they are not required to do so. Each year for 10 years they withdraw $67,934, pay a tax bill of $16,983 from that sum and return the balance to the account. The net effect throughout the 10-year period is a total taxable distribution of $679,340 for a total tax bill of $169,835. The good news for John and Mary, however, is that they are now done paying taxes on this account, forever. They went from taxable distributions of $1.6 million to just $679,000, thus reducing the amount they owe on taxes by almost $1 million dollars! And the money that their beneficiaries receive will be tax-free.

"This scenario considers a number of variables, all of which are different for every client we work with," Marriage says. "As a general rule, however, the sooner you begin the conversion process, the more you stand to gain."

About Gary Marriage

Gary Marriage, Jr. is the founder and CEO of Nature Coast Financial Advisors, which educates retirees on how to protect their assets, increase their income, and reduce their taxes. Marriage is a national speaker, delivering solutions for pre-retirees, business owners and seniors on the areas affecting their retirement and estates. He is an approved member of the National Ethics Bureau, and is featured in "America's Top Hometown Financial Advisors 2011." Marriage is also the founder of Operation Veteran Aid, an advocate for war-time veterans and their families.

12 Jun 2013

How to Stay Sane During Financial Peaks & Valleys

By Ginny Grimsley
Market Analyst Shares 5 Tips for Institutions, Traders & Anyone
Else Dealing with Lifestyle Changes & Money Flux

You don't have to be a trader on the world's markets to experience the financial roller coaster, says mathematician Lambros Klouvidakis.

"The world has struggled in recent years to absorb the many stresses and negative influences on global markets and everyone's affected. Look at the senior citizens who lost as much as 40 percent of their retirement investments!" he says. "At one point during the crisis, the Dow Jones Industrial lost 50 percent of its value in less than a week; unemployment shop up more than 5 percentage points and consumer spending, at its worst, dropped by 50 percent."

Traders, however, gain and lose on a regular basis, and we can learn a lot from their experience, Klouvidakis says.

The Canadian market analyst has spent more than 12 years, producing more than 9,000 pages of notes, developing a formula called Semathy (www.semathy.com) that accurately calculates forthcoming exchange rates. Videos on his site document the time of his foresights and when stocks hit enumerated targets. And yes - he's counting on more downs, and ups, ahead for all of us.

Klouvidakis offers tips for traders and anyone else experiencing major shifts in their finances:

· Set the right tone immediately. If you've lost a chunk of money and your lifestyle is already compromised, understand that you can get it back. Rather than wasting energy trying to blame someone or something, focus your efforts on problem-solving. Not only does this mindset put time to good use, it also diverts you from negative and painful feelings. On the flip side, if you have recently come into a large amount of money, smart investments and shrewd spending are equally important.

· Take stock of your human assets. Remember, you have important assets that don't show up on the net worth statement. Education, experience, skills and knowledge are hard to put a dollar value on, but don't overlook them as a resource. Talk to other traders about ways to use strengths and skills during this time of income change and in the future.

· Share the burden & ask for advice. During times of stress, the support of friends and acquaintances is critical. New traders, for example, have difficulty revealing their vulnerability and inexperience to more seasoned traders, but when they do, they open the door to receiving excellent advice. The same is true for those who are not marketplace professionals but need encouragement.

· Accept change and uncertainty (be flexible). Income changes require that we prepare for a journey of uncertainty. We often cling to the very things that hold us back. Traders who adjust well to change know when to hold on to a position and when to let go. Many of us grew up believing strength meant holding on, when it often takes more strength to let go and move on.

· Don't forget your family. Trading, looking for a job or studying for a new career can be consuming, but even when things have gone bad ? especially when things have gone bad ? stay involved with your family and create stability at home. What's good for the family is also good for you. In difficult times, new traders tend to take others for granted and forget to provide the attention they need and deserve. If necessary, make a strong conscious effort to pull together with family and work through tough times.

About Lambros Klouvidakis

Lambros Klouvidakis is the creator of Semathy, an elite foreign exchange consultancy. He is a math expert who has dedicated 12 years of his life to the study of currency exchange behavior. The formula he developed, an algorithm based on the behavior of money and supply and demand, marks current Foreign Exchange rates versus forthcoming rates. The Semathy formula is designed to give financial institutions and governments the ability to capitalize on the foreign exchange market's unique qualities and make viable trading decisions.

10 Jun 2013

Personal Finance Article: Your Financial Life After Graduation

By Jason Alderman

By Jason Alderman

To the millions of college and high school seniors who recently graduated (and to their parents, who weathered the ups and downs of reaching that summit): congratulations on a job well done. After the celebration dies down, you'll no doubt be eager to embark on life's next chapter, whether it's finding a job, preparing for college or enrolling in military or community service.

Before you jump in feet first, however, let me share a few financial lessons I learned the hard way when I was just starting out. They might save you a lot of money in the long run and help you get closer to your life goals, whether it's buying a house, starting a family or even retiring early - as far off as that may sound.

First, pretend you're still a starving student. After landing your first full-time job, the urge to go on a spending spree for new clothes, a better apartment and a car from this decade will be irresistible after surviving on ramen noodles for four years. But unless you had generous scholarships or a rich aunt, you're probably already saddled with thousands of dollars in student loan debt.

(Note to entering freshmen: Tread carefully around student loan debt. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has a great guide for making informed decisions about paying for college at www.consumerfinance.gov/students.)

After you've factored in rent, car payments, renter's and car insurance, credit card charges, student loan balances and other monthly bills (not to mention payroll taxes such as Social Security tax, which went up 2 percent this year), your new salary probably won't go as far as you'd like, especially if you're trying to save for one of those life events.

That's where a budget can help. Numerous free budgeting tools, including interactive calculators, are available at such sites as the government-sponsored MyMoney.gov (www.mymoney.gov), the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (www.nfcc.org), Mint.com (https://www.mint.com) and Practical Money Skills for Life (www.practicalmoneyskills.com), a free personal financial management program run by Visa Inc.

Next, know the score, credit-wise. Many people don't realize until it's too late that a poor credit score can trash your financial future. After you've missed a few loan payments, bounced some checks or exceeded your credit limits, you'll probably be charged higher loan and credit card interest rates and offered lower credit limits (if not denied credit altogether), unless and until you can raise your credit score. You may even have to pay higher insurance rates and harm your ability to rent an apartment or get a cell phone.

To know where you stand, review your credit reports from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) to find out whether any negative actions have been reported and to look for errors or possible fraudulent activity on your accounts. You can order one free report per year from each bureau if you order them through www.AnnualCreditReport.com; otherwise you'll pay a small fee.

To learn more about credit reports and scores, visit the CFPB's "Ask CFPB." Another good resource is What's My Score (www.whatsmyscore.org), a financial literacy program for young adults run by Visa, which features a free, downloadable workbook called, "Money 101: A Crash Course in Better Money Management," and other free tools.

You worked hard to graduate. Just make sure you don't sabotage your efforts by starting out on the wrong financial footing.

07 Jun 2013

BASS PRO SHOPS SELECTED AS LEAD RETAILER FOR THE LARGEST NEW RETAIL DEVELOPMENT IN NORTH AMERICA

By Katie Mitchell

200,000 SQUARE FOOT OUTDOORS STORE TO ANCHOR
LUXURY POINT DEVELOPMENT IN SAYREVILLE, NEW JERSEY

With over 15 million people within a 50 mile radius, company predicts this will be
its highest sales volume store ever!

Springfield, MO?(June 7, 2013)--- Bass Pro Shops, America's most popular outdoor retailer, will open a store at Luxury Point, one of the largest new mixed-use developments in the United States, in Sayreville, New Jersey. The new 200,000 square-foot Bass Pro Shops® Outdoor World will be located at Garden State Parkway and Chevalier Avenue and is scheduled to open in 2015.  Some 400,000 cars per day pass directly by this site and, with more than 15 million people within a 50 mile radius, the company predicts this will be their highest sales volume store to date.

Luxury Point, located just 30 miles from Manhattan and minutes away from Staten Island in Sayreville, NJ, will center around a 1.2 million-square-foot luxury mall and 723,000 square-foot entertainment district encompassing luxury retail, waterfront and recreation destinations, along with 2,000 high-end residential units, office space, high end hotels and two luxury marinas.

The 8 million-square-foot development will also include waterfront dining, a community center, bike trails, walking paths, and abundant green and open space including a waterfront promenade.

"We are excited about this location and very grateful to developer Brian O'Neill and his family for selecting Bass Pro Shops to be the premier anchor tenant in what may well be one of the most exciting new retail developments in the world," said Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris.  "This highly visible location is easily accessible and will allow us to bring Bass Pro Shops' low prices and famous friendly service to the many sportsmen and women in the region," Morris continued.

The 453-acre site lines three miles of highly visible waterfront along the Raritan River, and 24 lanes of highway in one of the most densely populated and affluent areas of the United States.  When completed, it will be one of the most significant developments ever built in the New York area, with more than 30 million visitors expected annually.

"Luxury Point will be the largest mixed-use development under construction in the United States.  When complete it will also be the most significant luxury retail development in 30 years," states Brian O'Neill, Founder and Chairman of O'Neill Properties Group.  "Bass Pro Shops redefines retailing of outdoor equipment for hunting, fishing and boating in the Northeast.  The new location at Luxury Point will be the largest store East of the Mississippi and O'Neill Properties is thrilled to have Bass Pro Shops as our leading anchor tenant."

Luxury Point is surrounded by one of the busiest intersections in the United States, just off the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, U.S. Route 9 and NJ Route 35, and close to I-287 and Route 440.  More than 400,000 cars pass the site daily, and over 600,000 per day in the summer months.  In addition, there will be regular mass transit service available.

The planned Bass Pro Shops location at Luxury Point will be the size of five football fields with expansive aquariums, waterfalls and museum quality fish and wildlife dioramas onsite along with a huge selection of outdoor gear.

Bass Pro Shops will host over 120 million people visiting their 77 stores and Tracker Marine Centers across America and Canada this year; the average customer stays 2 ½ hours and drives an average distance of 50+ miles.  Bass Pro Shops was recently named by Advertising Age magazine as one of the Top 10 Hottest Brands in America along with name brands such as Old Spice, M&M's, iPad and Droid.  Also, Bass Pro Shops has been recognized numerous times for their conservation and outdoor education efforts, as well as being named by J.D. Powers & Associates as one of the top eight retailers in America for customer service excellence.

Bass Pro Shops' unique, award-winning, mega-sized outdoor stores are known for combining retail with entertainment, conservation and outdoor education. More than just a fishing and hunting store,  Bass Pro Shops stores offer equipment and clothing for hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing, camping, outdoor cooking and more.  A gift and nature center will also serve up a wide variety of outdoor-related items from lamps and dishes to bird feeders and furniture.

The expansive boat showroom will feature Tracker, Nitro, SunTracker, Tahoe, Grizzly and Mako boats built by Tracker Marine Group, the world's largest manufacturer of fishing boats.

The Sayreville Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World will feature the much- acclaimed Uncle Buck's Fishbowl and Grill. This nautical-themed entity located within the store, features a truly unique atmosphere and design geared for family fun and dining.  Twenty lanes will offer customers the chance to bowl 'in the ocean. Casual family dining will be available in the Grill where customers may select from a menu featuring a variety of appetizers, sandwiches, salads and burgers.

Bass Pro Shops' unique exterior and interior motifs have branded them as visually appealing, high quality outdoor stores. The outdoors feel is brought indoors through massive log and rock work, large indoor aquariums and water features stocked with native fish species as well as an extensive collection of museum quality fish and wildlife mounts.  Historic photos and exhibits will pay tribute to the regions great outdoor heritage.

Local response to Bass Pro Shops and the Sayreville Seaport Associates reaching an agreement has been extremely positive and welcoming.

"This announcement is the culmination of 14 years of hard work to redevelop the National Lead Property.  I am convinced this site will ultimately become the Gold Coast of Sayreville and will provide a consistent stream of tax revenue and jobs for the direct benefit of Sayreville residents," said Kennedy O'Brien, Mayor of Sayreville.  "I look forward to the groundbreaking of this long awaited project."

Raniero Travisano, Chairman of the Sayreville Economic and Redevelopment Agency (SERA), is pleased to bring the nationally recognized retail leader in family oriented outdoor activities to Luxury Point at Sayreville.  "Bass Pro Shops will be the first retail store to be built at Luxury Point and will act as the gateway to the project.  SERA welcomes Bass Pro Shops to the Sayreville community and looks forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship."

"This is a major milestone in the redevelopment of the former National Lead site that will create jobs, ease the local property tax burden and improve our local quality of life," added Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski.  "It takes us one step closer to achieving my goal of restoring this site as an active part of our community."

Contact:  Katie Mitchell, Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Marine, Communications Manager (417-873-5618) kamitchell@basspro.com

About Bass Pro Shops®:
Bass Pro Shops® operates 77 retail stores in 26 states and Canada visited by over 120 million people annually.  Bass Pro Shops® also conducts an international catalog and internet retailing operation?the American Rod & Gun® wholesale division--which sells to more than 7,000 independently owned retail stores worldwide.  Outdoor World® Incentives also sells Bass Pro Shops® gift cards through over 132,000 retail outlets across America.  The Bass Pro Shops® restaurant division has 28 locations.  The company's Tracker Marine Group® (www.trackerboats.com) manufactures and sells Tracker®, Nitro®, SunTracker®, Tahoe®, Grizzly® and Mako® boats through Bass Pro Shops® retail stores and over 400 dealers worldwide.  The Resort Group (www.bigcedar.com) includes Big Cedar Lodge® and other resort properties including restaurants and golf courses. For more information regarding Bass Pro Shops® store locations, products or special events, please visit www.basspro.com.  To request a free catalog, call 1-800-BASS PRO.  Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/bassproshops.

06 Jun 2013

USDA Trade Mission Aims to Create Opportunities for U.S. Agriculture in Turkey

By USDA Office of Communications

WASHINGTON, June 6, 2013–The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that Acting Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Michael Scuse is leading a mission to promote U.S. agricultural exports to Turkey, this week. Representatives from Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Pennsylvania, as well as 20 U.S. companies are participating.

During the mission, the USDA delegation will travel to Istanbul and Ankara to learn about Turkey's rapidly evolving market conditions and business environment - information that will enable businesses to develop export strategies for Turkey. Companies attending the Turkey trade mission represent a wide variety of agricultural products including dry beans, fruit and nuts, agricultural machinery and more.

"People around the world continue to demand U.S. food and agricultural products, boosting American businesses and supporting our rural communities," said Scuse. "By participating in this trade mission, U.S. agribusinesses will gain first-hand market information and meet with distributors, importers and other business contacts so they can position themselves to expand their presence in Turkey by promoting the quality, variety and reliability of U.S. food and agricultural products."

With its rapidly developing economy and expanding middle class, Turkey is becoming a key market for U.S. food and agricultural products. U.S. agricultural exports to the country tripled over the last decade. In fiscal year 2012, two-way agricultural trade between the two countries reached more than $2.4 billion, with U.S. exports accounting for more than 75 percent of the total - a significant contribution to the U.S. agricultural trade surplus.

Turkey is also the second-largest country participant (behind South Korea) in USDA's GSM-102 program, which provides credit guarantees to encourage financing of commercial exports of U.S. agricultural products while providing competitive credit terms to buyers. In FY 2012, GSM-102 supported sales of approximately $700 million in agricultural commodities to Turkey, including 70 percent of all U.S. soybean and soybean meal exports to Turkey and 35 percent of all cotton.

This trade mission is the first major USDA agricultural trade mission this year for U.S. companies. Successful trade missions to China and Russia were held in 2012.

A complete list of U.S. companies participating in the Turkey agricultural trade mission can be found here.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).

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