Saturday, 10 January 2015

Luxury Travel moves its Office to the Center of Ho Chi Minh City

Luxury Travel Ltd (luxurytravel.vn) has a new location in the heart of the city, convenient and close to the main tourist sites and hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City.

Hanoi, Vietnam, January 10, 2015 - Luxury Travel Ltd (luxurytravel.vn) has a new location in the heart of the city, convenient and close to the main tourist sites and hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam’s first luxury tour operator/DMC, Luxury Travel Ltd (www.luxurytravels.asia), based in Hanoi with offices throughout Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, is exceptional in designing tailor-made tours and providing unique travel experiences.

This December, Luxury Travel is moving to a new office located at Room 301, Floor 3, Tran Quy Building, 57 Le Thi Hong Gam Str., Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, Dist 01, Ho Chi Minh City.

The new office is located close to Ben Thanh market making it more convenient for clients to visit.From Ben Thanh market it is easy to find Le Thi Hong Gam Street, and the office is on the right-hand side.

Mr Pham Ha, Founder and CEO of Luxury Travel Ltd,said he was extremely proud to have offices throughout Vietnam, in Danang, NhaTrang and Ho Chi Minh City, with its head office in Hanoi, providing comprehensive, personalized and “wow” services to their most sophisticated travelers.

The company’s depth of experience and large infrastructure enable it to create unique itineraries with the operational confidence to fulfill the most sophisticated traveler’s expectations. Luxury Travel Ltd has won numerous travel awards for excellent performance including the most recent Guide Award 2014: “The Leading Specialist Tour Operator Providing Great Services to Sophisticated Travelers”.

Contact:
Thu Hien (Ms)
Luxury Travel Ltd
05 Nguyen Truong To Street
Ba Dinh Dist, Hanoi 84444
84.4.62733087 Ext 122
pr@straightlinepr.com
http://www.luxurytravels.asia

Commitment to Operational Intelligence and Dynamic Case Management at the BPM Summit

According to AuraPortal, Operational Intelligence and Dynamic Case Management are crucial features for Process Management.

Woburn, MA, December 11, 2014 – AURA (www.auraportal.com), a global provider of AuraPortal Business Process Management (BPM) software, actively participated in the BPM Summit 2014 by IT Latino in which renowned experts in the sector looked in great depth into the current state of Business Process Management with particular emphasis on the two trends that are breaking boundaries: Operational Intelligence and Dynamic Case Management.


AuraPortal has been distinguished with great advantage over its competitors by Ovum in its Decision Matrix report and by other renowned analyst firms.

AuraPortal's participation in the BPM Summit 2014 by IT Latino was focused on exhibiting, through conferences and customer case studies, the importance of these features that should be present in any BPM to manage any organization properly and to reach a level of excellence in business management.

Olivia Trilles, AuraPortal VP Operations Manager, took part in the round table moderated by Daniel Alguacil, Founder and Director of IT Latino, sharing over 8 years of experience in providing solutions for public and private enterprises that integrate a high level of Operational Intelligence and Dynamic Case Management in AuraPortal Business Process Management.

During the interview with Igna Almar, AuraPortal Sales Manager, he commented "When developing a Business Process Management Platform like AuraPortal, that encompasses all the activities of any organization, it is essential to have all the necessary features to perform the task: Mobility, Cloud, Operational Intelligence, Intranet and Extranet for the information, communication and collaboration between employees and external parties, Business Rules, Document Management , Web based Enterprise Content Management, Free Workflow, Distributed Treatments, eCommerce, etc. If the BPM lacks these features it will need to be complemented by integrating external tools or by programming the deficiencies, although this is costly in both time and money".

ABOUT IT-LATINO
IT-Latino is a network of technological innovation portals and one of the top online Spanish information networks with regard to ICT for professionals.

ABOUT AURA (http://www.auraportal.com)
AURA is a global BPM (Business Process Management) software provider delivering a solution that creates, without the need of IT programming, Business Process Workflow Execution Models. AuraPortal is 100% Web-based, and is complementary to existing ERP and CRM systems.

AURA has a presence in 40 countries with more than 300 customers including, among others: Walmart, Toyota, General Motors, Pemex (Petroleos Mexicanos), Carrefour, ArcelorMittal, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Danone, INCAE, Kimberly-Clark, Yamaha, Royal KPN, Bristol-Myers Squibb, etc., as well as many Government Agencies and Departments in several countries. All of these customers benefit from maintenance contracts.

It is headquartered in Europe and has an executive branch in North America (Florida). It also has offices in several countries and a vast network of partners who locally attend customers throughout the world.

Contact:
Cristina Siscar
Auraportal
400 Trade Center
Woburn, MA 01801-7472
978-808-6340
pr@straightlinepr.com
http://www.auraportal.com

The Advantages of Managing an Organization with Cloud Business Process Management

AuraPortal Cloud Computing enables any entity to enjoy the benefits of the most powerful Business Process Management (BPM) software on the market and the most secure hardware, without any investment, paying only for usage, or a small monthly fee.

Woburn, MA, January 10, 2015 - AURA (www.auraportal.com), a global provider of Business Process Management (BPM) software, has announced the creation and launch of its structurally solid Cloud Computing.


This will enable any type of private or public organization to undertake BPM implementation projects through the AuraPortal suite without the usual structure and investment concerns inherent in such projects, and with the software licenses included in the service.

AuraPortal has been distinguished with great advantage over its competitors by Ovum in its Decision Matrix (2011) report and by other renowned analyst firms.

The idea of the Cloud is simple: It consists of adopting the same model for the computing services as the one used in public services, for example, in the supply of electricity.

In the same way that an electricity user simply plugs in a cable to obtain a power supply without worrying whatsoever about the cost and knowledge required to build and manage power plants and distribution grids, any company (whether public or private) will be able to manage its processes with AuraPortal BPM by simply connecting to the Internet from any browser without having to think about hardware or software requirements. Furthermore, this allows complete mobility as AuraPortal can be accessed from any Tablet or Smartphone.

After several years of development and fine tuning, Cloud Computing is rapidly becoming the latest and unstoppable trend for the use of software applications, now that the questions about access, security and reliability have clearly been answered.

Whatever the level of service, the user does not have to invest in hardware or software, AuraPortal handles all the necessary investments.

ABOUT AURA (http://www.auraportal.com)
AURA is a global BPM (Business Process Management) software provider delivering a solution that creates, without the need of IT programming, Business Process Workflow Execution Models. AuraPortal is 100% Web-based, and is complementary to existing ERP and CRM systems.

AURA has a presence in 40 countries with more than 300 customers including, among others: Walmart, Toyota, General Motors, Pemex (Petroleos Mexicanos), Carrefour, ArcelorMittal, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Danone, INCAE, Kimberly-Clark, Yamaha, Royal KPN, Bristol-Myers Squibb, etc., as well as many Government Agencies and Departments in several countries. All of these customers benefit from maintenance contracts.

It is headquartered in Europe and has an executive branch in North America (Florida). It also has offices in several countries and a vast network of partners who locally attend customers throughout the world.

Contact:
Cristina Siscar
Auraportal
400 Trade Center
Woburn, MA 01801-7472
978-808-6340
pr@straightlinepr.com
http://www.auraportal.com

Thursday, 8 January 2015

Special Celtic Concert on Friday, January 9, 2015 - Rebecca Lomnicky & David Brewer & Special Guests: An Evening of Scottish Music & Dance

Save the date for a not-to-be-missed concert with the fabulous internationally renowned Celtic performers

Pacific Grove, CA, January 07, 2015 - Save the date for a not-to-be-missed concert with the fabulous internationally renowned Celtic performers: Rebecca Lomnicky & David Brewer & Special Guests: An Evening of Scottish Music & Dance. This very special event will be held on Friday, January 9th at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Pacific Grove, 915 Sunset, in Pacific Grove, CA 93950. Tickets are now available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1054041 and are $20 (general) $15 (seniors over age 65 military and students with ID). For more information, call (831) 633-4444 or email brickman@brickmanmarketing.com.


About Rebecca Lomnicky and David Brewer:
Rebecca Lomnicky and David Brewer are a high energy pure-drop Scottish music duo, with world class fiddling talent in combination with bagpipes, guitar, bodhran, and whistle. International Scottish Fiddle Champion, Rebecca Lomnicky, and David Brewer of the popular Celtic band Molly's Revenge, have each spent copious amounts of time delving into the traditions of their respective instruments, living and studying in both Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands. Together they perform captivating Scottish music which bridges the gap between the fiddle and bagpipe music of Scotland, two worlds united, into a heartfelt and rousing musical experience. Between their entertaining and informative stage banter, varied instrument combinations, and vast repertoire of tunes and songs, including everything from soaring slow airs to intricately arranged dance tunes, these charismatic performers will leave you on your feet with your hands together.

Together, Rebecca Lomnicky and David Brewer have headlined at Celtic festivals such as The Utah Scottish Association Highland Games, The Portland Highland Games, The Sedona Celtic Harvest Festival, The Seattle Folklife Festival, The Oregon Scottish Festival, The Yachats Celtic Music Festival, The Monterey Scottish Games and Celtic Festival, The Payson Scottish Games, The Eugene Scottish Festival, and has performed at a variety of venues throughout the United States, United Kingdom, and Ireland.

The duo will be joined by several special guest highland dancers & singers, including Peter "the Admiral" Haworth, former vocalist of Molly's Revenge, from Blackburn, in the north of England.

About Rebecca Lomnicky:
Rebecca Lomnicky began playing classical violin and piano at age five, discovered Scottish fiddle music only a few years later, and in 2005 won the Junior Division of the U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Competition. Following that victory, she recorded her first CD, The Call, praised by Dirty Linen magazine as "technically masterful, and wonderfully melodic." In 2009, Rebecca won the 20th Annual Glenfiddich International Scottish Fiddle Championship held at Blair Castle, Blair Atholl, Scotland. The invitation only championship - seen as the Grammys of the fiddling world- is widely regarded as the most prestigious in Scottish fiddle. She has performed in Scotland, Ireland, Italy, China, and across the US, has been featured on the BBC radio show, Take the Floor, and in 2009, recorded her second CD, Inspired, with David Brewer. In 2014, Rebecca graduated summa cum laude from Cornell University with a double major in Music and Sociocultural Anthropology. She was also awarded the 2013-2014 Ellen Gussman Adelson Prize for outstanding instrumental music performance. For more about Rebecca, please visit: www.rebeccalomnicky.com

About David Brewer:
David Brewer is a multi-instrumentalist who has toured with the Scottish super-group The Old Blind Dogs, and with Molly's Revenge across the US, the UK, Canada, China, and Australia. He has been a special guest of the six-time Grammy winning group The Chieftains, and was a key musician for the soundtrack of the PBS documentary, "Andrew Jackson, Good, Evil, and the Presidency". David, who is known for being animated and engaging on stage, compliments Rebecca's award winning fiddling with guitar, Irish penny-whistle, and bodhran frame-drum, but primarily the Scottish bagpipes, on which he is unarguably one of the most energetic and charismatic performers of the instrument in the world today. For more about David, please visit: www.davidbrewermusic.com

Contact:
Wendy Brickman
Brickman Marketing
395 Del Monte Center #250
Monterey, CA 93940
831-633-4444
http://www.brownpapertickets.com

Monday, 5 January 2015

Test of Tyme, A Development and Construction Consulting Firm, To Hold Seminar at Gallery Sur in Carmel-by-the-Sea on Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Founded in 2008, Test of Tyme is an international real estate investment and development company that restores, builds, buys and sells estates in Carmel and Pebble Beach and beyond.

Pacific Grove, CA, January 04, 2015 - Founded in 2008, Test of Tyme is an international real estate investment and development company that restores, builds, buys and sells estates in Carmel and Pebble Beach and beyond. It will hold a free seminar, “Old World Construction Techniques Used in Carmel & Pebble Beach Estates” with a presentation by Don Whitaker of Test of Tyme and Justin Iles of Decorative Stone Works on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. The seminar will be held at Gallery Sur located on 6th Avenue between Dolores and Lincoln (next door to the Little Swiss CafĂ©) in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Refreshments from the new Carmel restaurant, Affina, and beverages will be served. Space is very limited and RSVPs are mandatory by calling (831) 655-2008 or emailing tot@testoftyme.com.


See some beautiful examples of Old World Design Construction techniques used locally in Carmel and Pebble Beach estates. During their fascinating seminar,

Don Whitaker and Justin Iles will discuss:
- What is the Old World Design style?
- The adoption of Old World Design in the New World
- What tools and techniques are utilized in Old World Design?
- How Old World Design techniques bring authenticity and character to a home
- How to recognize quality craftsmanship in a home
- Wood and stone elements of Old World Design
- Examples of Old World Design ceilings, fireplaces, entryways and more
- Demo of an Old World Design technique by Don Whitaker
- Q and A

About Test of Tyme:
Known as two of the most sought-after artisans and consultants on the Monterey Peninsula, Don Whitaker and Scott Coulter and their hand-picked group of sub-contractors, have worked together to build or renovate many of the largest estates in the area. Due to their passion and talent, artistic vision and top craftsmanship, they have been honored to work on more than 350 of the largest and most beautiful homes and structures in Carmel-by-the-Sea and Pebble Beach, including more than 20 homes on the ocean side of Seventeen Mile Drive in Pebble Beach as well as the Cypress Point Golf Course Club House and Pebble Beach and Tennis Club. Most recently, they have worked on a 28-room mansion near the Lone Cypress Tree. Their work, simply stated, is created to stand the Test of Tyme!

One of their specialties is in the replication and creation of Old World-inspired finishes (1680’s – 1740’s European style), as well as the creation of original pieces designed for a specific home or space. They also restore paintings and other works of art.

Since the establishment of Test of Tyme in 2008, Scott Coulter and Don Whitaker’s artistic work has been featured in the prestigious Perspectives on Design California, a publication on creative ideas shared by leading design professionals. This is a showcase of the state’s finest architects, artisans, homebuilders, landscape architects, interior designers, craftsmen, and other industry specialists, under whose creative direction the extraordinary is made possible. This publication is part of a popular series that spans the Southwest, Chicago, New England, Florida and other design-savvy regions in North America and Europe.

Test of Tyme consists of artisans whose passions lie in the transformation of a home into an embodiment of three-dimensional art. According to Scott Coulter, “We are a community of craftsman and artisans that transform dwellings into habitable works of art. From the hand laid tile individually treated to match flawlessly with one another to the revival of a damaged painting thought to be untreatable. Rustic furnishes, antique revitalization, old-world finishes, varnishes, and custom painting.”

Test of Tyme can transform every aspect of the average home into a marvelous homage to the old-world escapes captured off the pages of a European novella. The craftsmanship and artistic vision of every member of this team poured into the very foundation of each of their passionate projects. But the artistic skill of Test of Tyme extends beyond the palette of the metamorphosis. Their skills including restoring other art such as damaged sculptures, paintings, or manipulating unique pieces of art to fit with the motif of your home. Rejuvenating and recovering the vibrancy of art that was believed to be beyond saving, or modifying other pieces to synchronize fluidly to ambience of your living areas.

About Don Whitaker/Test of Tyme:
A partner in Test of Tyme, Monterey native Don Whitaker is also the owner of The Golden Hammer in Pacific Grove providing cabinetry and custom millwork, including furniture design. He earned local, state-wide and international awards for his carpentry work and has over 40 years of experience, primarily on the largest homes in the Carmel and Pebble Beach area. His passion for perfection is reflected in his wood artistry seen in doors, beams, cabinets, floors and more. Don is a graduate of Monterey High School and attended Monterey Peninsula College. He began work in his field at the cabinetry shop that his father managed.

About Scott Coulter/Test of Tyme:
A partner in Test of Tyme and also the owner of Time Honored Finishes, Scott is legendary for his custom painting and extraordinary “time honored finishes” that transform the interior and exterior of a home into a work of art for generations to come. Specializing in rustic furnishes, antique revitalization, Old World finishes, varnishes and custom painting. His surfaces are scraped, distressed, shaded, brushed, aged and inspired by Scott’s vision. Scott also skillfully restores damaged sculptures and paintings, as well as modifying other pieces to synchronize fluidly within a home. Together with Don Whitaker, surfaces featuring wood, paint, plaster, stone, effects and iron are perfectly finished to suit an estate’s unique character.

About Justin Iles/Decorative Stone Works:
Owner of Decorative Stone Works, Justin Iles apprenticed to become a stone carver and mason in England in 1985. He studied for 5 years and attended Stone Masons College at the city of Bath and also the Architectural Stone Carving College in Weymouth, Dorset. While training with a family run company, he worked on many churches and ancient buildings. Also, during his time of training, he worked at the famous Salisbury Cathedral in Wiltshire. He moved to the Monterey Peninsula in 1999 and lived in Big Sur for many years before relocating to Carmel Valley in 2007. He has worked on over 100 homes in Carmel and Pebble Beach and frequently works with the Test of Tyme team. The masonry work Justin does can range from the foundation to finished work using hand carved Old World techniques. His projects encompass grand entryways, window and door surrounds, fireplaces, fountains and chimneys. His work has been featured in Architectural Digest and Stone World Magazine, among others.

About Gallery Sur:
Gallery Sur specializes in dramatic oversized color photography of Big Sur, Carmel and Pebble Beach along with a dynamic collection of color cityscapes and architectural abstracts. For the golfer, we have an impressive collection of memorable golf landscapes of Pebble Beach, Cypress Point and other courses around the world. Each piece is custom designed to suit your individual needs. Also now proudly representing the Nyanhongo family of sculptors, a stunning array of original African stone sculpture that touches your soul.

About Affina Restaurant:
Located at the corner of San Carlos and Sixth, Affina Restaurant offers farm fresh-to-table California-fusion cuisine. It also serves small sustainable wines from all over the world in its fun and friendly atmosphere.

For more information about Test of Tyme, go to www.testoftyme.com or call (831) 655-2008.

Contact:
Wendy Brickman
Brickman Marketing
395 Del Monte Center #250
Monterey, CA 93940
831-633-4444
http://www.testoftyme.com

“How to Use Negotiation and Mediation Skills in Public Policy Advocacy” Symposium and Training at Mandell Gisnet Center for Conflict Management featuring California State Senator Bill Monning and a Policy Maker Panel on Friday, January 23, 2015

The Mandell Gisnet Center for Conflict Management will hold a valuable full day event, “How to Use Negotiation and Mediation Skills in Public Policy Advocacy” Symposium and Training featuring Bill Monning, California State Senator, 17th State Senate District, Lead Speaker and Facilitator, the Honorable Fred Keeley and a panel of policy makers.

Seaside, CA, January 04, 2015 - The Mandell Gisnet Center for Conflict Management will hold a valuable full day event, “How to Use Negotiation and Mediation Skills in Public Policy Advocacy” Symposium and Training featuring Bill Monning, California State Senator, 17th State Senate District, Lead Speaker and Facilitator, the Honorable Fred Keeley and a panel of policy makers. The event will be held on Friday, January 23, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., including lunch, at The Mandell Gisnet Center for Conflict Management, located adjacent to the Monterey College of Law, 100 Col. Durham Street, Seaside, CA 93955, on the Former Fort Ord.

From local to national to international policy, a common skill set can be learned, developed, and practiced to advance policy objective related to environmental, land use, business, education, labor, healthcare, and other policies. This not-to-be-missed training program will include policy issue and advocacy planning and strategy development rooted in fundamental negotiation and mediation analysis and skills. Whether you work with a non-profit organization or represent stakeholders in the public policy arena, this important training will provide valuable tools for effective public policy development and advocacy.

The Symposium fee is $295 (private sector), $175 (non-profit organizations), $150 (students with ID), Discount for Groups of 5 or more. California State Bar attendees qualify for 6 hours of MCLE credit for participation in the Symposium. Space is limited so register early. For more information and to register for the Symposium, go to www.mandellgisnetcenter.org or call (831) 582-5234.

The distinguished group of speakers will include:
State Senator Bill Monning – Lead Speaker/Facilitator
Honorable Fred Keeley, County Treasurer of Santa Cruz/Former California State Assemblymember – Lunch Keynote Speaker

Policy Maker Panel:
Honorable Sue McCloud, Former Mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea
David Stoldt, General Manager, Monterey Peninsula Regional Water District
Mary Claypool, President, NAACP/Monterey County Branch
Cesar Lara, Executive Director of both Monterey Bay Central Labor
Council and Central Coast Citizen Project
According to Senator Monning, “In my experience as an attorney, non-profit director, advocate, and elected official, I have seen a range of styles and techniques advanced in public policy advocacy. It is my belief, that we can all improve and hone our skills to be more effective and successful in the public policy arena. Our particular subject matter expertise does not always qualify us to be effective as advocates in the public policy arena and this Symposium will provide some important skills for all of us.”

Speaker Bios:
State Senator Bill Monning
Senator Monning was the founding Executive Director of the Mandell Gisnet Center for Conflict Management and is a distinguished Professor of Law at the Monterey College of Law.

He also served as Professor of International Negotiation and Conflict Resolution at the Monterey Institute of International Studies. Bill has worked with the United Nations Commission on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) as a trainer in trade dispute negotiation and is a co-founder of Global Majority, an international non-profit organization committed to education, training, and advocacy in the field of non-violent conflict resolution. Bill currently serves in the California State Senate, 17th Senate District representing Santa Cruz and San Luis Obispo counties and parts of Monterey and Santa Clara counties.

The Honorable Fred Keeley
The Honorable Fred Keeley has served as Treasurer of the County of Santa Cruz since 2005.
Prior to his service as Treasurer, Fred served as Executive Director of the Planning & Conservation League, and the PCL Foundation, both environmental organizations that are established leaders in the research, development, and enactment of major environmental protection policy. From 1996 through 2002, Mr. Keeley represented the Monterey Bay area in the California State Assembly. As the highest-ranking member of the Speaker’s leadership team, Fred was responsible for analysis and management of the majority’s policy initiatives. His legislative leadership during the California Energy Crisis is credited with stabilizing electricity prices and electricity supply. Fred currently serves on the Chairman’s Task Force at the Fair Political Practices Commission. He also teaches at California State University, Monterey Bay, as is a frequent lecturer at the Panetta Institute for Public Policy

Mary Claypool
Mary Claypool is the current President & Board Member of the Monterey County Board of Education, Trustee Area 6, and is current President of the Monterey County Branch NAACP in 2013 & 2014; former Chair (3 1/2 yrs.) She also is currently a Board Member of the Central Coast Visiting Nurses' Association and Hospice. She received the 2014 Monterey County Woman of the Year Award and the 2014 Visiting Nurses' Association & Hospice Woman of the Year Award. Mary worked for the City of Seaside for 20 years in finance, redevelopment, community development and economic development. She also worked for the County of Monterey in economic development for 17 years and as Executive Director of the Monterey County Business Council for five years. While at the County of Monterey, in 2003, she developed the very successful Monterey County Competitive Clusters Project, bringing together over 300 business and community leaders across agriculture, tourism, education building and technology. The program is still active and continues today to provide cross-pollination of industries, job creation and workforce development programs. Mary was on the Seaside Planning Commission for six years, serving as Chair for 4 years and other numerous non-profits.

Honorable Sue McCloud
Sue McCloud was the longest serving Mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea from 2000-2012. In 2013, she was appointed by city council to serve on the Planning Committee for City Centennial in 2016. Prior to her work in Monterey County she served as a member of the Senior Intelligence service of the Central Intelligence agency from 1964-1994. Upon retiring in 1994 she moved back to her roots, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and immediately got down to work. She was on the Board of Director of Monterey Institute of International Studies and chaired its Planning Committee, was a member of the Carmel Planning Commission and the Board of the Carmel Music Society. In 1998 Sue joined the Monterey Regional Waste Management District and also was elected to the Carmel City Council. She became Director of the MRWMD (Monterey Regional Waste Management District) and continues to this day as vice chair.

Cesar Lara
Cesar Lara has served as the Executive Director of both Monterey Bay Central Labor Council and Central Coast Citizen Project. He be began his service to the Central Coast Citizen’s Project in 2010 and MBCL since 2006. Mr. Lara has previously served at the State Director for La union del Pueblo Entero from 2004-2006 and worked Representative Sam Farr in US Congress from 2002-2004. For the past four years Cesar has also been the Treasurer Secretary for Teamsters 809.

David Stoldt
David Stoldt joined the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District as General Manager in September 2011. He has over 20 years of experience in the public infrastructure sector, including investment banking and consulting to public agencies. Dave has also served in various positions in the public sector, both appointed and elected, leading to an understanding of how to achieve results amidst the delicate balance of public and political interests. He served MPWMD as a consultant several times over past two decades, including the Regional Desalination Project proceedings at the CPUC in 2009, Carmel River Dam investigations in 1997, and he was lead investment banker for the public-private Water Reclamation Project benefitting Pebble Beach in 1992. He has worked on 40 other public agency projects totaling over $3 billion, including the Castroville Seawater Intrusion Project, the Monterey Regional Waste Management District, and Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency.

The Symposium and Training will cover the following topics:
Review of fundamentals
- Identifying preferred outcomes and objectives
- Mapping stakeholder interests
- Identifying those who influence decision-making
- Stakeholder interests and constituencies
- Options for success
- Alternatives to Pursuit of policy reform or action
- Use of research, understanding history, objective criteria

Developing a Public Policy Blueprint
- Coalition Building
- Developing Your Message
- Negotiation touch points

Engaging Elected Officials and Staff
- Who has the authority?
- Is there a legislative solution? Other solution?
- Planning meetings
- Role of Staff
- Use of “leave behinds”
- Follow-up and negotiations

Simulation
(Small group planning session on a specific policy issue.)

Lunch with keynote speaker Fred Keeley

Policy Maker Panel
Mary Claypool, Monterey County Branch; Cesar Lara, Monterey Bay Central Labor Council; Sue McCloud, Former Mayor of Carmel; David Stoldt, General Manager, Monterey Peninsula Water Management District.

Q and A/Wrap-Up
About The Mandell Gisnet Center for Conflict Management
The Mandell Gisnet Center for Conflict Management (MGC), the non-profit alternative dispute resolution education and service arm of the Monterey College of Law, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is committed to providing mediation and training services.

The Mandell Gisnet Center, housed in remodeled LEED Platinum Ford Ord buildings in Monterey County, California, was founded with the vision that conflicts can be resolved in a peaceful, amicable manner and without expensive, protracted, and damaging legal battles.In 2005, Maurice Mandell and Rebekah Gisnet left a bequest to the Monterey College of Law as a result of their personal challenges related to the legal system. Their bequest was used to form MGC. Though they lived in a beautiful area and had significant resources at their disposal, Maurice and Rebekah spent the last years of their lives involved in a bitter legal battle over a property dispute with their neighbors. They spent many years fighting in court, but neither party ever found a satisfactory resolution. At the end of their lives, as they looked back on the wasted time, energy, and money spent on that dispute, they concluded that there had to be a better way. They resolved that a large portion of their estate would be given as a bequest for the creation and promotion of mediation and training services through Monterey College of Law. MGC has fulfilled this vision by offering a variety of ADR education and services, including mediation. The mission of the MGC is to:
- Promote and apply a mediative, empathetic, problem-solving approach to reduce and resolve conflict
- Train Monterey County and tri-county residents to resolve disputes collaboratively in their homes, workplaces and community
- Offer a variety mediation services to Monterey County residents regardless of their ability to pay
- Promote mediation as an alternative to hostility, court battles, and violence
- Educate law students and attorneys in mediation, and engage them in community service to resolve disputes

One popular MGC program involves their NEIGHBOR Project mediation services, a dispute resolution process in which an impartial panel of mediators facilitates a conversation in a safe and respectful environment. The mediators do not make decisions about the outcome and the participants themselves work towards a solution with which they are comfortable.

To donate, volunteer, access mediation services, sign up for mediation trainings or for more information about our programs, go to www.mandellgisnetcenter.org, email center@mandellgisnetcenter.org or call (831) 582-5234.

Contact:
Wendy Brickman
Brickman Marketing
395 Del Monte Center #250
Monterey, CA 93940
831-633-4444
http://www.mandellgisnetcenter.org

Thursday, 1 January 2015

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa Launches New Year Pin It To Win It Contest

On our to-do list for the New Year is to enjoy more of the beauty available to us on the central coast!

Monterey, CA, December 31, 2014 - On our to-do list for the New Year is to enjoy more of the beauty available to us on the central coast! From hiking and whale watching, to lazy days at the beach there is always something adventurous to do! We want to know….what activities would you love to do when visiting the area? Post your ideas in our new Pin-It-To-Win-It contest for the chance to win a two-night stay and a visit to Marilyn Monroe Spas at Hyatt Regency Monterey!


To enter the contest simply:

Pin It To Win It!

a. On our to-do list for the New Year is to enjoy more of the beauty available to us on the central coast! From hiking and whale watching, to lazy days at the beach there is always something adventurous to do! We want to know….what activities would you love to do when visiting the area?

b. Follow us on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/montereyhyatt/

c. Create A Board Titled: Fun On The Central Coast

d. Add a minimum of 5 pictures of fun Monterey County activities with the hashtag #FunStayAtHyattRegencyMonterey

e. Email a link your board to: marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com

f. One lucky winner will receive a two-night stay at Hyatt Regency Monterey and a spa day at Marilyn Monroe Spas!

g. Winner will be announced February 5th!!

*Contest runs from January 1st- January 30th

About Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel& Spa on Del Monte Golf Course
Nestled in 22 acres of soaring Monterey Pines, the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa on Del Monte Golf Course is a destination resort providing the discerning traveler the quintessential Monterey experience. Its location offers guests close proximity to downtown Monterey and Monterey Airport and easy access to some of the Peninsula’s most well known attractions. With its warm, contemporary ambiance, elegant furnishings and convenient amenities, the hotel offers both leisure and business travelers a Northern California respite of unmatched serenity and comfort. Features include 550 guestrooms including 32 suites, and the President’s house, TusCA Ristorante, Knuckles Sports Bar, Fireplace Lounge, personalized concierge service at the Regency Club, a 2,000 square foot fitness facility, tennis courts, pools and whirlpools, and 12,000 square foot full service spa. The hotel is located at 1 Old Golf Course Road in Monterey, California. For information call (831) 372-1234 or visit www.hyattregencymonterey.com/.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox
Carmel, CA 93923
831-747-7455
http://www.hyattregencymonterey.com/