Letters: Seniors should look out for next generation

I believe that our major concern should be educating our young. It is unbelievably arrogant for seniors like me to worry about only our welfare, finances and health. We had our day in the sun. The future generation is being short-changed by cuts in education spending and the increasing cost of higher education. We are witnessing the dumbing-down of America.

There is also so much misinformation floating around about the Affordable Care Act and so much we mere citizens do not understand. Many rely on radio or TV talk-show hosts to teach us, and unfortunately, the hosts «teach» their opinions. Perhaps we should still think for ourselves.

Joan LaRose; San Diego

There is a different sense of history that divides Millennials and those 65 and older. Older voters remember the Cuban missile crisis, the Cold War and the hot Korean War and Vietnam conflict.

Seniors served and sacrificed in Korea and Vietnam to defend the free world against communism. They have seen what communism wrought in Eastern Europe and Asia.

This brave generation will vote in droves for Mitt Romney to prevent President Obama from transforming a free America into a socialist or communist one.

Paul Hoylen Jr.; Deming, N.M.

The great majority of older Americans are expected to vote for Mitt Romney, the Republican nominee for president, in the upcoming election. Ironically, most of these senior citizens depend heavily on Social Security and Medicare for survival. Both of these programs were enacted by Democratic presidents and Congresses controlled by Democrats! What are these seniors thinking?

Bob Hamlett; Nashville

While I am 65 years old, I do not support Mitt Romney or any Republican. («The underlying duel of 2012 Seniors vs. Millennials». It is surprising to me that any senior thinks otherwise, given Rep. Paul Ryan‘s proposed budget that would mean deep spending cuts.

Also, while President Obama might want to keep lower college loan interest rates, the task is ultimately that of Congress.

Finally, if Republican volunteer Beverly Rubin, 62, does not want socialized medicine, then I expect her to not participate in Medicare once she turns 65.

Brian Hoover; Independence, Mo.

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Allianz invests in Warsaw Financial Center

Allianz has acquired an 87.5% stake in the Warsaw Financial Center. In this joint venture, the remaining 12.5% have been bought by Curzon Capital Partners III, an investment fund managed by Tristan Capital Partners. The office skyscraper has been sold by a property company in which Pramerica Real Estate Investors and CA Immo hold 50% each. The entire investment is approximately €210 million – and closing is expected in Q4 2012.

The Warsaw Financial Center is located in Warsaw's Central Business District, in the direct vicinity of the Palace of Culture and the Zlote Terasy shopping mall. It's one of the three outstanding office complexes in the Polish capital along with the Rondo and Metropolitan office tower blocks. Offices account for some 90% of the floor space of about 50,000 square meters in the Warsaw Financial Center, with 4% reserved for retail units and the remaining 6% used for storage and parking. The Warsaw Financial Center is 98% let – to a total of 73 foreign and regional tenants.

WFC, completed in 1998, was bought by CA Immo and Pramerica Real Estate Investors as a 50:50 co-investment in 2005. The building is currently almost fully let to tenants that include internationally renowned companies, mainly law firms, consultancy firms and banks. Colliers International and Jones Lang LaSalle have been the agents selected by CA Immo and Pramerica Real Estate Investors for joint marketing of the transaction; Salans is their legal advisor.

According to Dr. Bruno Ettenauer, Chief Executive Officer of CA Immo, "Our investment strategy calls for 7-10 % of the overall portfolio to be sold every year in order to take maximum advantage of positive market phases and generate profits. Capital released in this way is earmarked for debt reduction and the realisation of current development projects. We are looking forward to the successful sale of the Warsaw Financial Center, which has now been agreed. This transaction will have a significantly positive impact on the annual result for 2012.

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CA Immo boosts H1 profit, rental income up

|

Property sales generated revenues of 45.8 million, mostly
from the disposal of long-term properties, especially in
Germany, it said.

Its Eastern Europe segment contributed around half of group
earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation.

($1 = 0.

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EANS-Adhoc: S IMMO AG/ profit for the first half year up by nearly 50%

=——————————————————————————-
ad-hoc disclosure transmitted by euro adhoc with the aim of a Europe-wide
distribution. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this
announcement.
=——————————————————————————-

22.08.2012

S IMMO AG: profit for the first half year up by nearly 50%

– EBITDA increased to EUR 50.9m
– FFO rose to EUR 16.2m
– Income from property disposals totalling EUR 97.4m
– Dividend payment as part of new long-term strategy

For stock exchange listed S IMMO AG (Bloomberg: SPI:AV, Reuters: SIAG.VI the
first half of 2012 was highly satisfactory.

Gross profit
Despite the property portfolio reduction as a result of profitable property
sales, rental income performed very satisfactorily; amounting to EUR 60.6m,
compared to EUR 61.7m for the first half of 2011. Gross profit from hotel
operations was EUR 3.3m (first half of 2011: EUR 4.2m. S IMMO’s gross profit
totalled EUR 53.2m (first half of 2011: EUR 54.5m.

EBITDA up by 2. 8%
In the first half of 2012 S IMMO successfully sold 16 properties, with the
income from property disposals amounting to EUR 97.4m, compared to EUR 18.4m in
the same period last year. The gains on disposals totalled EUR 5.8m. Compared
with the fair values as at 30 September 2011, the gains equalled EUR 10.8m.
Following a considerable reduction in administration costs in 2011, S IMMO AG
achieved further savings in the first half of 2012. This pushed EBITDA up to
EUR 50.9m (first half of 2011: EUR 49.5m. Gains from property valuation in the
first half of 2012 came to EUR 4.7m, compared to EUR 6. 6m for the same period
last year, and were entirely attributable to the German property portfolio.
EBIT was EUR 51.0m, compared to EUR 51.3m in the first half of 2011.

Significant increase in net profit for period
For the six months ended 30 June 2012 net financing costs totalled EUR 28.6m
(first half of 2011: EUR 32.0m, including a non-cash foreign exchange loss of
EUR 1.8m. In total, the Group’s consolidated net income for the period amounted
to EUR 15.1m, as against EUR 10.1m for the first half of 2011, resulting in an
impressive 49.3% increase.

Key indicators at very satisfactory levels
Funds from operations (FFO climbed 46.9% in the first half of 2012 to
EUR 16.2m. The corresponding figure last year was EUR 11.0m. This gives a very
respectable FFO yield of 11.1%. The profit on property sales combined with the
lower gross profit from hotel operations resulted in a slight reduction in net
operating income (NOI to EUR 49.4m for the first half of 2012 (first half of
2011: EUR 50.2m. Following the dividend distribution, balance sheet NAV stood
at EUR 7.00 per share at the end of the half year (31 December 2011: EUR 6.96
per share. EPRA NAV, the inner value of the share calculated in accordance
with the guidelines of the European Public Real Estate Association, was
EUR 8.88 per share (31 December 2011: EUR 8.70 per share.

Successful asset management
S IMMO had additional satisfactory renewals of rental agreements with major
tenants in Hungary to report, with new rental successes in Southeastern Europe.
The Eurocenter in Zagreb is now fully occupied, following the signing up of
another international tenant. Additionally, S IMMO’s asset management team has
accomplished some impressive achievements in Austria, including the signature
of a 10-year rental agreement with the City of Vienna for nearly 4,000 m² of
office and warehouse space in Arcade Meidling. Serdika Center, the shopping
centre in Sofia, was awarded a further prize – «SEE Green Building of the
Year».

Capital markets
In recent weeks an upwards trend has been observed in the capital markets in
spite of generally high levels of volatility and reduced liquidity on the
Vienna Stock Exchange. The S IMMO Share closed at EUR 4,64 on 22 August 2012.
Towards the end of July the Group was informed that Erste Group Bank AG had
increased its holding in S IMMO AG to more than 10%.

For the remainder of 2012 S IMMO will be concentrating primarily on the share
repurchase programme and the S IMMO INVEST participating certificate repurchase
programme, which will run until the end of June 2013. S IMMO’s first ever
distribution of a dividend in June 2012 represents a shift in the company’s
long-term strategy, and the intention is to continue to pay dividends in the
years to come.

Outlook
Optimisation of the earnings potential of the portfolio continues to be on the
agenda for the next months, with a clear focus on sustainable and stable value
growth. Over the coming years S IMMO’s loan to value ratio will be reduced to
under 55%. S IMMO will also take advantage of the current excellent climate in
the German and Austrian property market to dispose of approximately 5% of the
portfolio annually for a total of at least EUR 100m. With the sales carried out
in the first half of 2012, this goal has already almost been reached for the
current year. Letting activities will remain focused on the office buildings in
Sofia and Bucharest. In the medium term the Group will concentrate on the
Quartier Belvedere Central development project in Vienna, where, together with
its partners, it will develop – in successive phases – a mixture of office,
hotel and retail properties with gross floor space of around 130,000 m².

Consolidated income statement for the six months ended 30 June 2012
EUR m / fair value basis

| |01 – 06/2012 |01 – 06/2011 |
|Revenues |98. 6 |102.3 |
| Rental income |60.6 |61.7 |
| Revenues from operating costs |19.4 |21.0 |
| Revenues from hotel operations |18.6 |19.6 |
|Other operating income |3.7 |4.3 |
|Expenses directly attributable to properties |-33.9 |-36.7 |
|Hotel operating expenses |-15.3 |-15.4 |
|Gross profit |53.2 |54. 5 |
|Income from property disposals |97.4 |18.4 |
|Carrying value of property disposals |-91.5 |-14.4 |
|Gains on property disposals |5.8 |3.9 |
|Management expenses |-8.1 |-8.9 |
|Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and |50.9 |49.5 |
|amortisation (EBITDA | | |
|Depreciation and amortisation |-4.5 |-4.8 |
|Gains on property valuation |4. 7 |6.6 |
|Operating result (EBIT |51.0 |51.3 |
|Financing costs |-28.6 |-32.0 |
|Participating certificates result |-6.5 |-6.8 |
|Net income before tax (EBT |15.9 |12.5 |
|Taxes on income |-0.8 |-2.4 |
|Consolidated net income |15.1 |10.1 |
| of which attributable to shareholders in parent |14.3 |7. 3 |
|company | | |
|of which attributable to non-controlling interests|0.8 |2.8 |
| | | |
|Earnings per share (EUR |0.21 |0.11 |

|Property information | |30 June 2012 |
|Standing properties |units |221 |
|Total rented floor space |m² |1,320,513 |
|Gross rental yield |% |6. 9 |
|Occupancy rate |% |93.4 |

end of announcement euro adhoc
=——————————————————————————- <!

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American Express Tailors a Collection of Customized Experiences for Cardmembers During Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE–

Today, American Express announced a line-up of fashion experiences
exclusively for its style-savvy Cardmembers to gain insider
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week access to the American Express Skybox at
Lincoln Center, MADE at MILK Studios and this season's Cardmember-Only
Show with Rachel Zoe. As a proud partner and supporter of the industry,
American Express is committed to help support and drive business while
creating unique access and unforgettable experiences for Cardmembers.

"At American Express, we want to become an indispensable and trusted
partner within the fashion industry, for consumers, merchants and
designers," said Deborah Curtis, vice president, Entertainment Marketing
Sponsorships, American Express. "We know how much our Cardmembers love
fashion and we are constantly looking at ways to serve this passion by
connecting them to inspirational fashion moments and creating
unforgettable experiences. "

American Express is proud to present a Spring 2013 runway show featuring
an influential force in fashion, Rachel Zoe, exclusively for American
Express Cardmembers on Thursday, September 13^th at 6:30PM at
Lincoln Center. Zoe expanded her fashion empire in 2011, with the launch
of her fashion line and is now a constant fixture at retailers across
the country. A recent inductee into the Council of Fashion Designers of
America, Zoe will present her first runway show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion
Week.

«I am so honored by the opportunity to work with such an established
global brand and to provide the American Express Cardmembers with an
exclusive fashion show of my Spring 2013 collection – it’s going to be
an incredibly fun and fashionable evening" says Rachel Zoe.

The memorable evening, featuring pre-show cocktails, conversation with
Zoe and the unveiling of a new season of designs will provide an
unforgettable night of fashion. Tickets are available at www.americanexpress.com/entertainment.

This season, American Express will bring some of the best in fashion
imagery and inspiration to the lobby at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
through the lens of fashion photographer, illustrator and author Garance
Doré. American Express will feature street-style photography from Dore
in a stunning lobby display at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, along with
curated images from fashion enthusiasts around the country submitted via
Instagram using #AmexFashion.*

Celebrating its eleventh season as a sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion
Week, American Express will return to Lincoln Center with the exclusive
American Express Skybox, where Cardmembers can experience the week's
most exciting shows in a premium Cardmember Lounge perched high above
the runways. Hosted by former Vogue Associate Publisher Lottie
Oakley, Cardmembers will enjoy intimate moments with fashion's elite as
they gain industry insights from leaders in the space.

American Express is committed to supporting emerging designers through
its partnership with MADE. Cardmembers will once again get an intimate
look into the artistic process through designer meet-and-greets and
beauty styling sessions, as well as MADE's lineup of young designers
including Peter Som, Jeremy Scott, Creatures of the Wind and more.

American Express is proud of its continued support of emerging designers
with a $250,000 donation to the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund (CVFF, a
program of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA.

To learn more about American Express' special access to the world of
fashion and other exciting entertainment offers, follow @AmericanExpress
on Twitter or American Express on Instagram. Cardmembers can visit
to purchase tickets to the Skybox, MADE and this season's coveted
Cardmember-Only Show presenting the Rachel Zoe Spring 2013 Collection

American Express is a global services company, providing customers with
access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build
business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com
and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress,
foursquare. com/americanexpress,
linkedin.com/companies/american-express,
twitter.com/americanexpress,
and youtube.com/americanexpress.

Key links to products and services: charge
and credit cards, business
credit cards, travel
services, gift
cards, prepaid
cards, merchant
services, business
travel, and corporate
card.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is the premier fashion event in North America
and at the forefront of fashion events globally. Each September and
February, industry experts make their way to Lincoln Center to see
what's in store for the following fashion season. Home to leading
designers who travel from across the world to show their collections
alongside the most important American designers working in the industry,
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week hosts over 100,000 journalists,
photographers, VIPs and fashion insiders in four runway venues; the Theatre,
Stage, Studio and Box, offering designers an optimal space to debut
their latest collections.

An unparalleled fixture in the fashion world, Rachel Zoe is a
distinguished stylist, editor and designer, renowned for her effortless
take on glamour. Having immersed herself in fashion and design for
nearly two decades, Rachel has been heralded as one of the most
influential forces working in fashion today.

As a stylist, her illustrious career has flourished as she has
continually proven herself to be an integral part in shaping fashion and
the images of Hollywood celebrities. As well as a style expert and
authority in the realms of fashion, beauty and lifestyle as editor of
three daily Zoe Report newsletters, Rachel is respected for her
comprehensive knowledge of vintage, haute couture and modern design.
Determined to share her love of luxury and glamour, Rachel launched her
eponymous contemporary line in fall 2011 followed by her expansion into
jewelry and cold weather accessories in 2012. Today as a designer,
stylist and editor Rachel makes her exceptional taste and
expertise accessible to all.

The CFDA/VOGUE Fashion Fund (CVFF is an endowment that was established
to help emerging American design talent find continued success in the
business of fashion. In addition to business grants of $300,000 to the
winner and $100,000 each to the two runners-up, the award includes
mentorship from a panel of industry professionals whose expertise is
tailored to the designers' needs and future goals. Since its inception
in 2003, the program has granted nearly $2.8 million to twenty-four
different design companies. For more information on the CFDA, please
visit www.cfda.com.

MADE was born from a successful collaboration that started in 2009. Now
in its seventh season, MADEcontinues to showcase outstanding
design talent and harness the energy of the global creative communities.
The impressive list of events includes over 50 fashion shows and
presentations, events, concerts, plus an unrivaled online presence at milkmade.com.

MADEis a year-round, dynamic platform which connects emerging
talent in fashion, music, art and pop-culture with visionary brand
partners.

MADE's vibrant atmosphere encourages creativity, fosters growth and
challenges conversation. MADE innovators are a powerful voice in the
international creative community and leaders in their respective
industries.

*By tagging your photo with #AmexFashion, you're giving permission to
American Express and its licensees to use the photo on the American
Express media towers at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week as well as on
American Express social media websites and other digital communities
sponsored or administered by American Express.

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Mercedes-Benz announces extremely competitive pricing and a sophisticated new powerplant for the all-new 2013 B-Class

TORONTO, /CNW/ – Mercedes-Benz Canada today revealed that
the highly anticipated 2013 B-Class will offer customers an
unparalleled price value proposition when it arrives in dealerships
across Canada in November. Starting at , the 2013 B 250 features
a more powerful yet extremely fuel efficient new 4-cylinder turbo
engine, class-leading advanced safety systems and an impressive array
of standard equipment that will set the standard in the segment.

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz B 250 will be powered by an all-new 2. 0 litre
4-cylinder turbo engine that produces 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of
torque. This represents an impressive 55% gain over the previous
generation B 200 engine. The next generation B-Class also marks the
premiere of an extremely compact and variable new 7G-DCT dual clutch
transmission that combines the comfort of an automatic with the
efficiency of a manual transmission. Further substantial fuel savings
have also been achieved through the addition of the ECO start/stop
function as standard equipment.

The B-Class is poised to continue to establish the benchmark in its
segment by offering the highest level of standard safety equipment that
has ever been available in its class. Anchored by COLLISION PREVENTION
ASSIST, a sophisticated radar-based collision warning system that can
identify the threat of a rear-end collision, the impressive list of
standard safety equipment also includes: 11 airbags, ADAPTIVE BRAKE
ASSIST with HOLD function, ATTENTION ASSIST, Electronic Stability
Program (ESP, 4 wheel disc brakes with ABS and BAS, rain sensing
windshield wipers and run-flat tires.

Widely recognized for its sporty design, spacious cargo compartment and
its refined practical interior, the 2013 B 250 retains these celebrated
characteristics while enhancing the overall package even further with
an exciting new appearance and class-leading power. In addition to its
sporty driving dynamics, the next generation B-Class is further
differentiated by high-quality materials, finely structured surfaces
and numerous additional comfort and convenience features including
ARTICO leather upholstery and a COMAND controller with free-standing
integrated display.

The B-Class can also be customized with several option packages that
include such luxurious features as 14-way front seats with 3-position
memory, a panoramic sunroof, DISTRONIC Plus, COMAND APS with HDD
Navigation and DVD Changer, as well as the passive blind spot and lane
keeping assist systems. In addition, the advanced PARKTRONIC with
Active Parking Assist and a rear view camera are available as part of
the Parking Assistance Package. This fully automatic system searches
for suitable parking spaces via ultrasonic sensors, and can then take
control of the steering wheel to quickly and accurately steer the
vehicle in and out of any parking space.

«The B-Class continues to hold the distinction of being a Canadian
exclusive model in North America, and the success of the previous
generation has demonstrated that this stylish, safe and comfortable
vehicle is ideally suited to our savvy consumers,» said Tim A. Reuss,
President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. «With the launch of the next
generation B-Class later this year, we are introducing an even more
versatile and compelling package while maintaining the key attributes
that were integral to the vehicle’s success. The overall result is a
fantastic new premium compact sports tourer that offers unmatched
value, class-leading power and driving dynamics with the highest
quality of fit and finish in its segment.»

Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service
of the four brands within the Mercedes-Benz Group in Canada:
Mercedes-Benz, smart, AMG, and Maybach.   Headquartered in Toronto,
Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,300 people
in 19 locations across Canada.  Through a nationwide network of 13
Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 40 authorized dealerships,
Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 32,914 vehicles in 2011, the best year ever
reported for Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available on the internet at: .

Image with caption: «Starting at $29,900, the 2013 B 250 features a more powerful yet extremely fuel efficient new 4-cylinder turbo engine, class-leading advanced safety systems and an impressive array of standard equipment that will set the standard in the segment. (CNW Group/Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.». Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120829_C2575_PHOTO_EN_17357. jpg

Image with caption: «Starting at $29,900, the 2013 B 250 features a more powerful yet extremely fuel efficient new 4-cylinder turbo engine, class-leading advanced safety systems and an impressive array of standard equipment that will set the standard in the segment. (CNW Group/Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.». Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120829_C2575_PHOTO_EN_17358.jpg

SOURCE: Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

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New Mercedes S-Class Could Debut in China

We've been constantly talking about the upcoming new-generation Mercedes S-Class lately, whether we showed you a fresh set of spyshots or mentioned it when reporting Maybach's official death, but it seems that the Chinese might be the first to see the car in bare metal.

It seems that Mercedes-Benz executives in China are building a case for the S-Class to make its debut there, as the country will be a key market for Mercedes' flagship saloon.

To be more specific, we're referring to Klaus Maier, CEO of Mercedes-Benz (China Ltd, who recently disclosed that the carmaker will introduce five new models in China by the end of the current year and that the company will also expand its dealer network in the country, as Auto News writes.

Mercedes needs to step up its Chinese game, as the company is currently behind Audi and BMW in terms of sales figures in the country, which would be another argument for the new S-Class to make its debut there.

Since China is now the world's number one car market and a lot of important global models have already made their debut there, we really wouldn't be surprised to see the S-Class follow this trend.

However, we do have an issue with carmakers placing a strong focus on China, as this also may imply the fact that their cars could end up being designed for China and adapted for other parts of the world. In addition to that, the Chinese market could be one big soap bubble and for some much smaller carmakers, like Gumpert, for example, this has already bursted. <!

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Mercedes Benz steps up their tech game with new app

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Posted 31 August 2012 18:05pm
by Heather Taylor
with 3 comments

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This week it’s all about cars, clothes and food on our weekly showcase of The Dachis Group’s Social Business Index.

Our focus is on three global brands as analyzed by the Dachis Group team. 

We’ve also taken a glimpse at the top twenty brands on the Social Business Index, a real-time ranking of more than 30,000 global brands based on their performance in the social space, to see how the biggest brands in social are faring.

Old NavyStephanie Fuller

Old Navy broke away from the pack (exactly 23 spots to land at No. 112 on the Social Business Index ranking this week due to some successful experimentation with Facebook Offers.  

Offers, a tactic for bridging the digital divide between social brand engagement and in-store spending, made waves when more than 4,500 individuals shared the 25% off offer with their friends resulting in over 209,000 claimed offers. 

Though it is yet to be seen how many of these 25% off offers will be claimed, the social impact is clear: money-saving incentives that exist in social carry value among Old Navy's customer base. The new fans that claimed the offer will now see Old Navy's updates in their newsfeed, and the legacy fans ultimately may increase their page engagement due to content they’re interested in, such as sales.

Kellogg CompanyAllison Squires

Last week, Kellogg Company popped up 13 spots on the Social Business Index due to one particularly delicious Facebook page – Pop-Tarts. This playful and colorful page appeals to its younger audience through images, polls and frequent content around music. 

Last month, the "Crazy Good Summer Concert" in Chicago, Illinois had Pop-Tart fans going crazy. This month content from the event is appearing in key social channels across the Pop-Tart ecosystem. The high quality, audio, video, and images are re-igniting people around the event and the brand. This is a classic case of using a hugely popular offline activation as a content driver for weeks (if not months of quality engagement.  

Backstage pictures of band members, and videos in particular are triggering expressions of love for particular musicians through comments on the page. Pop-Tarts is successfully engaging their young audience in fun ways that encourage their audience to participate. 

Daimler AGStephanie Fuller

Mercedes Benz stepped up their tech game this week, rolling out a new smartphone app that highlights their new A-class line of vehicles. The "guide" application, along with Mercedes' new interest in pushing Instagram photos to their communities, has created a spike in conversation on the car brand's Facebook page. 

The posts resonate beyond Mercedes own ecosystem in the form of second-level impressions courtesy of share-happy fans. These 'second-level impressions' are key to winning in social because they reach an audience beyond just Mercedes direct followers — this is a form of advocacy that turns a fan into a brand's content evangelist. Luckily for Mercedes, photos of beautiful cars will always be a big draw in social and Instagram's platform combined with Facebook's audience. 

The focus paid off for Diamler, the parent organization to Mercedes Benz, hopping 6 spots this week to No. 79 on the SBI ranking.

Editors note: The Social Business Index, a free ranking compiled by The Dachis Group, is based on the analysis of conversations on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and other social platforms. The index is based on the execution and effectiveness of businesses at driving outcomes such as brand awareness, content sharing, and advocacy.

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F1: Low Key Day For Hamilton At Spa

Lewis Hamilton has put in some spectacular drives in the wet over the years, but today in Spa he was pretty subdued as he used the day to gain a little more knowledge about McLaren's latest updates.

Hamilton ran only a handful of laps in the morning, when he was only 15th, and didn't do a flying lap in FP2. However, he said it was a useful day.

"It's been incredibly wet today, lots of aquaplaning, lots of rivers on the track," said Hamilton. "You just had to be very wary of all the aquaplaning that was possible. There was no real benefit bombing around today except for trying to find out whether the updates were working, so we just did a couple of installation laps to check that, and also to check how if the tires would switch on, how difficult they are to switch on in the wet.

"We know that our rear wing that is especially for here and for Monza – that we would have some problems at the beginning, as everyone will do. As you see some people do flow-viz with the yellow paint they put on the rear wing. So we just had to do some modifications just to make sure that it was working perfectly, and it is. We won't see until tomorrow just how good whatever upgrades we have are.
"I think there's always things to learn, so it wasn't a waste of time, the laps we did. There wasn't much point in bolting around lap after lap after lap. We believe it's going to be dry tomorrow, and on Sunday, and so we just went out to do installation laps to run down the car, basically."

Hamilton says he's not too worried about having only a dry FP3 session on Saturday morning to prepare for both qualifying and the race.

"It's a challenge, everyone's in the same boat. It's going to be very interesting with the green track in the morning, trying to find the best set-up with only the couple of runs that we'll have in the short space of time tomorrow morning. But hopefully our simulator has helped us, so we're best prepared."

notched up his 27th season as a racing journalist in 2011. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on .<!

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Videx to showcase CyberKey Vault Management system at ASIS 2012

Videx’s three key vaults include: Cyberkey Vault 1, Cyberkey Vault 20 FX and CyberKey Vault WR

Videx, Inc. , the leader in the design and manufacturing of key-centric electronic access control (EAC systems, offers intelligent key cabinets for secure storage and management of electronic smart keys.

Videx offers three robust key vaults; the CyberKey Vault 1, CyberKey Vault 20 FX, and CyberKey Vault WR. Smart keys stored in the vaults are unprogrammed until an authorised user presents the proper credentials (either an RFID card or PIN. When the authorised access is granted, a key is then programmed with the user's access permissions and released from the vault.

"CyberKey Vaults are beneficial for users who want to automate the process of checking in and out keys," said James McGowan, V.P. of Sales Marketing at Videx. "The management software tracks when a CyberKey is dispensed, when it returns, and provides a report of the key's audit trail to keep employees and contractors accountable."

Videx, Inc. will be showcasing the CyberKey Vault management system at the ASIS show in Philadelphia, PA, September 10-12, booth 730.

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Videx’s CyberKey Vault Key Management Cabinets

CORVALLIS, OREGON, August 24, 2012 — Videx, Inc., the leader in the design and manufacturing of key-centric electronic access control (EAC systems, offers intelligent key cabinets for secure storage and management of electronic smart keys.

Videx offers three robust key vaults; the CyberKey Vault 1, CyberKey Vault 20 FX, and CyberKey Vault WR. Smart keys stored in the vaults are unprogrammed until an authorized user presents the proper credentials (either an RFID card or PIN. When the authorized access is granted, a key is then programmed with the user's access permissions and released from the vault.

«CyberKey Vaults are beneficial for users who want to automate the process of checking in and out keys,» said James McGowan, V.P. of Sales Marketing at Videx. «The management software tracks when a CyberKey is dispensed, when it returns, and provides a report of the key's audit trail to keep employees and contractors accountable.»

Videx, Inc. will be showcasing the CyberKey Vault management system at the ASIS show in Philadelphia, PA, September 10-12, booth 730.

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Smart Car Keys Introduces New Hazards: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and …

Keyless ignitions or "Smart Keys" are electronic keys that frequently work in combination with push-button starters on newer vehicles. These ignition systems, now commonplace in many models, have radically changed the relationship of the driver and the car key. The plastic key fob is not the key –it's the invisible code on a computer chip inside. The fob turns the car on, but it doesn't necessarily turn the car off. Completely unaware of this new arrangement, consumers can and do inadvertently leave their vehicles with the engines quietly running, key fob in hand. As a result, there are two deadly problems this new "convenience" technology causes — carbon monoxide poisonings and vehicle rollaway crashes.

Carbon Monoxide Poisonings

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause brain damage and death without the victim taking notice. In the last few years, at least three people have died in Florida of carbon monoxide poisonings that occurred when the driver inadvertently left the vehicle running in an attached garage in a vehicle with a Smart Key. In one case, the driver had removed the key fob from the vehicle. The most recent fatalities occurred in March 2012, when two people were found dead of carbon monoxide poisoning in their West Boca home, the day they planned to leave for a trip. Authorities tied their deaths to the Mercedes with a keyless ignition system parked in their garage. There have been other deaths nationwide, but the true scope of the problem is likely to be larger than acknowledged, as authorities blame such carbon monoxide poisonings on absentmindedness, instead of recognizing how the design contributes to an error, that until recently, was impossible to make.

Traditional mechanical key systems force the driver to place the transmission in Park and turn off the engine before removing the ignition key. By design, the physical key is a reminder that the driver must perform this sequence to exit the vehicle with the key. The new push-button electronic ignition and key fob systems upend this well-established practice. Now, the electronic computer code within a fob is considered the key – not the fob itself. The fob delivers the code to the vehicle computer to allow the engine to start. The fob, however, is not necessary to turn off the engine and remove the "key. " Instead, the auto manufacturers designed a variety of sequences to remove the computer code, such as: place the transmission in park, shut off the engine, open and close the driver's side door.

Drivers, however, are accustomed to the physical reminder of a metal key. Few realize that if they don't follow the sequence for removing the computer code exactly, they can get out of their vehicle with the fob in their hands and still leave the engine running. And today's driver's have fewer cues about whether their engine is on: interior or exterior lights stay on in newer vehicles for an extended period of time even after the car is shut off; today's engines are quieter and hard to hear over garage doors or other background noise; and the running engines of hybrid vehicles are even harder to detect because they are silent in the electric mode before activating the engine.

Here is a typical complaint from a Lexus owner in Palm Beach Gardens:

"I arrived home after dinner, drove my 2007 Lexus LS460 (equipped with keyless ignition into my attached garage, closed the garage door and, leaving the key fob inside the vehicle, I entered my home and eventually went to sleep. I was awoken at approx. 2:15am by a carbon monoxide alarm located in the foyer inside my home adjacent to the entrance to the garage. I entered the garage to discover that the car's engine was still running, the garage filled with noxious fumes, and the entire vehicle extremely hot to touch, inside and out. I opened the garage door and was eventually able to shut down the engine and clear out the fumes. As I see it, the failure here was two-fold: (1 when I opened my door to exit the car, no alarm or other sound alerted me that the engine was still running, as is the case with ignitions requiring keys. This is particularly problematic because the car's engine runs in virtual silence; and (2 even after the car was unwittingly left idling while in park, the engine did not cut off after some predetermined period of time. "

Vehicle Rollaway Crashes

The new electronic ignition systems have also led to rollaway crashes because they allow a driver to exit a car, key fob in hand, with the engine off, but the vehicle in a gear other than Park. The driver assumes that the fob in his pocket means that the transmission is in Park, because the driver cannot remove a metal key unless the shift lever is locked in Park. But as complaints about rollaways to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA attest, consumers have learned the hard way that they haven't secured the vehicle properly.

Consumers have also complained to NHTSA that the fob malfunctioned, turning the vehicle on without human intervention or have reported that the fob is so sensitive that jostling it in a pocket or purse can cause the ignition to be activated unbeknownst to the driver.

The "Smart Key" Story

Electronic ignition systems began to come into vogue in the late 1990s, when the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard governing keys still applied to mechanical ignition systems with metal keys. Without considering the unintended consequences of keyless systems, NHTSA allowed automakers, under the old rule, to install electronic systems. To keep them in compliance with the regulation, federal regulators considered the car key to be the invisible electronic code within the plastic fob drivers used to start the vehicle.

In 2006, NHTSA changed the rule to make official this new definition of the key.The new regulatory language kept keyless ignition systems in compliance with safety standards. At the same time, it interjected safety hazards because the rule did nothing to help consumers understand that the fob — which had to be used to turn the vehicle on, did not necessarily play a role in turning the vehicle off. And, without clear regulations guiding the implementation, automakers designed a variety of systems.

But, in owners' manuals and other communications with their customers, manufacturers repeatedly referred to the fob as the "electronic key;" a "smart" key; "intelligent key" or simply, "the key. " It is no surprise that consumers continue to regard the fob – and not the invisible code – as the vehicle key. Drivers continue to lodge complaints about keyless systems with NHTSA.

Possible New Safety Standards on the Horizon?

Last December, in recognition of a spate of smart key deaths, NHTSA proposed an amendment to the safety standard governing electronic ignition systems. Federal regulators are hoping to require car manufacturers to install alarms to warn drivers exiting a keyless ignition vehicle without putting it in park or shutting down the engine. Right now, most keyless ignition vehicles do not warn the driver when the key has left the vehicle and the engine has not been properly shut down. Some have visual displays indicating that the key was no longer in the vehicle when it is being driven without the key fob in the vehicle. The typical auditory warning is no different than the chimes used to remind the driver to buckle up, or can't be heard from outside the vehicle.

Unfortunately, NHTSA has issued its new proposal without conducting research to determine if auditory warnings will be enough. And even if a new regulation is adopted, it will do nothing to correct the millions of vehicles with their myriad systems already in use. Several generations of this dangerous "convenience" technology will go unremedied.The old mechanical ignitions and key systems evolved through good design and government regulations which required manufacturers to build in the safeguards that kept a driver from unintentionally leaving a running vehicle. One moment of inattention, one mistake and people can pay with their lives. Expect complaints, injuries and deaths injuries from electronic keys as the industry and regulators get around to relearning what they learned decades ago.

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ComEd confirms smart meters involved in 'small fires'

Commonwealth Edison confirmed on Thursday that three of its smart meters, which wirelessly relay power-use data between homes and the company, have been involved in «small fires» in the Chicago region.

ComEd said the problems stemmed not from the smart meters themselves but from how they were connected to homes and businesses.

The news, reported by Crain’s Chicago Business on Thursday, is the latest among recent concerns about the safety of the devices.

Peco Energy Co., a sister company of ComEd also owned by Exelon Corp., said this month that it suspended a smart-meter installation program after 15 of the 186,000 installed devices overheated, including one that set fire to a home in suburban Philadelphia, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Then, this week, Maryland utility regulators, concerned about the action in Pennsylvania, held a hearing with four major electricity companies about smart meters, the Baltimore Sun reported. The paper quoted a Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. official saying the company had five incidents of the smart meters overheating out of 65,000 installed. None failed or was damaged.

«ComEd customers can be assured that we are taking every precaution possible to ensure their safety and satisfaction,» ComEd said in a statement. «We are working hand-in-hand with our Peco colleagues to understand and apply their key learnings here in northern Illinois.»

ComEd has installed digital smart meters at about 130,000 homes and businesses. «Since installation began in 2009, we have seen a limited number of issues related to elevated heating. We take these issues extremely seriously and, in each case, have taken steps to get to the bottom of the issues to ensure customer safety,» the statement said.

The problem is not with the smart meters, ComEd said. Independent testing showed the cause «was related to fitting and connection issues with an older-model socket that had a poor connection at the point where the customer’s wires and ComEd’s wires meet.»

All three smart meters that had problems used the same type of socket, ComEd said. Older-style analog meters also can have connection issues from loose fittings and corrosion, the company said.

«Technicians will look out for and modify the connection point when needed during full deployment of smart meters,» ComEd said.

All told, ComEd identified 15 connection issues that resulted in higher than normal heat conditions and damage to the smart meter. All the meters worked but ComEd replaced them, it said. None of the incidents were related to meter design, it said.

ComEd said it is performing daily temperature scans on smart meters, helping it identify heat-related issues.

The company is also sending its meter designs for independent evaluation. That testing will be completed before ComEd installs any more smart meters early next year, it said.

gkarp@tribune.

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Research and Markets: Smart Cities, Buildings and Communities

DUBLIN–(BUSINESS WIRE–

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/sdjxv6/smart_cities_buil
has announced the addition of the «Smart
Cities, Buildings and Communities» report to their offering.

The concept of smart communities is based on intelligent infrastructure
such as broadband (FttH and smart grids, so that connected and
sustainable communities can be developed. However, before these smart
communities can be built, trans-sector policies and strategies need to
be developed.

They can’t be built from the current silo structure that dominates our
thinking; but require a holistic approach which includes environmental
issues such as self sufficient energy buildings, energy exchanges for
renewable energy and e-cars, delivery of e-health, e-education,
e-government services as well as digital media and internet services.

This report discusses and provides examples of some of the developments
taking place around the world towards building smart cities and
communities.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Synopsis

2. Introduction

2.1 Smart Cities: sustainable engines for growth

2.2 Digital cities: digital dreams?

3. Building smart cities to ease the stress

3.1 A population of nine billion people

3.2 The role of smart cities

3.3 We need to use people power

3.4 Education, information, empowerment

3. 5 Changes are starting to drive action

3.6 Intelligent/smart technologies and systems

3.7 Smart city investment

4. Key components of smart cities

4.1 A smart city built on three pillars

4.2 Smart grids

4.3 Next generation telecoms/National broadband networks

4.4 Smart government

4.5 Open networks

4.6 Smart buildings/homes

4.7 Smart transport (separate report

5. Strategies for smart communities

5.1 Smart cities require holistic approach

5.1.1 Tran-sector thinking

5.2 Rebuilding communities

5.3 Greenfield communities

6. Selected examples of smart communities

6.1 Asia

6.2 Europe

6.3 Amsterdam

6.4 Portugal

6.5 Stockholm

7. Middle East

7.1 Qatar

8. Intelligent Communities Forum

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.

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ComEd: Smart meters involved in 'small fires'

Commonwealth Edison confirmed on Thursday that three of its smart meters, which wirelessly relay power-use data between homes and the company, have been involved in «small fires» in the Chicago region.

ComEd said the problems stemmed not from the smart meters themselves but from how they were connected to homes and businesses.

The news, reported by Crain’s Chicago Business on Thursday, is the latest among recent concerns about the safety of the devices.

Peco Energy Co., a sister company of ComEd also owned by Exelon Corp., said this month that it suspended a smart-meter installation program after 15 of the 186,000 installed devices overheated, including one that set fire to a home in suburban Philadelphia, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Then, this week, Maryland utility regulators, concerned about the action in Pennsylvania, held a hearing with four major electricity companies about smart meters, the Baltimore Sun reported. The paper quoted a Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. official saying the company had five incidents of the smart meters overheating out of 65,000 installed. None failed or was damaged.

«ComEd customers can be assured that we are taking every precaution possible to ensure their safety and satisfaction,» ComEd said in a statement. «We are working hand-in-hand with our Peco colleagues to understand and apply their key learnings here in northern Illinois.»

ComEd has installed digital smart meters at about 130,000 homes and businesses. «Since installation began in 2009, we have seen a limited number of issues related to elevated heating. We take these issues extremely seriously and, in each case, have taken steps to get to the bottom of the issues to ensure customer safety,» the statement said.

The problem is not with the smart meters, ComEd said. Independent testing showed the cause «was related to fitting and connection issues with an older-model socket that had a poor connection at the point where the customer’s wires and ComEd’s wires meet.»

All three smart meters that had problems used the same type of socket, ComEd said. Older-style analog meters also can have connection issues from loose fittings and corrosion, the company said.

«Technicians will look out for and modify the connection point when needed during full deployment of smart meters,» ComEd said.

All told, ComEd identified 15 connection issues that resulted in higher than normal heat conditions and damage to the smart meter. All the meters worked but ComEd replaced them, it said. None of the incidents were related to meter design, it said.

ComEd said it is performing daily temperature scans on smart meters, helping it identify heat-related issues.

The company is also sending its meter designs for independent evaluation. That testing will be completed before ComEd installs any more smart meters early next year, it said.

gkarp@tribune.

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Research and Markets: Smart Cities, Buildings and Communities

DUBLIN–(BUSINESS WIRE–

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/sdjxv6/smart_cities_buil
has announced the addition of the «Smart
Cities, Buildings and Communities» report to their offering.

The concept of smart communities is based on intelligent infrastructure
such as broadband (FttH and smart grids, so that connected and
sustainable communities can be developed. However, before these smart
communities can be built, trans-sector policies and strategies need to
be developed.

They can’t be built from the current silo structure that dominates our
thinking; but require a holistic approach which includes environmental
issues such as self sufficient energy buildings, energy exchanges for
renewable energy and e-cars, delivery of e-health, e-education,
e-government services as well as digital media and internet services.

This report discusses and provides examples of some of the developments
taking place around the world towards building smart cities and
communities.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Synopsis

2. Introduction

2.1 Smart Cities: sustainable engines for growth

2.2 Digital cities: digital dreams?

3. Building smart cities to ease the stress

3.1 A population of nine billion people

3.2 The role of smart cities

3.3 We need to use people power

3.4 Education, information, empowerment

3. 5 Changes are starting to drive action

3.6 Intelligent/smart technologies and systems

3.7 Smart city investment

4. Key components of smart cities

4.1 A smart city built on three pillars

4.2 Smart grids

4.3 Next generation telecoms/National broadband networks

4.4 Smart government

4.5 Open networks

4.6 Smart buildings/homes

4.7 Smart transport (separate report

5. Strategies for smart communities

5.1 Smart cities require holistic approach

5.1.1 Tran-sector thinking

5.2 Rebuilding communities

5.3 Greenfield communities

6. Selected examples of smart communities

6.1 Asia

6.2 Europe

6.3 Amsterdam

6.4 Portugal

6.5 Stockholm

7. Middle East

7.1 Qatar

8. Intelligent Communities Forum

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.

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ComEd: Smart meters involved in 'small fires'

Commonwealth Edison confirmed on Thursday that three of its smart meters, which wirelessly relay power-use data between homes and the company, have been involved in «small fires» in the Chicago region.

ComEd said the problems stemmed not from the smart meters themselves but from how they were connected to homes and businesses.

The news, reported by Crain’s Chicago Business on Thursday, is the latest among recent concerns about the safety of the devices.

Peco Energy Co., a sister company of ComEd also owned by Exelon Corp., said this month that it suspended a smart-meter installation program after 15 of the 186,000 installed devices overheated, including one that set fire to a home in suburban Philadelphia, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Then, this week, Maryland utility regulators, concerned about the action in Pennsylvania, held a hearing with four major electricity companies about smart meters, the Baltimore Sun reported. The paper quoted a Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. official saying the company had five incidents of the smart meters overheating out of 65,000 installed. None failed or was damaged.

«ComEd customers can be assured that we are taking every precaution possible to ensure their safety and satisfaction,» ComEd said in a statement. «We are working hand-in-hand with our Peco colleagues to understand and apply their key learnings here in northern Illinois.»

ComEd has installed digital smart meters at about 130,000 homes and businesses. «Since installation began in 2009, we have seen a limited number of issues related to elevated heating. We take these issues extremely seriously and, in each case, have taken steps to get to the bottom of the issues to ensure customer safety,» the statement said.

The problem is not with the smart meters, ComEd said. Independent testing showed the cause «was related to fitting and connection issues with an older-model socket that had a poor connection at the point where the customer’s wires and ComEd’s wires meet.»

All three smart meters that had problems used the same type of socket, ComEd said. Older-style analog meters also can have connection issues from loose fittings and corrosion, the company said.

«Technicians will look out for and modify the connection point when needed during full deployment of smart meters,» ComEd said.

All told, ComEd identified 15 connection issues that resulted in higher than normal heat conditions and damage to the smart meter. All the meters worked but ComEd replaced them, it said. None of the incidents were related to meter design, it said.

ComEd said it is performing daily temperature scans on smart meters, helping it identify heat-related issues.

The company is also sending its meter designs for independent evaluation. That testing will be completed before ComEd installs any more smart meters early next year, it said.

gkarp@tribune.

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Smart refrigeration key to quality meat exports

Thursday August 30, 2012

Smart refrigeration key
to quality meat exports

A University of Waikato heat
transfer expert says the changing regulatory environment
means New Zealand chilled meat exporters face new
challenges.

Dr James Carson of the School of Engineering
says the shift to slow steaming for environmental and fuel
economy reasons has lengthened journey times for New Zealand
exports to key markets – and this has put New Zealand's
lucrative European chilled meat market in
jeopardy.

"We're always looking for improved
efficiencies to ensure New Zealand meat exports arrive at
their destination in top condition. Temperature is a key
variable for quality and safety, so we need to look in
detail at the impact of slow steaming on refrigeration
parameters. Mathematical modelling of the chilling and
storage processes can enable us to design for greater energy
efficiency and tighter quality control."

Dr Carson is
heading to the UK in October on a fact-finding visit funded
by the 2012 C. Alma Baker Trust Fellowship, which
facilitates travel between New Zealand and the UK for senior
researchers in the fields of agriculture,
agriculture-related technologies, or the study of rural
society.

He'll be visiting research institutions in
London, Bristol, Cambridge and Yorkshire to see the work
being done there on refrigeration technology, and to bring
back ideas that will benefit New Zealand meat
exporters.

"New technology means shipping companies are
now able to monitor and control individual shipping
containers, so we could get a lot smarter in optimising
conditions for our chilled meat exports," he says.

Dr
Carson is currently collaborating with AgResearch scientists
from the former Meat Industry Research Institute of New
Zealand (MIRINZ on improving refrigeration
techniques.

The C. Alma Baker Trust is based in the UK and
promotes agricultural links with New Zealand.

ends

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Cyclists and Ballard businesses at odds again, Missing Link sent back for EIS …

 

Cyclists and Ballard businesses at odds again, Missing Link sent back for EIS study

The Missing Link, the incomplete section of the Burke-Gilman Trail running between Fred Meyer and the Ballard Locks, will continue to be missing for a while longer.

This week, the city of Seattle Hearing Examiner ruled in favor of the Ballard Business Appellants, who expressed safety concerns about a trail going through the driveways of Ballard’s main core of industry. The design must now go back to the Seattle Department of Transportation for a full Environmental Impact Statement. This is the third time the Missing Link has gone before the Hearing Examiner.

In a press release sent out by Salmon Bay Sand Gravel Co., Warren Aakervik of Ballard Oil stated further study is needed.

«The City must study these issues and prove it can safely build a recreational trail through the heart of the maritime and industrial industry in Ballard without putting people's lives at risk," he said.

Meanwhile, in another press release, Chuck Ayers of Cascade Bicycle Club expressed an opposing view.

"We are disappointed," said Chuck Ayers, Executive Director of Cascade Bicycle Club. "The Missing Link continues to be a major safety concern, and this setback perpetuates the problems that already exist with the rail road tracks, navigation, and interaction between road users. "

Though SDOT has said in the past that the completion of the Missing Link would not have a significant adverse impact on the environment, the Hearing Examiner disagreed, saying the Shilshole Ave segment would create traffic hazards.

The Business Appellants have expressed in the past that they would like to see the trail rerouted, perhaps up Leary Way and down Market St, to avoid conflict with trucks.

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Navy announces the Record of Decision for the Silver Strand Training Complex …

www.silverstrandtrainingcomplexeis.

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Public hearings set on state’s renewable energy plan – Honolulu Star

The U.S. Department of Energy has scheduled a series of public hearings in September around the state to solicit comment for a "programmatic environmental impact statement" for planned renewable energy projects on different islands and undersea transmission cable to connect them.

A list of the hearing dates and locations can be found at: http://hawaiicleanenergypeis.com/.

The DOE broadened the scope of the analysis to include all forms of renewable energy, energy efficiency, alternative transportation fuels and electrical transportation and distribution. The analysis previously was focused on wind energy projects proposed for Molokai, Lanai and Maui.

At the hearings DOE officials will make presentations on the programmatic EIS process under the National Environmental Policy Act. There also will be a question-and-answer session followed by a formal commenting session, which will be transcribed by a court reporter to ensure that all comments are available for DOE officials to consider during the preparation of the programmatic EIS.

A programmatic EIS differs from a standard EIS in that it is used to evaluate the environmental impacts of broad agency actions, such as the development of programs or the setting of national policies.

The programmatic EIS will allow the DOE to develop guidance that it would use in making future decisions on whether to fund projects or take other actions to support the state in meeting its clean energy goals. The DOE would need to prepare separate environmental review to comply with NEPA for any such future decision.

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