Uptown Foley is a grassroots effort dedicated to bringing back life and vitality to the uptown area, making it more enjoyable for citizens, tourists and local merchants. Organized by a group of concerned citizens and business owners, the Uptown Foley revitalization effort is underway with events planned this fall!

The Foley Fall Market will take place each Thursday evening from October 14th to November 4th from 5-7pm. Everyone is invited to attend this free event, enjoy live music from area bands, take part in the group’s newly created community art project, talk to local merchants and buy locally grown produce from area farmers. The Foley Fall Market will be held throughout the alleyway behind the Hotel Magnolia and Magnolia Court Restaurant between US Highway 98 and Jessamine Street in uptown Foley.

The Foley Fall Market is the first of many events planned as part of the group’s “Shop Local” initiative to promote the local merchants and positive impact citizens have on the Foley community when purchasing from locally-owned businesses.

Foley Fall Market current participants: (participating vendors will be added regularly)

Hollis Furniture and Antiques Foley Performing Arts Association Magnolia Court Restaurant Cain’s Wine Cellar Cahall’s Deli and Catering Events by Michelle Bishop McConnell Upcoming Events:

October 14, 2010
Foley Fall Market
5-7pm
Alley from US Hwy. 98 to Jessamine Street (Behind Hotel Magnolia)

October 21, 2010
Foley Fall Market
5-7pm
Alley from US Hwy. 98 to Jessamine Street (Behind Hotel Magnolia)

October 28, 2010*
Foley Fall Market
5-7pm
Alley from US Hwy. 98 to Jessamine Street (Behind Hotel Magnolia)
Live Music by: Roman Street (www.romanstreet.com)

November 4, 2010
Foley Fall Market
5-7pm
Alley from US Hwy. 98 to Jessamine Street (Behind Hotel Magnolia)
*Make plans to also attend the City of Foley’s Uptown Halloween, also on October 28th from 5:30 – 8:30pm. This event features free games and treats from local businesses, costume contests, cake walk, on site concessions and much more.

GULF SHORES, AL – A coalition of state and industry leaders initiated by the Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce and the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce will announce a series of new strategies to help businesses Survive, Sustain and Succeed during the oil crisis. The Coastal Resiliency Coalition (CRC) will hold a press conference on Thursday, August 12, at 9:30 a.m. at the site of the new Business Support Center on Faulkner State Community College’s Gulf Shores campus. Mayors from Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Foley will join leaders from the tourism, real estate, retail and fishing industries.

Interview opportunities with:

· Coastal Resiliency Coalition Chairman Bob Higgins

· Chamber Executives Linda Whitlock & Donna Watts

· Business Support Center Director Norman Schuehman

For more information contact Paige Rucker at 251-978-1150 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Location Details:

Faulkner State Community College

Gulf Coast Culinary Institute Dining Room

South end of campus

(ARA) - Do you have problems sleeping on Sunday nights knowing that you have to return to work the next morning? Are you constantly daydreaming about your dream job? Are you always checking the clock at work, counting down the minutes until the day ends? If so, you might be suffering from workplace blues.

Don Thibert, director of academic affairs for Everest College, has decades of experience helping thousands of individuals a year move into progressive new careers. The seasoned career expert says it's important to evaluate your work situation and offers great advice for finding career happiness.

"Most people are so desensitized by the daily grind that they don't even realize they're unhappy, let alone what to do about it. Given the recession, people are too busy just trying to keep their heads above water - they don't have time to imagine the work situation that would make them really happy," says Thibert.

To determine how blue you really are, Thibert suggests tracking your workplace blues for a month.

"Keep a daily record of what made you happy or unhappy each day and give yourself a score on a scale of one to 10, one being totally unbearable unhappiness and 10 being an absolute joy. By the end of the month you should be able to identify if you're happy -- specifically what you like and don't like about your work," says Thibert. "If your average score at the end of the month is six or lower, it's time to start strategizing for happiness."

New evidence north of the border shows that Americans are not alone in experiencing workplace blues.  A recent survey commissioned by Everest College found 59 percent of Canadians said 2009 was mediocre at best; one quarter called it either "a downer" or downright "depressing" and nearly three quarters said they suffer work-related blues at least occasionally.

"For some, it's possible to find happiness in their current job," explains Thibert. "But there are still many with a failing grade in the happiness department.  In those situations, career training is a door opener to a more rewarding work life and greater overall satisfaction.  Every day I see how it can really change your life and I encourage people to meet with counselors if they need some help to evaluate their career training options."

Courtesy of ARAcontent
 

(ARA) - From digitizing and analyzing America's health records to developing the next big video game or hardware program, careers in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields continue to gain prominence in the work force. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor predicts a growing demand for technological advances will result in a job growth of 22 percent for STEM occupations between 2004 and 2014.

As employment opportunities within these new and emerging industries continue to expand, educational institutions are taking a look at refining curriculums to provide career-focused higher education, and better prepare students for careers in specific fields.

To do this, universities are working directly with high-caliber employers to ensure their future employee needs will be met. DeVry University, for example, works directly with companies including IBM and Cisco to create these student programs. DeVry University graduates from the last five years have worked at 96 of the Fortune 100 companies.

"Students are looking to obtain the education and knowledge needed to succeed in the high-growth industries that continue to thrive," says Donna Loraine, vice president, academic affairs for DeVry Inc., and dean, DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management. "Our academic structure is one that allows for swift implementation of new programs and curriculum once we notice a specific need, allowing us to better prepare students for these in-demand 21st century careers."

According to the Center for Education Policy Analysis, technology is pervasive in almost every aspect of daily life, and as the workplace changes, STEM knowledge, skills and the ways in which problems are approached and solved in these subjects are important for a variety of workers.

DeVry worked closely with Cisco using the Cisco Networking Academy program to deliver curriculums that teach students how to design, build, troubleshoot and secure computer networks.

"Working with DeVry University to equip students with technical knowledge and hands-on experiences will help meet growing demand for skilled workers in a variety of industries ranging from broadband and wireless to healthcare and green technologies," says Amy Christen, vice president of corporate affairs at Cisco and general manager of the Cisco Networking Academy. "Individuals that are trained in the latest technology careers today will be well-prepared for a variety of exciting career opportunities tomorrow."

In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics is anticipating an approximate 45 percent growth in the computer software engineer and application occupations. Anticipating this demand, these student/employer partnerships aim to prepare soon-to-be graduates for these technology careers, while helping to fill a growing need for professionals in the emerging industries around the world.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Plumbing is among the top 50 occupations for job stability, median wage and anticipated demand, according to careervoyages.com, a Web site jointly maintained by the departments of Labor and Education.

Joe DeLange, trades department chair of plumbing at WyoTech in Fremont, Calif., isn't surprised.  "It's a flexible and stable trade, and plumbers will always be in demand," he says.

"If you like working with your hands, don't mind getting a little dirty, and want steady work in a skilled trade, it's time to take a look at the plumbing profession," DeLange adds.

While many of us are familiar with plumbers who conduct minor in-home repairs, the occupation can be very diverse. Plumbers and pipefitters can specialize in a variety of areas, including the installation and repair of potable water and gas piping systems, drain waste and vent systems, and hydronic (water) heating and cooling systems. Plumbers are also needed for remodeling and new construction projects in the residential and commercial industries.

The demand for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters is expected to increase 10 percent between 2006 and 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Much of this demand will stem from new housing construction and building renovation. The rise in popularity of green technologies like radiant floor heating, solar hydronics, condensing and modulating boilers, and tankless hot water systems is also expected to increase demand for plumbers.

In addition, many people currently working in these trades are expected to retire during the next 10 years, creating more openings for plumbers. The Career Voyages Web site also notes that from now until 2016, there will be a demand for more than 150,000 new plumbers.

"Job stability is an important aspect of any career. This is what makes plumbing so appealing as a profession," DeLange says. "There is constant work. There will always be a need for basic repair and maintenance of water and pipe systems."

In addition to job stability, plumbers and pipefitters enjoy some of the best median wages in the trade fields. In 2006, the median hourly earnings of waged and salaried plumbers and pipefitters were $20.56, and the middle 50 percent of all plumbers earned between $15.62 and $27.54 an hour. The top 10 percent of plumbers earned more than $34 an hour.

Christopher Draves, plumbing instructor at WyoTech in Fremont, Calif., explains that the freedom of working for yourself and seeing tangible results make a career as a plumber an excellent choice. "Many plumbers eventually go into business for themselves," he says.

One of the most satisfying aspects of the plumbing profession is that you see the results of your labor, Draves adds.  "At the end of the day, you solve problems, clean up messes and build new piping systems. It's a very satisfying career. You can look at the results and be proud of what you accomplished."

It takes a number of years to become a licensed professional plumber. Most plumbers learn skills through a combination of education and on-the-job training through apprenticeships. Most apprenticeships require 144 hours of classroom work and then a number of years of on-the-job training. At WyoTech, students receive 720 hours of combined classroom time and hands-on lab skills.

"While the need for plumbers is constant, technology and water management systems keep changing, so there is always more to learn," Draves says. "I definitely recommend a career in plumbing to those who are interested in a stable trade."

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - From shopping to working to banking, Americans are doing it all online. Consumers need their private information to be safe, but at the same time, they want the speed and convenience of instant transactions, all without giving it a second thought.

Online safekeeping doesn't just happen. Information security specialists are in the shadows, ensuring consumer and business data security worldwide, and providing the skills needed to track down information in criminal investigations.

Because nearly everyone is at risk from a cyber security threat, professionals in information systems security are bucking unemployment trends. Students interested in information security careers can study at DeVry University, which offers a specialized track providing the skills to help design security system procedures, standards, protocols and policies.

"I have been in the IT industry for about eight years, working on information security-related projects for most of my career," says Najmus Qazi, a DeVry University alumnus from Chicago working in the telecommunications industry. "Most recently, companies have been paying more attention to their information security due to the simple fact that there are a lot of bad guys with ingenious ways of stealing data. The constant change and evolution of my role has made it incredibly exciting."

With new methods of "capturing" volumes of personal information online, it is no wonder that the security of personal and corporate information has become a hot button issue ... and a true career opportunity. There is a real and practical need for specialists who develop and deploy systems to make sure proprietary or private information is protected.

"Despite the recession, IT specialists holding certifications in information security have actually been in demand," says John Giancola, dean of Devry University's College of Engineering and Information Sciences. "Because we have become so mobile and unwired, our personal data is accessible in so many ways - from cell phones to laptop computers - so we need to make sure our personal information is not compromised. Information security behind the scenes keeps us safe."

The field of information security is the first line of defense in preventing unauthorized access, use, disclosure and destruction of data for both businesses and individuals. But for individuals, the extra prevention helps protect them against identity theft.

The importance of this field came into sharp focus earlier in 2009 when President Obama created a cyber security cabinet-level position. This "Cyber Czar" will be responsible for integrating and coordinating all government protections of cyberspace and will lead the U.S response to any hacker attack on U.S. networks.

Five careers under the information security umbrella are helping keep the virtual world safe from would-be hackers and viruses:

* Network systems and data communications analysts are projected to be the fastest growing occupation, with projections of more than 50 percent growth through 2016. They analyze, test and evaluate network systems.

* Information systems security specialists help organizations prepare for, react to and recover from security threats. These experts develop and implement security procedures, protocol and policies.

* Disaster recovery agents work to ensure a company's data systems and networks are recoverable. They often perform and analyze disaster simulations to ensure prompt restoration of services.

* IT managers play an important role in implementing technology in their organizations. They oversee network security and direct Internet operations.

* Computer forensics specialists perform the vital task of investigating suspected fraud and criminal cases. They recover deleted, encrypted or damaged digital files and often provide expert testimony in criminal court cases.

"After spending years as an automotive service advisor, I went back to school to find a new career that offered solid potential for the future," says Marc Brown, a computer information systems student with a specialization in  computer forensics at the North Brunswick, N.J. campus of DeVry University. "Studying computer forensics has exceeded all my expectations. Every day, I look forward to all my classes and instructors.  It's fun when friends recognize the value of what I do from the nightly news or crimes shows."

DeVry University offers associate, bachelor and graduate degree programs in the information security field at campuses across the nation as well as through online classes. By enrolling in an accelerated program and attending classes year round, undergraduate students are able to earn a bachelor's degree in as few as three years. Learn more at www.devry.edu.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Small Business Primer on Legal Issues Nolo.com: Corporations Nolo Press Legal Self-Help Limited Liability Company Web Site Laws and Regulations Legal Information Institute The WWW Virtual Library-Law Small Business Legal Structure Running Your Business: Legal &Biz Forms Marketing &Market Research The 6 Ps of Service Business Marketing Marketing for Today's Small Businesses American Marketing Association Sample Marketing Plan Idea Site Guerrila Marketing Online Sales &Marketing The Marketing Resource Center Trade Show Central Marketing Workshop SBA Shareware Creative Marketing Solutions Company Profiles &Financial Information U.S. Census Bureau Dun &Bradstreet Thomas Register Hoovers Company Information The List of Marketing Lists Mystery Shoppers Network Big Book Zip 2 Six ways to test your business idea American Demographics Magazine Selected Sites for Market Research Market Research Tools and Information Library of Congress Business Reference Services US Chambers of Commerce Zip Code Data Recordkeeping &Accounting IRS Recordkeeping Your Basic Bookkeeping Starting a Business and Keeping Records Recordkeeping and Managing Business Finances Accounting Tips for Government Contractors Cost Accounting Implementation Guide Paycheck Calculators Shareware from the SBA Shareware on the Internet Spreadsheet Jokes Taxes Internal Revenue Service IRS Tax Info for Business IRS Recordkeeping Tax Forms Checklist Simplified Tax and Wage Reporting System U.S. Tax Code Tax Resources 1099's to Independent Contractors Tax Basics for Small Business Small Business Taxes &Management Business Taxes Running Your Biz: Legal &Biz Forms Real Tax Tips, Not Just Tax Facts Paying Those Pesky Quarterly Taxes U.S. Government Resources U.S. Small Business Administration U.S. Census Bureau U.S. Copyright Office U.S. Department of Commerce U.S. Patent &Trademark Office Internal Revenue Service U.S. Postal Service National Technology Transfer Center U.S. Government Information Sources U.S. Business Advisor Social Security Administration U.S. Department of Labor U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Federal Trade Commission U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Minority Enterprise Development Minority Business Development Agency Office of Women's Business Ownership National Technical Information Service

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