Todays News

Keith Worts Promoted As New President Of Crunch Fitness

admin — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:08:51 +0000

Crunch Fitness has appointed Keith Worts as its new president. Worts has been an industry leader with over 20 years experience in all aspects of operations including brand development and strategy. Worts will oversee the management of Crunch’s unique fitness brand with 21 locations in the U.S.

Worts said “I couldn’t be happier to continue working alongside the knowledgeable and innovative team here at Crunch. I intend to take Crunch to the next level by 2012.”

Jim Rowley, chief executive officer, Crunch said “Keith’s extensive background with the brand makes him the perfect fit, as he brings an understanding of what sets Crunch apart from other health club chains. Keith is a dynamic leader and I am confident he is the perfect person to lead Crunch in this exciting new period of growth and success.”

Tapping Worts in fitness management including sales, operations, and branding strategies, Worts will manage all aspects of Crunch with a focus on developing new locations, both corporate and franchise clubs, and continuing to grow the profitability of its existing businesses.

Before joining Crunch, Worts started his career at The Fitness Company as a general manager and quickly moved up the ladder as northeast regional vice president overseeing 14 fitness centers in 5 states with revenues of over $19 million. Worts then moved to Spa Capital in 2002 serving as vice president of operations, managing retail, service and training departments for 21 day spas in 13 states. Worts then joined Crunch in 2006 directing all aspects of operations including sales, personal training and brand development.

AT&T Enhances Mobile Broadband Coverage in Citizens Bank Park

admin — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:15:46 +0000

AT&T announced the activation of a new antenna system in Citizens Bank Park that will help to enhance wireless service.

Known as a Distributed Antenna System, or DAS, the installation consists of several strategically placed antennas that distribute AT&T’s wireless network coverage throughout the stadium, providing for more efficient management of wireless capacity in heavily trafficked areas. The additional capacity will help to improve call reliability, increase download speeds and enable more consistent network access to help customers make the most of their AT&T devices.

“No doubt, watching the game is still the best part of going to Citizens Bank Park. But, Phillies fans, including myself, often want to share their experience when they are at the stadium,” said Dan Lafond, vice president and general manager for AT&T in Eastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey and Delaware. “Whether it’s checking scores of other games, sending a text or a photo, tweeting, making a call or updating your Facebook status about the game, our network investment provides a creative solution to enhance wireless coverage for our customers.”

From 2007 through 2009, AT&T’s total capital investment in its Pennsylvania wireless and wireline networks was more than $725 million.

Wireless data traffic on the AT&T network has grown more than 5,000 percent over the past three years, largely attributed to the increasing popularity of advanced smartphones and the performance of AT&T’s mobile broadband network, the nation’s fastest. More smartphone users have chosen AT&T than any other wireless carrier.

AT&T recently upgraded 3G cell sites nationwide to High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 7.2. Future plans include another upgrade to HSPA+ technology at the end of this year followed by the initial deployment next year of LTE, the next-generation of wireless technology. These advancements, when combined with an ongoing initiative to increase the number of high-speed backhaul connections to cell sites, are a part of AT&T’s strategy to provide customers with an enhanced mobile broadband experience, both today and in the future.

AT&T’s 3G mobile broadband network is based on the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) family of technologies that includes GSM and UMTS, the most widely used wireless network platforms in the world. AT&T has the best international coverage of any U.S. wireless provider, providing access to voice service in more than 220 countries and data service in more than 190 countries. AT&T also offers voice and data roaming coverage on 130 major cruise ships, as well as 3G services more than 120 countries.

Baltimore Orioles Extend Working Agreements with Minor League Affiliates in Norfolk, Bowie and Frederick through 2014

admin — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:55:48 +0000

Baltimore Orioles has extended its working agreements with their minor league affiliates in Norfolk, Bowie and Frederick through the 2014 season.

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides are in their fourth season as an Orioles affiliate, and both the Double-A Bowie Baysox and Single-A Frederick Keys have been affiliated with Baltimore since their inaugural seasons in 1993 and 1989, respectively.

Andy MacPhail, Orioles President of Baseball Operations said “We are very pleased to continue our working agreements with the Norfolk, Bowie and Frederick clubs. We have formed great partnerships with each of these clubs and look forward to continue developing our talent in the supportive environment that these cities provide.”

Ken Young, owner of the Tides, Baysox and Keys said “We are extremely excited to continue our partnership with the Baltimore Orioles franchise. The proximity of Baltimore is a natural geographical fit for Norfolk, Bowie and Frederick, and we are thrilled that our fans will continue to get the opportunity to watch their favorite Orioles prospects move up the organizational ladder. The Orioles have also served as such a valuable force in our community, and we look forward to working with them to ensure the next four years are even more successful.”

ESPN Kicks Off Monday Night Football Preseason On Thursday, Aug. 12

admin — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:13:08 +0000

ESPN will begin its Monday Night Football preseason broadcast on Thursday, Aug. 12, at 8 p.m. ET when quarterback Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens host the Carolina Panthers and running back DeAngelo Williams.

Mike Tirico (play-by-play) and analysts Ron Jaworski and Jon Gruden will call the game, joined by reporter Suzy Kolber. To view photos of the MNF team, click here. Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2010 inductee Jerry Rice will voice the open to all four MNF preseason games.

The game will be preceded by a one-hour Monday Night Countdown (7 p.m.) hosted by Stuart Scott from Bristol, Conn., with analysts Cris Carter, Mike Ditka, Tom Jackson and Keyshawn Johnson.

FOX Sports Ohio To Broadcast Reds vs. Cardinals Game on August 11

admin — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:54:58 +0000

FOX Sports Ohio will broadcast the Reds vs. Cardinals game on Wednesday, August 11. Earlier Cincinnati Reds vs. St. Louis Cardinals game on Saturday, September 4 was scheduled for FOX Sports Ohio broadcast.

This replacement game the Reds vs. Cardinals on FOX Sports Ohio will be in high definition at 12:30pm. Paul Keels and Chris Welsh will call the game.

Texas Athletics Commits to Landmark Scholarship to Establish Texas Longhorns Energy

admin — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:35:31 +0000

The University of Texas Men’s & Women’s Athletics programs has announced a landmark sponsorship program with Dallas-based Branded Retail Energy Company to create Texas Longhorns Energy (TLE). TLE, to be powered by one of the nation’s top retail electricity providers, Champion Energy Services, will provide 100 percent renewable energy to alumni and fans in deregulated regions of Texas. Each new customer account will generate funds for sustainability initiatives for UT and UT Athletics.

The new service will be officially launched mid-August. While final rates will be announced at that time, costs are expected to be in line with other renewable electricity rates currently in the market. Branded Retail Energy first approached UT with the concept through IMG College, the multimedia and sponsorship sales partner for UT Athletics. BRE presented the industry’s first affinity marketing platform designed to activate alumni and sports fans’ passion for the Longhorns. TLE will exclusively utilize the UT brand and marketing resources available through IMG College’s contract with UT Athletics, which will result in cost savings that would typically be spent on traditional marketing efforts. Those cost savings will help generate funding back to UT Athletics and the University.

“This truly is a revolutionary approach to energy marketing,” said UT men’s athletics director DeLoss Dodds. “Not only will Texas Longhorns Energy be powered through renewable green energy, but the University will receive credit and funding for each customer who joins. This revenue will help continue UT Athletics and University efforts and programs in sustainability, recycling and energy conservation.”

Electricity has been deregulated in the state of Texas since 2002, providing residents and businesses in most areas of the state a choice of energy providers. While many energy companies spend millions of dollars on advertising and marketing, the success of Texas Longhorns Energy will be driven by UT’s tremendous alumni and fan base and built-in marketing channels to communicate the benefits of membership to specific target customers.

Texas Longhorns Energy supports the mission of The University of Texas to educate the campus at large on conservation and sustainability initiatives. TLE plans to utilize the strength of outreach allowed by web portals and event-based activities to educate consumers on energy conservation and green power options and to assist with fund-raising in support of specific program initiatives. The University of Texas is dedicated to improving the long-term quality and regenerative capacity of the environmental, social and economic systems that support the University.

“As a graduate of The University of Texas Red McCombs School of Business and as CEO of Champion Energy, I am honored to be in a leadership position to help bring this first-of-its kind program to university supporters,” said Scott Fordham, president and CEO of Champion Energy Services. “I’ve been a 30-year supporter of the school, am on the Longhorn Foundation Advisory Council and have been a life-long orangeblood. It’s truly exciting to be part of this unique opportunity that benefits the school and its fans via a product that consumers need and use every day.”

TLE will work with IMG College to develop unique opportunities and provide incentives for the company to use in marketing its services to UT fans. Customers who sign up to utilize TLE will receive a variety of consumer benefits designed to fuel their passion for the Longhorns. In addition, consumers living in regulated communities also will have an opportunity to support the University through TLE, with details being announced at the official launch in August.

“This branded energy venture is a new and exciting opportunity for the college market, and we are pleased to assist The University of Texas Athletics Department again show why they are a leader in college sports,” stated Lawton Logan, senior vice president of Collegiate Properties, IMG College. “This program will give UT sports fans a unique way to integrate their passion for the Longhorns into their daily lives.”

Mike Musto Promoted As Local Sales Manager Of Detroit Market

admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:07:48 +0000

Viamedia has promoted Mike Musto as Local Sales Manager of their Troy office in the Detroit DMA. Musto joined Viamedia in 2003 as an Account Executive and has been an instrumental part of Viamedia Detroit’s success. In 2005, he was promoted to Senior Account Executive. In 2007 he was given the position of Team Leader for the Detroit office and in 2010 become the Political Advertising Specialist.

Prior to joining Viamedia, Mr. Musto served in the barter industry as a Certified Trade Broker and Account Executive. It is there that he worked with several media companies as their rep and became fascinated with the media industry.

WQED Multimedia Pittsburgh Appoints Deborah L. Acklin As President Elect And CEO

admin — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:57:54 +0000

The WQED Board of Directors has appointed Deborah L. Acklin as president-elect and chief executive officer of WQED Multimedia Pittsburgh, effective September 23, 2010.

Acklin, currently executive vice president and chief operating officer of WQED Multimedia succeeds George L. Miles, Jr., who has led WQED, the nation’s first community-supported public broadcasting station, for more than 16 years.

Acklin has served in multiple executive roles at WQED and has successfully managed the day-to-day operations and strategies for its three TV channels, two radio stations, an interactive Web-based learning channel, an education department, fundraising, finance, engineering, publishing and marketing communications.

Acklin has a distinguished background in television, media production and management, having first served WQED as executive producer and later as the senior vice president of production and technology. She developed the programming that became the highly popular “Doo Wop” music specials for PBS; oversaw the production of national documentaries including “The War That Made America,”, one of public television’s first high-definition docudramas; and she conceived and launched WQED’s nightly television magazine program, “OnQ”.

A Pittsburgh native, Acklin has been honored with a national Emmy award nomination for a documentary about the legendary Mister Rogers, seven Emmy awards (Mid-Atlantic), a CINE Golden Eagle, White House Press Association honors, The Gabriel Award from the Catholic Communicators Conference, the Pearl Award from the descendants of the Warner Brothers, the Pennsylvania TV/Film award from the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh’s Tribute to Women Award for Leadership in Arts and Culture.

Richard L. Stover, chair of the WQED Board of Directors said “Deborah Acklin has served WQED with loyalty, dignity, passion and dedication since she first came here in 1996.”

Stover added “We are firmly committed to continued strong leadership and sustainability, and there is no one more qualified to assume this role at WQED than Deborah Acklin. The board was unanimous in support for her as uniquely qualified to guide us through the next decade and beyond.”

Rosetta Appoints Nigel Adams As Partner, Talent Management And Leadership Development

admin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:30:08 +0000

The nation’s largest independent interactive agency ‘Rosetta’ announced that Nigel Adams has joined the company as Partner of Talent Management and Leadership Development. Adams will be based out of Rosetta’s Princeton office and will report directly to Chris Kuenne.

Adams in the newly created position will create a “leadership brand” for the agency including guiding principles for how the agency attracts recruits, engages, develops, coaches, and empowers team members. Rosetta has seven office locations, including Princeton, New York, Cleveland, Chicago, Boston, Denver and Toronto, with over 750 individual team members.

Adams is an accomplished leadership coach, experienced in coaching and mentoring C-level executives and teams. With over 20 years across broad leadership roles, Adams served as Vice President, Customer Service at JetBlue Airways from 2002 to 2006, supporting a growing team of crew members while creating award-winning service levels.

Prior to JetBlue, Adams served in various roles with US Airways from 1989 to 2002, ultimately as Vice President, Inflight and Onboard Services. At US Airways, he reorganized planning and operating units to generate 25 percent return on assets and directed a $1.2 billion budget for capital resources and manpower planning for 10,000 staff members. He held various roles at Piedmont Airlines from 1981 to 1988.

Chris Kuenne CEO of Rosetta said “As Rosetta manages its continued growth, both organically and through acquisitions, we are thrilled to have Nigel’s experienced leadership to help the agency maintain a sharp focus on our most important asset, our team members. Nigel has a strong track record of building positive service cultures and a process to nurture leaders and teams. We look forward to his contributions to our agency’s continuing dynamic growth and the achievement of our goal of becoming the most valued interactive agency in the world.”

Adams said “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to join the Rosetta team. In two years of coaching Rosetta’s executive leadership, I have come to know and respect the talent that resides at this distinctive agency. I am excited to step into the role of helping the Rosetta team enhance its effectiveness and achieve its potential. As Rosetta continues its rapid growth in a high-change environment, our talent edge will be critical to the success of the business and our clients’ businesses. I am looking forward to the honorable role of supporting and growing Rosetta’s team members.”

Time Warner Cable Partners With LULAC To Expand broadband Internet To Latino Communities

admin — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:38:28 +0000

Time Warner Cable has announced that it has partnered with the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) to expand broadband Internet technology training to underserved Latino communities throughout the United States.

Time Warner Cable will provide three-year $200,000 grant and also will support technology centers that provide training, technology and support services in Latino communities served by the company.

The centers will receive technology benefits such as a broad array of technology equipment including desktop computers, laser printers, high speed internet access, LCD projectors and technology.

Time Warner Cable has selected centers that are located in San Antonio, Texas; Kansas City, Missouri (existing); Waukesha, Wisconsin (existing); Charlotte, North Carolina, and Cincinnati, Ohio.

These centers were selected by a National grant competition based on each site’s competitive progress, its level of need to better serve the local community and its innovative application of technology. The five centers will become a part of LULAC’s Empower Hispanic America with Technology Network — that currently provides broadband access free of charge to 100,000 visitors annually.

LULAC National President Rosa Rosales said “We are delighted with the tremendous support and partnership developed with Time Warner Cable to bring the latest technologies to the Hispanic community. Studies have show time and time again that those with access to technology resources fare better in life than those that do not. With this funding, we will be able to provide to those who are in most need of these services.”

Fernando Laguarda, Vice President External Affairs & Policy Counselor at Time Warner Cable said “This partnership deepens our relationship with the communities we serve by bringing them the essential benefits of technology while fulfilling Time Warner Cable’s commitment to engage young people to participate in our program to Connect A Million Minds, designed to inspire students to pursue learning opportunities and careers in science, technology, engineering and math fields.”