Press Releases

WASHINGTON, Aug. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is the transcript of radio Address by President Bush to the nation:

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This weekend, millions of Americans will celebrate Labor Day. This holiday marks the traditional end of the summer season. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the contributions of hardworking Americans all across our country - from teachers, farmers, and health care professionals, to firefighters, police officers, small business owners, and workers on the assembly line.

The American workforce continues to be the marvel of the world. Yet many working families have been weathering tough economic times. There are families across our country struggling to make ends meet. There is an understandable concern about the high price of gas and food. And many Americans are worried about the health of our housing and job markets.

I share these concerns about our economy. Yet there have been some recent signs that our economy is beginning to improve. While the housing market is continuing to experience difficulty, the decline in home sales has leveled off recently, and sales are rising in some parts of the country. Orders for some durable goods, such as business equipment, are rising. And earlier this week we received a report that America's economy grew in the second quarter at an annual rate of 3.3 percent - surprising analysts who were predicting an economic recession.

These welcome signs indicate that the economic stimulus package that I signed earlier this year is having its intended effect. The growth package will return more than $150 billion back to American families and businesses this year. Many Americans who received tax rebates are spending them. Businesses are taking advantage of tax incentives to purchase new equipment this year. And there are signs that the stimulus package will continue to have a beneficial impact on the economy in the second half of the year.

Labor Day is also the traditional start of the election season. In the coming months, it will be tempting for some in Congress to try to score political points instead of getting work done for the American people. Our citizens deserve better. We still have time to accomplish important goals for our country. My Administration remains hopeful that we can work with Democratic leaders in Congress on bipartisan measures to help Americans cope with this period of economic uncertainty.

We need to work together on a comprehensive approach to our energy problems. I've called on Congress to permit us to tap vast, unused sources of oil and gas, expand domestic refining capacity, and encourage the development of alternative energy sources. Congress continues to stand in the way of this comprehensive approach. At a minimum, Democratic leaders in Congress should move forward on common-sense energy proposals that have bipartisan support - and it is not too late to do this. They should act responsibly by lifting the ban on offshore drilling, expanding access to oil shale, and implementing long-term tax credits to spur the development of alternative sources of energy like wind, solar, and nuclear power.

We need to work together to open up markets for American goods. Exports account for a greater share of America's gross domestic product than at any time in our history. It is not too late for Congress to approve free trade agreements with strong allies like Colombia, Panama, and South Korea - so that we can create more opportunities for American farmers, ranchers, and entrepreneurs.

We need to work together to keep your taxes low. At a time of economic challenge, the last thing American families need is a massive tax increase. It's not too late for Congress to make the tax relief we passed in 2001 and 2003 permanent.

Despite our economic difficulties, there is every reason to be optimistic about America's future. Our workforce is dynamic and productive. Our economy is showing that it is resilient. And our Nation is the most industrious, creative, and prosperous on earth.

Laura and I wish you a safe and joyous Labor Day weekend. Thank you for listening.

SOURCE White House Press Office

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This weekend, millions of Americans will celebrate Labor Day. This holiday marks the traditional end of the summer season. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the contributions of hardworking Americans all across our country - from teachers, farmers, and health care professionals, to firefighters, police officers, small business owners, and workers on the assembly line.

The American workforce continues to be the marvel of the world. Yet many working families have been weathering tough economic times. There are families across our country struggling to make ends meet. There is an understandable concern about the high price of gas and food. And many Americans are worried about the health of our housing and job markets.

I share these concerns about our economy. Yet there have been some recent signs that our economy is beginning to improve. While the housing market is continuing to experience difficulty, the decline in home sales has leveled off recently, and sales are rising in some parts of the country. Orders for some durable goods, such as business equipment, are rising. And earlier this week we received a report that America's economy grew in the second quarter at an annual rate of 3.3 percent - surprising analysts who were predicting an economic recession.

These welcome signs indicate that the economic stimulus package that I signed earlier this year is having its intended effect. The growth package will return more than $150 billion back to American families and businesses this year. Many Americans who received tax rebates are spending them. Businesses are taking advantage of tax incentives to purchase new equipment this year. And there are signs that the stimulus package will continue to have a beneficial impact on the economy in the second half of the year.

Labor Day is also the traditional start of the election season. In the coming months, it will be tempting for some in Congress to try to score political points instead of getting work done for the American people. Our citizens deserve better. We still have time to accomplish important goals for our country. My Administration remains hopeful that we can work with Democratic leaders in Congress on bipartisan measures to help Americans cope with this period of economic uncertainty.

We need to work together on a comprehensive approach to our energy problems. I've called on Congress to permit us to tap vast, unused sources of oil and gas, expand domestic refining capacity, and encourage the development of alternative energy sources. Congress continues to stand in the way of this comprehensive approach. At a minimum, Democratic leaders in Congress should move forward on common-sense energy proposals that have bipartisan support - and it is not too late to do this. They should act responsibly by lifting the ban on offshore drilling, expanding access to oil shale, and implementing long-term tax credits to spur the development of alternative sources of energy like wind, solar, and nuclear power.

We need to work together to open up markets for American goods. Exports account for a greater share of America's gross domestic product than at any time in our history. It is not too late for Congress to approve free trade agreements with strong allies like Colombia, Panama, and South Korea - so that we can create more opportunities for American farmers, ranchers, and entrepreneurs.

We need to work together to keep your taxes low. At a time of economic challenge, the last thing American families need is a massive tax increase. It's not too late for Congress to make the tax relief we passed in 2001 and 2003 permanent.

Despite our economic difficulties, there is every reason to be optimistic about America's future. Our workforce is dynamic and productive. Our economy is showing that it is resilient. And our Nation is the most industrious, creative, and prosperous on earth.

Laura and I wish you a safe and joyous Labor Day weekend. Thank you for listening.

Source: White House Press Office

WASHINGTON, Aug. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/-- FAIR Congressional Task Force (FCTF) announces September 10 and 11 as the dates for its annual Hold Their Feet to the Fire in Washington, D.C. Currently, 43 radio hosts are confirmed to broadcast live from Radio Row, evidencing substantial growth of this national yearly event. In spring of 2007, 35 radio talk hosts attended Hold Their Feet to the Fire, representing millions of Americans opposed to the Senate Amnesty Bill. That bill was ultimately defeated, due, in large part, to the efforts of talk radio.

This year, talk hosts from across the country led by Roger Hedgecock of KOGO-AM in San Diego and Lou Dobbs of United Stations Radio Network and CNN, will broadcast live for two days on Capitol Hill to counteract the special interests attempting to set an amnesty agenda for the new Congress and the next Administration. "Talk radio will represent American interests in our Nation's Capital at a critical time and provide people all across the country an opportunity to make their voices heard on immigration. And as immigration is a critical national security issue, Hold Their Feet to the Fire will coincide with the seventh anniversary of 9/11," said Roger Hedgecock of KOGO- AM radio.

"Powerful special interests are now in full force pushing for amnesty and foreign guest workers with no regard to the plight of the American worker, wages, or a deteriorating economy," said Dan Stein, President of the FCTF. "The politicians aren't talking about it. Radio talk hosts representing millions of listeners will, and their collective voice is a voice that roars."

Talk hosts will broadcast live to millions of listeners across the country asking hard questions, debating issues and demanding immigration reform. Congressional guests, activists, high profile media personalities, and immigration experts will be in attendance and available throughout the event for wall-to-wall interviews.

SOURCE FAIR Congressional Task Force

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Aug. 30, 2008) - Miss Earth CANADA 2008 pageant is back for a 6th edition -to be held in the heart of Montreal on Saturday, August 30th at 5pm. It's glamour on tap for one and all, as beauties steps up its game at Les Cours Mont Royal (1455 Peel Street corner of De Maisonneuve). Turning the heart of the metropolis into a venue of "Princess of nature" from all around Canada, showcasing for the title of Miss Earth CANADA 2008.

The Miss Earth CANADA 2008 competition will be produced by Daphney Augustin of RUBY PRODUCTIONS. The winner will promote environmental programs and presentation through activities integrated through daily life. She will also represent Canada in the Miss Earth competition which will be held on November 9, 2008 in Manila, Philippines.

Bringing together ...

Liberte, AquaDiLara, Restaurant Trinity, NuVert (Vetement Biologique), Wood-Ring / Wood-Computer, Imperial Limousine, Accroche ton sac, Yoga Kayak, Restaurant Kalalu...

Vancouver, Canada native, Jessica Nicole Trisko, a 23 years old PhD. student from Mc Gill University won the title of Miss Earth 2007 & Miss Earth CANADA 2007.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
        Ruby Productions
        Daphney Augustin
        514-812-7924
        MEC.Daphney@gmail.com

        Miss Earth CANADA
        www.earthcanada.blogspot.com
        www.missearth.tv

Source: Miss Earth CANADA

CHICAGO, Aug. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Mesirow Financial today reported that revenues for its fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 reached a record $492 million, a 9% increase from the previous year. This marks Mesirow Financial's eighteenth consecutive annual increase in revenues. (After the consolidation of certain limited partnerships and limited liability companies required under current accounting rules, audited revenues totaled $860 million). Mesirow Financial remains one of the few private financial services institutions in the industry to disclose annual financial results.

Despite turbulent markets and unprecedented industry events, Mesirow Financial experienced growth across nearly all of its business units, led by significant contributions from the Advanced Strategies (hedge fund strategies), Private Equity and Insurance Services businesses. James C. Tyree, chairman and CEO of Mesirow Financial, attributes the strong performance to the firm's diversified business model, which provides insulation from market pressure and simultaneously offers clients depth and breadth of services. He also credited the firm's independence, its employee ownership, and its exceptionally low turnover of employees and clients.

Mesirow Financial reports that:

-- Shareholders' equity, owned by approximately 300 of the firm's senior employees, increased to $246 million up 17% from $210 million last year.

-- The firm made a significant investment in PrivateBancorp, Inc., forging an important alliance that will capitalize on synergies between the two organizations.

-- Mesirow Financial created a U.K. affiliate and received regulatory approval to implement its U.K. business strategy, which will assist Advanced Strategies in identifying clients abroad; the Currency Management and Institutional Real Estate businesses will benefit as well.

-- The firm invested in new investment strategies, including Institutional Real Estate and Commodities Management to leverage its expertise and continue to meet client needs.

-- Construction of the firm's new state-of-the-art headquarters, located at 353 North Clark Street is underway with an expected occupancy date of late 2009.

-- Mesirow Financial was recognized as one of Crain's Chicago Business' Best Places to Work.

-- The firm received the prestigious "Large Transaction of the Year" award by the Turnaround Management Association (TMA) for an engagement in which both the Consulting and Investment Banking businesses were involved.

-- Mesirow Financial was selected as Currency Manager of the Year by European Pensions magazine.

Tyree also noted that revenues for the first quarter ended June 30, 2008, were $156 million, 43% higher than the comparable period in fiscal year 2008.

Highlights of the FY08 segment performance follow:

Investment Management

Revenues from the Investment Management division increased 24% to $258 million, up from $208 million last year. The Advanced Strategies business again led the firm, followed by performance in Private Equity and Currency Management. Assets under management rose 29% to $32.2 billion, up from $25 billion last year. On the institutional side, more than 40% of the firm's managed assets are owned by overseas clients. The firm's Private Client Investment Advisory business also grew assets under management by 35%.

Investment Services

Revenues in the Investment Services division increased 9% to $87 million, up from $80 million a year ago. Despite challenging bond and credit markets, the Institutional Sales and Trading business performed very well and added new professionals in the government trading and municipal bond departments.

Insurance Services

The Insurance Services division reached revenues of $91 million, up 12% from $81 million in Fiscal 2007. Additionally, Business Insurance magazine ranked the division the 27th largest insurance agency in the nation, up from 28th last year.

Investment Banking

Revenues for the Investment Banking division declined to $19 million from $25 million, primarily as a result of the overall credit crisis. The Corporate Investment Banking business held steady with revenues remaining flat in comparison to the previous year. The Public Finance business experienced a record year, increasing its financial advisory assignments, particularly in Puerto Rico, and solidifying major project finance engagements. The Sale-Leaseback Capital business fell slightly in response to a lack of liquidity to finance sale-leaseback transactions across the market.

Consulting

Historically low default rates and the absence of large restructurings impacted Mesirow Financial Consulting in fiscal year 2008 with revenues declining to $32 million from $49 million. In response to the challenging market conditions, the business accelerated its strategic diversification plan to expand services beyond core restructuring into areas such as valuation services and litigation support. Restructuring opportunities increased in the latter part of the fiscal year, setting the stage for renewed growth in the coming year. The Compensation Strategies business was further integrated during fiscal 2008 and continues to benefit from many synergies with other businesses throughout the firm.

Real Estate

Revenue in the Real Estate division totaled $4.6 million compared with $4.4 million last year (excluding non-operating losses). The division is currently executing a number of projects with a total value of $1.2 billion.

Mesirow Financial is a diversified financial services firm headquartered in Chicago. Founded in 1937, it is an independent, employee-owned firm with $32.2 billion in assets under management and more than 1,100 employees in locations across the country and in London. With expertise in Investment Management, Investment Services, Insurance Services, Investment Banking, Consulting and Real Estate, Mesirow Financial strives to meet the financial needs of institutions, public sector entities, corporations and individuals. For more information about Mesirow Financial, visit its Web site at http://www.mesirowfinancial.com.

SOURCE Mesirow Financial