Press Releases

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle (Seattle Bank) today announced the results of its recent Board of Directors elections for member directors in Alaska, Hawaii, and Utah and for two independent director positions.

Member directors Craig E. Dahl of Alaska, Russell J. Lau of Hawaii, and James Livingston, Ph.D., of Utah were all re-elected to four-year terms beginning January 1, 2010 and expiring December 31, 2013. Independent director Frederick C. Kiga was elected to a two-year term beginning January 1, 2010 and expiring December 31, 2011. Independent director Cynthia A. Parker was re-elected to a four-year term beginning January 1, 2010 and expiring December 31, 2013. Ms. Parker also serves as a public interest director.

Craig Dahl is president, chief executive officer, and director of Alaska Pacific Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiary, Alaska Pacific Bank, headquartered in Juneau, Alaska. Mr. Dahl serves on the American Bankers Association Government Relations Council Administrative Committee and has served as president of the Alaska Bankers Association. He is an active member of Rotary District 5010, the Glacier Valley Rotary Club, and the Juneau Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Dahl is a graduate of Seattle University.

Russell Lau is president and chief executive officer of Finance Enterprises, Ltd. and vice chairman and chief executive officer of Finance Factors, Ltd. in Honolulu, Hawaii. He is a member of the Financial Executives Institute and active in Honolulu's non-profit community, including serving as treasurer/trustee of Assets School, treasurer of American Judicature Society-Hawaii Chapter, director of Palolo Chinese Home, and trustee for St. Andrew's Priory. Mr. Lau holds a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Puget Sound and a master's degree in business administration from the University of Oregon.

James Livingston, Ph.D., is a vice president in the investments division at Zions First National Bank in Salt Lake City, Utah. Previously Dr. Livingston worked for a hedge fund in New York City. He has also served as an assistant professor of accounting at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and taught economics and finance at the University of Rochester in New York. Dr. Livingston holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Brigham Young University and a master's degree in applied economics and a doctorate degree in business administration from the University of Rochester.

Frederick Kiga is vice president of State and Local Government Relations and Global Corporate Citizenship for The Boeing Company. Mr. Kiga was previously director of Corporate and Government Relations at the Russell Company and served as chief of staff to former Washington Governor Gary Locke. He serves on the University of Washington Board of Regents, and he is a member of numerous professional and civic boards and commissions. Mr. Kiga holds bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration and a juris doctor degree from the University of Washington, and he is a member of the Washington State bar.

Cynthia Parker is regional president of Mercy Housing Incorporated, an affordable housing developer for low-income families, seniors, and people with special needs. She is also a member of the Sound Families initiative for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and a director of the National Affordable Housing Trust. Ms. Parker has served as senior vice president and head of real estate and affordable housing for Seattle-Northwest Securities, a public finance firm, as director of housing for the City of Seattle, and as executive director of Anchorage Neighborhood Housing Services. She is a former president of the National Neighborhood Housing Network and a former director of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. Ms. Parker has a bachelor's of science degree from Portland State University.

The Seattle Bank's Board of Directors comprises financial service, business, and community leaders from across the Seattle Bank's district. In 2010, the Seattle Bank's board will include 16 directors: nine member directors and seven independent directors. Three of the independent directors will be public interest directors.

    --  Member directors must be officers or directors of Seattle Bank member
        institutions.
    --  Independent directors are required to have knowledge or experience in
        one or more of the following areas: auditing and accounting,
        derivatives, financial management, organizational management, project
        development, risk management practices, or the law.
    --  Public interest directors are required to have at least four years of
        experience representing consumer or community interests on banking
        services, credit needs, housing, or financial consumer protections.

About the Seattle Bank

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle is a financial cooperative that provides liquidity, funding, and services to enhance the success of its members and support the availability of affordable homes and economic development in the communities they serve. Our funding and financial services enable approximately 375 member institutions to provide their customers with greater access to mortgages, commercial lending, and affordable housing. The Seattle Bank commits 10 percent of its annual profits to help fund affordable housing and homeownership.

The Seattle Bank serves commercial banks, credit unions, thrifts, industrial loan corporations, and insurance companies in Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming, as well as in the U.S. territories of American Samoa and Guam and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

The Seattle Bank is one of 12 Federal Home Loan Banks in the United States. Together, the Federal Home Loan Banks represent one of the country's largest private sources of liquidity and funding for community financial institutions, as well as funding for affordable housing.

This press release may include forward-looking statements regarding events that may impact the bank's future financial performance. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which are discussed in the Seattle Bank's 2008 Form 10-K filing with the SEC, which is available on the Seattle Bank's Web site at www.fhlbsea.com. The Seattle Bank does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements made in this announcement.

    Source: Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Nov. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Fund for UNICEF announced that actress and UNICEF supporter Monique Coleman will light the UNICEF Snowflake on Saturday, November 21 at the 2009 Beverly Hills UNICEF Snowflake lighting ceremony. The UNICEF Snowflake will grace the intersection of Rodeo Drive and Wilshire Boulevard during the holiday season. The ceremony highlights the City of Beverly Hills' annual holiday event and the season of giving.

"The UNICEF Snowflake is a special symbol for the world's most vulnerable children," said Caryl Stern, President and Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. "Every day 24,000 children die of preventable causes. These iconic snowflakes -- at 57th Street and Fifth Avenue in New York and on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills -- hang as a reminder of UNICEF's commitment to reach a day when zero children die from preventable causes."

Festivities will begin at 3:00 p.m. with the official lighting at 7:00 p.m. Visitors to this famed dream drive will enjoy free entertainment -- from balloon artists to jugglers, caricature artists to musicians. The streets are ripe with photo opportunities as well, with striking new holiday decor, lights and banners throughout the Golden Triangle and complimentary pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

"Beverly Hills is proud to once again host this spectacular holiday kick-off, launching a season of fun for the whole family," said Beverly Hills Mayor Nancy Krasne. "It is also our privilege, through our partnership with UNICEF, to help highlight all the outstanding work they do to relieve the poverty and suffering of children around the world."

Coleman will flip the switch to illuminate the brilliant UNICEF Snowflake on Rodeo Drive that will soar over the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel. The Beverly Hills Snowflake, designed by Ingo Maurer, contains 12,000 Baccarat crystals, is 17 feet wide and over 14 feet tall, weighs 1,600 pounds and is illuminated by 125 steady-burning and 300 high-powered flashing LED lights. The evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display across the sky above the hotel, which is home to the west coast UNICEF Snowflake.

"I am honored to participate in the Beverly Hills lighting ceremony by illuminating the UNICEF Snowflake," said actress and UNICEF supporter Monique Coleman. "And I am proud to support UNICEF's mission to provide immunization, education, health care, nutrition, clean water and sanitation to children in need."

Monique Coleman was raised in Columbia, South Carolina and began her acting career in theatre and television at an early age. After high school, Monique attended The Theatre School at DePaul University and subsequently moved to Los Angeles where she is most often recognized as Taylor McKessie from the High School Musical Franchise. Monique has guest starred on various shows including Boston Public, Malcolm in the Middle, Veronica Mars, and Bones, competed in the 3rd Season of ABC's Dancing with the Stars, and co-hosted The View. She has also held a recurring role on The Suite Life of Zack and Cody and voiced the character Fontasia for the Fox animated series The Cleveland Show, received two Teen Choice Awards, a Billboard Award for High School Musical and presented at The American Music Awards and The NAACP Image Awards.

About UNICEF

UNICEF has saved more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization in the world. Working in over 150 countries, UNICEF provides children with health care, clean water, nutrition, education, emergency relief, and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy, and education in the United States.

UNICEF is at the forefront of efforts to reduce child mortality worldwide. There has been substantial progress -- the annual number of under-five deaths dropped from 13 million in 1990 to 8.8 million in 2008. But still, 24,000 children die each day from preventable causes. Our mission is to do whatever it takes to make that number zero by giving children the essentials for a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

About Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills is one of the world's most sought-after locales. Centrally located in west Los Angeles, Beverly Hills is a premier vacation and business travel destination boasting beautiful year-round weather, acclaimed full-service and boutique hotel accommodations, sumptuous dining, and world-renowned designer boutiques and first-class shopping. Synonymous with Hollywood glamour, Beverly Hills has enjoyed a long and storied history as the home and playground of A-list movie stars. The city is not only known worldwide for its grand mansions and flagship shops along Rodeo Drive but also for its art and architecture, spa and salons, and walkability. For more information about Beverly Hills, please call the Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau at (310) 248-1015 or visit www.lovebeverlyhills.org.

SOURCE U.S. Fund for UNICEF

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Nov. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- A new initiative in the Silicon Valley is creating a forum for the leading minds in ethical financial innovation, responsible risk management, and behavioral finance. Sharath Sury, who is a noted professor of finance at Santa Clara University and a previous member of the law enforcement community (investigating white collar and organized crime), recently designed and developed the new forum, named the "Sury Initiative for Financial Innovation and Risk Management (SIFIRM)," in conjunction with a number of other scholars from the University, including Professors Sanjiv Das and George Chacko.

Sury, who also retired from Chicago-based investment firm S4 Capital prior to his career in academia, said, "Our mission is to engage scholars, practitioners, and students to investigate new frontiers in financial innovation and risk management." Under Sury's leadership, S4 Capital grew to become the #1 ranked wealth management firm in 2007, according to Wealth Manager Magazine. The firm was also quoted as an example in the book, "Investment Leadership: Building a Winning Culture for Long Term Success," by Jim Ware, et. al.

While the entire financial industry and its regulators have been under pressure to continue to redefine themselves in the face of one of worst economic crises since the Great Depression, the concept of "ethical finance" has become more and more pertinent. Indeed, Sury said, "No financial services firm--whether it includes well reputed companies like Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, or even S4--has been immune from both internal and regulatory pressures to continue to review and improve practices."

As the industry looks to build new "best practices," initiatives like SIFIRM may take the lead in bridging the gaps that may exist among academics, practitioners, and regulators. Its board of advisors includes two Nobel Laureates, pioneers in behavioral finance and risk management, experts on asset allocation and risk budgeting, and CEOs of notable firms related to the financial services industry.

"The best outcome may need to include a new vision of how the capital markets should operate, an examination of regulatory and enforcement mechanisms to control systemic risks and promote a fair market system, and a rational evaluation of the incentives that may influence the behavior of all the 'actors' in the financial system, including firms, clients, and regulators," said Sury.

SOURCE SIFIRM

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- With the holidays around the corner, the National Association of Federal Credit Unions (www.nafcu.org) is offering these tips to help folks avoid the holiday budget hangover.

Create a budget - Create your gift list and determine how much you can spend on each person. Set a budget among family and friends or maybe establish a gift exchange program.

Give Gifts that Keep On Giving - This year, consider opening a Christmas club or savings account for a family member. It would be a great way to help build a rainy day fund or savings for next year's holidays. At some credit unions, you can open an account for as little as $5. Check out which credit unions you are eligible to join at www.CULookup.com.

Use All Your Resources - Credit cards from credit unions have been hailed by many, including Consumer Reports, as great deals for their low interest rates. Some offer credit cards that have reward programs where you can trade miles for merchandise. Still other credit union credit cards give you discounts for purchases at certain retailers. Leverage these opportunities and realize some great savings. You can compare rates between credit unions and banks at www.nafcu.org/dailyrates.

Shop Smart -These are the times that identity thieves aim to snatch your valuable information. Protect your access numbers and your credit card information at the stores. Don't respond to unsolicited emails and make sure the sites where you are entering your information are secure and the padlock symbol is visible.

Use Coupons and Comparison Shop -Today, just about every retailer is running specials or offering coupons. It pays to do some research and find the best prices for your holiday items.

Be Creative - Maybe this is the year you give everyone on your list a DVD of a favorite movie. If you buy in bulk, some retailers offer discounts, so don't be afraid to ask for them. You might also make a charitable donation on someone's behalf.

Avoid Impulse Buys - Do not be beguiled by sale items. Stick to your list and budget. After the holidays, you will be happy you did not overspend. If you should need help with your finances, your credit union may offer free financial literacy classes that will get you back on track.

NAFCU is the only national organization that focuses exclusively on federal issues affecting credit unions, representing its members before the federal government and the public. For more information, visit www.nafcu.org.

    Source: National Association of Federal Credit Unions

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/2e479d/pittsburgh_breast) has announced the addition of the "Pittsburgh Breast Imaging" training to their offering.

The Allegheny General Hospital recently conducted the Pittsburgh Breast Imaging course. This activity is now available in two video formats to meet your needs - DVD and MP4.

This nationally recognized annual seminar is offered for radiologists, surgeons, radiologists-in-training, mammography technologists, and ultrasound technologists who have an interest in breast ultrasound. The activity is designed to provide an update in breast imaging techniques, including routine mammography, breast ultrasound, and MRI of the breast. This year's course focuses on breast intervention, MRI of the breast, MRI biopsy techniques, and digital mammography. Digital tomosynthesis, PET specific for breast screening, and Breast Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) will be highlighted.

Associate Professor of Human Oncology at Drexel University College of Medicine and Associate Director of the Allegheny Breast Care Center at the Division of Breast Imaging, Allegheny General Hospital, William R. Poller, MD, FACR, is the course director.

Notes on Formats available:

Video - DVD: Includes 10 DVDs with carrying case, 1 CD-ROM Syllabus, and program evaluation Video - MP4: Includes 1 MP4 data discs with carrying case, 1 CD-ROM Syllabus, and a program evaluation. Additional User Package: Includes 1 CD-ROM Syllabus and a program evaluation (initial video purchase required), click on "Enquire Before Buying" to purchase this additional CD-ROM

Date of Original Release: October 1, 2009 Date Credits Expire: September 30, 2012

Accreditation Statement

Allegheny General Hospital is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The American Board of Radiology accepts this CME certified activity towards the AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s) requirement as established in the maintenance of certification criteria.

Learning Objectives After viewing this activity, participants should be able to:

    --  Increase the confidence of differentiating benign from malignant breast
        lesions
    --  Explore the use of digital imaging, including tomosynthesis
    --  Examine multiple percutaneous biopsy techniques including
        stereotactic-guided, ultrasound-guided, and MRI-guided biopsies
    --  Provide an overview of pathological findings in breast disease
    --  Explore the role of the radiologist and breast surgeon in the workup of
        breast disease
    --  Become familiar with the indications for Breast MRI
    --  Become familiar with the concept for multidisciplinary breast center
    --  Become familiar with new modalities such as PET for Breast and BSGI

Some Key Topics Covered:

    --  Challenging MRI Cases
    --  Breast Cancer Management: The Radiologist's Role
    --  Digital Tomosynthesis: The West Coast
    --  Breast Calcifications
    --  Breast MRI: How To Get It Started At Your Facility
    --  Digital Mammography: Update
    --  Axillary Lymph Node Staging by Breast Imaging
    --  Positron Emission Mammography and BSGI
    --  Breast Intervention in My Practice
    --  Lumps and Bumps in the Male Breast
    --  The High Risk Patient: What Does This Mean?
    --  MRI Biopsy Techniques
    --  An Update on Coding and Billing Breast Procedures
    --  Basic Breast MRI
    --  The Surgeon's Perspective of Breast MRI
    --  Challenging Cases
    --  Panel Discussion
    --  Panel Discussion - Breast MRI

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/2e479d/pittsburgh_breast

    Source: Research and Markets