Press Releases

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/1bac9f/nigeria_agribusine) has announced the addition of the "Nigeria Agribusiness Report Q2 2009" report to their offering.

The Nigeria Agribusiness service provides proprietary medium term price forecasts for key commodities, including corn, wheat, rice, sugar, cocoa, coffee, soy and milk; in addition to newly-researched competitive intelligence on leading agribusiness producers, traders and suppliers; in-depth analysis of latest industry developments; and essential industry context on Nigeria's agribusiness service.

In the Nigeria Agriculture Q209 report, we follow on from the content given in the Q109 report and look at the efforts made to redress the balance in agricultural production. We also introduce our new Business Environment Overview, which gives a more comprehensive feel to the entire outlook. Prior to the rise of the domestic oil industry as the country's most important sector, Nigerian agriculture was able to keep the country self sufficient in many important food and cash crops. However, as oil revenues have poured in, the farming sector has been neglected, resulting on the need for net food imports.

Fuel prices have taken a battering since record highs recorded in 2008 as the world economy continues its downward trajectory, thus Nigeria's ability to fund imports has waned; a dynamic that has been exacerbated by domestic financial market woes and production cutbacks in major exporting countries, such as Brazil, on which Nigeria are reliant for staple consumption. This has resulted in the Yar A'dua administration focusing on efforts to breathe life back into the local industry so that the nation can again rely on its own community to cater to its staple needs.

The government recently invested 15% capital in a public private partnership (PPP) venture with African Chicken Farm, a renowned Syrian agribusiness specialist, to substantially expand poultry production in the northern state of Kwara. The project will cover 700 hectares and around US$400mn will be used to build the largest chicken farm in Africa. The initiative should get underway by the end of 2009 with the aim of producing 3mn poultry per year at full capacity. This will not only enable Nigeria to easily feed local demand but would give a real boost to export orientation.

We believe the efforts made by Nigeria to enhance agricultural productivity will translate as solid supply and demand growth for almost the entire range of commodities covered throughout the forecast period. Only beef consumption is predicted negative growth between 2009 and 2013, while the majority of goods are forecast to show double-digit year-on-year expansion.

The growth of PPPs in agriculture may enable a greater spread of investment over the longer term, as well as helping to better align private entrepreneurism with state developmental objectives. However, a serious caveat to future investment presents itself in the form of Nigeria's recent financial market difficulties. As an economy highly dependent on fossil fuel exports, Nigeria is particularly vulnerable to external shocks, such as the oil price slumps which began in the latter half of 2008. Moreover, a depreciating currency juxtaposed with lower levels of capitalisation - as investors pull their money out of the local economy - may serve to reduce the bullishness of the author's outlook.

Key Topics Covered:

    --  Executive Summary
    --  SWOT Analysis
    --  Industry Business Environment Overview
    --  Market Overview
    --  Economic Outlook
    --  Table: Nigeria - Economic Activity
    --  Sub-sector Supply & Demand Analysis
    --  Nigeria Grains Outlook
    --  Commodity Price Forecasts
    --  Competitive Landscape
    --  Forecast Modelling
    --  How We Generate Our Industry Forecasts

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/1bac9f/nigeria_agribusine

    Source: Research and Markets

HOUSTON, TX -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 11/11/09 -- Planet Resource Recovery, Inc. (PLANET) (PINKSHEETS: PRRY), developer, manufacturer and marketer of PetroLuxus(TM) and other "Green" technologies for the remediation and recovery of the planet's resources, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Harold R. Potts as Director of Technology. Dr. Potts has worked with PLANET in a consultant capacity on new green technologies and methodologies for the mining of base and precious metals as well as the remediation environmentally toxic metal. As Director of Technology for PLANET, he will be responsible for the design, development, proof of concept completion, patenting of proprietary chemical compounds, processes & methodologies and on-site equipment scale-up and installation. He will also collaborate on new applications for PLANET's hydrocarbon product -- PetroLuxus(TM).

Dr. Potts received his Doctorate of Applied Physics, with a heavy emphasis in Chemistry, in 1988 from the University of New York at New Paltz, New York while working at IBM, Inc. His career spanned 15 years at IBM as a Senior Engineer where he developed memory subsystems for large mainframes and educated technicians. He was instrumental in the design, development and patenting of the double and triple bit detection and correction software for 3090 Mainframe. He authored and IBM published technical papers titled "3090 Storage Failure Analysis" and "3090 Maintenance Reference Summary."

Between 1989-2002 he was the Laboratory Manager at IRC Inc. Here he ran the technical aspects of a metrology laboratory. He provided training to employees as well as those of his clients. He provided technical support to the marketing staff.

In 1998 he was retained by Houston-based Instru-Measure, which specializes in the component level repair for a wide variety of electrical and electronic test equipment, meters, indicators and calibration of pressure and physical measurement systems, to invent and develop a meter for oil field use in the completion of wells. The result was the Safety Multimeter which was designed to measure multiple factors in the setting of perforations at the oil pay zone to reduce costly mishaps. Oil services giant Schlumberger Limited purchased the rights to the Safety Multimeter for use by field personnel. Dr. Potts upgraded his original Analog Safety Multimeter to a Digital platform in 2004 for Schlumberger's continued use.

In 2002, he was a technical consultant to Electro Magnetic Resources Inc. (EMR) where he co-developed and patented the TheraMag II(TM), a magnetic field generator for therapeutic applications. The apparatus was used to treat idiopathic pain in patients and was used in a study of Huntington's disease by Dr. Dale Erickson, a respected neurologist in the Houston Medical Center.

From 2002-2004, he was the Chief Chemist at LCS Laboratories where he managed the analytical laboratory, conducted research in support of client's requests and performed analytical test methods.

He became the Director of Technical Operations for Marcase, Inc. in 2004 where he developed a new line of environmentally friendly water-based sealants for the Construction industry. He was in charge of coordinating all aspects of technical activities, performed all the R&D efforts in the development of new wood treatment methods and liaison with the University of Southern Mississippi Science Department.

After his project completion, he returned to Houston-based LCS Laboratories where he resumed his duties as Chief Chemist, later joining Serveon Specialty Chemicals, LLC as the company's Senior Developer. At Serveon, he developed the next generation of silicon-based treatments for wood, stone and other building materials. This line of silicon-based treatments are environmentally friendly compounds designed to resist water damage, mold & mildew.

Prior to joining PLANET, Dr. Potts was the President and General Manager of multi-state Instrumentation Repair & Calibration, Inc. providing testing and measurement equipment to customers in Texas and Louisiana.

Since joining PLANET as a consultant, he has been pivotal in the design of new technologies and methodologies for the mining of base and precious metals as well as the remediation of toxic heavy metals. He has contributed innovative new concepts for the treatment and remediation of cadmium laced water, base metal & precious metal mining. These new innovations have been tested in a controlled setting rendering the stated objectives. These new technologies that are under development will be patentable technologies to PLANET and new application platforms.

PLANET President and CEO Kurt E. Neubauer stated on the appointment, "Hal brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to PLANET. His accomplishments and scientific approach to applications we have identified in our business model will bring these new technologies to a reality. His knowledge of Physics, Chemistry, Magnetics, Instrumentation & Metering, Oil & Gas industry and software coding will be a great asset to our team."

Dr. Potts proudly served the United States as a member of the US Marine Corp. from 1970 - 1974 where he was deployed for one tour of duty in Vietnam. He resides in Humble, Texas with his wife and has six children. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and frequently volunteers his time to the local schools teaching and conducting scientific experiments.

About Planet Resource Recovery, Inc.

Houston, Texas-based Planet Resource Recovery, Inc. is the developer, manufacturer, and marketer of unique, environmentally friendly proprietary chemical compounds and processes that will usher in a new paradigm shift in industry. The company is primarily focused on three distinct sectors: 1) Oil & Gas Industry with PetroLuxus(TM), 2) Remediation of mining toxic byproducts and 3) mining of base and precious metals. The company has developed multi-dimensional compounds and their related processes, technologies and methodologies to provide these sectors enhanced benefits and revenue opportunities. For more information visit: www.planetresource.com or www.petroluxus.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements in this release are "forward-looking" statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. Actual results may vary significantly from the results expressed or implied in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to materially differ from forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to meet the terms and conditions required to obtain its project financing, risks and delays associated with product development, risk of market acceptance of new products, risk of technology or product obsolescence, competitive risks, reliance on development partners and the need for additional capital. Planet takes no obligation to update or correct forward-looking statements, and also takes no obligation to update or correct information prepared by third parties that are not paid for by Planet.

Company Contact:
Enrique M. Salinas III
281-996-5315 ext. 3006
Email Contact

Media Contact:
Rod Mitchell
281-350-5506
Email Contact

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Near-term profitability for U.S. credit card issuers will remain challenged by credit and spend volume, with longer-term earnings prospects dependent on each issuer's ability to adapt to new legislation, according to a new Fitch Ratings report. Although, from a preliminary perspective, Fitch believes the networks, with a higher proportion of fee income, may fare better longer term.

Rising unemployment and credit card loss rates did moderate during third-quarter 2009 (3Q'09) and early stage delinquencies came down from 2Q'09 peak levels, but Fitch expects higher loss rates into 2010 as delinquency roll rates remain high, bankruptcies increase, portfolio contraction continues, and elevated unemployment rates persist.

Purchase volumes were relatively flat in the third quarter from the prior quarter, but were down 13.7% annually, on average, at the top six card issuers. The fourth quarter should be an easier comparison, given the significant drop-off in consumer spend at the end of 2008, but card companies remain cautious about the holiday season outlook.

The Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act, signed into law in May 2009, could have a significant effect on card profitability. The inability to re-price existing balances will necessitate higher rates for all cardholders, credit availability will decline, with tighter underwriting criteria and reduced credit lines, and competition in the prime market is likely to intensify. Ultimately, the impact on the longer-term profitability potential of the credit card product will have a lot to do with competitive reactions to the legislation.

While near-term profitability metrics are expected to remain under pressure due to elevated provisioning, smaller portfolios, and reduced purchase volumes, Fitch expects lower earnings will continue to be offset by greater contingent liquidity and stable capital levels at issuers. Still, Fitch is assessing the longer-term impact of the CARD Act on card profitability and, ultimately, on ratings.

In this Fitch Special Report released today: 'Credit Cards: Asset Quality Review 3Q09', Fitch discusses current asset quality trends in the credit card market and provides updated growth, asset quality, purchase volume, and profitability statistics for some of the largest credit card issuers. The full report is available on the Fitch Ratings web site 'www.fitchratings.com.', under the headers Financial Institutions >> Banks >> Credit Card Companies >> ABS.

Additional information is available at 'www.fitchratings.com'.

ALL FITCH CREDIT RATINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS. PLEASE READ THESE LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK: HTTP://FITCHRATINGS.COM/UNDERSTANDINGCREDITRATINGS. IN ADDITION, RATING DEFINITIONS AND THE TERMS OF USE OF SUCH RATINGS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE AGENCY'S PUBLIC WEBSITE 'WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM'. PUBLISHED RATINGS, CRITERIA AND METHODOLOGIES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THIS SITE AT ALL TIMES. FITCH'S CODE OF CONDUCT, CONFIDENTIALITY, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, AFFILIATE FIREWALL, COMPLIANCE AND OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE 'CODE OF CONDUCT' SECTION OF THIS SITE.

    Source: Fitch Ratings

Former Navy Director of Expeditionary Warfare Joins Technology Solutions Provider to Provide Strategic Planning and Direction

MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Alion Science and Technology, an employee-owned technology solutions company, announced that it has hired Major General Thomas A. Benes (USMC, Ret.) to provide strategic support to the company's maritime-focused business sector. Benes brings exceptional experience to this role, having most recently served as the Director of the Navy's Expeditionary Warfare Division. Prior to that assignment, Benes was the Director, Strategy and Plans Division, Plans, Policies and Operations for the U.S. Marine Corps.

"Expeditionary warfare will continue to be an essential part of our country's military strategy, so it's critical that Alion is positioned to support the Navy as their needs evolve," said Vice Admiral Scott Fry (USN, Ret.), Alion Senior Vice President and Manager of the Engineering and Integration Solutions Sector. "Tom's expertise in this area alone would make him invaluable to Alion, but the breadth of his experience means we can benefit from his insights about any number of issues that may be critical to our customers in the coming years."

Benes retired in September 2009 after serving 35 years in the Marine Corps. A Naval Aviator and graduate of the TOPGUN program and a weapons and tactics instructor, he has commanded at all levels in the operating forces. In 2000, Benes was assigned as the Chief of Staff, Naval Striking and Support Forces Southern Europe and Deputy Commanding General, Fleet Marine Forces Europe - Naples, Italy. He served as the President of Marine Corps University / Commanding General, Marine Corps Education Command from September 2002 until June 2004.

MG Benes graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering and was commissioned through the Platoon Leaders Class program in May 1974. Selected for Top Level School in 1992, he attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He earned a Masters Degree in Public Administration from George Washington University.

About Alion Science and Technology

Alion Science and Technology is an employee-owned technology solutions company delivering technical expertise and operational support to the Department of Defense, civilian government agencies and commercial customers. Building on 70 years of R&D and engineering expertise, Alion brings innovation and insight to multiple business areas: naval architecture & marine engineering; defense operations; systems engineering; modeling & simulation; information management & technology; chemical, biological, nuclear & environmental sciences; wireless spectrum engineering; and industrial technology. Based in McLean, Virginia, Alion employee-owners are located at major offices, customer sites and laboratories worldwide. For more information, call 877.771.6252 or visit Alion online at www.alionscience.com.

This press release contains information about management's view of Alion's future expectations, plans and prospects that constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of risk factors and uncertainties discussed in documents periodically filed by Alion with the SEC. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6097747&lang=en

    Source: Alion Science and Technology

The Nation's Leading Sex Rehab Center Launches Affordable Educational Series for Those Wrapped in the Tangled Web of Sexual Addiction and Unhealthy Compulsive Behaviors

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Los Angeles-based Sexual Recovery Institute (SRI), whose intensive outpatient programs have treated numerous celebrities and high profile business people throughout the United States, has already begun to experience an onslaught of interest about sexual addiction and unhealthy compulsive behaviors as the mainstream media escalates their focus on this global phenomenon affecting men and women from all walks of life.

Since the explosion of the internet, everything from breaking news to pornography is readily accessible online; and not just on computers, but also smart phones, iPods and laptops. Previously viewed as "an excuse for bad behavior," sex addiction (which can include everything from multiple affairs and sex with prostitutes to compulsive masturbation and porn addiction) has recently gained massive media attention with shows like VH1's Celebrity Sex Rehab, not to mention multiple recurring stories of notable leaders and celebrity personalities "acting out" their addictions everywhere from airport bathrooms to company boardrooms.

"I've been treating sexual addiction and compulsive sexual behaviors in both men and women for nearly 20 years," remarked SRI Founder Robert Weiss. "With all the buzz surrounding sexual misconduct, I believe that SRI has a responsibility to educate people about the nuances and behaviors surrounding hyper-sexuality. It's a scary, often secretive, and misunderstood topic...but people need to know that the effects of sex addiction are always devastating, and often nothing short of dangerous."

In order to reach a broader audience, SRI has launched a low-cost Sexual Addiction Education and Support series held on Saturdays at their Beverly Hills, California center. The cost of each lecture is $20 and is followed by a support group geared toward both sex addicts and their spouses. Often couples attend together to learn more about the problem and treatment of sexual addiction. SRI's highly trained staff covers topics ranging from "Sex Addiction 101" to "Sex Addicts and Their Partners."

About SRI

Sexual Recovery Institute (SRI) is the leading recovery center for sexual addiction and unhealthy compulsive behaviors in the United States. Founded in 1995 by Robert Weiss, SRI offers intensive outpatient programs, ongoing therapy, and services for professionals including workshops, seminars, and program development.

    Source: Sexual Recovery Institute