Press Releases

MONTVALE, N.J., Nov. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Kirsten Trusko, President of the Network Branded Prepaid Card Association (NBPCA) released the following statement in response to the introduction of the Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2009 by Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT):

"The Network Branded Prepaid Card Association appreciates the efforts of Chairman Dodd and the Senate Banking Committee to better protect consumer interests. The NBPCA and its members are committed to working with them as this process goes forward. It is absolutely critical that any new regulations not limit access to unique financial products such as prepaid cards, which have become a key tool of financial inclusion for the millions of unbanked and underbanked U.S. consumers who rely on them.

"Specifically, the Consumer Financial Protection Agency proposed under the Act includes deposit-taking language that may lead to the elimination prepaid cards at retail locations. Currently, there are approximately 200,000 non-bank locations across the United States where consumers can either purchase a prepaid card or load funds to the card. This would dramatically decrease, if not eliminate, access to these important products for consumers that need them most, throwing up a new and unnecessary roadblock to the financial mainstream.

"We look forward to working with Congress to ensure regulatory changes are weighed against their economic impact and aligned with the way consumers use the product. Without that balanced view, well-intentioned policy changes could set back progress for financial access and responsibility through the use of prepaid cards."

About the NBPCA

The Network Branded Prepaid Card Association (NBPCA) is a non-profit, inter-industry trade association that supports the growth and success of network branded prepaid debit cards and represents the common interests of the many players in this new and rapidly growing payments category. For additional information, visit www.NBPCA.com.

SOURCE Network Branded Prepaid Card Association

Data Published in Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics; EndoBarrier Shown to Rapidly Improve Glycemic Control, Enhance Weight Loss

LEXINGTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- GI Dynamics, a leader in non-surgical treatments for type 2 diabetes and obesity, today announced data which demonstrate that obese patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes using the EndoBarrier(TM) Gastrointestinal Liner achieved near normalization of glycemic control in just one week, as compared to a sham control group. In addition, patients treated with EndoBarrier achieved a mean reduction of 2.4% in HbA1c glucose levels versus 0.8% for the sham arm at 24 weeks. Patients treated with EndoBarrier also achieved reductions in other diabetic factors including fasting blood glucose and weight. The results of the pilot study were published today in the current advance online issue of Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics.

"Studies show that every one percent decrease in HbA1c reduces health risks by 21 percent and as the rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes continue to reach epidemic proportions around the globe, patients are in urgent need of new therapeutic solutions that overcome the limitations associated with pharmaceutical regimens and invasive surgery," stated Christopher Sorli, M.D., F.A.C.E., Department of Endocrinology, Billings Clinic, Billings, Montana and lead study author. "The results seen in the pilot study published today are significant because they underscore the promise of EndoBarrier as a non-surgical therapy that may offer immediate and sustained glycemic control in patients most at risk for developing serious complications due to their diabetes."

The trial was designed to evaluate the EndoBarrier Gastrointestinal Liner for the treatment of type 2 diabetes; the single-blind, long-term study was conducted in 18 patients with type 2 diabetes who were prospectively randomized to receive either the EndoBarrier Gastrointestinal Liner (n=12) or a sham endoscopy (n=6). The primary endpoint in the trial was the reduction of HbA1c (average blood glucose level over three months) in patients who had a baseline HbA1c of 9.1 percent and BMI (body mass index) of 38.9.

Patients achieved the following results over a 24-week period, during which the device was implanted:

    --  Patients treated with EndoBarrier achieved a mean reduction of 2.4% in
        HbA1c glucose levels versus 0.8% for the sham arm at 24 weeks;
    --  Patients treated with EndoBarrier achieved a 55-point reduction in
        fasting blood glucose levels, another key indicator of diabetic status,
        versus a 42-point increase for the sham arm in one week;
    --  Patients treated with EndoBarrier achieved a 20% decrease in the area
        under the glucose curve during a meal tolerance test at week one
        compared to a 17% increase in the sham arm.

Keith Gersin, M.D., FACS, Chief of Bariatric Surgery at Carolinas Medical Center, stated, "In clinical studies conducted to date with the EndoBarrier, patients have experienced immediate resolution of type 2 diabetes while the EndoBarrier is implanted, and continued resolution of their diabetes after the device is removed, as well as the important benefit of weight loss. These results are similar to those seen with gastric bypass surgery; however the EndoBarrier is implanted endoscopically during an incision-less, outpatient procedure. "

GI Dynamics is defining a new class of metabolic treatment options that fit between pharmaceutical regimens and surgery, called non-surgical therapeutics. Non-surgical therapeutics are designed to eliminate or reduce the risks and side effects associated with pharmaceutical regimens as well as surgical options. This new class of treatment can be performed easily and quickly without any incisions, thus reducing patient anxiety and recuperative time. Unlike traditional pharmaceutical approaches, non-surgical therapeutics remove the burden of dose regimen compliance from the patient. Additionally, non-surgical therapeutics hold the potential to improve the patient's overall health, by providing the control necessary to institute lifestyle and nutritional improvements to maintain therapeutic effect, while being easily removed once the desired effect has been attained and lifestyle changes implemented.

"GI Dynamics is pioneering a platform of non-surgical therapeutics that affect key metabolic pathways resulting in gastric bypass-like resolution of type 2 diabetes and significant weight loss," said Stuart A. Randle, chief executive officer of GI Dynamics. "These data, published for the first time in Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics, further underscore the potential role that EndoBarrier may play in the lives of people battling type 2 diabetes and obesity, and the co-morbidities often associated with these challenging chronic diseases."

About the EndoBarrier(TM) Gastrointestinal Liner

The patented EndoBarrier Gastrointestinal Liner is an advanced investigational, non-surgical medical device based on the EndoBarrier Technology platform for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. The EndoBarrier Gastrointestinal Liner is placed in the GI tract endoscopically (via the mouth) to create a barrier between food and the wall of the intestine. Physicians believe that preventing food from coming into contact with the intestinal wall may alter the activation of hormonal signals that originate in the intestine, thus mimicking the effects of a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure without surgery. A growing body of preclinical and clinical evidence supports the potential for EndoBarrier Gastrointestinal Liner to dramatically change the treatment landscape for people living with type 2 diabetes, obese people at risk for type 2 diabetes, and people with severe weight problems.

About GI Dynamics

GI Dynamics is focused on developing effective, non-surgical approaches for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. The company's patented EndoBarrier(TM) Technology has the potential to deliver medical interventions for people combating weight problems and diabetes or diabetes risk factors. Data from clinical trials demonstrate that the EndoBarrier(TM) Gastrointestinal Liner, an advanced device in the EndoBarrier portfolio, may provide rapid improvement in glycemic control and significant weight loss by modifying metabolic pathways.

The company is also developing the EndoBarrier Flow Restrictor, which is designed to further enhance the effectiveness of the liner by doubling the amount of weight-loss that can be achieved using the liner alone. Each device in the EndoBarrier portfolio is designed to assist patients gain control of their blood sugar and achieve a healthier body mass index (BMI). GI Dynamics is collaborating with experts in endocrinology, gastroenterology, bariatric surgery and medical weight loss on these efforts.

Based in Lexington, Massachusetts and founded in 2003, GI Dynamics is backed by top-tier investors including Advanced Technology Ventures, Catalyst Health Ventures, Cutlass Capital, Domain Associates, Johnson & Johnson Development Corporation, and Polaris Venture Partners. For more information, visit GI Dynamics online at www.gidynamics.com.

    Source: GI Dynamics

Issues Request for Proposals in Search for 2010 National Non-Profit Partner

CHATSWORTH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Sexy Hair(R), one of the fastest growing hair care companies in the salon industry, announces the creation of its new cause-related marketing program. The company, which boasts a strong cause-related marketing and social responsibility orientation, is looking to develop a partnership with a national non-profit organization for the 2010 calendar year. Sexy Hair, which offers high-quality beauty products in more than 60,000 licensed salons throughout the United States and more than 36 countries worldwide, is accepting applications for its first national non-profit partnership now through November 30, 2009.

Sexy Hair is able to offer its new non-profit partner a national campaign to raise funds, employee volunteers, national visibility as the 2010 Sexy Hair non-profit partner and Sexy Hair product. In return, the company is looking for a partner that shares a similar national audience targeting women aged 18 - 35, as well as hair stylists, hair salons and retail beauty suppliers. Sexy Hair will award the 2010 cause-related marketing partner by year-end.

Interested national non-profit groups need to submit a completed application in writing. The application is available now on Sexy Hair's website: www.sexyhair.com through November 30, 2009. For additional questions please contact Sloane LaMartina, Senior Communications Manager, SloaneL@SexyHair.com.

About Sexy Hair

Founded as Ecoly International by hairstylist and business visionary Michael O'Rourke in 1992, the company became known as Sexy Hair in 2000. Headquartered in Chatsworth, Calif., the company offers high-quality beauty products in more than 60,000 licensed salons throughout the United States and distributes products in more than 36 countries worldwide. Sexy Hair brands include Big Sexy Hair, Healthy Sexy Hair, Curly Sexy Hair, Straight Sexy Hair, Short Sexy Hair, Strong Sexy Hair, Color Me Sexy, Sexy Bath and Body, Sexy Hair Organics and Ecoly Supernatural Formulas. For more information please visit www.sexyhair.com.

    Source: Sexy Hair

LOS ANGELES, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 11/11/09 -- Streetwear company Wildchild Nation, LLC announces a new partnership with Darrin Dewitt Henson, acclaimed hip hop choreographer and actor. Wildchild Nation will provide online distribution of Henson's collection of garments and products as part of Threader, the first online urban clothing marketplace for the hip hop dance and entertainment industries.

Henson said, "Threader understands street culture. Their selection of urban clothing brands speaks to today's audience, as hip hop has transitioned into mainstream pop culture. I've focused on growing my brand into markets that have mass appeal, and Threader is positioned to be the next big thing. I had to be a part of it."

The respect is mutual as Luam, co-founder of Wildchild Nation, remarked, "Darrin is legendary in hip hop dance. He was the first superstar choreographer with the MTV video music award for best choreography in N'Sync's smash, 'Bye Bye Bye.' Darrin then built a huge brand with the 'Darrin's Dance Grooves,' DVD series. Threader offers him another distribution channel as he continues to grow his brand through his successful acting career."

Threader has enjoyed rave reviews and remarkable growth since its launch in June 2009. Be a part of the story; the hip hop clothing can be found at: www.threaderstyle.com.

About Wildchild Nation

Wildchild Nation is a lifestyle urban clothing company based in New York City. Wildchild Nation's urban clothing brand, Wildchild, produces men's and women's quality, trend-right designs influenced by the Soho, urban wear, streetwear, and vintage markets. Their Threader brand is the first Website of its kind in the streetwear dance industry offering everything from basic fulfillment of products, warehousing and customer support to private labeled manufacturing of garments.

About Darrin Dewitt Henson

Darrin Dewitt Henson began his career as a hip hop choreographer where he won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Choreography for N'Sync's "Bye Bye Bye." His DVD, "Darrin's Dance Grooves," has also proven successful with over four million copies sold. Henson grew to fame when playing Lem Van Adams on the hit Showtime series "Soul Food." In 2007 he held a lead role in the number one movie in the country, "Stomp the Yard." Since his successful transition from television to major motion pictures, Henson has been busy with numerous movies in production, including the highly anticipated martial arts film, "Tekken."

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1112684

Add to Digg Bookmark with del.icio.us Add to Newsvine

Contacts
Traci Copeland
Wildchild Nation, LLC
718.450.3884
Email Contact

Darrin Dewitt Henson
646.739.4948
Email Contact

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Community Marketing, Inc. (CMI), the San Francisco-based LGBT market research and communications firm, has just released its annual rankings of the destinations most visited by the gay and lesbian community.

CMI has been reporting these rankings for over a decade using a consistent format and study group of gay and lesbian travelers. CMI's annual study ranks on actual visits, the places that gay and lesbians traveled to in the past year, and stayed at least one overnight in a hotel.

Over 7,000 LGBT consumers took CMI's Gay & Lesbian Tourism Survey in 2009. The rankings below reflect the 4,726 LGBT survey-takers living in the United States. Participants were geographically balanced, closely matching census data.

Overall trends included:

         1)  Due to the deep recession, almost all destinations experienced a
             decrease in LGBT travel, except Washington DC which garnered
             higher numbers.
         2)  The rankings remain remarkably consistent from past years. A few
             destinations such as Seattle, however, did jump up in rankings.
         3)  The top seven LGBT destinations experienced the least decline in
             LGBT visitors, while other destinations experienced larger
             declines.
         4)  Overall, leisure travel declined slightly among LGBT travelers,
             but gay and lesbian business travel and cruise travel saw steeper
             drop-offs.

For other top LGBT destination rankings by gender or age, or for top LGBT international destinations, please visit our website: http://communitymarketinginc.com/media.php

The following list reflects the 4,726 American LGBT survey takers, who traveled to the city in the past 12 months and spent at least one night in a hotel.

Top 25 US Destinations for American LGBT Travelers with percentage who visited (Combined Leisure & Business Travel Ranking)

    1)    New York City: 32%
    2)    San Francisco: 27%
    3)    Las Vegas: 26%
    4)    Chicago: 25%
    5)    Los Angeles / West Hollywood: 24%
    6)    Washington, DC: 23%
    7)    Fort Lauderdale: 17%
    8)    San Diego: 15%
    9)    Orlando: 14%
    9)    Seattle: 14%
    11)   Boston: 13%
    11)   Philadelphia: 13%
    13)   Palm Springs 12%
    13)   Atlanta: 12%
    13)   Miami: 12%
    16)   Dallas: 11%
    16)   Denver: 11%
    16)   Phoenix/Tempe/Scottsdale: 11%
    19)   New Orleans: 10%
    20)   Napa County, CA: 9%
    20)   Provincetown, MA: 9%
    20)   Sonoma County, CA: 9%
    23)   Portland, OR 8%
    23)   Baltimore: 8%
    23)   Tampa/St. Petersburg: 8%

Top 5 US Destinations for American LGBT Travelers (Leisure Travel Ranking)

    1)    New York
    2)    Las Vegas
    3)    San Francisco
    4)    Los Angeles / West Hollywood
    5)    Chicago

Top 5 US Destinations for American LGBT Travelers (Business Travel Ranking)

    1)    Chicago
    2)    New York
    3)    Washington DC
    4)    San Francisco
    5)    Los Angeles

The survey also asked which hotel brand and airline have done the best job outreaching to the gay and lesbian community. W Hotels and Kimpton Hotels tied as the top hotel brands, and American Airlines was by far the top airline.

Press: For more information about this research, please contact David Paisley, Senior Research Director at 415/437-3800 or david@CommunityMarketingInc.com.

SOURCE Community Marketing, Inc.