Internet Leaders Featured in New Interview Series at Virtual Assistant Forums

Snow Camp, NC (PRWEB) September 7, 2009

Mary H. Ruth, owner of Virtual Writing and Communications and long-standing member of Virtual Assistant Forums, recently stepped down as coordinator of the popular Virtual Assistant Interviews series in order to take on a new direction at the community: the Virtual Leading Edge interview series.

Designed to educate and enlighten fellow Virtual Assistants, Ruth’s candid interviews with virtual assistance and internet thought leaders will be published monthly to the Virtual Assistant Forums blog at http://www.virtualassistantforums.com/blogs/vaf-admin/.

“As professional virtual service providers and business owners it’s crucial to stay tuned to various industries, emerging trends, and developing concepts.” says community founder Tess Strand Alipour, “This new interview series aims to help Virtual Assistant Forums members do just that, and we’re fortunate to have Mary heading up this new project.”

Of her new appointment as editor of the Virtual Leading Edge series, Mary says, “I am deeply honored that VAF has entrusted this important job to me. I’m really looking forward to the new acquaintances I’ll be making, and hope VAs will benefit from the information these leaders have to share with us.”

The first installment in the Virtual Leading Edge series will feature Allison Nazarian, author of Copywriting 101.

About Mary H. Ruth and Virtual Writing and Communication Solutions:

Mary H. Ruth is a veteran of over thirty years in non-profit administration in North Carolina, with additional experience in law offices, retail, and graphics. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1975. She now operates her own virtual assistant business, Virtual Writing and Communications http://www.writingva.com/, from her home office in Alamance County. While Mary specializes in writing, editing, and social media marketing, she considers her best skill to be that of listening, and her greatest pleasure lies in understanding and magnifying her clients’ brands. Connect with Mary via Twitter http://www.twitter.com/maryhruth, and her blog, Virtual Assistance and You, which is written especially for VAs and their clients http://www.writingva.com/wordpress-2.8/wordpress.

About Virtual Assistant Forums:

Virtual Assistant Forums is the social networking and discussion forum for virtual assistants at all levels of business development. Register to claim and customize your profile and network with other VAs, share information and experience, post images and create videos, start a blog, create and join discussion groups, and chat with guest experts in the chatroom. Regularly published RFPs, tons of great resources, a Virtual Assistant directory, and more – it’s all in one place, and it’s all absolutely free. To participate in this friendly, supportive community of professional VAs today visit http://www.virtualassistantforums.com

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Internet Leaders Featured in New Interview Series at Virtual Assistant Forums

Web Analytics Leaders Team Up: IndexTools Certifies Experts at OX2, Its Latest Strategic Partner

New York, NY (PRWEB) November 19, 2007

OX2, the Brussels-based interactive web agency reinforced its established position as an industry leader by building closer ties to online marketing analytics platform provider IndexTools. OX2 officially became IndexTools’ Strategic Alliance Partner in Belgium and the first company certified under IndexTools Certification Program. Two OX2 consultants passed detailed exams to qualify as a Certified Analyst and a Certified Deployment Specialist.

“OX2 has earned its place among the premiere Web Analytics experts in Europe,” said Dennis R. Mortensen, COO of IndexTools. “We’re extremely proud to strengthen our relationship.”

The partnership culminates years of close dialogue between the two firms. As a Strategic Partner, OX2 will work hand in hand with IndexTools in order to help their common clients benefit fully from the vast data rendered by the online channel and to provide tailor-made Web Analytics solutions to enterprise clients.

OX2 reported that joining the new partnership was no sudden move, but rather the latest development in a longer term, well-considered process.

“We believe our independence adds tremendous value to our business,” said Ren

Web Analytics Leaders Team Up: IndexTools Certifies Experts at OX2, Its Latest Strategic Partner

Bay Area Web Designer Marissa Berger Presents Strategies for Building an Effective Website to Business Coach Leaders

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) November 01, 2011

Marissa Berger, founder of Marissa Berger Interactive (MB/I), a San Francisco Bay Area web design firm, was invited to speak to members of the ActionCOACH California Team, a group of certified executive business coaches, at the organizations annual meeting, which took place on September 26th at the Oakland Courtyard Marriott. Her presentation, A Strategic Approach to Building an Effective Website, was designed to give the business coaches tools to help their clients achieve desired business outcomes by improving their online presence.

ActionCOACH approached me with the idea of teaching the executive coaches how to help their clients make strategic changes to their websites that will drive traffic to the sites, enhance the users experience, and increase brand awareness, said Berger.

The Bay Area web designers presentation focused on three distinct approaches that businesses should consider when creating or redesigning a website:

1) E-Commerce: The online store should load quickly, have a clean layout with intuitive navigation, point the user towards checkout, and use search-engine-friendly code.

2) Portfolio-Based: The website should focus on what makes the company stand out from the competition. The company should clearly explain its services, with samples of its best and most recent work, and include client testimonials.

3) Corporate/Informational: A company can use the information on its website to increase brand awareness, attract new customers, and recruit new team members.

Marissa Berger also discussed a number of specific strategies that should be considered when charting a plan to lead a website towards success. These included:

Traffic Strategies: External links, title tags, meta tags, using external referral sites (Yelp, Google Places), asking for reviews, and multiple online and physical advertising strategies are all ways to drive up search engine rankings and attract visitors.

Conversion Strategies: A number of tools can be used to reach traffic goals, including Google Analytics, A/B testing, long-tail keyword phrases, PPC ads, removing obstacles to conversion, adding videos, and usability testing.

Execution Strategies: A wide range of web design options existsfrom inexpensive DIY templates to fully custom professional creations. Businesses should carefully consider which option is right to achieve their specific goals. Marissa offered insights to help the coaches select the best execution method for their clients.

It was a very eye-opening presentation, said Peter Williamson, Master Licensee for the Northern California chapter of ActionCOACH. It helped us to understand the options available and how to optimize the style of a website so that it matches the type of business.

Attendee Bob Britz added, Making a website isnt enough anymore. Marissas presentation made it clear that with so many options out there, the site needs to be right for both the business and its industry.

For more information on the Strategic Approach to Building an Effective Website presentation or any of mb/i’s other products or services, call them at (925) 435-1514 or visit them on the web at marissaberger.com. MB/I offers a complimentary 30-60 minute consultation by phone or in person, depending on the callers location.

About Marissa Berger Interactive (MB/I)

Marissa Berger Interactive (mb/i) is a San Francisco Bay Area web design company that specializes in popular open-source content management systems such as Drupal and WordPress. MB/I has been developing websites since 2000 and has a diverse online portfolio of over 125 websites.

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TERC"s Diana Nunnaley Joins Professional Development Leaders at Gates-Sponsored Meeting on Effective Use of School Data

(PRWEB) May 16, 2012

Diana Nunnaley, TERCs Using Data Director, was invited to participate in a data literacy meeting sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Meeting organizers Ellen Mandinach of WestEd and Edith Gummer of Education Northwest brought together a diverse group of education experts to create a common understanding of data literacy and provide a foundation for teacher preparation in using data to improve student learning. Nunnaley was one of eight professional development providers at the gathering held May 3 and 4 in San Francisco, which also included researchers and policy makers.

It was reaffirming to participate in discussions that focused on what teachers need to know to do this work, said Nunnaley. Teachers have to be put at the center of the process so that real change can occur at the point of instruction, and the meeting really underscored that point.

Nunnaley was selected to attend the meeting because of the groundbreaking work TERC initiated over a decade ago in the development of its Using Data program. She has helped to hone and streamline the process of collaborative inquiry that engages teachers in cycles of targeted data analysis. TERCs Using Data team has worked in over 23 states, hundreds of districts and schools nationwide building teacher-led data teams and facilitating data analysis techniques and instructional improvement steps that result in increased student achievement.

For more information about TERC’s Using Data Program visit http://usingdata.terc.edu.

TERC also offers insights and free resources to support data use among educators on its Using Data For Meaningful Change blog (http://usingdata.wordpress.com).

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Working Together to End Hunger: Local Leaders Take on CalFresh Challenge

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) September 07, 2012

An alliance of anti-hunger groups – The San Diego Hunger Coalition, Feeding America San Diego, Hunger Advocacy Network, North County Community Services Food Bank, San Diego Food Bank, Super Food Drive and 2-1-1 San Diego – will be hosting the CalFresh Challenge. The Challenge tasks participants to live on an average of $ 4.31 per day for one week, September 9th to September 15th. By completing the CalFresh Challenge, participants will better understand the difficulties of trying to eat on a small budget and the value of CalFresh (formerly known as food stamps) for low income people.

The experience is not simply to see how cheaply one can eat, says Jennifer Tracy, Executive Director of the San Diego Hunger Coalition, but to reflect on the choices for eating healthy, the psychological impacts of having limited access to food, and what it might be like to face this experience for months and even years.

To help promote September as Hunger Action Month, leaders from all of San Diegos anti-hunger groups will be participating. Community members are also encouraged to also take part in the challenge. Participants can register to participate and share their experiences, pictures and videos on the CalFresh Challenge blog: http://www.calfreshchallengesd.wordpress.com .

The Food Stamp Challenge was started in 2007 when four members of Congress decided to live for one week on an average food stamp budget of only a couple dollars a day. The goal then, as now, is to raise awareness and understanding about the challenges faced by millions of Americans receiving CalFresh benefits and the indispensable value of the program.

In the middle of the recession in 2010, Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) the federal name for CalFresh, helped maintain 3.9 million Americans above the poverty line, including 1.7 million children and 288,000 seniors. SNAP can serve as a responsive safety net in times of unemployment and recession, expanding to meet the needs of struggling Americans and automatically contracting as the economy improves, states Tracy.

The CalFresh Challenges ultimate goal is to develop a unique perspective and first-hand experience of the program, which then can be used to mobilize support for a program that has historically garnered bipartisan support and proven itself as an efficient and tremendous safety net for millions of Americans.

About the San Diego Hunger Coalition (SDHC)

SDHC strives to eliminate hunger by collaborating with individuals and organizations that provide services to those in need, educating the public about hunger and advocating at local, state and federal levels. The San Diego Hunger Coalition (SDHC) leads collaborative initiatives and public policy advocacy activities to reduce hunger and increase participation in Federal nutrition programs in San Diego County. SDHC is the lead organization providing CalFresh outreach training and support to more than 45 community-based organizations (clinics, food pantries, churches and social service agencies) working with low-income communities throughout San Diego County. For more information, visit http://www.sandiegohungercoalition.org.

About Feeding America San Diego

Established in 2007, Feeding America San Diego is San Diegos largest distributor of food, more than 21.5 million pounds within the last year, and the only Feeding America affiliate in the county. FASD works closely with over 160 partner agencies, local school districts, corporate partners and a network of volunteers to serve 73,000 children, families and seniors in need each week. Devoted to feeding the hungry, advocating for a sustainable future, and educating the community, FASD is committed to building a hunger-free and healthy San Diego through innovative programs and collaborative partnerships.

About North County Community Services

North County Community Services (NCCS) is committed to improving the health and well being of North County residents by educating young children, supporting working families, feeding the hungry and ultimately creating opportunities to improve the quality of life for incomequalified residents of Northern San Diego County. We support this mission by providing Early Childhood Education to children of incomequalified families at our seven Child Development Centers and by feeding hungry North County residents through the outreach efforts of North Countys Food Bank. http://www.sdnccs.org/

About Hunger Advocacy Network (HAN)

The Hunger Advocacy Network (HAN) is a collaborative of San Diego hunger stakeholders who conduct state-level anti-hunger / food security advocacy. HAN partners annually develop a food security-focused legislative agenda to support through year-long advocacy activities. Within their first year of development, HAN has acquired 16 reputable partners, successfully advocated for four state bills, coordinated a legislators breakfast and engaged in a variety of advocacy events. http://www.hungeradvocacynetwork.org or call (858) 637-3032.

About SuperFood

Working with partner organizations, SuperFood Drive educates the community about the health benefits of eating nutrient-dense SuperFoods and works to ensure the accessibility of healthy food to all people, especially those in need. Our vision is to transform local food drives, national food banks and global humanitarian aid into providers of nutrient-dense non-perishable SuperFoods. By educating both the givers and receivers of non-perishable SuperFood items, we promote health and well-being to individuals and their communities.

About Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank

Established in 1977, the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank is a critical component to the welfare of San Diego County, providing food to people in need, advocating for the hungry and educating the public about hunger-related issues. Through a combination of government programs and partnerships with over 350 San Diego County nonprofit charities, the Food Bank is a central repository and distribution point for government and donated food. In FY2011-2012 the Food Bank distributed 18 million pounds of food to individuals, families and a network of nonprofit organizations that work to alleviate hunger throughout the county. Visit the Food Bank at http://www.sandiegofoodbank.org

About 2-1-1 San Diego

Every hour of every day, someone in San Diego County searches for services, from food assistance to substance abuse treatment, housing or financial assistance. With thousands of health and human service programs, finding help can seem insurmountable. 2-1-1 can help. Serving the entire population of our region, 2-1-1 San Diego connects people with community, health and disaster services through a free, 24/7 stigma-free phone service and searchable online database. Using the power of technology and innovation, we connect people to the help they need. To complete a CalFresh application over the phone or access other community services, dial 2-1-1. For more information about 2-1-1, visit our website at http://www.211sandiego.org to learn more.

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Leaders Causing Leaders LEADERShift 2010

Los Angeles CA (Vocus) November 5, 2010

Empowering people to make a difference is the theme of Leaders Causing Leaders LEADERShift 2010, set for Nov. 6-7 at Long Beach Convention Center and featuring personal growth pioneers, workshops, youth and teen events, live music and more.

The new conference will showcase more than 100 luminaries from the fields of business, art, science, spirituality, human rights and environmental studies, including Grammy Award-winning musical artist Jason Mraz, Landmark Forum Leader Richard Condon, and Steven Covey, Jr., author of “The SPEED of Trust: The One Thing that Changes Everything.”

Leaders Causing Leaders LEADERShift 2010 was conceived by Kenneth Schwenker. People want to make a positive impact on the world, and this event is an amazing opportunity to learn from some of the incredible leaders who have successfully made their mark, Schwenker says.

Schwenker created the project in leadership courses of Landmark Education, a personal and professional growth, training and development company that has inspired more than 1.2 million people. In a 2008 study, Marketdata Enterprises reported, with (Landmarks) unique position in the self-development market, many top experts in the personal development and coaching industries got their start by participating in Landmarks programs. Landmark is recognized for having one of the best faculty bodies in the business.

The conference includes Designing Your Vision for the World, a series of four interactive workshops allowing participants to create new narratives for their lives and visionary world service projects based on harmony, sustainability and leadership. Dynamic presentations and discussion will be led by luminaries such as Ishmael Baeh (author of bestselling “A Long Way Gone”), Mark Victor Hansen (“Chicken Soup for the Soul”), Joie de Vivre CEO Chip Conley, motivational coach Byron Katie, angel investor Randy Haykin, National Development Council Chairman Sam Beard, third-generation yogi Guru Singh and Inka shaman Juan Ruiz. A Saturday evening music festival will include live performances from Donna De Lory, Larisa Stow and other special guests.

Youth ages 7 to 13 are invited to engage in the Youth Leadership program, a creative laboratory with workshops from the founders of Challenge Day, an organization that demonstrates the possibility of love and connection through celebrating diversity, truth and full expression.

Additional workshops include open collaborations for speeding the pace of change, conscious money, human rights, women in sustainable business, and social entrepreneurship, among dozens of others. Participants who register in advance will have the opportunity to be awarded a year of mentorship from Leaders Causing Leaders expert panel. More information is available at the Leaders Causing Leaders website: http://www.leaderscausingleaders.com/wordpress2/ .

Landmark Education, a personal and professional growth, training and development company, has had more than 1.2 million people use its programs to cause breakthroughs in their personal lives as well as in their communities, generating more than 100,000 community projects around the world. In The Landmark Forum, Landmarks flagship program, people cause breakthroughs in their performance, communication, relationships and overall satisfaction in life. For more information, please visit http://www.landmarkeducation.com .

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Leaders Causing Leaders LEADERShift 2010

ITX Design Joins Forces with Local Church Leaders to Offer Christian Based Web Hosting

Fredericksburg, Virginia (PRWEB) November 09, 2012

ITX Design announced a recent initiative to team up with local churches offering heavily discounted or free hosting to churches in need. Many local churches that can’t afford hosting are able to host their website for free and others receive up to 35% off.

ITX Design, a Christian owned host provider in Fredericksburg, Virginia has teamed up with local churches to ensure they have a website. Most churches receive a 35% discount and company

CEO Paul Schoolfield stated, “We are excited and proud to give back to our community and it’s our hope that every church have a professional online presence. If the church is unable to afford hosting we are pleased to host their site for free”.

The heavily discounted packages are part of ITX Design’s standard business hosting plans which include CPanel and other popular website tools. Surprisingly, these plans even include 24/7 technical support and a full support team.

ITX Design recently worked with Encounter COG (Church of God) in Northern Virginia to launch a completely overhauled website. Their expertly designed finished product was built in just a few days using WordPress, primarily so church members could easily login and make needed changes on a daily basis.

Over the next few weeks, ITX Design is working hard to launch live sermon streaming services so church members or visitors can listen to the weekly sessions online.

For the last decade, ITX Design has been a top tier international and domestic web hosting and domain registration provider. They also provide dedicated servers, shared web hosting, and domain registration for small businesses including server hosting, WordPress hosting, reseller hosting, dedicated servers and many more solutions for individuals, organizations and businesses.

All of ITX Designs customers enjoy 24/7 live support, and a money back guarantee. ITX Design has been reviewed extensively, and been defined as one of the most trusted service providers in this industry. Over the course of the last 10 years, ITX Design has won many prestigious awards establishing it as a leader in the industry.

To learn more about ITX Designs many web based products and services, simply visit http://itxdesign.com/

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