LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) -- Home health care provider LHC Group Inc. says it has completed its acquisition of the home health service line of Addus HomeCare Corp.
The deal, announced on Feb. 7 and completed Thursday, involves 19 home health agencies and two hospice agencies in five states.
Purchase price was $20 million for Addus HomeCare, based in Palatine, Ill.
Lafayette-based LHC Group now operates at more than 300 locations in 23 states.
The world’s largest software maker Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) has launched its new software, Office 365 for business communities. Office 365 is a cloud-based software suite officially launched in 2011. It is offered to customers in the software-as-a-service (SaaS) format.
Microsoft launched the latest version of Office 365, based on the version of Office launched last month. It is called Office 2013 if purchased as a straight software and Office 365 Premium Home edition if purchased annually.
The company is offering different pricing plans for an annual subscription of the Office 365 suite. For instance, Office 365 ProPlus is intended for large organizations and priced at $144.0 per user. Office 365 Midsize Business comes at a cost of $180.0 per user whereas Office 365 Small Business Premium costs $150.0 per user annually.
The new Office comes with the traditional word processing, spreadsheets and email programs that can be purchased singly or in combination.
Microsoft’s Office 365 is gaining traction in the market as it recently launched its online version focusing on touch devices. Further, it is being deployed at the stores of retailers such as J. C. Penney Company Inc. (JCP) and U.K.-based Tesco as well as government departments such as the Texas Department of Information Resources, which chose the software for inter-departmental activities.
The latest to join the bandwagon is the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (:IFRC), which also signed a MoU with Microsoft.
Currently, just like other PC makers, Microsoft is also battling the slump in the PC market caused by the sluggish economy. In addition, the popularity of smartphones and tablets from Apple (AAPL) and Google (GOOG) has been cannibalizing PC market sales, further deteriorating the scenario. Whether it can come out of the slump on the back of its new software and OS is a wait-and-see game.
As per research conducted by IDC, cloud-based services may grow into a $100.0 billion market by 2016, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.0%. Cloud services are expected to drive the growth in IT going forward, generating 41.0% of overall growth in IT by 2016. Thus, the strengthening of Microsoft’s position in the segment is encouraging, as the PC market is showing no signs of revival in the near future.
Microsoft reported revenues, excluding deferrals, of $21.46 billion in the second quarter of fiscal 2013, which was up 34.0% sequentially and 2.7% from last year, in line with our estimates. All except the Entertainment & Devices segment grew both sequentially and from the year-ago quarter. Entertainment & Devices were down year over year.
Whitby's bylaw on home-based businesses needs more teeth. WHITBY -- Gordon Mackey the CEO of the Whitby Chamber of Commerce spoke at a public meeting regarding the operation of home-based businesses. The meeting was held to gather input from residents regarding plans to update current zoning rules related to home-based businesses. February 19, 2013. Ron Pietroniro / Metroland I'm sure 90 per cent of the home-based businesses will be fine but it's that 10 per cent that will cause problems. Michael Babier, Whitby resident WHITBY -- Without adequate means to enforce a new bylaw related to home-based businesses in Whitby, some residents believe the rules could be more trouble than they're worth. Several residents spoke up during a public meeting on Feb. 19, poking holes in Town staff's recommended changes to Whitby's policy on home-based businesses.
"The bylaw spends a lot of energy defining all kinds of specific types of businesses ... based on the theory that you can define a business which may or may not have the impacts that you're trying to limit, and I think it would be far more preferable to regulate the impacts," said resident Doug Anderson.
Various potential impacts of home-based businesses on surrounding neighbourhoods were discussed at the meeting, including parking, noise and traffic issues.
Whitby is updating its policy on home-based businesses with a set of proposed changes, which are intended to harmonize the process of permitting various uses. Examples of home-based businesses include baking or catering operations, registered massage therapy, esthetician services, pet grooming and music or art instruction.
The Town's official plan allows home-based businesses in residential areas subject to certain criteria and performance standards, as well as compliance with zoning bylaws. However, Whitby's zoning bylaws, approved in the 1960s, have not been amended to implement the direction of the official plan. Currently, older zoning provisions for areas such as the downtown allow home occupations but they are not identified as a permitted use in newer subdivisions.
"You need to have enforcement with teeth (because) there are going to be nuisances that come up," said Michael Babier, owner of a home-based business and a resident of downtown Whitby for eight years.
"I'm sure 90 per cent of the home-based businesses will be fine but it's that 10 per cent that will cause problems."
Some residents, including Peter Heron of Brooklin, were in favour of the Town using a licensing system to regulate home-based businesses.
"If you're going to put a home-based business in, then get permission from adjoining properties," Mr. Heron said.
"They should be applying for a licence every year and they should have to re-apply ever year. That way, the planning department knows the location, they conform to the laws, the fire department knows the location and they can do their yearly inspections."
Staff will return to council with an updated report, taking into consideration input from the public, as well as exploring the possibility of licensing.
Those who were unable to attend the meeting can submit their comments in writing by mail or personal delivery to Whitby's planning department no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, March 11. Written submissions should be made to the Town Clerk, Corporation of the Town of Whitby, 575 Rossland Rd. E., Whitby, ON L1N 2M8.
Residents debate pros and cons of various issues related to home-based businesses:
Point:
- Licensing would be a useful tool for town staff to enforce the bylaw and would provide official records to the fire department or other authorities for each home-based business in case of violations or an emergency.
- Existing on-street parking issues will only be exasperated by the increase of home-based businesses in neighbourhoods.
- There isn't enough focus on enforcement of parking bylaws in problematic areas, such as the downtown.
- To address noise impact and other related concerns, staff is recommending instructional activity such as academic tutoring, creative arts or fitness classes, be limited to no more than five people at any one time.
- To help control traffic, staff is recommending that no retail sales be permitted other than the sale of what is produced or repaired on site.
Counterpoint:
- Licensing would require additional administrative staff, resulting in more hours and increased costs.
- Parking in residential areas is not as big an issue as some people suggest; issues can be handled on a case by case basis.
- Additional staff and resources are required to enforce parking bylaw for a greater length of time.
- Bylaw cannot effectively enforce number of people in homes; five people should be a base number with the opportunity for individual assessment for more people depending on the individuals needs of each business.
- Retail sales should be allowed as long as these do not to disturb the typical flow of traffic in an area -- deal with it on a complaint basis.
Reporter Parvaneh Pessian covers the town of Whitby for Metroland Media Group's Durham Region DivisionYork, PA -
Jennifer Bradbury turned her family's love of goats into a home-based business courted by fine restaurants.
Apparently, Bradbury -- who has been in business for roughly five years as owner and operator of Dover Township-based Camelot Valley, which produces artisan goat cheeses -- is part of a growing trend.
"I'm amazed at the upsurge of ideas," Mike Smeltzer, executive director of the Manufacturers' Association of South Central Pennsylvania, said of local people who transform a hobby or invention into home-based businesses.
Steps involved in creating such a venture start with local municipal laws, including zoning compliance, he said.
Home-based facilities must be safe,
Jennifer Bradbury milks one of her goats used to make cheese at her Dover Towship business, Camelot Valley. (DAILY RECORD/SUNDAY NEWS -- JASON PLOTKIN)secure and covered by adequate insurance, Smeltzer said. "Write a business plan," he said. "Make sure all the legal things are done to protect your idea."
Additionally, a marketing and manufacturing plan will be needed, he said.
"If you're going to make serious money, you've got to produce volume," Smeltzer said. "You want to find a way to get your product to the market."
While the process isn't always easy, there are perks to running a home-based manufacturing operation.
The pros?
"Easiest commute ever," Dru Peters, the "farmer's wife" at Sunnyside Farm in Newberry Township, said via email. The 10-year-old business grows products, including chemical-free vegetables, chickens, eggs, beef, pork and turkeys. "Being our own boss, as hard as we work, means we get more from each day than when we were employees. We can have ideas, implement and reap the rewards."
And then there are the cons.
"Everything depends on us, there is not anyone else to take up the slack," she said. "Luckily, we are in good health and decent shape and love what we do."
Other local home-based manufacturers shared similar stories.
Phil Hausman, owner of Phatty P's Hot Sauce in Manchester Township, started his business at home about 10 years ago when he developed his own recipe.
"I grow my own peppers in my backyard," he said, adding he followed a trial-and-error method to concoct his hot sauces and used neighbors and friends as taste testers.
Today, Hausman sells his gourmet sauces -- which are bottled in Lancaster -- on his company's website, Facebook page and at local stores, including J & J Cycle Barn in Manchester Township. "It's been an interesting venture."
Rob Seufert, runs a pickle operation at his home in Windsor Township.
In order to manufacture food products, he had to secure approval from the state department of agriculture, he said of starting his company, Epic Pickles, roughly two years ago.
"I love to cook," he said. "And a business was born."
Seufert, a former full-time graphic designer, now works primarily in his pickle business. His products, which include handcrafted, traditional pickles such as kosher and garlic varieties, plus unique dishes, including Chesapeakles reminiscent of Maryland steamed crabs, are used by restaurants including The Cove in Spring Garden Township, The Left Bank in York, Cork and Cap Restaurant in Lancaster and Boatyard Bar & Grill in Annapolis.
"I'm trying to go full-force pickles," he said. "I'm going to take it as far as it will go."
Do you have an idea?
Got a great idea for an invention, but don't know how to get it off the ground?
You're not alone, said Mike Smeltzer, executive director of the Manufacturers' Association of South Central Pennsylvania.
Smeltzer is working with surrounding counties to develop resources for local inventors.
He said he's frequently approached by people in search of a way to carry their idea through the development and verification process.
"The economy has had a lot to do with it," he said of people who lost jobs and need a new way to make money.
"It's the creativity unleashed," Smeltzer said of the wave of upcoming entrepreneurs. "It's happening, and we'd better be prepared to nurture, develop and support it to help it grow."
To fuel the effort, he's working with people from York, Lancaster, Adams, Dauphin and Franklin counties to create a website and other community outreach methods to help local folks bring their ideas to fruition.
"It's focused on economic development," Smeltzer said. "It's making sure that everyone in the community is aware of all resources available."
Every location will likely have a specific method to achieve the goal, he said, but the outcome for all will probably include a "how to" list with possibilities for research institutions, such as Penn State University.
"You need to have a vision," he said. "Where's the next Microsoft? Maybe it's here."
Advertising the new resources via traditional publicity, such as billboards and books, as well as new technology, including social media, will also be considered, he said of reaching seasoned and younger generations of inventors.
"We've got to satisfy both interests," Smeltzer said. "(Inventors) are looking for like-minded people."
PLAINVIEW, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — The chorus of criticism is getting louder after Internet giant Yahoo! told staff they could no longer work from home, starting June 1.
Across Long Island, bosses and employees have mixed views on the issue of telecommuting.
Dominique Pristina works as an event planner for Creative Games in Hicksville. For her, there is no 9-to-5 or office clock to punch since her work can be done from anywhere.
“I have my own at-home desk and computer. I can log in from there. My phone gets directed here so all the calls that come into the office I can answer on my cell phone,” Pristina told CBS 2's Carolyn Gusoff on Wednesday.
Pristina’s boss said his decision to adopt a flexible work policy to retain trained employees has worked.
“I’ve been away and worked a full week’s schedule on an iPhone so I don’t understand how, at this point, you couldn’t do things from home that you could do at the office,” said Erick Mauro of Creative Games, Inc.
His happy workers agree, especially women who intend to balance work with motherhood.
“If you could get the same amount of work done, it’s better for you and the company,” event planner Lauren Cassella told Gusoff.
A national debate over workplace flexibility has been swirling since Yahoo!’s stunning reversal banning work-from-home arrangements.
The company’s new CEO, Marissa Mayer, has come under fire. She built a nursery next to her office for her own newborn.
Mayer announced she was pregnant shortly after taking the helm last year.
Yahoo! reportedly told workers that speed and quality are sacrificed when employees work from home.
At software company Incentient in Plainview, the company’s CEO said he agrees with Yahoo!’s move. He has phased out telecommuting for his own employees.
“There’s no way we can instantly assemble work groups and work teams throughout the day to meet the needs of a changing business when everyone is at home,” Incentient CEO Pat Martucci told Gusoff.
Yahoo! is saying little publicly other than its decision is not a broad view on working from home, just about what is right for Yahoo! now.
A Yahoo! spokesman said the company will not comment further on internal matters.
Do you think telecommuting should be banned by certain companies? Sound off in the comments section below…
Home BancShares, Inc. is a bank holding company, headquartered in Conway, Arkansas. Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Centennial Bank, provides a broad range of commercial and retail banking plus related financial services to businesses, real estate developers, investors, individuals and municipalities. Centennial Bank has locations in Central Arkansas, North Central Arkansas, Southern Arkansas, the Florida Keys, Southwestern Florida, Central Florida, the Florida Panhandle and South Alabama. The Company's common stock is traded through the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "HOMB."
This release contains forward-looking statements regarding the Company's plans, expectations, goals and outlook for the future. Statements in this press release that are not historical facts should be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements of this type speak only as of the date of this news release. By nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risk and uncertainties. Various factors, including, but not limited to, economic conditions, credit quality, interest rates, loan demand, the ability to successfully integrate new acquisitions and changes in the assumptions used in making the forward-looking statements, could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Additional information on factors that might affect Home BancShares, Inc.'s financial results are included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
ATLANTA, Feb. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles, the region's premier go-to resource for elegant home design ideas and inspiration, has launched its newly re-designed site, AtlantaHomesMag.com, to enhance the user experience for both local businesses and homeowners. With a streamlined design, improved search functionality and rich multi-media content, the new AtlantaHomesMag.com makes it easier for consumers to find home design ideas, resources and professionals.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130226/NY66531LOGO )
"We are excited to launch the next generation Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles site to connect affluent, engaged homeowners and shoppers to our advertisers, faster and easier," said Gina Christman, publisher of Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles. "More than ever, we're empowering local businesses to strengthen their online brand presence in the marketplace to attract shoppers, drive increased business, and generate more ways to interact with qualified consumers."
When a consumer comes to the new Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles site for home design ideas, they will find even more relevant content for inspiration, resources and professionals. For advertisers, the new site offers them a stronger Web presence, more lead-capturing, enhanced traffic from organic and referral search, and increased opportunities to reach prospective customers.
Key site features include:
Concierge, a 400-word story highlighting a home design business's work. Limited to 24 total profiles with prime placement on the home page and all subsequent landing pages in rotations of six, each Concierge listing features unlimited photos, bio, logo, contact info, web site link, ask a question/get a quote functionality, social media connections to Facebook and Twitter accounts, and video upload capability. Sourcebook, an online design center and go-to source for visitors searching for products, services and professionals. Featured prominently on the home page and subsequent landing pages, searchable by category/alpha, the Resource Portfolio features a custom page for every listing that includes 20 photos, 250-word bio, logo, contact info, web site link, and ask a question/get a quote functionality. Run of Site Digital Display Ads offering exclusivity as one of only 16 advertisers rotating through 4 positions on the site, every landing page, every blog page, every day for one year. Videos custom-produced by Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles featured on the site and YouTube for one year. Included is social media announcement, two-week promotion on the home page, and video archived at www.AtlantaHomesMag.com.For 30 years, Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles has attracted affluent homeowners through its monthly full-color glossy magazine, web site and social media channels, making it the most established, well-respected home design brand in the Atlanta market. Through its multimedia channels, Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles delivers a monthly audience of more than 568,700 consumers who are actively searching for home design products and services and connects them with advertisers, some of the most respected businesses in the region's marketplace.
About Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles
Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles is a part of Network Communications, Inc., a leading local media company providing lead generation, advertising and Internet marketing services to the luxury and multi-family segments of the housing industry. The Company's leading brands are Apartment Finder, DigitalSherpa, Unique Homes, New England Home and Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles. The Company's strategy focuses on providing high-quality and measurable marketing solutions to local clients by leveraging its proprietary prospect-focused distribution, social media and online franchises, and content management infrastructure.
