3rd Annual Paint the Peninsula Plein Air Painting Competition, Port Angeles, WA

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[caption id="attachment_47" align="alignright" width="300"] Eric Jacobsen Paints at Salt Creek[/caption]

uried professional artists from across the U.S. and British Columbia will gather in Port Angeles in late summer to paint their perceptions of the Olympic Peninsula’s diverse landscapes. New this year, all 28 participating artists will spend the first two days of the competition painting together in a common location before dispersing across the Peninsula.

Port Angeles, Washington, June 15, 2015 - Juried professional artists from across the U.S. and British Columbia will gather in Port Angeles in late summer to paint their perceptions of the Olympic Peninsula’s diverse landscapes from Sequim to Cape Flattery to the Hoh Rainforest during the 3rd Annual Paint the Peninsula Plein Air Painting Competition. The weeklong event, taking place September 7 – 13, 2015, will feature daily exhibits and sales of original artwork, a Friday “Quick Draw” competition and multiple awards receptions. The only event of its caliber in the state of Washington, Paint the Peninsula benefits the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center (PAFAC).  The public is invited and encouraged to attend and experience the week’s festivities.

New this year, all 28 participating artists will spend the first two days of the competition painting together in a common location before dispersing across the Peninsula. On Labor Day Monday, Sept. 7, the painters will be in Olympic National Park. On Tuesday, Sept. 8, they will paint in the Dungeness region, which includes the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, the Dungeness County Recreation Area, and the New Dungeness Light Station.

“The Port Angeles Fine Arts Center is partnering with entities that cater to tourism this year to increase public exposure to the paintings,” says Anne Dalton, Chair, Paint the Peninsula 2015. “Olympic National Park had 3.2 million visitors in 2014, and was the sixth most visited park in the nation. That’s a lot of potential exposure! Paint the Peninsula offers tourists not only the opportunity to observe plein air artists at work in this amazing park, but to purchase a one-of-a-kind memory of their trip.”

“At the same time,” Dalton continues, “we are hoping that the competition will attract new visitors to Olympic National Park and the Dungeness region to experience the diverse natural beauty that can be found there, from mountains to rainforest to rivers to salt water beaches.”

Interested visitors are welcome to view the painters at work throughout the week. To inquire about individual artist locations, call PAFAC at 360.457.3532.

Painting Exhibition and Sales
After painting outdoors each day, the artists will frame and hang their completed paintings at PAFAC for public viewing.  The gallery will be open from 11am – 8pm, beginning Tuesday, Sept. 8.  The public is welcome to purchase paintings throughout the week, however, if the artist would like to enter a painting for judging, purchasers may pick-up the art on Saturday, Sept. 13, after the judging has taken place.

Friday Quick Draw
On Friday, Sept. 11, all 28 artists will compete in the Quick Draw portion of the competition, painting from 9am – 11am in downtown Port Angeles. Using morning light, the painters will choose from the historic buildings on Lincoln Street, the views from City Pier or the Waterfront Esplanade as their subject matter. At 11am, the paintings will be framed and placed on easels at the PAFAC for judging as a group. The art will then hang in the gallery for the remainder of the exhibit.

Awards Receptions
Another new aspect of this year’s competition, Paint the Peninsula will feature three public awards receptions. On Tuesday, Sept. 8, beginning at 6pm, PAFAC will host a reception specifically for the paintings created in Olympic National Park on the first day of the competition.

On Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 6pm, PAFAC will host a second designated reception for the paintings created within the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge and Recreation Area on Day Two of the competition.

Following the awards receptions, the paintings will remain in the PAFAC gallery for viewing and sale, and the artists may choose to enter these works along with their paintings from the other 2 ½ days in the final judging.  Gil Dellinger, current president of P A P A, the Plein Air Painters of America, and retired Professor of Art at the University of the Pacific, will judge the overall competition on the evening of Friday, Sept. 11.

Salon de Plein Air Reception and Awards Ceremony
The final overall awards will be announced during the Salon de Plein Air Reception on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 5:30pm – 8:30pm, again at PAFAC. This event is open to the public, and includes Plein Air wine, hearty appetizers and entertainment. Tickets are $75.00 per person, and are available for online purchase at www.paintthepeninsula.org.

Paintings will remain on exhibit in the PAFAC gallery for viewing and purchase through Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015.

For more information on the Paint the Peninsula competition, contact Anne Dalton, Chair, Paint the Peninsula 2015, (360) 457-7782, or email annegdalton@gmail.com. Web: www.paintthepeninsula.org

MEDIA CONTACT: Deborah Anastasi Black
Email: deborah@anastasiblack.com
Phone: (206) 799-4233
Media Visits: Please inquire
Web: www.paintthepeninsula.org

WORLD-RENOWNED UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON BREAST CANCER RESEARCHER FEATURED AT RAMBAM HEALTH CENTER SUMMIT

[caption id="attachment_44" align="alignright" width="300"] Photo credit to: Pioter Fliter, Amir Mark, Rambam HCC.[/caption]

HAIFA, ISRAEL – World-renowned geneticist from the University of Washington, Prof. Mary-Claire King, was one of the featured presenters at this year’s annual Rambam Medical Center Summit in Israel.  King gave a presentation to leading scientists from Israel and around the world on cancer prevention and the connection between gene discovery and public health, warning of inter-family marriage and procreation and how it can often lead to both physical and mental ailments.

King spoke to the summit’s participants on a wide-range of topics within genetic mutation sickness. With inter-marriage so prevalent in Israel and the Middle East, King ran through a plethora of research she has conducted and phylogenetic trees justifying this research, showing those in attendance just how grave the impact of inter-family procreation can be.

“This region, because of its unique history, unique demographic, remarkable diversity of population, combined with superb medical care and excellent scientific infrastructure, makes this a uniquely fine place in the world to carry out the kind of work I do,” said Prof. King. “I’ve been carrying out this work with friends here for 20 years now and I hope to continue to do it for another 20.”

Rambam’s annual healthcare summit played host to leading medical researchers, healthcare policy makers and philanthropists at its campus in Haifa. A port city in northern Israel. This year’s theme, “From Vision to Reality” is showcasing the latest medical innovations, giving host to some of the leading personnel in medicine.

King is acclaimed for her discovery that a single gene, BRCA1, was responsible for many breast and ovarian cancers, and a large percentage of breast cancer may be in fact hereditary. The discovery of what became known as the “breast cancer gene” is said to have revolutionized the study of numerous other common diseases and provided a great amount of progress in early detection and prevention of breast cancer. As a result of King’s discovery, sequencing screening is now done on woman in their 30’s to detect the gene and eventually lead to cancer prevention.

“My view is that every young woman at the age of 30 or so should be screened for mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes,” Prof. King added, “In the European Jewish population roughly 1 of 40 women will have such a mutation…For these women that have such a mutation, they need to think about what actions to take, work with physicians to sort out a plan, and the best way to be able to take control of the situation, to be in power and to be in charge of one’s self is to be screened.”

“We are thrilled to have Professor King here at Rambam for our summit,” said Prof. Rafi Beyar, director general of Rambam Hospital. “She has pioneered breast cancer research and subsequently saved the lives of many as a result of her lifelong research. She is a hero and we are honored to host her.”

Rambam Health Care Campus is a 1,000-bed academic hospital serving the over 2 million residents of Northern Israel. Providing comprehensive medical services in all medical specialties, Rambam is the tertiary referral center for 12 district hospitals. Rambam Health Care Campus’s garage can be converted into a 2,000-bed full-service underground hospital, the largest in the world. In addition to the citizens of Northern Israel, Rambam serves the Israel Defense Forces Northern Command, UN Peacekeeping Forces, and the US 6th Fleet. Many of Rambam’s physicians participate in cutting-edge research projects to bring new therapies and treatments not only to their patients, but the greater community of the world. Rambam Heath Care Campus proudly believes that everyone deserves the highest quality of care and has always opened its doors to all those in need, regardless of their religious, race, and ethnicity. Visit http://www.rambam.org.il/EnglishSite.

National “Small Business Revolution” documentary project features Seattle craft beer maker Reuben’s Brews

Reuben's Brews Owner Adam Robbings among 100 business builders featured in yearlong campaign celebrating the crucial role of small businesses in our communities

Seattle – June 9, 2015 – When the craft-brewing bug bites, it’s sometimes hard to think of anything else. With new recipes, beers and methods always developing, it’s no surprise that the craft-beer boom seized entrepreneur Adam Robbings.

After the birth of his son, Reuben, Robbings received a special gift that would change the course of his life – a home-brewing kit. After throwing himself into experimenting with new beers – and always focusing on the quality of its craft – Robbings’s business, called Reuben’s Brews, has become one of the most celebrated breweries in Seattle.

Now, Reuben’s Brews is getting national attention from Deluxe Corporation’s Small Business Revolution documentary project. The Small Business Revolution, which also features "Shark Tank" star Robert Herjavec, is a yearlong campaign that celebrates the vibrancy, variety and community impact of small businesses across the country. Its latest story is a photo essay profiling Reuben’s Brews, one of 100 profiles of inspiring small businesses that will debut throughout 2015 at SmallBusinessRevolution.org.

The trophy case at Reuben’s Brews is a testament to the company’s commitment to quality and focus on developing a strong business – which means paying attention to the reactions of customers and beer lovers who come through the doors of the brewery. Reuben’s Brews has been recognized as a top-ten brewery nationwide several times in the past few years, and though Robbings has plans to open a brand-new, much larger brewery, he says he’s not leaving Seattle – or even planning to distribute his beer nationally. His focus on perfecting his product and providing great service caught the eye of the Small Business Revolution.

Deluxe developed the Small Business Revolution to focus on the importance of personal touch and local involvement in an era when business is becoming increasingly impersonal. The campaign is capturing the stories of small businesses and their customers, families and friends – all of whom are a crucial part of what makes our communities whole.

“The hands-on customer service, the entrepreneurial spirit and the deep community involvement people find in the small businesses they frequent make all the difference,” said Amanda Brinkman, chief brand and communications officer for Deluxe Corp. “Telling these moving, inspirational stories and putting a spotlight on these owners is our way of celebrating the best parts of American business.”

The Small Business Revolution will unfold throughout 2015, as a part of Deluxe’s 100th anniversary celebration. Since 1915, Deluxe has helped small businesses and financial institutions grow and thrive by providing a range of business services, from websites and logos to social media and email marketing to checks and other financial services.

The Small Business Revolution will also award $25,000 to one small business later this year. Anyone can nominate their favorite small business at SmallBusinessRevolution.org, and Shark Tank's Herjavec will help Deluxe choose the winner who best exemplifies the Small Business Revolution spirit. The person who nominates the winning business can see how it feels to be a "shark" by personally delivering the $25,000 prize.

 About Deluxe Corporation

Deluxe Corp. is a growth engine for small businesses and financial institutions. Nearly 4.6 million small business customers access Deluxe's wide range of products and services, including customized checks and forms, as well as website development and hosting, email marketing, search engine optimization and logo design. For our approximately 5,600 financial institution customers, Deluxe offers industry-leading programs in checks, customer acquisition, fraud prevention and profitability. Deluxe is also a leading provider of checks and accessories sold directly to consumers. For more information, visit us at www.deluxe.com, https://www.facebook.com/deluxecorp or www.twitter.com/deluxecorp.

This press release was posted at no charge by the Eastside Business Press Release Service.

Wells Fargo leads NAHREP’s Inaugural Top 250 Latino Mortgage Originators List

 Inaugural Top 250 Latino Mortgage Originators Report Sponsored by Radian Guaranty Recognizes Top Producing Hispanics in the Mortgage Industry

The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals  (NAHREP) has released its 2015 report on the Top 250 Latino Mortgage Originators in the United States. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage led the way with the most agents on the list, with independent lenders New American Funding and Alterra Home Loans finishing second and third, respectively. NAHREP reports that it received more than 800 nominations from 42 different companies.

“These agents and Latino mortgage originators are highly dedicated to their trade and know first-hand the significance that homeownership holds for the Latino community,” said Teresa Palacios Smith, NAHREP’s 2015 president. “We are proud to recognize these hardworking individuals for their success and devotion to their profession.”

The Top 250 Latino Mortgage Originators reports include snapshots of interesting data points as well as photos and personal stories of this year’s honorees. The report, which is sponsored by Radian Guaranty, is available at www.nahrep.org/top250/originator.

“Radian recognizes the growing importance of the diverse populations for our country’s housing and economic recovery, and is thrilled to partner with NAHREP in making sure that mortgage professionals are not only aware of the needs of these populations but are ready to support them,” said Teresa Bryce Bazemore, president of Radian Guaranty. “Radian is proud to recognize some of the best mortgage originators in the industry today and advance the goal of sustainable homeownership.”

The listing of the Top 250 Latino Mortgage Originators in America is compiled through a self-nomination process reflective of total transactions closed during the 2014 calendar year, which are verified by NAHREP and the senior management of the loan originator’s employer. Membership in NAHREP is not a requirement. This year's Top 10 Latino Mortgage Originators in the U.S. are:

1. Manuel Corral, GEM Mortgage, Pomona, CA


2. Edward A. Hernandez, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Highland Village, TX


3. Benjamin Herrera, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Des Moines, IA


4. Donald Ambrose King, IV, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Des Moines, IA


5. Alexander Varela, PrimeLending, Bedford, TX


6. Miguel Dominguez, PrimeLending, Sterling Heights, MI


7. Carlos Augusto Gutierrez-Villalba, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Tempe, AZ


8. Sergio Corona, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Des Moines, IA


9. Natalie Navarro, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Tempe, AZ


10. Jorge Montoya, Guild Mortgage, Reno, NV

NAHREP’s Top 250 Latino Real Estate Agents will be announced on June 16, 2015. Both the Top 250 Mortgage Originators and Top 250 Agents will be recognized at the NAHREP 2015 National Convention & Latin Music Festival at the Chicago Hilton Downtown, September 20-22, 2015.

About NAHREP
The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, a nonprofit 501(c) 6 trade association, is dedicated to advancing sustainable homeownership among Latinos by educating and empowering the real estate professionals who serve them. NAHREP is the premier trade organization for Hispanics and has more than 20,000 members in 48 states and 35 affiliate chapters.  Visit www.nahrep.org.

• Follow us on Twitter @NAHREP


• Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nahrep

Azimo Raises $20 Mil to Fuel Global Growth

Azimo, the London based digital money transfer service, recently announced that it has raised an additional $20 million in financing. The funding will advance Azimo’s mission to be the world’s leading low-cost, mobile and social money transfer service.

Azimo s Series B funding round was led by Frog Capital, with participation from MCI Investments and existing investors*, including e.ventures and Greycroft Partners, among others.

Azimo is a provider of online and smartphone-based money transfers – providing a fast, secure and low-cost alternative to legacy high street remittance services. Founded in 2012, the company has built the most comprehensive network of any digital player, sending money to over 200 countries, reaching 5 billion people with over 80 different currencies**.

Azimo’s five-fold increase in money transfers in the last year reflects the on-going disruption of the $600 billion global remittance market. Digital and social network usage is helping workers send money home directly; saving money and time. Azimo’s announcement coincides with the International Day of Family Remittances, which aims to raise awareness of the importance of migrants transferring money home towards global development and local communities around the world***.

The company will use this latest financing to continue its pan-European growth and to target new markets in North America and Asia. Azimo's management team has unrivalled depth and knowledge of the sector having founded Small World Financial Services in 2005, and building it into Europe's leading independent, traditional money transfer company.

Azimo founder and CEO, Michael Kent said: “It’s fantastic to be announcing our latest round of funding on the inaugural International Day of Family Remittances, which recognises the huge contribution made by migrant workers to their families and communities back home.

“Azimo is just getting started on its mission to change the sector but already we serve hundreds of thousands of customers and have built the most comprehensive global network of any digital money transfer business. These funds will allow us to further expand our services and continue to give the worlds migrants a better deal.”

Frog Capital’s Iyad Omari said: “Global money transfer is a half-trillion dollar market which is rapidly going online, with customers seeing the benefits in speed, cost and convenience. The emergence of native mobile options like Azimo will only intensify this trend.”

“We’ve been impressed by Azimo’s growth in the sector and the significant traction they’ve made to date. Digging deeper, we like the retention and advocacy among their customer base. We’re delighted to partner with Azimo’s team as they look to drive this transition of the valuable and growing remittance market.”

Azimo’s advisors on this funding round were FT Partners and Dorsey and Whitney.

 

 

 

 

Eastside Business is Back

Eastside Business Returns to Help Promote Businesses in Bellevue and on the Eastside

Eastside Business and EastsideBusiness.com are back with a vengeance - and a new concept in self-publicity for businesses on the Eastside.  Eastside Business has always been about promoting business on the Eastside, but now we are going to help you promote your own business.  Send us a press release and we will post it here on Eastside Business for FREE!

More details to follow, but in the meantime, subscribe and look for more details to be revealed.

 

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