PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, Sept. 9, 2014

WASHINGTON, Sept. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., a nonprofit educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their dreams through higher education, today announced a total of 50 students from Montana will receive its prestigious 2014 Horatio Alger Montana Scholarship in the amount of $6,000, funded by the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation. The University of Montana and Montana State system schools have agreed to provide an additional $5,000 award bringing the total grant amount to $11,000, which will be disbursed over the course of the student's college career. These young men and women are recognized for their admirable commitment to continuing their education and serving their communities, despite facing significant adversity in their youth.

Since 1984, Horatio Alger Association has administered one of the nation's largest privately-funded, need-based scholarship programs, awarding more than $100 million in undergraduate, graduate and specialized scholarships to students from across the United States (including all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico) and Canada. In 2000, 16 years after the establishment of its national scholarship program, Horatio Alger Members began funding scholarships concentrated in each state to further the Association's mission of offering deserving young people across the nation financial support to pursue their collegiate goals.

"Since my induction in 1995, I have been a strong proponent of the Association's educational mission," said Dennis R. Washington, chairman emeritus of Horatio Alger Association. "But, it is the courageous stories of its Scholars – from overcoming unspeakable hardships, to their dedication to obtaining a college degree, to their unwavering desire to help those around them – that I find truly inspirational. It is a pleasure to help them in any way that I can."

"For nearly two decades, Mr. Washington and his wife, Phyllis, have supported the Association, its mission and our Scholars," said David Sokol, chairman of Horatio Alger Association. "Through the generous donation of their funds and their time, we are able to impact the lives of so many outstanding young men and women, and for that I am quite grateful. I am confident that the recipients of the Montana State Scholarship will be successful in whatever they choose to pursue, and we are proud to support them in their journey."

Collectively, the 2014 Horatio Alger State Scholarship recipients have maintained an average GPA of 3.6 and a mean SAT score of 1,593, while coming from a household with an average annual income of $21,482. Through the scholarship program, each recipient is awarded financial assistance to apply toward the tuition of their selected college or university.

For a complete list of the 2014 Horatio Alger State Scholars, please click here.

For more information about Horatio Alger Association and its 2014 Scholars, please visit https://www.horatioalger.org.

For additional information about many charitable works of The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, please visit http://www.dpwfoundation.org/.

About Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans:Founded in 1947, Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., fulfills its mission of honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals who have succeeded in spite of adversity and of encouraging young people to pursue their dreams through higher education. Horatio Alger Association supports students through annual undergraduate and graduate need-based scholarships and mentoring programs across the United States and Canada. Since 1984, the Association has awarded more than $100 million in college scholarships to deserving young people. For more information, please visit www.horatioalger.org.

CONTACT:McKenna Young484-385-2913 (office)myoung@briancom.com

SOURCE Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc.

PR Newswire

SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 7, 2014

SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) will induct Rod Diridon, Sr., into its prestigious Hall of Fame at its annual meeting and expo in Houston on Tuesday, October 14. Mr. Diridon is emeritus executive director of the Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI), which is affiliated with the San Jose (Calif.) State University College of Business.

He is being honored for a lifetime of leadership and advocacy for public transportation in the US and around the world. A trainman during college, Mr. Diridon appreciates rail's linchpin niche in the nation's transportation network. After two naval officer Vietnam combat tours, he began his elected career in 1971 as a 31-year-old city council member followed by 20 years and six times as chair of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors and Transit Board. He also chaired the bay area's three regional agencies, APTA, and was International Transit Association in Brussels (UITP) vice chair. He is especially proud of cofounding the APTA Diversity Council supporting women and minorities.

He chaired nine successful rail projects and four regional and two statewide transportation taxes. That focus earned the title "father of modern transit in Silicon Valley." In 1995, the main San Jose rail station was renamed the San Jose Diridon Station, hosting three commuter rail lines, light rail, and the planned BART and high-speed rail, all of which he chaired, as he left office because of term limits.

In 1993 he transitioned to executive director for the newly-formed Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) at San Jose State University. Former US Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta said, "Rod led MTI since its inception. The Institute has become known throughout the world for providing peer-reviewed research on critical transportation policy issues. That remarkable success was based upon Rod's lifetime of top policy level leadership."

MTI became known for reliable research on tough issues and a unique California State University Master of Science in Transportation Management taught statewide by expert professors via the Caltrans videoconference network. Retired Deputy US Secretary of Transportation Mort Downey said, "Via the Mineta Institute, Rod Diridon's dynamic pursuit of the nation's toughest research issues has helped agencies craft programs for safety and security, financing to replace the dwindling gas tax, preparation for high-speed rail connectivity, and much more."

In 2000, Governors Davis and then Schwarzenegger appointed Mr. Diridon to the California High Speed Rail Authority Board with orders to jump start the project. Elected chair, he used his 24 years of policy board experience to comply. San Francisco Bay Area Metropolitan Transportation Commission executive director Steve Heminger observed, "Rod is like a locomotive when he's focused on an objective. It's best to be on board rather than in his way!"

Mr. Diridon also helped convert the US High Speed Ground Transportation Association into APTA's High Speed Intercity Rail Committee, which he chaired. He also chairs the US High Speed Rail Association's Board.

In a front page feature article on his crusade to create high-rise transit villages atop rail station parking to combat climate change, traffic congestion, urban sprawl, and promote transit ridership, the Silicon Valley Business Journal said, "…you ignore him at your peril." Rod's message is that cities must radically increase the number of dwelling units atop and around transit to justify the billions of dollars invested to create those systems, maintain economic competitiveness, and fight climate change.

Mr. Diridon is a favorite worldwide conference keynoter on sustainability, stressing the interconnection among transit, land use, and climate change. He has often been quoted, "The rest of the world knows that steel wheels on rails are the most efficient and sustainable means of transport. Electrically powered light, metro, and intercity high speed rail systems are the least expensive and surest countermeasure to combat climate change. We must win that battle to maintain the US economy while protecting the future for our children."

He's chaired over 100 programs and, though retiring to half-time emeritus executive director at MTI, continues his travels. He received the lifetime achievement awards from the national Council of University Transportation Centers, US High Speed Rail Association, SJSU College of Business, and others.

Rod's passion is for his wife, Gloria Duffy, California Commonwealth Club president/CEO, son Rod and wife Sabra with two-year-old twins Avery and Rod, and daughter Mary and husband Steve with six-year-old Allie and three-year-old Aaron. Mr. Diridon ends every speech with a plea for help in combating climate change so that we might all be considered good ancestors.

ABOUT APTAThe American Public Transportation Association (APTA) is a nonprofit international association of 1,500 public and private sector organizations, engaged in the areas of bus, paratransit, light rail, commuter rail, subways, waterborne services, and intercity and high-speed passenger rail. This includes: transit systems; planning, design, construction, and finance firms; product and service providers; academic institutions; transit associations and state departments of transportation. APTA is the only association in North America that represents all modes of public transportation. APTA members serve the public interest by providing safe, efficient and economical transit services and products. More than 90 percent of the people using public transportation in the United States and Canada ride APTA member systems.

ABOUT THE MINETA TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE The Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) conducts research, education, and information transfer programs regarding surface transportation policy and management issues, especially related to transit. Congress established MTI in 1991 as part of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act. MTI won national re-designation competitions in 2002, 2006 and 2012. The Institute is funded through the US Secretary of Transportation's Research and Technology Office, US Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Safety Administration, the California Department of Transportation's Division of Research, Innovation and Systems Development, and public and private grants. In 2006 the US Department of Homeland Security selected MTI as a National Transportation Security Center of Excellence. The internationally respected members of the MTI Board of Trustees represent all major surface transportation modes. MTI is the lead institute for the nine-university Mineta National Transit Research Consortium. MTI is affiliated with San Jose (CA) State University's College of Business. Visit transweb.sjsu.edu

Contact: Donna MaurilloMTI Communications Director831-234-4009 (mobile)donna.maurillo@sjsu.edu

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100318/MTILOGO

SOURCE Mineta Transportation Institute

MANCHESTER, United Kingdom, July 22, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via PRWEB - Golf author and founder of Ultimate Golf Advantage, Alex Davidson, today releases a new interview on Rory McIlroy's momentous win at the 2014 British Open, which secures the 25 year-old's return to form. Mr. Davidson also looks at the inevitable comparisons that have been drawn between McIlroy and past champions and what this significant win means for his career - the full interview is available in full at http://www.ultimategolfadvantage.com/alex-davidson-talks-rorys-return/.

In an exclusive interview released today, Alex Davidson, golf commentator and author of 'Think to Win: Mastering the Mental Side of Golf', gives his insight into Rory McIlroy's dramatic win over the weekend at the British Open and discusses the significance of the event. Mr. Davidson's interview comes after a substantial win for McIlroy, which sees him advance to World No. 2 and marks his return to the top of the leaderboard after a difficult past two years. Mr. Davidson commented:

"It hasn't been a straightforward climb to success. Only last year in the 2013 Open at Muirfield, [McIlroy] failed to make the cut. The return of the 'Boy Wonder' has certainly been welcomed by viewers and players alike."

Taking a closer look at McIlroy's performance, Mr. Davidson notes that McIlroy's focus throughout the round of the tournament was reminiscent of his recent victory at Wentworth, showing a solid return to form for the 25 year old. Mr. Davidson discusses the significance of the win for the young player, commenting:

"It was a thrill to watch his performance this weekend, toping the leaderboard from start-to-finish - something not seen since Woods at St. Andrews 2005. (And if that wasn't enough) he's also become the first European to win three different majors since the Masters began in 1934."

In his new interview, Alex Davidson discusses in detail McIlroy's return to the top spot and what this win means for his future, noting that even McIlroy himself "never dreamed he would reach this point in his career so early on."

Mr. Davidson concludes his interview by discussing the personal significance that the British Open has to him and the industry as a whole. He said:

"Whilst many trophies are coveted in golf, I think one with this much history marks a special occasion in any professional golfer's career."

Alex Davidson's latest interview is available now at the UGA website, at http://www.ultimategolfadvantage.com/alex-davidson-talks-rorys-return/

About Ultimate Golf Advantage:

Ultimate Golf Advantage was founded to cut through all the marketing and training noise that exists in the golfing industry.

The team behind Ultimate Golf Advantage is committed to offering genuine advice and insight to passionate golfers around the world who are serious about improving their game.

More information can be found at the Ultimate Golf Advantage website: http://www.UltimateGolfAdvantage.com/

This article was originally distributed on PRWeb. For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.prweb.com/releases/Ultimate-Golf-Advantage/Rory-McIlroy-Wins-Open/prweb12034016.htm

The surge in biotech stocks extended the recent trend of volatile trading. Small-caps and the so-called momentum names in the Internet and biotech spaces have recently echoed the broader market's direction, but moved in an outsized fashion, often without specific news.

Among momentum names, noted for high growth and perceptions of excessive valuation, Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX.O) shares shot up 6 percent to $71.18, while Alexion Pharmaceuticals (ALXN.O) rose 2.5 percent to $160.48. The Nasdaq biotechnology index .NBI gained 1.9 percent. Shares of Salesforce.com (CRM.N), the world's biggest maker of online sales software, advanced 6.1 percent to $53.27.

The Russell 2000 .TOY index of small-cap shares rose 0.9 percent, outperforming the broader S&P 500. The Russell fell into correction territory last week - defined as a 10 percent decline from a recent closing high - but has since retraced some of that, and is now less than 8 percent from its peak.

"Small-caps and momentum names are doing good today, but we really need another solid gain in the overall market for those high growth-oriented, high-risk stocks" to move away from the day-to-day volatile trading, said Tim Ghriskey, chief investment officer of Solaris Group in Bedford Hills, New York.

Hewlett-Packard Co (HPQ.N) posted a bigger-than-expected drop of 1 percent in quarterly revenue as it struggled to maintain its grip on a shrinking personal computer market while protecting profit margins. The stock reversed earlier gains to end down 2.3 percent at $31.78.

Housing stocks ranked among the market's biggest outperformers, with the housing index .HGX up 1.2 percent after existing home sales rebounded in April. Homebuilders were among the S&P 500's biggest gainers, with D.R. Horton Inc (DHI.N) up 2.4 percent at $22.65 and PulteGroup Inc (PHM.N) up 2.2 percent at $19.22.

The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI rose 10.02 points or 0.06 percent, to end at 16,543.08. The S&P 500 .SPX gained 4.46 points or 0.24 percent, to 1,892.49. The Nasdaq Composite .IXIC added 22.81 points or 0.55 percent, to close at 4,154.34.

The S&P 500 is about 10 points away from its record intraday high set on May 13. For the past week, the index has been caught between the high and its 50-day moving average as data left investors unsure about the pace of the economic recovery.

Shares of JD.Com (JD.O) soared in their market debut on Thursday, jumping 10 percent to close at $20.90 after the Chinese e-commerce company raised $1.78 billion in an initial public offering.

Best Buy Co (BBY.N) rose 3.4 percent to $26.22. The electronics retailer reported first-quarter earnings that topped expectations and domestic comparable-store sales that fell more than expected.

U.S. existing home sales rose in April and the supply of properties on the market hit the highest level since August 2012, hopeful signs for the housing market's stalled recovery.

About 5.1 billion shares traded on all U.S. platforms, according to BATS exchange data, below the month-to-date average of 5.9 billion.

(Reporting by Angela Moon; Editing by Jan Paschal)

PR Newswire

HOUSTON, June 3, 2014

HOUSTON, June 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Top Shelf Brands Holdings, Inc. (a Nevada Corporation) (OTC: TEMN) (OTC Pink: TEMN) today announced its initial launch and plans.

Top Shelf Brands announced that they will launch this summer the long awaited herbal infused Besado Tequila in Florida to concentrate initially on building a significant market share followed by Texas, Nevada, California, Louisiana and Georgia. Because of revenues and consumption rates for Tequila in those markets are growth building, CEO Alonzo Pierce says that management believes by executing progressively in those markets for tequila that branding will send a message and be a great service to our consumers that we won't leave a job undone. "Besado Tequila", created by award winning designers for packaging, also comes with a revolutionary cork top design with raised lettering for ease of handling by consumers as well as bar and night clubs. The taste profile is what every tequila aficionado would enjoy.

The company discussed it ownership of three federally registered trademarks, proprietary bottle designs, two market proven successful products, proprietary formulae for expansions, A-List celebrities, athletes and media personnel and numerous press and public relations opportunities. The state of the art award winning tequila which includes importing, distribution and any tequila bearing the label "Besado Tequila," worldwide, including Mexico has obtained the approval of such label by the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, which assures that Top Shelf Brands Holdings, Inc ownership and rights to import and sell tequila in the United States under the trade name "Besado Tequila".

Alonzo Pierce CEO added that we have a proven concept, proven management and advisors, and have created substantial consumer demand for two brands that are in categories experiencing exponential growth. All of our products are based on considerable research and analysis. We have placed our feet in our consumer shoes in order to improve not only the specific product, but the experience that surrounds it by leveraging consumer insight to power our brands and business.

CEO Alonzo Pierce said "Products in the United States alcoholic beverage industry consist of three distinct segments: distilled spirits, beer and wine. Distilled spirits consist of three primary categories: white goods, whiskey and specialties. White goods, representing 33% of alcoholic beverage sales in the United States, consists of some tequila, vodka, rum and gin, but aged tequila (Añejo) is considered to be in the same category as whiskey (brown goods). Vodka is the largest product within the distilled spirits industry. Tequila is the second largest product within the distilled spirits industry and is the fastest growing distilled spirit.

Top Shelf Brands Holdings Inc., develops, imports, markets premium spirits and supplies branded alcoholic beverages with an initial offering of Tequila, Liqueurs and Bourbon in the $300 plus Billion U.S. Alcoholic Beverage Industry that is comprised of over 500 million consumers. Top Shelf has begun to build an outstanding collection of alcoholic beverage brands across all categories of spirits. www.drinktopshelf.com

Disclaimer:This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this release, words such as "estimate," "expect," "anticipate," "projected," "planned," "forecasted" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which are, by their very nature, no guarantees of Top Shelf Brands Holdings Inc.'s future operational or financial performance, and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. Due to the risks and uncertainties, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact Info:Website: http://www.drinktopshelf.comPhone: +1-832-390-2787Email: apierce@emperialamericas.com

SOURCE Top Shelf Brands Holdings Corp