“We will always pride ourselves on providing friendly and helpful service whenever one of our customers calls in, but giving the option to manage your account online brings a whole new dimension to customer service.”

The Progressive Customer Portal, as the account management system is called, allows customers to log in through Progressive’s website and manage their account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Customers will have the ability to make payments, view their balance, update their information and make other changes to their account.

“Everything the customer can do from the Portal, they can do by calling in to our support line, but these features give the customer the kind of hands-on view of their account that they haven’t really had before. The reaction from our customers has been universally positive,” Roe said. “We’ve always felt that our customer service and our technology have been two of the things that have set us apart, and it’s been great to roll out a service that combines both of those features.”

Roe said that Progressive has utilized an email campaign and training sessions over the phone to increase awareness of the Portal among their current customers, and he alluded to even more changes coming down the road. “This is just the first of many features we’re working on right now. We’ve set automation and ease of use as two of our highest goals for 2012, and the Customer Portal does a lot to move us in that direction, but we’re not done yet.”

For more information about Progressive, visit http://progfinance.com .

Copyright © 2012 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

As one of the 1,200+ exhibitors, Hill PHOENIX leads the industry in merchandising flexibility and innovative solutions for retailers’ most challenging needs. Visit the Hill PHOENIX booth (#4409) to experience these exciting new merchandising solutions:

* Hill PHOENIX will debut a prototype service case with retractable glass that allows retailers to instantly convert the case to self-service during non-peak hours. The ultimate in merchandising flexibility, this new convertible case is designed to maximize profit potential during all operating hours.

* GMD-5RG Aged Beef Case:
Move your aged beef to center stage with the increased visibility of Hill PHOENIX’s new service meat line-up equipped with Clearvoyant(TM) LEDs to put products in the best light possible.

* CWC-7H/R Hot/Cold Station:
Hill PHOENIX’s new Hot/Cold Station runs dry, refrigerated, or hot for the ultimate in merchandising flexibility. Imagine a hot carving station during the week and a refrigerated prep table on weekends.

* CWC-12D Dry Wine Display:
Showcase upscale wine and cheese with a service twist. This unit combines refrigerated wine with a unique wine dispensing service bar. Non-refrigerated wines are showcased in a custom-designed wine rack and bar. This innovative display allows customers to try before they buy. Easily create an upscale department with a small footprint.

* SBI-710H Hot Food Bar with Automatic Timer:
Automatic preheat timers save energy and increase food safety. This new integrated hot entree food bar features a built-in rotisserie merchandiser, auto-fill food warmers and soup wells. A raised product display area with a lower tray slide design makes accessing product even easier.

* Hill PHOENIX’s new PureView(TM) Door System lives up to its name by providing more viewable area in medium temp cases: the largest door height (75 inches), interior height (71 inches) and shelf depth (27 inches) available. More pack-out, product facings, and external viewing area makes it easier for retailers to stock and customers to shop.

* The next generation of Hill PHOENIX Clearvoyant(TM) LED Lighting will be on display as part of a one-of-a-kind lighting demonstration featuring various types of LED lighting in combination with different types of ambient lighting. Clearvoyant’s proprietary design directs light evenly from angles of 0 or 30 degrees, allowing for multiple merchandising configurations, and optional color temperatures of 3,000K or 3,500K make every product pop.

To view an interactive floor plan of the Hill PHOENIX FMI 2012 booth, visit www.hillphoenix.com on May 2, 2012.

About Hill PHOENIX:

Hill PHOENIX Inc., a Dover Company, is based in Conyers, Ga. The company designs and manufactures commercial refrigerated display cases and specialty products, refrigeration systems, integrated power distribution systems and walk-in coolers and freezers. Visit www.hillphoenix.com or call 800-283-1109 for more information.

Copyright © 2012 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

This new system will allow for stores to forgo the process of printing contracts for the customers to physically sign, and instead allow the customers to digitally sign their contracts from a computer, tablet, or smart phone.

“We’re very excited about the potential behind this new technology,” said Progressive Finance Vice President Kurtis Hilton. “Our system before was already fast and efficient, but now the store no longer has to worry about faxing or scanning any documents at all. All the customer needs to do is click a few buttons and they’re done. This is a level of automation that is unrivaled in our industry. ”

The electronic signature system is the latest in a series of technologies Progressive has launched in order to more fully automate their application process.

“When you couple the e-signature with our automatic bank verification system, it creates an incredibly streamlined experience for the customer,” Hilton said. “Basically, you can have a customer apply for financing, get automatically approved in a matter of minutes, digitally sign their contracts, and leave the store with their new merchandise. Our system has been tailored around creating a fast and comfortable process for both our stores and our customers, and we feel like this latest addition really adds to that.”

Hilton went on to explain that the e-signature program is currently being successfully used by select pilot stores, and will be completely rolled out within the next month.

More information: http://progfinance.com .

Copyright © 2012 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

Glynn Place Mall is a single-level, four-anchor regional mall consisting of approximately 502,792 square feet of gross leasable area located in Brunswick, Glynn County, Georgia. Anchors include Belk, JC Penney and Sears. An Embassy Suites hotel is also adjoined to the mall.

The property is located at the intersection of Golden Isles Parkway and Scranton Road, with excellent frontage along Golden Isles Parkway, the main thoroughfare connecting Interstate 95 to Brunswick and the resort destinations of St. Simons Island, Sea Island and Jekyll Island.

CityView Commercial is the real estate arm for the Jimmy Jazz retail chain which owns and operates more than 200 stores in 18 states. CVC focuses on distressed retail assets and has the unique ability to add their stores to their assets.

CVC’s highly motivated, in house management and leasing staff operates the properties with a high level of cost efficiency and has successfully turned around assets such as Security Square Mall in Baltimore, Southwest Center Mall in Dallas, State Street Shops in St. Louis and Overbrook Plaza in Philadelphia. CVC owns many retail properties in the N.Y. boroughs as well as in New Jersey and Philadelphia. In addition, CVC has a multi-family residential arm which owns and operates multiple apartment complexes throughout New Jersey.

More information: http://cityviewcommercial.com .

Copyright © 2012 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

“Kerarganic is the new generation in hair therapy,” says Admir Serrano, founder and CEO of Beleza Pura. “And, I dare say, the safest on the market. Salon workers no longer have to worry about harsh odors, eye irritants or hazardous chemicals that are present in traditional keratin treatments. It’s a product that they can sincerely get behind and use with confidence. Now, even pregnant or breastfeeding women and children can enjoy keratin treatment. We solved the formaldehyde controversy.”

The Brazilian keratin treatment or Brazilian blowout, as it is also called, has been an important source of revenue to salons around the world. However, many stopped doing the treatment because formaldehyde, a main ingredient in the traditional keratin lotions, may cause health problems to hairdressers and clients. In fact, many clients are suing salon owners. As a result, several keratin brands containing formaldehyde are now forbidden in Europe, Canada, and Australia. In the U.S., both the FDA and OSHA are alerting hairdressers and clients about the health risks of formaldehyde fumes which are emitted during the treatment process. Formaldehyde has also been linked to cancer.

As the name implies, Kerarganic is a rich combination of natural keratin, the vitamin-packed, antioxidant Argan oil grown in Morocco; natural extracts; and an array of essential amino and fatty acids scientifically formulated to repair, beautify and straighten even the most resistant hair.

“There is no other product line on the market that rebuilds damaged hair like the Brazilian keratin treatment,” says Serrano. “Unfortunately, formaldehyde is a dangerous ingredient. We’re proud to have launched a product line that is free of formaldehyde or any other aldehyde or harsh chemicals, yet delivers the same expected results without the health risks. We want to bring the keratin business back to the salons in the safest manner possible.”

Another advantage of Kerarganic over traditional keratin treatments is that clients no longer need to wait two or three days to wash their hair after the treatment. With this new generation of hair therapy, hair is washed 20 minutes after the application process. It also allows clients to keep wanted curls with a simple twist in the final procedures.

Effects are visible within minutes after the first treatment and last approximately three to four months. To prolong results, Kerarganic designed a home care line composed of salt and sulfate-free shampoo; conditioner; leave- in conditioner; Argan oil serum, and an intensive weekly mask – all especially formulated to replenish keratin proteins, nutrients and vitamins that hair loses during the day.

Kerarganic products are made and available in the U.S. and are also being exported to North Africa; the Middle East; Europe; and Central and South America.

For more information, visit: http://www.kerarganic.com . Distributors wanted.

Copyright © 2012 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

A typical supermarket in the U.S. uses approximately 3,500 pounds of refrigerant. The Fresh & Easy Folsom store uses just 70 pounds – a 98 percent reduction that earned it GreenChill’s highest award.

“Environmental responsibility is part of our DNA. We’ve made a commitment to invest in sustainable technologies from the start,” said Steve Hagen, director of procurement and engineering at Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market. “Using new natural refrigerants puts Fresh & Easy on the forefront of sustainability our industry and ultimately makes these emerging technologies more cost effective for everyone.”

“The Folsom store is a fantastic example of the innovation that can be accomplished when government works together with businesses in a voluntary partnership to protect the environment and save money at the same time,” said Deborah Jordan, Director of EPA Region 9′s Air Division. “We are proud to be involved in this very successful project.”

Fresh & Easy’s Folsom store features Hill PHOENIX Second Nature(R) medium temperature fixtures and walk-ins running on glycol and low temperature fixtures and walk-ins running on C02. Glycol and C02 are environmentally friendly, natural alternatives to harmful HFC refrigerants.

“Fresh & Easy selected a Second Nature Compact Chiller system that effectively eliminates all HFCs from the store’s refrigeration system by using medium temperature glycol to condense the low temperature CO2. This is typically achieved with an HFC refrigerant,” explained Henry Pellerin, director, marketing programs for Hill PHOENIX. “The Folsom Fresh & Easy is the only store in the nation, to date, that uses this innovative type of system.”

Hill PHOENIX Second Nature Compact Chiller (SNCC) is the most environmentally friendly system available in the industry today. SNCC utilizes a unique heat exchanger technology that allows engineers to design a typical medium temperature supermarket system with the lowest refrigeration charge of any commercial refrigeration system on the market. As a result, retailers like Fresh & Easy can achieve a sustainable zero leak rate. SNCC is comprised of multiple compact chiller modules. Each module is a standalone refrigeration system and is completely factory-assembled, charged and run-tested prior to delivery.

GreenChill’s Store Certification Program is the only certification program in the nation that focuses on greener refrigeration. The Program’s chief goal is to reduce refrigerant emissions from supermarkets that damage the Earth’s protective ozone layer and contribute to global warming. A pound of leaked refrigerant can cause more global warming than 2000-4000 pounds of carbon dioxide.

About Hill PHOENIX:

Hill PHOENIX Inc., a Dover Company, is based in Conyers, Ga. The company designs and manufactures commercial refrigerated display cases and specialty products, refrigeration systems, integrated power distribution systems and walk-in coolers and freezers. Visit www.hillphoenix.com or call 800-283-1109 for more information.

About Fresh & Easy:

Fresh & Easy opened its first stores in Southern California, Arizona and Nevada in 2007 and set out to change the way consumers shop by making fresh meals and groceries more affordable and accessible. The company expanded into Northern California last year and now has more than 185 stores.

On average, Fresh & Easy stores use 30 percent less energy than a typical supermarket, which helps the environment and saves customers money. Fresh & Easy uses LED lighting in external signs and freezer cases, offers customer recycling in every store and uses advanced refrigeration and freezer units to cut back on energy usage. The company also recycles or reuses all of its display packaging, sending the majority back through its distribution center.

For more information about Fresh & Easy, visit www.freshandeasy.com .

Copyright © 2012 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

“Pet parents have made it clear that they want quality, value and safety in their dogs’ play products,” says Mike Connelly, Vice President of Marketing for Nylabone(R) Products based in Neptune City, N.J. “The new Romp’n Chomp(TM) Treat Toys are essentially toys which offer unlimited play value, and can also be filled with our natural, made-in-the-USA treats. The marriage of treat and toy helps to extend the value and life of the treats over a longer period of time.”

He adds that filling the durable and long-lasting toys with treats or kibble allows pet parents to use the toys as rewards for training and behavior reinforcement. Furthermore, healthy chewing helps keeps a dog’s teeth in tip-top shape.

Treat Toys Varieties:

The new Freezer Bone features a snap-in Nylabone treat shaped like Nylabone’s classic Souper. Great for teething puppies as well as dogs of all sizes, the bone has fill n’ freeze corners for added fun. Available in two sizes and made in the USA, it encourages appropriate chewing and its ridges help to clean teeth.

The fun and inventive Shish-Ka-Bone is an interchangeable treat holder with chicken flavored nylon ends and nylon center. It features chew disks that slide on to the middle of the toy for added chewing fun. Dogs can’t get the toys apart thanks to the safety lock mechanism that holds the chew disks in place. Providing longer-lasting fun and chewing for powerful chewers, this innovative toy has textured nubs for added dental benefits. It is available in two sizes to suite all size dogs, and replacement disks are available.

The Souper Treat Toy is made to look like Nylabone’s popular Souper, but features a snap-in treat bar. Designed with power-chewers in mind, this new made-in-the-USA treat toy satisfies a dog’s natural chewing instincts.

It spins, it wobbles, it helps clean teeth and massage gums: it’s the rubber Triple Treat Toy! Featuring snap-in Nylabone exclusive treats shaped like the popular Nylabone Souper, this ingenious three-armed toy will keep dogs occupied longer! Made in the USA, it encourages independent play and helps promote good dental health.

What says dog more than fetching a stick? Dogs love retrieving and chewing on sticks, so Nylabone created the rubber Hollow Stick Treat Toy. Like a stick found outside, it’s an easy shape for dogs to grasp, and it provides hours of interactive play and retrieval. This stick, however, has a hollow core that can be filled with a Nylabone Treat Bar. And, like other Nylabone products, chewing on this stick will massage gums and help clean teeth.

The rubber Treat Ball is a versatile toy that’s great for toss-and-play fun. It has shape pockets that can be filled with peanut butter and interior spaces for a variety of Nylabone treats like the Treat Bars, Healthy Edible Chews, or Treat Bits.

Finally, the rubber Wobbler Treat Toy is sure to please all dogs! Fill the center with Nylabone Treat Bars or Healthy Edible Chews. Or, smear the hollows with peanut butter and freeze it for longer-lasting play. With a weighted-bottom, the toy wobbles and is easy to grip yet its space-capsule shape makes for erratic bouncing fun. This is one treat toy that is sure to please!

The new Nylabone(R) Romp’n Chomp(TM) Treat Toys and refill treats, disks, bars and treat bits will be available in pet specialty stores this spring, with suggested retail prices ranging from $4.09 to $30.99.

About Nylabone(R) Products:

Nylabone(R) Products is a respected producer of premium dog products, and the Leader in Responsible Pet Care for Over 50 Years(R). Nylabone is a division of T.F.H. Publications, Inc., the world’s most distinguished publisher of high-quality care and training books for pets, and a founding member of the American Pet Products Manufacturing Association (APPMA). Nylabone is recognized for its excellence, quality, innovation and leadership in today’s pet industry. Its patented and patent-pending products are frequently industry award-winners. T.F.H./Nylabone is a subsidiary of Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ : CENT). For more information, visit http://www.nylabone.com .

Copyright © 2012 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

The coverage is written by an AM Best A-rated class XV insurance company and is admitted in all states. Limits of coverage can range from $1 million to $10 million.

Unique to SLICE, excess coverage includes both automobile liability (including non-owned and hired auto coverage) and liquor liability coverage.

Additional value added coverage for restaurants includes:
* Food borne illness coverage
* Pesticide, herbicide and fungicide exposures
* Crisis response (with no deductible)
* $250,000 crisis management cost
* $50,000 for public relations expense.

“Agents and brokers who work extensively in the pizza business have enthusiastically embraced SLICE,” said Seth Madnick, managing principal of EPIC Programs Group. “The program’s unique excess liability coverage will add significantly to the benefits and value they are able to deliver to their clients.”

For additional information please contact:
Seth Madnick
Office: 866.923.EPIC or 925.244.7788
Email: smadnick@edgewoodins.com .

Bob Ellsworth
Office: 866.923.EPIC or 925.244.7707
Email: bellsworth@edgewoodins.com .

About EPIC:

EPIC is a new and innovative California-based retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage firm. The company provides a unique equity ownership opportunity and has created a values-based culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence.

The fastest growing brokerage in the state, EPIC now has nearly 300 team members operating from seven offices across California (Los Angeles, Irvine, Folsom, San Francisco, San Mateo Petaluma and San Ramon).

With nearly $60 million in revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 50 retail insurance brokers in the United States and is the 5th largest privately-held broker in California. For more information, please visit www.edgewoodins.com .

About SLICE:

The SLICE Program offers the following benefits to pizza delivery operators and the agents/brokers who serve them:
* Protection designed specifically for pizza restaurant owners and delivery operators.
* Comprehensive, bundled package protection with strong underwriting, loss control and dedicated claims administration – including 24/7 claims reporting.
* Coverage offered in most states – admitted paper in 40 states and growing.
* Can bind coverage for any effective date – no common program anniversary date.
* Unique Excess Liability Coverage specifically designed for pizza delivery operators.

Copyright © 2012 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

VOCs:

(VOCs) Volatile organic compounds are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. Most mattresses contain considerable amounts of synthetic and chemical-based foams (polyurethane), plastics and artificial fibers, and most box springs are made with chemically treated wood and chemical adhesives. In fact, almost every mattress type contains at least some polyurethane foam components. A good choice to be free of VOCs is a chemically free 100 percent pure Dunlop Latex mattress.

PBDEs:

Polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) are major components of commercial formulations often used as flame retardants in furniture foam. There is growing evidence that PBDEs persist in the environment and accumulate in living organisms, as well as toxicological testing that indicates these chemicals may cause liver toxicity, thyroid toxicity, and neurodevelopmental toxicity. Even though PBDEs are in the process of being banned from use, you can be sure that any older mattress is sure to contain them. If you sleep on an old mattress it is time to upgrade with a USDA certified Organic cotton mattress.

Formaldehyde:

Formaldehyde, a colorless, pungent-smelling gas, can cause watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes and throat, nausea, and difficulty in breathing in some humans exposed at elevated levels (above 0.1 parts per million). High concentrations may trigger attacks in people with asthma. It has also been shown to cause cancer in animals and may cause cancer in humans. Health effects include eye, nose, and throat irritation; wheezing and coughing; fatigue; skin rash; severe allergic reactions. Formaldehyde is typically used to make adhesives that hold mattresses together.

Phthalates:

Phthalates are animal carcinogens and can cause fetal death, malformations, and reproductive toxicity in laboratory animals. Children may be at higher risk of adverse effects of phthalates because of anticipated higher exposures during a time of developmental and physiologic immaturity. Phthalates are not covalently bound to the plastic matrix and leach out of PVC. The Vinyl/PVC surface of a typical baby mattress consists of 30 percent phthalates that can leach out into your child’s crib. Why risk your child’s life on anything but an organic cotton baby crib mattress.

What is Offgassing?

Polyurethane foam is the number one ingredient in traditional mattresses today. Understanding the dangers from off gassing is why so many Americans are now purchasing organic mattresses. Off gassing from polyurethane foam, releases many harmful petroleum chemicals. These chemicals in mattresses release hydrocarbons that evaporate into the air we breathe throughout a mattress’ lifetime. These hydrocarbons are powerful carcinogenic chemicals, attacking and severely damaging the immune and nervous systems of adults and children.

So where can you get a mattress that is chemical free?

The Futon Shop manufactures natural organic futon mattresses and green futon mattresses by combining the most pure and natural elements inside their organic futons to build the most comfortable and natural organic mattresses, sofa bed mattresses and futon mattresses. USDA certified Organic cotton futon mattresses, American grown long crimp Virgin Wool mattresses, chemically free 100 percent pure Dunlop Latex mattresses and beds, VOC free soy-based foam futon mattresses (CertiPUR-US certified), GOTS certified Organic cotton mattress pad protectors, and all their inner springs bed mattresses are made from recycled steel right here in the U.S. They are also a proud founding member of the Sustainable Furniture Council and a member of the Organic Trade Association. They have been manufacturing American made natural and organic mattresses for over 30 years and have over 2 million happy customers.

In accordance with Federal law, The Futon Shop does use a borate to ensure all mattresses are fire retardant. They will gladly omit the Borate in any mattress purchase order with a note from your doctor or chiropractor.

More information: http://www.thefutonshop.com .

About The Futon Shop:

Since 1976, The Futon Shop, a vertical retailer manufacturing organic and green futon mattresses for sofas and beds, offer clean solutions for chemical free bedrooms from farm to factory their products eliminate the dangerous toxins that are harming American homes.

Copyright © 2012 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

“Our dogs’ ancestors’ diets did not include grain, corn or other fillers,” says Mike Connelly, Vice President of Marketing for Nylabone(R) Products based in Neptune City, N.J. “We at Nylabone know that pet parents want the healthiest, most natural products for our pets, and these new grain-free dog treats are just that.”

Connelly says that veterinarians have known what many pet lovers have not: the link between a dog’s allergies and “unnatural” food fillers like wheat and corn. In his book “The Holistic Health Guide: Natural Care for the Whole Dog,” holistic pet care expert Doug Knueven, DVM, says “Grains contained in pet foods contribute to the widespread problem of canine allergies. You do not see wolves-our dogs’ wild counterparts-out grazing in the corn field.”

Rich in antioxidants and slow-cooked to help maintain nutrients, the new Grain-Free Dog Biscuits from Nylabone are made in the USA. The tasty biscuits are turkey-flavored and contain wholesome ingredients like peas, turkey meat, blueberries, cranberries and flaxseed.

Just as important is what they do not include: added sugar, molasses or salt; artificial flavors or colors; and preservatives. They contain no wheat, corn, rice, soy, or other grains. The new treats are perfect for sensitive stomachs and the fresh, healthful ingredients help build a strong and healthy immune system.

Only 8 calories each, Nylabone Grain Free Dog Biscuits are made for all dogs to enjoy from small to large. This allows pet parents to conveniently control portions and decide on how much to treat their dog.

The new products are available for a limited time only in Costco Warehouse in North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Puerto Rico. They are available in 4-pound “pantry packs” for $9.99.

About Nylabone Products:

Nylabone(R) Products is a respected producer of premium dog products, and the Leader in Responsible Pet Care for Over 50 Years(R). Nylabone is a division of T.F.H. Publications, Inc., the world’s most distinguished publisher of high-quality care and training books for pets, and a founding member of the American Pet Products Manufacturing Association (APPMA). Nylabone is recognized for its excellence, quality, innovation and leadership in today’s pet industry. Its patented and patent-pending products are frequently industry award-winners. T.F.H./Nylabone is a subsidiary of Central Garden & Pet Company. For more information, visit www.nylabone.com .

About Central Garden & Pet Company:

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ:CENT) is a leading innovator, marketer and producer of quality branded products for the pet and lawn and garden supplies markets. Committed to new product innovation, its products are sold to specialty independent and mass retailers in the following categories: Lawn and Garden – Grass seed including the brands Pennington and the Rebels; wildbird feed and the brands Pennington and Kaytee; weed and insect control and the brands AMDRO, Sevin, Ironite, and Over ‘N Out; and decorative outdoor patio products and the brands Norcal, New England Pottery and Matthews Four Seasons. It also provides a host of regional and application-specific garden brands and supplies.

Pet – Animal health and the brands Adams and Zodiac; aquatics and reptile and the brands Oceanic, Aqueon and Zilla; bird and small animal and the brands Kaytee, Super Pet, and CritterTrail; dog and cat and the brands T.F.H./Nylabone, Four Paws, Pinnacle and Avoderm; and equine and the brands Farnam, Bronco and Super Mask. It also provides a host of other applications-specific pet brands and supplies. Central Garden & Pet is based in Walnut Creek, Calif., and has approximately 5,000 employees, primarily in North America and Europe.

For additional information on Central Garden & Pet, including access to the company’s SEC filings, please visit the company’s Web site at http://www.central.com .

Copyright © 2012 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.