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.

Silliker is recognized as one of the world’s leading food safety auditing firms, and has been accredited as a certification body for the Safe Quality Food (SQF) program of the Food Marketing Institute (FMI). Their GMP and FSS audits combine a host of recognized industry practices and principles, as well as recommendations from the National Advisory Committee for Microbiological Criteria in Foods, Food and Drug Administration, and United States Department of Agriculture. These comprehensive audit evaluations involve a systems review as well as a physical assessment of the facility in the implementation of food safety and quality systems procedures.

Multi-Flow Industries voluntarily undergoes periodic independent audit scrutiny as part of their commitment to the manufacture of high-quality beverages incorporating sustainable business practices and environmental consciousness.

CEO Mark Stephens of Multi-Flow Industries said, “We feel honored and blessed to have had a record-breaking year, financially, on the eve of our 75th Year Anniversary (which kicks off in February, and will be celebrated throughout 2012). In addition to our earnings reports, and the new brands that we’ve recently introduced, we are particularly honored to receive an ‘excellent’ rating in terms of Good Manufacturing Practices and Food Safety from Silliker. Consistent with prior years, the audit results confirm our commitment to our facility, our colleagues, and most importantly, to the finished beverages that we are proud to provide to our customers.”

Gary Moore, Director of Quality Assurance at Multi-Flow, is quick to stress the integral role that every employee makes in securing the excellent rating. “This achievement rests on the hard work of every single one of our colleagues, who live and breathe their dedication to Food Safety all year long.”

Multi-Flow Industries, based in Huntingdon Valley, PA, produces branded and private label concentrated Iced Teas, Juices, Carbonated Soft Drinks, Energy Drinks and Fortified Functional in Bag-in-the-Box packages. In addition to the recent “Excellent” rating from Silliker, Multi-Flow Industries has been an OSHA VPP Star Site since 2005. Nearly half of Multi-Flow Industries’ revenue is derived from private label partnerships with convenience store chains, foodservice operators, and branded bottle and can manufacturers. The balance of Multi-Flow Industries’ revenue is generated from route delivery sales out of their 12 warehouses along the East Coast. The company was established in 1937.

More information on Multi-Flow can be found on the company website at http://www.multiflow.net .

Copyright © 2011 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

DualCool uses a direct evaporative process to pre-cool outdoor air entering the condenser coil, and an indirect process (no moisture added) to pre-cool ventilation air entering the building. On retail facilities in hot dry climates, DualCool typically reduces annual cooling energy use and peak electrical demand by 25 to 40 percent.

This 2011 installation program resulted from a partnering effort of three affiliate members of the UC Davis Western Cooling Efficiency Center (WCEC): Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Wal-Mart and ICI. UC Davis launched the WCEC in 2007 to accelerate the implementation of proven cooling technologies that take advantage of the unique characteristics of dry climates typical of the western U.S.

Walmart began testing DualCool on stores in California and Arizona in 2008. ICI introduced its “Generation 2″ DualCool version in 2010. Prototypes of this higher-performance, lower-priced DualCool line were monitored by the WCEC in 2010, leading to this year’s Walmart demonstration program supported by PG&E.

“We are focused on leading the industry with implementation of cost-effective technologies that improve efficiency and move us toward a more sustainable future,” says Jim McClendon, Wal-Mart Director of Engineering. “We have been evaluating various evaporative pre-cooling products, and our major criteria are performance, durability, and favorable economics.”

The 2011 installations were supported by PG&E as a potential element of its Emerging Technologies program. Beutler Heating and Air of Sacramento, another WCEC Affiliate Member, installed the 115 DualCool units under a subcontract with ICI. The 14 stores stretched from Oroville in the north to Fresno in the south.

“We are always interested in technology that allows our customers to save energy during peak hours of operation,” says Dave Alexander of PG&E. “Thanks in part to the work of the Western Cooling Efficiency Center and their affiliate partners such as Wal-Mart and Integrated Comfort, there is a renewed interest in evaporative pre-cooling for hot dry climates. Over the next year we will continue to monitor performance and track energy savings on these installations.”

Mark Modera, Director of the WCEC, comments that “Retrofit cooling efficiency technologies are particularly needed because there are millions of RTU’s in use that will not be replaced for years. The WCEC is encouraging both new and retrofit cooling technologies, but the overall savings potential is greater in the retrofit category.”

“DualCool is designed for durability and easy service,” notes Dick Bourne, ICI Vice-President. “Our stainless steel enclosures, top-of-the line evaporative media, and high-performance cooling coils ensure long life, large peak demand reduction, and significant energy cost savings. We look forward to more partnering with key participants to cost-effectively improve the efficiencies of commercial cooling equipment.”

Company Information: Integrated Comfort Inc. is a privately-held California corporation that develops and markets energy-efficient cooling products and systems.

For more information, visit: http://icidualcool.com .

Copyright © 2011 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

Each Central Texas Smashburger will feature a regional menu created with regional flavors and tastes in mind. The Temple menu includes: The Texas Burger, served with crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, pickles, and red onion, and dressed within yellow mustard. It will also include the Texas Dog, a 100 percent Angus Beef hot dog dressed with pepperjack cheese, creamy guacamole, fresh jalapenos, spicy chipotle sauce, tomato, and onion. As a regional side item, the Temple store will offer fried jalapeno spears with buttermilk ranch dressing.

“Smashburger has a unique spot in the industry,” says Smashburger Founder and Chief Concept Officer Tom Ryan. “We have created a union of top-quality ingredients, loving preparation, and friendly service that we hope Temple will agree is unparalleled.”

At Smashburger, the secret is in the smash. They start with 100-percent-fresh, never frozen, Certified Angus Beef and smash it on a 400 degree flat grill to sear in the juicy flavor. To further the “better burger” experience, they are served on a toasted artisan bun and topped with a selection of the freshest produce, real cheeses, and highest-quality condiments.

Smashburger is known for its delicious burgers, but customers can also enjoy a selection of tender marinated grilled or crispy chicken sandwiches, grilled and split hot dogs, and fresh tossed signature salads, along with a variety of irresistible sides including rosemary and garlic-seasoned Smashfries, fried pickles, Haystack Onions, and Veggie Frites (flash-fried and seasoned asparagus spears, carrot sticks and green beans). The restaurant will also serve a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages including local beers, wine, hand-spun Haagen-Dazs shakes and IBC(R) root-beer floats in frosted mugs.

“We are thrilled to bring our business to Central Texas, starting in Temple,” says David Prokupek, Chairman and CEO of Smashburger. “We believe the Texmash franchise group will be great partners in helping the area come to love the excellent food and service Smashburger offers.”

“Temple is an exciting place for us to bring the Smashburger brand,” says Manish Agrawal, Managing Partner of Texmash Holdings LLC. “We see Temple as a thriving city with a lot of competitive growth in the fast-casual segment. Residents here have many choices for a high-quality quick meal, but we hope to stand out. Smashburger wants to be every city’s favorite place for burgers, and we aim to earn that respect in Temple with our great food and astoundingly friendly service.”

About Smashburger:

Smashburger is the country’s fastest growing, fast casual “better burger” restaurant. Its hand-crafted burgers are made with fresh, never frozen, 100 percent Certified Angus Beef, that are “smashed,” seared and seasoned on the grill to juicy perfection for every individual order. Guests can create their own burger masterpiece or enjoy one of Smashburger’s innovative signature recipes, including a unique burger for every local market that highlights the distinctive flavors of that region.

Smashburger also serves tender marinated grilled or crispy chicken sandwiches, grilled and split hot dogs, freshly prepared entree salads, kids meals, hand-spun Haagen-Dazs shakes and an array of signature sides. Developed and owned by private equity firm Consumer Capital Partners (CCP), Smashburger operates and develops both corporate and multi-unit franchise territories across the country with 140 restaurants nationwide. Smashburger topped the Forbes Most Promising Company list in 2011 and was also named to the 2011 Inc. 500 list. It is the recipient of the International Council of Shopping Centers 2011 Hot Retailer Award. To learn more, visit www.smashburger.com .

About Consumer Capital Partners:

Denver-based Consumer Capital Partners (CCP) is an innovative private investment and concept development firm focused on multi-unit retail businesses, primarily in the restaurant industry. CCP has deep experience in the fields of private equity, brand, concept and product development and strategic consulting. To learn more about CCP, please visit www.consumercp.com .

Copyright © 2011 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

McDonald’s SA has been using the iPulse iDU5 series of biometric devices for over 5 years. The robustness of the unit combined with its IP65 rating, for dust and weather resistance, is a key feature for operation in an environment where devices need to be able to survive even scalding hot cups of coffee. The iPulse iDU5 incorporates SecuGen’s SDA04M fingerprint OEM module that stores up to 10,000 users. SecuGen fingerprint sensors are widely recognized for their accuracy, ruggedness, and affordability.

“We’ve had a long-running relationship with SecuGen,” stated Thomas Snyman, CTO of iPulse Systems and the mastermind behind iPulse’s biometric devices. “For us, SecuGen’s world-leading algorithm, unparalleled accuracy, blazing speed and the sheer ruggedness of their sensors made them the perfect choice for devices built to last in the harsh African environment.”

Jeff Brown, VP of Sales and Marketing for SecuGen stated, “We have worked closely with iPulse for many years, and we are very pleased to see how well their products are being received in the marketplace. iPulse is our ideal partner – they take our core fingerprint technology and add their enormous expertise in creating end-user products and providing the support and service that large corporate and government organizations require. We are proud to work with them.”

Won Lee, CEO of SecuGen, added, “The success of iPulse in South Africa is a confirmation of our strategy of focusing on the needs of our OEM partners by working intently to provide them with best-in-class fingerprint products. We are dedicated to delivering the features and products that partners like iPulse can incorporate in their products in order to provide end-user customers with the best possible experience.”

About iPulse:

iPulse Systems ( http://www.ipulse.co.za ) is a technology design company that specializes in developing biometric technology solutions at a hardware, firmware and SDK level for integration into software solutions. iPulse Systems makes it a point to ensure that all the solutions they develop are built on platforms which they own, or which are based on open-source technologies that can be shared with their partners to ensure seamless integration into their systems.

About SecuGen:

SecuGen Corporation ( http://www.secugen.com ) is the world’s leading provider of advanced, optical fingerprint recognition technology, products, tools and platforms for physical and information security. SecuGen designs and develops FBI-certified fingerprint readers and OEM components, developer kits and software, including NIST/MINEX-compliant algorithms. Known for high quality, ruggedness, and performance in a wide variety of applications and environmental conditions, SecuGen products are used by world-leading financial, medical, government, educational and corporate institutions and are sold through a partner network of over 200 original equipment manufacturers, independent software vendors and system integrators around the world.

SecuGen(R) is a registered trademark of SecuGen Corp. in the United States and other countries.

Copyright © 2011 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

Baobab, heralded by Organics Processing Magazine as one of 2011′s top organic superfoods, is an African fruit harvested from what locals refer to as “the tree of life.” High in Vitamin C, Baobab has as many antioxidants as goji berries, more calcium than milk, more iron than red meat, more potassium than a banana and more magnesium than spinach.

“When we tasted baobab for the first time at Expo West in March 2011, we were interested in the flavor option, but once we saw that the nutritional benefits were off the charts, we knew we had the chance to once again create another exciting, innovative entry in the granola category,” said Rob Goluba, Director of Marketing for Hearthside Foods. “After our R&D team optimized the Baobab Coconut granola recipe, we quickly introduced this item to our offering to complement our existing industry-leading lineup of delicious bulk granolas.”

Hearthside Foods’ Baobab Coconut granola is available under the new GT Classic brand, in a 25 lb. bulk case. GT Classic Baobab Coconut granola is loaded with over 27 grams of whole grains per serving and is a good source of fiber and protein. This delicious granola product is available in the bulk foods section of natural and specialty retailers across the country.

About Hearthside Foods:

Hearthside Foods, with corporate offices based in Downers Grove, IL, operates 12 manufacturing facilities, employs nearly 5,000 team members in seven states and is the largest privately-held bakery in the country. The GT Classic brand made with organic (MWO) bulk granolas are produced in Hearthside’s Eugene, OR facility, along with the company’s other natural/specialty granola and cereal brands: Golden Temple granola, Peace Cereal and Sweet Home Farm granola.

More information can be found at http://www.hearthsidefoods.com .

Copyright © 2011 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

Anchored by Target, Upland was the plaza’s lead architect for the new Marshall’s store, the facade improvements and the interior fitups for national retailers like Sleepy’s, Radio Shack, Famous Footwear and Sally Beauty.

David Katz, Senior Vice President of RK Associates said “We want to thank Upland Architects for their service throughout the project. They worked diligently to meet a very tight schedule and were part of a team that helped to deliver a first class shopping center for the community.”

Upland recently completed projects for RK Associates in Newport, RI and Easton, MA.

About Upland Architects, Inc.:

Upland Architects, Inc. (www.UplandArchitects.com) is an architectural firm located in Norton, MA with a focused expertise in retail and commercial design. Their mission is to develop trustworthy relationships with their clients while producing quality designs quickly and efficiently. They service retailers nationally and retain architectural licenses in most North/Mid Atlantic states.

About RK Associates:

RK Associates (www.RKCenters.com) is a privately held, family-owned real estate development company which currently owns over 6 million square feet of commercial space. Their expertise lays in the acquisition, development and management of “open air” regional and community shopping centers in New England and South Florida.

Copyright © 2011 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

“Advansor, the world leader in CO2 transcritical technology, has a track record that is both unique and proven by hundreds of installations,” said Bill Johnson, president of Hill PHOENIX. “The addition of Advansor transcritical CO2 technology to our expanding Second Nature(R) line of glycol and CO2 systems will provide Hill PHOENIX customers with even more options for reducing their carbon footprint and operational costs. Hill PHOENIX’s continued focus on product innovation is a key differentiator in our markets, and this acquisition will build on our technology-leading portfolio.”

Advansor customers will benefit from the innovative engineering and design capabilities and refrigeration technologies that Hill PHOENIX brings to market. Through continuous investment in research and development, Hill PHOENIX has successfully led the U.S. market combining industry leading refrigeration technologies with the most innovative merchandising answers available to customers today. Advansor co-founders Kim G. Christensen and Torben M. Hansen will continue in their current leadership roles.

“Our new relationship with Hill PHOENIX gives Advansor the resources necessary to grow and expand our presence in European markets,” said Kim Christensen. “We are proud to be part of the Hill PHOENIX family of companies and look forward to making the most of our synergies.”

About Hill PHOENIX:

Hill PHOENIX Inc., a Dover (NYSE:DOV) 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 Advansor:

Denmark-based Advansor manufacturers and sells sustainable thermal systems for the production of heating and cooling in supermarkets, refrigeration and freezing facilities, CHP plants, the food processing industry and chemical industry as well as air conditioning for office buildings with CO2 as the refrigerant.

Copyright © 2011 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.