Friday, November 30, 2007

New Podcast from ESIS Offers Insight on Best Practices for Designing a Global Claims Management Program



PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ESIS, Inc., (“ESIS®”) a risk management services company of ACE USA, today announced that it has launched an audio podcast, or Internet-distributed program, on the best practices and considerations for designing a global claims risk management program. The podcast features a thought-provoking discussion by Steven Lulewicz, Assistant Vice President of ESIS® Global Claims Operations, who oversees ESIS’ centrally-managed international network of claims professionals in providing integrated and customized programs to enable risk managers to meet each customer’s needs and high performance standards.

In the discussion, Mr. Lulewicz explores the growing market need for organizations operating in the global arena and the multiple challenges and considerations facing today's companies when choosing the right partner to provide comprehensive claim management services. From a market demand standpoint, the concept of claims management via a Third Party Administrator (TPA) outside the U.S. was not previously an option. “With the expansion of businesses of all sizes into the global marketplace, through acquisitions, global partnerships, and even the Internet, global insurance and risk managers sometimes find themselves in unfamiliar territory,” said Mr. Lulewicz. “As a result, companies and organizations that could potentially use the services of a TPA have challenged the market to provide alternatives to the traditional claims management approach.”

The podcast, one of an occasional series of audio podcasts that ACE USA has launched on selected risk management topics, examines the options available for companies and organizations that may wish to use the services of a TPA and the growing need for alternative claim management options that have not been generally available other than by purchase of a policy to cover risks managed by the insurer. In addition, Mr. Lulewicz also provides recommendations in developing an effective Global Claims Management Program, how technology supports these efforts, and shares an example of how a successful program structure would work.

“A disciplined approach based on three key principles is critical to effective global claims management,” added Mr. Lulewicz. “ESIS can provide innovation and efficiency. By introducing our highly-customized proprietary network for global claims we create efficiencies that save time and money—savings that we pass on to our clients. ESIS also offers dedication and sophistication through application of best claims practices and global claims management through our Global RiskAdvantage® system, where clients can access consolidated global claims information that is updated on a daily basis. This is important to today’s risk managers who are strategic in their thinking and constantly looking for new solutions.”

To access the ESIS Global Claims Management podcast audio program (approximately 14 minutes in length), please visit www.ace-ina.com/podcasts. The material presented in the podcast is not intended to provide legal or other expert advice. It is presented for general information only. Listeners of this podcast should consult knowledgeable legal counsel or other experts with any questions. The above is only a summary; please see actual contracts for terms and conditions.

Organized in 1953, ESIS, Inc. (ESIS) provides sophisticated risk management services designed to help reduce our clients’ total cost of loss. ESIS takes a holistic approach that blends people, process and technology to offer programs that are customized to meet each client’s needs. ESIS is part of ACE USA, the U.S.-based retail operating division of the ACE Group of Companies, headed by ACE Limited (NYSE:ACE). ACE USA is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company and A+ (Strong) by Standard & Poor’s. ACE USA, through its underwriting companies, provides insurance products and services throughout the U.S. Additional information about ACE USA and its products and services can be found at www.ace-ina.com. Additional information about ESIS, Inc. and its products and services can be found at www.esis.com. The ACE Group of Companies provides insurance and reinsurance for a diverse group of clients around the world.
Contacts

ACE North America Communications
Carla Ferrara, 215-640-4744
carla.ferrara@ace-ina.com

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Tuesday, November 20, 2007

NEWS RELEASE: Urban Land Institute's Philadelphia Region Produces Video Podcasts With Cherry Hill-Based Professional Podcasts LLC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


News Media May Contact:

Steven L. Lubetkin, Managing Partner
Professional Podcasts/Lubetkin & Co. Communications
+1 (856) 751-5491 or steve@professionalpodcasts.com

Susan Baltake, Urban Land Institute
+1 (856) 428-8547 or Susan.baltake@uli.org

Urban Land Institute’s Philadelphia Region Produces Video Podcasts
With Cherry Hill-Based Professional Podcasts LLC

CHERRY HILL, NJ – November 13, 2007 – The Urban Land Institute’s Philadelphia District Council has produced video "podcasts," or Internet-distributed television programs, based on this year’s “Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2008,” a half-day conference on issues facing the real estate industry held in Philadelphia November 8. Included in the podcast programs is the luncheon keynote address by Philadelphia’s Mayor-Elect, Michael Nutter.

Emerging Trends in Real EstateĆ¢ is the most highly regarded and widely read forecast report in the industry, with a 29-year history. Undertaken jointly by ULI and PricewaterhouseCoopers, it provides an outlook on U.S. investment and development trends, real estate finance and capital markets, property sectors, metropolitan areas, and other real estate issues.

“We are very pleased to partner with Professional Podcasts to advance the Urban Land Institute’s mission, including that of helping real estate professionals make better business decisions and encourage economic development,” said Kenneth P. Balin, chairman of ULI Philadelphia. “Podcasting is especially effective for distributing ULI’s unique insights, because many of our members are busy professionals who need actionable information and news from us in a portable format.”

The six video podcasts include the five panels and the speech by Mayor-Elect Nutter. The panel topics and presenters, and a direct URL link to each video presentation are below:

Podcast #1: NATIONAL & GLOBAL OUTLOOK: Stephen Blank, Senior Fellow for Capital Markets, ULI – the Urban Land Institute.

Direct URL: http://professionalpodcasts.blip.tv/file/477796/

Podcast #2: THE ECONOMISTS: Joel L. Naroff, Chief Economist, Commerce Bank and President, Naroff Economic Advisors; James W. Hughes, Ph.D., Dean, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Rutgers University; and Gus Faucher, Director of Macroeconomics, Moody’s Economy.com.

Direct URL: http://professionalpodcasts.blip.tv/file/479123/

Podcast #3: THE HOUSING EXPERTS: Jeffrey P. Orleans, Chairman and CEO, Orleans Homebuilders; Mitchell Morgan, President, Morgan Properties (region’s largest rental unit owner/manager; Orawin Velz, Ph.D., Director of Economic Forecasting, Mortgage Bankers Association; Susan M. Wachter, Ph.D., Professor of Real Estate, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

Direct URL: http://professionalpodcasts.blip.tv/file/479236/

Podcast #4: THE OFFICE & INDUSTRIAL EXPERTS: James Mazzarelli, Senior Vice President and City Manager, Liberty Property Trust; Richard F.X. Johnson, Senior Vice President, Matrix Development Group; Timothy Pulte, Executive Vice President, GVA Smith Mack; James Dieter, Executive Managing Director, CB Richard Ellis.

Direct URL: http://professionalpodcasts.blip.tv/file/479850/

Podcast #5: THE RETAIL & HOSPITALITY EXPERTS: Joseph F. Coradino, Executive Vice President, Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust; Michael Salove, President and CEO, Michael Salove Company; Aran Ryan, PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Direct URL: http://professionalpodcasts.blip.tv/file/480112/

Podcast #6: Keynote address by Mayor-Elect Michael Nutter.

Direct URL: http://professionalpodcasts.blip.tv/file/480501/

“Podcasts dramatically extend the longevity of a half-day panel program like the Emerging Trends seminar, because interested audiences who couldn’t attend can still benefit from the content,” said Steven L. Lubetkin, managing partner of Professional Podcasts and Lubetkin Communications. “ULI Philadelphia has a clear vision for how to use podcasting as a business application, allowing busy and time-constrained listeners to get the information they need -- at a time when they want it.”


The podcast programs are available to the public for downloading and viewing on computers or digital video players at no charge. Viewers can download the six programs at ULI’s local website, www.philadelphia.uli.org.


The podcasts are also available to listeners through a “subscription” technology that automatically alerts subscriberts when new program content is made available, so that they receive future episodes in the series automatically. (There is no charge for “subscribing” to podcasts). Podcast listeners can also subscribe to the RSS "feed" for the podcast programs at

http://professionalpodcasts.blip.tv/rss/itunes.

Podcasts are digital audio or video recordings distributed using Internet technology. Visitors to an organization’s website can download podcast programs for review on their desktop computers, or synchronize them with a portable digital media device. Software programs called “feed readers” or “podcatchers” allow users to “subscribe” to podcasts at no cost, and receive new programs in a podcast series automatically.

About the Urban Land Institute

ULI–the Urban Land Institute is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit research and education organization supported by its members.

Founded in 1936, the institute now has more than 38,000 members worldwide representing the entire spectrum of land use and real estate development disciplines, working in private enterprise and public service. The Philadelphia District Council includes more than 1,000 members throughout Eastern and Central Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware.

As the preeminent, multidisciplinary real estate forum, ULI facilitates the open exchange of ideas, information and experience among local, national and international industry leaders and policy makers dedicated to creating better places.

The mission of the Urban Land Institute is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. More information is available at http://www.uli.org.

About Professional Podcasts LLC/Lubetkin Communications

Professional Podcasts LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lubetkin Communications, is a leading provider of podcasting services for corporations and professional organizations. Since 2005, Professional Podcasts has been counseling clients about the effective use of social media, like podcasts and blogs (online journals) as tools that facilitate two-way communications with customers, employees, and others.

The firm has produced high-quality podcasts for ACE-INA Insurance, The National Association of Realtors, CCIM Institute, the American Cancer Society, the American Institute of CPCU/Insurance Institute of America, Sun National Bank, the Rutgers University School of Business Administration’s popular Quarterly Business Outlook Seminar, NAPL, a graphic communications trade association, NJBankers, a trade association representing major banks in New Jersey, Leadership NJ, and for the Public Relations Society of America. The firm also produces its own podcasts focusing on public relations, computer technology, bond ratings, and interviews with book authors.

More information is available at http://www.lubetkin.net or http://www.professionalpodcasts.com.


# # # #


Editors, Note: Mr. Lubetkin is available to discuss how podcasting technology can help organizations communicate effectively with their audiences. Copies of the Urban Land Institute, Philadelphia District Council video podcasts are available on DVD on request. Please call Steve Lubetkin at (856) 751-5491 or email steve@professionalpodcasts.com.

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Tuesday, November 13, 2007

ULI-Pod6: Urban Land Institute Philadelphia 11/8/2007 - Philadelphia Mayor-Elect Michael Nutter

Professional Podcasts is pleased to present Video Pod #6 of six produced for the Urban Land Institute's Philadelphia Committee. These podcasts were recorded at ULI-Philadelphia's "Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2008" conference held in Philadelphia on November 8, 2007.
In this program, we present the luncheon keynote address by Philadelphia Mayor-Elect Michael Nutter.


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Monday, November 12, 2007

ULI-Pod5: Urban Land Institute Philadelphia 11/8/2007 - Retail and Hospitality Real Estate Experts

Professional Podcasts is pleased to present Video Pod #5 of six produced for the Urban Land Institute's Philadelphia Committee. These podcasts were recorded at ULI-Philadelphia's "Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2008" conference held in Philadelphia on November 8, 2007.

In this program, we present a panel of office and industrial real estate experts discussing their outlook for the real estate sector.

THE RETAIL & HOSPITALITY EXPERTS

Joseph F. Coradino

, Executive Vice President, Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust;

Aran Ryan, Manager, PriceWaterhouseCoopers Advisory

Michael Salove, President and CEO, Michael Salove Company;

Keywords: real estate,retail,hospitality,hotel,stores,philadelphia,lubetkin,coradino,preit,pricewaterhousecoopers,aran ryan,salove


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ULI-Pod4: Urban Land Institute Philadelphia 11/8/2007 - Office and Industrial Real Estate Experts

Professional Podcasts is pleased to present Video Pod #4 of six produced for the Urban Land Institute's Philadelphia Committee. These podcasts were recorded at ULI-Philadelphia's "Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2008" conference held in Philadelphia on November 8, 2007.
In this program, we present a panel of office and industrial real estate experts discussing their outlook for the real estate sector.

THE OFFICE & INDUSTRIAL EXPERTS

James Mazzarelli, Senior Vice President and City Manager, Liberty Property Trust

Richard F.X. Johnson, Senior Vice President, Matrix Development Group;

James Dieter, Executive Managing Director, CB Richard Ellis.
Keywords: real estate, urban land institute,uli,philadelphia,mazzarelli,johnson,matrix development,liberty property trust,dieter,CB Richard Ellis,office,industrial,lubetkin,


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ULI-Pod3: Urban Land Institute Philadelphia 11/8/2007 - Housing Experts

Professional Podcasts is pleased to present Video Pod #3 of six produced for the Urban Land Institute's Philadelphia Committee. These podcasts were recorded at ULI-Philadelphia's "Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2008" conference held in Philadelphia on November 8, 2007. In this program, we present a panel of housing experts discussing their outlook for the real estate sector.

THE HOUSING EXPERTS



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ULI-Pod2: Urban Land Institute Philadelphia 11/8/2007 - Economists

Professional Podcasts is pleased to present Video Pod #2 of six produced for the Urban Land Institute's Philadelphia Committee. These podcasts were recorded at ULI-Philadelphia's "Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2008" conference held in Philadelphia on November 8, 2007. In this program, we present a panel of economists discussing their outlook for the real estate sector.



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Sunday, November 11, 2007

ULI-Pod1: Urban Land Institute Philadelphia 11/8/2007

Professional Podcasts is pleased to present Video Pod #1 of six produced for the Urban Land Institute's Philadelphia Committee. These podcasts were recorded at ULI-Philadelphia's "Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2008" conference held in Philadelphia on November 8, 2007.

In this program, you'll see the opening presentation by Stephen Blank, senior fellow, finance, at the Urban Land Institute, who discussed real estate market trends at the global and national levels. Mr. Blank is introduced by Kenneth Balin, chair of ULI-Philadelphia.



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Thursday, November 01, 2007

NJBankers/New Jersey Bank Marketing Association Video Pod #3: Variable Data Printing as a Business Development Tool, Aaron Hale, PCG and Paul Hudrick of Eastman Kodak

This is program #3 in the NJBankers/New Jersey Bank Marketing Association's Fall podcast series. This is the third of three podcasts produced from the BMA's October 2007 seminar, "Business Development on a Shoestring." In this episode, we offer a presentation by Aaron Hale, VP Digital Communications, of PCG, a Spectraforms MSP partner; and Paul Hudrick, Business Development Manager, Eastman Kodak.

Why Take it Personal? Marketing that is. Banking is a VERY personal service. The DMA (Direct Marketing Association) and other industry sources have proven that using a personalized targeted approach to your direct marketing initiatives significantly improves ROI and lowers your cost of doing business. VDP (Variable Data Printing) and Multi-channel technology (Personalized URLs PURLs) affect emotional triggers in recipients that translate into higher response rates and higher conversions for you.



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NJBankers/New Jersey Bank Marketing Association Video Pod #2: Matthew Harvey of Financial Institutions Consulting, "Business Development on a Shoestring"

This is program #2 in the NJBankers/New Jersey Bank Marketing Association's Fall podcast series. This is the second of four podcasts produced from the BMA's October 2007 seminar, "Business Development on a Shoestring." In this episode, we offer a presentation by Matthew Harvey of Financial Institutions Consulting Inc.

FIC works with financial services firms on engagements related to growth, productivity and profit improvements.  This program runs approximately 17 minutes.

This program, the second of four, runs about 17 minutes. Produced by Professional Podcasts LLC. DVDs of all four parts of the seminar are available for purchase. Contact steve@professionalpodcasts.com.



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