(CICI.OB) Communication Intelligence Corporation Announces Aberdeen Group Study Results

Posted on 24. Jun, 2010 by PublicWire in Finance   

(PublicWire.com Press Release)(OTC Bulletin Board: CICI) Communication Intelligence Corporation (”CIC”) the leading supplier of electronic signature solutions for business process automation in the financial industry and the recognized leader in biometric signature verification announced today the results of a recent Aberdeen research study published by Aberdeen Group, a Harte-Hanks Company. In March and April 2010, Aberdeen conducted research for a benchmark study involving 472 organizations, including 67 companies currently deploying electronic signature technology.

“A key challenge facing businesses today is achieving cost effective sales growth in the face of a constricted economy following the 2009 recession,” stated Peter Ostrow, Aberdeen Group’s Research Director for Sales Effectiveness. “And recent research we conducted confirms that the users of electronic signature technology out perform non-users in key areas that significantly and positively impact the achievement of cost effective sales growth. For instance, users of electronic signatures were 50% more likely than non-users to show year over year improvements in customer renewal rates, 41% more likely to reduce proposal error rates and 18% more likely to shorten their sales cycles. The research confirmed improved results for users leveraging electronic signatures in many other key area as well.”

“As the leading supplier of electronic signature technology to the financial industry we recognize the competitive challenges that banks, insurers, brokerage firms and others in the financial industry face, most recently exacerbated by the financial market meltdown, which significantly reduce their income from investment sources,” stated Guido DiGregorio, CIC’s Chairman & CEO. “For years we have experienced the significant improvements that our technology delivers by enabling enterprises to achieve their revenue growth objectives cost effectively. We do that by significantly compressing the sales cycle and significantly reducing expenses associated with generating and delivering paper documents including the virtual elimination of rework due to errors and omissions.

“In addition, revenue is increased by enhancing the customer experience and customer satisfaction which improves the acquisition and retention of customers and cross-selling efforts as well. In essence, our technology enables legal and regulatory compliant electronic transactions in 1/3rd the time and at 1/3rd the cost of paper based transactions. We are delighted to participate in this independent research, with the Aberdeen Group, and appreciate the contributions the findings make in providing such specific validation of the various and many metrics that electronic signature technology improves, resulting in the achievement of cost effective sales growth.”

To obtain a copy of the report, visit:

Aberdeen Research Confirms CIC Electronic Signatures Key Enabler in Achieving Cost Effective Sales Growth

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CICI.OB, CICI.OTCBB, CICI

2-3-2010 Access Plans, Inc. Announces Financial Results for Fiscal First Quarter (OTCBB: APNC)

Posted on 03. Feb, 2010 by PublicWire in Finance   

Access Plans, Inc. (OTCBB: APNC), a leading membership and insurance marketing company, today announced financial results for its fiscal 2010 first quarter ended December 31, 2009. The results reflect the Company’s acquisition of Access Plans USA, completed on April 1, 2009, including a higher share count resulting from the transaction.

Revenues for the fiscal 2010 first quarter increased to $13.3 million compared to $5.7 million in the prior-year period primarily as a result of the acquired Access Plans USA operations. Operating income increased 35% to $1.6 million versus $1.2 million in the prior-year period, which reflected the impact of the acquired Access Plans USA operations, and improved sequential profitability in the Company’s Wholesale Plans Division.

Despite the improvement in operating income, net income for the period was $0.9 million versus $1.0 million last year. The decline related to an increase in the Company’s tax rate to 39.5% in the fiscal 2010 first quarter versus 34% in the prior-year period as well as to a deferred tax benefit recognized last year. On a per share basis, earnings were $0.04 versus $0.06 per diluted share in last year’s first quarter which reflected the increased number of shares outstanding as well as the deferred tax benefit. As a result of the Access Plans USA acquisition in April 2009, the Company had 20.5 million weighted average shares outstanding at December 31, 2009, versus 14.8 million shares at the end of last year’s first quarter. The share count at the end of the fiscal 2010 first quarter also reflects the Company’s repurchase of approximately 1.9 million shares during the period as a condition of a legal settlement.

“With most of the immediate cost savings realized from the acquired Access Plans operations, we shifted our emphasis in the quarter to positioning our businesses for sustainable, long-term growth,” commented Danny Wright, Chief Executive Officer. “Our Wholesale Plans Division has benefited from moderating unemployment and offers us significant opportunity to leverage our installed customer base and introduce new product and service offerings, including individual healthcare programs. Within our Retail Plans Division, recent wins and solid execution are expected to drive top-line performance while an anticipated reduction in network costs resulting from a change in provider should enhance segment profitability. Lastly, the acquired Insurance Marketing Division, which has reached profitability under our ownership, offers us a tremendous growth platform as we focus on reenergizing the agent network and delivering the right products to the most compelling geographic markets.”

Wholesale Plans

Revenues for the Wholesale Plans Division in the fiscal 2010 first quarter increased 8% to $5.2 million, or 39% of total revenue, versus $4.8 million in the prior-year period. Revenue growth was attributable primarily to the addition of new accounts as well as improved acceptance rates with existing partners. While gross margin declined 18% on a year-over-year basis due to higher involuntary unemployment expenses, this waiver expense on a sequential basis improved by $0.4 million as the number of new waivers filed continues to moderate and customers reach their maximum allowed benefits under the program. As a result, gross margin nearly doubled on a sequential basis from the fiscal 2009 fourth quarter to $1.2 million in the recent period. Operating income in the fiscal 2010 first quarter was $0.7 million versus $1.0 million in the prior-year period.

Retail Plans

Revenues for the Retail Plans Division in the fiscal 2010 first quarter increased to $3.9 million, or 29% of total revenues, prior to inter-company eliminations, versus $2.1 million in the prior-year period. The increase was attributable primarily to the acquired Access Plans USA operations which expanded the Company’s discount health membership offerings. Operating income for the division in the fiscal 2010 first quarter increased to $0.9 million compared to $0.5 million in the prior-year period. During the period, results benefited from a solid contribution from fees related to our involvement with a national Rx plan. As previously announced, the Company signed two new contracts in the first quarter which are both now active and expected to contribute meaningfully to segment revenue in the second half of fiscal 2010.

Insurance Marketing

Insurance Marketing Division revenues in the fiscal 2010 first quarter were $5.5 million, or 41% of total revenues, versus $5.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. The sequential decline was due to seasonality as well as the discontinuation of a carrier’s plan. Operating income was $0.3 million versus $0.4 million in the fiscal 2009 fourth quarter. The Insurance Marketing Division comprises the America’s Health Care Plans (AHCP) operations acquired as part of the Access Plans USA acquisition. As a result, there are no comparable results from the prior-year period.

Other Matters

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash totaled $5.7 million at December 31, 2009 versus $4.6 million at September 30, 2009. Stockholders’ equity reached $11.9 million at December 31, 2009.

Conference Call and Webcast Information

Access Plans will host a conference call today, February 3, at 10:00 a.m. ET. To access the conference call, please dial 877-869-3847 (U.S.) or 201-689-8261 (international) approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. The conference call will also be available via live webcast under the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website, www.accessplans.com, or click here to access the webcast directly.

If you are unable to listen to the live call, a replay will be available through February 10, 2010, and can be accessed by dialing 877-660-6853 (U.S.) or 201-612-7415 (international). Callers will be prompted for replay account number 355# followed by conference ID number 343587#. An archived version of the webcast will also be available under the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website, www.accessplans.com.

About Access Plans, Inc.

Access Plans, Inc. (OTCBB: APNC) is a leading membership and insurance marketing company with three complementary distribution channels offering multiple opportunities for growth. The Wholesale Plans Division specializes in turnkey, private label membership benefit plans offered through retail outlets including rent-to-own centers. The Retail Plans Division markets healthcare-related discount products and services to consumers through third-party marketers. Program components in both membership plan divisions range from medical, dental and pharmacy discounts to grocery, restaurant, automotive, travel and other consumer discounts. The Insurance Marketing Division comprises America’s Health Care Plans (AHCP), one of the nation’s largest independent agent networks for distributing individual major medical health insurance. For more information, please visit: www.accessplans.com.

WorldVest (WOVT.OB) Announces Third Quarter Financial Results

Posted on 30. Nov, 2009 by PublicWire in Finance   

30 November 2009 (PublicWire) — WorldVest, Inc. (OTCBB:WOVT), a global merchant bank, announced today its financial results, during its development stage, for its fiscal 2009 third quarter ending September 30, 2009. The Company posted revenue of $9,051 and a net quarterly loss of $721,524, or $0.01 per diluted share. These results contribute to revenue of $36,371 and a net loss of $1,389,495 for the nine months ending September 30, 2009. WorldVest anticipates a significant revenue increase through the final quarter of 2009 continuing into 2010 as it exits development stage with the launch of its subsidiary, WorldVest Brasil, Ltda.

During the June 2009 launch of WorldVest, Inc., through a consolidation of Merchant Banking Assets into Catalyst Ventures Incorporated, we had to account for this consolidating transaction by adopting related party GAAP accounting rules governing business combinations. As a result of these accounting rules the $6 million of convertible debentures issued by WorldVest to its parent company in exchange for the assets was treated as dividend and recorded as an additional deficit accumulated during development stage. In “as-if pooling-of-interests” accounting, financial statements of the previously separate companies for periods under common control prior to the combination are restated on a combined basis to furnish comparative information while assuming $6 Million of convertible debentures and other various related party debts. The final effects of any acquired or market value for assets or subsidiaries acquired through our business consolidation will not be reflected on our company balance sheet. At this time management believes that the Global Merchant Banking infrastructure assets and subsidiaries acquired from a related party has tremendous present and future value not currently reflected on our balance sheet.

WorldVest Chairman and CEO, Garrett K. Krause, commented, “It is important to understand that WorldVest was launched in June of 2009, through a consolidation of assets from its parent company and as such we are still considered a development stage entity. At this time I am extremely pleased with the progress we have made and the potential value through our continued investment and development of our Global Merchant Banking infrastructure both in Brazil and Asia.” Krause continued, “there are no shortcuts or discounts when entering new emerging markets, yet I am entirely confident that the continued investment into these markets will pay shareholder dividends for years to come. In particular, our recent efforts to establish WorldVest operations in the highly profitable yet underserved banking and finance market within Brazil have positioned us to begin deploying capital through a variety of channels beginning in the first half of 2010.”

WorldVest’s greatest asset has always been its human capital and network of global relationships, which have afforded the company a unique level of access to some of the most desireable emerging growth markets. Notable examples of the impact of such relationships include the Company’s access to Brazilian retailers, its investment MOU with the Korea Trade and Investment Promotion Agency, and its banking and advisory license in the People’s Republic of China. Through this global infrastructure, WorldVest seeks to capitalize on synergies existing between Brazil, Korea, and China to identify and pursue opportunities, which offer the greatest potential to create significant revenues in the pursuit of creating shareholders value.

About WorldVest:

WorldVest is a global merchant bank that offers not only traditional investment banking, asset management and advisory services, but also makes direct investments as a principal in select high-growth transactions on a global basis. Recognizing the disconnect that exists between the needs of companies and the limitations of traditional investment banking, private equity, and venture capital institutions, WorldVest seeks to set a new standard, emerging as a partner and solution provider where one did not previously exist.

Forward Looking Statements:

Certain statements in this release and other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of the Company are “forward looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Statements regarding future events and developments and our future performance, as well as management’s expectations, beliefs, plans, estimates or projections relating to the future are forward-looking statements within the meaning of these laws. The forward looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties including market acceptance of the Company’s services and projects and the Company’s continued access to capital and other risks and uncertainties outlined in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are incorporated herein by reference. The actual results the Company achieves may differ materially from any forward-looking statements due to such risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on our current expectations and speak only as of the date of such statements.

Triton (TTDZ.PK) Announces Completion of Automated Instant Language Translation System

Posted on 30. Nov, 2009 by PublicWire in Technology   

30 November 2009 (PublicWire) — Triton Distributions Systems Inc. (PINKSHEETS: TTDZ) announces today the completion of its automated instant language translation system. This enhancement to its already technologically superior travel industry database delivery systems allow Triton to continue to aggressively pursue expansion of its international travel industry reservation platform.

According to Gregory Lykiardopoulos, CEO of Triton, “This new language translation capability incorporated into our database system is a technological revolution for both the travel professional as well as the traveler. We can now instantly change languages for both electronic information and printed documents as, and when, needed for anyone, anytime they use our systems.”

About Triton Distribution Systems:
Triton Distribution Systems is a pioneer in low-cost, business-to-business, Internet-based travel distribution and procurement solutions. Triton provides the electronic distribution of travel inventory from airlines, car rental companies, hotels, tour and cruise operators, and other travel vendors to travel agencies and their clients on a global basis. Triton’s proprietary products and services fill crucial needs in the travel industry, and offer product, pricing, and marketing advantages. Triton has developed a broad-based suite of products, including ReservationExpert™, TritonTwist™ and Red Dragon Express™ — the world’s first distribution gateway to the Chinese market.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release includes forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. While these statements are made to convey to the public the company’s progress, business opportunities and growth prospects, readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements represent management’s opinion. Whereas management believes such representations to be true and accurate based on information and data available to the company at this time, actual results may differ materially from those described. The company’s operations and business prospects are always subject to risk and uncertainties. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ are set forth in the company’s periodic filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact:
Triton Distribution Systems, Inc.
Gregory Lykiardopoulos
CEO
415-381-4806

Kevin Kennedy Appointed to the Board of Directors of NorCal Community Bancorp and Bank of Alameda (NCLC.OB)

Posted on 24. Nov, 2009 by PublicWire in Finance   

24 November 2009 (PublicWire) — James B. Davis, Chairman of the Board of NorCal Community Bancorp and Bank of Alameda (OTCBB:NCLC), today announced the appointment of Kevin Kennedy to the board of directors of both entities. Mr. Kennedy, age 42, is currently the president and owner of Kevin Kennedy, LLC, an Alameda based financial planning firm. Mr. Kennedy holds a bachelors degree in Economics from the University of California, Davis and is a registered investment advisor with the State of California.
“We are extremely pleased that Kevin will be joining the Board of Directors of both the Company and the Bank. His qualifications as a financial planner and his strong ties within the Alameda community made Kevin an outstanding candidate for selection as an additional director to our existing board,” stated Mr. Davis. Mr. Kennedy remarked, “As a long time resident of Alameda and strong supporter of our local community bank, I look forward to joining this experienced group of directors and providing assistance to the successful future of the Company and the Bank of Alameda.”

Mr. Kennedy’s extensive professional resume includes over 20 years in the financial services industry. He is currently serving his third consecutive term as the elected treasurer for the City of Alameda. Kevin has hosted a business show on cable television and has been a financial columnist for the Alameda Journal.

A copy of the Company’s information and disclosure statement pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 15c2-11 can be found on the home page of the Company’s website at www.bankofalameda.com under the Investor Relations section.

Cautionary Statement: This release may contain certain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those stated herein. Words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “should,” “intend,” “project,” and words or phrases of similar meaning are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Management’s assumptions and projections are based on their anticipation of future events and actual performance may differ materially from that projected.

Contact:
NorCal Community Bancorp
Steve Andrews, 510-748-8468
www.norcalcommunitybancorp.com

HALO Group, Inc. (GPAX.OB) Makes Dallas 100 List as One of the Fastest Growing Companies in the Metroplex

Posted on 23. Nov, 2009 by PublicWire in Finance   

23 November 2009 (PublicWire) — Halo Group, Inc., a nationwide consumer finance company based in Allen, TX and a subsidiary of GVC Venture Corp. (OTCBB: GPAX) , was recognized by the SMU Cox School of Business Wednesday night November 4th as one of the fastest growing companies in the Dallas Metroplex. Dallas entrepreneur Sam Wyly spoke at a ceremony held at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center to honor the recipients.

Qualifications for the prestigious list includes the status of a company to be an independent, privately held corporation, proprietorship, or partnership within a year of the award; be headquartered in the Dallas area; and have sales between $500,000 and $75,000,000. Selection is at the sole discretion of the Dallas 100.

“The recognition of this honor is testament to the continued growth and success of Halo Group,” stated Scott McGuane, chief marketing and sales officer of Halo Group, Inc. Halo’s proprietary technology platform offers turnkey solutions for consumers and businesses in need of financial services. The company charted new territory recently announcing that it completed a public transaction, through a reverse merger with GVC Venture Corp, September 30th. “We welcome the transparency that results from going public. Halo has always supported the push for higher standards. Many of the verticals in our market don’t have this kind of accountability and we are excited about what this will mean for our industry,” added Mr. McGuane.

In addition to making the SMU – Dallas 100 list, Halo received many other awards in 2009. Recognitions include ranking 3rd in Comerica Bank’s Collin 60, the Capital One Bank Celebration of Enterprise Award, recognition by Inc. Magazine, and most recently Paul Williams received CFO of the Year by The Dallas Business Journal.

About Halo Group, Inc.

Halo Group, Inc. is a nationwide holding company based in Allen, TX with nine subsidiaries that operate primarily in the consumer financial services industry including debt, mortgage, real estate, credit, loan modification, and insurance. For more information about Halo Group, Inc., visit www.myhalogroup.com.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements:

Information set forth in this press release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in GVC Venture Corp.’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. GVC Venture Corp. disclaims any obligation to update and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.