$martEconomy

Five Early-Stage Companies Receive $574,250

Five companies in the northeastern region of Pennsylvania have received investments from Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania totaling $574,250. The companies, all early-stage ventures, received individual investments ranging from $24,250 to $150,000 each.

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania invests in early-stage, technology-focused companies, and manufacturers. It also promotes community-wide infrastructure that fosters a favorable business environment for high-growth companies.

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania is located on the campus of Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. It has regional offices in Lewisburg, Reading, and Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

Lead Source: Business Wire

More Charter School Students' Score At Proficient Exam Levels Than Traditional Public School Students

According to a study conducted by Caroline Hoxby of The Hoover Institution and Harvard University, nationwide, more students in charter schools reach levels of proficiency in math and reading state examinations than their traditional public school peers. The study compares charter school student performance to their nearest traditional public school.

Study results indicated that 10% more students in charter schools that have been in operation for nine years or greater, score at proficient levels on state examinations. Findings show the gap lowers for charter schools in operation for less time, but they still have more students with these scores than traditional public schools. Overall, 5% more charter school students score at proficient levels on reading state examinations and 3% more charter school students score at proficient levels in math than their traditional public school peers, regardless of how long the charter school has been in operation.

Lead Source: Business Wire, Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University

Elkware Acquired By InfoSpace

Elkware, a German mobile games company, has entered into an agreement to be acquired by InfoSpace (NASDAQ: INSP), a technology and services company that includes  InfoSpace Mobile, producer and publisher of personalized media and games for mobile operators.

The acquisition is priced at $26 million in cash and is expected to close January, 2005. More information is available at the InfoSpace website.

Lead Source: Business Wire

Vitel Software Acquired BY Concord Communications

Vitel Software, a voice network and security software company, has entered into an acquisition agreement with Concord Communications (NASADAQ: CCRD), a business services management software company. The purchase price is estimated at $4 million plus debt assumption. The transaction is expected to close in January, 2005.

Vitel Software is located in Worcester, Massachusetts. Concord Communications is located in Marlboro, Massachusetts.

Lead Source: Business Wire

Sprint, Nextel, Merge

Sprint (NYSE: FON) and Nextel Communications (NASDAQ: NXTL) announced they will partake in a merger of equals. The merged company, which has a combined equity of $70 billion, will be called Sprint Nextel. Sprint's local telecommunications business will be spun off to shareholders following the transaction.

Sprint headquarters is located in Kansas City, Kansas. Nextel Communications' headquarters is located in Reston, Virginia.

Lead Source: Business Wire

 

Everybody's Phone Company Acquired By Affordable Telecommunications Technology

Everybody's Phone Company and Affordable Telecommunications Technology (PINK SHEETS: ATCT) have entered into a share exchange agreement for 4,535,000 shares. Everybody's Phone Company will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Affordable Telecommunications Technology.

Everybody's Phone Company resells pre-paid telecommunications services to customers that have been turned down by local phone companies and those that seek an alternative to their regional Bell company. Everybody's Phone Company is located in Houston, Texas.

Affordable Telecommunications Technology offers pre-paid telecommunications services to the Gulf Coast region of Texas. Affordable Telecommunications Technology is located in Houston, Texas.

Lead Source: Business Wire

As Accountability Rules Tighten, NPOs Feel Strain

As non-profit organizations around the country experience a crunch in funding, accountability rules spurred by recent years' accounting scandals are impacting their ability to hire and keep talent at the board and executive levels. Additional expenditures to come into compliance with recent laws could create further strains.

Many acknowledge the need to balance appropriate procedures for fiscal and managerial responsibility against aggressive tactics that may inappropriately target the wrong people- particularly board members that serve out of genuine interest and offer expertise and governance critical to their organizations.

Lead Source: Idealist, Buffalo News

 

Good Work Helps Latino Entrepreneurs In Durham, NC

Good Work, a non profit organization based in Durham, North Carolina teaches entrepreneurs how to start and manage businesses, conducting courses in Spanish. Course tuition varies based on a student's household income and ability to pay, ranging between $25 and $75.

The organization's course is geared toward new immigrants and includes coverage of topics such as licensing, business plan development, record management and personal financial literacy. Bilingual guest speakers make appearances and technical support is offered to students post courses.


Lead Source: Idealist, Herald Sun

Yele Haiti Launches As Wyclef Jean Attempts To Improve Haiti's Development

Yele Haiti, was formed by musician Wyclef Jean to address Haiti's development, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community development, health and the environment. Immediate projects include school and community development funding as well as HIV/AIDS outreach to youth. Orsa Consultants will manage the programs.

A group of prominent entertainment figures including Susan Sarandon, Russell Simmons, Tyra Banks, Jonathan Demme, Roberta Flack, and Haitian natives, Mona Scott, Dumas Simeus, Maryse Kedar and Gepsie Metellus make up a task force to guide efforts and ensure active community involvement.

A launch event in New York City is scheduled for December 9 and a free concert in Haiti is planned for Spring 2005, with an estimated 1.5-million attendees expected.

Lead Source; PR Newswire.com

Average "Innovation" Spending Expected To Increase 15% In '05

According to results from a survey by The Boston Consulting Group, 73% of companies will increase innovation spending in 2005, up from 64% in 2004. Executives expect their companies to increase innovation spending by 15%.

The Boston Consulting Group provides corporate and business strategy services and has offices worldwide.

Lead Source: PR Newswire