SBWire

The economic recovery has arrived and is in full swing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the total number of individuals filing for unemployment benefits has plummeted to the lowest level in more than four decades. In addition, private employers have added jobs to the workforce for seven straight years in a row.

OnRamp, a leading provider of high-security hosting, compliant cloud, and colocation services, was granted the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield Framework Certification for the EU and Switzerland, formerly known as the EU-U.S. Safe Harbor Program. Awarded by the Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration (ITA), this certification adds to the growing list of data security and privacy credentials OnRamp upholds.

Laura A. Schoppe, president of Fuentek, LLC, a local technology consulting firm that provides intellectual property and technology management services, has announced the firm will be featured in The New Small: How a New Breed of Small Businesses is Harnessing the Power of Emerging Technologies. In this newly published book, author and independent technology consultant Phil Simon profiles eleven small businesses from a wide variety of industries and contrasts the way they use emerging technologies to save money while growing their customer base. The book covers a new breed of small businesses that are using Software as a Service (SaaS), free and open source software, social media and networks, mobility, cloud computing, and other emerging technologies. The chapter about Fuentek discusses the firm’s use of collaborations in a virtual-team environment.

Lou Jurkowski, FAIA and chief executive officer of BJAC, an architectural firm offering professional services for specialized, complex institutional projects, has announced the release of a podcast on potential resource sharing models for security training facilities and other building projects. In this podcast, architect Jason Chang discusses what resource sharing models are, as well as the benefits and lessons learned from recent projects. He discusses in detail the concepts of building infrastructure and program elements of recent BJAC projects. Chang explains how resource sharing allows for significant efficiency and environmental benefits.

David Finch, president and CEO of ATCOM Business Telecom Solutions, a communications solutions provider, has announced that the company has been named one of the top telecommunications equipment suppliers in the Triangle, according to Triangle Business Journal’s annual List of Telecommunications Equipment Suppliers. Rankings were based on the number of employees. Triangle Business Journal is a weekly publication devoted to reporting business news in the Triangle.

Security Management Consulting has upgraded their web presence with a WordPress website that features an on-site blog and green screen home page video.

Dean Ogan, owner of Rocky Top Hospitality has announced that 510 Glenwood Ave., location of Bogart’s American Grill, Hi5 Sports Restaurant & Bar and The Red Room Tapas Lounge will be a drop-off point for the Pepsi Caniac Coach, a free-to-fans luxury bus program. The bus will take fans from any of the 510 Glenwood Ave. restaurants to the game. The bus leaves the RBC Center 20 minutes after the event to return back to the bus stops. .

Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP (www.cshlaw.com), a corporate and civil defense litigation firm, welcomes Paul H. Derrick to the Labor and Employment practice group. Derrick will serve as partner in the Raleigh office.

The 2011 Krispy Kreme Challenge will take place February 5, 2011. Organized by North Carolina State University students, the event is expected to draw 7,500 participants in its seventh year. Proceeds benefit the North Carolina Children’s Hospital.

DocuSource of NC, a marketing services provider of printing and communication materials as well as Web portals for document storage and ordering, has partnered with CAPTRUST Financial Advisors to support Camp Firefly, a nonprofit charitable organization benefiting terminally ill children and their families. DocuSource printed the promotional materials developed by CAPTRUST to raise awareness for Camp Firefly at the “North Hills Holiday Sip & Stroll” on November 18, 2010.

The first of the nation’s 77 million baby boomers begins hitting 65 years old next month. It marks a milestone in the graying of America because by 2030, the 65-plus segment will make up 20% of the population. However it appears the financial picture for these boomers is grim.

Brady, a company that provides energy systems and comprehensive building solutions for commercial and industrial facilities across North Carolina, announces today that Phil Kirk, director of Brady Energy Services, has been reappointed to the UNC-TV Board of Trustees.

Brady, a company that provides energy systems and comprehensive building solutions for commercial and industrial facilities across North Carolina, announces today John Kuwalik has joined the Service Division as a water treatment technician.

Barbara Petty, publisher of Boom! Magazine (boomnc.com), a monthly publication dedicated to the active lifestyle of those 45 and older, announces today that the magazine’s 2010 Alternative Gift Giving Guide has been published. The fifth edition of the guide is included in the December issue of Boom!, available now at more than 650 Triangle locations. To find a distribution site near you, visit boomnc.com and click on the "About Boom" button.

The Reynolds Companies announces today the launch of the new website for The Residences at Quorum Center, the first mixed-use, high-rise building in downtown Raleigh. Visitors to the site will experience the building’s panoramic views, high-end amenities, designer interiors, and the one-of-a-kind rooftop terrace. Brand and communication firm Articulon developed the site with the theme “Elevate your Lifestyle.”

Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, L.L.P. has announced that April Adams, senior manager with the firm, has been selected for the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Raleigh program. As a participant in the nine-month program, Adams will get an in-depth view of community issues, develop leadership skills necessary to assume leadership roles and gain exposure to community involvement opportunities. Over the course of the program, she will study the qualities that make an effective leader, analyze individual leadership roles and meet with key community leaders to discuss issues. Adams will also complete a team project dealing with a community nonprofit organization that has requested help. Some 45 to 50 candidates are chosen for Leadership Raleigh annually based on demonstrated leadership ability and potential, community interest and involvement and the desire to assume expanded community responsibility.

Monica Smiley, publisher and CEO of Enterprising Women magazine has named Linda K. House and Lori Bacon as members of the Enterprising Women Advisory Board.

New Expo Center To Open In 2011 Aims To Accelerate Export Opportunities For North Carolina And U.S.-Based Companies

Residential And Commercial Solar Energy Company Names Former Oil Executive As President

Jennifer and Ed Schrage, owners of Pronto Pasta, have announced that Tuesday evenings will be dedicated to supporting a local school or charitable organization. Pronto Pasta will donate 15% of sales on these select “Giving Back” nights. The goal of the program is to supplement local nonprofit organizations in order to provide the best programs for the community.

The Chef’s Academy, the Culinary Division of Harrison College, a 108-year-old, nationally accredited institution that offers more than 30 degree programs in five schools of study, has announced that Regional President Jayson M. Boyers has joined the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association.

Theresa Clark, president of the Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS® (RRAR), has announced that three members of the association were inducted into the association’s Hall of Fame on Dec. 2 at the RRAR Awards Ceremony. The members were chosen for their contribution and consistent outstanding service to the real estate profession as well as their community activities, professional accomplishments, and Association activities. The Raleigh members who were inducted to the Hall of Fame were Lanse Houston, Diana Lambeth and Mary Edna Williams.

Lamont Farmer, managing partner of haircolorxperts at the Arboretum, has announced that the salon will now carry the full line of Davines eco-friendly, organic hair care products. Davines shampoos, conditioners and styling products are made in Italy and backed by the renowned Vidal Sassoon salon, and staff at haircolorxperts will be academy trained to use the products. All Davines products are made from 100 percent renewable energy and incorporate a bottle design that uses less plastic, and is dishwasher safe and reusable as well as recyclable. The line of products is known for being gentle on the hair and scalp, which helps to maintain shine and luster. haircolorxperts at the Arboretum is the will be the only salon within a 20-mile radius to carry the Davines product line exclusively.

Winkie La Force, executive director of Leadership Triangle, has announced that applications for the 2011 Regional Class are now being accepted. All graduates will earn the degree of “Goodmon Fellow” in recognition of James F. Goodmon, president and CEO, Capitol Broadcasting Company, Chair Emeritus of Leadership Triangle and regional leader extraordinaire. Participants will gain perspective on regional issues, gain access to resources, connect with a widely diverse network of other leaders, be involved in enhancing the region’s quality of life and improve their own leadership skills. The deadline to apply is Jan 17. Register before Dec. 31 and save $150.

Carol Daley, owner of at Ease boutiques in Raleigh and Cary, has announced the stores’ 2010 holiday shopping pass event. Through Dec. 31, shoppers may pick up a holiday shopping pass valid for both the Raleigh and Cary locations to receive the following discounts on purchases made before the New Year: 10 percent off the first item purchased, 20 percent off the second item purchased, 30 percent off the third item purchased, 40 percent off the fourth item purchased and 50 percent off the fifth item purchased. Customers will have access to an unlimited number of shopping passes, and same-day purchases are not required in order to be eligible for the discount. at Ease Boutique offers casually elegant clothes by American and international designers, and is committed to providing exceptional customer service along with comfort, quality and style in a wide price range.

Patty Briguglio, president of MMI Public Relations, a Raleigh-based full-service public relations firm, has announced that the firm has been named the public relations agency of record for The Spectacle (http://www.specsnh.com), the artfully designed luxury eyewear shop located in the North Hills Mall shopping center. MMI will assist The Spectacle in developing and implementing a public relations campaign, including media relations, strategic planning and community relations.

Hughes Pittman & Gupton, LLP the largest CPA firm headquartered and staffed in the Research Triangle Park region of North Carolina, announced today that it has served as a sponsor for the MedTech10 conference.