Insurance news

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

CIGNA Behavioral Health Gives Employers Flexible and Customized Network Options

CIGNA Behavioral Health Gives Employers Flexible and Customized Network Options

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., Sept. 13, 2005 /PRNewswire/ -- CIGNA Behavioral Health (CBH) today announced that it is introducing Custom Network Solutions, a new network design option that gives employers the ability to select from four different network options to meet the specific needs of their employees. Employers can use CBH providers exclusively, choose to use their own network with CBH management or design a network that includes both CBH and the employers' contracted providers.

"We recognize that employers have varied behavioral care needs," states Keith Dixon, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of CBH. "Our Custom Network Solutions enables employers to create the benefit design plan that works best for their employees, reducing costs without limiting member choice. And, regardless of the option selected, employers are assured that the network is managed to the highest standards of quality and efficiency using evidence- based treatment protocols."

Custom Network Solutions is comprised of four basic network options. CBH Exclusive is the standard network design that gives employees access only to the expansive national CBH provider network. The Customer Exclusive option enables employers to exclusively use their own providers with CBH as the care manager, giving these providers access to CBH clinical and administrative tools.

Customer Plus and Customer Plus 100 plans allow for integration of an existing network with a segment or all of CBH's network. To further enhance flexibility, the CBH Exclusive and Customer Plus options also allow employers to choose providers based on geography or specialty, such as employee assistance programs affiliates, substance abuse professionals, critical incident response providers, and hospital or professional providers.

The network design options feature seamless administration and high-touch, high-tech tools that provide members with information and appropriate care management to ensure appropriate use of the network and maintain quality. CBH also ensures that providers on contracted networks meet National Committee on Quality Assurance standards.

Custom Network Solution benefit plan designs are available for CBH behavioral care plans taking effect January 1, 2006.

CIGNA Behavioral Health (CBH) provides behavioral care benefit management, EAPs, and work/life programs to consumers through health plans offered by large U.S. employers, national and regional HMOs, Taft-Hartley trusts and disability insurers. CBH, with headquarters in Eden Prairie, Minn., operates five care management centers around the U.S. in support of a national network of more than 47,000 independent psychiatrists, psychologists and clinical social workers and more than 4,000 facilities and clinics. For more information, visit http://www.cignabehavioral.com/.

Source: CIGNA Behavioral Health

Contact: Gwyn Dilday, CIGNA Behavioral Health, +1-818-500-6370,
gwyn.dilday@cigna.com

Web site: http://www.cignabehavioral.com/

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/165050.html

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Profile: insurance

CPSC Warns of New Dangers Among Gulf Coast Victims of Hurricane Katrina From Deadly CO Poisonings

CPSC Warns of New Dangers Among Gulf Coast Victims of Hurricane Katrina From Deadly CO Poisonings

Offers Important New Safety Tips for Residents Able to Return Home After Hurricane

WASHINGTON, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- With a sharp increase in the number of carbon monoxide related deaths among Gulf Coast residents stemming from the unsafe use of outdoor portable generators in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today announced a major new initiative urging hurricane victims to avoid a potentially fatal situation by never using these generators indoors.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030904/USCSCLOGO)

Unofficial estimates indicate at least 11 deaths and numerous injuries have been attributed to carbon monoxide poisoning stemming from portable generators used in areas with power outages. The CPSC is coordinating with the CDC and other health and safety organizations, as well as our nation's largest home improvement and hardware retailers, to provide life-saving safety warnings to Gulf Coast residents - many of whom are expected to be first time users of generators.

"As federal, state and local officials continue their important relief mission in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, thousands of families are fortunately beginning the process of returning to their homes," said CPSC Chairman Hal Stratton. "So we're reminding all Gulf Coast residents that some of the biggest dangers lie in the aftermath of the hurricane, the greatest of which can be carbon monoxide poisoning."

Stratton provided hurricane survivors with these important life-saving tips:

- Never use a portable generator indoors - including garages, basements,
crawlspaces and sheds. Opening doors and windows or using fans will
not prevent CO buildup in the home.
- During use, keep portable generators outdoors and far away from open
doors, windows and vents, which can allow CO to build up indoors.
- If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a generator, get
to fresh air right away. The CO from generators can readily lead to
full incapacitation and death.
- Keep generators dry and wait for the rain to pass before using a
generator. Consumer-grade generators are not weatherproof and can pose
the risk of electrocution and shock when used in wet conditions.
- Do not connect the generator directly into your home's electrical
system through a receptacle outlet - this is an extremely dangerous
practice that poses a fire hazard and an electrocution hazard to
utility workers and neighbors served by the same transformer.
- If using a generator, plug individual appliances into heavy duty,
outdoor-rated extension cords and plug cords into the generator.
- Check that the extension cords have a wire gauge adequate for the
appliance loads and have all three prongs, including a grounding pin.
- Keep charcoal grills outside. Never use them indoors. Burning charcoal
in an enclosed space can produce lethal levels of carbon monoxide
poisoning.
- Check to make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms have
batteries and are working.

Wet Carpets and Furniture Are Dangerous to your Health
- Discard water-damaged mattresses, wicker furniture, straw baskets and
the like that have been water damaged. These cannot be recovered.
- Throw out wet room-size carpets, drapes, upholstered furniture,
stuffed toys, ceiling tiles and anything that can't be picked up and
cleaned by dry cleaning, steam cleaning or put in a washing machine or
dryer.
- Remove and replace wet insulation.
- Microorganisms may grow in these water-damaged products and may cause
allergic reactions and infections. For more information, go to
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/425.html

Avoid Electrical and Gas Hazards
- Look for signs that your appliances have gotten wet. Discard
electrical or gas appliances that have been wet because they pose
electric shock and fire hazards.
- Before using your appliances, have a professional or your gas or
electric company evaluate your home and replace all gas control
valves, circuit breakers, and fuses that have been under water.

Dangers to Children
- Medicines and chemicals should be thrown away. Water may have infected
the integrity of the medicine. The U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services offers additional safety tips. For more information, go to
http://www.hhs.gov/news/broadcast/2005/CrawfordMedicationSafety.html
- Young children and water don't mix. Watch children around buckets,
tubs and standing water in and around the home. Even small amounts of
water can be a drowning hazard.

Video Alert
Satellite Coordinates (C-Band) and Times: All times Eastern
Date: September 13, 2005 September 13, 2005
Time: 10:30-11:00 AM ET 2:00-2:30 PM ET
C-Band: IA 5, Transponder 13 IA 5, Transponder 13
Downlink: 3960V MHz 3960V MHz
Audio: 6.2 & 6.8 6.2 & 6.8

This feed is sponsored by CPSC and is for your free and unrestricted use. For problems with the satellite feed please call master control during feed at 212-684-8910, x221

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $700 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270 or visit CPSC's Web site at http://www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at http://www.cpsc.gov/.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030904/USCSCLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

CONTACT: Patty Davis of U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission,
+1-301-504-7601

Web site: http://www.cpsc.gov/

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Profile: insurance

Collectors Universe and Topps Team Up to Offer Authenticated Single Signed Baseballs

Collectors Universe and Topps Team Up to Offer Authenticated Single Signed Baseballs

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Collectors Universe, Inc. (NASDAQ:CLCT), a leading provider of value-added authentication and grading services to dealers and collectors of high-value collectibles, announced today its agreement with The Topps Company, Inc. (NYSE:TOPP) to authenticate single signed baseballs through a Collectors Universe division PSA/DNA Authentication Services, or PSA/DNA. The PSA/DNA authenticated baseballs will be distributed and sold by Topps through Sam's Clubs around the United States.

PSA President Joe Orlando commented, "We are quite pleased that Topps, our long time friends in the sports card market, have expanded their offerings to include autographed items authenticated by PSA/DNA. We believe Topps has entered a market with an excellent product with PSA/DNA authenticated single signed baseballs and we believe that we can continue to grow this relationship with other PSA/DNA authenticated products."

"Genuine and authentic autographed sports merchandise is a product line that can satisfy huge demand by collectors and sports fans," stated Michael Haynes, Chief Executive Officer of Collectors Universe. "Topps, one of the largest distributors of sports collectibles, recognizes this demand for different, unique and personalized items, and the need for the consumer confidence provided by authenticity services from PSA/DNA. This co-branded offering brings together two superb sports brands in Topps and PSA/DNA to address what we believe is a very large market that up until now could only be satisfied with look-alike logo apparel."

About Collectors Universe

Collectors Universe, Inc. is a leading provider of value added services to the high-end collectibles market. The Company authenticates and grades collectible coins, sports cards, autographs and stamps. The Company also compiles and publishes authoritative information about United States and world coins, collectible sports cards and sports memorabilia and collectible stamps. This information is accessible to collectors and dealers at the Company's web site, www.collectors.com, and is also published in print.

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains statements regarding our expectations about our future financial performance which are "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "estimate," "project," or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "would," "should," "could," or "may."

Our financial performance in the future may differ, possibly materially, from our current expectations as set forth in this news release due to a number of risks and uncertainties. Those risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the possibility of changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the collectibles markets, such as a possible decline in the popularity of some high-value collectibles, which could result in reductions in the volume of authentication and grading submissions and, therefore, the fees we are able to generate; a lack of diversity in our sources of revenues and our dependence on coin authentication and grading for a significant percentage of our total revenues, which makes us more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic and market conditions, including declines in the value of precious metals or recessionary conditions, that could lead to reduced coin and other collectibles submissions, with a resultant reduction in our revenues and in our income; our dependence on certain key executives and collectibles experts, the loss of the services of any of which could adversely affect our ability to obtain authentication and grading submissions and, therefore, could harm our operating results; increased competition from other collectibles services companies that could result in reductions in collectibles submissions to us or could require us to reduce the prices we charge for our services; the risk that we will incur unanticipated liabilities under our authentication and grading warranties that would increase our operating expenses; the risk that new service offerings and business initiatives that we may undertake will not gain market acceptance or will increase our operating expenses or reduce our overall profitability or cause us to incur losses; the risk that our strategy to exit the collectibles sales business and focus substantially all of our resources on our authentication and grading businesses will not be successful in enabling us to improve our profitability over the longer term or to grow our existing businesses or expand into new collectibles or high value asset markets; and. if we grow our business by acquiring any existing or commencing any new authentication and grading businesses, the risks that we will be unable to successfully integrate those businesses into our operations, that those businesses will not gain market acceptance; and that business expansion may result in a costly diversion of management time and resources and increase our operating expenses. Additional information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties to which our business is subject is contained in our Prospectus dated February 16, 2005 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Due to the above-described risks and uncertainties and those described in that Prospectus, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this news release, which speak only as of its date, or to make predictions about future performance based solely on historical financial performance. We also disclaim any obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this news release. Contacts:

Mike Lewis Brandi Piacente
Chief Financial Officer Investor Relations
Collectors Universe The Piacente Group, Inc.
949-567-1375 212-481-2050
Email: mlewis@collectors.com Email: brandi@thepiacentegroup.com

Source: Collectors Universe, Inc.

CONTACT: Mike Lewis, Chief Financial Officer of Collectors Universe,
Inc., +1-949-567-1375, mlewis@collectors.com; or Investor Relations, Brandi
Piacente of The Piacente Group, Inc., +1-212-481-2050,
brandi@thepiacentegroup.com, for Collectors Universe, Inc.

Web site: http://www.collectors.com/

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Profile: insurance

CPSC, Capresso Inc. Announce Recall of Water Kettles

CPSC, Capresso Inc. Announce Recall of Water Kettles

WASHINGTON, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. (To access color photos of the following recalled products, see CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.)

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030904/USCSCLOGO )

Name of product: Capresso Water Kettles

Units: About 15,000

Manufacturer: Capresso Inc., of Closter, N.J.

Hazard: The handle can detach from the glass carafe, spilling hot water
and causing severe burn injuries.

Incidents/Injuries: Capresso has received five reports of the handle
detaching from the carafe, including one incident that resulted in a minor
burn from contact with boiling water.

Description: The recalled model "H20 Classic," Cordless Water Kettle has
two parts - a black heating base and a glass kettle with a polished chrome
or a silver handle. Printed in script on the base of the kettle is
"Capresso" and engraved on the bottom of the kettle is "CAPRESSO INC.,
Kettle Models 257.01, 258.03, 258.04 for use with Kettle Base Model
256/258."

Manufactured in: China

Sold at: Specialty kitchen stores nationwide, mail order gourmet catalogs,
Capresso.com and other Web site retailers such as Amazon.com between
August 2004 and May 2005 for about $70.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the water kettle immediately and
contact Capresso for a free replacement kettle.

Consumer Contact: Call Capresso at (800) 767-3554 between 8 a.m. and
9 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $700 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270 or visit CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

Firm's Hotline: (800) 767-3554

CPSC Hotline: (800) 638-2772

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030904/USCSCLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

CONTACT: CPSC Media Contact, +1-301-504-7908

Web site: http://www.cpsc.gov/
http://www.capresso.com/

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Profile: insurance

Canadian Online Pharmacies a Safety-Net for Medicare Prescription Gaps

Canadian Online Pharmacies a Safety-Net for Medicare Prescription Gaps

Licensed Canadian Pharmacies may prove to be a vital lifeline for U.S. seniors that face inadequate coverage under the new Medicare prescription drug program starting in 2006. Canada's online pharmacy expert goes on tour in the U.S. to speak to seniors about their options and help them make informed decisions.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Medicare's new Prescription Drug coverage (Part D) begins in 2006 and American seniors are struggling to assess and understand the complexity of the program and what it means for them. Even professional caregivers find themselves confused and concerned about the gaps in coverage and the high cost of premiums and deductibles. But of particular concern is the now infamous "donut hole" between the initial and catastrophic coverage, where patients must pay for 100% of their prescription costs.

As well, seniors must carefully select a plan that meets their own prescription needs. Each plan can vary in terms of actual drug coverage and cost of premiums. Many seniors fear large annual hikes in the premiums after enrollment and possible reduction of other Medicare benefits. But their greatest concern -- plans that do not cover the drugs they take or arbitrary shifts in coverage at the whim of the drug companies. Even with coverage the overall savings may be marginal for some.

Although the new Medicare drug coverage will benefit some patients, there will likely be many that will slip through the cracks or receive only partial coverage.

One way to mitigate Medicare shortfalls is to order prescriptions by mail from Canada. For 5 years, American patients have saved between 30 - 70% on drugs dispensed by licensed Canadian pharmacies and enjoy the convenience of having their medications shipped to their doorstep. Analysis shows that purchasing from a Canadian pharmacy may be an ideal way to shore up the gaps in any prescription coverage including Medicare.

The former executive director of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, David MacKay, will be touring U.S. communities speaking to seniors, caregivers and advocacy groups about a range of solutions that includes undistorted facts about Canadian pharmacy services. The tour is sponsored by CanadaWayDrugs (www.canadawaydrugs.com), a reputable pharmacy licensed in the province of British Columbia.

MacKay emphasizes that "we don't intend to present the Canadian option as opposition to Medicare but rather as a compliment to it. The needs of each patient are different but the golden rule is that when you are faced with paying for a drug entirely out-of-pocket, Canada is an ideal solution. Therefore, the overall wisest strategy may be to take advantage of both programs."

MacKay says he intends to address the concerns about the new Medicare coverage by demonstrating how savings from Canada can buffer seniors against the program's shortfalls and coverage gaps. "I have talked to thousands of seniors and caregivers and they are confused and dismayed. We plan to show them a balanced menu of solutions to help them make smart choices."

A helpful tool that automatically calculates Medicare drug expenses can be found on the AARP website at http://sites.stockpoint.com/AARP/drugbenefit.asp or soon at www.canadawaydrugs.com

If your group or organization would like to schedule a presentation by David MacKay please call CanadaWayDrugs toll free at 1-877-507-3061 or e-mail dave@canadawaydrugs.com.

www.CanadaWayDrugs.com is a licensed Canadian pharmacy located in Vancouver, British Columbia that has been servicing American patients safely for 5 years.

Media Contact:
David MacKay
Ph. (407) 276-7197
dave@canadawaydrugs.com

This press release distributed by PRWEB (http://www.prwebdirect.com/ ), a service of eMediaWire.

Source: CanadaWayDrugs

CONTACT: David MacKay of CanadaWayDrugs, +1-407-276-7197, or
dave@canadawaydrugs.com

Web site: http://www.canadawaydrugs.com/

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Profile: insurance

PXRE to Present at Fox-Pitt, Kelton's 2005 Bermuda in Boston Conference

PXRE to Present at Fox-Pitt, Kelton's 2005 Bermuda in Boston Conference

HAMILTON, Bermuda, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- PXRE Group Ltd. (NYSE:PXT) announced today that Jeffrey L. Radke, President & Chief Executive Officer of PXRE Group, and John Modin, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of PXRE Group, will speak at Fox-Pitt, Kelton's 2005 Bermuda in Boston Conference on Tuesday, September 20th, 2005 at 11:30 a.m. ET.

The presentation will be webcast and may be accessed at www.PXRE.com.

PXRE - with operations in Bermuda, Europe and the United States - provides reinsurance products and services to a worldwide marketplace. The Company's primary focus is providing property catastrophe reinsurance and retrocessional coverage. The Company also provides marine, aviation and aerospace products and services. The Company's shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "PXT."

Source: PXRE Group Ltd.

CONTACT: John Modin, Chief Financial Officer PXRE Group Ltd., +441-296-
5858, john.modin@pxre.com; Investors - Jamie Tully of Citigate Sard Verbinnen,
+1-212-687-8080 ext. 236 jtully@sardverb.com

Web site: http://www.pxre.com/

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Profile: insurance

/C O R R E C T I O N -- Socrates/

/C O R R E C T I O N -- Socrates/

Editors are advised that the news release, Greek Thought Leader Shares Post-Labor Day Wisdom on the Anatomy of a 'DIY'er, should be replaced with the version below, rather than the release incorrectly transmitted by PR Newswire.

National Survey by 'Greek Thought Leader' Shows DIY Moving Out of Hardware Aisles and Into Workplace

CHICAGO, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Self-reliance is moving away from hardware stores and into people's professional routines, according to a national sampling survey from Socrates ( http://www.socrates.com/ ).

The Chicago-based company recently polled more than 1,000 Americans on activities they would do without outside professional help. The survey confirmed that the DIY lifestyle trend extends beyond pipes and drains; it's impacting businesses owners, operations and media usage.

Socrates is the leading brand of needed know-how solutions for individuals and small businesses. The company's content helps consumers solve everyday legal, finance and business management matters themselves.

"This survey shows how far self-reliance has come," said Socrates Consumer Marketing Director Michael Kahn. "Technology has changed how we view resources and do things on our own."

The Rise of DIY & the "Reality TV Effect"

Consumers are taking control of everything-from the way they shop and manage real estate to operating a business. The DIY lifestyle is indicative of how people use outside resources. Consider the following:

-- In terms of shopping habits, 93.5% of respondents preferred searching
online to learn more about products and services they plan to purchase
-- higher than asking a friend or family member or reading material
from articles and catalogs.
-- When searching the Internet for information on products and services
they plan to purchase, 94% use a general search engine versus the
specific Web site. One conclusion is that consumers want to do their
own research to ensure all views are presented. They might not trust
information directly from the product's site.

While Americans are more willing to fix a plumbing problem (54.6%) than climb a mountain (15.8%), more than half of all survey respondents (54.9%) would start a business on their own. 57.7% of those surveyed said they would lease or rent property, and 49.3% said they would complete a contract negotiation without professional help.

"The fast-paced transfer of knowledge allows more people to see what options are available in the business world - options beyond the norm," Kahn said. "Reality and informational shows on mainstream and cable channels, alike, have given Americans the needed lift to attain their dreams. This newfound knowledge is helping to boost consumer confidence in DIY projects, concurrently supporting the growth of small businesses."

Kahn cited that cable television is the preferred news media outlet for 25.5% of the survey's respondents, while DIY-supporting retailers such as Wal- Mart, Office Depot, Lowe's, Staples, and Home Depot topped the list of stores most often visited in the past six months.

"Everyday people now have motivation to leave their prior existence behind in order to start a new life with personal gratification and meaning," Kahn said. "Business products and services need to be conscience of this societal trend to ensure their products are meeting new needs."

The Anatomy of a Small Business Owner

Being your own boss allows the business freedom that we all crave, but what are small business owners really doing during the day? Socrates' small business time clock details a day in the life of the typical small business owner. Among those duties:

-- Information gathering. 28.4% of small business owners listen to the
radio 4-8 hours a day. This could also be interpreted as multi-tasking
-- absorbing information while working.
-- Net surfing. Most entrepreneurs are Internet-savvy, but may not be
using lightning fast connections for better work productivity (72.7 %
were connected to the internet through Broadband and spent 4-8 hours
surfing the net for unrelated work research).
-- Keeping the ship afloat. Many small business owners do it all --
payroll, accounting, managing employees, collecting debts, AND holding
responsibility for the company's products or services. Socrates
suggests small business owners learn about the DIY legal options
available for small businesses either through its array of products or
through other sources.
-- Seeking a key shipmate. When asked what one source of information or
entertainment they would have if marooned on a deserted island, more
than half of small business owners said their computer with a wireless
Internet connection. Only one said "wife."

"Society is redefining the role of consultants and the self-employed; they're not just sitting behind the desk," said Kahn. Many small business owners chart their own course with a desire to seek life change. Each new business expedition encounters stress and anxiety, but those squalls can be diverted with concise planning and support materials."

He concluded, "Small business owners should focus more on performance, not process. Socrates materials are designed with the independent philosophy in mind. They can assist in charting a more streamlined course toward business success."

Source: Socrates

CONTACT: Michael Shmarak for Socrates, +1-312-587-7677

Web site: http://www.socrates.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: Kahn available for interviews; full results of the survey available.

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Profile: insurance