(Toronto, Ontario) – Pointing to the economy as one reason, the owner of the premier site on the web for new, sample, and used designer wedding dresses is announcing a record-setting third quarter. PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, which connects buyers to sellers of high quality dresses, broke its own record for traffic, dresses listed, and gowns sold.

Site owner Josie Daga launched PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com in 2004 after she tried unsuccessfully to sell her dress by existing methods. The web site connects buyers to sellers of new, sample and used designer wedding dresses. Ms. Daga says she believes the current economic climate is an obvious contributor to the increases.

“In any economic conditions, buying a pre-owned wedding gown makes good sense. In this current economy, it makes incredibly good sense,” says Daga. She also credits the site’s wide selection of gowns as well as its advanced search features for the rise in sales.

PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com has seen steady growth since its inception, and has had a record year overall this year. In the Q3 2008, the site posted its highest quarterly results to date:

• Q3 2008 site traffic increased 201% over the same period in 2007
• Q3 2008 dresses listed increased 210% over the same period in 2007
• Q3 2008 dresses sold increased 226% over the same period in 2007

PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com currently features over 1400 new, sample and used designer wedding dresses for sale.

About PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com
Founded in 2004 by Josie Daga after she unsuccessfully tried to sell her wedding dress via existing methods, PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com is the premier destination for buyers and sellers of new, sample and used designer wedding dresses. For more information, please visit http://www.preownedweddingdresses.com.

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Richmond, Virginia (October 29, 2008) – EndGame Public Relations President Steve Mullen announced today that Central Virginia’s largest trade organization, the Richmond Association of Realtors (RAR), has retained his firm for podcast production and web design services.

BizPodz Productions, the business podcast production service from EndGame PR, will produce TREScast, an audio podcast of seminars from RAR’s The Real Estate School (TRES). TRES provides training for REALTORS® and Real Estate Brokers. RAR will also utilize EndGame PR’s web design and consultation service for a redesign of the TRES website and RAR’s RealtorStoreOnline.com.

“I’m very excited about this partnership,” said Mullen. “These projects will help TRES not only spread the word to RAR’s thousands of members about their offerings, but also will help those members to learn on their own schedule. The realtors will be able to use the seminar podcasts to learn while in their car, while exercising, or any other place where listing to audio is possible.”

Work on the projects has already begun.  To listen to episode #1 of TREScast, click the right-facing arrow below!

Subscribe to this podcast via RSS

About EndGame Public Relations, LLC
EndGame Public Relations, LLC is a full service PR firm based in Richmond, Virginia that works to promote clients through a mix of strategic media relations, PR for search engine optimization (SEO PR), and production of social media such as blogs and podcasts. For more information on EndGame PR, please visit http://www.endgamepr.com/.

About BizPodz Productions
With more than 15 years of communications experience behind it, BizPodz (a service of Richmond, Virginia-based PR firm EndGame Public Relations, LLC) helps businesses, nonprofits, and government entities market and brand themselves through podcasting. With systems in place for local and non-local clients, BizPodz assists with not only the actual audio production, but also development of show concepts and formats, promotion, and even “nuts and bolts” such as hosting and online presentation. For more information, please visit http://www.endgamepr.com/podcasts/.

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Richmond, Virginia (October 28, 2008) - EndGame Public Relations President Steve Mullen announced today that PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, a website that connects buyers and sellers of new, sample and used designer wedding dresses, has retained his firm to provide SEO PR services.

The campaign will use public relations tactics to solidify the Toronto, Ontario-based website’s already strong search rankings. EndGame PR will utilize online news release distribution, blogger relations, traditional media relations, and other strategies.

“Our goal is to not only spread the word about this great way to save money on designer wedding gowns, but also do it in a way that will help our new client strengthen its online visibility,” said Mullen.

Work on the campaign begins immediately.

About EndGame Public Relations, LLC
EndGame Public Relations, LLC is a full service PR firm based in Richmond, Virginia that works to promote clients through a mix of strategic media relations, PR for search engine optimization (SEO PR), and production of social media such as blogs and podcasts. Founded in 2006, EndGame PR is based near Richmond, Virginia. For more information, please visit http://www.endgamepr.com/.

About PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com
Founded in 2004 by Josie Daga after she unsuccessfully tried to sell her wedding dress via existing methods, PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com is the premier destination for buyers and sellers of new, sample and used designer wedding dresses. The web site currently features more than 1400 designer wedding dresses for sale. For more information, please visit http://www.preownedweddingdresses.com.

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This release can also be viewed at:

PRLog: Premier Bridal Attire Web Site Retains EndGame PR
I-Newswire: Premier Bridal Attire Web Site Retains EndGame PR

Richmond, Virginia (September 16, 2008) – Sheltering Arms, Central Virginia’s premier physical rehabilitation provider, announced today that it has been named as one of the 100 Best Places to Work in Healthcare.  Sheltering Arms is the only Virginia physical rehabilitation facility included on the list, and is the only healthcare provider of any kind from the Richmond area to be given the honor.  Modern Healthcare, one of the leading online and print sources of healthcare business news, compiled the national list.  The list recognizes workplaces in healthcare that enable employees to perform at their optimum level to provide patients and customers with the best possible care and services.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled at receiving this honor,” said Sheltering Arms CEO Jim Sok.  “We’ve always known that Sheltering Arms provides an exemplary environment in which our employees do remarkable things.  We are proud of all our employees and their work in helping patients find the power to overcome setbacks that result from injuries and illness”

To determine the workplaces included, Modern Healthcare entered into a partnership with the Best Companies Group, a Harrisburg, Pa.-based firm that conducts regional “best places to work” programs across the country.

“Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work in Healthcare identifies and recognizes healthcare organizations that have successfully built workplace excellence and enabled employees to perform at their optimal level,” said Fawn Lopez, Publisher of Modern Healthcare.  “By sharing the best practices and innovations in the workplace settings, we hope to enable others to develop progressive human resources strategies critical to creating and sustaining the best healthcare system for patients,”

The full list of 100 organizations honored is available on the Modern Healthcare website, at http://modernhealthcare.com/article/20080908/VIDEO/809059976. Modern Healthcare will reveal the specific ranking of the 100 Best Places to Work in Healthcare in a special supplement to be published October 27, 2008. The supplement also will recognize the top places to work by industry segment and by number of employees, and will profile some of the recipients.  A gala will be held to honor this year’s winners on Wednesday, October 29 at the InterContinental Chicago.

About Sheltering Arms
Sheltering Arms helps patients find the Power to Overcome the obstacles of illness and injury with a complete range of physical rehabilitation and wellness services.  To learn more about Sheltering Arms’ two hospitals and seven outpatient clinics, visit www.ShelteringArms.com, or call 1-877-56-REHAB.

About Modern Healthcare
Modern Healthcare is the industry’s most trusted, credible and relied-upon news source. Modern Healthcare examines the most pressing healthcare issues and provides executives with the information they need to make the most informed business decisions and lead their organizations to success. It’s for this reason Modern Healthcare is deemed a “must-read publication” by the who’s who in healthcare. In addition to our weekly magazine, we provide executives with the most up-to-date and valuable information through our website, ModernHealthcare.com; two daily e-newsletters, Daily Dose and Health IT Strategist; and breaking news email service, Modern Healthcare Alert. We also provide news and information for physician executives via our sister publication, Modern Physician; website, ModernPhysician.com, and breaking news email service, Modern Physician Alert.

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Richmond, Virginia (September 09, 2008) - William and Mary graduate and Bridgewater, Virginia native Josh Sundquist knows a lot about “the power to overcome”. At the age of nine, he lost one of his legs to a form of bone cancer. Now, at the age of 24, he’s been a member of the U.S. Paralympic Ski Team and is an author, motivational speaker, and the founder of an online community for amputees. Sundquist will use his own brand of inspiration through humor to tell his story at the 2008 Celebration of the Power to Overcome fundraising gala, organized by Sheltering Arms.

The gala, to be held on Tuesday, September 23 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Jefferson Hotel, is just one of the events from Sheltering Arms during this year’s National Rehabilitation Awareness Week, which runs from September 21-27. The week highlights the contributions made by rehabilitation medicine as well as patients working to overcome physical disability. Governor Tim Kaine declared Virginia’s participation by issuing a proclamation earlier this year.

“National Rehabilitation Awareness Week is our opportunity to honor the patients striving to recover from debilitating injury or illness, as well as the therapists who help them achieve their goals,” said Sheltering Arms president and CEO James E. Sok.

On average, Sheltering Arms works with more than 1,350 patients and employs more than 150 therapists at its nine facilities in Metro Richmond.

Sundquist will provide the keynote address during the Celebration of the Power to Overcome gala. His story has been featured on CNN and in the USA Today, Washington Post, Richmond Times-Dispatch, and elsewhere. The evening’s mistress of ceremonies will be former Richmond news anchor Lisa LaFata. On the guest list are numerous community and public leaders who support Virginians with physical disabilities and the services that help them.

The gala is a fundraiser for Club REC, a Sheltering Arms program dedicated to helping victims of stroke, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury maximize quality of life following therapy. The proceeds will subsidize Sheltering Arms’ commitment to deliver services to all those in need, regardless of ability to pay

Other events organized for this year’s National Rehabilitation Awareness Week by Sheltering Arms include multiple seminars for local healthcare professionals about advancements in rehabilitation techniques, and the 16th annual Different Strokes Golf Extravaganza. The event, which is for golfers and non-golfers alike, will include food, music, games for kids, a golf clinic, and a nine-hole golf tournament pairing disabled and non-disabled golfers. There will also be a trick golf exhibition by nationally known golf celebrity Dennis Walters, who became disabled 34 years ago as the result of a golf cart accident. Registration for the golf tournament is $45, and includes green fees, a cart, water, dinner, and awards. All other activities at this event are absolutely free!

For ticket information for the Celebration of the Power to Overcome gala, or for more information about the Different Strokes Golf Extravaganza, please call 764-5275.

About Sheltering Arms
Sheltering Arms helps patients find the Power to Overcome the obstacles of illness and injury with a complete range of physical rehabilitation and wellness services. To learn more about Sheltering Arms’ two hospitals and seven outpatient clinics, visit www.ShelteringArms.com, or call 1-877-56-REHAB.

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(Richmond, Virginia) - Golfers and non-golfers alike are gearing up for a day of fun and education at the Crossings Golf Club in Glen Allen on September 21, 2008. The 16th Annual Different Strokes Golf Extravaganza is just one of the several activities planned by Sheltering Arms for National Rehabilitation Awareness Week 2008.

The event, which starts at noon with a free lunch, will include a nine-hole golf tournament for physically challenged and non-disabled golfers, but will also feature a variety of activities for those who don’t wish to play golf:

• The Dennis Walters Show: Host of his own program on the Golf Channel, Dennis Walters will entertain the crowds from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. with his unique mix of humor, amazing trick golf shots, and the story of how he turned the story of his disability into a 30-year career of inspiring others. Learn more about Mr. Walters at www.denniswalters.com.
• Free Golf Clinics: Sheltering Arms and LPGA Women’s Golf Professional of the Year, Janet Phillips, will hold a series of clinics for golfers of all skill levels. Clinic topics will include the short game, full swing, and putting. Clinic space is available on a first come, first served basis
• Other Non-Golf Activities: Non-golfers will also enjoy a performance by local musician Susan Greenbaum, free chair massages, demonstrations of therapeutic horseback riding, and activities and games for the kids.

The “captain’s choice” golf tournament begins at 2:30 p.m. with a shotgun start. Registration begins at noon. Each team will include three non-disabled golfers and one physically challenged golfer. While participants are encouraged to organize their own team, individuals and groups with fewer than four golfers can be organized into foursomes.

“We wanted to create a day that was not only educational, but also fun,” said Sheltering Arms President Jim Sok. “This event is not a fundraiser for Sheltering Arms, because we didn’t want to distract from our message that everyone has the power to overcome disabilities.”

Registration for the golf tournament is $45, and includes green fees, a cart, water, dinner, and awards. All other activities during the Different Strokes Golf Extravaganza are absolutely free!

For more information, please call 764-5275.

Also planned during National Rehabilitation Awareness Week are seminars for local medical professionals and the “A Celebration of the Power to Overcome,” a gala fundraising event to be held at The Jefferson Hotel on September 23rd.

About Sheltering Arms
Sheltering Arms helps patients find the Power to Overcome the obstacles of illness and injury with a complete range of physical rehabilitation and wellness services. To learn more about Sheltering Arms’ two hospitals and seven outpatient clinics, visit www.ShelteringArms.com, or call 1-877-56-REHAB.

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Sterling, Virginia (August 13, 2008) - Two Guys and a Truck has a new “guy” on the executive team. The locally based moving and storage firm announced this week the hiring of longtime professional financial manager Ralph Castano as the company’s new controller.

Mr. Castano has a long record of sound financial management, having most recently helped guide Winchester-based DK Industrial Services through chapter 11 reorganization as that company’s comptroller. Previous to that position, he worked as an accounting manager for Leesburg-based REHAU, Inc.

“We’re thrilled to add Ralph’s considerable skills to our team,” said Two Guys and a Truck CEO David Underwood. “As we continue the growth of our business in Loudoun County, and as we sell more franchises around Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia, we’ll need to have an experienced financial executive.”

Mr. Castano begins work in the newly created position immediately.

About Two Guys and a Truck
Two Guys and a Truck® is a successful, professional, full-service moving company located within the Washington, DC metropolitan area. They currently are awarding franchise territories within the Maryland, Virginia, and DC areas. Two Guys and a Truck® has been a pioneer and an acknowledged leader in the moving and storage business, specializing in local, national and international relocation and storage since 1987. For more information on the company and franchise opportunities, please visit www.twoguysandatruck.com or call (703) 657-1406.

*This is a press release only, and not an offer for sale of a franchise.

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This news release also found at:
PRLog: Moving and Storage Firm Two Guys and a Truck Adds to Executive Team

Richmond, Virginia (July 2, 2008) – The “Trap, Neuter and Return” program being conducted by animal rescue organizations at a feral cat colony behind a local television station is expected to continue for some time. The on-site work is being conducted by a coalition of local humane groups, led by Save Our Shelters (SOS).

Thus far, 25 kittens and six adult cats have been recovered from the area behind WRLH-TV (FOX 35), in the 1900 block of Westmoreland Street in Henrico County. That number is growing almost daily. By the time the current portion of the effort is complete, the total number of rescued cats and kittens could be as high as 40 to 50. Some of the kittens recovered from the site are as young as four weeks old.

“We will be working at the FOX 35 site for several weeks to come,” said Save Our Shelters Director of Cat Rescue Peggy Lynch. “When our work is complete the colony will be stabilized, and with ongoing monitoring and oversight it will diminish in size over time.”

The Richmond SPCA is providing spay or neuter, vaccinations, and other medical care to the cats recovered from the site by SOS and other organizations. Adult cats that are not socialized will be released back into their habitat and monitored as part of the “Trap, Neuter and Return” program. Kittens removed from the site are being socialized by SOS volunteers and offered for adoption to loving homes.

SOS has set up a blog, at saveourshelters.wordpress.com, where regular updates on the effort at FOX 35 as well as pictures from the scene are being posted.

SOS is only able to respond to situations such as this and advocate for the humane treatment of animals with help from volunteers and public support in the form of donations. Details on how to volunteer or donate, as well as information on how to adopt an SOS dog or cat, can be found at www.saveourshelters.com.

Donations of pet food and other items are not being accepted, and SOS urges well-meaning individuals NOT to leave cat food at the Westmoreland Street site, as it interferes with the trapping effort.

About Save Our Shelters
Founded in 1996, Save Our Shelters (SOS) is a registered 501(c)3 organization with a goal of ensuring the humane treatment of all animals. For more information on SOS, please visit www.saveourshelters.com.

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Richmond, Virginia (July 9, 2008) - The coalition of humane groups involved in a Trap, Neuter and Return project at a feral cat colony behind a Richmond television station is reminding the public to not hamper their effort by feeding the cats.

Thus far, 27 kittens and six adult cats have been recovered from the area behind WRLH-TV (FOX 35), in the 1900 block of Westmoreland Street in Henrico County.

“Our trapping has slowed somewhat, partially because of the heat and stress the cats have endured over the past week, but we also suspect people are feeding the cats” said Save Our Shelters Director of Cat Rescue Peggy Lynch. “The cats are being well cared for but it is important for people to understand that we need to be able to control the cats feeding schedule.”

Lynch said during the last few nights, the cats have seemed uninterested in the mackerel, tuna and chicken used to bait the humane traps. To a hungry cat, these types of treats are normally irresistible. Volunteers have also found food and feeding bowls in the area. She reminds well-meaning individuals that leaving food at the FOX cat colony location will only prolong the amount of time before these cats can be recovered and cared for.

The Richmond SPCA is providing spay or neuter, vaccinations, and other medical care to the cats recovered from the site by SOS and other organizations. Adult cats that are not socialized will be released back into their habitat and monitored as part of the “Trap, Neuter and Return” program. Kittens removed from the site are being socialized by SOS volunteers and offered for adoption to loving homes.

SOS has set up a blog, at saveourshelters.wordpress.com, where regular updates on the effort at FOX 35 as well as pictures from the scene are being posted.

Many of the kittens recovered from the FOX 35 colony, as well as other SOS cats and kittens, will be available for adoption on Sunday, July 13 from noon until 3 p.m. at Betty Baugh’s Animal Clinic, at 5322 Patterson Avenue in Richmond.

About Save Our Shelters
Founded in 1996, Save Our Shelters (SOS) is a registered 501(c)3 organization with a goal of ensuring the humane treatment of all animals. For more information on SOS, please visit www.saveourshelters.com.

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Richmond, Virginia (May 28, 2008) – Small business advice podcast Startup BizCast, the show that brings listeners advice, tips, and education in less time than the average coffee break, is logging its 50th episode this week and also celebrating its first birthday.

The show, which launched on May 30, 2007, is produced by BizPodz, the corporate podcast production service fromEndGame Public Relations, LLC. EndGame PR is a public relations firm based in Richmond, Virginia that specializes in media relations, SEO PR, and social media production.

“I’m thrilled that this show not only has lasted this long, but is continuing to thrive and grow,” said EndGame PR President Steve Mullen, who also hosts Startup BizCast. “Every week, Startup BizCast has more listeners, and I think that’s due to the quality of guests that appear on the program.”

Each week, Startup BizCast features a different theme and a different guest offering education and advice on an issue important to small business owners. Past topics have included time management, managing and growing your business in a weak economy, and using social media.

Mullen says episode 50, released on Wednesday, May 28, 2008, includes new theme music, a new show open, and clips of the best advice of the first year of Startup BizCast.

To listen to episode 50, click the right-facing arrow below. Listeners can also subscribe via iTunes, Blubrry.com, PodcastAlley.com, through the show’s RSS feed, or at www.startupbizcast.com.

About BizPodz Productions
With more than 15 years of communications experience behind it, BizPodz Productions (a service of Richmond, Virginia-based PR firm EndGame Public Relations, LLC) creates professional podcasts and other Internet-based audio programs for businesses, nonprofits, and government entities. With systems in place for local and non-local clients, BizPodz assists with not only the actual audio production, but also development of show concepts and formats, promotion, and even “nuts and bolts” such as hosting and online presentation. For more information, please visit http://www.endgamepr.com/podcasts.

Richmond, Virginia - Debra Owens is one of the millions of Americans learning that surviving a stroke does not necessarily mean living a life diminished by physical handicaps. May is National Stroke Awareness Month, and Richmond-based Sheltering Arms is using the occasion to highlight the new technologies improving the lives of those living in the aftermath of a stroke.

“No one expects to have a stroke, particularly when you’re as young as I am,” said Ms. Owens, who suffered a stroke at the age of 46. “I’ve learned, however, that it doesn’t have to slow you down.”

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, but 80% of those who have a stroke survive the experience. Each year, there are 600,000 new stroke survivors in the U.S. who are working to regain skills such as walking or picking up a glass. Fortunately, new high-tech tools are available to rehabilitation professionals to help them re-master these seemingly everyday tasks.

“It’s truly amazing how far we’ve come in just a short time,” said Dr. Gregory Leghart, a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Doctor at Sheltering Arms’ Hospital on the Memorial Regional Medical Center campus in Mechanicsville. “It wasn’t very long ago at all that the tools available to rehabilitation professionals everywhere consisted of things like canes, walkers, and hard plastic braces. Richmond is truly on the cutting edge of stroke recovery technology.”

New tools currently in use at Sheltering Arms’ nine inpatient and outpatient facilities include:

• The NESS H200 and L300 devices from Bioness, which send electrical signals directly to the muscles of the wearer, reducing atrophy and spasms while increasing range of motion
• SaeboFlex, a wearable device that can help patients grasp and hold an object even if they lost the use of a hand as much as 20 years ago
• REO Therapy, an innovative robot-assisted program that utilizes repetitive exercise

Sheltering Arms is highlighting these and other rehabilitation advances in a series of educational events during Stroke Awareness Month. On May 15, 2008 at the Science Museum of Virginia, Sheltering Arms will present S.O.S. (Strategies, Opportunities, Success), a free community education seminar that will teach attendees about staying emotionally healthy and physically active after a stroke. The demand for this seminar has proven to be so high that all of the limited spots available filled weeks in advance. As a result, Sheltering Arms is planning an identical event to be held on June 19th.

For information on the June event and to reserve a spot, please call (804) 764-5275.

Sheltering Arms is also holding a number of events in May for Richmond’s healthcare community:

• The Show and Tech event on May 8 on the St. Francis Medical Center campus will highlight for healthcare professionals the many new technological advancements in stroke rehabilitation
• The Richmond Stroke Symposium 2008 on May 16 will be the first event of its kind in Richmond, and will provide doctors and medical professionals with updates in stroke prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation
• An educational seminar and breakfast on May 21 will educate healthcare case managers on working with patients experiencing post-stroke depression

Sheltering Arms is also announcing that it is renaming its stroke recovery program. The new name, “Sheltering Arms Network for NeuroRecovery,” highlights the organization’s dedication to the Power to Overcome physical limitations due to stroke and other neurological injuries, diseases, and disorders.

For more information on stroke recovery or the upcoming events, please call the contact numbers at the top of this release.

About Sheltering Arms
Sheltering Arms helps patients find the Power to Overcome the obstacles of illness and injury with a complete range of physical rehabilitation and wellness services. To learn more about Sheltering Arms’ two hospitals and seven outpatient clinics, visit www.ShelteringArms.com, or call 1-877-56-REHAB.

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Richmond, Virginia (April 21, 2008) - EndGame Public Relations, LLC President Steve Mullen announced this week that his firm’s podcast production service is changing its name to BizPodz Productions.

BizPodz, formerly known as EndGame PR Podcast Production, develops and produces podcasts for businesses, nonprofits, and government entities.

“This name change is something that just makes sense,” said Mullen. “The new name is memorable and reflects not only what the service does but the customer it serves.”

Along with the new name comes a redesign of the firm’s podcast production page at www.endgamepr.com/podcasts. Added during the redesign is a page with details about each of the programs produced by BizPods. The service is responsible for the following programs:

• Startup BizCast: The BizPodz flagship show was launched in May of 2007 and is approaching its 50th episode. The series advice, tips, and education for small business owners and entrepreneurs.
• Fighting Back Podcast: This podcast, produced for nonprofits Fight SMA and Fighter Mom, provides information for and inspirational stories about people and families fighting series or incurable diseases or conditions.
• VaHigherEd Podcast: This weekly program is produced in cooperation with the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). Each episode features voices from Virginia’s Community Colleges discussing educational excellence in the commonwealth and how it’s changing their lives.
• Writing Award-Winning Entries: This single-episode podcast was produced pro-bono for the Richmond, Virginia chapter of the Public Relations Society of Virginia. The purpose of the show was to teach members about submitting winning entries and also to demonstrate how podcasting can be used.

About BizPodz Productions
With more than 15 years of communications experience behind it, BizPodz (a service of Richmond, Virginia-based PR firm EndGame Public Relations, LLC) creates professional podcasts and other Internet-based audio programs for businesses, nonprofits, and government entities. With systems in place for local and non-local clients, BizPodz assists with not only the actual audio production, but also development of show concepts and formats, promotion, and even “nuts and bolts” such as hosting and online presentation. For more information, please visit http://www.endgamepr.com/podcasts.

Richmond, Virginia (March, 2008) – In 2006, the last year for which complete statistics are available, falls accounted for 40% of all hospitalizations due to injury. In fact, falls are the leading cause of injury hospitalization and are also the leading cause of traumatic brain injury. Many falls are avoidable, and Sheltering Arms this month is teaming with the Brain Injury Association of Virginia (BIAV) to hold free “Fall Prevention Screenings” aimed at helping people identify and prevent their causes.

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, and BIAV is one of 47 Brain Injury Association affiliates across the country that is working with the Centers for Disease Control on a first-ever coordinated national public awareness campaign centered around the issue of fall prevention.

“These screenings are designed to help people of all ages, but will be particularly useful for elderly members of our community and their caregivers,” said Lesley Winn, Occupational Therapy Manager for Sheltering Arms. “No matter what the age of the victim, in far too many cases what looks like a simple fall can end up leading to brain injury or even death.”

The Fall Prevention Screenings are open to the public, and will be held on Saturday, March 15 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Sheltering Arms’ Bon Air at 205 Twinridge Lane. Occupational therapists, physical therapists, and fitness specialists will offer free advice aimed at helping Richmond area residents avoid falls. Lectures and screenings will include the following information:

• Vision screenings to help identify dangers due to poor eyesight
• Safety information to assist with “fall proofing” homes
• Screenings to identify balance issues
• Information on exercises to help strengthen muscles
• Advice on managing medications that may interact and cause dizziness or disorientation

Individuals who would like more information on the Fall Screenings should call (804) 764-5275.

About The Brain Injury Association of Virginia
The Brain Injury Association of Virginia is a statewide organization dedicated to serving the needs of Virginians with brain injury, their families and the professionals who assist them through information and education about brain injury, referrals to professionals and programs with brain injury expertise, and support groups around the state. To learn more about the Brain Injury Association of Virginia, visit www.biav.net.

About Sheltering Arms
Sheltering Arms helps patients find the Power to Overcome the obstacles of illness and injury with a complete range of physical rehabilitation and wellness services. To learn more about Sheltering Arms’ two hospitals and seven outpatient clinics, visit www.ShelteringArms.com.

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Richmond, Virginia (March 12, 2008) - The best way to end child abuse is to prevent it before it starts. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Richmond-based nonprofit Family Lifeline is offering tips to identify the warning signs.

Family Lifeline is one of the largest and oldest community-based nonprofits in Central Virginia. The organization provides a variety of services designed to strengthen families in our community.

One of the services from Family Lifeline is Healthy Families, a program that identifies young mothers who are at risk of abuse and neglect. Healthy Families provides a support system for women who may not have one due to being estranged from their family or not having family or friends nearby. The program educates them on how to take care of their child, by teaching about nutrition, health, and how to help their child prepare for school. It also helps the mothers improve themselves, by assisting them with finding safe housing and getting their G.E.D. Participants graduate from the program when their child begins attending kindergarten.

“Healthy Families has a wonderful track record of success, with 99% of the participating families remaining free of abuse and neglect,” said Family Lifeline President Reed Henderson. “This program has proven that child abuse is preventable.”

Henderson says there are a number of warning signs that a family may be on a path to child abuse or neglect. Some, but not all, of those signs include:

• Limited financial security
• Lack of education
• Limited support from extended family or friends
• Having several children close together in age
• A history of drug or alcohol abuse
• One or more parents exhibiting signs of hopelessness or depression

If you suspect a child is in immediate danger of being abused or neglected, call 911. You can also call your local Department of Social Services or the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-552-7096. Virginia offers a free Information and Referral line (211 or 275-2000) for further resources for families experiencing the warning signs of child abuse or neglect as well as those in need of any community resource.

Family Lifeline is available to talk with the media about child abuse prevention and the warning signs of abuse or neglect. Please call the contact at the top of this release to schedule an interview.

About Family Lifeline
Changing futures for families in the Richmond area since 1877, Family Lifeline is one of city’s oldest and largest private community-based organizations. Family Lifeline’s mission is to strengthen families where they live, work, and learn. For more information, visit www.familylifeline.org or call 804-282-4255.

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(Sterling, VA) – Moving can be stressful no matter how much professional help you have, but there are few “stress busters” better than a cookie. Northern Virginia-based moving and storage company Two Guys and a Truck® is trying to help its clients ease the stress of relocating, while at the same time helping a local Girl Scout troop and our military men and women overseas.

Two Guys and a Truck is teaming with Ashburn’s Girl Scout Teen Troop 4793 to assist with the annual Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital Cookie Sale. Every customer who books and moves with Two Guys and a Truck through the Sterling or Prince William County offices between mid-February and the end of March, 2008, will not only receive professional, courteous, and on-time moving … they’ll also receive a box of Girl Scout Cookies!

“I’m always happy to support the Girl Scouts, and we’re thrilled to be able to send a little taste of home to our military men and women overseas.” said David Underwood, CEO of Two Guys and a Truck. “It’s also great for our customers because those cookies are delicious!”

Two Guys and a Truck is also supporting Troop 4793′s Gift of Caring community service project. The project solicits donations to send cookies to members of the United States Armed Forces who are serving overseas. For every box of cookies given to Two Guys and a Truck customers, another will be purchased to be sent to military men and women serving abroad.

The idea for the offer came when Underwood’s stepdaughter, Olivia, approached him about finding a new marketing strategy for the troop’s annual cookie sale cookies. The company’s Sterling office services customers in Alexandria and Arlington, and in the counties of Loudoun, Fauquier, and Fairfax. The Prince William office services the county of Prince William. The cookie giveaway will continue while supplies last.

For information on where to purchase cookies from Troop 4793, or on how to contribute to the Gift of Caring project, please call (703) 406-9605. For more information on the Two Guys and a Truck cookie offer, please visit www.2gt.com.

About Two Guys and a Truck
Two Guys and a Truck® is a successful, professional, full service moving company located within the Washington, DC metropolitan area. They are currently awarding franchise territories within the Maryland, Virginia, and DC areas. Two Guys and a Truck has been a pioneer and an acknowledged leader in the moving and storage business, specializing in local, nationwide and international relocation and storage since 1987. For more information on the company and franchise opportunities, please visit www.2gt.com or call (703) 657-1406.

*This is a press release only, and not an offer for sale of a franchise.

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