SIOUX FALLS, S.D., Sept. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Midco Connections, a leader in contact center solutions, has reached a significant milestone. Since 1982, Midco Connections has been dedicated to helping companies boost revenues and increase customer loyalty. Midco Connections call centers, strategically located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Fargo, North Dakota prove that the coveted US based Midwest work ethic and clear speech makes for unsurpassed quality in inbound and outbound call support, email response and live chat. With great people, great training and great results, Midco Connections delivers 24/7/365.

"We are extremely proud of our accomplishments over the past thirty years serving various industries as their branded contact center," said Cordell Brooks, the Vice President of Midco Connections. "The Key to our success is the ability to customize our platform to maximize the service level provided to our clients and their customers; blending quality personal contact while leveraging current technological advancements. As a multi-site operation compliant with both Payment Card Industry (PCI) and Health Insurance Portability and AccountabilityAct (HIPAA) requirements we offer clients the same features and benefits as the largest industry players in a flexible and responsive environment. With the advent of our Fargo, North Dakota center in 2011 we have rounded out our ability to deliver the genuineness and conscientiousness of the Midwest employee coupled with accent neutral speech. We are confident that this business model will continue to ensure our clients' branding success over the next thirty years."

About Midco Connections

Midco Connections is a wholly owned subsidiary of Midcontinent Media and supports locations in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Fargo, North Dakota. Midco was founded in 1982 as a Telephone Answering Service, and in just a few years it became clear that our customers wanted more than just an answering service they wanted comprehensive customer care offering product knowledge, shipping information, answers to callers' questions, data intake ability and above all excellent customer care. In short, they wanted quality call center services.

Find more information about Midco Connections at http://www.midcoconnections.com

Contact Information Cordell Brooks, Vice President Midco Connections 605-275-5450 cbrooks@midcoconnections.com

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Midco Connections Celebrates 30 Years of Success

MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Television stars arent the only people working with fashion designers to make a splash this fall. Progressive Insurance and Flo are teaming up with designer Candice Held to raise money for Dress for Success Worldwide. From Monday, September 24 at 12:00 p.m. EDT until Thursday, October 4, fashion fans can bid on a one-of-a-kind dress worn by the advertising icon in multiple magazine advertisements. The auction will take place online at http://www.ebay.com/progressiveinsurance, giving people the opportunity to buy a custom-made Candice Held dress, which features 1,000 hand-placed crystals on the train.

We chose Candice for this project because shes a top-notch designer, and we knew shed do a great job turning Flos everyday Superstore outfit into an elegant gown, said Miriam Deitcher, marketing director at Progressive. Its a great dress and wed love to keep it, but were happy we can use it to raise money for a good cause.

Bidding for the dress will start at $200, with the money from the winning bid going to Dress for Success Worldwide. Dress for Success is a non-profit organization that provides proper job interview attire for women who cant afford it.

The opening bid is definitely below face value for the dress, Deitcher continued. Were hoping that Flos celebrity combined with Candices notoriety will drive people to the page to bid, bringing more money to Dress for Success.

To bid on the dress, visit http://www.ebay.com/progressiveinsurance.

About Progressive

Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2012, The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies makes it easy to understand, buy, and use auto insurance. Progressive offers choices so consumers can reach it whenever, wherever, and however its most convenientonline at progressive.com, by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE, on a mobile device or in-person with a local agent.

Progressive offers insurance for personal and commercial autos and trucks, motorcycles, boats, recreational vehicles, and homes. Its the fourth largest auto insurer in the country, the largest seller of motorcycle insurance, and a leader in commercial auto insurance. Progressive also offers car insurance online in Australia at http://www.progressiveonline.com.au.

Founded in 1937, Progressive continues its long history of offering shopping tools and services that save customers time and money, like Name Your Price, the Snapshot Discount, and a concierge level of claims service.

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Fashionable Philanthropy: Progressive® Insurance Auctioning Designer Dress Worn by Flo to Benefit Dress for Success ...

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A day in the life of Ben Shewry and his team.

ARRIVING at Tokyo airport in November last year to take part in the international Cook It Raw wild-food conference, Ben Shewry saw a paparazzi horde wielding cameras and microphones and remarked to his companion, Danish chef Rene Redzepi, whose restaurant Noma is rated the world's best: ''I wonder who all the press is here for, must be someone famous.'' Redzepi, bemused, replied: ''Ben, it's us.'' And so it was, and when the two chefs boarded their bus, the photographers gave frantic chase on bikes and in cars at speeds of 100km/h.

''One fellow,'' Shewry says incredulously, ''had half of his body protruding from the passenger-seat window, risking his life trying to take a shot of me, a farm boy from the New Zealand back country who happens to cook. Seriously it was hilarious and ridiculous. Being the focus of attention is abhorrent to me. I hate bullshit.''

Whether he likes it or not, overseas at least, the self-effacing 35-year-old Melbourne-based chef is a culinary celebrity. His dishes, born of foraging in his past for experiences and retelling them in whimsical, exquisitely assembled combinations of wild native plants, fruits, herbs, nuts and produce, make him in demand to cook and speak at international food fests such as Redzepi's MAD Foodcamp, Spain's Madrid Fusion and at France-based food writer and restaurant judge Andrea Petrini's Cook It Raw eco-food fests. His unassuming Ripponlea restaurant, Attica, is ranked 63rd in the prestigious S. Pellegrino list of the world's top 100 restaurants.

Ben Shewry at Attica. Photo: Eddie Jim

''Many things make Ben special and account for his acceptance as a peer by the world's finest chefs,'' Redzepi says. ''He's an exceptionally genuine and good human being, gracious, open-minded and always willing to share his thoughts and ideas. Then there is Ben the chef. His cooking is deeply personal, coming from within. He's able to bring his upbringing, his memories, all those special moments that have made their mark on him into the 'right now' while giving every plate a striking sense of place. Attica is somewhere you go for more than just the meal: you go for the story.''

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Of Shewry's place in the international pantheon of chefs, Petrini doesn't mince words. ''F---ing high,'' he says. ''Ben is a perfectionist, but doesn't tread the dry lands of pure technique and technology. His work showcases a distinctive balance between rational and sensual, cognitive and a more immediate instinctive approach. When he delivers Dry Your Eyes Sweetheart, a dish conceived as a tribute to a fisherman friend [Melbourne fish wholesaler Jason Jurie], who passed away, it's more than food; it's autobiography, memory made public.''

Yet on his home turf, and just the way chef Shewry likes it, the paparazzi rush right on by without a glance. Shewry, it's said, is the best little-known chef in the land - some swear the best chef, full stop. Despite being tagged The Age Good Food Guide 2011 chef of the year, and Attica last year being awarded its third hat and named restaurant of the year by the guide, Shewry is hardly a household name in Australia. ''Ben's not a massive self-promoter like some chefs,'' says Joanna Savill, director of next week's Crave Sydney International Food Festival. ''He's interested in cooking, not playing the fame game. He quietly does his thing as he wants to do it. Australia would be a lot poorer if we didn't have chefs like Ben pushing the envelope and doing something personal and artistic.''

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A recipe for success

Wines from all over the world are judged by an expert panel and the competition rules state that no more than 30% of the overall entrants may win awards. Cellarmaster Johan Joubertis particularly proud that they are receiving recognition for varieties not normally associated with Kleine Zalze the Family Reserve Pinotage 2009 and the Vineyard Selection Chardonnay 2011.

The Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Pinotage 2009 is a unique wine according to Johan. The fruit comes from 35-year old bush vines and everything possible is done to preserve the purity of fruit as opposed to over-extraction. The grapes are cold-soaked for several days before being fermented cold with the skins kept in the tank throughout both practices which are contrary to most other peoples methods of handling this variety. Johan then matures it in 100% new French oak barrels for 22 months to make what he terms A wine which is complex, elegant and spicier than many others. He is delighted that this international panel has picked up on these two factors in particular, as personal experience has long shown him that this is what his consumers enjoy about this wine.

The second gold medal winner, the Vineyard Selection Chardonnay 2011, is also a wine in which Johan has invested a lot of time and thought. His quest has been for freshness and complexity in fruit with a flinty character which carries through an earthy flintiness to the final wine. The Vineyard Selection is made up of 50% of this lighter style of Chardonnay which is made reductively to preserve the freshness; the remaining 50% is made in an oxidative manner. The blend of the two batches of wine is then aged for 7 months in oak barrels during which time; no batonage takes place nor is malolactic fermentation allowed to occur. I want to retain the freshness and if you start stirring up the lees and allowing malo, you lose that says Johan.

Johans overall aim in making these wines has been for his customers to enjoy them. Johan explains he and fellow winemaker Bertho van der Westhuisen want to make wines that have freshness and flavour and which invite people to always have another glass! To win awards for the wines is an added bonus and he is naturally delighted that international palates appreciate them as well.

These wines are both uniquely Kleine Zalze and are perfect expressions of us and our own regionality and winemaking style. It is a pleasure to us that people enjoy them both in South Africa and overseas as well.

The Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Pinotage 2009 is yet to be released to the public and the Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection Chardonnay 2011 is available from the cellars for R69.00.

For more information contact Wynand van Schalkwyk, Marketing Manager at Kleine Zalze via e-mail wvanschalkwyk@kleinezalze.co.zaor | visit Kleinezalze website.

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Kleine Zalze enjoys success at the Mundus Vini Awards

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Puffs brand has partnered with the Dress for Success organization to provide beauty and wardrobe makeovers for deserving women across the country. Professional makeup artists and stylists were on hand at the Chicago Avenue Salon today to help women look and feel their best as they begin new chapters of their personal and professional lives.

Puffs believes every woman deserves to look in the mirror with confidence and feel beautiful. To show support for that belief, Puffs is hosting a community on their Facebook page where people can share their inspiring words on how they put their best face forward every day. Participation in the conversation will give fans the opportunity to donate to Dress for Success and make them eligible to win prizes.

Like Puffs, Dress for Success aims to help women get a fresh new start in both work and in life, said Laura Dressman, Puffs communications manager. Were proud to partner with such an uplifting organization and are happy to offer a day of beauty to deserving women here in Chicago. We also hope that fans everywhere will visit our Facebook page to help us honor the beauty in all women.

Puffs tissues have always been what people reach for when suffering from cold and allergy symptoms, but Puffs are designed with your entire face in mind. Whether caring for a cold, applying makeup, or blotting away perspiration, Puffs looks to tackle all of the things your face has to face throughout the day. This is the brands second makeover event for this program, with the finale event taking place in New York City.

Dress for Success helps provide women with the confidence and tools they need to transform their lives both personally and professionally, said Maggie Schutz, Development Manager of Dress for Success Chicago. By partnering with Puffs, we know our clients left Chicago Avenue Salon with the confidence they need to put their best face forward as they re-enter the workforce.

Now through October 12th, a tab on the Puffs Facebook page will allow people to upload their inspirational quotes, tips and stories on how they put their best face forward every day. As fans submit their tip, Puffs will donate a minimum of $100,000 to Dress for Success Worldwide to help promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women. Also, with every entry, fans will be entered into a sweepstakes to win one of 60 Procter & Gamble beauty baskets as well as a grand prize trip to New York City for a beauty makeover.

Each submission will be hosted on a gallery within the tab where Puffs fans can gain confidence through the inspiring words of others in their community. The brand will post weekly themes to spark ideas, but fans are encouraged to post their own quotes, tips or stories that show support of the Puffs Facebook community and the women of Dress for Success.

Visit http://www.Facebook.com/Puffs for more information.

About Puffs

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Puffs® Partners with Dress for Success’ Chicago Affiliate to Help Local Women Put Their Best Face Forward

One-in-four believe their personal financial situation will improve

TORONTO , Sept. 24, 2012 /CNW/ - While the majority of Quebecers (67 per cent) rate their own level of financial knowledge as "excellent/good," they give the "average Canadian" a lower grade, stating that only one-in-three (33 per cent) has this same level of understanding, according to the RBC Canadian Consumer Outlook (RBC CCO).

"Acquiring a sound level of financial knowledge is all part of an ongoing learning process; we aren't born with it," noted Danielle Coutle, manager, sales strategies and support, Personal Financial Services, RBC. "Greater financial knowledge can be of immense help when you are trying to decide between a fixed or variable mortgage, how best to save money and where to invest your savings. Free advice to assist with improving your financial knowledge is available through our online RBC Advice Centre, or you can meet with a financial advisor for a consultation."

According to the RBC CCO survey, Quebec residents are taking proactive steps to improve their financial literacy by:

In addition to questions about financial knowledge, the quarterly RBC CCO asked people in Quebec to assess the national economy and found that, while 58 per cent of Quebecers believe the state of the national economy is good, only 24 per cent believe it will pick up in the next year. The latest RBC Economic Outlook notes that Quebec's economy will grow at a slower-than-average rate of 1.0 per cent, below the national average of 2.1 per cent.

"Performance in the early months of the year has been a mixed bag in Quebec , but we remain confident that growth will pick up moderately going forward," stated Craig Wright , senior vice-president and chief economist, RBC. "We expect that a strengthening U.S. economy will reinvigorate demand for Quebec's export products, benefiting the provincial manufacturing sector."

Other Quebec highlights from the RBC CCO include:

About RBC's debt management and other financial advice and interactive tools Whether Canadians want to get more from their day-to-day banking, protect what's important, save and invest, borrow with confidence or take care of their businesses, the RBC Advice Centre can help answer their questions. Interactive tools and calculators provide customized information covering many facets of personal finance, including the free Learning Money with Leo iPad app to help families teach children the value of money, the Debt Reduction Plan and the Debt Consolidation Calculator. With the guidance of RBC advisors who are available to chat live, Canadians have access to free, no-obligation professional advice about RBC products and services and personalized one-on-one service. Further information is available at rbcadvicecentre.com. In addition, RBC's myFinanceTracker, a comprehensive online financial management tool, offers all personal RBC online banking clients the ability, at no cost, to create a set budget and track their spending habits and to access tax-related apps in RBC's myTax Centre, to help manage and plan their taxes.

About the RBC Canadian Consumer Outlook The survey is conducted online via Ipsos Reid's national I-Say Consumer Panel to 3,027 Canadians (450 British Columbia, 449 Alberta, 453 Saskatchewan/Manitoba, 714 Ontario, 510 Quebec , 451 Atlantic Canada ). Weightingwas thenemployed to balance demographics and ensure that the sample's composition reflects that of the adult population according to Census data and to provide results intended to approximate the sample universe. Data collection was July 3 to 9, 2012. A survey with an unweighted probability sample of this size and a 100 per cent response rate would have an estimated margin of error of 1.8 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, of what the results would have been had the entire population of adults in Canada been polled.

SOURCE: RBC

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Majority of Quebecers confident about their level of financial knowledge: RBC Canadian Consumer Outlook

Most optimistic about personal financial situation in coming months

TORONTO , Sept. 24, 2012 /CNW/ - Seven-in-10 (71 per cent) Albertans believe they have a good level of financial knowledge, however, 74 per cent say the financial knowledge of the "average Canadian" is "not very good/terrible" and it is a serious issue that needs to be improved, according to the RBC Canadian Consumer Outlook (RBC CCO).

"Without sound financial knowledge, trying to make key financial decisions on a day-to-day basis or navigate through the vast array of financial options available, can be difficult for many Canadians," said Michael Wood , regional vice-president, Investments & Retirement Planners, Alberta and the Territories. "Regardless of your plans - whether saving for a first home, learning more about investment options, or planning for retirement - there are many helpful online tools and resources available, including our online RBC Advice Centre, to help you improve your financial literacy and make sound financial decisions."

According to the RBC CCO survey, Albertans are looking at different ways to improve their financial literacy, including:

In addition to questions about financial knowledge, the quarterly RBC CCO asked Albertans about the national economy and found that residents of the province are most optimistic (45 per cent) the Canadian economy will improve over the coming year, compared to people across the country (30 per cent). The latest RBC Economic Outlook indicates that Albertans have every reason to be optimistic about their own economy, with a projected growth rate of 3.8 per cent this year, well above the national average of 2.1 per cent.

"Alberta continues to lead the other provinces in economic performance indicators by a considerable margin in most instances," stated Craig Wright , senior vice-president and chief economist, RBC. "Capital spending in the energy sector will remain a key positive factor in the provincial economy, as will the increasing numbers of people settling in Alberta and the turnaround in the housing sector."

Other Alberta highlights from the RBC CCO include:

About RBC's debt management and other financial advice and interactive tools Whether Canadians want to get more from their day-to day-banking, protect what's important, save and invest, borrow with confidence or take care of their businesses, the RBC Advice Centre can help answer their questions. Interactive tools and calculators provide customized information covering many facets of personal finance, including the free Learning Money with Leo iPad app to help families teach children the value of money, the Debt Reduction Plan and the Debt Consolidation Calculator. With the guidance of RBC advisors who are available to chat live, Canadians have access to free, no-obligation professional advice about RBC products and services and personalized one-on-one service. Further information is available at rbcadvicecentre.com. In addition, RBC's myFinanceTracker, a comprehensive online financial management tool, offers all personal RBC online banking clients the ability, at no cost, to create a set budget and track their spending habits and to access tax-related apps in RBC's myTax Centre, to help manage and plan their taxes.

About the RBC Canadian Consumer Outlook The survey is conducted online via Ipsos Reid's national I-Say Consumer Panel to 3,027 Canadians (450 British Columbia, 449 Alberta, 453 Saskatchewan/Manitoba, 714 Ontario, 510 Quebec , 451 Atlantic Canada ). Weightingwas thenemployed to balance demographics and ensure that the sample's composition reflects that of the adult population according to Census data and to provide results intended to approximate the sample universe. Data collection was July 3 to 9, 2012. A survey with an unweighted probability sample of this size and a 100 per cent response rate would have an estimated margin of error of 1.8 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, of what the results would have been had the entire population of adults in Canada been polled.

SOURCE: RBC

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Albertans confident in their financial knowledge but don't believe the "average Canadian" has the same grasp: RBC ...

Modesto Junior College swim coach Kurt Olson received the Kerry O'Brien Coaching Award from the U.S. Masters Swimming Organization. The award recognizes coaches throughout the United States who are building membership in communities and who embody the passion, dedication and heart that master swimming coaches bring to the pool deck. Olson was one of seven recipients named for the award at the U.S. Aquatics Sports Convention that was held Sept. 16 in Greensboro, N.C. He also is the founder and head coach for Modesto Area Aquatic Club, a master's swim club.

Stanislaus Consolidated Firefighters Local 3399 this week sent a check for $6,545.87 to the Firefighters Burn Institute in Sacramento. The local firefighters raised the money through their "Fill the Boot for Burns" drive. The Institute uses the money to improve burn care and help burn survivors in their recovery.

Beyer High's Heidi Pagani will be recognized Oct. 1 by Stanford University, which honors K-12 teachers through its Teacher Tribute Initiative. Incoming freshmen are asked to select one former teacher or mentor who "played a significant role in their intellectual, academic, social, and personal development." Liana Yates, a Beyer graduate and current Stanford freshman, nominated Pagani for the honor.

Modesto resident Michele Durante received a $25,000 tuition scholarship to attend the Art Institute of California in San Francisco. The scholarship is given by Military Families United, a national coalition of Gold Star and Blue Star families, veterans and patriotic Americans.

Durante lives here with her husband, David Zuehlke, a National Guard reservist based in Fresno.

Silkwood Wines, owned by John and Judie Monnich and made with Modesto-area grapes, racked up several medals at recent competitions.

The 2007 Satin and Silk Vintners Select petite sirah won double gold at the Florida State Fair, gold at the Orange County Fair and gold at the Consumer Wine Awards at Lodi.

The 2007 petite sirah won class champion at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Wine Competition, best of class and double gold at the Indianapolis Wine Competition, gold at the Sunset International Wine Competition, gold at the Orange County Fair and platinum and best of class at the Lodi event.

The 2008 syrah and Red Duet received gold medals in Lodi.

Submit items for Success & Service to local@modbee.com.

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SUCCESS & SERVICE: U.S. Masters honors MJC swim coach

Sharon Paterson, with her prize-winning sheep, at the Wyndham A and P Show. Photo supplied.

The Generate programme, which includes nine workshops covering topics as varied as people skills and marketing, leads to a certificate in rural leadership.

Lucy Thomson-Ryan, who will present the Dunedin programme, said Generate "offers so much for people at all ages and stages in their lives".

"I've seen older women blow the group away as they develop self-confidence and presentation skills and younger people experience personal growth and unlock their potential.

"The team dynamics are as valuable as the content. Often older, wiser minds provide direction and younger people add a different aspect and fresh way of looking at things," she said.

Generate is a national programme delivered by Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre at centres around New Zealand.

Sharon Paterson, a Generate Gore graduate and FMG rural manager, particularly valued the presentation and people skills she took from the workshops.

Alongside her working life with FMG, Mrs Paterson manages four sheep studs and a cattle stud with her husband.

"I have been in farming all my life.

I looked to the programme to help me develop more personal confidence and self-confidence in speaking with people. Generate exceeded my expectations.

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Generating success for farming professionals

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Published: 9/22/2012 - Updated: 17 hours ago

BY RYAN AUTULLO BLADE SPORTS WRITER

Tom Osborne, the legendary Nebraska football coach turned athletic director, was skeptical when a wealthy businessman in his late 50s invited him to lunch four years ago to discuss a position on the Cornhuskers coaching staff.

"I thought this was probably a little bit of a passing fancy and he'll get over it," Osborne recalls thinking.

Osborne soon realized he had misjudged the man, who had recently resigned from his post as CEO of a successful online brokerage and began showing up to every practice. He sat in on every staff meeting, taking copious notes. Weary from an hour commute, he moved his personal effects into a hotel room near campus.

This was no fleeting fantasy, no means to scribbling a check mark next to an entry on a bucket list. Joe Moglia, who cashed zero paychecks in his role as executive advisor to Cornhuskers coach Bo Pelini, was determined to apply the principles he culled from laboring nearly 30 years in the business sector to engineering his own Division I program.

"I knew he was serious," Osborne said this week by phone.

The University of Toledo's Glass Bowl, where first-year Coastal Carolina coach Moglia will lead his Chanticleers today for a 7 p.m. tilt against the Rockets, is 565 miles and 10 driving hours away from Wall Street in New York.

It was there, in 1984, where Moglia made the most difficult decision of his life and exchanged his coaching career to enter a training program with Merrill Lynch.

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Chanticleers coach knows success