Press Release Depot

• 15Aug

  ITW Reports 11.4 Percent Growth in Operating Revenues for Three Months Ended July 31, 2008

  Architecture, Illinois No Comments

  GLENVIEW, Ill., Aug. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Illinois Tool Works Inc.
  (NYSE: ITW) today reported an operating revenue increase of 11.4 percent for
  the three months ended July 31, 2008. The double-digit increase in revenue
  growth for the three months was due to contributions from translation,
  acquisitions and base revenues.

  On a segment basis, the Company’s three month moving average percentage
  change for operating revenues, comprised of base revenues,
  acquisitions/divestitures and currency translation, is provided below.

  (% change for 3 months ended July 31, 2008 versus prior year period)
  *Industrial Packaging: +16.7 %
  *Power Systems and Electronics: +17.0 %
  *Transportation: + 8.5 %
  *Construction Products: + 7.4 %
  *Food Equipment: +13.3 %
  *Polymers and Fluids: +29.8 %
  *Decorative Surfaces: + 4.5 %
  *All Other: + 5.0 %

  Looking ahead, the Company is forecasting a third quarter 2008 diluted
  income per share from continuing operations of $0.93 to $0.99. The 2008 third
  quarter forecast assumes a total company revenue growth range of 10 percent to
  14 percent. The Company is forecasting full-year 2008 diluted income per
  share from continuing operations range of $3.40 to $3.52. The full-year
  forecast assumes a total company revenue growth range of 9 percent to
  12 percent. The full-year forecast also reflects a 22 cent after-tax charge
  to earnings taken in the first quarter due to impairment and European tax
  charges.

  On August 11, 2008, the Company announced a plan to divest its Decorative
  Surfaces and Click Commerce businesses. These units, totaling approximately
  $1.3 billion in annual revenues, will be reclassified as part of discontinued
  operations by the end of the 2008 third quarter. Accordingly, at that point
  in time the Company will revise its forecasts for income per share from
  continuing operations for the 2008 third quarter and full year.

  The statements regarding the Company’s 2008 third quarter and full-year
  forecasts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private
  Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are subject to
  certain risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause actual
  results to differ materially from those anticipated. Important factors that
  could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s
  expectations are set forth in ITW’s Form 10-Q for the 2008 second quarter.

  With $16.2 billion in revenues, ITW is a diversified and value-added
  manufacturer of highly engineered components and industrial systems and
  consumables. The Company consists of approximately 825 business units in
  52 countries and employs some 60,000 people.

  SOURCE Illinois Tool Works Inc.

• 13Aug

  World’s Largest Fortune Creating(R) Architecture and ‘Designed to Meet LEED Platinum’ Office Building Opens in Nation’s Capital Area

  Architecture, District of Columbia No Comments

  WASHINGTON, Aug. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Tower Companies (www.towercompanies.com), the largest Green Builder in the Nation’s Capital area and one of ten carbon neutral companies in the U.S., and Lerner Enterprises (www.lernerenterprises.com), Washington, D.C.’s largest private real estate developer, announce their delivery of the building of the future — 2000 Tower Oaks Boulevard (www.toweroaks.com) in Rockville, MD, which combines the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) “Designed to Meet LEED Platinum” criteria with the world’s largest application of Fortune Creating(R) Architecture, making it the healthiest building ever built.

  (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080813/DC30381 )

  Kishimoto, Gordon, Dalaya, PC (KGD) (www.kgdarchitecture.com), designed the structure in consultation with architect Jon Lipman with Fortune Creating(R) Buildings (www.vedicarchitecture.org) which is built on the Vedic principals of orientation, placement and proportion, and determines how the building relates to the body, mind and the environment to improve the occupant’s health, enhance job performance and success.

  “The best buildings are those that make us feel good and at their highest can elevate your success. Tower’s vision transcends beyond green to creating super-charged healthy environments that are assets for the business, generate return on rent and become a rewarding work experience,” states Jeffrey S. Abramson, a partner of The Tower Companies, “and Fortune Creating(R) Architecture will revolutionize the industry stimulating the next evolution of green.”

  “After almost six decades in the industry, our company continues to embrace modern concepts that go beyond the expected and are ahead of the competition and, we believe 2000 Tower Oaks Boulevard delivers a world-class downtown corporate experience with an uptown address,” says Mark D. Lerner, a principal of Lerner Enterprises. Lerner recently introduced LEED Gold certified, 20 M Street, SE, a 10-story, 190,000-square foot office building planned as part of the revitalization of the Capital Riverfront neighborhood surrounding the Washington Navy Yard and Nationals Park, America’s greenest ballpark. 20 M Street was the first office building in the city to achieve this certification level for Core and Shell.

  The 200,000 square foot building’s green efficiencies are “Designed to Earn ENERGY STAR” and reduce energy consumption by 41%, water consumption by 48%; the HVAC system is 30% more efficient than for typical offices; a four-stage air filtration system circulates 30% more outside air, turns over every 51 minutes and removes 85% of airborne pollutants. Furthermore, 90% of occupants have outside views, 74% have natural daylight, CO2 monitoring increases fresh air when necessary and there is “night sky” protection; no light pollution leaves the site; and electromagnetic field (EMF) shielding. Eighty percent (80%) of all electric equipment is Energy Star-rated, 50% of the materials are manufactured within a 500-mile radius; 75% of the construction waste is recycled. Over 17,000 drought resistant plantings of trees, ornamental grasses and bulbs compliment the building’s landscape in the park-like setting, located along the I-270 Technology Corridor.

  The exquisite office building features commissioned art and sculpture in public spaces, luxurious restrooms, a 30-foot lit onyx wall in the lobby, a 2,500 square foot fitness facility, including lockers, showers and Pilates exercise room, and an on-site cafe which will sell organic and healthy fare.

  The Tower Companies’ new headquarter offices are “Designed to Meet LEED” Platinum by KGD and adorned with three sky gardens, original art, and a meditation room. The sun-filled space uses half of the lighting load of most typical offices today. The kitchen features dishes, glasses and floors of recycled glass, corn paper products, bamboo cabinetry, and fresh herb garden; insulation is made from blue jean scraps, composite wood and agrifibre door cores are used throughout and are formaldehyde free; 50% of all wood used for millwork is certified by The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), an international network promoting responsible management of the world’s forests; 60% recycled ceiling tiles are used throughout; Greenguard Indoor Air Quality certified furniture from Knoll and Technion complete the sophisticated office decor.

  The Tower Companies is a winner of the 2008 USGBC of the National Capital Area, Firm of the Year, 2008 Washington Business Journal Green Company of the Year, 2008 Washingtonian Magazine Corporate Green Award and 2007 DC Chamber of Commerce Corporation of the Year.

  Lerner Enterprises moves into their new eco-smart and sophisticated 46,000 square foot LEED Gold corporate headquarters at 2000 Tower Oaks Boulevard in October, 2008.

  Delegations from around the world are visiting 2000 Tower Oaks Boulevard because it is the first building to go beyond green to increase workforce success and business growth. The media are invited to tour and experience
  2000 Tower Oaks Boulevard.

  CONTACT: Elizabeth Lisboa-Farrow/The Oliver Group, Inc./202.494.1977.

  SOURCE Tower Companies

• 13Aug

  Okeanos Aquascaping Turns a Hobbyist’s Dream Into Reality With the Largest Glass Reef Aquarium in a New York Home

  Architecture, New York No Comments

  One-Of-A-Kind, 800 Gallon, Custom-Built, Glass Reef Aquarium Becomes Reality

  NEW YORK, Aug. 13 /PRNewswire/ — Okeanos Aquascaping (www.okeanosgroup.com), an international custom aquarium and pond company specializing in the integration of cutting edge designs, hand-picked exotic fish, coral and other livestock, brilliant colors, and mesmerizing effects, is pleased to announce that it has built the largest glass reef aquarium in a newly constructed private home in Brooklyn, New York for a 20-year aquarium hobbyist. The oversized, optically clear, 3/4 inch glass reef aquarium, which was built on-site, is 800 gallons (120″L x 42″W x 36″H; weight: 8,500 lbs., cost: $150,000+), and is situated on the main floor in the family room. In addition to a live reef, exotic fish and coral, the aquarium contains some of the most beautiful live rock in the world from the island of Kupang. In order to complete this project, Okeanos Aquascaping worked closely with the owner’s architects to fortify the structure of the room to support the weight of the aquarium.

  “Upon seeing a 550 gallon Okeanos aquarium in a fellow hobbyist’s home in South Jersey, I knew I had to have my dream aquarium built into my new home,” said the homeowner. “Over the past 20 years, I’ve owned many aquariums and exotic aquatic life, and I was amazed when I saw this gentleman’s tank, how beautiful it was and how he was successfully housing hard-to-keep coral and fish. To have my aquarium built, my architect had to add steel support throughout the floor where my aquarium is. The architect also added extra power for the custom-built filtration system (which is housed underneath the aquarium at approximately 300 sq. ft.), and for the 4,000 watts of specialty aquarium lighting. In addition, fans were added to the top of the aquarium, which exhaust through the side of the house, for proper ventilation, and a dedicated drain was installed for water changes. It’s all worth it…just to have my dream fulfilled and to enjoy my very own slice of the ocean every day.”

  “We’re so excited to have completed this project as it’s the largest glass reef aquarium in a private residence in New York City,” says Noam Kamelhar, Principal, Okeanos Aquascaping. “We built everything on-site since it was too large to carry into the house. We’ve built a client’s dream - and given him everything he ever wanted in an aquarium. Everything we did was carefully planned and executed to perfection.”

  In addition to this project, Okeanos, which recently celebrated its sixth anniversary by opening a New York City office, announced its offering of five-star experiential vacations where clients can travel with Okeanos’ staff around the world to see exotic fish, coral and other livestock in its natural habitats as well as the availability of public and private educational seminars about exotic livestock and pond and aquarium environments.

  For the schedule of events of trips, to book staff for seminars, for more information and to view photos of Okeanos’ magnificent work, please contact the office at 212-244-9555 or visit www.okeanosgroup.com.

  About Okeanos Aquascaping
  Okeanos Aquascaping, founded in New York City in 2002, is a custom aquarium and pond company specializing in the integration of cutting edge designs, brilliant colors, and mesmerizing effects. With more than 10 years experience in aquarium and pond filtration, Okeanos Aquascaping has extensive knowledge of exotic aquariums and ponds, which they design, install and maintain with hand-picked fish, coral and other livestock that are healthy and compatible. Using their proprietary filtration system, custom-built glass and acrylic tanks enclosed using wood, brick, granite or stone, and carefully selected and compatible exotic aquarium life, Okeanos creates magnificent statements of taste and status in luxury homes, commercial entrances and offices, and travel destinations across the U.S. Their premier customer service department is available 24/7 to the tri-state area and provides weekly to monthly aquarium and pond service. For more information or to view our online showroom, please visit www.okeanosgroup.com or call 212-244-9555.

  www.OkeanosGroup.com

  SOURCE Okeanos Aquascaping

• 13Aug

  Okeanos Aquascaping Turns a Hobbyist’s Dream Into Reality With the Largest Glass Reef Aquarium in a New York Home

  Architecture, New York No Comments

  One-Of-A-Kind, 800 Gallon, Custom-Built, Glass Reef Aquarium Becomes Reality

  NEW YORK, Aug. 13 /PRNewswire/ — Okeanos Aquascaping (www.okeanosgroup.com), an international custom aquarium and pond company specializing in the integration of cutting edge designs, hand-picked exotic fish, coral and other livestock, brilliant colors, and mesmerizing effects, is pleased to announce that it has built the largest glass reef aquarium in a newly constructed private home in Brooklyn, New York for a 20-year aquarium hobbyist. The oversized, optically clear, 3/4 inch glass reef aquarium, which was built on-site, is 800 gallons (120″L x 42″W x 36″H; weight: 8,500 lbs., cost: $150,000+), and is situated on the main floor in the family room. In addition to a live reef, exotic fish and coral, the aquarium contains some of the most beautiful live rock in the world from the island of Kupang. In order to complete this project, Okeanos Aquascaping worked closely with the owner’s architects to fortify the structure of the room to support the weight of the aquarium.

  “Upon seeing a 550 gallon Okeanos aquarium in a fellow hobbyist’s home in South Jersey, I knew I had to have my dream aquarium built into my new home,” said the homeowner. “Over the past 20 years, I’ve owned many aquariums and exotic aquatic life, and I was amazed when I saw this gentleman’s tank, how beautiful it was and how he was successfully housing hard-to-keep coral and fish. To have my aquarium built, my architect had to add steel support throughout the floor where my aquarium is. The architect also added extra power for the custom-built filtration system (which is housed underneath the aquarium at approximately 300 sq. ft.), and for the 4,000 watts of specialty aquarium lighting. In addition, fans were added to the top of the aquarium, which exhaust through the side of the house, for proper ventilation, and a dedicated drain was installed for water changes. It’s all worth it…just to have my dream fulfilled and to enjoy my very own slice of the ocean every day.”

  “We’re so excited to have completed this project as it’s the largest glass reef aquarium in a private residence in New York City,” says Noam Kamelhar, Principal, Okeanos Aquascaping. “We built everything on-site since it was too large to carry into the house. We’ve built a client’s dream - and given him everything he ever wanted in an aquarium. Everything we did was carefully planned and executed to perfection.”

  In addition to this project, Okeanos, which recently celebrated its sixth anniversary by opening a New York City office, announced its offering of five-star experiential vacations where clients can travel with Okeanos’ staff around the world to see exotic fish, coral and other livestock in its natural habitats as well as the availability of public and private educational seminars about exotic livestock and pond and aquarium environments.

  For the schedule of events of trips, to book staff for seminars, for more information and to view photos of Okeanos’ magnificent work, please contact the office at 212-244-9555 or visit www.okeanosgroup.com.

  About Okeanos Aquascaping
  Okeanos Aquascaping, founded in New York City in 2002, is a custom aquarium and pond company specializing in the integration of cutting edge designs, brilliant colors, and mesmerizing effects. With more than 10 years experience in aquarium and pond filtration, Okeanos Aquascaping has extensive knowledge of exotic aquariums and ponds, which they design, install and maintain with hand-picked fish, coral and other livestock that are healthy and compatible. Using their proprietary filtration system, custom-built glass and acrylic tanks enclosed using wood, brick, granite or stone, and carefully selected and compatible exotic aquarium life, Okeanos creates magnificent statements of taste and status in luxury homes, commercial entrances and offices, and travel destinations across the U.S. Their premier customer service department is available 24/7 to the tri-state area and provides weekly to monthly aquarium and pond service. For more information or to view our online showroom, please visit www.okeanosgroup.com or call 212-244-9555.

  www.OkeanosGroup.com

  SOURCE Okeanos Aquascaping

• 31Jul

  Something to See: Mountain Architects & PrecisionCraft Release July’s Design of the Month

  Architecture, Idaho No Comments

  MERIDIAN, Idaho, July 31 /PRNewswire/ — Where do you find inspiration for
  your dream home? Every month, visitors flock to the Log Home Plan Gallery at
  PrecisionCraft.com to see the latest design created by Mountain Architects. It
  is a monthly frenzy that leaves many feeling inspired, refreshed in their
  vision of one day having a rustic log home, artfully crafted timber frame
  home, or a cozy log cabin.

  (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080731/AQTH535)

  (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080731/AQTH535LOGO-b)

  With August on the horizon, Mountain Architects releases its newest
  design, the Westcliffe. With its release comes a flood of rave reviews making
  it clear that the Westcliffe design is a hit among log home enthusiasts
  world-wide! What’s not to love? The Westcliffe packs a lot of punch in its
  2,172 square feet of livable space. Its post and beam design is complimented
  with a rustic, beveled siding, character posts at the entry and great room
  patio and an extensive use of stone.

  As designed, the estimated turnkey cost of the Westcliffe is $640,000.
  This cost estimate contemplates all materials and labor included in the design
  and construction of the home, from foundation excavation to completion. Love
  the Westcliffe but want to make a few changes? With Mountain Architects, you
  can customize the Westcliffe (and every design at PrecisionCraft.com) to fit
  your build site, architectural taste and budget. In addition, you can work
  with Mountain Architects to redesign the Westcliffe as a Mountain Accent(TM)
  home combining custom log components with conventional stick framing. The
  Westcliffe, redesigned as a Mountain Accent home, turnkeys at approximately
  $530,000.

  For more design inspiration, visit PrecisionCraft.com’s floor plan gallery
  featuring over 70 log home plans. With August quickly approaching, the team at
  Mountain Architects is already hard at work creating the next great design.
  Sign up at PrecisionCraft.com and be the first to see exciting new designs
  every month!

  For more information on custom design services, please visit the Log Home
  Information Center at PrecisionCraft.com or call 800-729-1320.

  SOURCE PrecisionCraft Log Homes

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