The Gardener’s Confidence Collection site provides a quick how-to video on creating container gardens: http://gardenersconfidence.com/Media/GC_Media_Center_Video.aspx .

For the container, simply select a watering can or pot that the kids can hand paint. Then fill it with re-blooming plants such as the Pinwheel Gardenia, an outstanding container plant that will add year-round evergreen beauty. Its whimsical white flowers with lovely fragrance and repeat blooms are abundant.

“Kids are sure to love the pinwheel-like flowers that look as though they are spinning against the dark green foliage. They can even snip them to bring inside in collected bottles and vases filled with water, confident that the plants will bloom again,” said Gardener’s Confidence Collection horticulturist Mike Sikes. “And mom will love the beauty and fragrance of the blossoms floating in a decorative bowl.

“For the perfect patio container for mom, let the kids pick out their favorite color of impatiens or begonias. Add a fern and some ivy, then top it off with a large, focal plant such as the Mini Penny Hydrangea. With its tight compact form and dependable re-blooming of pink or blue, the Mini Penny makes an excellent addition to a container and will last the summer,” Sikes said. “The Mini Penny also makes a great cut flower that the kids can bring inside for an easy floral arrangement for mom.”

And perfect for Mother’s Day, the name hydrangea means, appropriately, “thanks for understanding!”

For more information on Gardener’s Confidence Collection and its plant varieties, please visit www.gardenersconfidence.com .

About Gardener’s Confidence Collection:
The Gardener’s Confidence Collection brand ensures the best in disease resistance, prolific blooms, beautiful foliage and form. Billed as “A Garden You Can Count On,” its products represent years of breeding to ensure the plants’ success in the garden. Products include crapemyrtles, gardenias and hydrangeas grown by growers across the nation.

* Caption/cutline: A container garden created by the family and featuring the Mini Penny Hydrangea is the perfect Mother’s Day gift for mom.

News Source: Gardener’s Confidence Collection :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

With locations in Miami and Colombia, Gems Group is a team of dedicated professionals with a passion for marketing fresh cut flowers that are sold throughout the United States at fine grocery retailers.

Specializing in assisting U.S.-based companies with divisions and operations in Latin America purchase and implement ERP solutions, Southeast Computers Solutions President Sonia Ferrera said that Gems Group selected Sage ERP X3 because it immediately provides them with a web-enabled, feature rich, and Spanish language software (Sage ERP X3 supports multiple languages).

The open technology design of Sage ERP X3 provides full independence between the functional and the technical layer. End users may access the system via the web while the data server can take advantage of Microsoft SQL Server database – this was important to Gems as they have the ability to integrate Sage ERP X3 with other SQL-based applications.

Gems will also use the user-defined dashboards of Sage ERP X3 to provide up-to-the-minute graphical representations of key business data.

Forecasting, which previously was done on spreadsheets calculated outside of their ERP system, is now automated with Sage ERP X3 saving time, reducing errors and using sales history information directly from the system. Accurately forecasting sales is crucial to the operations at Gems, as flowers have a short life-span they need to communicate to the flower farms ahead of time in order to have inventory grown and harvested at the time sales demand them. Sage ERP X3 will give them better control over inventory and prepare them for future seasonal demand.

About Southeast Computer Solutions:
Southeast Computer Solutions has been a Sage Authorized Reseller since 1985. Headquartered in Miami, Southeast has an office in Mexico City and a presence in Buenos Aires. With over 600 installations across the United States and in Latin America, Southeast Computer Solutions is the largest Sage Reseller in Miami. The firm represents a large line of Sage products including Sage ERP MAS 90/200, Sage ERP MAS 500, Sage ERP X3, Sage Accpac ERP, Sage CRM and many other productivity-enhancing applications. The firm was ranked 75 on the 2011 VAR 100 list.

More information: http://www.southeastcomputers.com .

News Source: Southeast Computer Solutions :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

Dr. Dave Williams, MD, MPH, Board Certified in Preventive Medicine is completed his residency at Loma Linda University in 2001 and serves as the Medical Director of the Center for Lifestyle Medicine, Inc., a clinic that helps patients optimize health through assessment, education and therapeutic lifestyle measures that improve health and reduce risk for disease.

“Medical science has shown that the major chronic diseases affecting Western societies are due to underlying processes transpiring in our bodies,” said Dr. Williams. “Hydroponic vertical farming processes results in clean, natural food that is rich in essential vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Consuming fresh, unprocessed, locally-grown produce reduces disease-triggering processes. By making these healthy nutritional lifestyle choices, we can strengthen our body’s immune systems and combined with more exercise and rest, we can all dramatically improve how we feel and enjoy life.”

Dr. Steven Dreyer, DC, FACO also joined the EnviroIngenuity team. An expert in providing specialty care for complicated injuries to the neck, back, and joints, Dr. Dreyer has incorporated extensive nutritional counseling, exercise and preventive health care programs into his practice. He provides intensive personal one-hour nutritional consultations with functional laboratory analysis incorporated.

“EnviroIngenuity’s hydroponic vertical farming processes allow people a way to heal themselves by growing their own pesticide-free produce in very small spaces,” said Dr. Dreyer. “When we eat fresh-picked fruits and vegetables, we benefit from a greater concentration of enzymes and nutrients that can be lost during the food distribution process. What really intrigues me is the way kids take to the vertical home gardens. One day I hope to see my own kids comparing the quality of the produce they grow with each other and understand why it is so important to eat fresh greens.”

EnviroIngenuity’s Verti-Gro(R) hydroponic commercial and home garden systems dramatically increases affordable access to locally grown, natural produce while reducing water use by 85 percent, land use by 70 percent and fertilizer consumption by 50 percent and completely eliminating pesticide use. High-yield vertical home gardens eliminate the need to transport food from the field to the store and then to the home, cutting greenhouse gas emissions over 90 percent. Commercial Verti-Gro(R) hydroponic vertical farms enjoy the same resource efficiencies.

“For years I’ve wanted to find a fun way to engage youth with science and technology and assist them to become more conscious of how natural processes work and why. I’m particularly interested in teaching them how to grow natural, clean food and for them to connect with where their food comes from. When youth they learn early the simple processes of growing food, they develop many valuable skill-sets that can help them throughout their life. Hydroponic vertical home gardens do all that and more plus provide a fun, healthy activity for parents to interact with their kids.” said Erik Cutter, Managing Director of EnviroIngenuity. “Hydroponic vertical farming can correct many shortcomings in the modern American diet by helping families to grow nutritious, flavorful fruits and vegetables at home on a year-round basis.”

About EnviroIngenuity:
EnviroIngenuity was founded in 2009 by Erik Cutter. The company is comprised of forward-thinking professionals, whose goal is to take advantage of the growing demand for more efficient, cost effective sustainable energy solutions, employing solar PV, hi-efficiency LED lighting, green building and hydroponic vertical food production technologies.

EnviroIngenuity’s mission is “advancingreenergy” and reducing waste, thus better utilizing limited natural resources. As we invest in a lower carbon future, the EnviroIngenuity team is focused on helping organizations move forward to deploy sustainable energy solutions using disruptive technologies. http://www.EnviroIngenuity.com .

News Source: EnviroIngenuity :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

“Adding USDA to our portfolio of products gives our brokers the ability to expand their client base and capture more market share,” said Mat Ishbia, president of UWM. “Our goal is to help brokers grow and maintain their business by providing them with a wide array of products and cutting edge technology. We want brokers across the country to think of UWM as their one-stop shop for success.”

UWM attributes their purchase volume growth to their understanding of the importance of hitting purchase contract dates for mortgage originators, borrowers and real estate agents. UWM is considered one of the best lenders in the country when it comes to purchase business, and by now offering USDA loans, UWM is giving brokers another avenue to pick up market share.

“The USDA product is a substantial part of the purchase business in many areas throughout the country, and these loans offer incredible benefits to borrowers,” said Ishbia.

Details of UWM’s USDA product:
* 30-year fixed rate;
* 0 percent down;
* Financed closing costs;
* Competitively low rates;
* Financed appliances with minimal restrictions.

The addition of USDA/rural development loans rounds out UWM’s exceptional profile of product offerings. Most recently UWM rolled out The Big & Easy, a True Jumbo loan up to $2.5 million, and implemented HARP 2.0 with Unlimited LTV/CLTV. UWM can also assist their brokers, bankers and correspondents by providing them with a sponsored correspondent warehouse line.

Learn more about UWM’s USDA and other product options by calling (800) 981-8898 or by visiting their website at http://www.uwm.com .

About United Wholesale Mortgage:
Headquartered in Birmingham, Michigan, United Wholesale Mortgage underwrites and provides closing documentation for residential mortgage loans originated by mortgage brokers, banks, credit unions and correspondents. UWM provides unparalleled service with its deep understanding of the mortgage process using its talented team of account executives, underwriters, closers and funders, who have years of experience with intricate knowledge in wholesale. UWM’s positive teamwork and dedication to exceptional customer service has resulted in continued success and growth that has spawned expansion. For more information, visit www.uwm.com or call 800-981-8898.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Joe Bowerbank
Profundity Communications, Inc.
949.378.9685
jbowerbank@profunditymarketing.com.

News Source: United Wholesale Mortgage :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

“We are happy to have a new home for the glass house,” says Clark Trim. Gold Sponsors of the Arkansas Flower & Garden Show and Owners of Colonial Wines & Spirits, Clark Trim and Henrick Thostrup make the generous donation of the sunroom.

EcoHouse contacted the Arkansas Sustainable Network for help finding a suitable local garden who needs the structure. “Smells of orange blossoms,” Rodney told them.

Carsten Platz of Ace Glass, already a proponent of local food, donates his time, expertise and equipment for the massive project of disassembly, moving the curved glass room and reconstruction into new forms.

The sunroom will go mostly to Hall High School here in Little Rock for a large educational greenhouse. The gardening program is under the direction of Jonathon M Buford who is hands on helping with the move. Remaining portions of the sunroom will also go to Felder Farm and the Victory Garden Project. Felder Farm is a school farm and educational market garden located at Felder Academy, a Little Rock school for 6th thru 12th grade. The Victory Garden Project is a non-profit urban farm in the Stifft Station neighborhood of Little Rock, Ark., sponsored by the Central Arkansas New Agrarian Society and the Arkansas Sustainability Network.

EcoHouse is an architect and builder of fine custom homes and remodeling in Little Rock area. More information: www.EcoHouseConstruction.com . Contact Rodney Collins, architect at 501 303 4578. Contact Carten Platz, glass installer at 501 766 4740. Contact Jonathan M Buford, educator/farmer at 501 952 1188.

News Source: EcoHouse Construction :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

The Grand Opening celebration is open to the public on Saturday March 17, 2012, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Temecula Valley Strawberry Farms (in Rainbow Valley), located at 5452 5th Street, Fallbrook, CA 92028. Tel (951) 212-5805

Temecula Valley Strawberry Farms is the first commercial strawberry farm in Southern California to employ vertical hydroponic farming, which promises to change agricultural technology. The Fietz’s three-acre farm, located in Temecula’s Rainbow Valley, would not have been possible due to a lack of water. After drilling their well, they were able to pump just 20 gallons per minute, not nearly enough to grow strawberries commercially.

“An unforeseen water shortage rendered this property unfarmable without vertical hydroponic technology,” said Ken Fietz, Sr. “The Verti-Gro equipment is far more cost effective than the competition and uses 85 percent less water than row farming.”

Vertical farming methods save space, energy and water resources. Just as important, the berries are picked by the consumers on site, removing fuel and transportation costs.

“People no longer have to visit the Epcot Center to see the future of farming,” said Fietz, Sr. “I’ve been in the strawberry industry for 40 years and water and pesticides have always been huge issues. Add in lots of manual labor and it’s tough to make a dime at the end of the day. Since my son, Kenny, was willing to take the reins, I helped him implement this highly efficient system that does away with lots of extra expense and reduces the use of pesticides.”

Kenny Fietz, Jr., an agricultural graduate from California State University at Chico, operates the farm with his dad and together they now nurture 45,000 strawberry plants of varying varieties on one acre using the automatic drip system and limited pesticides.

“Because the Verti-Gro system doesn’t use soil, there are no issues with soil borne diseases or pests,” said Fietz, Jr. “The hydroponic process doesn’t require the use of pesticides for these common problems. Energy requirements are also dramatically reduced and harvesting is much easier to perform when you can stand upright instead of stooping over to pick the berries.”

Future plans include developing an urban agriculture learning center offering education on growing a wide range of fruits, microgreens and vegetables using advanced hydroponic processes.

“Our vision is for families to come and enjoy a warm day outside, pick strawberries and dip them in chocolate, picnic under the shade trees, enjoy a healthy experience together and even learn about the future of farming,” said Fietz, Sr.

Temecula Valley Strawberry Farms is open seasonally March through August, Thursday through Sunday. Check their website at www.TemeculaValleyStrawberryFarms.com for availability. There is no cost to visit. Visitors will receive a warm hello, a bucket and scissors, a quick education about strawberry harvesting and then be set free to select and harvest their own berries. The U-pick berries are priced at $3 per pound.

Last month, EnviroIngenuity announced a partnership with Verti-Gro® to represent and promote hydroponic vertical farming systems throughout Southern California.

Verti-Gro Inc. designs and manufactures cost-effective, high density hydroponic growing systems. It offers stacked towers to suit large-scale commercial production needs which can be downsized for residential use and Community Supported Agriculture.

About Temecula Valley Strawberry Farms:
The family-owned and operated farm produces strawberries using the highly efficient Verti-Gro hydroponic system. This innovative farming process provides many earth-kind benefits. Their U-pick model offers families the opportunity to pick the freshest, sweetest berries, as well as experience first-hand how they grow. The fun, interactive farm is a great place for the whole family. Whether you come to pick sweet fruit, learn more about farming, enjoy a picnic or grab a few strawberry goodies at their strawberry store, The Fietz family promises you won’t be disappointed. Plan your visit at http://www.TemeculaValleyStrawberryFarms.com .

About EnviroIngenuity:
EnviroIngenuity was founded in 2009 by Erik Cutter. The company is comprised of forward-thinking professionals, whose goal is to take advantage of the growing demand for more efficient, cost effective sustainable energy solutions, employing solar PV, hi-efficiency LED lighting, green building and vertical food production technologies. EnviroIngenuity’s mission is “advancingreenergy” and reducing waste, thus better utilizing limited natural resources. As we invest in a lower carbon future, the EnviroIngenuity team is focused on helping organizations move forward to deploy sustainable energy solutions using disruptive technologies. More information: http://www.EnviroIngenuity.com .

News Source: EnviroIngenuity :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

Other project objectives include management and support of national web sites and production related duties in addition to providing helpdesk services to customers. Through the Financial Computer Systems Support contract, iFOS will provide programming and user support by maintaining and/or improving the agency’s Working Capital Fund (WCF) report center website and assisting end users in obtaining the required reports for operational decision-making. These services will be part of the Forest Service efforts to maintain and improve reporting efforts of the agency-wide financial operations.

The firm will also conduct and monitor full-scope Certification and Accreditation (C&A) program phases that integrate into the agency specific System Development Lifecycle (SDLC). This effort will continue to provide the agency with an understanding of how C&A corresponds to the overall implementation of a system within the Forest Service environment. iFOS delivers formally documented recommendations on overall security posture enhancements for public systems.

“iFOS looks forward to providing dedicated expertise at government agencies like U.S. Forest Service. The entire firm is excited on receiving the Financial Computer Systems award. It demonstrates our ability as a small business is able to deliver big results,” commented Tawanda M. Smith, President and CEO, iFOS, LLC.

About Intelligent Fiscal Optimal Solutions (iFOS), LLC:
Intelligent Fiscal Optimal Solutions (iFOS)(R) Managing Consultants, LLC is a 8(a) certified, woman-owned small business of staff augmentation, management consulting and training of Accounting, Acquisition, Grants and Financial Management Support Services. iFOS offers specialized Business and Financial Management Solutions to help public agencies and other organizations with their oversight responsibilities of pre-audit readiness, business intelligence and analytics and electronic modernization of public systems. The company professionals have 100+ combined years of prior public service expertise and have successfully completed assignments to improve the quality of fiscal programs including the oversight, maintenance, administration, reporting and audit of complex public operations.

The company is headquartered in Clarksville, Maryland. For more information, visit: http://www.ifoscorp.com .

News Source: Intelligent Fiscal Optimal Solutions :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

“Southern Californians are more focused on the benefits of locally-grown food and the holistic health and well-being that come from eating un-processed raw food,” said Tim Carpenter, founder of Verti-Gro, Inc. “With ample sun and temperate conditions, these systems present an immediate and affordable opportunity for families and communities to eat healthy.”

Verti-Gro(R) hydroponic systems employ insulated stacked pots with an automated drip system that circulates nutrients through the plants. The company offers a simple economical and pesticide-free system, and supports it with a wealth of information and training for entry level home gardeners and large scale commercial farms.

“Verti-Gro’s system reduces energy and water use by more than 85 percent and saves space,” said Erik Cutter, Managing Director of EnviroIngenuity. “It also virtually eliminates greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the need to transport produce across long distances, and it doesn’t use soil which is becoming a very limited resource.”

EnviroIngenuity recently launched is vertical farming division to bring hydroponic vertical farming processes to Southern California to enable individuals and communities to grow their own food within urban areas. Through this new partnership, the company will develop job training programs for youth.

“Our curriculum and products will allow youth to develop valuable life-skills, grow their own food and ultimately start their own business in urban agriculture,” said Cutter. “This is one very healthy job opportunity that cannot be outsourced.”

About Verti-Gro(R):
For 20 years, Verti-Gro, Inc., has developed tools and methods for vertical growing and vertical gardening to efficiently utilize space and energy. These methods use hydroponics which allows gardeners to grow produce without soil. Verti-Gro is based in Summerfield, FL on a 12-acre farm with a learning center. Verti-Gro(R) products are sold worldwide.

Tim Carpenter, the founder of Verti-Gro, Inc., has been involved in hydroponic research, development and production for more than 40 years. An internationally recognized consultant, he has traveled the world as an educator in the greenhouse industry using vertical plant production technologies. Carpenter specializes in hydroponic production of fruits, vegetables, greens, large-scale commercial and vertical home growing systems. Carpenter has partnered with EPCOT and NASA to develop hydroponic projects including the garden display, Living With the Land. More information: http://www.VertiGro.com .

About EnviroIngenuity:
EnviroIngenuity was founded in 2009 by Erik Cutter. The company is comprised of forward-thinking professionals whose goal is to take advantage of the growing demand for more efficient, cost effective sustainable energy solutions, employing solar PV, hi-efficiency LED lighting, green building and vertical food production technologies. EnviroIngenuity’s mission is “advancingreenergy” and reducing waste, thus better utilizing limited natural resources. As businesses invest in a lower carbon future, the EnviroIngenuity team is focused on helping organizations move forward to deploy sustainable energy solutions using disruptive technologies. More information: http://www.EnviroIngenuity.com .

News Source: EnviroIngenuity :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

Dr. Dave Schemberger M.D., holistic healer and microgreens expert who helped shape a successful movement toward urban agriculture in Milwaukee with Will Allen’s Growing Power, has joined the team to consult on the development of high-yield vertical farming processes.

These processes produce pesticide-free produce in small spaces. This type of farming dramatically increases affordable access to locally grown, healthier produce, and virtually eliminates the need for transportation, cuts greenhouse gas emissions and reduces water, fertilizer and energy use more than 85 percent.

“Our existing system that distributes food over long distances demands a massive waste of limited resources. Growing food locally mitigates this waste,” said Erik Cutter, Managing Director of EnviroIngenuity. “Not only is excessive fuel consumption harmful to the environment, but by the time produce has reached the consumer, it has lost much of its nutritional value.”

Consuming locally grown produce provides numerous health benefits that can alleviate and eliminate chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

“Chronic illness is exacerbated by eating hollow food which has lost its nutritional value from spending too much time on a truck or grocery store shelf,” said Dr. Dave Schemberger. “We can prevent and reverse much of the disease found in our modern life by avoiding processed food and consuming more raw fruits and vegetables close to the time they are harvested.”

The new division’s goals includes developing coalition partners in designated food deserts as identified by First Lady Michelle Obama, and deploying vertical farms throughout Southern California to be used for education and creating jobs for urban teens, veterans and others.

“Our vision is a future where neighborhood farms support their local community with affordable, healthy organic produce. Through vertical farming, we can increase yields to achieve this result and strengthen our communities by making them more food and energy secure. We will also improve health and create jobs that cannot be outsourced,” said Cutter.

After practicing medicine under AMA guidelines for many years, Dr. Schemberger became an expert in utilizing a raw plant-based diet to heal the body and resist disease. An expert in growing food, composting, vermiculture and soil remediation, his experience includes helping individuals and communities to become self-sufficient through urban community farming.

About EnviroIngenuity:
EnviroIngenuity was founded in 2009 by a group of forward-thinking professionals to take advantage of the growing demand for more efficient, cost effective sustainable energy solutions, employing solar PV, hi-efficiency LED lighting, green building and vertical food production technologies. We are all about “advancingreenergy” and reducing waste, thus better utilizing our limited natural resources. As businesses invest in a lower carbon future, our team is focused on helping these organizations move forward toward the deployment of sustainable energy solutions using disruptive technologies. Learn more at: http://www.EnviroIngenuity.com .

News Source: EnviroIngenuity :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

BioJet International is a leading supply chain integrator in renewable (bio) jet fuel and related co-products which include green diesel for the aviation and related commercial transportation sectors. BioJet has received last year a funding facility commitment of $1.2 billion to capitalize its supply chain projects program which include feedstock and refining projects as well as investments and related strategic acquisitions. The firm’s operations span the entire biofuel chain including the generation of feedstock; technology; refining; logistics; sustainability certification; distribution and eventual end use by the aviation sector world-wide. BioJet is also the first Alternative Fuels Strategic Partner of the International Air Transport Association. Learn more at: http://www.biojetcorp.com .

David Lester, CERT Executive Director, said “We believe our sovereign tribal members together with BioJet are well suited to lead one of the largest economic transitions in history: the transition from a fossil based to a biofuel based transportation sector, and on a larger scale, the transition to building a foundation for sustainable tribal communities and an infrastructure for United States energy independence. This effort will be led for CERT by Robert J. Martin, former National Ombudsman of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Washington D.C., as leader of the RES Alliance with which BioJet is a strategic partner. We are poised for a long transition period wherein biofuels gain large market share not only from fossil fuels but also from ethanol.”

Mitch Hawkins, Chairman and CEO of BioJet, said “We envision the scope of our business relationship broadly with CERT to include at least $1 Billion worth of joint projects over a ten year period locating feedstock generation and refining operations to provide biofuels for commercial airlines and ground transportation at key locations throughout the western United States.”

CERT and BioJet expect to conclude a Memorandum of Agreement in the next 60 days to define the terms of their participation.

News Source: BioJet International Ltd. :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .