Changing of the Guard, The

This is a relatively quiet year as far as changing of the guard is concerned. The President and two Vice presidents all have another year to serve, so only the position of Secretary, which is on a three-year rotation, changed this year. The board welcomed Heidi Campbell Shoaf as the incoming Secretary. Of the four elected to the Board of Directors this year, two - Richard Bradshaw and Patrick Lasswell - are already familiar faces at the board meetings, as both of them had been appointed to fill un-expired terms of board members who had become officers. Newcomers Sara Holmes and Don Stark are both long-time members and will be familiar to those who attend Brown auctions. When Sara's father, Mickey Holmes, was involved with the auction, Sara often tended the registration desk. Don is still to be seen as part of the auction crew at the Harrisburg and Camp Hill events. We welcome them all and look forward to the ways in which the EAIA will benefit from their experience and enthusiasm.

Simultaneously we thank those who have completed their terms of service. Linda Stanton served on the Board for two terms before taking up the duties of Secretary. Terry Page served one term on the Board including chairing the Budget and Finance Committee. George Lott had been appointed to fill an unexpired term of one who became an officer, but he declined the invitation to continue on the Board, preferring to serve EAIA in other ways, as he has long done to such purpose that he received a Long Time Service Award last year.

fry Elton Hall, EAIA Executive Director

KDHE seeks input on coal plantCoal drama still burns

By Tim Carpenter

Allegrucci said financial, scientific and regulatory elements changed since Sunflower built its lone unit 30 years ago."The current project ... would import coal from Wyoming, deliver electricity to Colorado and rely upon Kansas air and water for decades," he said.In January, Sunflower requested the new air permit for an 895- megawatt generating unit. The company's latest public estimate pegged the cost at $2.8 billion.Earl Watkins, Sunflower's president and chief executive officer, said the decision was "arbitrary and capricious" because the federal government didn't regulate the compound as a pollutant under the Clean Air Act.Rod Bremby's desk on the fourth floor of Curtis State Office Building in Topeka is 342 miles from the tiny community of Holcomb."We know there is a lot of interest out there," Bremby said."We need base load power," said Cindy Hertel, a spokeswoman at Hays-based Sunflower. "The demand for energy continues to increase. We need diverse generation resources, but certainly base load power is essential to our way of life.""There will be 200 megawatts allotted for Kansas. It's going to effect 500,000 people in Kansas," she said.It was Bremby who became the first state regulator in the nation to justify rejection of an air quality permit for a new coal plant by declaring carbon dioxide emissions a public health hazard."We're on record saying we support and believe in traditional generating resources," he said.Relighting the fuseStephanie Cole, who works with the Sierra Club in Kansas, said the tide was pulling against development of coal-fired plants in the United States. No single coal plant broke ground in 2009, she said. Twenty-nine projects were shelved. Developers voluntarily walked away from projects, she said, citing financial risks to ratepayers, diminished demand for electricity and the uncertain regulatory future.In return, he was inundated by political and industry advocates of a coal rush. Environmentalists spiced the conversation by declaring investment in coal a fool's errand. And there were regular folks who seek nothing more than a reliable source of power when flipping the light switch at home. These actors hit the stage with scene-stealing lobbying campaigns, tight votes on coal legislation, gubernatorial vetoes, brokered backroom deals and lawsuits.The coal debate consumed the 2008 legislative sessions. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius vetoed three bills written to reverse Bremby's decision. The stalemate dragged on until Sebelius resigned in 2009. In short order, Gov. Mark Parkinson negotiated an agreement allowing Sunflower to proceed with an 895-megawatt expansion. A bill was passed to prevent Bremby from stepping beyond federal law on emissions. Sunflower agreed to build transmission lines, invest in wind power and promote energy efficiency.THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL"We know a lot more today about the impacts of these previous bad decisions," Allegrucci said. "The risks associated with outdated 20th-century technologies incurring significant additional debt and unknown additional environmental costs, are not the legacy we wish to leave our children."Scott Allegrucci, executive director of the Great Plains Alliance for Clean Energy, said the expansion of Holcomb was "inconsistent with the historic values of our state."Tri-State spokesman Jim Van Someren said the Colorado cooperative's board of directors had made no final commitment to the Kansas project. The bond rating firm Fitch Ratings reported in May regulatory and environmental push back on Holcomb meant "Tri-State has revised its power supply plan and pushed the planned construction of a single Holcomb unit beyond its original 2013 start date to 2016 at the earliest."Another runVan Someren said speculating about a completion date was unproductive because so many external forces were in play. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency could flex its regulatory muscle in Kansas. Congress could pass a cap-and-trade measure altering the financial landscape for new coal units. In the interim, Tri-State is investing in a wind farm in Colorado and solar facility in New Mexico."They're not doing it because they're members of the Sierra Club," Cole said.Poison legacyFor all the drama he's endured as secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment about planning for expansion of a coal-fired power plant in that southwest Kansas town, his office might as well have been inside one of the old 3,000-degree furnaces Sunflower Electric Power Corp. relies upon to generate electricity at the facility.Bremby will conduct public hearings in Overland Park, Salina and Garden City before making a final ruling on Sunflower. He might not finish before installation of a new Kansas governor in January. The decision might fall to the next KDHE secretary. Regardless of party or philosophy, the case will be a magnet to the person in the hot seat at Curtis Office Building.The rural electric cooperative is now pressing for authority to build a 795-megawatt coal unit at Holcomb. KDHE will gather public comment on the permit through Aug. 15, and then focus on the latest permit decision.Hertel said KDHE had 18 months to issue a final decision. That deadline could send the outcome to December 2011. If approved, 48 months to 52 months would be required for construction, which could place the opening in 2016. She said Sunflower's demand for electricity would grow in 2019 with expiration of a power purchase contract with Jeffrey Energy Center northwest St. Marys.Sunflower, which serves customers in western Kansas with a 360- megawatt coal-burning plant, has sought to expand for a decade. The current proposal is the third since Sunflower executives asked KDHE in 2001 for permission to put up a 660-megawatt unit called Sand Sage.The out-of-state cooperatives would invest heavily in the project to guarantee access to a majority of energy generated at Holcomb II. Sunflower would earn management fees from its partners."We're going to try to make this as transparent as we can," Bremby said.The process went sideways when Kansas Attorney General Paul Morrison issued a legal opinion declaring Bremby had authority to deny a permit if the project was deemed a threat to people or the environment. Less than one month later, Bremby rejected the permit. He said the rise in carbon dioxide emissions was an unacceptable risk.

"We know there is a lot of interest out there," Bremby said.

Give your business a technology tune-up: five ways to make you and your business run smoother

We all want the freedom to roam free from our desks, find a better work-life balance and increase our overall productivity. If it seems you're not reaping all the benefits of being a small business owner, having the right technology could be the answer.

Your local technology retailer is often a good place to start. When deciding where to buy, go with the retailer who's willing to stand behind their products. A good tech provider should also be able to offer focused solutions unique to your business. You might also consider investing in an external hard drive that can back up software and self-update at least every 30 minutes.Your technology needs will change as your business develops in the next few years. The idea of running a business completely online was unheard of 10 years ago. Now, many small business owners incorporate e-commerce and operate from a mobile device. Access to helpful technology allows you to better serve your clients and customers. Having the right technology will also help you find a better work-life balance.Timely maintenance and support is the best way to keep your technology running smoothly. Building a relationship with a trusted technology professional is worth its weight in gold. Best, of all, quick access to tech support can provide peace of mind and an immeasurable sense of assurance if and when the inevitable crisis arises.2. Make Friends with Social Media5. Think of Tech Support as a Silent PartnerIt's now common for small business owners to bring work on the road, to client meetings and back home. Take your business wherever you want to go by finding an energy efficient, fast-processing laptop with dependable wireless capabilities, and a mobile device that can serve as a secretary, bookkeeper and personal assistant.Recent mobile applications make working remotely much easier by allowing you to review sales quotes, access business intelligence reports and assemble a human resource department in the palm of your hand. You can also choose mobile applications that let you review your business expenses from the airport, manage and track time over coffee and conduct conference calls from a park bench. Many mobile phones now offer turn-by-turn navigation, which is necessary for stress-free travel and saves you the cost of a new GPS. By selecting the best phone for your business, you can cut unnecessary expenses and gain constant access to exactly what you need.1. Unchain Your Workplace3. Spruce Up Your StorefrontIn today's economic climate it's imperative that small business owners capitalize on the power of social media to build relationships, generate leads and stay connected with their customers. To do that, more and more business are investing in software that can monitor web traffic and compile metrics to increase their online presence. Once gathered, this information is often used to better inform clients and interact with potential customers. Most importantly, these new services can save you loads of time and stress by presenting the data in an attractive and easy-to-use format.Even the latest technology can hold you back if you're not operating with the most current software. Investing more in software that can handle your bookkeeping and time management could mean more time spent in front, of clients. Updated software also guarantees you have the most capable programs available to produce quality presentations, organize data and promote compatibility with other operating systems.4. Not All Software is Created Equal

Your technology needs will change as your business develops in the next few years. The idea of running a business completely online was unheard of 10 years ago. Now, many small business owners incorporate e-commerce and operate from a mobile device. Access to helpful technology allows you to better serve your clients and customers. Having the right technology will also help you find a better work-life balance.

Tracking Packages from Warehouse to Desk

When FedEx or UPS drops off a package at a business, a secretary or receiving clerk signs for it, might enter it in a logbook and then send it to the correct person. Problems arise when that package is misplaced - an all-too-common occurrence. Tom Leonard has a solution. Leonard runs Archon Interactive LLC in Londonderry, a company that provides paperless warehouse management and supply chain solutions.

His newest product, called WaveTrakMTS (Materials Tracking System), is a software system that uses wireless technology to track every movement of a package from sender to receiver, provide real-time online information about its location and automatically send e-mail messages to let the shipper know it has left the building and notify the receiver the moment it arrives.The company has grown as a result of the success of its products. Leonard hired four employees this year, bringing his total headcount to nine. Customers include Boston Scientific, Raytheon, Teradyne, Sanmina and Future Electronics. Archon Interactive's products are installed in companies worldwide including in Asia, Europe, North America and South America.To learn more about Archon Interactive, visit archon-interactive.com.Leonard says installing WaveTrakWMS (Warehouse Management System) at Teradyne reduced manpower needs by about 50 percent, allowing employees to move to other jobs within the company. Sanmina, an electronics manufacturer, reported the WMS system's wireless and bar code technology reduced receiving times from days to hours and allowed it to reduce staff by 30 percent.WaveTrakMTS was launched this summer and joins a suite of material handling solutions offered by the company including WaveTrakWMS, which tracks the movement of materials within a company virtually without the need for data entry and the errors that could come from that. Both systems integrate RFID technology to identify and track materials.

To learn more about Archon Interactive, visit archon-interactive.com.

Virtual Assistants Avoid the Cost of Inefficiency

A new Virtual Assistant service from Davinci Virtual is proving extremely popular with dynamic businesses looking to avoid the shortcomings of inefficient secretaries and it's so much more than just a Telephone Answering and Reception service .

While you focus on growing your business, Davinci Virtual will handle all of your office needs.Local or toll-free telephone and fax number - digital voicemail - electronic fax - email - online command centre - unified messaging - voicemail to email/fax to email - professional telephone receptionist services - virtual assistants - live call answering - screening and forwarding - find me/follow me - surveys - outbound calling - customer service - appointment scheduling - order taking - and much more.For further details on Davinci Virtual PA visit: www.davincivirtual.co.uk or telephone 44 (0) 207 084 6222"Our virtual assistants not only handle your calls, manage your diary, take orders and arrange meetings, but eliminate the risk, in terms of corporate positioning, branding and operations, that inefficient staff pose to your business. If you also factor in the increased customer satisfaction levels and the aid to the growth of your business, in a cost-effective and sustainable way, it's easy to appreciate the benefits they provide in terms of giving you peace of mind."We have calculated that a Davinci virtual assistant can save a business up to GBP 33,000 per year as the client avoids the cost of office space rent; desk, PC and office equipment; training, heating and lighting; holidays and temp cover, plus the downtime time spent on coffee and smoking breaks. All these items add up to a substantial cost to any business and it's money wasted on inefficient support staff.Davinci's virtual offices and virtual office services create the framework for productive, efficient daily operations. With a Davinci virtual office, you'll get a plethora of support services:"Modern small businesses are highly mobile and so management rely heavily on their PAs," comments Steve Golding, Davinci's UK General Manager. "A good PA can help to make a business, but an inefficient one can break it.Davinci offers virtual offices and virtual office services locations worldwide-to help businesses maintain a global presence on a local budget. Davinci's more than 750 prime locations come with mail forwarding, reception and directory listings, access to meeting rooms and day offices, catering, administrative services, virtual assistants, business support centres, use of locations for registered office and more."Organisations around the globe routinely outsource 'non-core' activities to increase operational effectiveness and improve customer service, whilst allowing management to focus on what they do best - growing the business. So, why tolerate inefficient support staff when a virtual assistant can give your business a boost, save you money and even allow you to devote more time to yourself."Contacts: Davinci press office Colin Peck 07802 606433 colinjpeck@aol.com Davinci Virtual Offices Steve Golding 0207 084 6222Note to editors:All this is available for booking as you need it-no long term commitments, no hassles or overhead and always affordable rates.

Contacts: Davinci press office Colin Peck 07802 606433 colinjpeck@aol.com Davinci Virtual Offices Steve Golding 0207 084 6222

It's 'Snow Joke' Britain Is Closed for Business

Every time we have snow fall in this country there is panic and mass hysteria as practically the whole of the UK grinds to a halt.

A number of consumers have complained at being poorly treated as they were forced to sleep on the airport floors. With their holiday plans in ruins, they have been forced to return home, hoping they can get a refund on their cancelled holiday.With the number of claims rising having adequate car insurance cover is vital at this time of year. Comparison sites such as Moneysupermarket.com will help find the right policy for you.Transport Secretary Philip Hammond said he was aware of the "outrage" of passengers, but he added: "We have had very extreme conditions and aviation is a safety-first business and the conditions at Heathrow have made it difficult for aviation to operate."Thousands of people are facing massive disruptions to their travel arrangements as they try to flee the country for the festive season. Both Gatwick and Heathrow airports have closed leaving many stranded at the check-in desks.AirportsIf your car is struck down by the cold weather follow these five quick tips.The Railways have also suffered massive disruption as shoppers and workers were left stranded at the railway stations. Services to and from London have been cancelled whilst the Eurostar services to Paris and Brussels are suffering long delays with speed restrictions on the line."Over the weekend there have been a few fatalities as a result of the weather conditions. That underlines the fact that you should not underestimate just how treacherous and severe the weather conditions are," said a spokesman for the breakdown service.Roads & RailwaysPack yourself an emergency kit and store it in your car. Below are items that should be in included:

 -- Ice scraper and de-icer
-- Torch and spare batteries
-- Warm clothes and a blanket
-- Boots
-- First aid kit
-- Jump leads
-- Food and a warm drink in a thermos
-- A shovel
-- Reflective warning sign
-- Sunglasses - snow glare can be dazzling 

As stated before, you really should stay indoors, however if you really need to take to the roads, visit the Highways Agency website to check for any incidents or delays on your intended route.

Contacts: Moneysupermarket.com Nicki Parry PR Officer 01244 665700 nicki.parry@moneysupermarket.comWhilst some airports continue to operate they are facing a huge back log of flights as Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Birmingham, Luton, London City, Bristol and Southampton airports all said flights would be subject to delays and cancellations.Driving conditions are being described as treacherous as a number of usually busy roads and motorways have either been closed or are facing long delays. Breakdown services have been working around the clock as they try to rescue stranded motorists. The AA has said it is experiencing a record number of calls and has advised people to stay at home.

Pack yourself an emergency kit and store it in your car. Below are items that should be in included: -- Ice scraper and de-icer
-- Torch and spare batteries
-- Warm clothes and a blanket
-- Boots
-- First aid kit
-- Jump leads
-- Food and a warm drink in a thermos
-- A shovel
-- Reflective warning sign
-- Sunglasses - snow glare can be dazzling

As stated before, you really should stay indoors, however if you really need to take to the roads, visit the Highways Agency website to check for any incidents or delays on your intended route.

Contacts: Moneysupermarket.com Nicki Parry PR Officer 01244 665700 nicki.parry@moneysupermarket.com

Attach and conquer: four reasons why implementing a strategy for 275 compliance can drive cost savings this year

Today, the secretary of Health and Human Services has the 275 mandate on her desk, ready to be signed. The question is not if, but when these requirements will be enacted. So what does this mean for healthcare providers and claims processing?

Because patient information is automatically filed away in a digital format, it only takes a few clicks of the mouse to include the electronic attachment ID in the PWK segment of the 837 file. Comparatively, printing attachments and mailing them takes time to prepare. Attachments spend days in the mail system and then they must be opened, indexed, sorted and then entered into the adjudication system by the health plan's mailroom staff. With standard, electronic attachments, departments can shorten that cycle, resulting in faster reimbursement. At Medical Electronic Attachment (MEA), clients who utilize the electronic attachment solution are able to reduce their outstanding receivables by 10 to 14 days. The resulting improvement in cash flow can be critical to any organization.In short, by getting onboard with the 275 requirements now, payers and providers can not only obtain compliance for the future, but also positively affect the bottom line. There are four specific objectives that can be achieved:Paper gets lost, period. Whether it is held up with the postal service, sits on someone's desk or is filed in the wrong place, paper attachments have a way of not making it to the claims reviewer. The result is more than just the hassle of resubmissions due to lost attachments--it costs money. Delays in payment--as well as administrative costs to copy, process and mail a second request--add up fast. Keep staff focused on filing new claims, not tracking lost items with the insurance companies.Cut operational costsFor many, more red tape and mandates from the government can create frustration and headache. Bur this mandate is decidedly different. The implication of requiring standardized attachments lends itself well to establishing protocols for electronic attachment submission. By making this submission process available, providers will be able to submit their attachments in less time with the initial claim submission. They will avoid the cost of postage and the risk of lost attachments. Submitting attachments electronically will also enable providers to receive reimbursements more quickly and eliminate time on the phone with the payer's help desk, tracking down lost attachments.Don't wait for the government to mandate how you operate. Develop a strategy today to integrate electronic attachments into your operations to provide cost savings and efficiencies.Get paid fasterThere are changes coming quickly. The Huffington Post reported in March 2010 that the healthcare reform bill would cost taxpayers $940 billion over 10 years. After a tumultuous year of policy change in the healthcare and health insurance industries, a revolutionary idea that promotes streamlined efficiency is critical.Utilizing electronic attachments is less expensive than paper. We have already discussed the time savings in personnel costs, but there are also significant operational cost savings as well. MEA charges their institutional clients a nominal fee per transaction. This is not a per-page fee, as a transaction can contain hundreds of documents. Whereas, if you send paper copies through the mail system, industry studies estimate that this costs a minimum $1 per claim, just for paper and postage. In addition, many institutions are mailing these attachments via certified mail. Whether you have hundreds or hundreds of thousands of claims each month, the cost savings will significantly affect the bottom line.With 275, payers would be required to accept six medical electronic attachments in a standardized format. The six standardized attachments include lab, ambulance, emergency department, rehabilitation, clinical and medication reports.Eliminate lost attachmentsSave time and increase capacity for claims submissionEvery day that a claim goes unpaid, money is lost. By utilizing an electronic attachment process with standards-based formatting, providers will reduce the amount of time it takes the payer to adjudicate claims, decreasing reimbursement time almost immediately.Thomas Hughes is founder and CEO, Medical Electronic Attachment. For more information on MEA solutions: www.rsleads.com/001ht-202

Thomas Hughes is founder and CEO, Medical Electronic Attachment. For more information on MEA solutions: www.rsleads.com/001ht-202