Dow Corning purchased 100 percent of Globe Metais Indústria e Comércio S.A., a silicon metal manufacturer in Pará, Brazil, which will immediately begin operating as Dow Corning Metais do Pará Ltda.

Dow Corning has also acquired a 49 percent interest in Globe Metallurgical Inc.'s silicon manufacturing operation in Alloy, West Virginia (U.S.A.), WVA Manufacturing LLC. The operation will continue to operate as WVA Manufacturing LLC.

Dow Corning, a global leader in silicone-based materials, relies on chemical grade silicon as an essential raw material to manufacture nearly all of its more than 7,000 products.

'These acquisitions offer Dow Corning an even more efficient and stable supply of silicon metal,' said Robert Hansen, Dow Corning's executive vice president and general manager of Core Products. 'This is yet another step to position ourselves to better serve our customers' needs.'

Silicones are important building blocks for products in the construction, personal care, life sciences, energy, automotive and electronics industries, among others.

About Dow Corning

Dow Corning (www.dowcorning.com) provides performance-enhancing solutions to serve the diverse needs of more than 25,000 customers worldwide. A global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology and innovation, Dow Corning offers more than 7,000 products and services via the company's Dow Corning® and XIAMETER® brands. Dow Corning is equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning, Incorporated. More than half of Dow Corning's annual sales are outside the United States.

— WebWireID107196 —

The Dow-BASF innovation offers distinct economic and environmental benefits when compared to conventional propylene oxide (PO) process technologies. A joint eco-efficiency study conducted by the two companies in 2007 revealed the new HPPO process reduces wastewater by 70 to 80 percent and energy use by approximately 35 percent, compared with existing PO technology. PO plants using the HPPO technology also require up to 25 percent less capital to build than conventional technologies, as they have reduced infrastructure, a smaller physical footprint and simpler raw materials integration.

"We see two very important factors required to solve world challenges - innovation and collaboration - coming together in this example," said Neil Hawkins, Dow's vice president of Sustainability and EH&S. "It will require new technology and partnering like this between companies, governments, NGOs and communities to secure our sustainable future."

"We are proud to have such an outstanding example of research and development," said Stefan Deibel, vice president of BASF's Polyurethanes division. "This state-of-the-art technology combines economic success with improved environmental performance."

In 2008, Dow and BASF successfully started up the first commercial-scale production plant based on the novel BASF/Dow-developed HPPO technology at BASF's Antwerp, Belgium, facility. A second plant based on this technology, being built by Dow, is scheduled to begin production in Map Ta Phut, Thailand, in the first half of 2011.

About Dow

Dow is a diversified chemical company that combines the power of science and technology with the 'Human Element' to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. The Company delivers a broad range of products and services to customers in approximately 160 countries, connecting chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. In 2008, Dow had annual sales of $57.4 billion and employed approximately 46,000 people worldwide. The Company has 150 manufacturing sites in 35 countries and produces approximately 3,300 products. On April 1, 2009, Dow acquired Rohm and Haas Company, a global specialty materials company with sales of $10 billion in 2008, 98 manufacturing sites in 30 countries and approximately 15,000 employees worldwide. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.

About Dow PO/PG

Dow is the world's largest producer of propylene oxide (PO), polyether polyols, and is a leading producer of quality aromatic isocyanates, such as MDI and TDI, an essential component of polyether polyols. The business manufactures and markets polyurethane products and polyurethane systems that create rigid, semi-rigid and flexible foams, adhesives, sealants, coatings, elastomers and binders. Dow's polyurethane products and fully-formulated polyurethane systems are used for a broad range of applications including construction, infrastructure repair, wind energy solutions, automotive, appliance, furniture, bedding and shoe soles to decorative molding, athletic equipment and more. Dow also offers the latest in polyol technology with RENUVA™ Renewable Resource Technology and VORANOL™ VORACTIV™ polyols, part of an ongoing initiative by Dow to lead the industry in providing high-performance products. For more information, visit www.dowpolyurethanes.com, www.pusystems.com, www.dowhyperlast.com, www.dowpg.com, www.dowpo.com, www.dowrenuva.com and www.voractiv.com.

About BASF

BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals as well as oil and gas. As a reliable partner BASF helps its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF posted sales of more than €62 billion in 2008 and had approximately 97,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com

— WebWireID107180 —

Under the terms of the agreement, similar to the existing 600MW supply contract which commenced in October 2007, Drax will supply power to Centrica at a price set with reference to international coal prices and agreed fixed clean dark spreads, while Centrica will deliver matching carbon allowances.

The agreement, which secures additional volumes of coal-indexed power, is in line with Centrica's strategy to ensure secure energy supplies for its customers and to diversify its fuel mix, further reducing its overall exposure to the gas price in the UK.

— WebWireID107178 —

'We are committed to bringing to Vietnam our state-of-the-art technologies in order to best support this fast growing country to meet the increasing demand for cement consumption during the process of the national modernization and industrialization', said Mr. Erdal Elver, President and CEO of Siemens Vietnam.

Siemens Industry Solutions is supplying the complete range of the Sicement product portfolio for equipping cement works including electrical equipment and automation systems for the new line. At the heart of the automation solution is a process control system based on Simatic PCS7. The scope of supply also includes the major part of the process instrumentation as well as the analyzers and special instrumentation. The electrical equipment comprises the cabling for the medium and low-voltage distribution systems, the MV switchgear units, the UPS and battery systems, the power factor compensation system, transformers, the low-voltage distribution panels with intelligent MCCs (motor control centers) and variable speed drives. These are supplemented by earthing and lightning protection equipment, lighting, fire detection and alarm systems, the CCTV and the telephone system. Siemens is also responsible for the design and engineering of the electrical equipment, including supervision of installation and commissioning as well as on-site training of the operating personnel.

For further information about solutions for the cement industry at: http://www.siemens.com/cement

The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is the world's leading supplier of production, transportation, building and lighting technologies. With integrated automation technologies as well as comprehensive industry-specific solutions, Siemens increases the productivity, efficiency and flexibility of its customers in the fields of industry and infrastructure. The Sector consists of six Divisions: Building Technologies, Drive Technologies, Industry Automation, Industry Solutions, Mobility and Osram. With around 222,000 employees worldwide Siemens Industry posted in fiscal year 2008 a profit of EUR3.86 billion with revenues totaling EUR38 billion. www.siemens.com/industry

With the business activities of Siemens VAI Metal Technologies, (Linz, Austria), Siemens Water Technologies (Warrendale, Pa., U.S.A.), and Industry Technologies, (Erlangen, Germany), the Siemens Industry Solutions Division(Erlangen, Germany) is one of the world's leading solution and service providers for industrial and infrastructure facilities. Using its own products, systems and process technologies, Industry Solutions develops and builds plants for end customers, commissions them and provides support during their entire life cycle. With around 31,000 employees worldwide Siemens Industry Solutions achieved an order intake of EUR 8.415 billon in fiscal year 2008.

Further information and downloads at:
http://www.siemens.com/industry-solutions

— WebWireID107175 —

The technical center is located in Goregaon, a suburb of Mumbai, and is shared by Wacker Chemie India Pvt. Ltd., a 100 percent subsidiary, and the joint venture Wacker Metroark Chemicals Pvt. Ltd, where WACKER holds 51 percent of the shares. A few weeks ago, the sales subsidiaries moved into a newly constructed building with offices covering about 11,000 square feet (1,000 m2). The new center will offer WACKER POLYMERS' and WACKER SILICONES' customers support in developing new products and product applications for the Indian market, and in conducting comparative lab testing of construction products with regards to locally available raw materials, climatic conditions and regional construction methods.

The focus is on VINNAPAS® dispersible polymer powder formulations for manufacturing polymer-modified dry-mix mortars for the regional construction industry. Additional products to be emphasized are polymer dispersions, silicone emulsions, silicone resins, silanes and sealants. Bundling a sales and technical center under one roof enables closer teamwork between the sales and development teams, resulting in optimal customer support.

Vigorous growth in India's economy, particularly in the construction and coatings sector, prompted setting up this new technical center. With it, WACKER wants to bolster its technological leadership in top-quality chemical raw materials. 'The Mumbai technical center is another important milestone in our growth strategy for Asia and particularly India,' explained Dr. Willhelm Sittenthaler, WACKER Executive Board member responsible for Asia, at the opening ceremony. The objective is to meet the individual needs of Indian customers locally and to support and test new applications, added Sittenthaler. In this way, the Munich-based WACKER Group intends to further consolidate and expand its market position in collaboration with customers. Like its counterparts in Germany, the USA, Russia, China, Korea, Singapore, Brazil, Australia and the United Arab Emirates, the new center in Mumbai will serve to establish a strong technical support network for developing individual, tailor-made solutions locally. The technical center Mumbai is furnished with state-of-the-art laboratory and test equipment. But, that's not all: the 'WACKER House' itself also serves as a reference and demonstration object – as most of the products used in constructing the building contained WACKER technologies. These range from polymer-modified tile adhesives and grout mortars, self-leveling compounds, polymer-based wood and carpet glues, silicone sealants to seal windows and doors, silicone resin emulsion paints for the exterior façade to dispersion paints for indoor use and cyclodextrin-fragrance-complexes in the wall paints.

Another highlight is the integral training center for the field of construction chemicals: the WACKER ACADEMY. Its purpose is to promote the transfer of knowledge to local customers, applicators and business partners. Catering to the specific needs of the Indian construction chemicals sector, its curriculum provides an opportunity to learn about all relevant aspects of modern polymer and silicone chemistry and their applications. Close proximity to the applications labs fosters a lively exchange of expertise and lays the optimal groundwork for customer service. Thus, the WACKER ACADEMY offers an ideal platform for sector-specific networking between customers, distribution partners and WACKER specialists.

The WACKER Group has already been supplying chemicals to India since the 1970s. In 1998, the joint venture Wacker Metroark Chemicals Pvt. Ltd. has been established in Kolkata, as early as 1999, the site started up production of different silicone products. The local subsidiary, Wacker Chemie India Pvt. Ltd., was founded in 2007 in response to increasing market demands and potentials.

WACKER POLYMERS
WACKER POLYMERS is a leading producer of state-of-the-art binders and polymer additives in the form of dispersible polymer powders and dispersions, polyvinyl acetates, surface coating resins and polyvinyl alcohol solutions. These products are used by companies in the construction, automotive, paper and adhesives sectors, as well as by manufacturers of printing inks and surface coatings. WACKER POLYMERS has production sites in Germany, China and the USA, as well as a global sales network and technical centers in all major regions.

WACKER SILICONES
WACKER SILICONES is one of the world's largest silicone manufacturers, with over 3,000 highly specialized and innovative products. The division's portfolio ranges from silicone fluids, emulsions, resins, elastomers and sealants to silanes and pyrogenic silicas. These products stand out due to their significant value-adding potential – enhancing both the benefits and performance of customers' end products. Silicone products from WACKER SILICONES find application in such sectors as construction, chemicals, cosmetics, textiles, automotive, paper and electronics.

— WebWireID107169 —

Under the Elevator Safety Standards, Chapter 399 Florida Statutes, the most common elevator safety violations in layman's terms have to do with:

1. Car Door Restrictors that prevent the doors from opening unless they are within four inches of a floor level. Elevators without the door restrictors can open between floors and passengers are at risk of a fatal fall into the hatch.

2. Two-way, 24-hour Emergency Communication so at the touch of a button, an answering service picks up and hears a recording, which automatically indicates the location of the elevator where a passenger needs assistance. This is especially important for the hearing and/or speech impaired or in situations where there is a language barrier.

3. Electric-eye, Door Re-opening Device that protects passengers from getting hit by closing elevator doors. If any object is between the doors, they will re-open without contact on that object or person.

4. Emergency Lighting that prevents passengers from getting left in the dark. It operates the lighting and the emergency alarm bell with a back-up battery pack. The light shines over the car station button panel, phone and alarm bell.

5. Floor Numbers with Brail that are displayed on each floor on the outside of the doors on both sides.

6. 'In Case of Fire Do Not Use Elevator' Signs posted on the outside of the elevator doors on every floor.

7. Door Fire Tabs that prevent doors from popping out of the door tracks as the elevator travels. Without door tabs, doors could swing into the hatch causing injury to passengers and extensive damage to the elevator.

Any person not complying with these elevator safety requirements may be subject to fines of $1,000 per violation, in addition to any other liability to the passengers. 'I can guarantee that persons not complying with these safety codes will receive a violation notice and have to pay penalties. Inspectors are looking for these safety features, especially on older elevators,' states Renick, a 35-year elevator veteran. 'It is easier, more cost-efficient and less liability to comply, especially when Eagle Elevator offers a safety package for all these items starting at $3,000.'

Eagle Elevator has a full staff of experienced administrative and industry professionals in order to offer consumers the best products and service at prices 20 percent less than the major competitors. Eagle Elevator has extensive commercial and residential experience for: 1. New Installations / Renovations for all Makes and Models (Passenger / Freight, Remodels / Hydraulic Cylinders); 2. Refittings; 3. Maintenance / Repairs (Same Day Response, Service Agreements with 30-day cancellation notice); 4. Annual and Full-load Testing; and 5. Professional Consultation via a FREE survey. Eagle Elevator is a DBE-, SBE- and WBE-certified company.

For more information on elevator safety code violations and how to stay compliant, contact Eagle Elevator at (954) 351-0440 or http://www.eagleelevator.us.

— WebWireID107106 —

Pasadena, CA

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) between 8,000 and 18,000 people are hospitalized in the U.S. each year due to Legionnaires' disease. This number may be just the tip of the iceberg as it is believed by many experts that most cases are not diagnosed or reported.

The disease caused by Legionella, Legionnaires' disease, got its name after a 1976 outbreak at an American Legion convention in Philadelphia that sickened 221 people and caused 34 deaths. There is a milder form of the illness, known as Pontiac Fever, whose symptoms typically diminish and clear up without treatment.

The transmission of Legionella occurs via aerosols, when mist containing the bacteria is inhaled. Legionella can be found in nature in environments such as lakes and streams, but most human infections occur from manmade sources involving cooling towers or hot water systems.

Those infected by Legionella may take up to two weeks before they begin to show symptoms. Early on it may manifest its presence with flu-like and fever symptoms which can escalate into problems with nausea, nervous system issues and pneumonia. The CDC reports that 5% to 30% of cases can cause death.

As one of the largest environmental laboratories in the country, and an expert resource for Legionella analysis, EMSL Analytical and its affiliate LA Testing have developed a number of ongoing initiatives to educate environmental professionals and the general public about the organism that causes the disease. A dedicated website with more information can be found at www.LegionellaTesting.com.

'The collective expertise that EMSL and LA Testing have created over the years developing testing procedures for Legionella has made the company a rich source of information,' reported Ben Sublasky, National Director of Client Services for LA Testing and EMSL Analytical. To learn more about Legionella and other environmental services please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.

About LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.
LA Testing and EMSL Analytical are providers of environmental testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The companies have an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

— WebWireID107064 —

Westmont, NJ

Recently a contractor from Washington was fined tens of thousands of dollars by environmental regulators in Oregon for violating asbestos regulations during an abatement project. The contractor has appealed the fine according to reports from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

The Clean Air Act and the National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants require contractors to follow certain steps during projects that involve asbestos. These requirements include actions that must be taken before work commences, during renovations and to ensure proper waste disposal.

The contractor has been accused of multiple violations related to an asbestos abatement project the contractor was involved with at a retirement facility. According to the DEQ the contractor did not complete all the required documentation and removed containment materials before sampling the air quality. This is the second time this year this contractor has faced fines from the DEQ over asbestos violations.

Asbestos can be found in a wide range of common building materials from insulation, flooring, ceilings, roofing, siding to even fire coating materials. During abatement projects asbestos can be easily aerosolized which creates a dangerous environment for workers and building occupants. Without the proper safety precautions asbestos can easily be inhaled during renovation projects which could increase one's chance of developing lung cancer. Cancers associated with asbestos exposure can take up to decades to appear.

EMSL Analytical, one of the nation's largest asbestos testing laboratories, has been providing asbestos testing services since 1981. 'EMSL strongly encourages contractors to have suspect building materials tested before any renovations or abatement projects begin,' reported Joe Frasca, Executive Vice President for EMSL Analytical. 'It is a quick and cost effective way to ensure materials are handled safely to protect workers, building occupants and to prevent costly fines,' Frasca continued.

To learn more about asbestos testing or other testing needs please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of consumer product, environmental, industrial hygiene, food and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

— WebWireID107059 —

As part of a technical paper on polyetheramines as polyurea raw materials, Dr. Stephan Goettke, Project Manager New Business Development Polyurea in BASF's Intermediates division, will discuss the product category of polytetrahydrofuranamines. This class of amines developed by BASF enables the production of coatings that are highly elastic and that also exhibit enhanced mechanical properties in contact with water and humidity.

Cees Moorman, Business Team Leader in BASF's polyurethane system house at Boxtel in the Netherlands, will report on the development of a sound-absorbing polyurea coating. He will also explain how polyurea coatings can help to meet new legal requirements in hazardous goods storage facilities.

BASF is a strong partner for formulators and users in the polyurea business. The company offers raw materials as well as ready-made formulations. As a major world supplier of chemical intermediates, BASF has an extensive range of polyetheramines, cycloaliphatic amines and isocyanates. A new cycloaliphatic amine branded Baxxodur® PC136 is especially interesting: This chain extender enables the final properties of the polyurea coating, like high elasticity and resistance to extreme temperatures and loads, to be achieved much faster than with traditional products. Through its polyurethane system houses BASF offers its portfolio of Elastocoat© C branded systems as customized solutions for the most diverse applications, from roof coatings to containment bunds. Along with its specific formulations, the company provides technical support to acquaint first-time users with the new technology.

Diverse applications for polyurea systems

Polyurea systems are used as spray coatings in various industrial applications. For example, the systems lend themselves to the construction of industrial buildings, roads and bridges; to hard landscaping and interior fitting. Unlike other spray coatings, polyurea technology offers the advantage of being able to be applied in humid and low-temperature outdoor conditions. Polyurea coatings cure within a matter of minutes and are particularly resistant to chemicals, high temperatures and mechanical strain. Thanks to their elasticity, they readily bridge cracks and adhere superbly to a wide variety of surfaces.

About BASF Polyurethanes

BASF is the leading supplier of polyurethane basic products, systems and specialties. With its global network of more than thirty polyurethane system houses and its comprehensive product and service portfolio, BASF is the preferred partner of its customers in many industries. In the extremely service-oriented business with polyurethane systems and specialties reliability, experience and competence are in demand. Through its system houses BASF provides fast local support – from technical service and sales to marketing – during the development of customized solutions. With its world-scale plants BASF secures its leading market position in the manufacture of polyurethane basic products in all regions of the world. Polyurethanes make life more comfortable, safer and more pleasant – and they help to save energy sustainably. They contribute towards an improved insulation of buildings and a more attractive and more light-weight design of cars. The manufacturers of shoe soles, mattresses and household as well as sports equipment use the manifold opportunities and advantages of this special plastics material together with the knowledge and expertise of the polyurethane experts of BASF world-wide.

About the Intermediates division

The BASF Group's Intermediates division develops, produces and markets around the world a comprehensive portfolio of more than 600 intermediates. The most important of the division's product groups include amines, diols, polyalcohols, acids and specialties. Among other applications, intermediates are used as starting materials for coatings, plastics, pharmaceuticals, textile fibers, detergents and crop protectants. Innovative intermediates from BASF help to improve the properties of final products and the efficiency of production processes. The ISO 9001:2000-certified Intermediates division operates plants at production sites in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Around the globe, 2,655 employees of the division generated sales of about €2.5 billion to third parties in 2008. For more information, go to http://www.basf.de/intermediates .

About BASF

BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals and oil and gas. As a reliable partner BASF helps its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF posted sales of more than €62 billion in 2008 and had approximately 97,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

— WebWireID107011 —

The bad news continues with pricing. Although there was a modest increase of 3 percent in weighted average price in the detached sector, the 'substantial boost' in average home size caused the detached value ratio, 'a better measure of actual home value', to fall more than 13 percent. ResidentialTrends™ Housing Market Overview also reports that this value is the lowest since the first quarter of 2003.

The only real bright spot in the region is inventory. This quarter's detached inventory saw a 23 percent decline. Since the end of last year, close to 4,000 units have been removed from inventory as projects have eliminated future phase inventory entirely, moved units into rentals, or left the market altogether. Also, the supply of homes that have been offered for sale yet remain unsold dropped nearly 62 percent this quarter. At current sales rates this available supply would last less than one month.

MarketPointe™ Realty Advisors, Inc. provides new housing market statistics throughout California via its ResidentialTrends™ new-home database and its LandTracker™ proposed development database, as well as site specific, tailored housing market research and consulting services. Comprehensive 'Housing Market Overviews' providing new home sales, pricing, housing inventory trends, future housing supply, and new and leading developments are available for regions across California by going to www.marketpointe.com/landing. Phone San Diego at 619-233-3781, Orange County at 714-528-2554 or Sacramento at 916-710-1396; url:www.marketpointe.com.

— WebWireID106882 —

Los Alamitos, CA

Regional water monitors in California recently announced that farmers in parts of the state will soon be required to finance all, or part, of the cost to monitor agricultural pollutants in area surface water. The California Regional Water Quality Control Board adopted the new rules in 2007 and they will go into effect in the next few years.

Runoff from farms and cropland can cause fertilizers, animal waste, pesticides and other toxins to pollute area water. According to the EPA, 'Agricultural nonpoint source (NPS) pollution is the leading source of water quality impacts to rivers and lakes.' Pollutants to be monitored will likely include nitrates, bacteria, phosphates and other contaminants.

The program requires farmers with more than $1,000 in gross crop sales to pay to sample the water quality in area lakes and streams. The San Diego region, which is also comprised of parts of Riverside and Orange counties, is included in this new regulation. According to some reports as many as 100 bodies of water in that region have suffered for various reasons, including agricultural pollutants.

San Diego County is composed of more small farmers than anywhere else in the state. The additional cost to them for this program could be a hardship on some small farmers following rising water costs and current low commodity prices. LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, leading environmental testing laboratories in the area, have been on the forefront of providing affordable water testing solutions for all types of pollutants.

'Both laboratories have a long history of providing these types of testing services in California to help protect people and the environment,' reported Ben Sublasky, National Director of Client Services for LA Testing and EMSL Analytical. 'Our water testing laboratories are an important resource for government agencies, farmers, industry and the general public,' Sublasky continued.

To learn more about water testing and other environmental services please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.

About LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.
LA Testing and EMSL Analytical are providers of environmental testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The companies have an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

— WebWireID106894 —

Overall weighted average home price fell more than 13 percent from last quarter. That drop, along with the 8 percent decrease in overall weighted average home size, resulted in a value ratio decline of more than 5 percent. ResidentialTrends™ Housing Market Overview further reports a more than 1 percent decrease in the average value ratio in the attached sector as well as a decline of 6 percent in the average value ratio in the detached sector.

Inventory has taken a significant hit as well. Overall total inventory declined 15 percent this quarter, dropping nearly 900 units. Offered and unsold inventory decreased a whopping 55 percent. By utilizing sales rates over the past four quarters, Martinez reports that unsold inventory in the region represents less than one month of supply in the attached sector and nearly six weeks in the detached. However, if all the inventory in unreleased future phases was suddenly released to the marketplace the available supply would increase to six months of attached and 31 months of detached.

MarketPointe™ Realty Advisors, Inc. provides new housing market statistics throughout California via its ResidentialTrends™ new-home database and its LandTracker™ proposed development database, as well as site specific, tailored housing market research and consulting services. Comprehensive 'Housing Market Overviews' providing new home sales, pricing, housing inventory trends, future housing supply, and new and leading developments are available for regions across California by going to www.marketpointe.com/landing. Phone San Diego at 619-233-3781, Orange County at 714-528-2554 or Sacramento at 916-710-1396; url:www.marketpointe.com.

— WebWireID106875 —

Furthermore, Mortgage REITs have reentered the market, seeking higher leverage loans, but at larger rate premiums. Greater competition from this sector will continue pressuring other lenders to offer better pricing.

Regardless of pricing, project quality and sponsorship remain tantamount as lenders stay defensive. As such, current pricing trends include the following:

• During the past month, benchmark treasury yields moved nearly a quarter percent higher, yet rates remained steady as many lenders continue using rate floors for permanent loans.
• Floating rate debt remained unchanged as prime bank customers pay floating-rate pricing starting at about 4.5%.
• While new transactions are still rare, refinancings and restructuring of loans remains in the forefront of real estate capital markets. Appraisers and investors are using band-of-investment calculations for sizing values and loans absent of any relevant market comparable data. Given current debt pricing, capitalization rates under such models typical start at 7% for multifamily properties and 8.5% for commercial assets. Multifamily agency pricing favors securitized loans vs. balance sheet debt as the agencies CMBS markets slowly recover.
• Opportunity investors armed with significant equity capital aggressively hunt for bargain price distressed assets with pricing of 20% or more on an overall return basis using five-years or less time horizon.
• Commercial and industrial tenants with specialized space needs and multifamily projects using FHA funds, such as 221(d)(4), are the only sources of new construction demand. Return-on-cost yields start at 8% for 'definable' credit-worthy tenants, otherwise double-digit figures are more representative of current development risk pricing.

Aaron Gruen, an Advisory Board Member of the Real Estate Capital Institute notes, "The Great Recession has permanently altered consumer, investment, and governmental behavior. Both public and private sector interests which influence land use and economic development need to reset their models and practices to work out projects and plans affected by the Great Recession and to respond to the opportunities the economic recovery will present."

— WebWireID106869 —

The new unit* will have an electrical output of over 900 MW and will supply 25% of the Rhein-Neckar region's electricity, the equivalent of approximately 600,000 households. It will replace the existing units 3 and 4 (with an output of only 220 MW each), which will be taken out of service after the commissioning of the new unit in 2013.

Grosskraftwerk Mannheim is a coal-fired cogeneration plant with an installed base of 1675 MW which produces up to 1000 MW of heat as well as electricity, and has been supplying both heat and power to the region for over 85 years. District heating applications such as these help save 200,000 TCE (ton of coal equivalent) primary energy and 300,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. The new unit will help increase this figure.

The combined heat and power production significantly contributes to reduce emissions. The new unit will use less coal, reducing the power plant's overall CO2 emissions by about 1 million tonnes per year and conforming to the objectives of the German government, with a strong focus on reducing the country's greenhouse gas emissions.

'Innovative technology such as that installed at Mannheim 9 is essential for reducing CO2 emissions in our customers' coal-fired plants, commented Guy Chardon, Senior Vice President Thermal Products, Alstom Power, and we look forward to further supporting the implementation of cleaner power generation on the German market'.

*The scope of the Mannheim 9 project includes a STF 100 5 casing steam turbine, a Gigatop 2-pole turbogenerator and a condenser, and has been completed by a Tower Type Boiler island with SCR and preheater, including coal bunkers, mills, and auxiliary systems. Alstom will also carry out transportation to the site, full erection, commissioning, trial -run and performance tests both for the steam turbine generator set and the boiler island.

— WebWireID106862 —

All mold needs to grow is moisture, ambient temperatures, a food source (most building materials and building contents are ideal food sources) and as little as 24 to 48 hours to begin growing. All too often inexperienced contractors or others specializing in other fields, such as smoke and fire restoration, are hired to fix mold problems only to make matters worse.

When a mold problem occurs it is crucial to hire experienced and qualified mold professionals that understand how to identify and properly fix the problem. It is equally important to contact references and to be sure that any quote received is inclusive of getting the total job completed. A qualified mold remediation professional should:

• Identify and ensure that the moisture source has been resolved so mold does not reappear; extracting all excessive moisture from interior spaces.
• Carefully enclose and create negative pressure in damaged areas before beginning remediation to prevent aerosolizing the mold spores.
• Remove damaged materials that cannot be cleaned.
• Thoroughly clean and treat materials that can be saved.
• Treat new materials to prevent future mold growth.
• Receive clearance testing from a qualified neutral third party environmental consultant.
• Return the property to like-new conditions with an insurance backed warranty.

Global Prevention Services (GPS), one of the nation's largest mold remediation and prevention providers, has been on the forefront of protecting properties from microbial contaminants for years using the latest technologies. 'Our PureSpace® Process is guaranteed and GPS is one of the few firms in the nation with a true insurance backed warranty to return properties to healthy conditions the first time,' reported Jeanette Kurtz, Executive Vice President of Global Prevention Services.

To learn more about the GPS® Network please visit www.NoMold.com, email info@NoMold.com or call 877.NoMold5.

About Global Prevention Services
Global Prevention Services has been on the forefront of treating buildings with microbial problems and providing preventive solutions to residential and commercial facilities. The company has offices across the country providing complete microbial solutions.

— WebWireID106861 —

Each rod outlet will have the capability to produce plain rod (5.5mm to 20mm) and rebar (6mm to 16mm) products, which include carbon steels, cold heading steel, spring steel, welding wire, bearing steel, tire cord and PC strand steel grades.

Included in the contracts for each rod outlet is a four stand prefinishing mill (PFM) arrangement, with two-stand 300 horizontal/vertical PFM and a two-stand 230 Vee PFM; a 10-stand, 230/160 Vee No Twist Mill (NTM), guides for the PFM and NTM, snap shears, side loopers, water boxes, troughs, pinch rolls, laying heads, Stelmor conveyor, two-arm mandrel reform stations and compactors.

Delivery is expected in mid-2010 for the first rod outlet and the third quarter 2010 for the second. The contract includes site supervision and services during the installation.

Further information about solutions for steel works, rolling mills and processing lines is available at http://www.siemens.com/metals

A photo supplements this press release. Please see: http://www.industry.siemens.com/data/presse/pics/IIS200911914.jpg

No Twist and Stelmor are registered trademarks of Morgan Construction Company.

The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is the world's leading supplier of production, transportation, building and lighting technologies. With integrated automation technologies as well as comprehensive industry-specific solutions, Siemens increases the productivity, efficiency and flexibility of its customers in the fields of industry and infrastructure. The Sector consists of six Divisions: Building Technologies, Drive Technologies, Industry Automation, Industry Solutions, Mobility and Osram. With around 222,000 employees worldwide Siemens Industry posted in fiscal year 2008 a profit of EUR3.86 billion with revenues totaling EUR38 billion. www.siemens.com/industry

With the business activities of Siemens VAI Metal Technologies, (Linz, Austria), Siemens Water Technologies (Warrendale, Pa., U.S.A.), and Industry Technologies, (Erlangen, Germany), the Siemens Industry Solutions Division(Erlangen, Germany) is one of the world's leading solution and service providers for industrial and infrastructure facilities. Using its own products, systems and process technologies, Industry Solutions develops and builds plants for end customers, commissions them and provides support during their entire life cycle. With around 31,000 employees worldwide Siemens Industry Solutions achieved an order intake of EUR 8.415 billon in fiscal year 2008.

Further information and downloads at:
http://www.siemens.com/industry-solutions

— WebWireID106859 —

Also showing tempering are pricing averages in the county. The detached market's rate of decline has slowed to just 2 percent lower than that of last quarter and the attached market has shown a significant improvement. Mainly due to a marked increase in the average price of luxury high-rise condominiums the attached sector's average price increased 15 percent over last quarter.

ResidentialTrends™ Housing Market Overview reports that the weighted average attached home size increased 5 percent, resulting in a value ratio increase of 10 percent. Weighted average size in the detached sector remained virtually unchanged; however, a slight decrease in the average price resulted in a 2 percent value ratio decline.

Overall total inventory continues to plummet, dropping nearly 20 percent this quarter, the eighth consecutive quarterly drop. There are less than 18 months of total supply in both the attached and detached sectors, with more immediately available supply constituting less than ten months in the attached sector and slightly more than two months in the detached.

MarketPointe™ Realty Advisors, Inc. provides new housing market statistics throughout California via its ResidentialTrends™ new-home database and its LandTracker™ proposed development database, as well as site specific, tailored housing market research and consulting services. Comprehensive 'Housing Market Overviews' providing new home sales, pricing, housing inventory trends, future housing supply, and new and leading developments are available for regions across California by going to www.marketpointe.com/landing. Phone San Diego at 619-233-3781, Orange County at 714-528-2554 or Sacramento at 916-710-1396; url:www.marketpointe.com.

— WebWireID106745 —

Westmont, NJ

During the last year there have been numerous media reports about imported Chinese drywall causing unpleasant odors, damaging building materials and causing illnesses. On Sunday an expert on building inspections announced at a conference in Orlando that the defective drywall is also full of bacteria and fungus.

According to some reports the defective drywall is in as many as 100,000 homes nationwide. Up until now most drywall problems were related to the presence of iron disulfide (FeS2 pyrite). Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbonyl sulfide, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon disulfide (CS2) have also been suspected as culprits.

The building expert reported that the bacteria in the drywall is most alarming and isn't found in drywall manufactured elsewhere. According to the speaker the bacteria is feeding on organic matter in the drywall and that in return is producing the sulfur gases that have been reported to cause health problems and material corrosion in homes across the country.

EMSL Analytical, one of the nation's premier environmental and materials testing laboratories, has been actively involved in testing suspect drywall. EMSL Analytical developed a procedure that can accurately compare certain sulfur gasses contained in suspect drywall samples versus control samples. The laboratory can also provide complete bacterial and fungal analysis of any drywall samples to determine if microorganisms are present.

'This latest report of additional problems with Chinese drywall should make homeowners take notice,' reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President at EMSL Analytical. 'If you suspect your home was constructed with the defective material we suggest you have the drywall tested to determine if it is causing problems in your home,' he continued.

EMSL Analytical is a national leader in materials and indoor air quality testing services. For more information about drywall testing or other testing needs please contact EMSL Analytical at (800)220-3675, visit www.EMSL.com or email info@EMSL.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a leading, national provider of environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

— WebWireID106747 —

ResidentialTrends™ Housing Market Overview reports this quarter's total of 184 overall net sales represents a 63 percent increase over last quarter. Attached sales rose 78 percent to the second highest total in the last three years. The detached sector saw a total of 63 net sales for an increase of 40 percent this quarter.

Weighted average price in the attached sector increased nearly 5 percent this quarter as the average home size gained 1 percent. This resulted in a more than 3 percent increase in the attached value ratio. The detached sector gained 30 percent in its weighted average price while home size increased 18 percent. Mr. Martinez notes that these price and size changes resulted in an 11 percent value ratio increase this quarter.

Overall inventory dropped 7 percent this quarter to 1,198 total units according to the Housing Market Overview. Attached inventory decreased 7 percent to 800 units and detached units fell to 398, a nearly 7 percent drop. The bulk of attached inventory sits in unreleased future phases of existing developments leaving 104 unsold units available. Nearly 87 percent of detached inventory remains in unreleased future phases of existing developments, with homes that have been offered to the marketplace yet remain unsold accounting for just 52. The result is that there are slightly more than four months of available attached inventory and just over three months of detached.

MarketPointe™ Realty Advisors, Inc. provides new housing market statistics throughout California via its ResidentialTrends™ new-home database and its LandTracker™ proposed development database, as well as site specific, tailored housing market research and consulting services. Comprehensive 'Housing Market Overviews' providing new home sales, pricing, housing inventory trends, future housing supply, and new and leading developments are available for regions across California by going to www.marketpointe.com/landing. Phone San Diego at 619-233-3781, Orange County at 714-528-2554 or Sacramento at 916-710-1396; url:www.marketpointe.com.

— WebWireID106709 —

Los Alamitos, CA

Popcorn ceilings, also referred to as acoustic ceilings, are found in many homes across the country. From the late 1950s all the way until the early 1980s the ceiling style was popular. Today many property owners have been removing the outdated ceilings and replacing them with flat or textured ceilings to update the look and feel of the property.

Not only is the process of removing popcorn ceilings labor intensive and extremely messy there is a much bigger issue, asbestos. Asbestos can be found in many types of popcorn ceilings and the older paints used on the ceilings. As the ceilings are renovated the asbestos can be easily aerosolized and become a health hazard.

La Testing and EMSL Analytical, one of the nation's largest asbestos testing laboratory networks, advises property owners to get suspect ceiling materials tested before any renovations begin. This process can be done by hiring an asbestos professional or by carefully removing several small pieces of the ceiling material and sending them to a laboratory for testing. Before removing the small pieces of material it is advisable to first spray the area to be removed with water to minimize any asbestos from being aerosolized.

If the popcorn ceiling is found to contain asbestos it is strongly suggested that professionals who are qualified to deal with removing asbestos containing materials be used to ensure a safe project and to properly dispose of the asbestos containing waste.

'The dangers associated with asbestos in popcorn ceilings are potentially in tens of thousands of homes across the nation,' reported Ben Sublasky, National Director of Client Services for LA Testing and EMSL Analytical. 'The deadly health effects associated with asbestos can take years or even decades to appear so it is important to test for asbestos and to have any renovations involving asbestos be handled by qualified professionals.'

To learn more about asbestos and other environmental testing services please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.

About LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.
LA Testing and EMSL Analytical are providers of environmental testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The companies have an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

— WebWireID106637 —