Bexley Public Radio's time share proposal open for acceptance since April 20, 2010.

FOR MOST RECENT UPDATE SEE JUNE 17 BLOG ENTRY.

UPDATE SATURDAY JUNE 12, 2010: AN UNSIGNED LETTER ON SIMPLY LIVING LETTERHEAD WAS RECEIVED AT BEXLEY PUBLIC RADIO'S OFFICE ON SATURDAY JUNE 12, 2010. THE TEXT OF THE LETTER IN PART READS: Simply Living rejects your proposed timeshare assignment of hours for the following primary reason: Your proposed split of 3am/3pm would give BPRF 65% of the listenership hours, per Arbitron ratings for non-commercial stations. We will file our Request to Transfer WCRS with the FCC in early July, as I had previously informed you. You will receive a copy.

BECAUSE THE JUNE 12, 2010 LETTER IS UNSIGNED, PENDING SOME CONFIRMATION FROM SIMPLY LIVING, BEXLEY PUBLIC RADIO HAS NOT OTHERWISE UPDATED THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION ON THE AGENT OF CURRENCY BLOG:

This is the current proposal from Bexley Public Radio. It was made prior to the May 3, 2010 FCC decision.

The proposal has been open for acceptance since April 20, 2010 and Bexley Public Radio still offers this proposal for acceptance.

Public comments are invited below.


AMENDMENT NO. 1 SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT (UNIVERSAL TIMESHARE AGREEMENT)

This Amendment No. 1 to the Settlement Agreement (Universal Timeshare Agreement) is made as of the 20th day of April, 2010 by and among Groveport Madison Local School District, Bexley Public Radio Foundation, Community Refugee and Immigration Services, Simply Living, and Capital University (hereinafter, singularly, “Signatory,” collectively, the “Signatories”).

WHEREAs, Each of the Signatories to this Amendment No. 1 is also a party to the Settlement Agreement dated October 29, 2003 and each of the Signatories agreed to the certain and definite allocation of broadcast time on FM Channel 271 that was made in the Settlement Agreement;

WHEREAS, the allocation of time in the Settlement Agreement was approved by the Federal Communications Commission (hereinafter “Commission”);

WHEREAS, Signatory Bexley Public Radio and Signatory Simply Living have been granted licenses to cover by the Commission and are presently broadcasting respectively as WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM and WCRS-LP, 102.1 FM. Bexley Public Radio is broadcasting during the time period granted to it in the Settlement Agreement. Signatory Simply Living is broadcasting in the time periods granted to it in the Settlement Agreement and in addition during time periods allocated to Signatory Groveport Madison Local School District and Signatory Community Refugee and Immigration Services. Signatory Bexley Public Radio Foundation has not agreed to broadcasts by Signatory Simply Living during the time periods allocated to Signatory Groveport Madison Local School District and Signatory Community Refugee and Immigration Services.

WHEREAS, Construction permits awarded by the Commission to Signatory Groveport Madison Local School District and Signatory Community Refugee and Immigration Services have expired and are non-renewable;

WHEREAS, the application for a construction permit of Signatory Capital University has expired and is nonrenewable;

WHEREAS, the public interest will best and most fully be served by grant of this Amendment No. 1 because such grant will conserve the resources of the Commission and of the Signatories and bring about radio broadcast during additional time periods;

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the terms and conditions set forth herein, and with the intent of being legally bound hereby, the Signatories agree to the following Amendment No. 1:

The existing text of numbered section 6 and numbered section 7 of Article II are deleted and replaced with the following text:

6. Hours of Operation. The Applicants hereby request that the Commission grant each Application subject to the following hours of operation:

Weekdays (M-F)

3:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Bexley Public Radio Foundation

3:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. Simply Living

Weekends (Sa & Su)

3:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Bexley Public Radio Foundation

3:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. Simply Living

7. Minimal Operating Schedule. The hours of operation proposed in this Agreement comply with Section 73.872(b) and Section 73.872(c) of the Commission’s Rules by allowing each Applicant the following number of operating hours per week:

In accordance with Section 73.872(b)(2) of the Commission Rules, Bexley Public Radio and Simply Living pledge that their total operating hours each day as a minimum operating schedule will be a combined total of 12 hours.

In accordance with Section 73.872(c) (1) (ii) and (iii) of the Commission Rules, Bexley Public Radio Foundation and Simply Living acknowledge that they will not permit simultaneous operation and that they will each operate at a minimum of 10 hours each week during the periods listed herein:


Bexley Public Radio Foundation: 10 hours /week at a minimum
Simply Living: 10 hours/week at a minimum


Except as stated herein, no other changes are made to the existing text of the Settlement Agreement (Universal Timeshare Agreement).


In Witness Whereof, this Amendment No. 1 to the Settlement Agreement is hereby executed as of the date first above written:



GROVEPORT MADISON LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

By:__________________________________
Name:________________________________
Title:_________________________________

BEXLEY PUBLIC RADIO FOUNDATION

By:__________________________________
Name:_______________________________
Title:________________________________

COMMUNITY REFUGEE AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES

By:_________________________________
Name:______________________________
Title:_______________________________

SIMPLY LIVING

By:_________________________________
Name:_______________________________
Title:________________________________

CAPITAL UNIVERSITY

By:_________________________________
Name:_______________________________
Title:________________________________

Jeni Fleming. Vocalist. Appearing at Trinity Lutheran Seminary.

From Bozeman, Montana: Jeni Fleming and Jeni Fleming Ensemble.

Tuesday evening, June 8. 2010 at 7:30 p.m.

Gloria Dei Worship Center
Trinity Lutheran Seminary
2199 E. Main St.
SW corner of College Ave. and E. Main St.
Bexley

Sample her six CDs at jenifleming.com

Booking agent Nikki McGee
406-388-2086
nikki@jenifleming.com

Spanish Language News by David Alexander for Bexley Public Radio

.
Your Spanish language lesson for the week of Monday May 24 through Friday May 28, 2010. Follow along with David Alexander as he reads some news items in Spanish language.

Questions?

Email David Alexander at wcrxlp@yahoo.com or call the station at (614) 235 2929.


Chávez envía comisión petrolera a Cuba

(Chávez sends oil commission to Cuba)

El mandatario venezolano, Hugo Chávez, ha mandado una comisión de expertos petroleros a Cuba para prestar ayuda en caso de que el derrame de petróleo en el golfo de México llegue a las costas de la isla caribeña. El grupo está encabezado por Eulogio del Pino, vicepresidente de la petrolera estatal Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA). A la sazón, Chávez comentó que el desastre ecológico producido por el derrame pondría freno a los planes energéticos de la administración de Obama. Empero, pese a sus tensiones con Washington, Venezuela sigue siendo uno de los mayores proveedores de petróleo a EEUU y planea aumentar su producción de crudo, duplicándola en los próximos años..

(www.univision.com, el 23 de mayo, AP)

venezolano- Venezuelan

las costas- the coast

la isla caribeña- the carribbean island

el derrame de petróleo- the oil spill

el desastre- the disaster


Sismo sacude el sureste del Perú

(Quake rocks southeastern Peru)

Un terremoto de 5,9 grados sacudió localidades del sureste del Perú pero sin que se registraran daños materiales. El temblor comenzó el domingo a las 17:46 horas a 88 kilómetros de profundidad y tuvo su epicentro 86 kilómetros al noroeste de Puquio, ciudad que se ubica unos 440 kilómetros al sureste de Lima, la capital peruana. Es más, el sismo también se sintió en las regiones de Ayacucho, Apurímac, Ica, y el sur de Lima.

(www.elnuevoherald.com, el 23 de mayo, AP)

Sismo- quake

Sureste- south-east

Terremoto- earthquake

Temblor- tremor

Profundidad- depth

Epicentro- epicenter

17:46 horas- 5:46 in the afternoon

Noroeste- North-west

Sur- south


El colectivo editorial de WCRX-LP
La fundación de la radioemisora pública de Bexley
transmite a través de WCRX-LP 102.FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

La fundación de la radioemisora pública de Bexley está extenta de impuesto federales bajo la sección 501 (c) del IRC. Cualesquiera donaciones se pueden deducir de los impuestos federales para indiviuos que detallaren sus deducciones. Cheques pagables a Bexley Public Radio Foundation o WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM. El diseño es copyright 2010. Todos los derechos reservados. La radioemisora pública de Bexley. El texto es copyright 2010. Todos los derechos reservados. David Alexander

The Green Radio Choice. Bexley Public Radio.

Green. The public radio green choice is still WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM. Celebrate the lower energy requirements for LPFM.

Big power blasters like WOSU and WCBE consume lots of energy. These big stations have gluttonous appetites for anthracite.

WOSU alone engorges itself on almost a shovel full of coal every eighteen minutes of broadcast.

Think WOSU. Think coal. Think pollution.

Reflect on WCRX-LP. Visualize low energy use. Know that Bexley Public Radio means responsible stewardship of energy resources.

To know green, think Bexley Public Radio.

HELP BEXLEY PUBLIC RADIO UPGRADE ITS ANTENNA. SEND YOUR MONEY PROMPTLY. BE GENEROUS.

Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Bexley Public Radio Foundation is exempt from federal taxes under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are deductible from federal income taxes for individuals who itemize. Checks may identify the payee as Bexley Public Radio Foundation or WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.

Design is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2009 and 2010. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Editorial Collective.

POSTED BY WCRX-LP EDITORIAL COLLECTIVE AT 8:54 AM 0 COMMENTS

Laura Franks Dividend Note No. 24, May 20, 2010 for Bexley Public Radio.

This is a report on forty-five companies that have increased dividends during late April and most of May. . It is an occasional note by Laura Franks.

This informal collection marks dividend increases for mostly U.S. stocks. This report includes some equities based outside the United States that do business in the United States.

Laura’s commentary and analysis is sometimes offered in this informal journal. The companies that Laura notes in this report as interesting as businesses are Eutelsat Communications, and if you are interested in how derivatives are discussed in financial statements, then read the entries for TAC International and Textainer Group Holdings. Both companies use interest rate swaps and discuss them in their dividend announcements. SBA lending and finance is discussed in the dividend announcement from Triangle Capital.

Once each quarter, listen to Laura Franks Bexley Consumer Price Index ("Laura Franks Bexley CPI"). Laura shops a uniform basket of goods purchased in Bexley and near-Bexley retail shops. Laura then computes price changes, up and down, of the items in the market basket. She has been reporting the Bexley Consumer Price Index since the first quarter 2008. Laura Franks. Only on Bexley Public Radio, WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.

BPRF Dividend Note No. 24, May 20, 2010.


Advocat Inc. (NASDAQ: AVCA) May 5, 2010, Brentwood, TN announced its results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2010.

The Company also announced it has increased its quarterly dividend rate 10% to 5.5 cents per common share, and declared the quarterly dividend on April 30, 2010. The dividend will be paid July 14, 2010 to shareholders of record on June 30, 2010.
CEO William R. Council, III, noted, "Our first quarter was a continuation of our steady improvements and was a good start for 2010. Revenue, occupancy and net income were higher, and we are generating strong cash flow to support our corporate initiatives. Our cost control was excellent during the quarter, and we were able to increase Medicare census by 8.5% compared to the fourth quarter of 2009. I'm also proud of the accomplishments we made during the quarter with the completion of the refinancing of our revolving credit facility and the hiring of Kelly Gill as Chief Operating Officer. I want to thank our associates at every level in the Company for their hard work in providing quality nursing care."

Revenue increased to $70.2 million in 2010 from $67.7 million in 2009, an increase of $2.5 million, or 3.6%. This increase is primarily due to higher patient census and increased Medicaid rates in certain states, partially offset by the effects of lower Medicare rates.

The Company transitioned the operations of four leased Florida nursing facilities effective March 31, 2010, and all financial information included in this release has been restated to include those facilities in discontinued operations.
Advocat provides long term care services to patients in 46 skilled nursing centers containing 5,364 licensed nursing beds, primarily in the Southeast and Southwest.


Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, Ltd (NYSE: AWH) May 6, 2010, Pembroke, Bermuda reported
net income of US$133.7 million, or US$2.52 per diluted share, for the first
quarter of 2010 compared to net income of US$131.4 million, or US$2.57 per
diluted share, for the first quarter of 2009. The company reported operating
income of US$61.3 million, or US$1.16 per diluted share, for the first
quarter of 2010 compared to operating income of US$137.6 million, or US$2.69
per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2009.

President and Chief Executive Officer Scott Carmilani commented, "I am
pleased to report that Allied World continued to grow book value in the first
quarter of 2010 despite continued competitive pricing pressures and some
significant catastrophic loss activity that occurred throughout the world.
Thanks to our underwriting discipline, strong and stable investment portfolio
and our historically prudent reserving philosophy we were able to grow book
value by 3.9% during the quarter and now have a total capital base in excess
of US$3.8 billion."

Mr. Carmilani continued, "Since our company went public in 2006, we have
more than doubled our total book value and outperformed our peer group over
that period. Given the continued soft market conditions, we are finding it
increasingly difficult to find attractive opportunities to deploy excess
capital. Accordingly, our board of directors has authorized us to initiate a
share repurchase program of up to US$500 million over the next two years.
Based upon the average closing price of our shares over the past 30 days,
this plan would equate to a repurchase of over 20% of our common shares
outstanding. We believe this authorization gives us additional financial
flexibility to manage the company's capital as we work to continue to meet
shareholder expectations both in terms of operating returns and growth in
book value per share."

Allied World announced today that its board of directors has declared a
quarterly dividend of US$0.20 per common share. The dividend will be payable
on June 10, 2010 to shareholders of Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, Ltd, through its subsidiaries,
is a global provider of innovative property, casualty and specialty insurance
and reinsurance solutions, offering superior client service through offices
in Bermuda, Europe, Hong Kong, Singapore and the United States.

Assurant, Inc. (NYSE: AIZ), May 14, 2010, New York, NY, a provider of specialty insurance and insurance-related products and services, announced that its board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.16 per share of common stock. This represents a seven percent increase above the quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share, declared on Jan. 25, 2010. The dividend will be payable on June 8, 2010 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 24, 2010.

"Assurant is pleased to be able to increase its quarterly dividend for the sixth straight year," says Robert B. Pollock, Assurant's president and chief executive officer. "We remain committed to increasing shareholder value by creating our own growth opportunities and returning capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases."

Future dividend declarations and share repurchase authorizations will be made at the discretion of the Assurant board of directors and will be based on the company's earnings, financial condition, cash requirements, future prospects and other factors.

Assurant is a provider of specialized insurance products and related services in North America and select worldwide markets. Assurant has more than $26 billion in assets and $8 billion in annual revenue.

AVX Corporation (NYSE: AVX) May 6, 2010, Greenville, SC declared a dividend of $0.045 per common share for the quarter ended March 31, 2010. This represents a 12.5% increase over the prior dividend rate.

John Gilbertson, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated "The Company generated strong cash flows from operations in the fiscal year ended in March 2010, and we are pleased to be able to continue our history of quarterly dividends and to increase the current dividend rate to our shareholders."

This dividend will be paid to shareholders of record on June 4, 2010 and will be disbursed on June 11, 2010.

AVX, headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, is a leading manufacturer and supplier of a broad line of passive electronic components and related products.

Biovail Corporation (CA: BVF) May 6, 2010, Toronto, Canada announced that its Board of Directors has increased the Company's contemplated quarterly dividend by 5.5% to US$0.095 per common share. The new policy balances the Board's intention to provide an immediate cash return to shareholders, with the Company retaining ample resources with which to implement its long-term growth strategy.

In line with this change, the Company's Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of US$0.095 per share payable on July 5, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business June 2, 2010. The ex-dividend date is May 31, 2010. This represents a 5.5% increase compared to the Company's previous US$0.09 dividend.

Each dividend declaration is always subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors and is generally based on the Company's business performance, operational results, future capital requirements, business development requirements and other requirements and applicable laws.

Biovail Corporation is a specialty pharmaceutical company engaged in the formulation, clinical testing, registration, manufacture, and commercialization of pharmaceutical products. The Company is focused on the development and commercialization of medicines that address unmet medical needs in niche specialty central nervous system (CNS) markets.

Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC) May 6, 2010, Bethpage, NY, reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2010.

First quarter consolidated net revenues grew 5.2% to $1.752 billion compared to the prior year period, reflecting solid revenue growth in Telecommunications Services and Rainbow, offset by a decline at Newsday.

Cablevision President and CEO James L. Dolan commented: "Cablevision had a strong start to 2010. Subscriber increases across all of our consumer services, including basic video, fueled our growth in cable, and continued our industry-leading penetration rates for yet another quarter. Meanwhile, Rainbow National Services achieved strong revenue growth and double-digit AOCF growth, driven largely by significant increases in both advertising and affiliate revenue. For the first quarter, Cablevision also generated $240 million in free cash flow. Given our strong performance, we have increased our dividend by 25 percent, enabling us to provide even more value to our shareholders," concluded Mr. Dolan.

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (NYSE: CPK) May 5, 2010, Dover, DE, declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.33 per share on the Company's common stock. The Board's action raises the annualized dividend six cents per share from $1.26 to $1.32 per share. The $0.33 per share dividend will be paid July 6, 2010 to all shareholders of record at the close of business on June 15, 2010.

Commenting on the dividend increase, Vice Chairman and CEO, John R. Schimkaitis said, "Our previously announced first quarter performance and today's dividend announcement demonstrate the success of the merger integration, our strategic plan and future growth opportunities, as well as our continuing commitment to growth in shareholder value."

Chesapeake has paid a cash dividend to common stock shareholders for forty-nine consecutive years.

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is a diversified utility company engaged in natural gas distribution, transmission and marketing; electric distribution; propane distribution and wholesale marketing; advanced information services and other related businesses.

Cliffs Natural Resources (NYSE: CLF) May 11, 2010 Cleveland, OH, announced an increase in the quarterly cash dividend on the company’s common shares by 60 percent.
The $0.14 per share dividend (up from $0.0875) will be payable on June 1 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on Friday.

“Cliffs’ outlook for cash flow generation has improved substantially with the rebounding demand for steelmaking raw materials,” Laurie Brlas, Cliffs’ executive vice president and chief financial officer, said in a news release. “This provides the company increased confidence to increase its cash payouts to Cliffs’ shareholders, while at the same time continuing to pursue strategic objectives.”

Cliffs’ revenue was 57 percent higher during the first three months of this year than during the same quarter of 2009.
In April Cliffs reported a first-quarter 2010 net income of $93.5 million compared to a net loss of $7.4 million in the first quarter of 2009. The company sold 4.4 million tons of iron ore pellets during the first quarter of this year, a 116 percent increase over the same time last year.

Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. formerly Cleveland-Cliffs Inc, is an international mining and natural resources company. The Company is a producer of iron ore pellets in North America, a supplier of direct-shipping lump and fines iron ore out of Australia, and a producer of metallurgical coal. The Company’s operations are organized according to product category and geographic location: North American Iron Ore, North American Coal, Asia Pacific Iron Ore, Asia Pacific Coal and Latin American Iron Ore. In North America, it operates six iron ore mines in Michigan, Minnesota and Eastern Canada, and two coking coal mining complexes located in West Virginia and Alabama. Its Asia Pacific operations are comprised of two iron ore mining complexes in Western Australia, serving the Asian iron ore markets with direct-shipping fines and lump ore, and a 45 % economic interest in a coking and thermal coal mine located in Queensland, Australia.

Cognex Corporation (NASDAQ: CGNX) May 5, 2010, Natick, MA announced that the company's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.06 per share; this represents an increase of $0.01 per share, or 20%, over the $0.05 per share dividend paid in the prior quarter.
"The dividend increase announced today demonstrates the confidence that the Board of Directors has in Cognex's financial strength and in our ability to continue to generate profitable growth for the remainder of the year," said Dr. Robert J. Shillman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cognex. "We decreased our dividend in Q2 of 2009 when times were tough, and we are happy to increase it in good times like these so that we can share our success in a tangible way with our shareholders."
The dividend announced today is payable on June 18, 2010, to all shareholders of record at the close of business on June 4, 2010. Cognex declared its first dividend in the third quarter of 2003, and to date it has paid $96 million in dividends to its shareholders.

Cognex Corporation designs, develops, manufactures and markets machine vision sensors and systems, or devices that can "see." Cognex vision sensors and systems are used in factories around the world where they guide, inspect, gauge, identify and assure the quality of a wide range of items during the manufacturing process. Cognex is the world's leader in the machine vision industry, having shipped more than 500,000 machine vision systems, representing over $2.5 billion in cumulative revenue, since the company's founding in 1981. Headquartered in Natick, Massachusetts USA, Cognex has regional offices and distributors located throughout North America, Japan, Europe, Asia and Latin America.

CPI Corp. (NYSE: CPY) May 10, 2010, St. Louis, MO announced that its Board of Directors declared a second quarter cash dividend of 25 cents per share, an increase of 56% from the Company's regular quarterly dividend of 16 cents per share since June 3, 2003. The dividend will be paid on May 28, 2010 to shareholders of record as of May 21, 2010. As of May 7, 2010, CPI had 7,314,082 common shares outstanding.

Commenting on the dividend, David Meyer, Chairman of the Board said: "We are pleased to announce a significant increase in our regular dividend in recognition of the Company's substantially enhanced earning power and cash flow. As part of our broader program to create shareholder value, we will closely monitor tax law changes as they relate to dividends and ensure our dividend policy remains an effective and efficient means of delivering value to shareholders."

For more than 60 years, CPI Corp. offers customers convenient photographic portrait keepsakes. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, CPI Corp. provides portrait photography services at approximately 3,000 locations in North America, principally in Sears and Walmart stores. CPI's conversion to a fully digital format allows its studios to offer unique posing options, creative photography selections, a wide variety of sizes and an unparalleled assortment of enhancements to customize each portrait - all for an affordable price.

DDi Corp. (NASDAQ: DDIC) May 13, 2010, Anaheim, CA announced that its Board of Directors has approved the company’s first cash dividend to its shareholders. The quarterly dividend of $0.06 per share will be paid on July 6, 2010, to shareholders of record on the close of business on June 21, 2010. While it is the Board of Directors' intention that a dividend in this amount will continue to be paid on a quarterly basis, future declaration of quarterly dividends are subject to Board approval.

Mikel Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer of DDi Corp., stated, "The announcement of our first ever common stock dividend reflects the progress we have made in building a strong company and underscores our confidence in our business prospects and our future cash flow generation capabilities. Over the last three years we have repurchased $16.3 million of our shares in the open market, purchased Coretec Inc., and invested over $22 million in capital to strengthen our capabilities. We remain committed to enhancing shareholder value and are especially pleased we are able to continue to support our business while returning cash to our shareholders."

DDi Corp. (DDi) provides printed circuit board (PCB) engineering and manufacturing services. The Company specializes in engineering and fabricating multi-layer printed circuit boards on a quick-turn basis. It has approximately 1,100 PCB customers in various market segments, including communications and networking, medical, test and industrial instruments, high-end computing, military and aerospace, and commercial markets. Its customers include both original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), electronic manufacturing services (EMS) providers, and military/aerospace companies. DDi operates its business segment through its primary operating subsidiary, Dynamic Details, Incorporated. On December 31, 2009, the Company completed the acquisition of Coretec Inc.

Dorel Industries Inc. (TSX: DII.B DII.A) May 6, 2010, Montreal, Canada, released record results, in terms of both revenue and profitability, for the first quarter ended March 31, 2010. Revenue was up 13.5% to US$596.3 million from last year's US$525.2 million. Pre-tax earnings increased by 44.4% to US$48.5 million from US$33.6 million for the same period in 2009. Net income rose 33.3% to US$37.4 million or US$1.12 per diluted share from US$28.0 million, US$0.84 per diluted share, a year ago.

Dorel CEO and President Martin Schwartz stated that the first quarter results speak for themselves, with significant increases in all three segments, underlining the efforts made throughout 2009. "Upon announcing our 2009 results this March, we stated that our commitment to product development and market expansion would place us in a leadership position as we entered the year. Our performance thus far in 2010 supports this assertion. Organic growth of 9.5% points to the success and acceptance of our intense product development efforts. We have experienced strong point-of-sales levels at retailers. At the Cycling Sports Group we added our Independent Bike Dealer brands to more new dealers in any one quarter than ever before. Home Furnishings also continued to post robust results with its value-added products gaining further traction with consumers."
The Board of Directors of Dorel has declared an increase in the Company's quarterly dividend of US$0.025 to US$0.15 per share from US$0.125 on the Class A Multiple Voting Shares, Class B Subordinate Voting Shares and Deferred Share Units (DSU) of the Company. The first increased dividend amount of US$0.15 per share and DSU will be payable on June 3rd, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 20th, 2010. The dividend policy was originally instituted in March 2007. Shareholders will now receive a total of US$0.60 per share per annum.

Dorel Industries Inc. makes juvenile products and bicycles. Established in 1962, Dorel's branded products include Safety 1st, Quinny, Cosco, Maxi-Cosi and Bébé Confort in Juvenile, as well as Cannondale, Schwinn, GT, Mongoose, IronHorse and SUGOI in Recreational/Leisure. Dorel's Home Furnishings segment markets a wide assortment of furniture products, both domestically produced and imported. Dorel is a US$2 billion company with 4500 employees, facilities in nineteen countries, and sales worldwide.

Eldorado Gold (TSE: ELD) May 6, 2010, Vancouver, Canada increased first quarter profit by 304%, it said on Thursday, and announced its first dividend.
 The gold-miner also said it has raised production forecasts for the year, and lowered its cost estimate.

Net income in the first three months of the year rose to $52,8-million, compared with $13,06-million in the first quarter of 2009, after production increased and gold prices rose.



Revenue for the period rose 248%, to $182-million, and cash generated from operating activities increased by 290% to $80,8-million.

Eldorado produced 164 928 oz of gold in the first quarter, at an average cash operating cost of $371/oz.

“With the strong performance of the quarter we are increasing our 2010 production guidance to 575 000 to 625 000 ounces of gold and slightly reducing cost guidance to cash operating costs of $375/oz to $395/oz," CEO Paul Wright said in a statement.

The previous forecast was for between 550 000 oz and 600 000 oz in 2010.

Eldorado produces gold from three mines in China and one in Turkey, and has development projects in China, Turkey and Greece. 

The company will pay an eligible dividend of C$0,05 a share on June 18, 2010, to the holders of the outstanding common shares as of the close of business on the record date of June 4, 2010.

The new dividend “has been made possible by a strong cash flow and net profit in 2009 as well as the positive outlook for the company," Wright said.

Eutelsat Communications SA, (EPA: ETL) May 11, 2010, Paris, France, the world’s third-largest satellite company, will propose a dividend that matches or exceeds last year’s payment as it increases revenue from emerging markets.

“We see strong demand for our services especially in emerging markets,” Deputy Chief Executive Officer Jean-Paul Brillaud said in a telephone interview today. “We’re quite bullish and we see no reason for not continuing on this trend. We’re seeing no signs of weakness.”

Eutelsat and Qatar said yesterday they agreed to invest in a new high-capacity satellite to serve fast-growing markets in the Middle East and North Africa. The satellite will launch in late 2012. Paris-based Eutelsat will propose a dividend at the end of July “in line or higher” compared with last year’s, Chief Financial Officer Catherine Guillouard said.

“Emerging markets are the main reason for our growth, and we’ll increase our exposure to these regions,” Brillaud said. “The accord announced yesterday is strategic and it will have economies of scale for both of us.”

Eutelsat and Qatar, through its Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology, are set to place the order for the new satellite by the middle of this year.

“We don’t have anything to refinance until June 2013, so for the moment there is no need to go to the market,” Guillouard said in an interview today. In March, Eutelsat sold 850 million euros ($1.08 billion) in bonds to help it refinance debt in a Eurobond issue.

The company forecasts a dividend of 50 percent to 75 percent of net income and aims for “a steady increase from one year to another if possible,” Guillouard said.

Eutelsat said yesterday that revenue gained 13 percent to 268.3 million euros in the three months through March 31 thanks to “double-digit growth across all applications” and raised its full-year forecast.

The company is increasing sales by adding high-definition television broadcasts for clients including News Corp.’s Sky Italia SpA, expanding in markets such as Russia and sub-Saharan Africa, and signing Internet-access deals. It’s strengthening its fleet and is set to launch the W3B satellite between August and September.

Eutelsat increased its forecast for sales to rise to more than 1.035 billion euros in the 12 months through the end of June from a February projection of more than 1.02 billion euros. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization will probably increase to more than 795 million euros in the period.

Video applications, which account for about 71 percent of Eutelsat’s revenue, rose 10 percent from a year earlier to 189.6 million euros in the quarter. Data and value-added services jumped 23 percent to 52 million euros.

FactSet Research Systems Inc. (NYSE: FDS) May 14, 2010, Norwalk, CT a provider of integrated global financial information and analytical applications for the investment community, today announced that its Board of Directors approved a 15% increase in the regular quarterly dividend from $0.20 per share to $0.23 per share. The cash dividend will be paid on June 15, 2010 to holders of record of FactSet's common stock on May 28, 2010.

FactSet Research Systems Inc. combines integrated financial information, analytical applications, and client service to enhance the workflow and productivity of the global investment community. The Company, headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, was formed in 1978 and now conducts operations along with its affiliates from more than twenty-three locations worldwide, including Boston, New York, Chicago, San Mateo, London, Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, Amsterdam, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Mumbai, and Sydney.

Fifth Street Finance Corp. (NYSE: FSC) May 4, 2010, White Plains, NY announced that its Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.32 per share for the third fiscal quarter of 2010, an increase of 6.7% from the previous fiscal quarter and its third consecutive increase in the quarterly dividend.

"Due to the increasing origination environment, we are pleased to provide our shareholders with a third consecutive quarterly dividend increase," stated Fifth Street Finance Corp.'s Chief Executive Officer, Leonard M. Tannenbaum.

Dividends are paid from taxable income. Fifth Street's Board of Directors determines quarterly dividends based on estimates of taxable income, which differ from book income due to changes in unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments and due to temporary and permanent differences in income and expense recognition.

Fifth Street Finance Corp. is a specialty finance company that lends to and invests in small and mid-sized companies in connection with investments by private equity sponsors. Fifth Street Finance Corp.'s investment objective is to maximize its portfolio's total return by generating current income from its debt investments and capital appreciation from its equity investments.

Finning International Inc. (CA:FTT) May 13, 2010, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada reported first quarter 2010 revenues of $1.0 billion, earnings before interest and income taxes (EBIT) of $37 million and diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.12. The first quarter 2010 results included net non-operational charges of $0.02 per share ($0.04 per share in Q1 2009).

The Company raised its quarterly dividend to $0.12 per share from $0.11 per share, reflecting strengthening business conditions, an improving outlook, significant liquidity and a strong balance sheet.

"First quarter results came in as expected and free cash flow remained very strong," said Mike Waites, president and chief executive officer of Finning International Inc. "Our business is improving, particularly in South America. The consolidated order intake was the highest since the third quarter of 2008, and we are seeing an increase in product support activity in all our operations. Importantly, the mining sector is posting a strong recovery, which will support earnings growth for us going forward."

The Board of Directors approved an increase in the Company's quarterly dividend to $0.12 per common share, payable on June 11, 2010, to shareholders of record on May 28, 2010. The increase in dividend reflects strengthening business conditions, an improving outlook, significant liquidity and a strong balance sheet. This dividend will be considered an eligible dividend for Canadian income tax purposes.

Finning International Inc. is the world's largest Caterpillar equipment dealer delivering unrivalled service to customers since 1933. Finning sells, rents and services equipment and engines to help customers maximize productivity. Headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., the Company operates in western Canada, Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay, and the United Kingdom.


ITT Corporation (NYSE: ITT) May 3, 2010 White Plains, NY, reported 2010 first-quarter revenue of $2.6 billion and income from continuing operations of $146 million, or $0.79 per share. Excluding special items, income from continuing operations for the quarter was $156 million, or $0.84 per share, representing 17 percent year-over-year growth. Special items in the year-ago period included a $54 million tax-related gain, compared with a $10 million expense in the first quarter of 2010, primarily related to the recent U.S. healthcare reform legislation.

“We also delivered higher than expected free cash flow, and our strong financial position enabled us to announce an 18 percent dividend increase in the quarter, while we continued to advance our cash deployment and portfolio strategy through ITT’s acquisition of Nova Analytics.”

“Promising organic growth combined with ITT’s focused execution got us off to a great start in 2010. Our Motion & Flow Control business delivered significant increases in revenue and operating income. Our Defense & Information Solutions business made great progress on its strategic realignment, and significant productivity gains drove margin improvements in both our Fluid Technology and Motion & Flow Control businesses,” said Steve Loranger, ITT’s chairman, president and chief executive officer.

ITT Corporation is a high-technology engineering and manufacturing company operating on all seven continents in three vital markets: water and fluids management, global defense and security, and motion and flow control. With a heritage of innovation, ITT partners with its customers to deliver extraordinary solutions that create more livable environments, provide protection and safety and connect our world. Headquartered in White Plains, N.Y., the company generated 2009 revenue of $10.9 billion. For more information, visit www.itt.com


JMP Group Inc. (NYSE: JMP) May 5, 2010, San Francisco, CA, an investment banking and alternative asset management firm, announced today that its board of directors voted to increase the company's cash dividend to $0.015 per share for the first quarter of 2010, an increase of 50% from the prior quarter. The dividend will be paid on Friday, June 4, 2010 to common stockholders of record as of Friday, May 21, 2010.

The company's board of directors also authorized the repurchase of an additional one million shares of the company's outstanding common stock and extended the time frame for the repurchase of 0.6 million shares remaining under a prior authorization. Since October 2007, JMP Group has repurchased 3.4 million shares of stock. In total, the company is now authorized to repurchase 1.6 million shares, or 7.3% of its common shares outstanding, through December 31, 2011.

"Although it is still early in the year, JMP Group is off to a good start in 2010," said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Joe Jolson. "As a result, our board felt it appropriate to begin distributing a higher percentage of our cash earnings to shareholders in the form of an increased dividend on top of our ongoing repurchase activities. We will review our cash dividend on a regular basis, with the goal of reaching a quarterly payout ratio of 30% of operating earnings within the next 12 months."

JMP Group Inc. is an investment banking and alternative asset management firm that provides investment banking, sales and trading, and equity research services to corporate and institutional clients and alternative asset management products to institutional and high-net-worth investors. JMP Group operates through three subsidiaries: JMP Securities, Harvest Capital Strategies and JMP Credit Corporation. For more information, visit www.jmpg.com.

Keithley Instruments, Inc. (NYSE: KEI), May 10, 2010, Cleveland, OH a producer of advanced electrical test instruments and systems, announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.0375 per Common Share. This represented an increase from $0.0125 to $0.0375 per share. The quarterly dividend increased from $0.01 to $0.03 per Class B Common Share. The dividend is payable June 30, 2010, to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 16, 2010.

The Company’s Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Joseph P. Keithley stated, “We are pleased to have restored our dividend to year-ago levels as it reflects the Company’s improved financial condition and our confidence in its continued financial and operational performance.”

With more than 60 years of measurement expertise, Keithley Instruments is a world producer of advanced electrical test instruments and systems. Its customers are scientists and engineers in the worldwide electronics industry involved with advanced materials research, semiconductor device development and fabrication, and the production of end products such as portable wireless devices.

Knightsbridge Tankers Limited (NASDAQ: VLCCF) May 12, 2010, Hamilton, Bermuda, reports net income of $10.2 million and earnings per share of $0.60 for the first quarter compared to net income of $9.0 million and earnings per share of $0.53 for the fourth quarter of 2009. The average daily time charter equivalents ("TCEs") earned by the Company's four VLCCs and two Capesize vessels were $35,500 and $45,500 respectively, compared with $36,900 and $44,300 in the preceding quarter.

Revenues and net income increased mainly due to a full quarter's earnings from the Belgravia, which commenced a five year time charter during the preceding quarter and profit share earned by the Hampstead and Kensington due to an improvement in spot rates, which were partially offset by reduced earnings from the Camden.

The net increase in cash and cash equivalents in the quarter was $0.6 million. The Company generated cash from operating activities of $12.8 million, used $3.5 million to repay loan facilities, made final payments relating to its newbuilding project of $3.6 million and paid a dividend of $5.1 million. With effect from April 1, 2010 the minimum cash required to be held by the Company will increase from $10 million to $15 million, in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement for the Capesize vessels that were delivered in 2009. This is accounted for as restricted cash in the Company's balance sheet. In May 2010, the Company has average cash breakeven rates for its VLCCs and Capesize vessels of approximately $19,300 and $16,800 per vessel per day, respectively.

On May 11, 2010, the Board declared a dividend of $0.40 per share. The record date for the dividend is May 21, 2010, the ex dividend date is May 19, 2010 and the dividend will be paid on or around June 7, 2010.

Laboratorios Almirall SA (MCE:ALM) May 17, 2010, Barcelna, Spain announced a dividend payment which is five per cent higher than the amount awarded last year.

The pharmaceutical company is to award around 55.1 million euros (47 million pounds) in dividend payments to shareholders, which equates to a gross of 0.33 euros per share.

It stated that this increase has been implemented in light of the company's "robust financial results" last year, with earnings having increased by six per cent compared to 2008.

The firm also expects that its future business performance will be boosted by upcoming treatments such as the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease drug Eklira and the irritable bowel syndrome therapy linaclotide.

Jorge Gallardo, chairman and chief executive officer of Almirall, said: "Once again we are pleased to be able to share Almirall's good results with our shareholders. These have come from a strong, forward-looking business strategy, notwithstanding the complexity of the economic environment."

Almirall SA is a Spain-based company principally engaged in the research, development, distribution and sale of pharmaceutical products. The Company’s products portfolio includes a variety of drugs and medicines used in the treatment of respiratory, autoimmune and dermatological diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, eczema, acne and skin infections. The Company is a parent of Grupo Almirall, a group which comprises a number of controlled entities with operations established in Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Poland, Belgium, France, Italy, Portugal, Austria and Mexico. As of December 31, 2009, the Company was a 45.87%-owned affiliate of Grupo Plafin SA Unipersonal.

The Lubrizol Corporation (NYSE: LZ), April 27, 2010, Cleveland, OH declared a regular quarterly dividend of 36 cents per share payable June 10, 2010, to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 10, 2010.

The new dividend represents a 16 percent increase and reflects the company's confidence in its earnings and cash flow performance.

The Lubrizol Corporation is a specialty chemical company that produces and supplies technologies that improve the quality and performance of our customers' products in the global transportation, industrial and consumer markets. These technologies include lubricant additives for engine oils, other transportation-related fluids and industrial lubricants, as well as fuel additives for gasoline and diesel fuel. In addition, Lubrizol makes ingredients and additives for personal care products and pharmaceuticals; specialty materials, including plastics technology and performance coatings in the form of specialty resins and additives.

With headquarters in Wickliffe, Ohio, The Lubrizol Corporation owns and operates manufacturing facilities in 17 countries, as well as sales and technical offices around the world. Founded in 1928, Lubrizol has approximately 6,700 employees worldwide. Revenues for 2009 were $4.6 billion.

Marathon Oil Corporation (NYSE: MRO) May 19, 2010, Houston, TX has approved a 4 percent increase in the quarterly dividend payable on Marathon Oil Corporation common stock, resulting in a new quarterly dividend rate of 25 cents per share. The dividend is payable June 10, 2010, to stockholders of record on May 19, 2010.

With this increase, Marathon continues its track record of growing its quarterly dividend – raising it six times over the last eight years. Since 2002, the Company has increased the quarterly dividend per share, on a split-adjusted basis, by a compound average 10 percent per year.

Mercer Insurance Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:MIGP) April 29, 2010, Pennington, NJ, reported its operating results today for the quarter ended March 31, 2010.

Andrew R. Speaker, President and CEO, noted, "We are pleased, under the circumstances, that our operating income is comparable to last year's quarter, despite having incurred winter storm losses during the quarter. In recent years we have managed our east coast book to minimize our catastrophic weather exposures, and, noting that our winter storm losses are proportionately less than some of our competitors, we are pleased with the result of our efforts to manage these exposures."

Speaker continued, "We are also pleased to report that the Board of Directors has authorized an increase in our quarterly dividend to $0.10 per share. While we carefully balance our capital levels to support our current business, future opportunities and our credit ratings, we also seek to provide a good return for our shareholders."

Speaker concluded, "Underwriting discipline is the touchstone of our Company's culture, and we will continue to demonstrate that discipline in every aspect of our business. We are confident that this will best position the Company to achieve profitable results, increase book value and leave us positioned well for changing market and economic conditions. Our book value has grown to $26.20 per share, and we will continue our strong focus on steady growth in this book value."

Mine Safety Appliances Company (NYSE: MSA) May 11, 2010, Pittsburgh, PA, develops, manufactures, and supplies health and safety products used by workers in the fire service, homeland security, construction, and other industries, as well as the military. The company increased its quarterly dividend to 25 cents per share, an increase of about 4% over its prior dividend in February of 24 cents. This was the thirty-eight consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend champion. The stock yields 3.40%.

Mine Safety Appliances Company is engaged in the development, manufacture and supply of products that protect people’s health and safety. The Company’s line of safety products is used by workers around the world in the fire service, homeland security, construction, and other industries, as well as the military. Its product offering includes self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs), gas masks, gas detection instruments, head protection, respirators, thermal imaging cameras, fall protection, and ballistic helmets and body armor. It also provides an offering of consumer and contractor safety products through retail channels. The Company operates in three geographic segments: North America, Europe, and International.

Molson Coors Brewing Company (NYSE: TAP) May 3, 2010, Denver, CO, and Montreal, Canada, announced that its Board of Directors has increased the quarterly dividend on its Class A and Class B common shares by 16.7 percent, or $0.04, to US$0.28 per share. This is equivalent to an annual dividend of US$1.12 per share, up from US$0.96. Today's dividend declaration is payable June 15, 2010, to shareholders of record as of May 28, 2010.

Also Molson Coors Canada Inc. a wholly-owned subsidiary, declared a quarterly dividend on its Class A and Class B exchangeable shares of approximately CDN$0.28 (the Canadian equivalent of the dividend declared on the MCBC stock), payable June 15, 2010, to its Class A and Class B exchangeable shareholders of record as of May 28, 2010. This represents the same percentage increase as was declared for the MCBC common shares.

"Given our strong free cash flow, we are pleased to be in a position to increase our cash returns to shareholders while continuing to invest in the business," said Peter Swinburn, president and chief executive officer of Molson Coors Brewing Company. "This dividend declaration represents our third consecutive yearly increase and is consistent with our strategies and disciplined approach to delivering shareholder value."

Molson Coors Brewing Company is a leading global brewer delivering extraordinary brands that delight the world's beer drinkers. It brews, markets and sells a portfolio of leading premium brands such as Coors Light, Molson Canadian, Carling, Blue Moon, and Keystone Light across North America, Europe and Asia. It operates in Canada through Molson Coors Canada; in the US through MillerCoors; and in the U.K. and Ireland through Molson Coors UK.

Molson Coors Canada Inc. (MCCI) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Molson Coors Brewing Company. MCCI Class A and Class B exchangeable shares offer substantially the same economic and voting rights as the respective classes of common shares of MCBC, as described in MCBC's annual proxy and 10-K filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The trustee holder of the special Class A voting stock and the special Class B voting stock has the right to cast a number of votes equal to the number of then outstanding Class A exchangeable shares and Class B exchangeable shares, respectively.

NACCO Industries, Inc.(NYSE: NC), May 12, 2010, Cleveland, OH through its subsidiaries, engages in lift trucks, small appliances, specialty retail, and mining businesses primarily in the Americas, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific. The Board of Directors increased its regular cash dividend from 51.75 cents to 52.25 cents per share. This dividend achiever has raised distributions for 25 consecutive years. The stock yields 2%.

National Bankshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: NKSH) May 17, 2010, Blacksburg, VA, operates as the bank holding company for The National Bank of Blacksburg (NBB), which provides various retail and commercial banking services to individuals, businesses, non profits, and local governments in Virginia.

The company increased its semi-annual dividend by 7.3% to 44 cents/share. This was the tenth consecutive annual dividend increase for the company. The stock yields 3.10% and has a dividend payout ratio of less than 50%.

National Bankshares, Inc. is a financial holding company. It conducts its operations through its wholly owned community bank subsidiary, the National Bank of Blacksburg (NBB). It also owns National Bankshares Financial Services, Inc. (NBFS), which does business as National Bankshares Insurance Services and National Bankshares Investment Services. NBB is community-oriented, and it offers a range of retail and commercial banking services to individuals, businesses, non-profits and local governments. Lending is focused at small and mid-sized businesses and at individuals. Loan types include commercial, agricultural, real estate, home equity and consumer. Merchant credit card services and business and consumer credit cards are available. Deposit accounts offered include demand deposit accounts, money market deposit accounts, savings accounts and certificates of deposit.

Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. (NYSE: NHP) May 4, 2010, Newport Beach, CA announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly common stock cash dividend of $0.45 per share, a $0.01 increase from the prior quarterly dividend of $0.44 per share. The dividend will be paid on June 4, 2010 to stockholders of record on May 21, 2010.

Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that invests primarily in healthcare real estate in the United States. As of December 31, 2009, the Company’s portfolio of properties, including mortgage loans and properties owned by unconsolidated joint ventures, totaled 576 properties among the following segments: 279 senior housing facilities, 197 skilled nursing facilities, 82 medical office buildings, 11 continuing care retirement communities and 7 specialty hospitals.

Occidental Petroleum Corporation NYSE: OXY) May 6, 2010, Los Angeles, CA announced that its Board of Directors has increased the company's annual dividend 15 percent to an annual rate of $1.52 per share, compared to the previous annual rate of $1.32 per share.

The $0.38 per share quarterly dividend will be payable on July 15, 2010, to stockholders of record as of June 10, 2010.
Oxy has raised the dividend every year since 2002, bringing the company's annual compounded annual dividend growth rate to 14.4 percent. Oxy has paid quarterly dividends continuously since 1975.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ray R. Irani said, "This dividend increase reflects the company's strong financial condition and our confidence in its continued solid financial and operational performance. Dividend growth, along with production growth with good returns on invested capital are key elements in Oxy's long-term strategy to enhance stockholder value and deliver top-quartile returns."

Occidental Petroleum Corporation is an international oil and gas exploration and production company with operations in the United States, Middle East/North Africa and Latin America regions. Oxy is the fourth largest U.S. oil and gas company, based on equity market capitalization. Oxy's wholly owned subsidiary, OxyChem, manufactures and markets chlor-alkali products and vinyls. Oxy is committed to safeguarding the environment, protecting the safety and health of employees and neighboring communities and upholding high standards of social responsibility in all of the company's worldwide operations.

Portland General Electric Company (NYSE: POR) May 13, 2010, Portland, OR declared a 2 percent increase in its quarterly common stock dividend, bringing the dividend to 26.0 cents per share, up from last quarter's 25.5 cents per share.

"We are pleased to be able to provide this dividend increase. Although the percentage increase is less than in prior years, it reflects the continuation of a challenging economy in Oregon," said Jim Piro, president and chief executive officer of Portland General Electric. "We continue to focus both on investing in our core business to meet the growing needs of our customers and prudent financial management, while delivering a competitive dividend for shareholders."

PGE's dividend is evaluated based on capital requirements and financial performance. Over the long term, the Company targets a dividend payout ratio in the 60 percent range, which is consistent with our peers.

The dividend is payable on or before July 15, 2010, to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 25, 2010.
Portland General Electric, headquartered in Portland, Ore., is a fully integrated electric utility that serves approximately 817,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Oregon

Quaker Chemical Corporation (NYSE: KWR) May 18, 2010, Conshohocken, PA, declared an increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.235 per share from $0.23 per share, payable on July 30, 2010, to shareholders of record at the close of business on July 16, 2010.

Michael F. Barry, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President stated, "The increase in the dividend reflects our ongoing commitment to enhancing shareholder returns as well as confidence in our future."

Quaker Chemical Corporation is a global provider of process chemicals, chemical specialties, services, and technical expertise to a wide range of industries - including steel, automotive, mining, aerospace, tube and pipe, coatings, and construction materials. Products, technical solutions, and chemical management services are provided to customers. Quaker's headquarters is located near Philadelphia in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.

Seacliff Construction Corp. (TXE: SDC) May 11, 2010, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Seacliff Construction Corp. one of the largest and most diversified construction companies in Western Canada, filed with Canadian securities authorities its unaudited consolidated interim financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) for the three-month period ended March 31, 2010. On March 3, 2010, Seacliff's Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.06 per share, payable on March 31, 2010 to shareholders of record on March 15, 2010. This represented an increase of 20% over the previous quarterly dividend of $0.05, reflecting the Corporation's confidence in the future. Valued at approximately $1.3 million, these dividends will be eligible for Canadian tax purposes

Subsequent to the quarter-end, on May 10, 2010, Seacliff's Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.06 per share, payable on June 30, 2010 to shareholders of record on June 15, 2010. Valued at approximately $1.3 million, these dividends will be eligible for Canadian tax purposes.

Seacliff conducts its operations through three business units - Dominion Construction (or "Dominion"), a general contractor, Canem Systems (or "Canem"), which designs, builds, maintains and services electrical and data communication systems, and the Broda Construction Group (or "Broda"), a heavy construction company specializing in aggregate processing, earthwork, civil construction and concrete production.

"We are pleased with our first quarter results," said Bill Crarer, Seacliff's CEO. "Our profitability for the period was particularly strong, as Dominion and Canem both achieved solid margin gains. Seacliff also benefited from our December 2009 acquisition of Broda, which contributed $1.3 million in gross profit to our consolidated results during the period. EBITDA rose dramatically, from $7.1 million to $9.5 million. In addition, we are encouraged by the recent growth in our Work on Hand. During the first quarter of 2010, we signed a total of $169.2 million in new projects. Subsequent to quarter-end, we announced the award of a construction management contract for a new state-of-the-art stadium at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg budgeted at $100 million. With several more large project wins anticipated, we are optimistic that Seacliff will continue to generate good results for the balance of 2010 and beyond."

Shawcor Ltd. (TSE: SCL.A) May 7, 2010, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, The Board of Directors today declared a dividend of seven and fifty one hundredths cents (7.50 cents) per Class A Subordinate Voting Share and six and eight hundred and eighteen one thousandths cents (6.818 cents) per Class B Multiple Voting Share payable on the 31st day of May, 2010, to shareholders of record at the close of business on the 21st day of May, 2010, representing an increase in the quarterly dividend of 7.1%.

For Canadian resident shareholders, these dividends are designated as "eligible dividends" for purposes of the enhanced dividend tax credit rules contained in the Income Tax Act (Canada) and any corresponding provincial and territorial tax legislation.

Span-America Medical Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAN) May 10, 2010, Greenville, SC, announced that the Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of $1.00 per share. The Board also declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share. Both the special dividend and the regular quarterly dividend are payable on June 4, 2010 to shareholders of record on May 20, 2010.

"This marks our third special dividend payment and our 82nd consecutive quarter of paying cash dividends," stated James D. Ferguson, president and chief executive officer of Span-America. "The regular quarterly dividend of $0.10 per share is an increase of 11% over the quarterly dividend paid this time last year. Our Board is committed to building long-term value for shareholders, and our cash dividend program is an important part of that strategy. To date, Span-America has returned $23.8 million to shareholders through regular quarterly and special cash dividends. That represents $8.67 per share based on our current number of shares outstanding. We believe our record of dividend payments highlights the company's solid earnings performance, excellent cash flow from operations and strong balance sheet. The special dividend and the regular quarterly dividend will be paid from cash on hand."

Span-America manufactures and markets a comprehensive selection of pressure management products for the medical market, including Geo-Matt(R), PressureGuard(R), Geo-Mattress(R), Span+Aids(R), Isch-Dish(R), and Selan(R) products. The company also supplies custom foam and packaging products to the consumer and industrial markets. Span-America's stock is traded on The NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol "SPAN."


TAL International Group, Inc. (NYSE: TAL) May 4, 2010, Purchase, NY, one of the world's largest lessors of intermodal freight containers and chassis, reported results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2010.

Adjusted pre-tax income (1), excluding unrealized gains / losses on interest rate swaps, was $16.2 million in the first quarter of 2010, compared to $20.7 million in the first quarter of 2009, and $12.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2009. Adjusted pre-tax income per fully diluted share was $0.53 in the first quarter of 2010, compared to $0.65 in the first quarter of 2009, and $0.39 in the fourth quarter of 2009. The Company focuses on adjusted pre-tax results since it considers unrealized gains / losses on interest rate swaps to be unrelated to operating performance and since it does not expect to pay any significant income taxes for a number of years due to the availability of accelerated tax depreciation on its existing container fleet and planned future equipment purchases.

Leasing revenues for the first quarter of 2010 were $72.9 million compared to $83.1 million in the first quarter of 2009 and $72.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2009. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2009, leasing revenues in the first quarter of 2010 were impacted by two fewer billing days and a reduction in ancillary fees resulting from a decrease in drop-offs. Adjusted EBITDA (2), including principal payments on finance leases, was $68.6 million for the quarter versus $74.6 million in the prior year period and $65.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Adjusted Net Income (3), excluding unrealized gains / losses on interest rate swaps, was $10.5 million for the first quarter of 2010, compared to $13.4 million in the first quarter of 2009 and $7.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2009. Adjusted Net Income per fully diluted common share was $0.34 in the first quarter of 2010, versus $0.42 per fully diluted common share in the first quarter of 2009 and $0.26 per fully diluted common share in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Reported net income for the first quarter of 2010 was $5.9 million, versus net income of $16.6 million, in the first quarter of 2009 and $16.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2009. Net income per fully diluted common share was $0.19 for the first quarter of 2010, versus net income per fully diluted common share of $0.52 in the first quarter of 2009 and net income per fully diluted common share of $0.52 in the fourth quarter of 2009. The difference between Adjusted Net Income and the reported net income was primarily due to unrealized gains / losses on interest rate swaps. TAL uses interest rate swaps to synthetically fix the interest rates for most of its floating rate debt so that the duration of the fixed interest rates matches the expected duration of TAL's lease portfolio. TAL does not use hedge accounting for the swaps, so any change in the market value of TAL's interest rate swap portfolio is reflected in reported income. During the first quarter of 2010, long-term interest rates decreased, resulting in a $6.8 million decrease in the market value of TAL's swap contracts.

"In the first quarter of 2010, the recovery in our operating and financial performance started to accelerate," commented Brian M. Sondey, President and CEO of TAL International. "During the first quarter, the combination of recovering containerized trade volumes and decreased global container capacity led to a global shortage of containers, strong leasing demand and increasing utilization for TAL. Our core utilization, excluding idle factory units, increased 3.1% during the quarter to reach 93.4% as of March 31, 2010. The improved market environment also led to lower operating expenses, higher used container disposal prices and a large improvement in market leasing rates, though our average lease rates continued to be impacted by lease rate reductions and incentives provided in 2009. While our adjusted pretax income for the first quarter of 2010 was still below the level achieved in the first quarter of last year, our results have been improving since the third quarter of 2009, and our adjusted pretax income per share increased 35% sequentially from the fourth quarter of 2009 to reach $0.53 per share in the first quarter of 2010."

"TAL has also been able to take advantage of increased investment opportunities so far this year resulting from the global shortage of containers as well as the reduced share of containers being purchased directly by our shipping line customers. Historically, shipping lines have owned 55% - 60% of their operated containers and leased 40% - 45% from leasing companies like TAL. This year however, shipping lines have purchased very few containers due to the ongoing financial constraints they face from the combination of reduced profitability and ongoing large capital outlays associated with their aggressive vessel building programs. Through the end of April, TAL has ordered or is currently in discussions to order more than $425 million of new containers, including over 175,000 TEU of dry containers and 9,000 TEU of refrigerated containers, though these new orders had a limited impact on our first quarter results since most of these containers will be delivered during the second and third quarters of this year."

TAL's Board of Directors has approved and declared a $0.30 per share quarterly cash dividend on its issued and outstanding common stock, payable on June 24, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 3, 2010.

Mr. Sondey continued "We are pleased to increase TAL's second quarter dividend to $0.30 per share. The increase in the dividend reflects our improving profitability and the expectation that our market environment will remain favorable for at least the next several quarters. We will continue to evaluate the size of the dividend based on changes in our performance and expectations."

TAL is one of the world's largest lessors of intermodal freight containers and chassis with 18 offices in 11 countries and approximately 202 third party container depot facilities in 37 countries. The Company's global operations include the acquisition, leasing, re-leasing and subsequent sale of multiple types of intermodal containers. TAL's fleet consists of approximately 735,000 containers and related equipment representing approximately 1,190,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU). This places TAL among the world's largest independent lessors of intermodal containers and chassis as measured by fleet size.

TECO Energy, Inc. (NYSE: TE) May 5, 2010, Tampa, FL announced that its Board of Directors has approved an increase to the company's quarterly dividend. The dividend will increase to 20.5 cents per share from 20 cents per share. The dividend is payable May 28 to shareholders of record as of May 14.

The increase brings TECO Energy's annual dividend rate to $0.82 per share, a two-cent, or 2.5%, increase.

Chairman and CEO Sherrill Hudson said, "We are proud of the accomplishments of the entire TECO Energy team. Together, their hard work made this dividend increase possible. We are pleased to resume growing the dividend after the economic downturn and difficult financial markets in 2009. This action reflects confidence in our earnings growth outlook."

TECO Energy, Inc. is an energy-related holding company. Its principal subsidiary, Tampa Electric Company, is a regulated utility in Florida with both electric and gas divisions (Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas System). Other subsidiaries include TECO Coal, which owns and operates coal production facilities in Kentucky and Virginia, and TECO Guatemala, which is engaged in electric power generation and distribution and energy-related businesses in Guatemala.

Textainer Group Holdings Limited (NYSE: TGH) May 5, 2010, Hamilton, Bermuda, First Quarter 2010 Highlights

Textainer Group Holdings Limited the world's largest lessor of intermodal containers based on fleet size, today reported results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2010.

Total revenue for the quarter was $69.2 million, which was an increase of $9.6 million, or 16%, compared to $59.6 million for the prior year quarter. EBITDA(1) for the quarter was $45.7 million, which was an increase of $3.5 million, or 8%, compared to $42.2 million for the prior year quarter.

Net income attributable to Textainer Group Holdings Limited common shareholders excluding unrealized losses (gains) on interest rate swaps, net(1) for the quarter was $25.5 million, which was an increase of $5.7 million, or 29%, compared to $19.8 million for the prior year quarter. Net income attributable to Textainer Group Holdings Limited common shareholders per diluted common share excluding unrealized losses (gains) on interest rate swaps, net(1) for the quarter was $0.52 per share, which was an increase of $0.11 per share, or 27%, compared to $0.41 per share for the prior year quarter.

Net income attributable to Textainer Group Holdings Limited common shareholders for the quarter was $24.2 million, which was an increase of $3.3 million, or 16%, compared to $20.9 million for the prior year quarter. Included in net income before income tax and noncontrolling interest for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 was a gain on early extinguishment of debt of $3.1 million from the Company's repurchase of outstanding debt. Net income attributable to Textainer Group Holdings Limited common shareholders per diluted common share for the quarter was $0.50, which was an increase of 14% from the $0.44 per share for the prior year quarter.

John A. Maccarone, President and Chief Executive Officer of Textainer, commented, "Textainer posted solid results in the first quarter of 2010. Importantly, with more than 70% of the Company's fleet committed to long-term leases, we were able to achieve an average utilization rate of 90.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2010. In addition to our strong utilization, we continue to benefit from successful execution of our growth strategy. By taking advantage of attractive market opportunities throughout the 2009 global economic recession, we increased our strategic presence in the refrigerated container business, purchased containers for trading, and entered into purchase-leaseback transactions with shipping lines.

These multiple transactions were all accretive to earnings in the first quarter of 2010 and we expect that they will further expand our earnings power in the future."

Mr. Maccarone concluded, "In seeking to capitalize on additional growth opportunities that strengthen our industry leadership, we have ordered 70,000 TEU of new containers that are scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2010. Based upon our strong quarterly performance combined with our favorable growth prospects and balance sheet strength, Textainer's Board declared a dividend of $0.24 per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2010. Our first quarter 2010 dividend represents an increase of 4.3% from the Company's previous quarterly payout and continues our record of stable or increasing dividends. This marks the fourth increase since our IPO in October 2007. In maintaining our commitment to provide shareholders with sizeable dividends, we have now declared cumulative dividends of $2.48 per common share since going public."

On May 3, 2010, Textainer's board of directors approved and declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.24 per share on Textainer's issued and outstanding common shares, payable on May 26, 2010 to shareholders of record as of May 17, 2010. This dividend is an increase of $0.01 per share from the prior quarter and will be the eleventh consecutive quarterly dividend since Textainer's October 2007 initial public offering. Combined, these dividends have averaged 50% of net income attributable to Textainer Group Holdings Limited common shareholders excluding unrealized losses (gains) on interest rate swaps, net(1) during this period. The current dividend represents 45% of net income attributable to Textainer Group Holdings Limited common shareholders excluding unrealized losses (gains) on interest rate swaps, net(1) for the first quarter. Historically, Textainer has paid about 50% of net income attributable to Textainer Group Holdings Limited common shareholders excluding unrealized losses (gains) on interest rate swaps, net(1) in dividends, but the board of directors takes a fresh view every quarter and sets the dividend subject to various factors including cash needs for opportunities that may be available to us.

Textainer has operated since 1979 and is the world's largest lessor of intermodal containers based on fleet size. We have a total of 1.5 million containers, representing over 2.2 million TEU, in our owned and managed fleet. We lease containers to more than 400 shipping lines and other lessees. We lease dry freight containers, which are by far the most common of the three principal types of intermodal containers, as well as specialized and refrigerated containers. We have also been one of the largest purchasers of new containers among container lessors over the last 10 years. We are one of the largest sellers of used containers, having sold more than 100,000 containers last year to more than 1,000 customers. We provide our services worldwide via a network of regional and area offices and independent depots.

Thomson Reuters (NYSE: TRI) May 4, 2010, New York, NY, a major source of information for businesses and professionals, reported results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2010. Despite the flow-through effect of weak 2009 net sales, the company reported ongoing revenues of $3.1 billion, underlying operating profit of $555 million, underlying profit margin of 17.7% and underlying free cash flow of $107 million.

"The tentative recovery in our net sales that we began to see in the second half of 2009 has firmed and accelerated in the first quarter of 2010. We continue to expect that we will see revenue growth return in the second half of this year," said Thomas H. Glocer, chief executive officer of Thomson Reuters.

"These improving market trends, coupled with our ongoing investment in new products and scalable infrastructure, position us very well for revenue, operating profit margin and cash flow growth in 2011 and beyond. In particular, the launch of WestlawNext in Legal in the first quarter, the launch of our Elektron data distribution service in Enterprise in the second quarter, and the scheduled launches in the second half of the year of our Eikon desktop in Markets and our new ONESOURCE global tax workstation in Tax & Accounting, equip our sales forces with new flagship offerings to sell into a rising economy."
As previously announced, Thomson Reuters increased its 2010 dividend by $0.04 per share, resulting in a quarterly dividend of $0.29 per share and an annualized dividend of $1.16 per share. Thomson Reuters will pay a quarterly dividend on June 15, 2010 to shareholders of record as of May 20, 2010.


The Timken Company (NYSE: TKR) May 11, 2010, Canton, OH announced a quarterly cash dividend of 13 cents per share, an increase of four cents per share over the previous quarterly amount. The dividend is payable on June 2, 2010, to shareholders of record as of May 21, 2010. It will be the 352nd consecutive dividend paid on the common stock of the company.

Chairman Ward J. “Tim” Timken, Jr., said, “The Timken Company is well-positioned for its next century of growth. The board’s decision to increase the dividend signals our confidence in the company’s future and our commitment to return greater value to shareholders.”

The Timken Company produces friction management and power transmission products and services, Timken reported sales of $3.1 billion in 2009, operations in 26 countries/territories and approximately 17,000 employees.


Triangle Capital Corporation (NASDAQ: TCAP) May 5, 2010, Raleigh, NC, a specialty finance company that provides customized financing solutions to lower middle market companies located throughout the United States, today announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2010.

Commenting on the quarter, Garland S. Tucker, III, President and CEO, stated, "Triangle was fortunate to have another solid quarter - both operationally and financially. Although the increased number of shares outstanding as a result of our December, 2009, public offering naturally impacted our net investment income per share, we are pleased with the number of attractive investment opportunities on which we are currently working. Net capital deployments, which totaled less than $8.0 million during the first quarter, already total more than $10.4 million for the second quarter. As a result, we believe that during the second half of 2010, our net investment income will again be higher than our current dividend on a per share basis."

As of March 31, 2010, the Company had non-callable, 10-year, fixed rate Small Business Administration ("SBA") guaranteed debentures outstanding totaling $121.9 million. The Company has the ability to issue additional SBA-guaranteed debentures of $28.1 million under its existing SBIC license. In addition, the Company has applied for a second SBIC license, which would allow the Company to issue up to an additional $75.0 million in SBA-guaranteed debentures.

Commenting on the Company's liquidity and capital resources, Steven C. Lilly, Chief Financial Officer, stated, "We remain optimistic about the timing of our second fund license which is in process with the SBA. At the SBA's request, we have recently capitalized our second fund with approximately $27.0 million of equity capital. SBA approval of our second license application would provide meaningful growth capital to Triangle in the near term."

On March 11, 2010, Triangle announced that its board of directors had declared a cash dividend of $0.41 per share. This was the Company's thirteenth consecutive quarterly dividend since its initial public offering in February, 2007, and reflected a 2.5% increase over the first quarter of 2009.

Triangle Capital Corporation is a specialty finance company organized to provide customized financing solutions to lower middle market companies located throughout the United States. Triangle's investment objective is to seek attractive returns by generating current income from debt investments and capital appreciation from equity related investments. Triangle's investment philosophy is to partner with business owners, management teams and financial sponsors to provide flexible financing solutions to fund growth, changes of control, or other corporate events. Triangle typically invests $5.0 - $15.0 million per transaction in companies with annual revenues between $20.0 and $75.0 million and EBITDA between $3.0 and $20.0 million.

Triangle has elected to be treated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("1940 Act"). Triangle is required to comply with a series of regulatory requirements under the 1940 Act as well as applicable NASDAQ, federal and state laws and regulations. Triangle has elected to be treated as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Failure to comply with any of the laws and regulations that apply to Triangle could have a material adverse effect on Triangle and its stockholders.

Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) May 6, 2010, Omaha, NE, announced that its Board of Directors voted to increase the quarterly dividend on the company’s common shares by 22 percent to 33 cents per share. The increased dividend is payable July 1, 2010, to stockholders of record on May 28, 2010.

“Two weeks ago Union Pacific reported record first quarter earnings, evidence that we are emerging from the challenge of last year’s recession as a stronger, more profitable company,” said Jim Young, Union Pacific chairman and chief executive officer. “With business volumes continuing to grow, we feel very positive about the long-term fundamentals of our business as well as UP’s strategy to make the most of these opportunities. As a result, we are generating solid free cash flows and have confidence going forward that we are taking the right steps to capitalize on our growth opportunities and reward our shareholders.”

The Board also approved a $100 million increase in growth capital spending in 2010, bringing the full year 2010 investment to $2.6 billion, primarily to acquire additional intermodal equipment and support our intermodal strategy.

“UP’s domestic intermodal business grew 8 percent last year during one of the worst recessions in decades, as our record service performance attracted new business to our railroad,” Young said.
In addition, Union Pacific plans to resume share repurchases on an opportunistic basis under its existing program, which authorizes purchases of up to 32.6 million shares by March 31, 2011. Timing and volume of share repurchases will be at the discretion of management. Any share repurchase under this program may be made in the open market, or otherwise.

Union Pacific has paid dividends on its common stock for 111 consecutive years.

Union Pacific Corporation owns one of America's leading transportation companies. Its principal operating company, Union Pacific Railroad, links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers and provides Americans with a fuel-efficient, environmentally responsible and safe mode of freight transportation. Union Pacific's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Energy, Industrial Products and Intermodal. The railroad emphasizes excellent customer service and offers competitive routes from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways. Union Pacific connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major gateways to Mexico, making it North America's premier rail franchise.

United Bankshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: UBSI) May 4, 2010, Charleston, WV announced that its Board of Directors declared a second quarter dividend of $0.30 per share for shareholders of record as of June 11, 2010. This is a 3% increase over the $0.29 per share paid in the second quarter of 2009.

The dividend payout of approximately $13.1 million on 43.5 million shares is payable July 1, 2010. The annualized 2010 dividend of $1.20 equates to a yield of approximately 4% based on recent UBSI market prices. United has increased its dividend to shareholders for 36 consecutive years.

United Bankshares, with $7.6 billion in assets, has 113 full-service offices in West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, and Washington, D.C. United Bankshares stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the quotation symbol "UBSI."

United-Guardian, Inc. (NYSE: UG) May 13, 2010, Hauppauge, NY announced that its board of directors, at its meeting on May 12, 2010, declared a semi-annual cash dividend of $0.30 per share, which will be paid on June 11, 2010 to all stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 27, 2010. This represents a 7% increase over the $0.28 per share that was paid in the first half of 2009.

Ken Globus, President of United-Guardian, stated, "As a result of the record year we had in 2009, we are once again very pleased to be able to increase our semi-annual dividend. Our company has now been paying dividends for 15 consecutive years. Despite the sluggish economy, we have continued to steadily increase our sales and earnings, and are happy to be able to share our success with our stockholders. We are optimistic that 2010 will be another successful year for us, with strong sales so far for the first four months of 2010."

United-Guardian is a manufacturer of cosmetic ingredients, personal and health care products, pharmaceuticals, and specialty industrial products.

Yamana Gold Inc. (NYSE: AUY) May 5, 2010, Toronto, Ontario, Canada announced it has increased its dividend. All dollar amounts are expressed in United States dollars unless otherwise specified.

The Board of Directors has approved an increase in Yamana's dividend to an annualized $0.06 per share, or $0.015 per share per quarter. This represents a 50 percent increase over the prior annualized dividend of $0.04 per share, or $0.01 per share per quarter. The dividend increase will be in effect for the second quarter dividend, payable July 14, 2010, to holders of record at the close of business on June 30, 2010. The dividend is an "eligible dividend" for Canadian tax purposes.

Yamana is committed to delivering value to shareholders including cash value by means of dividends and it will continue to periodically evaluate the dividend level as its cash flows increase.

Yamana is a Canadian-based gold producer with significant gold production, gold development stage properties, exploration properties, and land positions in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico and Colombia.

Yamana plans to continue to build on this base through existing operating mine expansions, throughput increases, development of new mines, the advancement of its exploration properties and by targeting other gold consolidation opportunities in the Americas.

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An open letter sent to The Other Paper but never published there; from Sharon Montgomery.

I read The Other Paper May 6 cover story about the new Columbus law restricting texting while driving. There are so many statements in that article that need to be commented on that my response is too long for a letter to the editor. So, I respectfully request that you consider using it as a guest column or at the very least as a basis for a follow-up article by one of your writers. Thank you.

To the editor of The Other Paper:

Steph Greegor's May 6 article, "Officer, I swear I wasn't texting," was undoubtedly intended to give notice to the public that this new law is now in effect, and to present a comprehensive summary of related issues. Unfortunately, it undermines the value of this new law by presenting far more reasons why there should not be a law or why its effectiveness is questionable than the number of reasons for the law. This imbalance fuels the fire of opposition to this safety measure. Additionally, some of the information provided to Greegor is misleading.

Attorney Meeks' question about how far prosecutors will go encourages drivers to ignore the law with a degree of confidence that they can "beat the rap." He worries about the cost of the legal process to seize and search a phone. He conveniently omits the fact that proving drunk driving is expensive, time-consuming, and highly regulated, but justified by the benefits. He apparently forgets the concept of rebuttable presumption. A driver who is stopped for erratic driving and who then appears to be drunk is presumed to be drunk. He can rebut that presumption by allowing any of a variety of sobriety tests. The burden of proof is on the seemingly-drunk driver.

I have no training or experience in the law or in law enforcement but for nine years I have been educating myself on all the issues surrounding driving while phoning/texting (DWP/T). I know that Pennsylvania has written rebuttable presumption right into some of its pending bills on this traffic danger. I know that Ohio uses it in drunk driving. I know that Ohio uses it for proof of financial responsibility. If you are stopped for any reason and can't show a current insurance card or other proof, you are presumed to be uninsured and the burden is on you to provide proof to the police within a given time period. I don't see why legal experts can't find a way to apply rebuttable presumption to Ohio DWP/T laws. That eliminates the expense and delay of legal wrangling. The driver gets a ticket and either admits he was texting and pays the fine, or contests it and brings his own phone bill into court to show that he did not send a text message near the time of the traffic stop.

More disturbing than Meeks' statements, which are at least only based on opinion, are those of assistant city prosecutor and Columbus police legal advisor Jeff Furbee, which are based on facts. I realize people are sometimes misquoted in news stories. Reporters can misunderstand what was said or misinterpret their notes. If Mr. Furbee was misquoted, I would expect to read a correction by him or Greegor in the May 13 paper.

If Furbee was not misquoted, he was mistaken. He is reported to have said we don't ban behavior, we ban results. We most certainly do ban behavior separately from the results. Driving drunk, running a red light, exceeding the speed limit, and driving left of center are all banned driving behaviors, regardless of whether or not they cause a crash. There are many more examples.

Greegor cites a Washington state report on the low incidence of DWT-caused crashes Did Greegor or the report authors look into possible explanations for this seemingly surprising finding? We know from Bexley and Cleveland, and from Columbus Police Chief Distelzweig's instructions to his officers, that enforcement is not always as strong or consistent as it should be. If enforcement is weak or inconsistent in Washington, then not all DWT crashes are being counted. If texting as a crash cause is not a specific check-off item on the crash report form, then it is likely that not all DWT crashes are being counted.

Greegor is correct that the Ohio Highway Patrol does not collect statistics on specific distractions that cause crashes. No law enforcement jurisdictions in Ohio that use the uniform crash report form are routinely collecting those statistics. For years, I have been urging the state Dept. of Public Safety to add specific distraction items to that form. The current review is giving serious consideration to just such a revision.

Greegor cites the recent study by the Highway Loss Data Institute which looked at insurance claims for crashes in states with laws against DWP with hand-held phones. Researchers were surprised that there was not a noticeable reduction in crash claims. The only surprise here is that researchers couldn't figure out the obvious reason. When any use of mobile communication devices is still allowed, then too many drivers who use them will simply switch from the prohibited use to the allowable use. As long as we continue to allow drivers to distract themselves so dangerously with this unnecessary behavior, many will continue to do so and some of them will crash.

One of the factors now preventing some DWP/T crashes is the fact that there are still alert drivers on the road. Their defensive driving skills prevent erratic driving and near-misses from becoming actual crashes. The longer this is legal, there will be more drivers doing it, further reducing the number of alert drivers who can take immediate evasive action and prevent the imminent crash.

Chief Distelzweig's comment about search warrants for serious crashes being used in lawsuits is very distressing. A crash victim should never be revictimized by the criminal justice system by being made to endure the grueling, dysfunctional, expensive (legal expenses are not recoverable) tort process as his only means of justice or even reimbursement. Lawsuits for traffic crashes are pretty much an exercise in futility anyway. No one is legally liable for the victim's losses. The offender can file bankruptcy if the civil court says he owes his victim more than he can afford, even though the losses are also more than the victim can afford. Federal bankruptcy law allows all traffic offenders except drunk drivers this escape from responsibility. The insurance company is required by law to pay only to the limits of the policy, which will usually be less than the staggering costs of a serious crash. Restitution is ordered only as part of some sentences. Sentences are given only in trials. Most traffic offenses are misdemeanors (yes, even killing with a car) that don't require a criminal court appearance. And, there are known cases of restitution orders not being enforced.

Furthermore, Chief Distelzweig's comment shows he is completely overlooking the goal of prevention. Bad driving should be stopped before it results in a crash; before there is a victim who is forced into the position of having to sue just in case he might recover some of his enormous losses.

Steph Greegor is to be commended for writing such a comprehensive article. However, some of the information included is misleading and the overall tone of the article is that this new law is "much ado about nothing" and cannot or will not be made to be effective. This is a serious setback to the growing effort to reduce this major and preventable traffic safety hazard.

Sharon Montgomery
DWP victim; traffic safety/victims' rights advocate