Thinning payouts will attract more people to forestry investment, claims FRA

News that a forestry investment firm is making interim payouts to investors, as a result of a thinning process, will attract others to forestry investment, according to FRA.

Seattle, United States, October 26, 2012 -- News that a forestry investment firm is making interim payouts to investors, as a result of a thinning process, will attract others to forestry investment, according to Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

Forestry investment firm Greenwood Management has announced it is hoping to make its first payout to investors who have been with the company since 'Phase 1' of their Acacia project, in Spring 2013. The payout will take place after Greenwood has undertaken a thinning exercise, which removes some of the trees in a plantation to allow others to flourish and grow as strong and large as possible, thus maximizing the quality of the final harvest.

The trees that are removed through the thinning process are sold for use in the production of charcoal or for use in fence construction, for example. FRA's analysis partner, Peter Collins, stated, "This type of forestry investment model ensures that anyone investing in timberland doesn't have to wait until final harvest to see returns on their investment - they see returns throughout the process, which is a very attractive prospect for those looking for a more medium-term asset class."

Greenwood Management's Acacia plantation is one of its most established and the initial Phase 1 investments were made back in 2008. Greenwood claims that the project is "well on target" with its, "operating model and is progressing extremely well in Bahia state, Brazil."

The final harvest of the trees in which people have invested should be sold for a much higher value, as they will be larger and of the best quality, explained Greenwood Management. However, it added that it will try to optimize the returns from the thinning process for investors, which means ensuring that the timber is sold when market conditions are at their best.

About Forestry Research Associates

Forestry Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry investment around the globe.

Media Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394

Brazil is fast becoming the go-to place for investors, claims AAA

Despite slower economic growth than recent years, Brazil still offers investors some very attractive opportunities, according to AAA.

Boston, MA, USA, October 26, 2012 -- Despite slower economic growth than recent years, Brazil still offers investors some very attractive opportunities, according to Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The fact that Brazil is now investing so heavily in transport and infrastructure ensures that investors from all over the world are interested in doing business in the Latin American country. Brazil is fast-emerging as one of the fastest growing economies in the world and has recently taken over from the UK as the sixth largest of the world's economies. "things are really moving for Brazil and if you are looking to invest in somewhere that is on the up - Brazil is a good bet," stated AAA's analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

Several specific projects are underway, which should attract investors interested in assets ranging from timberland to real estate. Firstly, there is the housing project that the Brazilian government is launching in order to build new, high quality homes for the millions of urban dwellers that have moved into Brazil's cities. The government wants to get people out of the slum areas and into better houses. This will mean a greater demand for materials including steel and sustainable timber, "which is great news of those invested in Brazilian managed forestry," added Mr Johnson.

Another major project that will please investors is the construction of the venues for the Rio Olympics in 2016 and the FIFA World Cup in 2014. As well as these venues, which will further increase demand for steel and timber, major road works are needed to ensure the infrastructure is in place to support the millions of extra people that will descend on Brazil's cities during the events.

One of the transport solutions being mooted is the introduction of a bullet train service between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Reports claim that the project has attracted the attention of a raft of foreign investors, all keen to get involved in this major project.

"These are, without a doubt, exciting times for Brazil and investors who put their cash into this future superpower now will be making the right decision, in our opinion," added Mr Johnson.

About Alternative Asset Analysis:
The remit of Alternative Asset Analysis is to analyse and provide news on the global performance of a wide range of alternative asset classes including, but not restricted to, commodities, real estate, forestry, foreign exchange, hedge funds, private equity and venture capital.

Media Contact:
Anthony Johnson
Alternative Asset Analysis
71 Commercial St
Boston, MA 02109-1320
617-939-9596

TripInsurance.com Now Offers Coverage for iPhones, Cameras and Electronic Equipment for Domestic and Overseas Travel

New Partnership Covers Theft and Accidental Damage for Laptops, iPads, iPhones, Smartphones, Digital Cameras, and Other Portable Electronics.

LOS GATOS, Calif. (October 26, 2012) -- TripInsurance.com (http://www.TripInsurance.com), the most trusted online resource to help travelers find the trip coverage they need, has signed a partnership agreement with Worth Ave. Group (http://www.worthavegroup.com) to add insurance for theft or accidental breakage of portable electronics for TripInsurance.com customers (http://www.tripinsurance.com/iphone-insurance). The Worth Ave. Group insurance is sold as an option to TripInsurance.com's travel insurance policies and provides annual worldwide protection for iPhones, iPads, laptops, smartphones, cameras and other portable electronics.

Today's travelers carry more portable devices with them than ever before, including laptop computers, iPhones, iPads, advanced digital cameras and eBook readers. Unfortunately, these aren't adequately covered by most travel insurance policies. Travel insurance policies usually exclude portable electronics from coverage, or have a claim limit of only $300 to $500 for a stolen item. And while some homeowner's insurance policies will cover stolen electronics for travel in the United States, they seldom cover the item for international travel, and the average $500 to $1000 deductible doesn't recoup much of the replacement cost of a stolen iPad, laptop or camera.

The Worth Ave. Group insurance coverage is underwritten by Hanover Insurance Group and is specifically designed for cameras and electronic devices. For a modest annual fee, Worth Ave. Group will insure your device against theft or breakage for twelve months, whether at home, on the road, or while traveling abroad. There is a modest deductible fee - typically $50 or less, depending on the device - and insurance claims reimburse the cost to repair or replace the device.

"Expensive digital cameras and portable electronics are common accessories for international travelers, but travel insurance rarely covers these devices," said Dan Skilken, founder and CEO of TripInsurance.com. "We're committed to give our customers peace of mind for every aspect of their trip, and by partnering with Worth Ave. Group we can provide protection for electronic devices; a service that no other online travel insurance provider offers today."

Worth Ave. Group coverage is offered as an option to TripInsurance.com's Good, Better, and Best travel insurance policies. Because it is sold as an annual policy it covers the equipment for multiple trips, as well as providing coverage at home. It is ideal for foreign exchange students to cover their laptops and other portable electronics when they take a semester overseas.

"Anyone who travels needs additional insurance for their portable devices, and partnering with TripInsurance.com will allow us to extend our offering to a new group of customers, the international traveler," said Quang Ha, Director of Business Development of Worth Ave. Group. "We share TripInsurance.com's commitment to outstanding customer support, and look forward to helping their customers travel with the confidence of knowing their electronic equipment is covered."

For more information, visit http://www.tripinsurance.com/iphone-insurance.

About TripInsurance.com

TripInsurance.com is the online resource for comprehensive and affordable travel insurance. Most travelers really don't understand the details and benefits of travel insurance, and buy based on recommendations from a travel agent or a third party. TripInsurance.com simplifies buying travel insurance by providing comparison-shopping online for the best coverage at the lowest prices. TripInsurance.com is committed to making insurance terms easy to understand, providing the best available coverage categorized by customers' specific needs, and allowing travelers to buy direct from leading underwriters to achieve savings of 40% or more. The company is fully licensed for Property and Casualty, Life, and Accident and Health insurance in all 50 states, and the staff are fully trained and licensed insurance professionals.

About Worth Ave. Group

Worth Ave. Group delivers convenient, affordable insurance coverage to help individuals and businesses protect their valuable, portable electronics. Whether it's an iPhone, laptop, gaming equipment, TV, e-reader or digital camera, Worth Ave. Group specializes in giving customers a cost-effective solution that provides a sense of security should something unexpected happen to their electronics. Worth Ave. Group sister company, National Student Services Inc., has insured personal property since 1971.

For more information, visit http://www.tripinsurance.com.

Contact:
Dan Skilken
TripInsurance.com
(408) 337-2345

Tom Woolf
Gumas Advertising
(415) 621-7575