Michigan's Fall Color Tour From a Hot Air Balloon by Westwind Balloon Company

"Michigan fall colors are spectacular flying OVER tree tops in a hot air balloon," says Scott Lorenz, President and Chief Pilot of Westwind Balloon Company of Plymouth, Michigan.

Plymouth, MI, USA (September 11, 2013) -- "Michigan fall colors are spectacular flying OVER tree tops in a hot air balloon," says Scott Lorenz, President and Chief Pilot of Westwind Balloon Company of Plymouth, Michigan.

"The palate of colors just takes your breath away," says Lorenz "I love taking photos from the balloon especially when we fly over Island Lake State Park, it's fabulous, it's ten times better than driving. People just have no idea how pretty it is until they get above it." (http://www.puremichiganballoon.com)

"Want to get a preview of a flight?" asks Lorenz, "I put together of some of our fall color flights. The views are incredible as we glide over canopy of trees. There's no better way to enjoy Michigan's fall colors than from a hot air balloon." Check it out at: http://youtu.be/1R-QsurhW6M.


"We know that fall color is a result of the breakdown of green pigments (chlorophyll) that reveals pigments that already present or are accumulated in leaves such as carotenoids and anthocyanins," said Bert Cregg, Michigan State University Extension, departments of horticulture and forestry. "Those pigments make the yellows and reds. In Michigan, maples, oaks and sassafras are among some of the trees that provide the most consistent color," says Cregg.

Most hot air balloon rides in Michigan last about one hour and Lorenz flies over the woods and streams of Kensington Park and Island Lake State Park. He and several other pilot friends meet at Park 'n Ride area off Milford Road and I-96 (exit # 155) about 2 1/2 hours before sunset. From there he'll launch helium balloons, determine the wind direction, then take a short drive to one of nine launch sites in the area that give the best views and best landing sites downwind.

What to wear? Lorenz suggests passengers wear tennis shoes and jeans. He says the air temp "upstairs" is within a couple degrees of ground temp so it's not a factor. Cameras and video cameras are highly recommended to preserve the once in a lifetime moments while flying over the countryside.

Since fall color balloon flights are popular Lorenz suggests people call now to reserve a spot. Flights cost $695 for a private ride which is two passengers and the pilot. All flights are pre-paid. Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, Discover and PayPal are accepted. Gift certificates are available.

To really appreciate all of the fall color that Michigan has to offer, call a balloonist and schedule a flight today, the view is really better from above!

Westwind Balloon Company - Plymouth, MI, Flying over Kensington Park, Brighton, South Lyon and Milford. 734-667-2098 http://www.westwindcos.com/balloon Scott Lorenz, Pilot and Owner.

About Scott Lorenz

Scott Lorenz, a commercial balloon pilot since 1982, has logged 1,650 + hours in-flight. He has flown over Niagara Falls, The Great Wall of China, Disney World, the Olympics, Austria, Japan, Spain, Red Rock Canyon NM. He co-piloted a Guinness World Record flight to 19,000' and a 20 hour-Gas Balloon flight from MI to KY. Westwind has been featured by FOX-2 Detroit, WDIV, WJR, The Detroit Free Press, Oakland Press to name a few and was named "most creative date" by It's Just Lunch. In 2012 Westwind was name one of America's Most Romantic companies for the balloon engagement flights. Scott's Westwind Balloon Company offers unforgettable rides over Michigan's breathtaking countryside. Westwind Balloon Company is a member of the Detroit Chamber of Commerce, The Balloon Federation of America (BFA) and the Southeast Michigan Balloon Federation (SEMBA).

Surveys Reveal U.S. Travel Industry Needs A Better Understanding of Wellness Travel: The Guide to Selling Wellness Travel Released

The Guide to Selling Wellness Travel can be purchased through WellnessTourismWorldwide.com.

Los Angeles, CA, USA (September 11, 2013) -- The surging interest in healthy lifestyles, coupled with the desire for "experiential" travel, is contributing to the growth of the wellness tourism market. Consumers are using vacations to jump-start a health regimen, detox from a digital word, and learn healthier behaviors. While wellness-focused vacations are one of the hottest trends, US travel agents, suppliers and destinations report they need more information in order to successfully sell wellness travel.

According to a series of surveys aimed at travel sellers and travel suppliers conducted by Wellness Tourism Worldwide between 2012 and 2013, respondents identified the following needs:

1) A better understanding of wellness travel products and services

2) A better understanding of wellness travel motivations

3) A better understanding wellness consumer demographics

4) A better understanding of consumer health issues

With epidemic levels of stress contributing to chronic disease, it is no surprise consumers are partaking in vacations designed to benefit mind, body and spirit.

"Health opens the door to a whole new world - as does travel. Wellness travel presents an amazing opportunity for both the travel industry and the clients it serves. It's both personally and professionally rewarding; everyone wants to be vibrant and well." said Camille Hoheb, wellness travel expert, Founder of Wellness Tourism Worldwide and Editor of the Wellness Travel Journal.

Ms. Hoheb added, "Over the last couple of years I've enjoyed connecting with hundreds of travel sellers who are excited about wellness travel. Yet, they told me they don't know where to start. That's how the how-to guide was born. It was written with the input from hundreds of travel professionals and consumers. While The Guide is written specifically for travel agents, it is a useful resource for anyone interested in this niche. I'm happy to share what's taken me years to learn. The Guide has been released less than two weeks and already one destination gifted copies to all of their guests at their health and wellness travel sellers seminar."

The Guide to Selling Wellness Travel can be purchased through http://www.wellnesstourismworldwide.com.

Ms. Hoheb is available for interviews to discuss the benefits of specializing in, and selling wellness travel. To request an interview or to book Ms. Hoheb for lectures and workshops, send a request to info@wellnesstourismworldwide.com.

About: The Guide to Selling Wellness Travel is a powerful resource designed with learning objectives and exercises to help you get up to speed quickly so you can grow your business. It also includes a resource chapter with recommended articles, books, groups to join, sites to see and things to do. You won't find this anywhere else!

About WTW's New Initiative: Selling Wellness Travel provides knowledge, contacts and resources for travel agents and suppliers to promote wellness vacations and retreats. Selling Wellness Travel provides personalized support, travel agent promotion and customized training solutions.(http://www.sellingwellnesstravel.com)

About: Wellness Tourism Worldwide (WTW) provides market intelligence, education and promotion to destinations, travel sellers and traveler suppliers. WTW's mission is to improve well-being and economic growth through travel. Our team includes experts responsible for global branding, spa operations, hotel management, hospital administration and healthcare marketing. (http://www.wellnesstourismworldwide.com)

About: Wellness Travel Journal (WTJ) transports inspires, educates and motivates readers to invest in themselves through wellness experiences, vacations and retreats and book their next trip. (http://www.wellnesstraveljournal.com)

About U.S. Vacationers: Health, Happiness & Productivity - The Essential Report for Travel, Hospitality & Wellness Industries helps guide strategy for tourism development & promotion for those seeking to attract affluent U.S. travelers. Over 93% of respondents hold passports, are vested in wellness and place a high value on vacations.

Contact: Camille Hoheb | camille@wellnesstourismworldwide.com | 310 720-1755

Rosendin Electric Earns Spot on the 2013 InformationWeek 500 List of Top Technology Innovators for Third Year in a Row

Leading Electrical Contractor Harnesses Consumer Technologies, Cloud Services, and Mobile Applications to Streamline Operations.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (September 11, 2013) -- Rosendin Electric, the nation's largest private electrical contractor and an employee-owned company, today announced that it has been named to this year's InformationWeek 500 – a list of the top technology innovators in the United States. This is the third consecutive year that Rosendin Electric has been named to the InformationWeek 500 for its groundbreaking use of Information Technology in the construction industry.

This year, InformationWeek recognized Rosendin Electric for its innovative integration of wireless technology, consumer devices, and cloud services to improve productivity on the job site. Rather than carrying the volumes of paper previously required, field employees now use iPads to check drawings, 3D models, and job specifications. Using mobile devices streamlines on-site processes and allows for constant, real-time communication with the entire project team. This approach increases QA/QC inspection accuracy and substantially reduces the time to identify and resolve any design and installation issues. Rosendin Electric has also harnessed the same technology to streamline procurement. Large shipments from suppliers or the company's prefabrication location can now be tracked using QR and bar codes, saving time and resources.

"Applying consumer and mobile technology to bring greater efficiencies to electrical design and construction gives us a competitive edge," said Sam Lamonica, CIO of Rosendin Electric. "We have the advantage of being able to draw from the expertise of one of the best IT teams in the business, and our executive leadership understands the return that can be derived by investing in the right technology. The fact that we have received this honor from InformationWeek for three years running is a testament to Rosendin Electric's commitment to innovation."

In past years, InformationWeek has recognized Rosendin Electric for its new EDI platform to automate manual materials ordering and processing purchase orders and invoices, substituting paper processes with e-processes, resulting in time and cost savings. Further recognition was received for being one of the first companies to migrate from a two-dimensional to a three-dimensional interactive BIM/CAD modeling system.

"The theme of this year's InformationWeek 500 is digital business. It's a movement, rooted in data analytics, mobile computing, social networking and other customer-focused technologies that are turning companies and industries on their ear," said InformationWeek Editor In Chief Rob Preston. "Every enterprise is now a digital business - or needs to become one fast. The organizations in our ranking are leading the way."

InformationWeek identifies and honors the nation's most innovative users of information technology with its annual InformationWeek 500 listing, and also tracks the technology, strategies, investments, and administrative practices of some of the best-known organizations in the country.

About Rosendin Electric
Rosendin Electric, Inc., headquartered in San Jose, California, is an employee-owned electrical engineering, power and communications provider and is the largest privately held electrical contractor in the United States. With over 3,000 employees and experience worldwide, Rosendin Electric has built upon a 90-year reputation for quality design and installations. For additional information, visit http://www.rosendin.com.

About InformationWeek
For more than 30 years, InformationWeek has provided millions of IT executives worldwide with the insight and perspective they need to leverage the business value of technology. InformationWeek provides CIOs and IT executives with commentary, analysis and research through its thriving online community, digital issues, webcasts, proprietary research and live, in-person events. InformationWeek's award-winning editorial coverage can be found at http://www.informationweek.com.

Contact:
Shelly Goulart
Marketing Manager
Rosendin Electric
880 Mabury Road
San Jose, CA 95133
(408) 534-2819