Posted: 02 Oct 2009 08:35 AM PDT

Saturday, October 3, 2009 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES

Corporate Bulletins

GfK Philippines (GfK PH) has entered the tire market as a strategic move to expand its panel and channel reach in the market. Last July 2009, GfK PH has officially launched its initial activities to officially start auditing the passenger car tire retail market. Based on this activity, GfK PH identified the significant channels to be tire specialists and fast fitters or shops/garages offering minor services. However, other channels will also be included in the retail audit as long as these shops are carrying brand new passenger car tires such as garage workshops, spare parts shops, and tuning shops. Our first phase for the automotive panel is to focus in the metropolitan area or NCR and later expand to other key cities and provinces as we progress. Based on our retail census, more than 85% of retailers are independent or small retailers while the remaining piece of the market is the big chains. This will be a very challenging endeavor for us as this is outside our traditional retail audit business, according to Jake Savellano, GfK Philippines General Manager.

GfK PH sees the area of concentration in the Manila, Makati, South Manila (comprising Parañaque, Las Piñas, and Muntinlupa areas), Pasig, and Quezon City areas. GfK Philippines Business Development Manager for Automotive, Ron Arambulo said, The passenger car tire tracking have already started in other GfK Asian countries such as China, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Korea. We started off with NCR since it accounts to 40-50% of the total Philippine retail tire market.

The pragmatic approach of tire consumers has made tire retailers to be more aggressive in addressing the needs and wants of consumers. Discounts, bundling promos, freebies, print ads, and other below-the-line activities dominate the retail tire market scene. This is based on the initial activities done by GfK PH to jumpstart its automotive panel. Consumer tend to buy replacement tires that are either cheap thus, the influx of China-brand tires or just buy the kind of brand currently mounted on their vehicles. Consumers are very cautious in shifting brands and would prefer not to switch to avoid vehicular glitches. This reflects the local sentiments of retailers in recommending brands to retailers.

The tire market is evolving especially with China brands gaining traction in the local market. Despite the slowdown in car sales, we are optimistic that the automotive industry will gain its momentum and when this happens, we will be there to provide manufacturers and retailers with significant, accurate, and up-to-date retail market data and insights to help them become more competitive, added Ron Arambulo.

The GfK Group

The GfK Group, founded in Germany and with its Philippine office located in Makati City, is the fourth largest market research company in the world. We specialize in retail sales tracking of consumer goods with data from retailers and resellers in more than 100 countries worldwide. For more information, visit our website at www.gfkrt.com or call +632 889 6764 local 105.

BMW Z4 Roadster launched in RP

Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the exclusive distributor of BMW cars and motorcycles in the Philippines, celebrates 75 years of the BMW Roadster with the launch of the new BMW Z4 Roadster.

A fascinating milestone in automotive technology, the new BMW Z4 Roadster is the only vehicle in its segment to combine classic roadster proportions with a seating position close to the rear axle, rear-wheel drive and a fully-automatic retractable hardtop.

The new BMW Z4 offers all the driving pleasure of a BMW Roadster with particularly refined and stylish flair. Driving with the roof down, this two-seater offers a refreshingly intense experience of the sunshine and the wind rushing by — and driving with the hardtop closed, it provides all the comfort of a premium sports coupé. With this diversity and wide range of qualities, the new BMW Z4 represents the re-birth of the roadster.

"In a nutshell you can describe BMW's new sports car as the fast, beautiful and reliable car bound to give the ambitious sports driver one exhilarating experience after the other," said Jay Cruz, sales director of ACC.

The design of the new Z4 is characterized by classic details interpreted in a new and contemporary style. The appeal of this two-seater lies in its unique combination of elegance, agility, and supreme comfort.

The aluminum shells of the two-piece lightweight hardtop come to rest in the roof compartment, thereby maximizing space. Even with the roof closed, the new Z4 retains the proportions typical of a genuine roadster. With these features, the new model is the successor to both the BMW Z4 Roadster and the BMW Z4 Coupé.

Anyone who appreciates the open-air feeling characteristic of a BMW convertible can look forward to the new BMW Z4, which is now available at BMW dealers.

To learn more about the new BMW Z4, contact any of the authorized BMW dealers, Autohaus BMW (Libis) at 638-0734; Autozentrum BMW (Alabang) at 772- 6021 to 24; Klassik BMW (San Juan) at 722-2555; Performance Auto BMW (Cebu) at +6332 231 9791; Premier Cars BMW (Pampanga) at +6345 963 7777; and Prestige Cars BMW (Makati) at 892- 8127.

Pharmaceutical firm supports La Mesa Watershed project

Holding true to its commitment of making a positive difference in the lives of Filipinos, Otsuka (Philippines) Pharma-ceuticals, Inc. (OPPI) recently initiated an environmental project in collaboration with ABS-CBN's Bantay Kalikasan, called Adopt a Hectare.

The fund donated by OPPI will be used to finance the expenses to maintain one hectare in three years, which includes securing the perimeter from squatters, and to finance the caretaker of the area who takes care of the trees planted.

Employees were also one with the companies' vision as they trooped to the site to show support for the project. They participated during the ceremonial tree planting activity to symbolize the launch of the commitment.

Adopt a Hectare is another milestone added to the numerous corporate social responsibility projects undertaken by Otsuka. "We have done projects like helping streetchildren, bloodletting, and sponsoring the education of underprivileged kids. Now, we feel that this is the better time to do something for the environment, and this is the perfect venue for us," shared Pol Dimerin, president of OPPI.

The La Mesa Watershed is the last forest of its size in the metropolis.

The concentric expansion of human population in Metro Manila affected the forest. The inadequacy of watershed protection led to the former natural forest's cover to dwindle.

Bantay Kalikasan of the ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. started a reforestation program in the 2,700-hectare La Mesa Watershed in 1999. By rehabilitating and managing the La Mesa watershed as a nature park, the following values would be enhanced: watershed protection; education; recreation-aesthetics; wildlife; and research, to name a few.

"This partnership with Bantay Kalikasan does not only help address the environment concerns we are currently facing. This is more than planting new trees at the site. The sustainability of the project is a factor that needs to be highlighted," Mr. Dimerin explained.

He added, "Otsuka's promise is to improve the quality of life of its community. We are already seeing the effects when we take advantage of the environment and through the Adopt a Hectare, we hope to educate the public and generate awareness on what should be done so that future generation can still enjoy Mother Earth's beauty and gifts to men."

Conference slated

The Philippines will host the 15^th Asian-Pacific Corrosion Control Conference (APCCC15) which will tackle the latest developments and new ideas on corrosion control and conservation of material resources in the region. To be held in the country for the first time, the three-day conference will run from Oct. 18 to 21 at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City and is being organized by the Philippine Corrosion Society Inc. (PhiCS) with plenary sessions that will feature leading international experts on corrosion. With over 100 delegates from 15 countries already confirmed, the conference will also showcase 40 scientific papers on corrosion in the chemical processing, semiconductor, oil and gas, nuclear power, utilities, construction, and medical industries. For more information, contact Fairs & More Inc. at 845-1324 or 759-6680 and look for Zai Tan-Perez or e-mail to: apccc@fairsandmore.com.ph; contact APCCC Secretariat Annalyn Wong at 392-5545 or 0917-8976357.

ATR KimEng receives best domestic broker award

FinanceAsia, Asia's leading financial print and online publishing company, has announced that ATR KimEng Securities, Inc., the stock brokerage subsidiary of the ATR KimEng Group, was chosen Best Domestic Broker in its 2009 Country Awards for Achievement, an annual look at the best financial services firms in each country around the region. In photo during the awards gala dinner is ATR KimEng Securities chairman and president Lorenzo Roxas (center) receiving the award from FinanceAsia.com editor Anette Jonsson (left) and FinanceAsia and AsianInvestor publisher Jonathan Hirst.

Alphaland opens in Southgate Mall

Rick Santos, CB Richard Ellis chairman, joins Mario Oreta, president of Alphaland Corp., Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay and Roberto Ongpin, chairman of Alphaland Corp. at the Southgate Mall opening ceremonies on the corner of Pasong Tamo and EDSA in Makati. The tower's 40,000 square meters of office space atop the new mall is scheduled for turn over in November. Facilities will be managed by CBRE.

BPI recognized as best asset management firm

BPI Asset Management has been named as Best Asset Management Company, Philippines in The Asset Triple A Investment Awards 2009.

BPI Asset Management retains a dominant market share of the asset management business in the Philippines, managing over P380 billion in assets, representing 22% industry share among 38 market players as of June 30.

Its vast pool of institutional and retail clients consists of 835 institutional accounts, including several government institutions and top corporations in the Philippines and 46,000 individual clients.

BPI Asset Management's industry leadership is backed by the complete line of trust products and services it offers, highly experienced pool of investment and trust practitioners and state-of-the-art system infrastructure.

BPI Asset Management has a long history of experience in money management and has the prestige of being the only local bank qualified to be a third party custodian on the strength of its CAMELS rating of 4.

The Asset Triple A Investment Awards comes on the heels of recognition earlier this year from the Reader's Digest Asia's Trusted Brands where BPI Asset Management won Gold for the third straight year.

The Asset Triple A Investment Awards is Asia's defining recognition for excellence for the leading investment companies in the Asia-Pacific. The Triple A Awards methodology adopts a rigorous approach to the selection of the best institutions and products throughout the region. After detailed analysis of the submissions, point scores for both quantitative and qualitative factors are combined in the determination of the winners.

The Asset is the leading finance publication for Asian corporates and global investors active in the region. The magazine specializes in providing analysis and insight into how Asia's leading companies raise and manage their capital, as well as the buying behavior of global investors active in Asia's markets.

The Asset is published by Asset Publishing and Research Ltd.

Filipina is 100^th cadet pilot in Etihad flying program

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has welcomed the 100^th cadet pilot to its innovative and expanding flying program.

Filipina-Emirati Shareefa Al Bloushi from Abu Dhabi, whose mother is a Filipina, is a member of Etihad's tenth group of cadets which recently started the 18-month training program at the Horizon Flight Academy in Al Ain. She is also the sixth female Emirati cadet pilot to join the program, and eighth female overall.

The Etihad Airways cadet pilot program was launched in June 2007 with the first group of cadet pilots, who graduated from the course in February 2009, now training and flying aboard the airline's Airbus A320 fleet.

"The recruitment, training and development of cadet pilots is of the utmost importance to Etihad Airways and an integral part of maintaining our position as a leading global airline," Captain Richard Hill, Etihad Airways' chief operations officer.

"To reach the milestone of 100 cadet pilots is a great achievement and we offer Shareefa, our 100th cadet pilot, and her new colleagues our best wishes as they start training."

Shareefa Al Bloushi is a member of Etihad's expanding female pilot community which currently includes 15 female first officers and cadet pilots within its ranks. This figure is expected to double during the next 12 months.

"I am extremely proud to be a part of the Etihad Airways female pilot community and to be learning alongside other women pilots from across the world," Ms. Al Bloushi said.

"While the program is rigorous and demanding it will ensure that I have the best training and development for when I graduate and become a fully-qualified Etihad pilot."

In order to gain the Airline Transport Pilots Licence (ATPL) the cadet pilots have to complete 750 hours of classroom tuition and 205 hours flight training in single and multi-engine aircraft.

During this time they also have to pass the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority's theoretical knowledge and flying exams.

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Things to do - Post-Tribune

Posted: 01 Oct 2009 02:03 AM PDT

* Beginners genealogy workshop, 6:15 to 8:45 p.m. Wednesday, Hebron Branch of Porter County Public Library, 201 W. Sigler St., with Larry Clark, registration required, free, 996-3684

* Investment fraud program for seniors, 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, Munster Town Hall Main Meeting Room, register, 836-7275

* Chanticleer in concert, 8 p.m. Friday, Valparaiso University Chapel of the Resurrection, 1600 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso, 464-5162

* Autumn hayride, 6 p.m. Saturday, leaving Semento's, 1200 West St., Valparaiso, music by James Saqui, free, 21 or older with ID, 406-2085

* Parents without Partners Early Autumn Dance, 7:30 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Skwiat American Legion Post 451, 121 Skwiat Legion Ave., Michigan City, music by DJ and Da Bear, sponsored by Parents without Partners Chapter 193, $7 per person, 326-8096

* Arts and Crafts Show, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Lincoln Center, 2450 Lincoln St., Highland, with doll clothes, candles, afghans, fusion glass, jewelry, home decor and more, 838-0114

* Vendors needed for craft show and bake sale, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, St. James Church, 9640 Kennedy Ave., Highland, 924-1778

* Car wash benefit, 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Valparaiso High School, 2727 N. Campbell St., for a $5 donation or a bag of nonperishable goods, proceeds to Christian Food Pantry

* Free car care clinic, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Borowski Automotive Services, 101 S. Hobart Road, Hobart, free safety inspections, vehicle maintenance information, auto repair questions answered, 945-0570

* St. Francis Blessing of the Animals, 9 a.m. Saturday, Ridge United Methodist Church, 8067 Columbia Ave., Munster, pets should be leashed or in carriers, a love offering will be accepted for the Humane Society Calumet Area, 838-4770

* Feast of St. Francis Pet Blessing, 11 a.m. Saturday, St. Mary Church courtyard, 525 N. Broad St., Griffith, donations of Purina Dry dog/puppy and cat/kitten food, unflavored dog biscuits, large absorbent towels, laundry detergent, bleach, nonclumping cat litter, plastic litter pans as well as monetary donations are welcome for the Humane Society Calumet Area and Griffith Animal Shelter, 942-4163

* Third annual Blessing of the Animals, 2:30 p.m. Saturday, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church grounds, 503 Bullseye Lake Road, Valparaiso, leashed or caged pets of all faiths, denominations, breeds, sizes, healthy or ill, donations for the Porter County Animal Shelter are appreciated, 462-4946

* IUN Asia Day, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today, Indiana University Northwest campus, 3400 Broadway, Gary, with traditional ethnic dress, music and dances from the Far East and South Asia, free Asian foods, 980-6934

* Tailgate party in honor of Chesterton High School Homecoming, 3 p.m. Friday, Chesterton/Duneland Chamber of Commerce, 220 Broadway, includes snacks, games, yard golf, beer and wine tent and a chili cookoff

* Valparaiso High School Homecoming Parade, 5:30 p.m. Friday, starting at Northview Elementary School, 257 Northview Drive, ending at Valparaiso High School, 2727 N. Campbell St., 477-2521

* Buckley Fall Festival, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Buckley Homestead, 3606 Belshaw Road, Lowell, with traditional crafts, demonstrations, entertainment and activities for everyone, $4 per person, age 7 and under admitted free, 769-7275

* Oktoberfest, noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Beacon Hill Plaza on Broadway, Crown Point, with music by Mr. Funnyman, a chili cookoff and chili tasting, bean bag tournament, beer garden and children's activities, 662-3290

* Hootin' Hayride, 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Deep River County Park, Hobart, for ages 10 and up, $5 per person in advance, 769-7275

* Sams Indiana Travelers Chapter 96, Halloween Party, Friday, Oct. 16 to Sunday, Oct. 18, Last Resort Campground, Hanna, 844-8727

* Geocaching program, 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, DeMotte Public Library, 901 Birch St. SW, for all ages, GPS devices welcome, registration required, 987-2221

* Smart Chicks and Old Bags Auction and Sale, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Temple Beth-El, 10001 Columbia Ave., Munster, $3 per person, R.S.V.P., 923-1940, 922-9008

* Real Men Wear Pink fashion showcase and dinner, doors open at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, Genesis Convention Center, One Genesis Plaza, Gary, donation is $35 per person, proceeds to benefit scholarships and programs, 796-7902

* Friends of the Library Book Sale, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. today Friends-only preview; public sale 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Kouts Branch of Porter County Public Library, 101 E. Daumer Road, 766-2271

* Rummage sale, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, First Unitarian Church of Hobart, 497 Main St., 942-1611

* Fall rummage and bake sale, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Ss. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Great Hall, 8000 Madison St., Merrillville, 696-4851

* USS Gary Sheet and Tin Retirees luncheon, noon today, Croatian Hall, 8550 Taft St., Merrillville, doors open at 11 a.m., ticket sales at 11:30 a.m., $13 per person, 962-3044, 663-5851

* Fish fry, 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Church of the Four Seasons United Methodist, 9100 E. 109th Ave., Winfield, $8.50 adults, $5 children age 5 to 12, under age 5 eat for free, 663-7803

* Fish fry dinner, 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, First United Methodist Church, 400 44th Place, Griffith, $9 adults, $3 age 12 and under, 838-6900

* Country breakfast, 7 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Fred Schmidt American Legion Post 20, 1401 N. Main St., Crown Point, $6 adults, $5 veterans and seniors age 55 and older, $3 age 6 to 15, children age 5 and under eat for free, 663-9788

* Valparaiso Lions Club hosts Nelson's Port-A-Pit Chicken and Ribs fundraiser, 10 a.m. until sold out Saturday, Kmart parking lot, 2801 Calumet Ave., $6 for grilled chicken halves, $9 for ribs, $3 potatoes, proceeds to purchase devices for the visually impaired and other community projects, visit www.valparaisoin.lionwap.org

* Firehouse breakfast fundraiser, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Lakes of the Four Seasons Fire Station, 3600, 10645 Randolph St., $6 adults, $3 for ages 3 to 12, with games for the kids, pictures with the fire trucks and reflective address plates for $15, 988-5394

* Deaf Services Inc. spaghetti dinner, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, Jefferson Elementary School cafeteria, 6940 Northcote Ave., Hammond, $6 adults, $3 children under age 10

* Turkey Shoot, noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 25, American Legion Post 20, 1401 N. Main St., Crown Point, registration begins at 11:30 a.m., 663-2136

* Crazy Bunco, noon Sunday, St. Matthias Church, 101 W. Burrell Drive, Crown Point, $10 includes lunch

* Bingo, 1 p.m. Sunday, St. Joseph the Worker Church, 330 E. 45th Ave., Gary, with bake sale, food and door prizes, 942-0095

* Bingo, 1 p.m. Sunday, Faith United Church of Christ, 3030 175th St., Hammond, $3 master card and dessert; $10 full set-up, bring a canned good donation for the food pantry and become eligible for a special prize drawing, 374-7314

* Minority Health Coalition of LaPorte County Breast Cancer Walk, 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Lubeznik Center for the Arts, 101 W. 2nd St., Michigan City, 879-1712

* 5K Run and Fun Walk for Hunger, 9 a.m. registration and breakfast, Saturday, Oct. 17, Wicker Park, 8554 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland, $15 registration through 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16; $20 thereafter, proceeds to benefit Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, register at www.signmeup.com

* Not Scary Mini Golf, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. today through Saturday Oct. 31, Cedar Creek Family Golf Center, 14083 W. 109th Ave., Cedar Lake, open until 9 p.m. Oct. 23, 31; Oct. 24, 31, children in costumes receive a special treat, $5.50 adults, $4.50 age 12 and under, 365-2902

* Welcome Back Teen Dance, 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Portage Township YMCA, 3100 Willowcreek Road, Portage, for the first 150 sixth through eighth graders from any school, student ID required, $5 per person, 762-9622

* Holiday Fun Day, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, Lakeshore Gymnastics and Dance, 878 W. Indiana Ave., Chesterton, 926-4274

* Covered Bridge Festival, Brown County, Wednesday through Friday, Oct. 9, $599 per person double occupancy, home pick-up and return, sponsored by Munster Parks, 836-7275

* "Man of LaMancha" at the Theatre at the Center, Munster, 1:45 p.m. departure Sunday, Oct. 11, from Whiting Community Center, $30 per person, sponsored by Whiting Parks Department, 659-0860

* New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 18 through Saturday, Oct. 24, with gaming at Harrah's Casino, $545 per person based on double occupancy, sponsored by the Cedar Lake Lioness Club, 563-8914, 374-9714

* Tunica Casino, Tennessee, Monday, Nov. 9 through Friday, Nov. 13, includes a tour of Graceland, sponsored by Highland Parks and Recreation, $395 per person, double occupancy, 838-0114

* Polonia Bus Trip to Chicago, 9 a.m. departure, 5:30 p.m. return Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Church, 2949 Willowcreek Road, Portage; 9:30 a.m. departure, 5 p.m. return, All Saints Catholic Church, Sibley Street, Hammond, $48 per person, reservation deadline Friday, Oct. 30, sponsored by the Polonica Pilgrimage Society, 947-7037, 921-0688

* Premium Outlet Mall, Fox Valley Mall and Hollywood Casino in Aurora, Ill., 8 a.m. departure, 8 p.m. return Saturday, Dec. 5, YWCA, 150 W. 15th Ave., Gary, sponsored by the Y's Single Club, $35 per person, 985-8040, 883-6053, 949-0927

* "Sleeping Handsome" 6:30 p.m. Oct. 2, 3, Hammond Civic Center, 5825 Sohl Ave., Hammond, a children's play, $5 adults, $2 students, (888) 210-7528

* "Made in Puerto Rico" 7 p.m. Friday, East Chicago Central High School, 1100 W. Columbus Drive, $12 in advance, $15 at the door; $10 students, 791-4926

* "Godspell," 8 p.m. Oct. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17; 2 p.m. Oct. 4, 11, 18, Memorial Opera House, 104 Indiana Ave., Valparaiso, $18 adults; $15 senior citizens and, 548-9137

* "Picasso at the Lapin Agile," 8 p.m. Oct. 2, 3, 9, 10, Beatniks on Conkey, 418 Conkey St., Hammond, $12 per person, reservations recommended, 852-0848

* "Fuddy Meers," 8 p.m. Oct. 7, 8, 9; 2 p.m. Oct. 10, 11, Center for the Arts, 1709 Chapel Drive, $15 adults; $10 senior citizens and students, 464-5162

* "Is He Dead?," 8 p.m. Oct. 9, 10, 16, 17, 22, 23; 2:30 p.m. Oct. 17, 18, 24, Chicago Street Theatre, 154 W. Chicago St., Valparaiso, $15 adults; $12 senior citizens, students, veterans and groups, 464-1636

* "Arsenic and Old Lace," 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23, 24, 30, 31; 2 p.m. Oct. 25, Nov. 1, LaPorte Little Theatre Club, 218 "A" St., LaPorte, $10 per person, 362-5113

* "The Light in the Piazza," 8 p.m. Oct. 30, 31, Nov. 6, 7, 19, 20, 21; 3 p.m. Nov. 8, 22, 4th Street Theatre, 125 N. 4th St., Chesterton, $15 per person, 926-7875.

* Meals on Wheels needs drivers in the Portage area, 531-8106, 531-8006

* A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI), Northwest Indiana Chapter, 11 a.m., fourth Saturday each month, McBride Union Hall, 1301 Texas St., Gary, 884-9469

* American Association of Retired Persons, noon, second Thursday each month, DuBois Library, 1900 Broadway, Gary, 882-2489

* American Legion Auxiliary Hobart Unit 54, 7 p.m. first Tuesday each month, Hobart American Legion Post Home, 208 S. Linda St., 947-2054

* American Legion Riders, 7 p.m. third Thursday each month, American Legion Post 17, 3926 Wright St., Gary, 931-6286

* Breakfast Kiwanis Club, 7:15 a.m. each Wednesday, Paragon Restaurant, 1701 E. 37th Ave., Hobart, visitors welcome, 791-0216

* Business Networking International (BNI), 7 to 8:30 a.m. each Tuesday, Round-the-Clock Restaurant, 1607 S. Calumet Road, Chesterton, reservations recommended, 926-2505

* Calumet Astronomical Society, 7:30 p.m. the second Monday of each month (except December), Lake Central High School large group instruction room, 8400 Wicker Ave., St. John, 924-7974

* Calumet Corner Chorus of Sweet Adelines International, 7 p.m. each Thursday, Christian Fellowship Church, 605 165th St., Hammond, 365-0160

* Calumet Stamp Club, 7 p.m. each Wednesday, Hammond Civic Center, 5825 Sohl Ave., southwest corner, lower level entrance, doors open at 6:30, 662-1296

* Card Sharks Bridge Club, 1 to 4 p.m. each Thursday, Tolleston Pavilion, 1709 Ellsworth Place, Gary, visitors welcome

* Chess Club for Adults, 6:30 to 11 p.m. each Tuesday, Meijer Cafe, 10138 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland, sets provided, bring chess clocks, 845-1376

* Chesterton Writers' Group, 3 to 5 p.m. each Saturday, Books Alive, 205 W. Indiana Ave., Chesterton, 926-4711

* Chorus of the Dunes, Barbershop Harmony Society, 7 p.m. each Tuesday, Pierce Middle School, 199 E. 70th Place, Merrillville, 838-6332

* County Line Leads Club, 12:15 p.m. each Wednesday, Impressions Cafe, 10859 Randolph St., Winfield, referral-based marketing club, R.S.V.P., 405-4519

* Dive Quest Scuba Club, 7 p.m., first Wednesday each month, Valparaiso Public Library, 103 Jefferson St., Valparaiso, visit www.divequestscuba.org

* Disabled American Veterans, 7 p.m., third Tuesday each month, Moose Lodge 260, 1200 N. Indiana, Crown Point, 365-8629

* Duneland Business and Professionals Network, 7:30 a.m., second Wednesday each month, Miller's Assisted Living, 5911 Lute Road, Portage, educational and networking meetings for business professionals, 764-0628 or visit www.dunelandbpn.com

* Duneland chapter of the International Plastic Modelers Society, 7 p.m., first and third Saturdays each month, Porter United Methodist Church, 100 Beam St., Porter, 926-9132 or 928-6868

* Duneland Chess Club, 6 to 9 p.m. each Friday, Bertha Wood meeting room, Thomas Library, 200 W. Indiana Ave., a working knowledge of chess is necessary, for those who have finished middle school through adults, free, 926-7696

* Duneland Woodcarvers, 9 to 11 a.m. each Tuesday, Woodland Park, 2100 Willowcreek Road, Portage, www.dunelandwoodcarvers.com

* Duneland Youth Chess Club, 4 to 5:30 p.m. each Tuesday, Bertha Wood meeting room, Thomas Library, 200 W. Indiana Ave., a working knowledge of chess is necessary, for age 5 through middle school, free, 926-7696

* ESO Tri-County Woman's Reading Club, 2 to 4 p.m. first Thursday each month, Regional Federal Credit Union meeting room, 2801 Boilermaker Court, Valparaiso, 476-4148; 462-6023

* Fountainview Craft Club, 10 a.m. second and fourth Tuesdays each month, Fountainview Place, 3175 Lancer St., Portage, free, crocheting, knitting and sewing for others, bring four-ply acrylic yarn, 764-9244

* Gardening Club, 10 a.m., second Tuesday each month, Lake County Parks greenhouse located east of the Park and Visitor Services facility at 8305 Randolph St., Hobart, 947-1958

* Gary Chapter of Indiana Black Expo, 6 p.m., third Monday of each month, Bennigans, 500 E. 5th Ave., Gary, 949-8270

* Gary Chapter of the NAACP, 6:30 p.m., second Thursday of each month, Ivy Tech State College, Room C200, 1440 E. 35th Ave., Gary, 886-2227

* Gary Kiwanis Club, noon, each Tuesday, Dusties, 411 E. 5th Ave., Gary, 794-1259

* Gary Post Office Workers Retirees (G'POWR), 10:30 a.m., third Monday of each month, Gary Public Library, 220 W. 5th Ave., Gary, new members welcome

* Great Lake Sound Women's Chorus of Sweet Adelines, International, rehearsals, 7 p.m., each Tuesday, Valparaiso Faith Memorial Lutheran Church, 753 N. Calumet Ave., Valparaiso, for women of all ages, 464-9245, 762-3984

* Griffith Swinging Seniors, 1 p.m., first and third Tuesday each month, Griffith Senior Center, 349 N. Indiana St., a social club for persons age 50 and up, 923-5559

* Highland Extension Homemakers, 10:30 a.m., second Thursday each month, Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 8727 Delaware St., guests welcome, call Linda Cook, 838-8435

* Hispanic Voices of Northwest Indiana, 6 p.m., second Thursday each month, Chela's Authentic Mexican Kitchen, 3325 45th St., Highland, 801-4994

* Hobart Coin Club, 2 p.m., third Sunday each month, Spring Lake Izaak Walton, 4700 W. 49th Ave., Hobart, all ages welcome, 781-9533

* Hobart Jaycees, 8 p.m., second and fourth Thursday each month, Hobart Legion Post 54, 208 S. Linda St., Hobart, community organization for young adults ages 21 to 40, visit www.hobartjc.com

* Hoosier African Violet Society, 7:30 p.m., third Friday each month, Crown Point Civic Center, 101 East St., 766-3882 or visit www.hoosieravs.com

* Jam Sessions, 7:30 to 9 p.m., third Friday each month, Unity Church of Christ, 740 River Drive, Hammond, includes prayer, meditation, yoga, art and more in a relaxing environment, for all ages, free-will offerings accepted, 931-5284

* James Kimbrough Bar Association, 5:30 p.m., second Monday each month, Office of Attorneys Karen Freeman-Wilson and Inga Lewis-Shannon, 700 Jackson St., Gary, 949-1222

* Just for Fun Ukulele Strummers, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., each Wednesday, Lincoln Center, 2450 Lincoln St., Highland, group of senior guys and gals, 696-8301

* Kankakee Valley Garden Club, 7 p.m., first Monday each month (except on a holiday), DeMotte Public Library, 901 Birch St., SW, 956-2387

* Knit and Crochet group, 1:30 p.m., Thursdays, First United Methodist Church, 6635 Hohman Ave., Hammond, membership not required, no charge, 932-5915

* Knitwits, 7 p.m. third Wednesday each month, Starbucks, 6295 Ameriplex Drive, Portage, bring your own supplies, for ages 16 and up, registration requested, free, contact portageknitwits@gmail.com

* Lake County Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota International Women's Music Fraternity, 7 p.m. fourth Monday each month, September through April, Trinity Memorial Lutheran Church, 7950 Marshall St., Merrillville, 781-9533

* Lake County Chapter, Barbershop Harmony Society, 6:30 p.m. each Tuesday, Pierce Middle School, 199 E. 70th Place, Merrillville, 838-6332

* Led by Thread, 7 p.m. fourth Tuesday each month, Ridge United Methodist Church, Room 106, 8607 Columbia Ave., Munster, for anyone who knits, crochets, does needlepoint or cross-stitch, bring your project to the meeting, 838-4770

* Life Empowerment Council, 10 a.m. each Wednesday, Reiner Community Center, 510 Union St., Valparaiso, for adults of all ages, 464-9997

* Male Empowerment Network Inc. (M.E.N.), 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Gary Public Library second floor, 200 W. 5th Ave., for all fathers, 730-4971

* Maple City Word Crafters amateur writers, 6 to 8 p.m. first and third Monday each month, LaPorte County Public Library, 904 Indiana Ave., LaPorte, free, 362-6156

* Marine Corps League, Calumet Detachment, 7:30 p.m., fourth Wednesday of each month, American Legion Post 66, 132 N. Wiggs St., Griffith, 789-2722

* Marine Corps League, Howlin Mad Detachment, 7:30 p.m., third Monday of each month, American Legion Post 54, 208 S. Linda St., Hobart, 947-1306

* M.A.V. Firesword, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., second and fourth Sunday of each month, Round-the-Clock Restaurant, 217 E. Lincolnway, Valparaiso, Star Trek club and community service organization, 464-7109, 759-2272 or visit www.mavfiresword.com

* Merrillville Breakfast Kiwanis Club, 7 a.m., each Thursday, Sheffield's Restaurant, 1515 E. 82nd Ave., Merrillville, everyone is welcome, Darrell Elser, 791-0216

* Merrillville Civitan Club, 12:15 p.m., first and third Thursday each month, Radisson Hotel, 800 E. 81st Ave., Merrillville, 769-2564

* MOMS Club of Highland-Griffith-Munster, 10:15 a.m., first Friday each month, Highland Branch Library, 2841 Jewett St., support and activities for moms and their children, 923-8218

* Mothers and More, Porter County chapter, 7:30 p.m., first and third Tuesdays each month, for mothers who altered their career paths to care for their children, for meeting locations, call 508-2886

* Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS), 9:15 to 11:15 a.m., first and third Tuesdays each month, Bethel Church, 10202 Broadway, Crown Point, for all mothers with children from birth through age 5, children's program provided, 663-9200

* Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS), 6 to 8 p.m., first and third Mondays each month, Unity Church of Christ, 740 River Drive, Hammond, for all mothers with children from birth through kindergarten, child care is provided, 931-5284

* Mothers of Twins Club, 7 p.m., second Tuesday of each month, Christ Lutheran Church, 2610 N. Campbell St., Valparaiso

* Munster Aglow Lighthouse, 7 p.m., third Tuesday of each month, Community Park Social Center, 8751 Lion Club Drive, Munster, 791-9089

* New Friends, 7 to 8:45 p.m., each Thursday, Porte DeL'eau Clubhouse, 2033 Porte DeL'eau, Highland, for divorced, separated and widowed men and women over 40, 836-1206 after 5 p.m.

* New Horizon Singles, 8 p.m., meetings second and fourth Tuesday each month, dances each Tuesday, Hobart Elks, 3580 W. 61st Ave., Hobart, 844-1824

* Nordikids Musiklubb, 6:30 to 8 p.m. each Monday during the school year, Ridge United Methodist Church, 8607 Columbia Ave., Munster, Scandinavian children's culture and music group for ages four and up, 923-8777

* Northwest Indiana Professional Network (NIPN), 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. each Monday, Harre Student Union Alumni Room, Valparaiso University campus, professionals share information and resources that allow them to meet their career objectives, no fee, 464-4861

* Northwest Indiana Retirees Club Inc., 1 p.m., second Thursday each month, VFW Post #9323, 2750 Central Ave., Lake Station, new members welcome, 947-1100

* Northwest Indiana Wine Club, 6:30 p.m., third Friday each month, Hobart Elks Club 1152, 3580 W. 61st Ave., Hobart, for anyone interested in wine, 895-0569

* Northwest Indiana Woodworkers Association, 7 to 10 p.m., fourth Thursday each month, Pierce Middle School, 199 E. 70th Place, Merrillville, 980-4195 or visit www.niwoodworkers.org

* Parents Leading Active Youngsters (P.L.A.Y.), 11 a.m., first Friday each month, fun activities for moms and their children including a monthly Mom's Night Out, call for location of meetings and activities, Sarah Fields, 947-9646

* Parents Without Partners Chapter 193, 6:15 p.m., first Thursday each month, LaPorte County Public Library, 904 Indiana Ave., LaPorte, 778-2605

* Parents Without Partners Chapter 342, 7 p.m., second and fourth Tuesdays each month, Portage Public Library, 2665 Irving St., Portage, 942-8606

* Portage Junior Garden Club, 4 to 5 p.m., fourth Thursday each month, Boys & Girls Club of Portage, 5895 Evergreen, grades 1 to 6, 762-2025, 763-2273

* Portage Lions Club, 6:30 p.m., second Thursday each month, Maria Elena's, 6121 U.S. 20, Portage; noon, fourth Thursday each month, Tate's Place, 3051 Willowcreek Road, Portage, men and women welcome, 763-3376, Ext. 4

* Porter County VOICE, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. each Thursday, Valparaiso YMCA, 55 Chicago St., initiative led by teens against tobacco industry, 462-4185, Ext. 241

* Quilting Club, 6 to 8 p.m. each Monday, St. Luke AME Zion Church, 1300 Jackson St., Gary, 949-0176 or 944-1211

* Schererville Garden Club, 7 p.m., first Wednesday each month, Schererville Town Hall, 10 E. Joliet St., 736-0331

* Sci-Fi Guys, 7 to 9 p.m., second and fourth Thursdays each month, The Daybreak Center, 2307 Roosevelt Road, Valparaiso, 465-5528

* Senior Pinochle Club, 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays, Hammond Civic Center, 5825 S. Sohl Ave., Hammond, membership is required; a pinochle tournament is held from 1 to 3 p.m. first Thursday each month at the Hammond Civic Center, membership is not required, 853-6378

* Sit '* Knit, 7 p.m. Mondays, Blackbird Cafe, 114 E. Lincolnway, Valparaiso, bring your knitting, crocheting, cross stitch, needle point projects, 462-9709

* Sit '* Knit Too, 7 p.m. Fridays, Evelyn Bay Coffee Co., 3800 N. Calumet Ave., Valparaiso, bring your knitting, crocheting, cross stitch, needle point projects, 462-9709

* South Suburban Cage Bird Association, 2 p.m., second Sunday each month, Calvin Reform Church, 2895 Glenwood-Lansing Road, Lansing, Ill., 864-0420; 924-5596 or visit www.sscba.org

* String-A-Long Quilt Guild, 7 p.m., second Wednesday each month, Chesterton Library Service Center, 100 Indiana Ave., doors open at 6, visitors are welcome, 462-8550

* Toastmasters Club, 6:30 p.m., first and third Wednesday each month, The Conservative Cafe, 201 N. Main St., Crown Point, 775-7788

* Toastmasters of Southlake, 7 p.m., second and fourth Tuesday each month, University of Phoenix, Room 102, 8401 Ohio St., Merrillville, 794-1545

* Town and Country Homemakers, 6:30 p.m., fourth Monday each month, St. John Branch Library, 9450 Wicker Ave., St. John, new members welcome, 322-4352

* Tri-Creek Band Boosters, 7 p.m., third Tuesday each month, Lowell High School, 2051 E. Commercial Ave., 308-8219

* Valparaiso chapter, Masters of Harmony, The Barbershop Harmony Society, 7 to 10 p.m. each Monday, Vale Park Enrichment Center at Banta, 605 Beech St., Valparaiso, new members welcome, 477-5576, 662-2388, 926-3711

* Valparaiso Jaycees general membership meeting, 7 p.m. the first and third Thursday each month, South Bend Chocolate Co., 57 Franklin St., a civic organization for people between the ages of 18 and 40, 476-1855

* Valparaiso Leads Club, 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. every Wednesday, Fifth Third Bank Community Room, 56 Washington St., Valparaiso, open to business owners, professionals, sales people and managers seeking to begin or expand a business, visit www.valpoleads.com ; e-mail info@valpoleads.com ; or call 462-2090

* Valparaiso Lions Club, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. first Tuesday each month, Phil B's Restaurant, 908 Roosevelt Road, Valparaiso and noon to 1 p.m. third Tuesday each month, Viking Chili Bowl Restaurant, 105 Morthland Drive, Valparaiso, men and women are invited to join, 531-0245 or visit www.valparaisoin.lionwap.org

* Valparaiso Toastmasters Club 255, 7 p.m. each Wednesday; first, third and fifth Wednesdays each month at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 150 Silhavy Road, Suite 120; second and fourth Wednesdays at the Valparaiso Public Library, 103 E. Jefferson St., 324-3426 or 531-5962

* Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, Northern Indiana Chapter XXX, 10 a.m. fourth Saturday each month, Elks Lodge, 416 E. U.S. 20, Michigan City, 874-9873

* Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 717, 7 p.m., third Tuesday each month, 10400 W. 93rd Ave., St. John, 365-8224

* Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 717, Ladies Auxiliary, 7 p.m., third Tuesday each month, 10400 W. 93rd Ave., St. John, 365-8224

* Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1563, 7 p.m., third Tuesday each month, 6880 Hendricks St., Merrillville, 769-1563

* Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1563, Men's Auxiliary, 6 p.m., third Wednesday each month, 6880 Hendricks St., Merrillville, 769-1563

* Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1563, Ladies Auxiliary, 6 p.m., first Wednesday each month, 6880 Hendricks St., Merrillville, 769-1563

* Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1563, Motorcycle Riders Association, 7 p.m., first Thursday each month, 6880 Hendricks St., Merrillville, 769-1563

* Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2151, Women's Auxiliary, 7 p.m., first Thursday each month, 1650 Maryland St., Gary, 886-1380, 882-6426

* Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2151, Men's Auxiliary, 6 p.m., fourth Wednesday each month, 1650 Maryland St., Gary, 886-1380, 882-6426

* Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6841, Women's Auxiliary, 7 p.m., last Tuesday each month, 17401 Morse St., Lowell, 696-8121

* Vietnam Veterans of America, Lake County chapter, 7 p.m., fourth Thursday each month, St. John Township Community Center, 1515 Lincoln Highway, Schererville, 374-7719

* Vietnam Veterans of America, Porter County chapter, 7 p.m., third Thursday each month, American Legion Post 502, 429 W. County Road 750N, South Haven, Jim Lynch, 763-9935

* Westville Prairie Quilters, from 1 to 3 p.m., first Wednesday each month, Westville Public Library, 155 Main St., visitors and new members welcome, 464-1880, 785-7397

* Woodchucks Woodworking Club, 7 p.m. second Monday each month, Portage Public Library, 2665 Irving St., for anyone interested in woodworking, 762-8416

* Write-On Hoosiers, 6:30 p.m. first and third Wednesday each month, Borders Books, Westfield Southlake Mall, Hobart, for anyone with a sincere interest in writing and publishing, 663-7307

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American Motorcyclist Association Drafts Model on-Highway Motorcycle ... - Who Won

Posted: 29 Sep 2009 10:40 AM PDT

Tuesday, September 29, 2009
American Motorcyclist Association Drafts Model on-Highway Motorcycle Sound Legislation

by Pete terHorst

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has developed model legislation for use by cities seeking a simple, consistent and economical way to deal with sound complaints related to on-highway motorcycles within the larger context of excessive sound from all sources.

The model legislation offers an objective method for municipal jurisdictions to evaluate motorcycle sound through science-based measurement. It's based on the Society of Automotive Engineers' (SAE) new J2825 standard, "Measurement of Exhaust Sound Pressure Levels of Stationary On-Highway Motorcycles." The AMA produced similar model legislation for off-highway motorcycles several years ago.

"Many cities and other jurisdictions already have excessive sound laws on the books, but when they get citizen complaints about loud motorcycles, they sometimes decide to single out the riding public with unfair or overly restrictive ordinances and laws," said Imre Szauter, AMA government affairs manager. "We believe that motorcycles shouldn't be singled out, but should be regulated as part of a comprehensive sound management policy that also addresses cars, trucks, leaf blowers, generators and other sources of excessive sound."

The J2825 standard, issued by the SAE in May, is based on a comprehensive study of a wide variety of on-highway motorcycles. It establishes instrumentation, test site, test conditions, procedures, measurements and sound level limits.

"Too many times, jurisdictions responding to citizen complaints about excessive motorcycle sound create laws that simply don't work in the real world," Szauter said. "They either set an unreasonable decibel limit, leave it up to a police officer to subjectively decide whether a bike is too noisy, or come up with another plan that is arbitrary or unworkable. Our model legislation is objective, workable and fair."

The model legislation adopts the SAE J2825 standard for stationary on-highway motorcycle sound testing, specifies the type of sound meter to be used, and allows for each city to specify the penalties for violating the law. Szauter stressed, however, that the sound-testing procedures and decibel limits established in the SAE J2825 standard should remain unchanged to ensure that the law remains objective and fair.

Under the SAE J2825 standard, decibel limits range from 92 dBA at idle for all motorcycles, to up to 100 dBA at certain RPMs for various motorcycles, depending on the type of engine.

In 2003, the AMA organized the National Summit on Motorcycle Sound to bring together riders and user organizations, representatives of the motorcycle manufacturers, the aftermarket industry, racing promoters, government agencies, law enforcement and others to develop proposals regarding the increasingly controversial issue of excessive motorcycle sound. The creation of a new on-highway motorcycle sound measurement procedure was a top recommendation of the summit's Motorcycle Sound Working Group.

"The motorcycling community, local governments and police officers have sought a practical sound field test for streetbikes for many years, and now it exists, thanks to a collaboration between the Motorcycle Industry Council and the SAE," Szauter said. "The next step is for jurisdictions struggling with motorcycle sound complaints to adopt fair and objective laws, and the AMA is providing the tool for them to do that."

Szauter encourages motorcyclists and government and law enforcement officials to download the model legislation from the "Rights" section of the AMA website at AmericanMotorcyclist.com.