Microsoft?s Chris Pirie Named Chair of the ASTD Board of Directors

Alexandria, VA (PRWEB) January 26, 2012

Chris Pirie, General Manager within Microsoft?s Sales, Marketing, and Services Group Readiness (SMGSR) organization, will serve as the 2012 chair on the Board of Directors for the American Society for Training & Development(ASTD). Pirie joined the board in 2010 as a director and served in 2011 as the chair-elect.

As General Manager in Microsoft?s SMGSR organization, Mr. Pirie leads the training and readiness for all Microsoft?s sales, marketing, and technical field employees worldwide. Mr. Pirie joined Microsoft in September 2004 as Senior Director of Learning Product Development, and subsequently he held global sales and marketing responsibility for Microsoft Learning, the organization?s customer training business.

Prior to joining Microsoft Mr. Pirie worked for Oracle spearheading online learning using Oracle?s Learning Management System.

A native of England, Mr. Pirie moved to the United States in 1991. He has a degree in Literature and Philosophy from the University of Essex in England.

About ASTD

ASTD (American Society for Training & Development) is the world?s largest professional association dedicated to the training and development field. In more than 100 countries, ASTD?s members work in organizations of all sizes, in the private and public sectors, as independent consultants, and as suppliers. Members connect locally in 125 U.S. chapters and with 20 international partners. ASTD started in 1943 and in recent years has widened the profession?s focus to align learning and performance to organizational results, and is a sought?after voice on critical public policy issues. For more information, visit http://www.astd.org.

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SilverEdge Named to 2011 Accounting Today Technology Pacesetter List for Fourth Consecutive Year

Schaumburg, IL (PRWEB) December 02, 2011

SilverEdge Systems Software, a professional services firm dedicated to providing consulting services and software solutions to project-based organizations, is pleased to announce their selection by Accounting Today magazine to the elite 2011 Technology Pacesetter list. This marks the fourth consecutive year that SilverEdge has been part of the list.

The list recognizes top reselling organizations in the accounting software marketplace that have clearly proven to be ahead of the curve in thinking and practices. A firm is invited to apply to be on the list, from the applications, the Accounting Today editors make their selections based on growth, innovation, customer service and participation in building the profession. Many of the list?s members have turned to new revenue resources and are offering cloud technologies.

?We believe technology is a gift,? said Maria Vedral, SilverEdge?s president. ?It is imperative that we are always on the leading edge of innovation in order to help our client?s be as effective and as successful as possible.? This year, SilverEdge added Intacct to their product offering. Intaact is a leader in cloud-based accounting and financial management systems.

?From the solutions we offer to the service we provide, the entire SilverEdge team is honored to be a part of this list,? said Maria. ?We strive to offer innovative solutions and experiences for our customers. This year we hosted a series of seminars that covered four primary areas of a business where technology could have a significant impact ? people, prospects, processes and profits. The seminars allowed us to share our passion for technology with our community.?

Big Vanilla Named Best Fitness/Health Club

Arnold, MD (PRWEB) November 02, 2011

Big Vanilla Athletic Club, with locations in Pasadena and Arnold, MD, was recently named the best fitness/health club in The Capital 2011 Readers Choice Awards. The Capital 2011 Readers Choice Awards are a yearly contest created to recognize the best businesses in the Annapolis, MD area. They are based on thousands of votes from readers in over 100 varied categories. Awards are given to the top three companies with the most votes in each category. Big Vanilla has claimed the top spot in the fitness/health club category since the awards started four years ago.

Big Vanilla has been one of Anne Arundel County?s premier fitness and health clubs since 1977. With two locations, Big Vanilla has amenities for people of all ages and every fitness level. Both facilities boast swimming pools, spas, community centers and martial arts studios. Big Vanilla also offers group exercise classes in yoga, Zumba, cycling and more. For those looking for a more traditional fitness experience, Big Vanilla owns an extensive supply of brand-name exercise equipment including Cybex and Nautilus. For a non-traditional workout, the Arnold facility hosts a rock wall with five different faces of varying degrees of difficulty. In addition, Big Vanilla has an exclusive 12-week weight loss program and offers coaching for their members.

No matter what your wellness goals are, Big Vanilla strives to provide their members with amenities, expertise and inspiration needed to pursue a healthier lifestyle. For more information about Big Vanilla or to become a member, visit their health club website. They offer a 7-day VIP pass to new members, which provides full access to both the Pasadena and Arnold clubs ? so contact Big Vanilla to get your VIP pass today!

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