Aaron's, Inc. and the University of Alabama Announce Exclusive Partnership With Aaron's Premier Visibility at Alabama's Major Athletic VenuesPartnership includes field-level signage at Bryant-Denny Stadium

ATLANTA, Sept. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Aaron's, Inc., the nation's leader in the sales and lease ownership and specialty retailing of residential and office furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, and the University of Alabama today announced a three-year partnership giving Aaron's premier exposure at Alabama's three largest athletic venues: Bryant-Denny Stadium, Coleman Coliseum and Sewell-Thomas Stadium. The Aaron's logo will be predominantly displayed over both tunnels at Bryant-Denny Stadium, providing optimum visibility for fans, both in the stadium and watching the game from home on TV.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090423/CL03821LOGO)

"Aaron's is proud to partner with the University of Alabama, which has one of the top college football programs of all time," said Robin Loudermilk, President and CEO of Aaron's Inc. "The football team is ranked #5 in pre-season rankings and we are ecstatic to display our name on their field."

The partnership provides for Aaron's signage at Alabama's three largest athletic venues housing football, men's basketball, women's basketball, gymnastics, baseball and softball events. Radio, TV, print and Internet advertising will support the partnership. Alabama fans will also have the opportunity to enter a drawing at Aaron's stores in Alabama in order to win the "Aaron's Ultimate Lucky Dog Fan Experience." The winning fan will receive VIP treatment for two at the November 7, 2009, Alabama-LSU game. The package includes hotel accommodations, dinner arrangements, game tickets, pre-game field passes, tickets to the Crimson Tide Sports Marketing tent in the Coca-Cola Crimson village and a gift bag full of Alabama apparel.

"There's tremendous excitement around The University of Alabama athletics, fans and companies alike feel good about aligning themselves with our brand," said Mal Moore, Director of Athletics at the University of Alabama. "With our expansion of the Bryant-Denny Stadium in 2010, we're proud to partner with national companies that have strong winning programs themselves for their customers."

The elite partnership with the University of Alabama is the newest endeavor in Aaron's growing sports marketing program. With an 18 percent increase in customers compared to a year ago, Aaron's has continued to grow across its more than 1,630 stores throughout the nation. In addition to the new alliance with the University of Alabama, Aaron's has existing collegiate partnerships with Georgia Tech and the University of Texas. Aaron's also has a well-established partnership with NASCAR, and signage and advertising at sporting events and venues throughout the United States and Canada.

"At Aaron's we know that sports marketing is the one of the most effective ways to reach our target market," said Loudermilk. "As other companies continue to pull back their advertising and partnerships, we find great value in aggressively forming new relationships, such as the exciting partnership with the University of Alabama."

About Aaron's, Inc.

Aaron's, Inc. , the nation's leader in the sales and lease ownership and specialty retailing of residential and office furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, has more than 1,630 Company-operated and franchised stores in 48 states and Canada. Founded in 1955 by entrepreneur R. Charles Loudermilk, Sr. and headquartered in Atlanta, Aaron's has been publicly traded since 1982.

About The University of Alabama

The University of Alabama, a student-centered research university, is in the midst of a planned, steady enrollment growth with a goal of reaching 28,000 students by 2010. This growth, which is positively impacting the campus and the state's economy, is in keeping with UA's vision to be the university of choice for the best and brightest students. UA, the state's flagship university, is an academic community united in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090423/CL03821LOGO Aaron's Inc.

CONTACT: Garet Hayes, Hope-Beckham, Inc., +1-770-403-8720,
ghayes@hopebeckham.com

FDA Sets Action Date of April 23, 2010 for Review of Pixantrone NDA

SEATTLE, Sept. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Cell Therapeutics, Inc. ("CTI") (Nasdaq and MTA: CTIC) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has notified CTI that a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) action date of April 23, 2010 under standard review has been established regarding CTI's NDA for pixantrone as potential treatment for relapsed or refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Pixantrone has fast track designation for the relapsed / refractory aggressive NHL application.

"The 18 month follow up PIX 301 pivotal trial data continues to demonstrate further improvement in primary and secondary endpoints including Complete Remission / Complete Remission unconfirmed(CR/CRu), Progression Free Survival (PFS) and Overall Survival over standard chemotherapy. We look forward to providing the four month safety and efficacy update to the FDA and working with them toward potential approval," said James A. Bianco, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of CTI.

Based on the user fee goal date, if pixantrone is approved, CTI estimates that pixantrone could be available to patients in the U.S. early in the second quarter of 2010.

About Pixantrone

Pixantrone (BBR 2778), is a novel topoisomerase II inhibitor with an aza-anthracenedione molecular structure that differentiates it from the anthracyclines and other related chemotherapy agents. Anthracyclines are the cornerstone therapeutic for the treatment of lymphoma, leukemia, and breast cancer. Although they are sufficiently effective to be used as first-line (initial) treatment, they cause cumulative heart damage that may result in congestive heart failure many years later. As a result, there is a lifetime limit of anthracycline doses and most patients who previously have been treated with an anthracycline are not able to receive further anthracycline treatment if their disease returns.

About Fast Track

Fast track is a process designed to facilitate the development, and expedite the review of drugs to treat serious diseases and fill an unmet medical need. Filling an unmet medical need is defined as providing a therapy where none exists or providing a therapy which may be potentially superior to existing therapy.

About Cell Therapeutics, Inc.

Headquartered in Seattle, CTI is a biopharmaceutical company committed to developing an integrated portfolio of oncology products aimed at making cancer more treatable. For additional information, please visit http://www.celltherapeutics.com/.

Sign up for email alerts and get RSS feeds at our Web site, http://www.celltherapeutics.com/investors_news.htm

This press release includes forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, the outcome of which could materially and/or adversely affect actual future results and the trading price of our securities. Specifically, the risks and uncertainties that could affect the development of pixantrone include risks associated with preclinical and clinical developments in the biopharmaceutical industry in general, and with pixantrone in particular, including, without limitation, the potential failure of pixantrone to prove safe and effective for the treatment of relapsed or refractory aggressive NHL as determined by the FDA, and that a decision by the FDA is not rendered by April 23, 2010, and that pixantrone may not be available to patients in the second quarter of 2010, the possibility that the follow-up data does not demonstrate continued improvement in the primary and secondary endpoints, CTI's ability to continue to raise capital as needed to fund its operations, competitive factors, technological developments, costs of developing, producing and selling pixantrone, and the risk factors listed or described from time to time in CTI's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including, without limitation, CTI's most recent filings on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. Except as may be required by law, CTI does not intend to update or alter its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise

Media Contact: Dan Eramian T: 206.272.4343 C: 206.854.1200 E: deramian@ctiseattle.com http://www.celltherapeutics.com/media.htm Investors Contact: Ed Bell T: 206.282.7100 Lindsey Jesch T: 206.272.4347 F: 206.272.4434 E: invest@ctiseattle.com http://www.celltherapeutics.com/investors Medical Information Contact: T: 800.715.0944 E: info@askarm.com

Cell Therapeutics, Inc.

CONTACT: Media, Dan Eramian, +1-206-272-4343, or Cell, +1-206-854-1200,
deramian@ctiseattle.com, Investors, Ed Bell, +1-206-282-7100, or Lindsey
Jesch, +1-206-272-4347, or Fax, +1-206-272-4434, invest@ctiseattle.com, all of
Cell Therapeutics, Inc.; or Medical Information, 1-800-715-0944,
info@askarm.com

Web Site: http://www.celltherapeutics.com/

Ford Volunteers are Making a World of Difference During the 4th Annual Global Week of Caring- The Ford Volunteer Corps launches the 4th annual Ford Global Week of Caring to help improve the lives of people around the world. - Thousands of Ford volunteers will tackle over 200 projects in nearly 40 countries from Sept. 5-12, 2009. - Nonprofit agency partners in the United States will also benefit from a Ford Accelerated Action Day on September 11 focusing on urgent building projects in their local communities.

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Thousands of Ford Motor Company volunteers are reaching out and pitching in to create a better world by participating in community service projects on six continents during the fourth annual Ford Global Week of Caring - Sept. 5-12.

More than 8,000 Ford employee and retiree volunteers are on the job in nearly 200 locations from North and South America to Europe, Africa and Asia. Their work includes renovating shelters, repairing schools and feeding the hungry. The volunteers are the face of Ford in their local towns and villages where they will contribute a projected 30,000 man-hours of labor to helping those in need.

During Ford Global Week of Caring, the company's volunteer muscle is making a positive improvement -- a world of difference -- in nearly three dozen countries, from Aruba to the Czech Republic to Vietnam. Among the projects planned for the week, members of the Ford Volunteer Corps will paint an orphanage in Cambodia and fill the pantry with food and school supplies. In Spain, Ford volunteers will make repairs and complete electrical work at a residence for the mentally challenged and at a homeless shelter. A six-day project in South Korea will benefit the disabled and elderly, while volunteers in the Dominican Republic will collect clothing and personal items for needy children.

"Ford employees and retirees are embracing their role as citizens of the global community and sharing their time and energy to make the world a better place," said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. "We are fortunate to have the resources and dedicated volunteers who can make a real difference on a global scale. It is very gratifying work, especially during these difficult times."

This year, as part of Global Week of Caring, nonprofit agencies in the United States also will benefit from a Ford Accelerated Action Day on Friday, September 11. Community Building is the theme of this concentrated one-day effort to ease the most pressing shelter and safety projects, and help our nonprofit partners better serve people who need a helping hand.

"Ford is building for the future with new cars and trucks that meet the needs of our customers and provide a solid foundation for long-term business success," said Janet Lawson, director, Ford Volunteer Corps. "We also are dedicated to doing our part to build a better world by helping to improve people's lives and the communities where they work and raise their families."

About Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services

Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services is committed to creating opportunities that promote corporate citizenship, philanthropy, volunteerism and cultural diversity for those who live in the communities where Ford operates. Established in 1949 and made possible by funding from Ford Motor Company, Ford Motor Company Fund supports initiatives and institutions that foster innovative education, auto-related safety, and American heritage and legacy. National programs include Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies, which provides high school students with academically rigorous 21st century learning experiences, and Driving Skills for Life, a teen-focused auto safety initiative. The Ford Volunteer Corps, established in 2005, continues Ford's legacy of caring worldwide. Through the Volunteer Corps, Ford employees and retirees participate in a wide range of volunteer projects in their communities. For more information on programs made possible by Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services, visit http://www.community.ford.com/.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 201,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit http://www.ford.com/.

September 5, 2009

Ford Motor Company

CONTACT: Todd Nissen, +1-313-322-4898, tnissen@ford.com, Eric Mitchell,
+1-313-755-2347, emitch15@ford.com

Web Site: http://www.ford.com/

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/107607.html

Grade Schoolers and Parents Welcome Back-to-School Help From Infinity Insurance

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Today marks a second "Infinity Cares Back Pack Giveaway" to aid students enrolled at Pastorious Elementary. The giveaway begins at 9:00 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis in the school's gym and ends promptly at 10:00 a.m. Students must be present to receive one of nearly 400 free supply-filled backpacks. Infinity's announcement comes fresh on the heels of the auto insurer's recent "Cleaning and Greening Initiative", a summer cleanup effort that included planting a community garden maintained by faculty, students and Infinity volunteers.

Building on these community efforts, Christian Love Worship Cathedral will treat neighborhood families to a special viewing of "Madagascar Goes To Africa" on the Infinity 4 Wheel Theater. Students and their families are encouraged to catch the 1:00 p.m. screening immediately following the backpack giveaway. Popcorn and juice will be served while supplies last and the event is scheduled to end at 4:00 p.m. The Christian Love Cathedral is located at 813-815 W. Lehigh Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19132.

Infinity has a long track record of investing in local communities. Randy Schreffler, Division Manager for the company said, "Back-to-School should be an exciting time for kids. We hope today's events remove some of the pressure to afford school supplies and provide families with a chance relax together and celebrate a new season of learning." To get involved or for questions regarding this announcement, or other programs offered by Infinity, please contact Randy Schreffler at (267) 471-1525 or Megan Waldrep at (205) 803-8751.

About Infinity: Infinity Property and Casualty Corporation is a national provider of personal automobile insurance. Infinity Insurance is part of the Infinity Property and Casualty group of companies . Infinity receives an A "Excellent" Financial Strength Rating from A.M. Best. For more information about Infinity, please visit InfinityAuto.com. Infinity's 4 Wheel Theater is available free of charge for community events large and small. For more information about this portable big screen experience or to request the 4 Wheel Theater at your event, visit http://www.4wheeltheater.com/.

Infinity Insurance

CONTACT: Randy Schreffler, +1-267-471-1525, or Megan Waldrep,
+1-205-803-8751, both of Infinity Insurance

Web Site: http://www.infinityauto.com/

Central Pacific Financial Corp. Announces Equity Issuance Plan

HONOLULU, Sept. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Central Pacific Financial Corp. announced today that it has commenced an equity issuance plan pursuant to which it may, from time to time, offer and sell up to $15 million of its common stock. Sales of the shares of common stock, if any, will be made by means of ordinary brokers' transactions on the New York Stock Exchange or otherwise at then prevailing market prices, prices related to prevailing market prices or negotiated prices. Central Pacific Financial intends to use the net proceeds from sales under this offering primarily to contribute equity capital to Central Pacific Bank, and may also use a portion of the net proceeds for working capital and other general corporate purposes.

Sandler O'Neill + Partners, L.P. and RBC Capital Markets Corporation will act as the Company's sales agents and/or principals for the offering.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

Central Pacific Financial has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) and a prospectus supplement with the SEC for the offering related to this announcement. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus and the prospectus supplement and other documents Central Pacific Financial has filed with the SEC for more complete information about Central Pacific Financial and this offering. You may obtain these documents by visiting the SEC Web site at http://www.sec.gov/. Alternatively, Central Pacific Financial or the sales agent will arrange to send you the prospectus if you request it by contacting Investor Relations at 808-544-3627 or Sandler O'Neill + Partners, L.P. at 919 Third Avenue, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10022, 866-805-4128, or RBC Capital Markets Corporation, Equity Capital Markets Group at fax number 212-428-6260.

Central Pacific Financial is also pursuing shareholder approval to increase the authorized shares of Central Pacific Financial common stock as part of a comprehensive plan to strengthen its capital position in order to navigate the current uncertain economic environment. A special meeting of shareholders will be held on October 22, 2009, at which shareholders will vote on the proposed increase in the Company's authorized shares.

About Central Pacific Financial Corp.

Central Pacific Financial Corp. is one of the largest financial institutions in Hawaii with more than $5.5 billion in assets. Central Pacific Bank, its primary subsidiary, operates 37 branches and more than 100 ATMs throughout Hawaii. For additional information, please visit the Company's website at http://www.centralpacificbank.com/.

Additional Information And Where To Find It

This release may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the special meeting of shareholders. Central Pacific Financial has filed a proxy statement with the SEC. INVESTORS AND SECURITYHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and security holders will be able to receive the proxy statement and other relevant documents free of charge at the SEC's web site, http://www.sec.gov/ or from the investor relations page of Central Pacific Financial's website.

Participants In Solicitation

Central Pacific Financial and its directors and executive officers and other members of management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the shareholders meeting. Information regarding the interests of Central Pacific Financial's directors and executive officers in the proxy solicitation is included in Central Pacific Financial's definitive proxy statement.

Forward-Looking Statements

This document may contain forward-looking statements concerning projections of revenues, income, earnings per share, provisions for loan and lease losses, credit costs, capital expenditures, dividends, capital structure, or other financial items, concerning plans and objectives of management for future operations, concerning future economic performance, or concerning any of the assumptions underlying or relating to any of the foregoing. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts, and may include the words "believes", "plans", "intends", "expects", "anticipates", "forecasts" or words of similar meaning. While we believe that our forward-looking statements and the assumptions underlying them are reasonably based, such statements and assumptions are by their nature subject to risks and uncertainties, and thus could later prove to be inaccurate or incorrect. Accordingly, actual results could materially differ from projections for a variety of reasons, to include, but not limited to: the impact of local, national, and international economies and events, including natural disasters, on the Company's business and operations and on tourism, the military, and other major industries operating within the Hawaii market and any other markets in which the Company does business; the impact of legislation affecting the banking industry including the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008; the impact of competitive products, services, pricing, and other competitive forces; movements in interest rates; loan delinquency rates and changes in asset quality generally; the price of the Company's stock; and volatility in the financial markets and uncertainties concerning the availability of debt or equity financing. For further information on factors that could cause actual results to materially differ from projections, please see the Company's publicly available Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including the Company's Form 10-K/A for the last fiscal year. The Company does not update any of its forward-looking statements.

Central Pacific Financial Corp.

CONTACT: investors, David Morimoto, SVP & Treasurer, +1-808-544-3627,
david.morimoto@centralpacificbank.com, or media, Andrew Rosen, SVP & Chief
Marketing Officer, +1-808-544-6820, andrew.rosen@centralpacificbank.com, both
of Central Pacific Bank

Web Site: http://www.centralpacificbank.com/

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News archive of November 2009
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