VISTA Today Business Briefs are concise stories bringing you up to date with what’s happening around the county.

FTSE Russell Decides Against Adding Chinese Stocks to Indexes

Dealing another blow to China’s efforts to attract global capital, FTSE Russell has decided not to add shares listed in mainland China to its global indexes. This move underscores investors’ concerns about the ease of access to the country’s volatile stock market.

Valley Forge based FTSE Russell, a subsidiary of the London Stock Exchange Group and the second-largest provider of global and emerging-market indexes as measured by the amount of money tracking them, said that China’s so-called A-shares wouldn’t be promoted to its “Secondary Emerging” country category. The company stated that while Chinese shares meet seven out of the FTSE Russell’s nine criteria for inclusion, the issues of capital mobility, settlement and clearance still remain unresolved.

“While China has made great progress, many of the same concerns remain around capital mobility, taxation treatment and the general accessibility of the market,” stated Mathew Lystra, a senior research analyst at FTSE Russell.

CertainTeed Living Spaces Home Makeover Web-series Premiers

The first two home remodeling webisodes of last year’s winners of the Valley Forge based CertainTeed Living Spaces Home Exterior Makeover Contest are ready and available on YouTube and Facebook.

The contest was won by the Braley family from Rhode Island who submitted a creative video showing why their home needs a remodel. Their winning video netted them $75,00 and a starring role on Certain Teed’s internet TV show that will cover the entire renovation from beginning to end.

“The Braley family’s fun, zombie-themed video easily captured the attention of judges, and viewers agreed, as it remained a popular choice during contest voting,” noted Matt Gibson, marketing director for CertainTeed Siding.

Webisodes will be released every few weeks and are available for viewing at the CertainTeed Living Spaces Facebook page and the CertainTeed LivingSpaces YouTube Channel. Viewers will be given the chance to participate in a variety of Facebook contests as each episode airs.

Vernalis Therapeutics Launches New Codeine Based Cough Suppressant

Berwyn based Vernalis Therapeutics has finally brought its new codeine based cough and cold syrup to market called Tuzistra XR.  

Approved by the FDA on April 30 this year, it is aimed at adults aged 18 and older and uses a patented new liquid sustained release technology that means it only needs to be taken every 12 hours to be effective. The new treatment is designed to help alleviate coughing, colds and other symptoms associated with upper respiratory allergies.

“The launch of Tuzistra XR marks a significant milestone for Vernalis Therapeutics” said Tom Parker, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations at Vernalis Therapeutics. It “demonstrates our capability to build a broad portfolio of unique, long-acting, liquid formulations of branded prescription cough cold products in the U.S. market,”

Pope’s Visit Prompts Tredyffrin to Declare a ‘State of Emergency’

Tredyffrin townships Board of Supervisors has voted to declare a local state of emergency for the Pope’s visit to Philadelphia, citing heavy traffic and congestion as the primary reasons.

“There will be over 16,000 train users during the pope’s visit”, said Police Superintendent Anthony Giamio, with Paoli station having the highest number of SEPTA sales. Nearby highways are also expected to be heavily congested and neighbors have been notified to “expect significant traffic delays as well as interrupted travel plans.”

The measure will make it possible for the township to receive reimbursement from state and federal agencies in order to help them cover overtime costs and equipment.

“There is no reason to panic,” stated Township Manager William Martin. “This is considered a national security event, and this is just one more piece in the preparation of that event.”