Stand Up for American Workers and Pass Trade Adjustment Assistance – President Obama
In this week’s address, the President reiterated that his top priority is to grow the American economy and ensure that every hardworking American has a fair shot at success. It’s because of this commitment that the President has worked to enact smart new trade agreements that level the playing field for our workers, open new markets for our businesses, and hold other countries to the kinds of high standards that Americans are proud to hold ourselves to here at home.
On Friday, Republicans and Democrats in the House took an important step by voting to help the United States negotiate and enforce high-standard trade deals. But they also failed to renew Trade Adjustment Assistance, despite the fact that it provides vital support to about 100,000 workers, and passed the Senate with bipartisan support. The President urged the House to pass TAA without delay so that more middle-class workers can earn the chance to participate and succeed in our global economy.
Hi, everybody. My top priority as President is to grow the economy and help more hardworking Americans get ahead. And after the worst economic crisis in our lifetimes, our businesses have now created 12.6 million new jobs over the past 63 months.
That’s a record streak of job creation. And it’s come as we’ve been working to reform our schools, revitalize manufacturing and the auto industry, revamp our job training programs – and rework our health care system, covering more than 16 million uninsured Americans so far.
We’ve done all of this to rebuild our economy on a new foundation, a foundation for growth that benefits not only us, but our kids, and their kids. Because we do live in a new economy. And we’ve got to adapt to make sure America leads the way in this new century, just like we did in the last.
Part of that means sparking new sources of growth and job creation that keep us on the cutting edge. And one big way to do that is through smart new trade agreements that level the playing field for our workers, open new markets for our businesses, and hold other countries to the kinds of high standards that Americans are proud to hold ourselves to here at home.
Simply put, America has to write the rules of the 21st century economy in a way that benefits American workers. If we don’t, countries like China will write those rules in a way that benefits their workers.
Now, on Friday, Republicans and Democrats in the House of Representatives voted to help the United States negotiate new trade deals that are both free and fair – deals that expand opportunity for our workers and our businesses alike. And that’s good. These kinds of trade deals say no to a race for the bottom, for lower wages and working conditions. They’re about starting a race to the top, for higher wages, and better working conditions, stronger environmental protections, and a smarter way to crack down on countries that break the rules of the global economy.
But that’s not all we should be doing for our workers. Right now, something called Trade Adjustment Assistance provides vital support, like job-training and community college education, to tens of thousands of American workers each year who were hurt by past trade deals – the kind we’re not going to repeat again. Republicans and Democrats in the Senate have voted to renew this initiative, but so far, the House of Representatives has chosen to let it expire in just a few months, leaving as many as 100,000 American workers on their own. For the sake of those workers, their families, and their communities, I urge those Members of Congress who voted against Trade Adjustment Assistance to reconsider, and stand up for American workers.
Because these smart new trade deals aren’t just about growing our economy and supporting good new American jobs. This is about the kind of country we want to build for our kids and our grandkids. And if I did not think that smart new trade deals were the right thing to do for working families, I wouldn’t be fighting for it.
This is the right thing to do. Trade that’s fair and free and smart will grow opportunity for our middle class. It will help us restore the dream we share, and make sure that every American who works hard has a chance to get ahead. That’s a cause worth fighting for – today, and every day I have the honor of serving as your President.
Thanks everybody, and have a great weekend.
The Make a Power Move Program Inspires Women to Take Charge of Their Career Ambitions
CINCINNATI– In recent years women have been placing greater focus on their careers1 – whether starting a new business, changing jobs or excelling within their existing organization, more women are making bold career moves.
Navigating the working world can be challenging, but with the right advice and guidance, professionals can be better prepared for any career moment. Levo, a growing professional network of women, has partnered with COVERGIRL, Olay and Pantene to launch the Make a Power Move program designed to provide women with the beauty, style and career advice they need to put forward the best version of themselves.
Self-assurance in our daily interactions and decision-making is essential to job performance. The Make a Power Move program will teach women how the appropriate look can instill confidence and help them achieve their career ambitions. In addition to the professionals at Levo, beauty and style influencers Ali Fedotowsky and Felicia Walker Benson have joined the program to offer their personal first-hand tips and “power move” success stories to further inspire women in the workplace.
Ali Fedotowsky, TV personality and spokesperson knows all too well how important confidence can be in advancing your career:
Trust in Yourself: You’ll go through a lot of ups and downs– it’s part of the career journey. When times get tough, don’t beat yourself up — things don’t always go as planned. Keep a positive outlook, learn from your experiences and lean on your support system to continue growing in the workplace.
Put Your Best Face Forward: Hectic work schedules paired with an active social calendar can leave skin dull and tired-looking, which means you may not look and feel your best. A good moisturizing and anti-aging facial cream can help revive tired looking skin. I rely on Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream which helps reveal brighter, younger-looking skin and fights the appearance of skin fatigue.
Strike a Balance between Professional and Playful: The great thing about your hair is its ability to instantly transform your appearance and reflect your personality. Your hair style should be fun but also appropriate for your job, especially if your industry is more conservative. The lob is a perfect workplace hair style and when cared for with Pantene Smooth & Sleek Shampoo and Conditioner, your locks will stay frizz-free for a trendy yet polished and professional look.
Felicia Walker Benson, founder of ThisThatBeauty offers beauty and career tips to build confidence in the workplace:
The Impact of Eye Contact: Eye contact is important because it sends a message of self-assurance—something that’s key when communicating your ideas! When I have a big meeting, the one makeup item I’m never without is mascara. It’s a quick and easy step that makes my eyes stand out in a flattering way. COVERGIRL The Super Sizer Mascara by LashBlast is a great choice for amazing volume. When I wear it, my eyes demand attention without being overwhelming or distracting.
Go for a Classic, Bold Lip: A statement lip instantly creates a polished, professional look. I like COVERGIRL Outlast Longwear Lipcolor in Red Rouge. It’s a nice pick-me-up if you find you need a little beauty boost right before a meeting. When wearing a bold, red lip, balance the rest of your look with neutral eye colors, soft liner, and a light pinch of color on the cheeks.
Build Strong Peer Relationships: Traditionally in the workplace, there’s a lot of focus on mentor relationships, but it’s equally important to build peer relationships as well. Developing relationships at all levels helps build confidence in your abilities and establishes a level of shared trust to ensure your peers have your back. Both mentor and peer relationships are vital to career success.
Make a Power Move was formed in partnership with Levo, a company dedicated to career advice and mentorship for millennials in the workplace. Throughout the program, Levo will host local Levo events and mentor women through career resources, advice, and connections, to help build their confidence and provide the right tools they need to advance in their careers.
For more information about the Make a Power Move program and for additional style, beauty and career tips, visit the program Tumblr page at MakeAPowerMoveBlog.com. To learn more about Levo, visit Levo.com.
You can also follow #MakeAPowerMove for real-time beauty tips and career advice from experts and professionals.
About Procter & Gamble
P&G serves nearly five billion people around the world with its brands. The Company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, Wella® and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.
About LEVO
Levo is the largest and fastest-growing professional network for millennials in the workplace. Centered around the belief that you can create a life you’re passionate about, Levo arms you with the tools to develop your talent, build connections with peers, mentors, and jobs, and stay inspired day in and day out as you grow and develop. Launched in 2012 by Co-Founder and CEO Caroline Ghosn, Levo members gain direct access to mentors, 30 Local Levo Chapters across the globe, an online job board, and a weekly Office Hours program —a 30-minute video chat and Q&A session with extraordinary leaders and business visionaries, such as Warren Buffett and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. To date, the company has raised more than $8 million from individual angel investors including Sheryl Sandberg, Fran Hauser, Susan Lyne, and Gina Bianchini. Visit www.levo.com; follow on Twitter, @LevoLeague and Facebook, facebook.com/levoleague.
1 According to data from the Census Bureau, “women’s presence in the labor force has increased dramatically, from 30.3 million in 1970 to 72.7 million during 2006-2010.”
– See more at: http://news.pg.com/press-release/pg-corporate-announcements/make-power-move-program-inspires-women-take-charge-their-ca#sthash.tZIBmIC4.dpuf
Artivest Raises Series A Funding to Connect Top Alternative Investment Managers with Investor Community Online
NEW YORK- Artivest, a cutting-edge technology platform that connects leading private equity and hedge funds with a wider audience of suitable investors, announced today a $15 million round of funding led by prominent global investment firm KKR, with existing investors RRE Ventures, Peter Thiel, Nyca Partners, Anthemis Group and FinTech Collective participating as well. Artivest will use the funding to accelerate the growth of its technology, infrastructure and sales teams and the execution of its product roadmap.
“Artivest combines leading technology with operational tools for feeder funds that will further open the door for financial advisors and high net worth investors looking to commit capital to a wide variety of top private equity funds. Most private equity firms are very interested in accessing this capital but do not have the technical or operational capability to do so today. We look forward to partnering with Artivest as they expand their business,” said Ed Brandman, KKR’s Chief Information Officer, who will join Artivest’s Board of Directors.
Founded in 2012 and headquartered in New York City, Artivest provides access at lower investment minimums to a select assortment of privately offered alternative investment funds. To date, Artivest has offered premier private equity and venture capital funds and will soon be offering hedge funds.
“The process of investing in private placements—previously inefficient for all involved–has not changed in any meaningful way for decades. A number of trends have come together, including alternative funds’ increasing focus on individual investors and investors’ growing appetite for all types of alternatives. At this crucial moment, we are bringing private investing a much-needed digital upgrade,” said Artivest CEO and Founder, James Waldinger. “It’s a great honor and a meaningful endorsement to be backed by KKR, one of our first partners.”
High net worth investors — a crucial and complicated customer base
Qualified investors, including those served by the rapidly growing independent advisor community, are fueling a new wave of demand for alternative strategies and are, in fact, the fastest growing segment of assets allocated to alternative funds. With equity markets periodically testing new highs and publicly available fixed income investments providing unsatisfactory yields, clients and their advisors are actively seeking alternative solutions for compounding wealth over long time periods. Top private equity and hedge funds, which have historically raised capital exclusively from institutions and those capable of writing institutional-sized checks, are compelled by this investor base but challenged by the implications of sourcing, onboarding and serving a much more fragmented clientele.
Artivest provides a multi-pronged solution to connect these two constituencies at scale. Key Artivest features for qualified investors include more accessible investment minimums, online access to intuitive displays of fund metrics and electronic completion of all legal documentation. Funds utilize Artivest technology to manage investor relations and client operations at scale. Both user types benefit from best-in-class-security and encryption protection.
About Artivest
Artivest offers a digital platform for private investment managers and investors. We connect a wider audience of suitable investors with investment opportunities in top-quality private equity and hedge funds that are typically available only at institutional minimum investment sizes. Our technological, financial, and operational expertise powers a seamless experience for individual investors and a scalable point of access for financial advisors and fund managers. Ultimately, our mission is to bring private investment management into the digital age. Artivest is a FINRA member registered Broker Dealer. For more information, please visit www.Artivest.co. Follow Artivest on Facebook: facebook.com/artivest and Twitter: @artivest
About James Waldinger, Founder and CEO
James drew on his background in investing and online marketing to found Artivest. He identified a compelling opportunity to deliver to a wider audience intuitive access to the best that money managers had to offer, and let the best money managers focus on what they do best. Previously, he served on the investment team at the global macro hedge fund, Clarium Capital Management, where he also ran an emerging markets-focused investment portfolio. He has worked with a variety of internet startups, in investment, advisory and operational roles, including as an analyst on Peter Thiel’s initial investment in Facebook. James earned his BA in History from Yale, and he holds both a JD and MBA from Stanford.
About KKR
KKR is a leading global investment firm that manages investments across multiple asset classes including private equity, energy, infrastructure, real estate, credit and hedge funds. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world‐class people, and driving growth and value creation at the asset level. KKR invests its own capital alongside its partners’ capital and brings opportunities to others through its capital markets business. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds. For additional information about KKR & Co. L.P. (NYSE:KKR), please visit KKR’s website at www.kkr.com and on Twitter @KKR_Co.
Transatlantic Trade Investment Partnership and the 2015 Election: Where did the Parties stand?
The 2015 General Election is just around the corner, and the party manifestos are out. We have collected together their policies on TTIP for ease of comparison, plus links to the manifestos themselves. In the order they were published…
Scottish Greens
“We oppose any corporate power grabs, like the Transatlantic Trade Investment Partnership (TTIP), which will lock-in privatisation. If adopted, TTIP will also increase the power of corporations to influence our health, food and environmental protections and to sue governments over new laws.” Manifesto here.
Plaid Cymru
“We also continue to oppose the EU-US free trade agreement, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. We are concerned that it puts too much power into the hands of international corporations, threatens to weaken our democratic institutions and undermine hard-earned improvements in public services, intellectual property, food safety, health and environmental standards. We oppose any part of this deal that may lead to the privatisation of the NHS.” Manifesto here.
Left Unity
“We oppose the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and oppose joining the single currency.” Manifesto here.
National Health Action (NHA) Party
“Oppose the EU/US Free Trade Agreement (TTIP) and similar agreements as they threaten not only the NHS but the health and well-being of the public.” Manifesto here.
Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC)
“No to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and all secret austerity treaties.” Manifesto here.
Labour Party
“We support the principles behind the negotiations on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership Treaty (TTIP). We will hold the European Commission to account on issues of concern, including the impact on public services and the Investor to State Dispute Settlement Mechanism. And we will ensure the NHS is protected from the TTIP treaty.” Manifesto here.
Green Party
“The Green Party opposes the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). TTIP is globalisation in its worst form, designed to submit democratically elected governments to the will of private corporations. Companies will be able to take legal action against governments that they think threaten their profits. National policies in EU countries for health, environmental, consumer and social protection could be challenged by companies from anywhere in the world in private international tribunals, run by corporate lawyers. Under TTIP, attempts to bring the National Health Service and the railways into public ownership could be financially penalised or blocked; authorisations for genetically modified organisms may be accelerated at European level and risk assessment standards lowered; and regulation of banks and the financial industry would be harder, if not impossible.” Manifesto here.
Conservative Party
“We will push for freer global trade, concluding major trade deals with the US, India and Japan and reinvigorating the World Trade Organisation.” Manifesto here.
Liberal Democrats
“We will support negotiations at the World Trade Organisation as well as an ambitious Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) between the EU and the USA, which could bring benefits of up to £10 billion a year to the British economy. We will only support an agreement that upholds EU standards of consumer, employee and environmental protection, and allows us to determine how NHS services are provided.” Manifesto here.
UK Independence Party (UKIP)
“TTIP is a proposed EU/USA free trade agreement that is being negotiated in secret by the EU Trade Commission and other EU bureaucrats. There is growing concern that TTIP may compel us to put many of our public services up for sale to US companies, thereby privatising significant parts of our NHS. UKIP is committed to securing the exclusion of the NHS, by name, from TTIP. The level of public concern around TTIP makes it a good example of what can potentially go wrong while we remain in the EU and allow EU Commissioners to negotiate every single trade agreement on behalf of twenty-eight member states, including the UK, en bloc. Fears of what TTIP might contain precisely illustrate why UKIP believes we should leave the EU and negotiate our own free trade agreements again. We find it astonishing that other political parties, while launching high-profile campaigns against TTIP, nevertheless remain committed to our EU membership. Their hypocrisy is shameless.” Manifesto here.
Scottish National Party (SNP)
“We will also seek an explicit exemption for the NHS and Scottish Water, as part of a general public sector exemption, from the terms of the proposed Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.” Manifesto here.
Communist Party
“Protection of jobs and public services in Britain demands outright rejection of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership being negotiated between the EU and the USA.”
President Obama Speaks On His Views Of Poverty At The George Town University
Today at Georgetown University, President Obama sat down with Harvard professor Robert Putnam and American Enterprise Institute president Arthur Brooks to share his views on poverty in America and what we can do to ensure every American — no matter who they are, where they come from, or where they live — has access to the opportunities they deserve.
The conversation, hosted by the Washington Post’s E.J. Dionne, touched on economic solutions that can broaden opportunity, the political will to support initiatives that expand those opportunities, and the minority communities that are disproportionately impacted by the decision — or failure — to make those investments. The President also offered his candid and personal views on how growing up without a father shaped how he sees these issues today.
“A free market is perfectly compatible with making investment in good public schools, public universities; investments in public parks,” the President said. “But that’s, in part, what’s been under attack for the last 30 years.”
“I am a black man who grew up without a father, and I know the costs that I paid for that.”
“I also know I had the capacity to break that cycle, and as a consequence I think my daughters are better off,” he said. “For me to have that conversation does not negate my conversation about the need for early childhood education, or the need for job training, or the need for greater investment in infrastructure or jobs in low-income communities.”
“It would be powerful for our faith-based organizations to speak out” on poverty.
“There’s a more transformative voice around these issues that can move and touch people,” the President said. If faith-based organizations make it a priority to fight on poverty issues, they can spur a swell of political will to act on behalf of America’s impoverished communities. “Nobody’s shown that better than Pope Francis.”
How does poverty impact your community? Share what you’re seeing and what you think would make a difference in your neighborhood with us here.
Preston Businesses find Winning Strategy with Yorkshire Bank
Local business people were given the opportunity to learn how sports performance techniques can be applied in the business world at an exclusive event held at Preston Grasshoppers Rugby ground recently as part of Yorkshire Bank’s Private Banking Week.
The ‘Power of Positivity’ half-day seminar, which took place on 25 March, was led by Michael Finnigan from the Preston-based i2i team. The company has helped some of the world’s top sporting individuals, organisations and businesses to maximise their potential by identifying the psychological strategies that lead to success.
During the event Michael, who has worked in the field of performance psychology since 1992, shared some of the leadership methods and proven strategies that i2i employ with their most famous and successful clients to resolve a wide range of issues. The forum was attended by more than 50 leading business people from across Preston who enjoyed breakfast, lunch and refreshments on the day.
i2i is best known for its work with sportspeople. Not only did it support England to win the Ashes in 2005 and Darren Clarke to The Open in 2011 but it also saw Wigan Athletic lift the FA Cup in 2013. However in the business world, i2i has helped Royal Mail to increase sales from £500,000 to £5 million per week and Rolls Royce to reduce the build time for an engine from 400 days to 14 days, making savings of more than £400 million in the process.
Michael Finnigan, CEO at i2i, added: “Our recent work with Russell Crowe’s South Sydney Rabbitohs culminated in another world championship for our little business and talking about it gave those attending the event a glimpse into a world they cannot access, yet can identify with and learn from.”
Ian Hardman, Head of the Bank’s Business & Private Banking Centre in Preston, who hosted the event, said:
“Learning the secrets behind the success of sporting legends has wide ranging benefits for business of all sizes and across all industry sectors. This event, which was very well received by all attendees, considered everything from leadership strategies and exceeding sales targets to increasing employee engagement and achieving customer service excellence.
“Private Week creates an opportunity for existing and potential customers to come together to share experiences and talk about their businesses in a relaxed and open environment. It was refreshing to see that so many of our guests took the wider opportunity to network with other influential members of the local business community on the day.”
The ‘Power of Positivity’ event was hosted as part of Yorkshire Bank’s Private Week which was held from March 23-27, offering customers a variety of events at the Bank’s UK-wide network of Business and Private Banking Centres.
Yorkshire Bank’s private banking service offers the personal attention of a Relationship Manager. The service is available to people with individual yearly earnings of at least £75,000, joint incomes of £100,000, or investable assets of £100,000. There is a bespoke Private Banking package available to emerging professionals who do not yet meet the qualifying criteria.
Obama Administration Announces Eight Additional Promise Zones to Build Community Prosperity
WASHINGTON, – The Obama Administration announced today eight additional Promise Zones across the country, including six cities, one rural area, and one tribal community. Promise Zones are high poverty communities where the federal government partners with local leaders to increase economic activity, improve educational opportunities, leverage private investment, reduce violent crime, enhance public health and address other priorities identified by the community. Through the Promise Zone designation, these communities will work directly with federal, state and local agencies to give local leaders proven tools to improve the quality of life in some of the country’s most vulnerable areas.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Julián Castro and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced new Promise Zone designations in the following communities:
Camden, New Jersey
Hartford, Connecticut
Indianapolis, Indiana
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Sacramento, California
St. Louis/St. Louis County, Missouri
Pine Ridge Indian Reservation of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, South Dakota
South Carolina Low Country
“From my time as Mayor to my tenure as Secretary, I’ve seen first-hand how a Promise Zone designation can spark progress and possibilities in underserved neighborhoods,” said HUD Secretary Castro. “A zip code should never limit the hopes that folks have for themselves or for their children. We’re proud to be working with a wide-variety of local leaders to strengthen neighborhoods and to unlock doors of opportunity that have been closed for far too long.”
“The Promise Zone effort is proof positive that partnerships are the key to community economic development,” said Agriculture Secretary Vilsack. “Families and children in rural and tribal communities are full of potential to compete and succeed in the 21st Century. When we invest our resources and establish long-lasting public-private alliances to strengthen educational opportunities, deliver health care, build infrastructure and create jobs, we are investing in our country’s future.”
To celebrate the newly designated zones, events were held across the country in each of the new urban zones. Secretary Julián Castro, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development visited St. Louis, Secretary Arne Duncan, U.S. Department of Education visited Minneapolis, CEO, Wendy Spencer, Corporation for National and Community Service visited Indianapolis, Deputy Secretary, Nani Coloretti, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, visited Hartford and HUD Regional Administrators held events in Camden, NJ and Sacramento, CA. To highlight the rural zone designations of South Carolina’s Low Country and South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Secretary Tom Vilsack hosted media calls for South Carolina and South Dakota.
Background on Promise Zones:
Today’s newly designated Promise Zones join five others that President Obama designated in January, 2014 – San Antonio; Los Angeles; Philadelphia; Southeastern Kentucky Highlands and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. The work underway in these communities is already showing results. For example:
In San Antonio, the George Gervin Youth Center was awarded a $1.1 million YouthBuild grant from the Department of Labor to establish an education and training program for at-risk young people. The program is enrolling 64 people and preparing them for jobs in good, middle-class careers including jobs in the nursing and the building trades. The Gervin Center also received a $2 million Training-to-Work grant from the Department of Labor to help young men and women participating in work-release programs gain the job skills necessary to launch them on a path to high-demand jobs.
In Los Angeles, the Unified School District is supporting college and career readiness programs for 6,500 students in 16 schools, while Advocates for Youth is developing a teen pregnancy prevention plan with community partners. Access to healthy foods is also a high priority in the L.A. Promise Zone. Business leaders and the East Hollywood Farmers Market are involved in various initiatives including establishing six community-supported agricultural sites to expand access to nutritious food options. The City is also conducting outreach to low-income tenants to reduce lead hazards in homes and will be placing AmeriCorps volunteers in schools and job training sites to counsel students on post-secondary education options and career choices.
In Philadelphia, the Juvenile Justice Center is providing career training for youth who have been involved with the justice system. Promise Zone partners are creating access to healthy food and improving the business infrastructure for sustainable food production. Drexel University is leading a collaborative effort to increase the number of neighborhood children who have access to high quality child care and improve school performance. Security cameras were installed at a high-crime hot spot and businesses are being encouraged to take advantage of subsidized cameras along key Promise Zone commercial corridors. Specific plans are being developed to preserve affordable housing to avoid displacement of long-time residents as the neighborhood improves.
In Barbourville, Kentucky, the Knox County Hospital is utilizing funding from the USDA’s Community Facilities Program to expand medical care services for a rural population of approximately 31,883 people and to secure more than 200 jobs.
In the Choctaw Nation, nineteen Head Start classrooms in thirteen centers received direct support from the Department of Health and Human Services to provide early education, nutrition, and health services to 310 children and their families.
Today’s Promise Zone communities were selected from 123 applications from 36 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, DC. Each urban, rural, and tribal Promise Zone applicant was asked to put together a clear description of how the Promise Zone designation would accelerate and strengthen the community’s own efforts at comprehensive community revitalization. Each Promise Zone will be coordinated by a lead community based organization in partnership with the Obama Administration. HUD will be the federal lead for the six urban designees, while USDA will serve as the lead federal partner to the tribal and rural Promise Zones.
All Promise Zones will receive priority access to federal investments that further their strategic plans, federal staff on the ground to help them implement their goals, and five full-time AmeriCorps VISTA members to recruit and manage volunteers and strengthen the capacity of the Promise Zone initiatives.
Third Round Promise Zone Competition
A competition to select a third round of Promise Zones will commence later this year. In the Summer of 2015, HUD will publish a Notice in the Federal Register requesting public comment on the proposed selection process, criteria, and submissions for the final round of the Promise Zones initiative. This notice will provide urban, rural, and tribal communities the opportunity to help shape the third round application guide and efforts to support other communities more effectively in future years.
Fighting for Trade Deals that Put American Workers First – President Barack Obama
WASHINGTON, DC — In this week’s address, the President laid out why new, high-standards trade agreements are important for our economy, our businesses, our workers, and our values. These new trade deals are vital to middle-class economics — the idea that this country does best when everybody gets their fair shot, everybody does their fair share, and everybody plays by the same set of rules. The President has been clear — any deal he signs will be the most progressive trade agreement in our history with strong provisions for both workers and the environment. It would also level the playing field — and when the playing field is level, American workers always win.
Hi, everybody. I’ve talked a lot lately about why new trade deals are important to our economy.
Today, I want to talk about why new trade deals are important to our values.
They’re vital to middle-class economics -- the idea that this country does best when everyone gets their fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same set of rules.
These are simple values. They’re American values. And we strive to make sure our own economy lives up to them, especially after a financial crisis brought about by recklessness and greed. But we also live in a world where our workers have to compete on a global scale. Right now, on an uneven playing field. Where the rules are different. And that’s why America has to write the rules of the global economy -- so that our workers can compete on a level playing field.
I understand why a lot of people are skeptical of trade deals. Past deals didn’t always live up to the hype. They didn’t include the kind of protections we’re fighting for today.
We have lessons to learn from the past -- and we have learned them. But trying to stop a global economy at our shores isn’t one of those lessons. We can’t surrender to the future -- because we are meant to win the future. If America doesn’t shape the rules of the global economy today, to benefit our workers, while our economy is in a position of new global strength, then China will write those rules. I’ve seen towns where manufacturing collapsed, plants closed down, and jobs dried up. And I refuse to accept that for our workers. Because I know when the playing field is level, nobody can beat us.
That’s why, when I took office, we started thinking about how to revamp trade in a way that actually works for working Americans. And that’s what we’ve done with a new trade partnership we’re negotiating in the Asia-Pacific -- home to the world’s fastest-growing markets.
It’s the highest-standard trade agreement in history. It’s got strong provisions for workers and the environment -- provisions that, unlike in past agreements, are actually enforceable. If you want in, you have to meet these standards. If you don’t, then you’re out. Once you’re a part of this partnership, if you violate your responsibilities, there are actually consequences. And because it would include Canada and Mexico, it fixes a lot of what was wrong with NAFTA, too.
So this isn’t a race to the bottom, for lower wages and working conditions. The trade agreements I’m negotiating will drive a race to the top. And we’re making sure American workers can retool through training programs and community colleges, and use new skills to transition into new jobs.
If I didn’t think this was the right thing to do for working families, I wouldn’t be fighting for it. We’ve spent the past six years trying to rescue the economy, retool the auto industry, and revitalize American manufacturing. And if there were ever an agreement that undercut that progress, or hurt those workers, I wouldn’t sign it. My entire presidency is about helping working families recover from recession and rebuild for the future. As long as I’m President, that’s what I’ll keep fighting to do.
Thanks
Gap Inc. Supports Robust Trade Agenda and Introduction Of Bipartisan TPA Legislation; Urges Quick Congressional Approval
SAN FRANCISCO – Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) today applauded the introduction of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015, bipartisan legislation to modernize and renew Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), and enable a robust trade agenda to bolster U.S. economic growth and competitiveness. The legislation would help open the door to new markets for U.S. goods and services, help level the playing field for American retailers, and support well–paying U.S. Jobs.
“Trade is vital to the global competitiveness of Gap Inc., and supports more than 110,000 Gap Inc. employees across the United States,” said Sonia Syngal, executive vice president of global supply chain and product operations, Gap Inc. “We thank Senators Hatch and Wyden, as well as Congressman Ryan, for their efforts to craft bipartisan legislation that will help us to create new economic opportunities and grow our business. TPA is key to making sure U.S. companies and workers get the best possible outcomes in trade agreements, and we strongly encourage Congress and the President to work together to enact it as soon as possible.”
The TPA legislation introduced today includes significant improvements to the 2002 TPA law and recognizes changes in the U.S. economy, such as the prevalence of global value chains to support U.S. jobs. The bill also sets negotiating objectives on fair competition with state-owned enterprises, labor and environmental standards, and enhanced procedures to ensure Congressional oversight and public input on U.S. trade negotiations.
“Given the ambitious trade negotiations already underway, including the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), Congress urgently needs to enact TPA legislation to make clear its trade priorities. TPA will help to achieve to the best possible TPP that opens new markets and raises standards to protect workers and the environment in our trading partner countries,” Syngal added.
About Gap Inc.
Gap Inc. is a leading global retailer offering clothing, accessories, and personal care products for men, women, and children under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime, Athleta, and Intermix brands. Fiscal year 2014 net sales were $16.4 billion. Gap Inc. products are available for purchase in more than 90 countries worldwide through about 3,300 company-operated stores, over 400 franchise stores, and e-commerce sites. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com.
SBA Calls for Swift Approval of Trade Promotion Authority
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet, the head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), called today for Congress to approve the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) proposal introduced this week. The Administrator has traveled the country in recent months, talking with entrepreneurs, lending partners and community leaders, hearing first-hand the importance of international trade for our small businesses.
“Right now, 95 percent of the world’s consumers live outside our borders, but only one percent of our businesses sell to them,” said Administrator Contreras-Sweet. “TPA is an essential step in changing that equation and helping our entrepreneurs access vital foreign markets. Our small businesses know that the economy is increasingly global, and they’re counting on Washington to help them rise to the challenge. At the SBA, we stand ready to help American small businesses take full advantage of new market opportunities through our counseling services, loan guarantees and export promotion programs.”
“More than half of American small business exporters are selling to only one foreign market, usually Canada,” continued Contreras-Sweet. “If we’re going to maintain our global economic leadership, that has to change. Strong trade agreements are particularly vital to our smaller exporters, who often lack offshore affiliates and other resources that help larger corporations navigate trade barriers and gain market access.”
The SBA supports expanding exports by American small businesses through its flagship 7(a) and 504 loan programs, as well as through trade-specific credit products. SBA also provides no-cost counseling to small businesses seeking to export via a vast network of 68 district offices, 19 U.S. Export Assistance Centers, 900 small business development centers, nearly 100 women business centers, and 15 Veterans’ business opportunity centers.
11.7 Million Reasons to Lead on Trade – US Trade Rep. Michael Froman and Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker
There are 11.7 million reasons to lead on trade. That’s the estimated number of American jobs supported by exports in 2014, our fifth consecutive year of record-breaking exports. These record performances are truly a “Team USA” effort, driven by businesses of all sizes from all sectors across our economy. If any one group deserves special attention, it is our small businesses, which comprise 98 percent of all American exporters.
To recognize that outsized contribution, our agencies have released a report that illustrates how access to global markets is benefiting small businesses across our nation. Currently, around 300,000 small- and medium-sized businesses across the 50 states export to foreign destinations, supporting millions of American jobs. Impressive as they are, these figures only scratch the surface of what is possible. With 95 percent of the world’s customers living outside of U.S. borders, there is enormous potential for our businesses – and small businesses in particular – to grow their exports, hire more American workers, and expand their bottom lines.
Among the many small businesses thriving in global markets is Planson International, which exports information and communication technology from New Gloucester, Maine to over 80 countries. Since 2004, Planson’s annual exports have grown from $5 million to $35 million, and its staff has grown from 5 to 35 employees. As President Connie Justice told us, “We attribute Planson’s success almost exclusively to export sales.” Due to its reliance on local U.S. suppliers, more business for Planson overseas means even more business here at home.
Of course, it is impossible to capture the diversity of talent, innovation, and hard work that help American small businesses drive our economy with a single snapshot. However, small businesses usually share some important characteristics that many of these stories highlight. Accounting for almost all private sector employment growth in recent decades, small businesses are a major source of jobs for American workers. Furthermore, small businesses that export to foreign markets tend to grow faster, hire more, and pay higher wages than small businesses that serve purely domestic markets.
Small businesses also face a common set of challenges when competing in the global marketplace. High tariffs can reduce already small margins, making exporting more difficult. Weak intellectual property rules can jeopardize the hard work, investment, and personal risk that go into making new products. The complexities of customs procedures and the lack of transparency around regulations can be overwhelming to small businesses. While large businesses are not immune to these challenges, smaller firms do not always have the means to take on the extra costs and risks. As a result, the vast majority of American small businesses still do not export at all, and of the small portion that do export, most only export to one country.
President Obama is committed to addressing these barriers and giving American businesses of all sizes a fair shot in markets around the world. The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which the United States is negotiating with 11 other nations, includes the first chapter dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by many small businesses. Its completion would open markets that are home to the fastest-growing middle class in the world to ‘Made in America’ goods and services. That would be welcome news for small businesses like Planson, which faces tariffs of up to 30 percent in TPP markets.
When TPP is combined with the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, an ambitious deal the United States is negotiating with the European Union, American businesses and their workers will be at the center of a free trade zone that covers nearly two-thirds of the global economy. With that central position, America can become the world’s production platform of choice, the place everyone wants to set up shop in order to make things and sell them here and around the world.
But realizing these gains requires leadership. In recent years, countries across the Asia-Pacific have struck more than 200 trade deals, while American workers and businesses have largely missed out. We cannot afford to sit on the sidelines as others strike deals that put our businesses and workers at a competitive disadvantage and encourage a race to the bottom. By moving forward with standards that reflect our interests and values, including the highest labor and environmental protections, we can protect American jobs and catalyze a race to the top.
The first step in that leadership is passing bipartisan trade promotion legislation, which puts Congress in the driver’s seat to define U.S. negotiating objectives and priorities for trade agreements. TPA clarifies and strengthens public and Congressional oversight by requiring consultation and transparency throughout the negotiating process. Importantly, it also makes clear to our trading partners that the Administration and Congress are on the same page in negotiating high standards in our trade agreements. Not surprisingly, Congress has used trade promotion legislation to work with American presidents from both parties going back to FDR, including every president during the last four decades.
As this new report underscores, the world wants what America is selling. To unlock the opportunity that beckons beyond our borders, we must lead on trade.
Article Is By US Trade Representative Michael Froman and Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker
Froman is the 17th USTR, serving since 2013. Pritzker is the 38th Secretary of Commerce, serving since 2013
LinkedIn to Acquire lynda.com a High-Quality Content Provider for Professional Skills
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., – LinkedIn (NYSE:LNKD), the world’s largest professional network on the Internet with more than 300 million members worldwide, today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire lynda.com, a leading online learning company teaching business, technology and creative skills to help people achieve their professional goals. Based in Carpinteria, CA, lynda.com was co-founded in 1995 by Lynda Weinman and Bruce Heavin.
The transaction is valued at approximately $1.5 billion, subject to adjustment, in a combination of approximately 52 percent cash and approximately 48 percent stock. Subject to the completion of customary conditions, the acquisition is expected to close during the second quarter of 2015.
Through a subscription to lynda.com’s service, individual members and organizations have access to a comprehensive collection of top quality courses taught by industry experts, offered in English, German, French, Spanish, and Japanese. In addition to individual subscribers, lynda.com serves corporate, government and educational organizations through its lyndaEnterprise, lyndaPro, lyndaCampus, lyndaLibrary and lyndaKiosk products. lynda.com stands out as a leader of owned and operated premium skills content, offering a massive library of high-quality courses.
“The mission of LinkedIn and the mission of lynda.com are highly aligned. Both companies seek to help professionals be better at what they do,” said Jeff Weiner, CEO of LinkedIn. “lynda.com’s extensive library of premium video content helps empower people to develop the skills needed to accelerate their careers. When integrated with the hundreds of millions of members and millions of jobs on LinkedIn, lynda.com can change the way in which people connect to opportunity.”
“This is such an exciting moment in the 20-year history oflynda.com, and I couldn’t imagine a better pairing than lynda.com and LinkedIn,” said Lynda Weinman, co-founder and executive chair of the board of lynda.com.
“In LinkedIn, we have found an incredible partner who shares our vision and passion for empowering people around the world to make real change in their lives through access to information, learning and professional development,” said Eric Robison, CEO of lynda.com.
Following closing, most members of the lynda.com team are expected to join LinkedIn.
Ryan Roslansky, head of global content products at LinkedIn, blogged in more detail about the acquisition here. Weiner wrote a post about the acquisition here, and Weinman posted about it here.
Webcast and Conference Call
LinkedIn will host a webcast and conference call to discuss the acquisition agreement today at 8:45 am Eastern Time/5:45 am Pacific Time. Jeff Weiner and Steve Sordello will host the webcast, which can be viewed on the investor relations section of the LinkedIn website at http://investors.linkedin.com/. This call will contain forward-looking statements and other material information. Following completion of the call, a recorded replay of the webcast will be available on the website.
About LinkedIn
LinkedIn connects the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful and transforms the ways companies hire, market and sell. Our vision is to create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce through the ongoing development of the world’s first Economic Graph. LinkedIn has more than 300 million members and has offices around the world.
Aboutlynda.com
lynda.com is a leading online learning company that helps anyone learn business, technology and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals. Through individual, corporate, academic and government subscriptions, members have access to thelynda.com and Video2Brain video library of more than 6,300, engaging, top-quality courses and more than 267,000 video tutorials taught by recognized industry experts. The company also provides German, French and Spanish-language content under the video2brain brand name.
lynda.com, Inc. was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Carpinteria, California with offices in San Francisco, London, Sydney and Graz and is funded in part by Accel Partners, Spectrum Equity, TPG Capital and Meritech Capital Partners.
US Economy Added 126,000 New Jobs In March, Extending The Longest Streak Of Private Sector Jobs Growth
WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez issued the following statement about the March 2015 Employment Situation report released today:
“The economy added 126,000 new jobs in March (129,000 in the private sector), extending the longest streak of private sector job growth on record to 61 consecutive months, with 12.1 million jobs created over that time. The unemployment rate held steady at 5.5 percent. Long-term unemployment fell to 1.6 percent, down 0.7 percentage points from a year ago. Average hourly earnings increased by 7 cents for all private-sector employees, contributing to a 2.1 percent increase in nominal hourly wages over the last 12 months.
“While March’s numbers aren’t as robust as we’ve seen over the last year, overall trends remain solid, and there is every reason to be optimistic about our economic trajectory going forward. We’ve made incredible strides since the depths of the Great Recession, but there’s more work to do to make sure every person can benefit from this recovery. There’s more to do to strengthen and grow our middle class.
“The Obama administration continues to make strong investments that will give people the in-demand skills required to succeed in 21st century jobs; by contrast, the Congressional majority’s budget would mean 2.2 million fewer people in 2016 alone receiving job training and employment services. A new public-private initiative called TechHire is giving Americans pathways to well-paying IT jobs, which are currently available in the hundreds of thousands. And today, the president is announcing new steps to drive growth in clean energy and train 75,000 workers, including many veterans, for solar jobs.
“Wage growth remains the unfinished business of this recovery. While Wall Street employees are collectively taking home billions of dollars just in bonuses, minimum wage workers haven’t had a raise since 2009. Even as many states and localities take action on this issue, we still need Congress to put partisanship aside and raise the federal wage floor.
“And to help working families, we also need to expand access to paid leave, so that no one has to lose a paycheck in order to take care of a sick child or spouse. This week we kicked off a nationwide tour — Lead on Leave: Empowering Working Families Across America — to highlight best practices from employers and state and local governments, raising awareness about the need nationwide for paid leave and other flexible workplace policies.
“These steps are essential to an agenda based on middle-class economics, where everyone has the chance to succeed. As we celebrate the progress of the last few years, we have to do more to ensure the rising tide lifts every boat. Working together, we can do more to expand opportunity and create an economy that works for everyone.”
Employ ‘Enormous Potential’ of People with Autism, Secretary-General Urges in Message for World Awareness Day
I am hugely encouraged by the growing public awareness of autism spectrum disorders and the increase of public services to many of those affected. World Autism Awareness Day not only fosters greater understanding, it empowers parents into seeking early intervention therapies and calls for the full integration of persons with autism into society. It also invites policymakers to encourage schools to open their doors to students with autism. With adequate support, they can — and should — be educated in the heart of their communities. Now is the time for even greater access and work opportunities for persons with autism.
This year, I am pleased to launch an employment “Call to Action”, inviting businesses to make concrete commitments to employ people on the autism spectrum. We encourage public offices, corporations and small businesses to have a closer look at the way they perceive people with autism, to take the time to learn about the condition and to create life-changing opportunities.
People with autism have enormous potential. Most have remarkable visual, artistic or academic skills. Thanks to the use of assistive technologies, non-verbal persons with autism can communicate and share their hidden capabilities. Recognizing the talents of persons on the autism spectrum, rather than focusing on their weaknesses, is essential to creating a society that is truly inclusive.
Yet, even where autism awareness is most advanced, more than 80 per cent of adults with autism are unemployed. That is why it is so important for employers to understand their unique and often exceptional skills, and to enable work environments where they can excel. This important mission can only be achieved with appropriate vocational training and adequate support alongside a recruitment process that can allow people to successfully integrate into workforces around the world.
The United Nations General Assembly has called for greater access and opportunities for persons with autism. In declaring 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day, the Assembly also called for training for public administrators, service providers, caregivers, families and non-professionals to support the integration of persons with autism into society, so that they can realize their full potential.
On World Autism Awareness Day, let us join forces to create the best possible conditions for those with autism, so that they can make their own contribution to a future that is fair and sustainable for all.
USDA Awards Loans and Grants to Support Rural Economic Development – Infrastructure Investments Will Help Create Jobs
WASHINGTON, March 30, 2015 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the award of $31 million in loans and grants for organizations in 12 states to promote rural economic development.
“These infrastructure investments will help rural residents start or expand businesses,” Vilsack said. “The funds can be used for a wide range of needs. They can help businesses increase production and manufacturing capacity, and can even help rural homeowners save money by making their homes more energy efficient.”
The funding is being provided through USDA’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program. Vilsack today announced $31 million in loans and grants for 38 projects in 12 states.
Through the REDLG program, USDA provides zero-interest loans and grants to utilities that lend funds to local businesses for projects to create and retain employment in rural areas. These revolving loan funds broaden the program’s reach and create a multiplier effect for its impact. Eligible applicants are USDA Rural Utilities Service borrowers. Innovative USDA investments through this program are boosting economic development in rural communities all across the country, Vilsack noted.
In North Carolina, the Four County Electric Membership Corp. has been selected to receive a $2 million loan to help Pender County buy equipment for a new seafood manufacturing plant to be located in the county. This project is expected to create 120 full-time jobs at the facility.
The City of Sevierville, Tenn., is receiving a $2 million loan help the KaTom Restaurant Supply Co. renovate a warehouse to create a training center for employees and for customers who buy equipment. This project will add 15 employees to the company’s workforce.
North Carolina’s Tideland Electric Membership Corp. has been approved for a $540,000 loan and $300,000 grant to help a charter school build a 57,000-square-foot classroom. The beneficiary of the loan is one of the oldest charter schools in the state.
The awards announced today are contingent upon the recipients meeting the terms of the loan or grant agreement. View the complete list of awards.
Since the beginning of the Obama Administration, the REDLG program has helped create or save more than 32,000 rural jobs, provided almost $338 million in economic development assistance, improved manufacturing capability, expanded health care and educational facilities and helped expand or establish almost 1,200 rural businesses and community projects.
In 2013, Rural Development awarded a $1 million loan to the Dakota Valley Electric Cooperative, which used part of the funds to help LaMoure Housing, Inc. construct a building that is home to the grocery store and hardware store in the small, rural town of LaMoure, N.D. (population 889).
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities.
UK Unemployment Falls to 1.86m – According To Office for National Statistics
Key Points for the three months ending January 2015
• Comparing the estimates for the three months ending January 2015 with those for August to October 2014, employment continued to rise and unemployment continued to fall. These changes maintain the general direction of movement since late 2011/early 2012.
• There were 30.94 million people in work, 143,000 more than for August to October 2014 and 617,000 more than for a year earlier.
• There were 22.64 million people working full-time, 481,000 more than for a year earlier. There were 8.30 million people working part-time, 137,000 more than for a year earlier.
• The proportion of people aged from 16 to 64 in work (the employment rate) was 73.3%, the highest since comparable records began in 1971.
• There were 1.86 million unemployed people, 102,000 fewer than for August to October 2014 and 479,000 fewer than for a year earlier.
• The proportion of the economically active population who were unemployed (the unemployment rate) was 5.7%, lower than for August to October 2014 (6.0%) and for a year earlier (7.2%). The economically active population is those in work plus those seeking and available to work.
• There were 9.03 million people aged from 16 to 64 who were out of work and not seeking or available to work (known as economically inactive), 30,000 fewer than for August to October 2014 but 14,000 more than for a year earlier.
• The proportion of people aged from 16 to 64 who were economically inactive (the inactivity rate) was 22.2%, little changed compared with August to October 2014 and with a year earlier.
• Comparing the three months ending January 2015 with a year earlier, pay for employees in Great Britain increased by 1.8% including bonuses and by 1.6% excluding bonuses
Women’s Empowerment Through Social Entrepreneurship, A Way Forward For IKEA
By empowering women the whole family and village benefits. IKEA is building long-term partnerships with social entrepreneurs around the world, to break the cycle of poverty and give women in rural communities a brighter future. The latest result in store is the collection STADIGT, to be launched in selected countries March 2015.
Since 2012 IKEA has been forming partnerships with social entrepreneurs around the world. The social entrepreneurs IKEA works with gain access to a global marketplace, giving them a strong foundation for self-sufficiency and independence.
“These partnerships are a new way to make business where everyone wins. The social entrepreneurs gain access to a global marketplace and are able to provide the artisans with a job on their own terms, helping them stay in their village and at the same time provide for their families”, says Steve Howard, Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA Group.
The two social enterprises Rangsutra and Industree PT in India, use handicraft businesses to reduce poverty and to empower women by making them more financially independent. Many women in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Karnataka where Rangsutra and Industree PT operate are employed in vulnerable jobs which lack the protection of labor laws. Having an income gives women, and their children, in rural India new opportunities in life.
“For the most vulnerable members of society, earning an income opens up new opportunities. Women in rural communities often have little or no access to education, healthcare or a paid employment. Forming long-term partnerships with Rangsutra and Industree PT gives women in rural India a chance to independence and a better future”, says Vaishali Misra, Initiative Leader, IKEA of Sweden.
Through Rangsutra, around 600 women work with IKEA productions. Rangsutra gathers hundreds of artisans in small production cooperatives. By creating products using traditional handicraft techniques Rangsutra not only provides jobs but also helps to preserve an important part of the cultural heritage.
“Rangsutra is basically an attempt to generate sustainable livelihoods for rural artisans, building upon traditional skills they already had. By giving regular work, and income, to women they get a say in what the family decides. They also have some more money to spend on healthcare”, says Sumita Ghose, founder and Managing Director of Rangsutra.
About Rangsutra
Rangsutra creates livelihood for 3,500 artisans living in remote regions of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Around 600 women work with IKEA productions through Rangsutra. By creating products using traditional handicraft techniques, for example used in the STADIGT collection, Rangsutra not only provide jobs but helps to preserve an important part of the cultural heritage.
About Industree PT
Industree PT, founded in 1994, supports the livelihoods of thousands of rural producers and agricultural workers primarily in southern India. They work with self-help groups and co-operatives, where women are in majority, to provide an increased and sustainable income for their families. The production facilities are entirely run by the artisans and each employee is a shareholder in the company. The employees also put aside money as a group, and takes votes on how to best in invest them.
About IKEA Group
The IKEA vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. Our business idea supports this vision by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them. There are currently 315 IKEA Group stores in 28 countries. Additionally, there are 40 IKEA stores run by franchises. There are 40 IKEA stores in the US. In FY 14, IKEA Group had 716 million visitors to the stores and 1.5 billion visitors to IKEA.com. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information, please visit www.IKEA.com, facebook.com/IKEAUSA, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA, http://pinterest.com/IKEAUSA/, www.youtube.com/IKEAUSA, www.theshare-space.com, www.theshare-space.com/en/Blog
News Corp Announces Acquisition of VCCircle, India’s Leading Digital Data, Network For Venture Capital and Start-Ups
NEW YORK – News Corp announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire the VCCircle Network, which includes VCCircle.com, Techcircle.in, VCCEdge, VCCircle Training, in addition to a premium-content driven conference business.
Terms of the acquisition, which is expected to close in March, were not disclosed.
“This important investment is a sign of our faith in India’s future and our enthusiasm for working with and building up emerging talents in the country,” said News Corp Chief Executive Robert Thomson. “India is an increasingly meaningful part of our portfolio, which is itself increasingly digital and global.”
“For the past decade, we have built a strong franchise with proprietary data, information, content, and networking capabilities around India’s digital business world,” said P.V. Sahad, Founder and CEO of VCCircle Network. “Being a part of News Corp will now allow us to accelerate our already aggressive growth plans.”
VCCircle Network is owned by Mosaic Media Ventures Pvt Ltd and has about 100 employees across India, with its headquarters in Noida. Sahad, and the management group, will become part of News Corp’s India team. Sahad will report to News Corp Senior Vice President, Strategy, Raju Narisetti.
The VCCircle acquisition builds on News Corp’s recent digital investments in India. In November, News Corp acquired a 25% stake in PropTiger.com, India’s leading online residential real estate platform. In December, News Corp acquired BigDecisions.com, which aims to help Indian consumers make smarter financial decisions through interactive, decision-making tools powered by sophisticated algorithms and data. News Corp also has a presence across India through its Dow Jones, Wall Street Journal and HarperCollins Publishers businesses.
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About News Corp
News Corp (NASDAQ: NWS, NWSA; ASX: NWS, NWSLV) is a global, diversified media and information services company focused on creating and distributing authoritative and engaging content to consumers throughout the world. The company comprises businesses across a range of media, including: news and information services, book publishing, cable network programming in Australia, digital real estate services, digital education, and pay-TV distribution in Australia. Headquartered in New York, the activities of News Corp are conducted primarily in the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. More information: http://www.newscorp.com.
About VCCircle Network
The VCCircle Network includes the following:
• VCCircle.com is a pioneer in private equity, venture capital, and M&A related information and analysis of the Indian investment ecosystem. It tracks M&A, venture capital, private equity, investment banking, and emerging companies and sectors, and was the first such website in India to launch a premium subscription-led offering.
• VCCEdge is an online subscription-based data platform with comprehensive information on VC/PE/M&A deals, deal multiples, IPOs, directories of PE/VC firms, investment banks and law firms, private and public company information, company financials, shareholding structures, professionals & key developments related to companies throughout India. It primarily serves private equity and venture capital firms, investment banks, law firms, with around 200 institutional clients.
• Techcircle.in, launched in February 2011, is dedicated to tracking India’s booming technology startups, including the people behind the companies, innovations, products, strategies and startup financing.
• VCCircle Training, which launched in 2011, is an executive education division that conducts intensive workshops and seminars on finance, legal and regulatory topics for corporate, financial and legal professionals.
• VCCircle Conferences is a premium content-led conference division that conducts several annual conferences across major Indian cities in industry verticals and around focused B2B themes. Over the past seven years, it has held some 100 conferences, hosting over 15,000 delegates and 1,500 speakers.
General Mills Reaffirms Commitment To Equal Opportunity And Women’s Empowerment
General Mills today reaffirmed its commitment to promote equal opportunity for women by signing the CEO Statement of Support for the United Nation’s Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEP). The WEPs are the result of collaboration between the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) and the United Nations Global Compact and offer guidance on how to empower women in the workplace, marketplace and community.
The signing coincides with International Women’s Day and underscores the company’s mission of Nourishing Lives through diversity and inclusion in the workplace and building strong communities around the world.
“Diversity and inclusion is core to our business strategy. We are committed to creating an inclusive work environment, in which we respect all dimensions of diversity, including gender. Our company leadership reflects this,” said Ken Powell, chairman and chief executive officer at General Mills. “We know that when women thrive, communities thrive. And when communities thrive, we all do better. Signing onto the Women’s Empowerment Principles reflects our belief that advancing women is not only the right thing to do, but the smart thing to do. For everyone.”
The WEPs bring together a range of existing programs at General Mills and company resources around the world that focus on building a diverse and inclusive workplace culture, delivering remarkable and measureable philanthropy, and creating shared value across our supply chain.
“Principles such as those outlined by the UN’s WEPs have been part of our values and our success at General Mills for decades,” said Kim Nelson, executive vice president of External Relations at General Mills and president of the General Mills Foundation. “We are very proud of our ongoing efforts to empower women and girls, and we will continue to support innovative programs that positively impact and engage women across the globe.”
The principles:
Establish high-level corporate leadership for gender equality.
Treat all women and men fairly at work – respect and support human rights and nondiscrimination.
Ensure the health, safety and well-being of all women and men workers.
Promote education, training and professional development for women.
Implement enterprise development, supply chain and marketing practices that empower women.
Promote equality through community initiatives and advocacy.
Measure and publicly report on progress to achieve gender equality.
We broadly support what these principles stand for – empowerment of women – while retaining flexibility where necessary to refine, or more specifically define, what they mean to us or how they apply to our businesses globally.
For example, we view equity in pay as equal pay for equal work and have concerns with the potential negative implications of any regulatory mandates to the contrary.
About General Mills
General Mills is one of the world’s leading food companies, operating in more than 100 countries around the world. Its brands include Cheerios, Fiber One, Häagen-Dazs, Nature Valley, Yoplait, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Old El Paso, Wanchai Ferry, Yoki and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., USA, General Mills had fiscal 2014 worldwide sales of US $17.9 billion.
