Washington, D.C. — A new national study released today by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and the National Conference on Citizenship (NCoC) shows that millions of Americans make volunteering a priority in their lives. The annual Volunteering and Civic Life in America research shows that volunteering in the U.S. remains stable and strong across generations.

“Volunteering is a core American value. Americans who volunteer enrich our communities and keep our nation strong,” said Wendy Spencer, CEO of CNCS. “As citizens, there are so many ways we can make a difference for those who are in need, during this holiday season and throughout the entire year.”

This year’s report found that one in four adults (26.5 percent) volunteered through an organization in 2012, demonstrating that volunteering remains an important activity for millions of Americans. Altogether, 64.5 million Americans volunteered nearly 7.9 billion hours last year. The estimated value of this volunteer service is nearly $175 billion, based on the Independent Sector’s estimate of the average value of a volunteer hour.

The research shows that Americans’ commitment to volunteering spans generations. Key highlights of the report include:

•The volunteer rate of Generation Xers has trended upward over the past 11 years, increasing nearly 5.5 percentage points, and Generation X has the highest volunteer rate of any age group.

•Volunteers age 65 and over spent a median of 90 hours on volunteer activities in 2012, the highest amoung any age group, and nearly twice the 50 median annual hours served by the general volunteer population.

•Volunteering has trended upward among teenagers (ages 16-19) over the past six years, up nearly 3 percentage points since 2007.

•Working mothers continue to volunteer at a significantly higher rate than the population as a whole and people who do not live with children under 18 (38.5 percent compared to 26.5 percent and 23.8 percent, respectively).

•The volunteer rate of parents with children under age 18 (33.5 percent) remained higher than the population as a whole (26.5 percent) and for persons who do not live with under 18 (23.8 percent).

•Volunteers are almost twice as likely to donate to charity as non-volunteers. Eight in ten (79.2 percent) volunteers donated to charity, compared to four in ten (40.4 percent) non-volunteers. Overall, half of all citizens (50.7 percent) donated at least $25 to charity in 2012.

“Volunteering is a critical component of civic life,” said Ilir Zherka, Executive Director of NCoC. “When people are involved in their communities through service, giving, political involvement, and other civic actions, our country is stronger and more prosperous.”

“Helping others who are in need and working together to strengthen our communities is an important American tradition that helps make our nation so resilient,” said Spencer. “But volunteering goes beyond helping other people; studies have shown that the volunteers themselves benefit, whether through increased job prospects, better health, or even better overall well-being.”

The research comes on the heels of the “Volunteering as a Pathway to Employment” study released by CNCS over the summer, which found that unemployed individuals who volunteer over the next year have 27 percent higher odds of being employed at the end of the year than non-volunteers. Among rural volunteers and volunteers without a high school diploma, the likelihood increases to 55 and 51 percent, respectively.

As volunteering remains strong in America, momentum continues to build around national service and its important role in addressing critical local issues. This year marks the 20th anniversary of AmeriCorps, celebrating more than 800,000 members who have served our country since the program’s inception. In 2012, AmeriCorps members recruited and managed more than four million volunteers.

CNCS’ more than 360,000 Senior Corps volunteers are also helping millions of Americans find economic empowerment by mentoring and tutoring youth, helping veterans transition into civilian life, and conducting job training to unemployed individuals.

This Press Release is courtesy Corporation for National And community Service www.nationalservice.gov

NEW YORK- BET Networks, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), today revealed Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross as hosts for this year’s “BET Awards” 2015 airing live on Sunday, June 28 at 8pm/ET on BET from the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles, CA.

“I look forward to the BET Awards every year! Tracee and I are going to have so much fun this year celebrating 15 years in black entertainment television,” said Anthony Anderson. “I can’t wait to see all of my peers and the amazing performances that evening. We may even have a few surprises up our sleeves!”

“I’m thrilled to be hosting the 15th annual BET Awards alongside my on-screen husband Anthony, and am so honored to also be a nominee! The BET Awards always deliver an epic evening with the best of the best across movies, sports, TV and music,” said Tracee Ellis Ross.

“We can’t think of a better way to ring in 15 years of BET Awards than with the talented on-screen duo of Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross as our hosts,” said Stephen Hill, BET’s President of Programming. “They are both comedic geniuses and we are ready for them to unleash the laughter and good times on June 28. It will be a night to remember!”

Actor, writer and Los Angeles native, Anthony Anderson is currently starring and Executive Producer of ABC’s new comedy Black-ish alongside actress Tracee Ellis Ross and host on Food Network’s Eating America. He is known for leading roles on NBC’s Emmy Award-winning drama Law & Order where he played Detective Kevin Bernard opposite Jeremy Sisto as Detective Cyrus Lupo, as well as the shows K-Ville and The Shield. Anderson also brought his talent and humor to the small screen in his own WB sitcom All About the Andersons, which was loosely based on his life. Anderson has appeared in over 20 films, and his performance on Law & Order earned him his second consecutive NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series for the 2008 season. He also displayed his bountiful talent in the DreamWorks’ blockbuster Transformers directed by Michael Bay; as well as in Martin Scorsese’s Oscar winning feature, The Departed, alongside a stellar cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon and Jack Nicholson. Anderson first gained attention as one of Jim Carrey’s sons in Me, Myself, and Irene, and has subsequently appeared in such films as Scary Movie 3, Barbershop, Kangaroo Jack, Exit Wounds, Cradle 2 the Grave, Two Can Play That Game, and Malibu’s Most Wanted.

Actress, model, comedian, producer and television host, Tracee Ellis Ross began her career acting in independent films, variety series and hosted the pop-culture magazine The Dish on Lifetime. She is best known for her lead role as Joan Clayton on the UPN/CW comedy series, Girlfriends. She starred in the show from 2000 to 2008. In 2007, Ross also starred with her brother Evan Ross and Queen Latifah in the HBO film Life Support. That same year, she appeared in the Tyler Perry theatrical movie,Daddy’s Little Girls and in 2011 had a leading role as Dr. Carla Reed on the BET sitcom Reed Between the Lines. She won a third NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series in 2012 for her performance in the series. In 2012, the fashion influencer expanded her vast digital influence by launching her official website Traceeellisross.com. The lifestyle site utilizes Ross’ unique cross-cultural and joyful point of view to inspire the soul, body and mind of her followers. In 2014, Ross began starring as Dr. Rainbow Johnson in the hit ABC comedy series, Black-ish, which will return in September 2015. For her role, Ross won the 2015 NAACP Image Award for “Best Actress in a Comedy Series”. This past April, Ross returned to the BET Network to co-host the popular award show, “Black Girls Rock,” with Regina King for the fourth televised installment. In May, Ross was awarded an honorary doctorate of fine art (honoris causa) by Brown University. She is nominated in the Best Actress category for the “BET Awards” 2015.

BET Networks recognizes artists, entertainers, and athletes across 20 categories with the “BET Awards” 2015 nominations. The nominations are selected by BET’s Voting Academy, which is comprised of fans and an esteemed group of entertainment professionals in the fields of television, film, music, social media, digital marketing, sports journalism, public relations, and the creative arts.

BET Experience VIP Package offers the only way to purchase a “BET Awards: ticket, great seats to 3 nights of concerts at the Staples Center, and exclusive access to events at the free Fan Fest. For more information, including exclusive hotel rates, and to purchase tickets, go to BET.com/BETX.

A full list of the BET Award 2015 nominations is now available at http://www.bet.com/BETAwards

The “BET Awards” 2015 will premiere around the world on BET’s international network on Tuesday, June 30 at 9:00pm BST / 10:00pm CAT and will air live on MTV Australia for the very first time (check local listings).

Stephen G. Hill, BET’s President of Programming, Connie Orlando, BET’s Senior Vice President of Music and Specials, Lynne Harris Taylor, BET’s Vice President of Specials, will serve as Executive Producers for the “BET Awards” along with Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment.

The “BET Awards” will take place along with the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles from June 25-28, 2015. BET.com/Awards is the official site for the “BET Awards” and will have all the latest news and updates about this year’s show. All information about the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-Cola® can be found at BETExperience.com. The BET Experience VIP Package offers the only way to purchase a “BET Awards” ticket, great seats to 3-nights of concerts at the Staples Center, and exclusive access to events at the free Fan Fest. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to BET.com/BETX.Follow the Experience on Twitter @betexperience, #BETX. @BETAwards #BETAwards

To apply for media credentials for the “BET Awards” 2015 please visit: https://betawards2015.iworldreg.com/public/apply/media

ABOUT BET NETWORKS
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B), is the nation’s leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the 25- to 54-year-old African-American audience; BET Digital Networks – BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

ABOUT “BET AWARDS”
The “BET Awards” is one of the most watched award shows on cable television according to the Nielsen Company. The “BET Awards” franchise remains as the #1 program in cable TV history among African-Americans, and it is BET’s #1 telecast every year. It recognizes the triumphs and successes of artists, entertainers, and athletes in a variety of categories.

ABOUT JESSE COLLINS ENTERTAINMENT
Jesse Collins Entertainment is a full service television and film production company founded by entertainment industry veteran Jesse Collins. For more than a decade, Collins, the company’s CEO, has played an integral role in producing some of television’s most memorable moments in music entertainment. Formerly Executive Producer/EVP of Cossette Productions, Collins has produced ground-breaking and award winning television programming including the BET Awards, the GRAMMY Awards, BET Honors, UNCF An Evening of Stars and the BET Hip Hop Awards. Collins is an executive producer of Real Husbands of Hollywood, (now going into its 4th hit season) alongside industry icons Stan Lathan and Ralph Farquhar; and has worked with superstar talent such as Will Smith, Chris Rock, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Prince, Mariah Carey and many more.

BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE PRESENTED BY COCA-COLA®
BET Networks, an entertainment powerhouse, and AEG, one of the leading entertainment companies in the world and developer/ operator of L.A. LIVE, have teamed up once again to create the BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE (BETX), June 25 – 28, 2015 presented by Coca-Cola®. This three-day festival will be filled with music and comedy concerts taking place at Club Nokia and STAPLES Center; “106 & PARK”; FREE BET Fan Fest at the Los Angeles Convention Center including seminars, celebrity basketball games, celebrity meet & greets; and other special appearances. The weekend will be capped off with the “BET Awards” on Sunday, June 28, 2015 at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE.

When we build roads, bridges, ports, communications networks, municipal water systems, and other infrastructure, we are not just putting construction workers and engineers to work — we are also revitalizing communities, protecting public health and safety, connecting people to jobs, empowering entrepreneurs, and making it easier for American businesses to export goods around the world. There is certainly enough work to do, with $2 trillion in deferred maintenance on the Nation’s infrastructure. Built by far-sighted investment over generations, America’s world-class infrastructure is falling behind the rest of the world. As other nations have sought to compete economically by improving infrastructure, U.S. investment lags behind many of its overseas competitors. In the most recent World Economic Forum rankings, the United States had, in less than a decade, fallen from 7th to 18th overall in the quality of its roads. Building a durable and reliable 21st Century infrastructure creates good jobs that cannot be outsourced and will provide American workers and businesses with the transportation and communication networks they need to help grow the economy. The Budget includes significant investments to repair the existing infrastructure and build the infrastructure of tomorrow in smart, efficient, and cost-effective ways.

2.2.1
Long-Term Investments in Upgrading America’s Transportation Infrastructure
To spur economic growth and allow States and localities to initiate sound multi-year investments, the Budget includes a six-year, $478 billion surface transportation reauthorization proposal.

By reinvesting the transition revenue from pro-growth business tax reform, the President’s plan will ensure the health of the Highway Trust Fund for another six years — two years beyond the 2015 Budget GROW AMERICA proposal — and invest in a range of activities to spur and sustain long-term growth. The President’s plan to rebuild America will increase spending to repair and modernize the Nation’s highways and bridges, as well as injecting much needed investment into the existing transit and intercity passenger rail systems. The President’s plan also increases investments to expand new transit projects, link regional economies by funding the development of high-performance rail, and support American exports by improving goods movement within the Nation’s freight rail networks. Small businesses particularly depend on the quality of transportation networks to get goods to market competitively, allowing them to win customers, expand operations, and hire new employees. To help spur innovation and economic mobility, the reauthorization proposal would permanently authorize the competitive TIGER grant program to support projects that bring job opportunities to communities across the United States. The proposal would also advance the President’s Climate Action Plan by building more resilient infrastructure and reducing transportation emissions by responding to the greater demand and travel growth in public transit. Also, to make sure that Americans are driving vehicles that are safe to operate, the reauthorization proposal includes additional resources for investigating automobile defects, improving data collection to better support Government oversight of auto manufacturers, and making changes to hold auto manufacturers more accountable for reporting and responding to vehicle defects.

The Case for Investing in Infrastructure in Today’s Economy

The Budget proposes to invest in infrastructure through a comprehensive six-year surface transportation reauthorization proposal, as well as tax incentives for State and local infrastructure investment, a new Infrastructure Bank, and other initiatives. The Federal Government plays a vital role in infrastructure investment, and the Nation’s roads, bridges, and other surface transportation infrastructure systems are badly in need of upgrades and repairs. For example, 65 percent of America’s major roads are rated in less than good condition and one quarter of U.S. bridges need rehabilitation, replacement, or significant maintenance and repair to remain in service or do not meet current design standards and traffic needs. Although the economic recovery has begun to accelerate, the economy is still operating below capacity, and interest rates remain at very low levels. While infrastructure investment will continue to be needed even after the economy reaches full employment, time is running out to make these needed investments under ideal economic conditions.

A recent study published by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) [1] makes a convincing case that “the time is right for a strong infrastructure push” in advanced economies such as the United States. While infrastructure is critical for economic efficiency and growth, the private sector often fails to make sufficient investment in infrastructure for several reasons, such as positive externalities, large start-up costs, and economies of scale. Thus, in many cases, the public sector can provide infrastructure more efficiently.

Public infrastructure investment promotes economic growth by boosting aggregate demand in the short run and improving economic efficiency in the long run. While infrastructure needs to be financed, the IMF study presents statistical evidence that — under the right conditions — the combination of short- and long-term economic gains from infrastructure investment can offset much of its cost. When many workers are unemployed, infrastructure investment increases total employment, as opposed to bidding workers away from other sectors, thus increasing aggregate demand.

The U.S. economy still has unused capacity. While the unemployment rate has declined significantly and more workers are holding full-time jobs, nearly four percent of the workforce is still working part time for the lack of full-time work, and unemployment rates in the construction sector remain higher than in the economy as a whole. Moreover, the Federal Government remains able to borrow at very low interest rates, with the 10-year Treasury rate ending 2014 below two and a half percent. While the Budget proposes to offset the cost of its new infrastructure investments, it would front-load the investments and pay for them over the 10-year budget window. This pro-growth approach has the potential to realize both the short- and long-term gains from investing in infrastructure, with no risk of higher long-run debt.

The IMF study also highlights the importance of choosing high-efficiency infrastructure projects based on rigorous benefit-cost analysis. The United States has a pent up supply of badly needed infrastructure projects that meet these tests, and the President’s surface transportation plan would result in larger share of funds being allocated through competitive processes.

[1] International Monetary Fund, 2014, “Is It Time for an Infrastructure Push? The Macroeconomic Effects of Public Investment,” in World Economic Outlook: Legacies, Clouds, Uncertainties.

2.2.2
Infrastructure Permitting
To further accelerate economic growth and improve the competitiveness of the American economy, the Administration is taking action to modernize and improve the efficiency of the Federal permitting process for major infrastructure projects. In May 2014, the President announced a comprehensive interagency plan with 15 reforms to turn best practices into common practice. To implement this plan, the 2015 Budget proposed a new Interagency Infrastructure Permitting Improvement Center housed at the Department of Transportation to lead the Administration’s reform efforts across nearly 20 Federal agencies and bureaus. While waiting for the Congress to act, the Administration set-up an interim interagency team to support reforms, such as moving from separate, consecutive reviews to synchronized, simultaneous reviews. For example, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Corps of Engineers, and the Department of Transportation have launched a new partnership to synchronize their reviews for transportation and other infrastructure projects, such as bridges that cross navigation channels. By developing one environmental analysis that satisfies all three agencies, project timelines can be significantly reduced. Building on these efforts, the Budget supports an expanded, publicly available Permitting Dashboard that tracks project schedules and metrics for major infrastructure projects, further improving the transparency and accountability of the permitting process. To accomplish these goals, the Budget proposes $4 million for the Department of Transportation to expand the Federal Infrastructure Permitting Dashboard and fund staff to lead interagency reforms that accelerate progress and improve outcomes. In addition, the Budget includes $4 million for permitting reforms through a proposal to expand interagency transfer authorities, which would institutionalize capacity to address cross-agency management improvements. The Budget also includes additional funding to expedite the consultations required pursuant to the Endangered Species Act, which also will help accelerate permit review timeframes.

2.2.3 — Build America Investment Initiative

The Budget includes support for the Build America Investment Initiative (BAII), a Government-wide, interagency initiative to increase infrastructure investment and promote economic growth by supporting public-private collaboration in major infrastructure sectors such as transportation, water, and telecommunications. As part of the BAII, the Administration has launched investment centers to provide States and municipalities with assistance on securing investment in transportation, water systems, and rural infrastructure. Together, these centers will facilitate direct private investment in U.S. infrastructure and encourage greater public-private collaboration. For example, as part of the BAII, the Department of Transportation established the Build America Transportation Investment Center to serve as a one-stop-shop for cities and States seeking to use innovative financing and partnerships with the private sector to support transportation infrastructure. An Interagency Infrastructure Finance Working Group, co-chaired by the Secretaries of the Treasury and Transportation, delivered recommendations to the President on how to promote awareness and understanding of innovative financing and increase effective public-private collaboration. Building on those recommendations, the Administration has worked with the private sector to launch two additional investment initiatives that will help leverage existing investments in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure and other infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, local and regional food systems, and broadband expansion throughout rural America. Other Federal agencies are also focusing on using existing authorities to increase the private sector’s participation in the financing of public infrastructure. In addition, the Budget proposes to create a new America Fast Forward Bond program that, like its Build America Bond precursor, will provide State and local governments with an optional taxable bond alternative to traditional tax-exempt bonds. The Federal Government will share in the cost of these bonds so they are as affordable to issuers as tax-exempt bonds, proceeds of which can be used to further finance governmental capital projects.

2.2.4 — Launching the National Parks Centennial Initiative

For 100 years, National Park Service (NPS) parks and historic sites have preserved and shared America’s cultural and historical identity. These places present America’s unique history and draw tourists from across the United States and around the world. There is an opportunity to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the Nation’s great parks by providing enhanced park services for visitors, and through targeted investments to improve NPS facilities. This opportunity is an historic effort to upgrade and restore national parks, while putting tens of thousands of Americans to work and engaging and inspiring younger generations to carry the Nation’s parks into the future.

The Budget proposes $860 million in mandatory and discretionary funding to allow NPS, over 10 years, to make targeted, measurable, and quantifiable upgrades to all of its highest priority non-transportation assets and restore and maintain them to good condition. Addressing the critical needs of these assets avoids deterioration and costs for future generations. The Budget also proposes matching funds to leverage private donations for signature projects and programs at national parks. This significant effort ensures America’s national treasures will be preserved over the next hundred years for future generations.

The 1916 Act that created NPS called for parks to be left “unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” The Parks Centennial seeks to live up to this call by providing more opportunities for children to interact with natural areas. This targeted effort involves transporting over a million urban youth a year to national and public lands with dedicated youth coordinators to welcome them and their families. Today’s investment in the next generation of visitors will help build the stewards of America’s national treasures in the future.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, which the Budget commemorates by proposing $50 million to restore and highlight key sites across the United States that contributed to the struggle for civil rights. This includes investments in specific NPS sites associated with the 1950s and 1960s civil rights movement, such as the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site. State, local, and tribal governments can also apply for historic preservation funds to help them document and preserve stories and sites associated with the struggle.

2.2.5— Smart Investments in Federal Facilities

Investing in the Nation’s federally-owned facilities ensures that mission execution is optimized at the lowest possible cost. Funding reductions in recent years have led to facility deterioration, as well as missed opportunities to consolidate and reduce operating costs. The General Services Administration (GSA) is leading the Federal effort to both invest in Federal facilities and consolidate space to reduce costs and optimize efficiency, saving tens of millions in annual lease costs. The Budget will invest more than $2.5 billion in GSA’s Federal facilities portfolio, an increase of more than $1.1 billion over the enacted level. GSA will invest $1.25 billion in construction and acquisition priorities, including the next phase of the consolidated Department of Homeland Security Headquarters and the first phase of a Civilian Cyber Campus. GSA will also invest more than $900 million in critical repairs and alterations and consolidation activities. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the USDA Forest Service will eliminate operating costs by demolishing unneeded facilities. The Smithsonian Institution and DOI will make necessary investments to improve the condition of facilities and reduce operational costs. The Budget invests $60 million to continue renovations of USDA headquarters, and $206 million for the Agricultural Research Service to renovate and construct its facilities. The Budget also invests $1.5 billion for construction projects at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), an increase of nearly $500 million over the 2015 enacted level. These investments will enhance the Department’s mission while providing opportunities for long-term savings, as building upgrades and renovations result in a reduced footprint. Government-wide, agencies will continue their efforts to reduce their space in accordance with the Administration’s goal to reduce the Federal footprint. In total, the Budget provides an additional $2.4 billion in capital investment funding over the 2015 enacted level.

The sluggish global economy is having a negative impact on how much people give to support charitable deeds in society. According to major charities across the US, the base is reducing as well as the level of donations.

PLANO, Texas, – Attention party people, Super Bowl XLIX is around the corner and it’s time to make your mark. Tostitos, the brand known for bringing the party, is headed to Arizona to celebrate its role as the official chip and dip sponsor of the NFL in a way only the Tostitos brand can – with the most unexpected, over-the-top Super Bowl party experience fans have ever seen. From Wednesday, Jan. 28 through Sunday, Feb. 1, party meets sport as the Tostitos brand challenges fans to complete a series of larger-than-life party games and other tailgating experiences for top party honors. So put your game face on, get your smack talk primed and be ready to dial up the good times – this isn’t your average tailgate.

“Tostitos Party Blvd.” will span two city blocks, establishing itself as one of the ultimate party destinations in downtown Phoenix, complete with Tostitos chips and dips for party-goers to enjoy. Fans also can test their speed, agility and humility as they tackle a variety of backyard party games, including:

Slingshot Blitz: A party game favorite reimagined as an arcade-style experience complete with surprising special effects.
Double Dipper Dunk: A twist on the classic dunk tank, this game invites participants to hit a target opposite them with a football, which results in being “dunked” into a massive bowl of Tostitos dip. Can you say, “yum?”
Mega-Mecha Cornhole: The biggest and baddest game of beanbag toss anyone could ever imagine – a true test of man vs. machine.
“All season long, we’ve challenged Tostitos fans to show us their party awesomeness – from the videos they’ve posted online, to our in-stadium tailgates throughout the season. Our fans proved time and again, they have what it takes to party like pros,” said Jeff Klein, vice president of marketing, Frito-Lay, North America. “With Tostitos Party Blvd. we’re wrapping up this NFL season with one final party for the ages – complete with awesome fans, over-the-top games, delicious snacks and two NFL greats to kick off the festivities. We can’t wait to see what our fans bring to Phoenix this week – game on.”

NFL GREATS JOIN THE PARTY
Joining the Tostitos brand for this one-of-a-kind experience will be Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach Chip Kelly who earlier this year relinquished his unofficial title as the “Official Chip of the NFL” to Tostitos, the official “Official Chip and Dip Sponsor of the NFL” through a series of humorous digital shorts available online since early January.

Also joining for the fun will be NFL legend LaDainian Tomlinson, arguably one of the greatest players of the game and a guy who knows a thing or two about an awesome tailgate party. Tomlinson, who spent 11 successful seasons as an NFL running back playing for the San Diego Chargers and New York Jets, became the NFL MVP in 2006, was selected to five Pro Bowls, named an All-Pro three times, and won two rushing titles (2006 and 2007). Kelly and Tomlinson will be on hand, offering tips and coaching fans as they take turns testing their own skills on each party challenge.

DIALING UP HOMEGATES ACROSS THE COUNTRY
Fans who can’t make it to Arizona can still get in on the Tostitos Party Blvd. action. Follow @Tostitos to see the latest highlights.

And the party doesn’t stop there. Whether fans are throwing a tailgate of their own, or just hosting some friends to watch the game, the Tostitos brand has party-goers covered with a variety of chips and dips that will turn any gathering into a full-on celebration. This includes two new additions to the Tostitos portfolio: Tostitos Rolls! tortilla chips and Tostitos Dip-etizers dips.

NEW Tostitos Rolls! tortilla chips are made for dipping and dunking with a unique, tube-like shape and hearty crunch, sure to dial-up the fun factor of any gathering.
NEW Tostitos Dip-etizers dips come in two delicious flavors, Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke and Mexican Style Four Cheese Queso. Packaged in re-heatable, re-sealable bowls, they can go from pantry, to microwave, to party spread in minutes.
For more details on Tostitos Party Blvd., including information on how to participate, please visit www.Tostitos.com, follow @Tostitos and check us out at Facebook.com/Tostitos.

To check out the Tostitos brand ousting Chip Kelly as the “Official Chip of the NFL,” visit www.youtube.com/user/tostitos.

About Tostitos
The Tostitos brand is one of the many brands that make up Frito-Lay North America, the $13 billion convenient foods business unit of PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP), which is headquartered in Purchase, NY. In addition to Frito-Lay, PepsiCo business units include Pepsi-Cola, Quaker Foods, Gatorade and Tropicana. Learn more about Frito-Lay at the corporate Web site, http://www.fritolay.com/, the Snack Chat blog, http://www.snacks.com/ and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/fritolay.

About PepsiCo
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $66 billion in net revenue in 2013, driven by a complementary food and beverage portfolio that includes Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Quaker and Tropicana. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including 22 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

At the heart of PepsiCo is Performance with Purpose – our goal to deliver top-tier financial performance while creating sustainable growth in shareholder value. In practice, Performance with Purpose means providing a wide range of foods and beverages from treats to healthy eats; finding innovative ways to minimize our impact on the environment and reduce our operating costs; providing a safe and inclusive workplace for our employees globally; and respecting, supporting and investing in the local communities where we operate. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com.

Government must be able to keep pace with the innovation and user experiences that the American people and businesses expect. Throughout 2014, the Administration piloted new and innovative approaches to increase the Government’s ability to drive impact for Americans on national priorities, including initiatives that help veterans find employment and help workers invest in safe and affordable retirement accounts. The Budget invests in scaling those pilot programs and processes that have proven successful. Ultimately, a more effective Government will more efficiently use taxpayer dollars to better deliver for citizens.

3.1.1
Ramping Up Smarter Information Technology Delivery
The Administration has embarked on a comprehensive approach to fundamentally improve the way that the Government delivers technology services to the public. Top technologists and entrepreneurs are being recruited to work within agencies on the highest priority projects. The best processes are being leveraged to increase oversight and accountability for IT spending. In addition, several efforts are being piloted to improve IT procurement and ramp up Government contracting with innovative companies.

People. Getting the best talent working inside of Government is a key component of the Administration’s Smarter IT Delivery strategy. In 2014, the Administration piloted the USDS by recruiting a select group of private sector innovators, entrepreneurs, and engineers to Government service. Since standing up, this team of America’s best digital experts has worked in collaboration with Federal agencies to implement cutting-edge digital and technology practices on the Nation’s highest impact programs, including the successful re-launch of HealthCare.gov in its second year, the Veterans Benefits Management System, and an improved process for online visa applications, among others. In addition to their work on these high priority projects, this small team of technical experts has worked to establish best practices and recruit still more highly-skilled digital service experts and engineers into Government.

Every agency in Government has citizen-facing digital projects that are critical to its mission. Too often, these services have been delivered over budget, behind schedule, and in ways that do not meet citizen needs. Unsurprisingly, since the launch of USDS in 2014, there has been significant demand for its expertise, from project design and development to recruiting technical experts. To address this problem, the Budget scales and institutionalizes this new approach to technology by providing funding to 25 agencies for the development of their own agency digital services teams. These small, high-impact teams will drive the quality and effectiveness of the agencies’ most important digital services. USDS will work closely with agencies to stand up these teams by providing support for hiring, training, and procurement.

Process. The Administration has made significant progress encouraging data-driven processes to provide effective oversight of Government IT. By establishing mechanisms such as PortfolioStat, a data-based review of agency IT portfolios, we have not only strengthened Federal IT, but made it significantly more cost effective. PortfolioStat has helped the Government achieve more than $2.2 billion in savings over the past three years while ensuring agencies are efficiently using taxpayer dollars to deliver effective and innovative solutions to the public. PortfolioStat promotes the adoption of new technologies, such as cloud computing and agile development practices. For example, as a result of these continuing efforts, the Federal Government now spends approximately 8.5 percent of its budget on provisioned services such as cloud computing, on par with leading private sector companies.

In addition, agencies involved in PortfolioStat are becoming more effective in rapidly delivering value in IT. For example, agencies have increased their use of agile development practices and are delivering IT capabilities 21 days (11 percent) faster than they were in May 2013. Agile development is an incremental, fast-paced style of software development that better meets evolving user needs. Using agile development ultimately increases the ability to deliver a better product, faster.

In 2016, the Administration will continue to use PortfolioStat to drive efficiencies in these programs, and also will continue to revise and encourage adoption of the TechFAR and Digital Services Playbook, which were released to the public in the fall of 2014. These tools provide clear guidance to agencies on using agile development and innovative contracting practices to deliver IT services that work for 21st Century consumers. Throughout 2016, the Administration will continue to scale up best practices by institutionalizing them within the agency digital service teams.

Companies. The Government must work with private sector innovators to ensure the best use of cutting-edge technologies and practices. Yet, too often, there are barriers to entry that prevent agencies from contracting with these firms. Over the past year, initial steps have been taken to address this challenge. For example, the Administration has piloted FBOpen, a tool that helps small and innovative companies search for opportunities to work with Government, and launched an online national dialogue on procurement reform to solicit ideas for reducing barriers to access. As part of the broader strategy to transform the Federal marketplace, the Administration is piloting new initiatives in IT acquisition. In 2016, these early pilots will be expanded to increase digital acquisition capability within agencies, train agency personnel in digital IT acquisitions, and test innovative contracting models.

3.1.1
Delivering World-Class Customer Service
The Administration is continuing its efforts to improve the quality, timeliness, and effectiveness of Federal services. A customer service Community of Practice has been established to develop standards, practices, and tools for agencies to improve their customer service. The Federal Customer Service Awards program has also been established to recognize individuals and teams who provide outstanding customer service directly to the American people. The awards will begin in the fall of 2015, and will support innovative practices and provide performance incentives to frontline employees.

Agencies are also increasing their focus on improving the most frequently used Government services, and the Budget supports the introduction and scale-up of these programs. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has launched IRS Direct Pay, which provides taxpayers a no-fee electronic payment option and allows them to establish installment agreements; built an e-Authentication tool that provides taxpayers a user-friendly, low-cost way to securely access IRS online tools and applications; and launched IRS2Go, a downloadable app that allows taxpayer self-service access to IRS information and services on any device. Since its release, it has been downloaded more than 5.4 million times. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is continuing to improve passenger experience at airports, including continuing to expand and improve TSA Pre-Check, an expedited passenger screening program. TSA is exploring new and innovative ways of collecting and responding to customer feedback to provide the best possible service while keeping U.S. airports safe. Going forward, the Administration will build and expand on this progress by improving the collection and use of customer feedback data across Government to make tangible improvements in customer interactions.

MILWAUKEE, — ManpowerGroup (NYSE: MAN) has been recognized as one of the Disability Equality Index® (DEI) Best Places to Work, receiving the perfect score for its commitment to inclusion in the workplace. The DEI is a joint initiative of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and the U.S. Business Leadership Network® (USBLN) that measures key performance indicators across organizational culture, leadership, accessibility, employment, community engagement, support services and supplier diversity.

ManpowerGroup is the only company in the industry to score 100% based on points awarded in four major categories: Culture & Leadership, Enterprise-Wide Access, Employment Practices and Community Engagement & Support Services.

“We believe all people deserve to feel valued and supported when they come to work, no matter their gender, ethnicity, culture or background,” said Becky Frankiewicz, President of ManpowerGroup’s North American business. “We set ourselves ambitious targets for conscious inclusion where everyone is invited in and can achieve their potential. We’re proud to champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace and honored to be recognized with this award as a leading employer for our disability inclusion policies and people practices. Diversity of people brings diversity of thought, leading to better decision making and business performance.”

For more information on how ManpowerGroup is doing well by doing good and building integrated and inclusive workplaces visit: https://doingwellbydoinggood.manpowergroup.com/

ABOUT MANPOWERGROUP
ManpowerGroup® (NYSE: MAN), the leading global workforce solutions company, helps organizations transform in a fast-changing world of work by sourcing, assessing, developing and managing the talent that enables them to win. We develop innovative solutions for hundreds of thousands of organizations every year, providing them with skilled talent while finding meaningful, sustainable employment for millions of people across a wide range of industries and skills. Our expert family of brands – Manpower®, Experis®, Right Management® and ManpowerGroup® Solutions – creates substantially more value for candidates and clients across 80 countries and territories and has done so for 70 years. In 2018, ManpowerGroup was named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the ninth year and one of Fortune’s Most Admired Companies for the sixteenth year, confirming our position as the most trusted and admired brand in the industry. See how ManpowerGroup is powering the future of work: www.manpowergroup.com

About the Disability Equality Index (DEI)
The Disability Equality Index (DEI) serves as the nation’s most trusted annual benchmarking tool allowing America’s leading corporations to self-report their disability policies and practices. This evolving tool scores each corporation on a scale from 0 to 100, with top scorers (80 and above) recognized as “Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion”. The DEI is a joint initiative between the US Business Leadership Network (USBLN) and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). The benchmark was developed by the two national leaders in consultation with the appointed DEI Advisory Committee, a diverse and voluntary group of experts in business, policy, and disability advocacy.

On Monday, the United States Senate voted for cloture on the motion to proceed to the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) by a vote of 61 – 39. This bill would prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Originally introduced in 1994, ENDA last received a vote in 2007 when it passed a Democratic-controlled House and then stalled in the Senate. Since that time, the term “gender identity” has been included in the final text to cover transgender individuals. Seven Republicans joined all fifty-three Democrats and two Independents to bring the measure to the floor for debate. Senators Kelly Ayotte (NH), Rob Portman (OH), and Patrick Toomey (PA) offered amendments that purportedly strengthen the Title VII religious exemption in the bill. We have maintained that a narrow exemption for one segment of the religious community does not lessen the bill’s assault on the deeply held religious beliefs of employers and employees. Furthermore, the bill does not shield religious institutions from punitive measures by federal or state agencies (i.e. those issuing licenses, permits, or tax-exempt status). In light of recent actions by the Internal Revenue Service and several state legislatures, ENDA’s arbitrary and capricious provisions expose employers to a potential onslaught of litigation and would severely curtail speech and religious freedom. Speaker of the House John Boehner has stated that the bill is not a legislative priority and encourages frivolous lawsuits. Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi has indicated to Politico that she may file a discharge petition (which must be signed by 218 voting Members) and force a vote in the House. The measure passed the Senate on Thursday.
Courtesy of American Association of Christian Schools

The Eurogroup welcomes that a full staff-level agreement has been reached between Greece and the institutions. Also, the Eurogroup notes with satisfaction that the Greek authorities and the European institutions have reached an agreement on the contingency fiscal mechanism, which is in line with the Eurogroup statement adopted on 9 May in particular as regard the possible adoption of permanent structural measures, including revenue measures, to be agreed with the institutions. It therefore provides further reassurances that Greece will meet the primary surplus targets of the ESM programme (3.5% of GDP in the medium-term), without prejudice to the obligations of Greece under the SGP and the Fiscal Compact.

The Eurogroup also welcomes the adoption by the Greek parliament of most of the agreed prior actions for the first review, notably the adoption of legislation to deliver fiscal parametric measures amounting to 3% of GDP that should allow to meet the fiscal targets in 2018, to open up the market for the sale of loans and to establish the agreed Greek Privatisation and Investment Fund that should operate in full independence. The Eurogroup mandates the EWG to verify in the next few days the full implementation of the outstanding prior actions on the basis of an assessment by the institutions, in particular the corrections to the legislation on the opening up of the market for the sale of loans, and on the pension reform, as well as the completion of all prior actions related to the government pending actions in the field of privatization.

Following the full implementation of all prior actions and subject to the completion of national procedures, the ESM governing bodies are expected to endorse the supplemental MoU and approve the disbursement of the second tranche of the ESM programme. The second tranche under the ESM programme amounting to EUR 10.3 bn will be disbursed to Greece in several disbursements, starting with a first disbursement in June (EUR 7.5 bn) to cover debt servicing needs and to allow a clearance of an initial part of arrears as a means to support the real economy. The subsequent disbursements to be used for arrears clearance and further debt servicing needs will be made after the summer. The disbursements for arrears clearance will be subject to a positive reporting by the European Institutions on the clearance of net arrears. The additional disbursement for debt servicing needs will be subject to milestones related to privatization, including the new Privatization and Investment Fund, bank governance, revenue agency and energy sector to be assessed by the European institutions and verified by the EWG and the ESM Board of Directors.

In line with the 9 May Eurogroup statement, and in view of the forthcoming full implementation of all the prior actions by Greece and completion of the first review, the Eurogroup considered today the sustainability of Greek public debt.

The Eurogroup agrees to assess debt sustainability with reference to the following benchmark for gross financing needs (GFN): under the baseline scenario, GFN should remain below 15% of GDP during the post programme period for the medium term, and below 20% of GDP thereafter.

The Eurogroup recalls the medium-term primary surplus target of 3.5% of GDP as of 2018 and underlines the importance of a fiscal trajectory consistent with the fiscal commitments under the EU framework.

The Eurogroup recalls the following general guiding principles agreed on 9 May for possible additional debt measures: (i) facilitating market access in order to replace over time public financed debt with privately financed debt; (ii) smoothening the repayment profile; (iii) incentivising the country’s adjustment process even after the programme ends; and (iv) flexibility to accommodate uncertain GDP growth and interest rate developments in the future. On 9 May the Eurogroup also reconfirmed that nominal haircuts are excluded, and that all measures taken will be in line with existing EU law and the ESM and EFSF legal frameworks.

Guided by these principles and on the basis of technical work carried out by the EWG, the Eurogroup agreed today on a package of debt measures which will be phased in progressively, as necessary to meet the agreed benchmark on gross financing needs and will be subject to the pre-defined conditionality of the ESM programme.

For the short-term, the Eurogroup agrees on a first set of measures which will be implemented after the closure of the first review up to the end of the programme and which includes:

Smoothening the EFSF repayment profile under the current weighted average maturity
Use EFSF/ESM diversified funding strategy to reduce interest rate risk without incurring any additional costs for former programme countries
Waiver of the step-up interest rate margin related to the debt buy-back tranche of the 2nd Greek programme for the year 2017
The Eurogroup asks the EFSF and ESM management to take these measures forward within their mandate, on the basis of preparatory work by the EWG, and where needed to prepare formal decision making by the relevant EFSF and ESM decision-making bodies. The decision on the smoothening of the EFSF repayment profile and the reduction of interest rate risks should be taken as a matter of priority.

For the medium term, the Eurogroup expects to implement a possible second set of measures following the successful implementation of the ESM programme. These measures will be implemented if an update of the debt sustainability analysis produced by the institutions at the end of the programme shows they are needed to meet the agreed GFN benchmark, subject to a positive assessment from the institutions and the Eurogroup on programme implementation.

Abolish the step-up interest rate margin related to the debt buy-back tranche of the 2nd Greek programme as of 2018
Use of 2014 SMP profits from the ESM segregated account and the restoration of the transfer of ANFA and SMP profits to Greece (as of budget year 2017) to the ESM segregated account as an ESM internal buffer to reduce future gross financing needs.
Liability management – early partial repayment of existing official loans to Greece by utilizing unused resources within the ESM programme to reduce interest rate costs and to extend maturities. Due account will be taken of exceptionally high burden of some Member States.
If necessary, some targeted EFSF re-profiling (e.g. extension of the weighted average maturities, re-profiling of the EFSF amortization as well as capping and deferral of interest payments) to the extent needed to keep GFN under the agreed benchmark in order to give comfort to the IMF and without incurring any additional costs for former programme countries or to the EFSF.
For the long-term, the Eurogroup is confident that the implementation of this agreement on the main features for debt measures, together with a successful implementation of the Greek ESM programme and the fulfilment of the primary surplus targets as mentioned above, will bring Greece’s public debt back on a sustainable path over the medium to long run and will facilitate a gradual return to market financing. At the same time, the Eurogroup agrees on a contingency mechanism on debt which would be activated after the ESM programme to ensure debt sustainability in the long run in case a more adverse scenario were to materialize. The Eurogroup would consider the activation of the mechanism provided additional debt measures are needed to meet the GFN benchmark defined above and would be subject to a decision by the Eurogroup confirming that Greece complies with the requirements under the SGP. Such mechanism could entail measures such as a further EFSF re-profiling and capping and deferral of interest payments. Also, the Eurogroup commits to long-term technical assistance to boost Greek growth.

The Eurogroup recognises that over the exceptionally long time horizon of assessing debt sustainability there can be no forecasts, only assumptions, given the sizable degree of uncertainty over macroeconomic developments.

Against the background of the forthcoming successful completion of the first review and the agreement on debt relief, the Eurogroup welcomes the intention of the IMF management to recommend to the Fund’s Executive Board to approve a financial arrangement before the end of 2016 that will support the implementation of the agreed fiscal and structural reforms. It is recognised that, consistent with IMF policies, approval of this arrangement will also be based on a new DSA and the assessment of possible debt relief measures mentioned above. The possible debt relief will be delivered at the end of the programme in mid-2018 and the scope will be determined by the Eurogroup on the basis of a revised DSA in cooperation with the European Institutions for purposes of taking into account the European policy framework, subject to full implementation of the programme.

The Eurogroup stands ready, in line with usual practice, to support the completion of future reviews provided that the policy package considered today, including the contingency mechanism, is implemented as planned. The Eurogroup confirms that programme implementation, as well as policy conditionality and targets, will be reviewed regularly based on input from the institutions.

FIFA, WHO, and the European Commission have joined forces, to launch the #SafeHome campaign to support women and children at risk of domestic violence. The campaign is a joint response from the three institutions to the recent spikes in reports of domestic violence as stay-at-home measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have put women and children experiencing abuse at greater risk.

Almost one in three women worldwide experience physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner or sexual violence by someone else in their lifetime. In a majority of cases, that violence is committed by a partner in their home – indeed, up to 38% of all murders of women are committed by an intimate partner. It is also estimated that one billion children aged between two and seventeen years (or half the world’s children) have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence or neglect in the past year.

There are many reasons why people perpetrate domestic violence, including gender inequality and social norms that condone violence, childhood experiences of abuse or exposure to violence and coercive control growing up. Harmful use of alcohol can also trigger violence. Stressful situations, such as those being experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic and economic instability, exacerbate the risk. Moreover, the current distancing measures in place in many countries make it harder for women and children to reach out to family, friends and health workers who could otherwise provide support and protection.

“Just as physical, sexual or psychological violence has no place in football, it has no place in the home.” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization. “We are so pleased that our partners today are joining us to draw attention to this critical issue. As people are isolated at home because of COVID-19, the risks of domestic violence have tragically been exacerbated.”.

“Together with the World Health Organization and the European Commission, we are asking the football community to raise awareness to this intolerable situation that threatens particularly women and children in their own home, a place where they should feel happy, safe and secure,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “We cannot stay silent on this issue that negatively affects so many people. Violence has no place in homes, just as it has no place in sports. Football has the power to relay important social messages, and through the #SafeHome campaign, we want to ensure that those people experiencing violence have access to the necessary support services they need.”

“Violence has no place in our societies,” said Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth. “Women’s rights are human rights and should be protected. Often abused women and children are afraid to talk because of fear or shame. This ‘window’ to speak-up and seek help is, during confinement, even more restricted. As a matter of fact , in some countries, we have seen an increase in reports of domestic violence since the outbreak of COVID-19. It is our responsibility as a society, as institutions to speak up for these women. To give them trust and support them. This is the purpose of this joint campaign which I am honoured to be part of.”

“We call upon our member associations to actively publish details of national or local helplines and support services that can help victims and anyone feeling threatened by violence in their locality,” added the FIFA President. “We also call upon our members to review their own safeguarding measures using the FIFA Guardians toolkit to ensure that football is fun and safe for everyone in our game, especially the youngest members of the football family.”

The five-part video awareness campaign features 15 past and present footballers – Álvaro Arbeloa, Rosana Augusto, Vítor Baía, Khalilou Fadiga, Matthias Ginter, David James, Annike Krahn, Marco Materazzi, Milagros Menéndez, Noemi Pascotto, Graham Potter, Mikaël Silvestre, Kelly Smith, Óliver Torres and Clementine Touré – who have stressed their support to addressing this critical issue. The campaign is being published on various FIFA digital channels, with #SafeHome also being supported with multimedia toolkits for the 211 FIFA member associations and for various media agencies to help facilitate additional localisation and to further amplify the message worldwide.

WHO, the United Nations’ specialised health agency, and FIFA, football’s world governing body, collaborate closely to promote healthy lifestyles, which includes being free of violence, through football globally. The two organisations jointly launched the “Pass the message to kick out coronavirus” campaign in March 2020 to share advice on effective measures to protect people from COVID-19. This was followed by the #BeActive campaign in April 2020 to encourage people to stay healthy at home during the pandemic.

Factsheet
According to WHO, violence is a pervasive public health and human rights problem around the world. It affects women, men, boys and girls in all countries and cuts across boundaries of age, race, religion, ethnicity, disability, culture and wealth. Statistically, women and children (both boys and girls) are most affected by violence in the home and it is often perpetrated by men they know and trust.

Data (Source: WHO and others)

Almost one in three women worldwide have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner or sexual violence, not including sexual harassment, by any perpetrator
Globally, 30% of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime
Globally up to 38% of murders of women are committed by intimate partners
Adolescent girls, young women, women belonging to ethnic and other minorities, transwomen, and women with disabilities face a higher risk of different forms of violence
The majority (55% to 95%) of women survivors of intimate partner violence or sexual violence do not disclose or seek any type of help or services
Being abused as a child or exposed to violence in the family when growing up, attitudes accepting of violence and gender inequality including gender norms increase the risk of perpetrating violence against a partner; in some settings violence is associated with excessive use of alcohol
Globally, over one billion children – over half of all boys and girls aged 2–17 years – experience some form of emotional, physical or sexual violence every year
The lifetime prevalence of childhood sexual abuse is 18% for girls and 8% for boys
Homicide is among the top five causes of death in adolescents, with boys comprising over 80% of victims and perpetrators
Regional statistics also exist. For example in Europe, it is estimated that one in five (20%) children have experienced sexual abuse, and in the WHO European region, a quarter of women (15-49 years) have experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime. In Latin America and the Caribbean, it is estimated that 58% of children experience sexual, physical or emotional violence each year, and 30% of women have experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime.

STAMFORD, Conn.– Accelerating growth in dynamic markets across the globe, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced the opening of the second Four Points by Sheraton hotel in greater Nashville, Tennessee. Four Points by Sheraton Nashville-Airport offers a convenient location near the airport and bustling heart of downtown. Owned by Shree Hospitality, the former Wyndham hotel completed a $3 million renovation to all guest rooms and public areas prior to re-opening as a Four Points.

“Four Points by Sheraton Nashville-Airport is a terrific addition to our growing portfolio in the ‘Music City,’ offering convenient access to Nashville’s best live music and sporting venues,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood. “At Four Points, we provide guests with an honest value, genuine service, and all the amenities they need to stay productive on the road.”

Named one of the best places to go in 2013 by Condé Nast’s Daily Traveler, Nashville is celebrated for its leading-edge live music scene and “haute southern” cuisine. Four Points by Sheraton Nashville-Airport is located at 800 Royal Parkway, just three minutes from Nashville International Airport (BNA) and ten minutes from downtown. The hotel is convenient to leading attractions including the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville Zoo, and LP Field – home of the NFL’s Tennessee Titans.

“We expect that this freshly renovated Four Points hotel will emerge as a leading choice among visitors to Nashville, where they can enjoy an inviting atmosphere enhanced by the brand’s timeless style, genuine service and great extras,” said Nick Patel, President, Shree Hospitality. “By joining Four Points, we can also offer travelers all the benefits of the award-winning Starwood Preferred Guest program.”

Four Points by Sheraton Nashville-Airport features 101 comfortable and stylish guest rooms, 980 square feet of meeting space, full-service dining, an outdoor pool, fitness center, and all the other amenities that have made Four Points a favorite with travelers worldwide. Guests will also enjoy the brand’s popular amenities including fast and free WiFi, complimentary bottled water, and a wide selection of craft and imported beer as part of the signature Best Brews program. Four Points by Sheraton Nashville-Airport will join Four Points by Sheraton Nashville-Brentwood as the brand’s second hotel in the Nashville metro area.

About Shree Hospitality
Shree Hospitality, a privately owned company based in Nashville, is dedicated to providing hotel guests with “Their Best Hotel Experience Ever” – every visit, every day. The company is committed to making every day an unforgettable experience for both the hotel guest and the hotel associate. It is Shree Hospitality’s belief that guest satisfaction and associate satisfaction go hand in hand. These principles are the foundation for every action and decision the company makes.

About Four Points by Sheraton
Experience smart travel. With nearly 200 Four Points hotels in more than 30 countries, travelers can find the timeless style and comfort they’re looking for with genuine service and everything that matters most, all around the world. From Santiago to Shanghai and Milan to Milwaukee, Four Points hotels can be found in big urban centers, by the airport, near the beach, and in the suburbs. A recent $1 billion invested in renovations, conversions, and new-build hotels has made the brand stronger than ever. Four Points by Sheraton, like all brands within Starwood’s portfolio, is proud to offer the Starwood Preferred Guest® program, the industry’s richest loyalty program. To learn more, visit www.spg.com. Stay connected to Four Points on facebook.com/fourpoints.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with nearly 1,200 properties in 100 countries, and 181,400 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft®, and Element®. The Company boasts one of the industry’s leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates. Starwood also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., a premier provider of world-class vacation experiences through villa-style resorts and privileged access to Starwood brands. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

NISKAYUNA, NY – With digging abilities that might make a groundhog jealous, a multidisciplinary team at GE Research, the central technology development arm of the General Electric Company (GE), has been awarded a 15- month, $2.5 million project through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Underminer program, to demonstrate the feasibility of a robot that can rapidly and efficiently bore tactical tunnels in support of critical military operations. Click here to see a video demonstration.

The principal objective of DARPA Underminer program is to enable the rapid construction of underground tunnels in support of various military battlefield operations. These operations could include supporting rescue missions or rapidly resupplying critical munitions to the front lines. GE’s project is one of three new projects the program is funding to demonstrate the feasibility of new capabilities with robotics, sensing and other component technologies that exceed current commercial drilling capabilities.

The inspiration for GE’s approach actually has its roots in the graduate and doctoral research of project leader Deepak Trivedi in the mechanical engineering program at Penn State University. Trivedi’s doctoral work, one of the earliest in soft robotics, was to create and demonstrate a robot inspired by biological examples of soft structures such as octopus arms and elephant trunks. The idea was creating a robot that had the dexterity to make sharp turns, squeeze through confined or small spaces and adaptability to pick up and move objects of vastly different sizes and shapes. Trivedi, a mechanical engineer, says the earthworm-like design integrates some of these characteristics with a great ability to dig and move quickly underground.

“It turns out earthworms are probably the most prolific tunnel makers on the planet,” Trivedi said. Tree roots can penetrate through highly compacted soils and soft rock by generating high pressures through tissue growth. “We have designed a prototype that is several feet long, with hydraulic artificial muscles that mimics the agility of earthworms moving through soil and with the force of tree roots penetrating through soft rock.”

Trivedi explains that earthworms rely on muscular structure filled with fluid, called the “hydrostatic skeleton.” When they move, some sections of their structure radially expand to enlarge the tunnel while anchoring the worm, while others become longer to create movement and penetrate further into the soil.

What Trivedi and the GE Robotics Team have designed is a robot using powerful artificial muscles that moves in the same fashion. The robot is capable of adaptively changing its gait depending on soil conditions, making it versatile. Another advantage of this approach is that the robot can create tunnels without the need for bringing any material to the surface, giving it advantages of efficiency and stealth. But Trivedi says that designing a powerful robot that moves with force is only one part of the challenge. The other is enabling it to autonomously and knowingly navigate its way around obstacles to reach the desired target location without the benefit of GPS.

Trivedi said, “Because these tunneling systems are underground, we need to be able to build in autonomous and sensing capabilities that enable our robot to move and tunnel in the right places. Fortunately, we’re able to pull in controls, AI and sensing experts from across the Lab to help us integrate these new capabilities.”

The GE Research team already has designed a prototype and performed some initial lab scale demonstrations of the robot tunneling through dirt. The goal of the project is to demonstrate a robot that can move at a speed of 10 cm/sec and dig a tunnel that is 500 meters in length and at least 10 cm in diameter.

Trivedi says the technologies being developed on this project will not only help advance tunneling technologies, but also advanced inspection and repair capabilities using robots.

“The soft robot design we’re creating will have many more degrees of freedom in movement than conventional robots with joints, Trivedi says. “One of the reasons, octopuses, for example, can squeeze through such small spaces is that they have no bones. The same thing applies for soft robots, which can be very advantageous when you want to reach small places like the inside of a jet engine or power turbine to inspect and make intricate repairs.”

GE has developed and field-tested new snake-like robots for jet engine inspection and repair. These highly flexible robots allow access to confined and cluttered environments at different length scales – from millimeters up to several meters, thereby enabling many maintenance operations to be performed in-situ, without requiring expensive teardown and reassembly of industrial assets.

About GE Research
GE Research is GE’s innovation powerhouse where research meets reality. We are a world-class team of scientific, engineering and marketing minds working at the intersection of physics and markets, physical and digital technologies, and across a broad set of industries to deliver world-changing innovations and capabilities for our customers. To learn more, visit our website at https://www.ge.com/research/.

DETROIT – As a result of Mary Barra’s request for a comprehensive internal safety review following the ignition switch recall, General Motors today announced three separate recalls involving U.S. production and sales of approximately:

303,000 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana from the 2009-2014 model years with gross vehicle weight under 10,000 pounds
63,900 Cadillac XTS full-size sedan from the 2013 and 2014 model years
1.18 million Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia models from the 2008-2013 model years, Chevrolet Traverse from the 2009-2013 model years, and Saturn Outlook from the 2008-2010 model years
“I asked our team to redouble our efforts on our pending product reviews, bring them forward and resolve them quickly,” said Mary Barra, GM CEO. “That is what today’s GM is all about.”

The full-size vans with gross vehicle weights of 10,000 pounds or less do not comply with a head impact requirement for unrestrained occupants, requiring a rework of the passenger instrument panel material.

Unsold vehicles have been placed on a stop delivery until development of the solution has been completed and parts are available. Customers will be notified at that time. Repairs will be made at no charge to customers.

In the XTS, a brake booster pump can create positive pressure within the wiring harness attached to the pump relay. This pressure can lead to the dislodging of a plug in the brake booster pump relay, allowing corrosive elements to enter the connector and form a low-resistance short that could lead to overheating, melting of plastic components and a possible engine compartment fire.

GM is aware of two engine compartment fires in unsold vehicles at dealerships and two cases of melted components.

With respect to the Enclave, Traverse, Acadia and Outlook, the vehicles are equipped with a Service Air Bag warning light in the driver information center. Ignoring the Service Air Bag warning light will eventually result in the non-deployment of the side impact restraints, which include driver and passenger seat-mounted side air bags, front center air bag (if equipped), and the seat belt pretensioners.

To repair the condition, dealers will remove the driver and passenger side air bag wiring harness connectors and splice and solder the wires together.

“Today’s announcement underscores the focus we’re putting on the safety and peace of mind of our customers. We are conducting an intense review of our internal processes and will have more developments to announce as we move forward,” Barra said.

GM expects to take a charge of approximately $300 million in the first quarter primarily for the cost of the repairs for the three safety actions and the previously announced ignition switch recall.

About General Motors Co.
General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world’s largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands.

This news is courtesy of www.gm.com

Rockford, IL. Greenlee is proud to announce joining Electro Federation-Canada (EFC), a national, non-profit industry association with three councils representing 300 companies that manufacture, distribute and service electrical, electronics, and telecommunications products. Together, EFC members contribute over $50 billion to Canada’s economy and employ more than 130,000 in over 1,400 facilities throughout the country.

As part of its membership, Greenlee is sponsoring the EFC Scholarship Program. The program offers students a number of diverse opportunities to explore career options in the electrical industry in engineering, sales, marketing, finance, management, operations, information technology, and human resources. This year, EFC members are providing $113,000 across 56 scholarships for Canadian university and college students.

“The Electro Federation Scholarships have been awarded to students across Canada for over 19 years,” said Neil Burns, Grenlee’s Canadian National Sales Manager. “With Greenlee and Textron’s focus on hiring emerging talent, this is a great opportunity to support our Canadian Electrical Industry and students looking to build careers in the electrical industry.”

Applications are now being accepted until May 31, 2014. Students can apply at efcscholarship.fluidreview.com or visit www.electrofed.com/scholarship-program for more information.

Greenlee
Greenlee is known as a global leader in the professional tool category. The Rockford, Illinois-based company develops high quality innovative products distinguished by customer-driven design and differentiated by supply chain excellence. Greenlee also leverages its powerful brands such as Greenlee Communications, Greenlee Utility, Sherman + Reilly, HD Electric and Klauke in the electrical, construction and maintenance markets worldwide. More information is available at www.greenlee.com.

Textron
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems.

This Press Release is courtesy of www.textron.com

GSK [LSE/NYSE: GSK] today, with LiveWell Colorado and seven other organizations, held a community conversation to introduce neighbors to a dynamic new partnership that is engaging youth as change agents for a healthier community in three Denver neighborhoods: Globeville, Elyria-Swansea and Northeast Denver. A new $500,000 charitable grant from global healthcare company GSK is building upon the great work already underway in Colorado to promote healthy eating and active living.

The partnership, “The Youth Driven Healthy Recreation Center Collective,” is collaborating on dual programming that will improve the health of local youth by:

Increasing physical activity and healthy eating of youth participating in the healthy eating, active living programs offered at local recreation centers by 10 percent by September 2015
Empowering 50 youth (12-18) to research and present solutions that will improve the local recreation centers so that more of their peers will access local recreation centers and enter the on-ramp for healthier lives
Throughout it all, local business leaders will mentor the young people. The most compelling youth-led solutions will be funded and implemented – leaving sensible, sustainable solutions for a healthier community.

To hear perspectives by the organizations and children involved in this program, please click here.

“What better way to building a healthier community? I cannot think of a more worthwhile effort than giving our children the keys to learning, staying active and improving their own communities,” said Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock. “Now that’s the way to have a lasting impact for Denver.”

The collective includes the following organizations:

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver
Earth Force
Globeville Elyria-Swansea LiveWell
GSK
LiveWell Colorado
LiveWell Northeast Denver
Share Our Strength Cooking Matters Colorado
Spark Policy Institute
The Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation

These organizations have a common agenda for this 18-month partnership, their activities are mutually reinforcing, and they have shared metrics and a commitment to continuous communication throughout the process to ensure greater collective impact.

Throughout the partnership, LiveWell Colorado is the Backbone Organization, serving as the fiscal agent and facilitating the collaboration. Spark Policy Institute is the Evaluation Partner, ensuring ongoing learning and course corrections throughout the partnership, and developing the comprehensive final evaluation which will measure the partnerships’ performance against the eight objectives.

The collective anticipates that this work will be successful in contributing fostering a healthier community, and can be replicated in other communities throughout Colorado and across the country.

“So much of our health is influenced by factors outside of the doctor’s office – in our communities. The more we understand this connection between our health and our community, the more we can improve it,” said Deirdre Connelly, President, North America Pharmaceuticals, GSK. “Through the GSK IMPACT Grant, we are funding a very thoughtful collective that can show the nation what it takes to build a healthier community.”

More than 100 local leaders and neighborhood residents participated in the discussion today at the Swansea Recreation Center. LiveWell Colorado Interim CEO Gabriel Guillaume described the collective and its objectives, the collective impact model to approach this work, and how the benefits of this partnership will go beyond the 18-month grant duration.

“We are very excited to be the recipients of the GSK IMPACT Grant for Metro Denver, which will enable us to coordinate our youth health and wellness programs into one stronger whole,” said Gabriel Guillaume, Interim CEO and Vice President of Community Investments, LiveWell Colorado. “The GSK IMPACT Grant will help us build the capacity of our organizations, work together for greater collective impact, allow our young people to be agents for change, and create long-lasting community-wide improvements.”

John W. Hickenlooper, Governor of the State of Colorado, reaffirmed Colorado’s commitment to becoming the healthiest state, and proclaimed March 13, 2014 as National Healthy Communities Day.

Healthy Communities – As part of GSK’s longstanding commitment to building healthy communities, in 2013 the company launched a national initiative designed to better understand the barriers and identify opportunities for building healthier communities in the United States. This initiative included a series of events, “Conversations on Community Health,” held in three cities: Philadelphia (September 2012), St. Louis (December 2012), and Denver (February 2013); a National Advisory Council convening in New York City (February 2013), and the release of a national survey (March 2013). Phase one uncovered new insights about what it means, and what it takes to build a healthy community. Phase two, which includes the GSK IMPACT Grants, leverages that knowledge and demonstrates innovative ways local organizations and businesses can work together to make a meaningful difference in communities.

GSK – one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.

This news is courtesy of www.gsk.com

ATLANTA – Lowe’s is teaming up with Habitat for Humanity International to launch “Hammers for Habitat,” a nationwide volunteer drive to mobilize 100,000 new volunteers to raise a hammer for Habitat this year. In celebration of their renewed partnership through 2018, Lowe’s and Habitat are asking men and women across America to give one day to help make the dream of homeownership a reality for a family in their community. Individuals interested in volunteering can find more information at Habitat.org/Lowes.

While Habitat for Humanity works year-round, the pace of activity across the United States picks up in spring – and so does the need for volunteers.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of Habitat for Humanity’s efforts around the world, and their participation is critical to our goal of serving 1 million people annually by 2018,” said Mark Andrews, vice president of volunteer and institutional engagement for Habitat for Humanity International. “With the support of Lowe’s and dedicated Lowe’s Heroes employee volunteers, Hammers for Habitat will help us reach more families and more communities than ever.”

Lowe’s renewed its partnership last month with a five-year commitment that will bring its total contributions to more than $63 million since 2003. Lowe’s also pledged the continued support of Lowe’s Heroes to help Habitat scale up the number of people it serves each year. But both organizations recognize the critical need to get more hands on hammers. In the United States, more than 48 million people are living in poverty.

“At Lowe’s, we know that improving communities is not a do-it-yourself project,” said Joan Higginbotham, Lowe’s director of community relations. “The work is too big for any one organization, any one partner. We thank all those who’ve supported Habitat in the past and encourage anyone who hasn’t to join us. You can make a tremendous difference.”

Habitat for Humanity and Lowe’s will offer on-site volunteer registration at events throughout the year. Along with opportunities to volunteer locally, Habitat for Humanity has programs to get youth, women, college students and military veterans involved. Habitat also has short-term volunteer trips to help build affordable housing in the United States and abroad. Previous construction experience is not necessary to volunteer.

Key 2014 event dates

May 5-11: National Women Build Week. This annual event challenges women across the United States to support Habitat during the week of Mother’s Day.
Sept. 15 – Oct. 15: National Hispanic Heritage Month. This local event brings together Lowe’s Heroes and community volunteers to celebrate Hispanic heritage while building and repairing homes in partnership with low-income families.
Oct. 5-11: Habitat for Humanity’s Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, give a week of their time to help Habitat for Humanity improve and build homes in the U.S. and in countries around the world. In 2014, the Carters will focus their efforts on Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, as Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity and Trinity Habitat for Humanity co-host Habitat’s 31st annual Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project.
Year-round: Community impact grants. Lowe’s Heroes join Habitat affiliates across the country to partner with local residents, housing leaders, community groups and businesses to transform entire neighborhoods.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Anchored by the conviction that housing provides a critical foundation for breaking the cycle of poverty, Habitat has helped more than 4 million people construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes since 1976. Habitat also advocates to improve access to decent and affordable shelter and supports a variety of funding models that enable families with limited resources to make needed improvements on their homes as their time and resources allow. As a nonprofit Christian housing organization, Habitat works in more than 70 countries and welcomes people of all races, religions and nationalities to partner in its mission. To learn more, donate or volunteer visit habitat.org.

About Lowe’s:
Lowe’s supports the communities it serves through programs that focus on K-12 public education and community improvement projects. The company’s signature education grant program, Lowe’s Toolbox for Education®, has donated more than $38 million to 8,000 K-12 public schools, benefiting more than 5 million schoolchildren. Lowe’s Heroesemployee volunteers support local community projects and our national nonprofit partners such as Habitat for Humanity,Rebuilding Together and the American Red Cross. Since 2007, Lowe’s and the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation together have contributed nearly $200 million to improve communities in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

This news is courtesy of www.lowes.com

WASHINGTON – In an effort to help low-income residents become self-sufficient, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today awarded $34.9 million to public housing authorities, public housing resident associations, Native American tribes, and non-profit organizations across the nation to hire or retain service coordinators to help them find jobs, educational opportunities, and achieve economic and housing independence (see list below).

The funding, provided through HUD’s Resident Opportunities and Self Sufficiency – Service Coordinators Program (ROSS-SC) helps grantees hire or retain “service coordinators” who work directly with residents to assess their needs and connect them with education, job training and placement programs, and/or computer and financial literacy services available in their community to promote self-sufficiency.

“It’s part of our mission to help connect public housing residents to better, higher paying jobs and critical services as a means of helping them move beyond public assistance and toward self-sufficiency,” said HUD Secretary Ben Carson. “This funding gives our local partners resources they can use to help residents become economically independent and achieve the dreams they have for themselves and their children.”

The purpose of HUD’s ROSS-SC program is to encourage innovative and locally driven strategies that link public housing assistance with public and private resources to enable HUD-assisted families to increase earned income; reduce or eliminate their need for welfare assistance; and promote economic independence and housing self-sufficiency. These grants provide funding to hire and retain Service Coordinators who will assess the needs of residents of conventional Public Housing or Indian housing and coordinate available resources in the community to meet those needs. In addition, ROSS-SC grants help improve living conditions for seniors, enabling them to age-in-place.
HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all.
More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet
at www.hud.gov and https://espanol.hud.gov.