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PURCHASE, N.Y., – Yesterday, over 7,500 football fans in Rochester, N.Y. experienced the magic of a Pepsi Super Bowl halftime show after recently being crowned the most hyped hometown in America. As a reward for showcasing their hype, Rochesterians received the ultimate Super Bowl halftime experience with an exclusive concert headlined by popular singing/songwriting duo Nico & Vinz on Sunday. Pepsi continued to deliver the hype in unexpected ways by surprising the town with special guest appearances from Buffalo Bills new head coach, Rex Ryan, and star wide-receiver Sammy Watkins. The town takeover also included mobile Hype Squads and vending machines offering fans a chance to win VIP passes or meet and greets.

In addition to scoring a once-in-a-lifetime Pepsi halftime extravaganza, nearly 40 Katy Perry fans from Rochester were the lucky winners of tickets to the Pepsi Super Bowl XLIX Halftime Show in Arizona featuring global superstar Katy Perry on February 1.

“We can certainly see how Rochester, NY won Pepsi’s ‘Hype Your Hometown’ contest – their energy was electrifying last night,” said Nico & Vinz. The Norwegian duo’s 2014 debut album Black Star Elephant was led by last year’s multi-platinum song of the summer “Am I Wrong,” which was No. 1 in 50 countries and streamed over 200 million times alone on Spotify.

Pepsi first launched the rally cry in search of the most Hyped Hometown in America on Thanksgiving with a TV spot featuring country music superstar Blake Shelton, inviting fans across America to visit www.pepsi.com/halftime, register by specific location and share how they and their friends get hyped for a chance to win the ultimate halftime experience. The contest is just one of the many ways the brand is inviting fans to get “Hyped for Halftime,” as part of Pepsi’s mission to deliver the spirit of halftime in unexpected ways all season long.

For more information on Pepsi’s “Hype Your Hometown” contest visit Pepsi.com.

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.

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.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich., — Following the recent introduction of the first ever ENERGY STAR® certified electric dryer1, Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is proud to announce the next step in its commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency with its newest innovation in dryer technology. The new Whirlpool® HybridCare™ clothes dryer WED99HED with Hybrid Heat Pump technology is designed to regenerate energy during the drying cycle to reduce energy consumption while providing dryer speed and performance flexibility.

The new Whirlpool(R) HybridCare(TM) clothes dryer with Hybrid Heat Pump technology.
Compared to typical dryers that use large amounts of energy in the form of venting hot, moist air, the Whirlpool brand HybridCare™ dryer is a ventless heat pump dryer that uses a refrigeration system to dry and recycle the same air.

HybridCare™ technology uses advanced sensors tuned to manage energy consumption and temperature to deliver drying performance and energy savings. The three available modes allow flexibility while providing great drying results:

Speed mode – used when consumer focus is on managing time
Eco mode – used when optimizing energy is the priority
Balanced mode – blends the performance of Speed and Eco
“Whirlpool Corporation is at the forefront of residential energy efficiency gains in clothes dryers,” said Chris Ball, General Manager of the Laundry category for Whirlpool North America. “Our progress in developing new technologies that combine to create highly energy-efficient drying cycles, while offering better fabric care, demonstrates our commitment to offering consumers the most innovative and effective products for their home.”

Whirlpool Corporation is collaborating with organizations including the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA), an alliance of more than 140 Northwest utilities and energy efficiency organizations, in support of its efforts to mobilize the market toward energy efficiency. Through this relationship, Whirlpool and NEEA work to make the greatest long-term impact on the marketplace through the adoption of energy-efficient products, like the HybridCare™ dryer.

HybridCare™ technology has the capability to use less heat than vented dryers. The ventless dryer technology will allow consumers in North America to reduce their carbon footprint and the estimated $4B in wasted energy attributed to dryers 2.

As a ventless technology, HybridCare™ does not require an outside vent, allowing the consumer to install it in more locations throughout the home. The HybridCare™ technology dryer will also match select front load washers of the currently available Duet series, making it a logical choice for consumers desiring greater levels of energy savings.

Whirlpool will begin shipping units to select U.S. markets in Q4 2014. It will expand to other U.S. markets and Canada in early 2015, generating excitement among some major utilities. “Whirlpool Corporation has been a great partner with us as we work together to advance dryer energy efficiency. Dryers are the next frontier for significant energy savings in the home, and innovations like the heat pump dryer are a key technology to unlocking these savings,” said Jeff Harris, Director, Technology and Market Strategy, NEEA.

Whirlpool Corporation’s full sustainability strategy engages nearly every aspect of its business, from materials and processes, to product technologies and end-of-life recycling, all aimed at a more sustainable future. Whirlpool Corporation believes in improving lives, one home, one family at a time through innovative, world-class products and services. When it comes to sustainability, Whirlpool works to satisfy its consumers, protect the environment, nurture its communities and embed sustainability into its products and processes while driving extraordinary value and enhancing reputation.

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation is the world’s leading global manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $19 billion in 2013, 69,000 employees, and 59 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, Bauknecht and other major brand names. We earn the trust of consumers in nearly every country by focusing on what matters most. Additional information about the company can be found at http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com.

Britain’s growing army of hot food lovers are in for a treat next week when the UK’s fiercest ever commercially grown chilli pepper is unleashed at Tesco.

The chilli in question is the legendary Trinidad Scorpion – which until recently was considered the hottest chilli pepper in the world.

The heat of a chilli pepper is measured in Scoville Units and the Trinidad Scorpion has an average reading of 1.2 million Scovilles although individual fruit have been measured at 2 million Scovilles. The average Jalapeno pepper comes in at 3,500 Scovilles.

Tesco chilli pepper buyer Shannon Berry said: “The Trinidad Scorpion is unbelievably spicy and should be approached with extreme caution even by so called chilli heads.

“You can sense the strength just by smelling the chilli and the first bite leaves you under no illusion at all that you are about to undergo an intense culinary experience.

“But besides the scorching heat the Trinidad Scorpion also has a wonderful fruitiness that if tempered in a chutney or salsa with mango or banana it will create quite a wonderful relish.

“Be warned, it is so strong you need only the tiniest smidgeon in order to add some excitement to your food.”

The Trinidad Scorpion has been grown by the UK’s foremost hot chilli pepper farmer, Salvatore Genovese who produces one million chillies a week on his farm near Sandy in Bedfordshire – purely for the British market.

Salv, as he is known in the business, has become so renowned within the UK’s chilli head community that he has attracted a loyal fan base with followers eagerly anticipating the arrival of his latest variety.

Two years ago Salv launched the notorious Bedfordshire Super Naga in the UK and demand was so high that initial supplies ran out within a few months. This time he has planted enough to at least last through most of the summer.

Salv said: “It could be that the Trinidad Scorpion is way too hot for the UK market so I’m eager to get feedback before deciding on whether to grow more or not.

“For the Bedfordshire Burner I was getting calls from chilli heads all over the world and it went down a storm which is why I decided to grow an even hotter variety.

Tesco, which has the widest range of chilli peppers sold in British supermarkets, has varieties for beginners such as red, green, serenade and fresno; those for seasoned users such as finger, bird eye and of course those for hardcore fans such as Scotch Bonnet.

The Trinidad Scorpion will go on sale exclusively in 235 Tesco stores across the UK and will cost £1 for a packet of between two to three chilli peppers, depending on the size.

www.tescoplc.com

EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio – On San Francisco’s northern waterfront lies the world-renowned historic fishing district, Fisherman’s Wharf. Home to an abundance of restaurants, hotels and attractions, the city’s most popular tourist destination attracts more than 10 million visitors a year who at the gateway can glimpse a nearly 16-foot iconic symbol of the area’s rich history and vibrant culture—the “crab wheel.”

With the help of Arrow Sign Company and LED sign lighting systems donated from GE, the Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District (CBD) recently restored this cherished landmark while saving an estimated 80 percent in lighting energy usage.

Fishing for Answers
First erected in 1968, the original crab wheel sign was constructed with plywood and sheet metal that became weathered due to saltwater and rust damage. Seeking to extend the life of one of the city’s most photographed landmarks, the Fisherman’s Wharf CBD—in collaboration with the Port of San Francisco and the Fisherman’s Wharf Merchants Association—contracted GE Lighting and Oakland, Calif.-based Arrow Sign Company to redesign the wheel with durability and efficiency in mind.

“The crab wheel is an icon that is recognized by people around the world, so preserving its original appearance was very important to us,” said Troy Campbell, executive director of Fisherman’s Wharf CBD. “GE and Arrow Sign Company helped us modernize the structure without losing a prominent symbol of San Francisco.”

The crab wheel was rebuilt using aluminum, polycarbonate and high-density foam materials, while the original wood handles lining its perimeter were kept intact. GE donated its Tetra® PowerStrip LED sign lighting to replace the traditional T12 fluorescent tube lighting previously used in the sign. The new sign will consume 80 percent less energy for Fisherman’s Wharf, with the LED lighting system using 676 total watts versus the 4,000 total watts used with the previous fluorescent lamp layout. Additionally, the switch to LED lighting means greater longevity for the sign’s lighting system due to a rated fixture lifetime of 50,000 hours.

“We reviewed several contractor bids and one of the main factors to choose Arrow Sign Company was its use of GE products,” Campbell said. “We knew LED technology had the right long-lasting, energy-saving benefits for us, and we felt confident in the GE brand.”

After two months of project planning and construction, the new crab wheel was completed on July 3, 2013. Installation took place over three nights, where the sign was replaced one side at a time so that there was no downtime or missed photo opportunities for tourists.

When illuminated, Campbell said the sign now has a “bright, even glow” and a “uniform, one-color appearance,” which he noted has already received positive tourist feedback.

The move to GE’s LED sign lighting will also mean reduced maintenance time and costs compared to previous upkeep needs.
“With its location in the heart of a large tourist area, service calls and permits to the crab wheel are difficult, expensive and inconvenient for visitors,” Campbell noted. “We expect the sign’s new LED lighting to significantly reduce our annual maintenance spend.”

Visit www.gelighting.com to learn more about LED and other efficient lighting technologies from GE. To learn more about GE’s commitment to innovative solutions to today’s environmental challenges while driving economic growth, visit www.ecomagination.com.

About The Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District
The Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District was founded in November 2005 by the business and property owners of the San Francisco neighborhood. The district is funded through an annual assessment for 15 years from the property owners.
The purpose of the Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District is to preserve and enhance its vast San Francisco waterfront landscape and multi-cultural heritage, while integrating modern efficiencies to enrich the experience of visitors from both near and far through: Market Research; Brand and Destination Marketing; Sidewalk Operations, Beautification and Order; Traffic and Urban Planning; and Emergency Preparedness.
For more information, visit www.visitfishermanswharf.com.

About Arrow Sign Company
For more than 60 years, Arrow Sign Company has manufactured quality electric and architectural signs to help major corporations, retail merchants and local communities achieve and exceed their goals of visibility and image. From initial design concepts to detailed plans, fabrication, installation and maintenance, the full-service sign company has created some of the nation’s most exciting displays, including: the W Hotel in Hollywood, Calif., San Francisco Metreon, Union Bank rebranding, Ask.com headquarters and more.
For more information, visit www.arrowsigncompany.com.

About GE Lighting
GE Lighting invents with the vigor of its founder Thomas Edison to develop energy-efficient solutions that change the way people light their world in commercial, industrial, municipal and residential settings. The business employs about 13,000 people in more than 100 countries, and sells products under the reveal® and Energy Smart® consumer brands, and Evolve™, GTx™, Immersion™, Infusion™, Lumination™, Albeo™, and Tetra® commercial brands, all trademarks of GE. General Electric (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter to build a world that works better.
For more information, visit www.gelighting.com.

MCLEAN, Va., The USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore (USO-Metro) named Science Applications International Corporation (NYSE: SAIC) the first Center Operations Sponsor of the USO Warrior and Family Center at Bethesda. As a sponsor, SAIC will donate $150,000, over the next three years, to assist with the center’s daily operations and programs to benefit wounded warriors, troops, and military families.

SAIC’s Doug Wagoner, Jennifer Smith, Joe Johnson, and Robyn Harvey present USO-Metro President/CEO Elaine Rogers and USO-Metro staff members Annabella Riccio and Pamela Horton with a $150,000 donation in support of the Warrior and Family Center at Bethesda.
On April 1, USO-Metro opened a new 16,000 square foot Warrior and Family Center on the campus of Naval Support Activity Bethesda, home of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The center’s proximity to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center will provide a “home away from home” for those who are treated at the medical center during the recovery process allowing wounded, ill and injured service members to heal and still be close to caregivers. Additionally, the center will provide services to active duty troops and military families to nurture physical health and recreation, family strengthening, positive behavioral health, education, employment, and community reintegration.

“Our centers are funded solely by donations received from local corporate partners, foundations and the public at large. We are deeply grateful for SAIC’s contribution for this effort, and for the many generous contributions over the years,” said USO-Metro President and CEO Elaine Rogers. “SAIC has been and continues to be a valued partner of the USO and has fueled our success in many ways and its commitment to supporting our troops and their families is unparalleled.”

Throughout the year, as part of its donation, SAIC will support activities at and in support of the center. SAIC will also facilitate employee-driven collections to assist USO-Metro with replenishment of its amenities, snack bars, and food pantries in USO centers across the region, including airport lounges and both Warrior and Family Centers at Bethesda and Ft. Belvoir.

“SAIC’s support as a Center Operations Sponsor directly impacts USO’s ability to meet the needs of the region’s large military population,” said SAIC Sector President Doug Wagoner at the center’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This sponsorship ensures that the centers at Bethesda and Ft. Belvoir remain strong and productive to support wounded, ill, and injured troops, as well as their families and caregivers.”

About SAIC

SAIC is a leading technology integrator providing full life-cycle services and solutions in the technical, engineering, and enterprise information technology markets. SAIC’s deep domain knowledge and customer relationships enable the delivery of systems engineering and integration offerings for large, complex government and commercial projects. SAIC’s approximately 14,000 employees serve customers in the U.S. federal government, state/local, and global commercial markets, specializing in providing a broad range of higher-end, differentiated technical capabilities. Headquartered in McLean, Va., SAIC has annual revenues of about $4 billion.

This news is courtesy of http://www.saic.com/.

Washington, D.C. – The Global Partnership to End Violence Against Women, a collaboration of Vital Voices Global Partnership, the Avon Foundation for Women and the U.S. Department of State, today presented a new initiative to address gender-based violence: the Gender-Based Violence Emergency Response and Protection Initiative.

In making the announcement, Vital Voices CEO Alyse Nelson said, “we are delighted to be part of this new initiative that leverages the knowledge and expertise of our global women leaders to rapidly and effectively identify and respond to the immediate needs of victims. From providing legal services to women who have suffered domestic violence, to creating viable employment opportunities for survivors of human trafficking these leaders know their communities and they have designed solutions that restore freedom and dignity. They are bringing us closer to a world free of violence.”

The Gender-Based Violence Emergency Response and Protection Initiative is a first-of-its-kind global program dedicated to assisting victims of extreme forms of gender-based violence and harmful traditional practices around the world. The Initiative takes comprehensive steps to eradicate domestic violence, sexual assault, honor crimes and other forms of gender based violence by providing critical support to survivors. By providing short-term emergency grants to cover medical care, emergency shelter, legal assistance, and other related costs, the program allows victims in urgent situations to access life-saving services.

“Gender-based violence is a global epidemic and an affront to humanity,” said Uzra Zeya, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor. It is our privilege to join in launching the GBV Initiative, a unique partnership which aims to uphold the dignity and advance the human rights of women and girls around the world.”

The Initiative takes a holistic approach to addressing these crimes by creating a global gender-based violence training program for law enforcement, judges, prosecutors, government officials, and NGO advocates – The Justice Institute on Gender-Based Violence. Over the next two years, the program will work with criminal justice professionals and service providers in India, Mexico, Nepal, South Africa and other countries to develop and provide training that promotes a victim-centered approach to holding offenders accountable for their crimes.

Avon Foundation Global Ambassador Fergie said, “The new Justice Institute on Gender-Based Violence is designed to ensure that laws achieve their promise. It will go even further to protect women who are victims of violence and secure justice for them. I am so proud to announce this pioneering new partnership of the Avon Foundation for Women, Vital Voices and the State Department.”

Cindy Dyer, Vice President for Human Rights at Vital Voices Global Partnership and a former specialized domestic and sexual violence prosecutor, states “we are honored to be part of these groundbreaking, comprehensive initiatives that will provide victims of gender-based violence not only with the critical services they need, but also with the justice they deserve.”

Vital Voices
Vital Voices Global Partnership is a leading non-governmental organization that identifies, invests in and brings visibility to extraordinary women around the world by unleashing their leadership potential to transform lives and accelerate peace and prosperity in their communities. Founded by former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 1997, the organization trains and mentors women leaders as agents of transformative change in economic development, human rights and political participation. The Vital Voices Global Leadership Network includes more than 14,000 leaders representing 144 countries who have trained and mentored 500,000 additional women and girls in their communities. Visit www.vitalvoices.org to learn more.

Avon Global Philanthropy
Avon is a global corporate leader in philanthropy focused on causes that matter most to women. Through 2013, Avon global philanthropy, led by the U.S.-based Avon Foundation for Women, has donated more than $957 million in more than 50 countries. Avon’s funding is focused on breast cancer research and access to care through the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, and efforts to reduce domestic and gender violence through its Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program. The company’s global markets sell special products to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer and domestic violence, conduct hundreds of events for these causes, and educate women around the world through its global army of more than 6 million Avon Representatives.

This news is courtesy of www.avon.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

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

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

Humanitarian Jean-Marie Minani reunites displaced families in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), helping them call loved ones for the first time.Nirere lives at the Mugunga refugee camp near Goma, DRC, and has been separated from her mother for 15 months. Thanks to humanitarian calling worker Jean-Marie Minani, the nine-year-old has been able to speak to her mother for the first time since they were separated.
This emotional moment is captured in a film released today as part of Vodafone Firsts, a global programme telling stories about people doing inspirational and life-changing things for the first time with the help of mobile technology.

Minani, who manages four free humanitarian calling booths at the Mugunga Camp as part of the Instant Network programme run by the Vodafone Foundation, Vodafone’s philanthropic arm, has provided around 17,000 displaced people in the camp with access to free mobile calls. This has enabled them to reconnect with their loved ones often or, as in the case of Nirere, for the first time in more than a year.

Another woman who was able to speak to her family for the first time since arriving in the Mugunga camp in 2012, thanks to Minani, is Mama Furaha. Both of her parents were killed during the war and she was displaced from her siblings. She was able to call her brothers for the first time in two years. The moments showing Nirere and Mama Furaha reunited with their relatives are part of the film launched today on Firsts.com.
The diverse Firsts programme has also seen mobile technology used to help British surfer Tom Lowe fulfil his dream of riding the mighty Todos Santos wave in Mexico and Olympic boxer Mary Kom set out to help women in India learn to defend themselves with the creation of India’s first female fight club.
People living at the Mugunga camp are able to make five minutes of free calls a week and, since the project started in the camp in October 2013, 2,000 calls a week have been made. The Vodafone Foundation initiative is conducted in partnership with Vodacom, the pan-African telecoms company majority owned by Vodafone.
Jean-Marie Minani, Vodafone Foundation Instant Network Camp Operations Manager, Goma, said: “Many of the families in the camp have been unable to contact family members left behind in their home villages. It is amazing to be able to put a smile on the faces of some of these people and provide them with an emotional lifeline. For me, this is not just a job, it is a vocation.”

Oisin Walton, Instant Network Programme Manager at the Vodafone Foundation, said: “Jean-Marie is passionate about connecting families who have been displaced as a result of the conflict in the Congo. For the first time, the refugees in the camp have access to free calls to reconnect and stay in touch with their relatives. This is one example of how a simple mobile phone call has the power to reunite families and transform people’s lives.”

About Vodafone Firsts
Vodafone Firsts is Vodafone’s global brand programme, activated across the world from 2014. A social media-led programme, Vodafone Firsts is about inspiring people to do something remarkable for the first time using mobile technology. Vodafone began by recruiting a series of inspirational people to help them achieve their Firsts. In 2014, Vodafone will also ask consumers what they would like to do for the first time, helping to make their ambitions a reality.

About the Vodafone Foundation and the Instant Network programme
The Vodafone Foundation’s Mobile for Good programme combines Vodafone’s charitable giving and technology to make a difference in the world. Globally, the Vodafone Foundation supports projects that are focused on delivering public benefit through the use of mobile technology across the areas of health, education and disaster relief. The Vodafone Foundation invests in the communities in which Vodafone operates and is at the centre of a network of global and local social investment programmes.
The Vodafone Foundation provides assistance in the area of disaster relief through the Instant Network programme. The Vodafone Foundation deploys Vodafone volunteers and technology in emergencies to provide free communications and technical support to aid agencies, enabling them to carry out life-saving work, and to individuals, allowing them to contacts their friends and relatives.

About Vodafone
Vodafone is one of the world’s largest telecommunications companies with approximately 411 million customers in its controlled and jointly controlled markets as of 30 September 2013. Vodafone has equity interests in telecommunications operations in nearly 30 countries and around 50 partner networks worldwide.

This news is courtesy of www.vodafone.com

MINNEAPOLIS – Habitat for Humanity International announced today that Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will commit $12 million in 2014 to Habitat through the Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity partnership. The funding will be utilized by three programs within the Thrivent Builds partnership: Thrivent Builds Homes, Thrivent Builds Worldwide and Thrivent Builds Repairs. From the partnership’s inception in 2005, Thrivent Financial and its members have now committed more than $200 million and more than 4 million volunteer hours.

Three programs help make a difference
Thrivent Builds Homes, the largest of the three programs, will benefit from $7.8 million in 2014 to help build 126 Habitat for Humanity houses. The program focuses on improving communities by helping Habitat build homes in partnership with low-income families all across the U.S. By the end of 2014, the partnership will have built more than 2,000 Thrivent Builds Homes across the country.

Thrivent Builds Worldwide allows Thrivent members and others to give financially and volunteer their time as they travel to international or domestic locations for a week or more at a time to build Habitat homes and experience other cultures. In 2014, the Thrivent Builds Worldwide program will send up to 115 teams funded by $1.4 million. Including trips planned for 2014, nearly 1,500 homes will have been built in 33 countries through this program.

Thrivent Builds Repairs is the newest of the Thrivent Builds programs. Through this program, Thrivent members and others demonstrate generosity as they help repair existing homes in partnership with families who don’t have the resources or ability to make the repairs themselves. Partner families may include senior citizens, veterans, single mothers or others needing assistance. The Thrivent Builds Repairs program will complete up to 500 repairs with funding of up to $1.25 million in 2014. Since its launch in 2012 through the end of 2014, up to 800 homes will have been repaired through this program.

“Our partnership with Habitat for Humanity is a great way for our members to express their generosity,” said Brad Hewitt, president and CEO of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. “It’s one more reflection of our commitment to strengthening communities here at home and around the world.”

“We are so grateful for Thrivent Financial’s long-term and generous support,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “The Thrivent Builds partnership continues to make a difference in the lives of thousands of families around the world who now have hope for a brighter future.”

Thrivent Financial remains the largest non-governmental supporter of Habitat for Humanity International.

Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity is a multi-year, multi-million dollar partnership between Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Habitat for Humanity International. Thrivent Builds is designed to involve Thrivent members and Lutherans in helping provide a “hand up” to people in need of affordable housing, offering them a path to greater economic independence. Excluding government funding, Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity is Habitat’s largest single source of funding, constructing and repairing more than 3,500 homes in the U.S. and around the world since 2005. For more information, visit ThriventBuilds.com.

About Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a faith-based, Fortune 500 financial services membership organization helping its nearly 2.5 million members to be wise with money and to live generous lives. Thrivent Financial and its affiliates offer a broad range of financial products and services. As a not-for-profit organization, Thrivent Financial joins with its members to create and support national outreach programs and activities that help congregations, schools, charitable organizations and individuals in need.

This news is courtesy of www.thrivent.com

HARTFORD, Conn. UnitedHealthcare has provided a $1 million grant for the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center’s Office for Community Child Health (OCCH) to help enhance care delivery and address critical public health issues for children. These issues include child development, wellness, and chronic conditions such as asthma and obesity.

Connecticut Children’s OCCH is a first-of-its-kind model for providing community-based, coordinated care for children with an emphasis on healthy child development, wellness, and disease and injury prevention. OCCH is developing and testing health service delivery models that address community, state and health system needs. Many new programs will be piloted in Hartford with the goal of seeing them replicated on state and national levels.

The UnitedHealthcare grant will help create a Maintenance of Certification program to train primary care pediatricians in managing diseases such as asthma and obesity. The UnitedHealthcare Innovation Fund will also be established to help OCCH quickly bring new programs from design to implementation, and ultimately, to evaluation and replication.

In addition, OCCH will provide 600 primary care doctors at more than 170 practices in Connecticut with training to enhance children’s health care quality.

“We are proud to partner with UnitedHealthcare to support pediatricians’ lifelong learning and professional development,” said Paul Dworkin, M.D., director of OCCH. “Together, we will enhance the quality and capacity of pediatric care to address an array of critical health issues, and help promote the healthy development of children in Connecticut and nationwide.”

“We look forward to working with Connecticut Children’s Office for Community Child Health and pediatricians throughout Connecticut to enhance the coordination, delivery and quality of children’s health care,” said Stephen J. Farrell, CEO, UnitedHealthcare of New England.

To date, OCCH has partnered with 10 local, state and regional programs to help community and primary care providers coordinate quality, cost-effective care for children under one roof. The programs include Easy Breathing, Educating Practices in their Communities (EPIC), the Hartford Childhood Wellness Alliance, Help Me Grow, Injury Prevention Center, Lead Action for Medicaid Primary Prevention (LAMPP), Resident Education in Advocacy and Community Health (REACH), and the Special Kids Support Center (SKSC).

“Our office is a better place for primary care because of the OCCH and its programs. Looking ahead, there is an opportunity for OCCH to have a dramatic impact on Connecticut’s childhood obesity epidemic by helping identify key indicators and community resources for patients and families dealing with the disease,” said Barbara Ziogas, M.D., a primary care physician at Farmington Pediatrics. “Obesity is a significant health issue in our country, and the OCCH provides us with the resources to access community care and intervene now.”

About Connecticut Children’s Medical Center
Connecticut Children’s Medical Center is a nationally recognized, 187-bed not-for-profit children’s hospital serving as the primary teaching hospital for the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. Named among the best in the nation for several of its pediatric specialties in the annual U.S. News & World Report “Best Children’s Hospitals” rankings, Connecticut Children’s is the only free-standing children’s hospital in Connecticut that offers comprehensive, world-class health care to children. Our pediatric services are available at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford and at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury, with neonatal intensive care units at Hartford Hospital and the University of Connecticut Health Center, along with five specialty care centers and 10 other locations across the state. Connecticut Children’s has a medical staff of nearly 1,100 practicing in more than 30 specialties.

About UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people nationwide live healthier lives by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. The company offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 800,000 physicians and care professionals, and 6,000 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. Globally, UnitedHealthcare serves more than 45 million people in health benefits and is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified Fortune 50 health and well-being company.

This news is courtesy of www.unitedhealthgroup.com

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) released a new research report that found, in a single 24-hour period, more than 66,000 victims of domestic violence received help and support from service organizations in the United States, yet nearly 10,000 more who needed assistance could not be helped due to a lack of adequate resources. The Avon Foundation for Women provided funding for the Census report, which was released at a Congressional briefing.

The report, “Domestic Violence Counts 2013: A 24-hour Census of Domestic Violence Shelters and Services,” examined a random day, September 17, 2013, and collected information from 1,649 domestic violence programs throughout the United States from midnight to midnight on that day. It identifies needs that were met and unmet on that day and provides a snapshot of how budget cuts are affecting the staffing and resources of these organizations.

Key findings include this data from September 17, 2013:

66,581 domestic violence victims and their children received services.

More than 20,000 calls to domestic violence hotlines were answered, an average of more than 14 calls every minute.

More than 23,000 individuals were educated on domestic violence during trainings conducted by local programs.

Nearly 10,000 requests from domestic violence victims (9,641) were turned down because programs did not have the resources to provide them, including requests for emergency shelter, housing, transportation, childcare and legal representation.

The majority of unmet requests (60%) were from victims who had chosen to flee their abusers, and were seeking safe emergency or transitional housing.
“Every day in this country, victims of domestic violence are bravely reaching out for help, and it’s essential that they have somewhere safe to go,” said Kim Gandy, President and CEO of the NNEDV. “We have made so much progress toward ending violence and giving survivors avenues for safety. But continued program cuts jeopardize that progress and jeopardize the lives of victims.”

When program providers were asked what most likely happens when services are not available, 60% said the most likely outcome was that victims returned to their abusers, 27% said the victims become homeless, and 11% said that victims end up living in their cars.

The research also shows initial impacts of the new guidelines in the Affordable Care Act, which require healthcare providers to screen patients for domestic violence and refer victims to services. Data collected for this study shows that since these guidelines have been in effect, there has been an 18.5% increase in referrals received by domestic violence programs; a number that experts predict will only increase as the ACA takes full effect.

The number of unmet needs is related to the financial resources of these programs. In 2013, 1,696 staff positions were cut due to funding reductions, an average of 1.2 staff per program. Of the staff that were cut in 2013, 70 percent were direct service positions, such as case managers, advocates, shelter staff, and child advocates.

This is the eighth consecutive year that NNEDV has conducted its Domestic Violence Counts census, funded in part by the Avon Foundation for Women since 2011.

“The Census demonstrates that the demand for services has remained discouragingly and consistently strong. But unfortunately, programs that address the needs are experiencing cuts. 27% of the reporting organizations experienced cuts in government funding, 12% had cuts in private funding, and 10% reported reduced individual donations. These critical programs must be resourced adequately if we are to save lives and reduce partner violence,” said Carol Kurzig, President of the Avon Foundation for Women.

At the briefing, speakers included: Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT); DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Executive Director Karma Cottman; a survivor of domestic violence, Melissa Skelton; NNEDV President and CEO, Kim Gandy; and Avon Foundation for Women President Carol Kurzig. Speakers urged attending Members of Congress and their staffs to provide an additional $40 million in funding to support domestic violence programs through the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act and $147M for the comprehensive criminal justice response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking through the Violence Against Women Act.

About NNEDV
The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), a 501(c)(3) social change organization, is dedicated to creating a social, political and economic environment in which domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking no longer exist. As the leading voice for domestic violence victims and their allies, NNEDV members include all 56 of the state and territorial coalitions against domestic violence, including over 2,000 local programs. NNEDV has been a premiere national organization advancing the movement against domestic violence for almost 25 years, having led efforts among domestic violence advocates and survivors in urging Congress to pass the landmark Violence Against Women Act of 1994. To learn more about NNEDV, please visit www.nnedv.org.

About the Avon Foundation for Women
The Avon Foundation for Women, the world’s largest corporate-affiliated philanthropy focused on issues that matter most to women, was founded in 1955 to improve the lives of women. Through 2013, Avon global philanthropy, led by the Avon Foundation, has donated more than $957 million in more than 50 countries for causes most important to women. Today, Avon philanthropy focuses on funding breast cancer research and access to care through the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, and efforts to reduce domestic and gender violence through its Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program.

This Press Release is courtesy of www.avoncompany.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

BENTONVILLE, Ark.,– Today, Walmart furthers its commitment to provide greater access to opportunities across 20 U.S. communities with the announcement of $1.75 million in grants from the Walmart Foundation to three of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations: National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), National Urban League (NUL) and United Negro College Fund (UNCF). The grant to UNCF will fund a program to help assure historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) continue as a source of quality degrees for African American students. In addition, the grants to NUL and NAACP will fund programs to help individuals receive the support they need to secure and build meaningful careers through training and placement assistance, and help businesses create more job opportunities.

There is an increase in demand today for diverse talent in the workforce, according to the inaugural Diversity Jobs Index and Report from the Professional Diversity Network, Inc. To meet this demand, Walmart continues to help African Americans access career opportunities through work with strategic partners and by fostering diversity and inclusion among its associates and suppliers.

“With today’s economic climate there is a growing need to empower individuals in communities nationwide with access to opportunities that will help them live better. Part of this work will come from helping businesses understand and unlock the powerful results that a more diverse workforce has to offer,” said Tony Waller, senior director, corporate affairs, Walmart. “By helping one individual at a time build a successful career, we are growing a more competitive work environment. A competitive environment ignites innovation, which helps build stronger communities and, ultimately, a stronger America.”

“Since 2006, we have been able to increasingly grow our workforce training program through ongoing support from the Walmart Foundation and subsequently have exceeded expectations of the number of individuals we’ve been able to serve,” said Marc H. Morial, president and chief executive officer of the National Urban League. “This new grant will help us further strengthen our workforce development programs, and continue helping African Americans and other communities of color across the United States secure economic independence and empowerment.”

The Walmart Foundation grant of $500,000 to UNCF will help16 historically black colleges and universities achieve long-term financial stability so they can continue providing African American students with access to higher education. In addition, a $1 million grant to NUL and a $250,000 grant to NAACP will fund programs to provide career counseling and job placement support, and help businesses evaluate current hiring policies.

Learn more about the Walmart commitment to career opportunities. For more information about the Walmart Foundation visit foundation.walmart.com.

About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts. By operating globally and giving back locally, Walmart is uniquely positioned to address the needs of the communities it serves and make a significant social impact within its core areas of giving: Hunger Relief & Healthy Eating, Sustainability, Career Opportunity and Women’s Economic Empowerment. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States with a $2 billion commitment through 2015. Together, they have donated more than 1 billion meals to those in need across the country.

This Press Release is courtesy of www.walmart.com

Mississauga, Ontario,– Walmart Canada announced today that it plans to complete 35 supercentre projects in the company’s fiscal year which runs from February 1, 2014 to January 31, 2015. The company also announced it will expand its distribution network to support its growth and will continue to expand its e-commerce operation, walmart.ca.

The projects will represent a combined investment of close to $500 million in the Canadian economy over the next year and will include the construction of new stores as well as the expansion, remodeling and relocation of existing stores. The investments will include more than $376 million for store projects, $91 million for distribution network projects to grow Walmart Canada’s fresh food capability, and $31 million for e-commerce projects. The combined expansion is expected to generate more than 7,500 jobs over the next year, including construction jobs.

“Customers in every region of Canada are looking to save money on their entire list of shopping needs,” said Shelley Broader, Walmart Canada’s president and CEO. “Delivering on our commitment to help lower the cost of living is our top priority, and our growing network of supercentres and our expanding walmart.ca offering enable us to do just that.”

Walmart Canada’s supercentres provide an unparalleled one-stop shopping experience. Each store carries more than 100,000 products ranging from groceries to apparel, home decor and electronics as well as specialty services such as pharmacies, garden centres and vision centres.

Walmart Canada’s online store — walmart.ca — is growing rapidly and offers more than 150,000 products including everyday needs such as toothpaste, shampoo, dry grocery items including gluten-free products, electronics, furniture, fitness equipment, barbecues, patio sets, and toys for children of all ages. The site offers a growing range of services including free shipping throughout most of Canada and easy Canada Post pick up.

The locations for specific store and distribution centre projects will be announced as specific projects become finalized. Today’s announcement will bring Walmart Canada’s store count to 395 by the end of January, 2015, including 282 supercentres and 113 discount stores.

This Press Release is courtesy of www.walmart.com

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., In 2014, Sears Home Services will set out to restore homes and buildings in the communities in which their nearly 8,000 technicians, project consultants and contractors live and serve. Sears Home Services has teamed up with nonprofit Rebuilding Together to help identify homes and community projects in need of assistance.

The program kicks off today with DIY expert and TV personality Ty Pennington and nearly 80 volunteers from Sears Home Services donating their time to participate in the renovation of three local homes and an old church that is being converted into the new Tampa Heights Community Center. Upon completion, the community center will serve approximately 200 children by teaching computer skills, encouraging healthy eating habits, providing other learning opportunities and more. Rebuilding Together focuses on providing critical repairs, accessibility modifications and energy efficient upgrades to low-income homes at no cost to service recipients.

“What I think is amazing about the ‘Building Community Together’ initiative is that you have local people helping to improve the lives of their neighbors,” said Pennington. “I am so excited to be part of this effort and help kick things off. Hopefully, this will inspire people around the country to volunteer in their communities and support what Sears Home Services is doing.”

After Tampa, the initiative will continue in other communities around the country including the Sacramento, Chicago and Philadelphia areas.

This Press Release is courtesy of www.sears.com

SPRINGDALE, Ark. —Tyson Foods, Inc. is partnering with Team Rubicon, a military veterans’ group, to enhance disaster relief efforts in the United States. The collaboration will combine Team Rubicon’s knowledge of logistics planning in the field with Tyson Foods’ experience in providing food to victims and volunteers.

As part of the partnership, Tyson Foods will donate a 53 foot semi-trailer that will serve as Team Rubicon’s command center during relief efforts. The truck will include sleeping quarters and office and storage space for Team Rubicon’s staff and volunteers. Tyson Foods will mobilize the unit alongside the company’s Meals that MatterTM mobile feeding unit, when appropriate, and will work collaboratively onsite to bring assistance to disaster victims and aid workers.

“We’re in a lot of communities where we’re responsible for making a difference, said Tyson Foods Chairman John Tyson. “And then you look at these individuals who want to volunteer their time, they volunteered it in the military to protect us, and now they want to volunteer their time to help when there’s a different type of disaster going on. It was simply a natural fit that came together.”

“Command and control must be established quickly during disasters to ensure that the most pressing needs are met, and this trailer will be a valuable resource,” said Jake Wood, cofounder and CEO of Team Rubicon. “We are extremely grateful for Tyson Foods’ support of not only our mission, but the continued example they set by providing warm meals to communities in need.”

Team Rubicon was established by Wood, and fellow former Marine William McNulty, following the Haiti Earthquake in 2010. What sets the non-profit organization apart from other relief organizations is that it combines the skills and experiences of veterans with those of first responders. Beyond helping disaster survivors, their work helps veterans reintegrate through continued service.

Four years after the quake, Team Rubicon has grown from eight to 14,000 members—most of whom are military veterans. Team Rubicon has 51 missions under its belt now, including Superstorm Sandy, Oklahoma Tornadoes, Colorado Floods, and Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Team Rubicon was recognized at the Clinton Global Initiative for their accomplishments during Hurricane Sandy.

Tyson Foods first launched its Meals that MatterTM unit during Hurricane Sandy. Last year it was deployed to Moore, Oklahoma for three weeks and served more than 80,000 meals in the aftermath of the devastating tornado.

This Press Release is courtesy of www.tysonfoods.com

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Walmart Foundation’s Oregon State Giving Program recently awarded $446,250 to eight Oregon nonprofits including Willamette Farm and Food, Food for Lane County, Portland Adventist Community Services, Boys and Girls Club of Albany, Portland State University Foundation, Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital, Grow Portland and ACCESS.

Twice a year, The Walmart Foundation’s Oregon State Giving Program awards grants to local organizations that address the needs of the communities they serve and make a significant social impact. Combined with $208,000 given to organizations earlier in 2013, Walmart provided a total of $654,250 to Oregon-based groups for the year.

“We are proud to support the efforts of these eight organizations to achieve our shared goal of helping communities throughout Oregon live better,” said Madeleine Havener, vice president for Walmart. “Walmart strongly believes in giving back locally, and we look forward to watching these great organizations continue their work and find new ways to positively impact lives.”
Willamette Farm and Food received $26,000 to help support Oregon Farm to School Education, Family Outreach, and School Garden Programs.

“This grant will allow us to continue to offer our Farm to School Program education program for children and families and to continue to serve as a resource to farm to school programs throughout Oregon. By educating students about where their food comes from and connecting their families with resources to access healthy, locally grown food, we are giving them the opportunity to connect with their local food system, creating healthier children and a stronger community,” said Megan Kemple, Farm to School Program Director, Willamette Farm and Food Coalition

Food for Lane County received $50,000 to help support food distribution throughout Lane County.

“Childhood hunger is a very serious problem in Lane County. Too many children arrive at school unprepared to learn or focus due to empty stomachs. And during summer months, many families are unable to provide the lunches normally available during the school year. Walmart’s $50,000 donation will enable us to increase the amount of healthy nutritious food we provide to kids during and after the school year through our Cereal for Youth and Summer Food programs. Children need good nutrition to create a solid foundation that has implications for a child’s future physical and mental health, academic achievement, and economic productivity,” said Beverlee Hughes, Executive Director, Food for Lane County
Portland Adventist Community Services received $62,738 that will be used to purchase a new van for meal delivery and food distribution.

“The new truck will allow PACS to pick up perishable food from a number of local stores and the Oregon Food Bank. The food will then be distributed at the PACS Food Pantry and its Mobile Food Pantry to low-income families. In addition, it will enhance PACS’s ability to accept fresh and non-perishable food since this vehicle will keep these items refrigerated during transport to the pantry”. Paul Cole, Executive Director, PACS

Boys and Girls Club of Albany received $50,738 that helps to support and further the “Training Teens for Tomorrow Workforce Development Project”.

“To be ready for entry- level work and then move to the next level, young people must exhibit basic work and interpersonal skills, professionalism and develop transferable work skills that prepare them for careers in their chosen field while conveying the necessity of staying in school and attaining graduation. Thanks to the generous support from the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program, the Club’s T3 program will be able to provide more than 100 teens with the chance to gain job training and paid work experience, volunteer and community service experience, socialization with peers, academic success coaching, preparation for the future and on-going relationship-building with caring adult role models. We are thrilled to be able to leverage this grant award from the Walmart Foundation and to offer even more vulnerable youth the opportunity to create pathways out of poverty,” said Michelle Davis, Chief Professional Officer, Boys and Girls Club of Albany
Portland State University Foundation received $98,608 which will help to build the “Expanding Harvest for Healthy Kids Program”, a nutrition program for low-income children in Multnomah County.

“This additional funding from the Walmart Foundation will allow us to scale up our outreach to more children and their families,” said Betty Izumi, an assistant professor in PSU’s School of Community Health and co-director of Harvest for Healthy Kids. “We’ve been working in Head Start classrooms since 2010 and we’ve seen that this approach can make a difference,” said Betty Izumi, Assistant Professor, Harvest for Healthy Kids
Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital received $63,904 for the “Health Professional Preparation Program”.

“This grant will enable Oregon Pacific Area Health Education Center, as the educational outreach department of Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital, to expand our Healthcare Professional Preparation Program to fourteen high schools and more than 300 students in our nine county region. Due to the generosity and vision of the Walmart Foundation, these students, who come from underserved and rural areas, will be better equipped academically and intellectually to graduate and move into professional healthcare training and educational tracks,” said Donald Skinner, Executive Director, Oregon Pacific Area Health Education Center

Grow Portland was awarded $45,000 to help promote and expand the “Urban Agriculture 2020 Initiative”.

“Grow Portland is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the expansion of urban gardening and urban agriculture in the Portland Metropolitan Area. Founded in 2010, the organization is focused on creating thriving gardens on previously underutilized urban land. In three years, the organization built three community gardens providing 200 garden plots to around 600 participants. This year, thanks to help from Walmart, Grow Portland is launching it’s Urban Agriculture 2020 initiative that aims to add half a million square feet of urban food production by the year 2020. The goal of this initiative is to build urban agricultural spaces that offer varied ways for the residents around these gardens to be involved in growing healthy food for their family and community,” said David Beller, Director Grow Portland

ACCESS received $50,000 to help develop their nutrition programs, including the “Store Food Recovery Program.”

“Thanks to the generous grant from the Walmart Foundation we have been able to expand our Food Recovery program and the amount of food distributed from an average of 56,000 pounds monthly to over 80,000 pounds. This will increase our capacity and ability to ensure that thousands of hungry families in Jackson County will have more fresh meat, dairy and produce on their tables this winter and beyond,” said Philip Yates, Nutrition Director, ACCESS

Earlier this year, Walmart’s Oregon State Giving Program granted $208,000 to five nonprofits from Portland, Salem, and Corvallis including:

$35,000, Community Outreach (Corvallis) for the creation of a new transitional shelter for women and children.

$30,000, Salem-Keizer Education Foundation (Salem) to assist with expansion of Learning Gardens program to four additional Salem-Keizer Schools.

$30,000, Human Solutions (Portland) to provides Healthy Food choices to low-income working families living in Human Solutions housing.

$35,000, Our House of Portland (Portland) to provide additional access to healthy food and nutrition education for HIV/AIDS individuals in the Portland area.

$50,000, Portland Rescue Mission (Portland) to aid with expansion of services for homeless women and children.
To be considered for support, perspective grantee organizations must submit applications through the Walmart Foundation State Giving Program’s online grant application. Applicants must have a current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in order to meet the program’s minimum eligibility criteria. Additional information about the program’s funding guidelines and application process are available online at www.walmartfoundation.org/stategiving. The current application cycle opened on January 19, 2014.

This Press Release is courtesy www.walmart.com