3BL Media Social Action

SOURCE: Baxter International Inc.

ARLINGTON, Va., and DEERFIELD, Ill., May 9, 2013 /3BL Media/ - Dorothy P. Rice, Sc.D., has been named the 2013 recipient of the William B. Graham Prize for Health Services Research. The Prize, funded by The Baxter International Foundation and managed by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA), will be awarded on June 20, 2013 during the AUPHA Annual Meeting in Monterey, Calif.

The Prize recognizes the contributions of health services researchers who apply analytic methods to examine and evaluate the organization, financing, and/or delivery of health services realizing that by improving the delivery of health services, the health of citizens is also improved. An independent committee of past winners, distinguished academics, and internationally recognized researchers selects the recipient each year.

Widely regarded for her innovative and pioneering work in the field of health statistics, Dr. Rice has held a number of leadership positions during the course of her distinguished career. In addition to serving as deputy assistant commissioner for Research with the Social Security Administration, Dr. Rice was the director of the National Center for Health Statistics for more than six years, from 1976 to 1982. During this time, Dr. Rice is credited with leadership development and management of an indispensable nationwide healthcare information system, which remains the industry standard today.

"Every member of the Graham Prize Selection Committee was very aware of the significant international and national contributions that Dr. Rice sustained throughout her career," said Kyle Grazier, DrPH, University of Michigan professor and Graham Prize Selection Committee chair. "As a leader in the Social Security Administration and then at the National Center for Health Statistics, and since, she elevated the importance and use of high quality medical and financial data to inform decisions in policy making and management. She developed the cost-of-illness methodology that has been used to understand numerous illnesses and their impact on society. She is a wise and dedicated mentor to many. We all are grateful that the Graham Prize exists to honor someone of the stature of Dorothy Rice."

Dr. Rice is professor emerita in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of California, San Francisco, with joint appointments at the Institute for Health & Aging and Institute for Health Policy Studies.

"It is a special honor and privilege that has been bestowed on me by The Baxter International Foundation in recognition of my life-long research, for which I am most grateful." said Dr. Rice. "I follow a long list of distinguished researchers whom I have admired and who have been my heroes for many years. I sincerely hope that my own research has had as significant an impact on the organization, delivery, and financing of health services as that of my predecessors."

Renowned for her prolific body of research, Dr. Rice has authored more than 200 published monographs, books, articles, and book chapters on the economics of medical care, aging, chronic illness, disability, health statistics, and domestic violence. She has also written about various cost-of illness studies, including costs associated with the health effects of smoking, alcohol and drug abuse, mental illness, Alzheimer’s disease, and AIDS.

Dr. Rice has received numerous honors for her many contributions including election to the Institute of Medicine, the Association for Health Services Presidential Award for Leadership and Contributions to Health Services Research, and the American Public Health Association Sedgwick Memorial Medal.

About the William B. Graham Prize for Health Services Research

Since 1986, The Baxter International Foundation and the Association of University Programs in Health Administration have awarded the William B. Graham Prize for Health Services Research to recognize researchers who have made major contributions to the health of the public through innovative research in health services. The Prize honors the late William B. Graham, longtime chairman and CEO of Baxter International Inc., and is internationally regarded as the premier recognition for individuals conducting health services research. The Prize recognizes individuals who have had a significant impact on the health of the public in one of three primary focus areas: Health

Services Management, Health Policy Development, and Healthcare Delivery. The Prize includes an award of $25,000 to the individual and $25,000 to a non-profit institution that supports the winner’s work. Past recipients have included Donald M. Berwick, MD, MPP and Uwe Reinhardt, PhD.

About the Prize Sponsors

The Baxter International Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX), helps organizations expand access to healthcare in the United States and around the world. The foundation, established in 1981, focuses exclusively on increasing access to healthcare, particularly for the disadvantaged and underserved in communities where Baxter employees live and work. Baxter International Inc., through its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures and markets products that save and sustain the lives of people with hemophilia, immune disorders, infectious diseases, kidney disease, trauma, and other chronic and acute medical conditions. As a global, diversified healthcare company, Baxter applies a unique combination of expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to create products that advance patient care worldwide. For more information, please visit www.baxter.com.

AUPHA is a global network of colleges, universities, faculty, individuals and organizations dedicated to the improvement of healthcare delivery through excellence in healthcare management and policy education. Its mission is to foster excellence and drive innovation in health management and policy education, and promote the value of university-based management education for leadership roles in the health sector. It is the only non-profit entity of its kind that works to improve the delivery of health services – and thus the health of citizens – throughout the world by educating professionals managers at the entry level. AUPHA’s membership includes the premier baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral programs in health administration education in the United States, Canada, and around the world. Its faculty and individual members represent more than 400 colleges and universities. For more information, please visit www.aupha.org.

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Tweet me: Health Statistics Pioneer Dorothy P. Rice, Sc.D., Named 2013 Graham Prize Recipient http://3bl.me/rg45em

KEYWORDS: Graham Prize, AUPHA, Baxter, foundation, Association of University Programs in Health Administration, Dorothy P. Rice, Sc.D.

SOURCE: Toyota

Silver Spring, MD, May 9, 2013 /3BL Media/ – Toyota and Discovery Education announced that Ryan Johnston, a high school student from Corona, California, was chosen by the public in an online vote as the grand prize winner of the 2013 Toyota Teen Driver Video Challenge.  Now in its second year, the contest challenges teens across the country to create two-minute videos to inspire their friends to drive more safely and avoid distractions.  The contest is part of Toyota Teen Driver, a joint education program by Toyota and Discovery Education, to help teen drivers stay safe.  

Tweet me: #Toyota and Discovery Education announce grand prize winner of 2013 Toyota Teen Driver Video Challenge. http://3bl.me/q6bcnz

KEYWORDS: Toyota, discovery education, Corona High School, video, Ryan Johnston, Toyota Teen Driver Video Challenge, scholarship

SOURCE: ING U.S.

New York, May 8, 2013 /3BL Media/ - Legal Momentum, the nation’s oldest legal defense and education fund dedicated to advancing the rights of all women and girls, has recognized ING U.S. Retirement Solutions CEO Maliz Beams with its Aiming High Award.  This honor is given annually to accomplished women whose personal leadership has broken new ground in business.  Beams was one of five recipients at the 2013 Aiming High Awards Luncheon held on May 8 in New York City.  The award was presented to Beams by ING U.S. Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer Bridget Healy, a 2010 Aiming High Award recipient.

In her role, Beams is responsible for managing one of the country’s largest providers of retirement plans, products and services.  The business serves nearly 48,000 institutional clients, more than 5 million individual retirement plan investors and over 417,000 retail customers.  Beams joined ING U.S. in 2011 after spending nearly three decades in diverse management and leadership roles with a number of prominent financial services brands. 

Over the course of her career, Beams has been named one of the “25 Most Powerful Women in Finance,” “One of the Most Influential People in the Defined Contribution Industry,” and has also been listed in Who’s Who of American Women.

“Maliz exemplifies the characteristics that our Aiming High winners represent as pioneers and role models, demonstrating the positive impact their leadership contributes to the workplace,” said Elizabeth Grayer, president of Legal Momentum. “She has been a driver of success in various companies throughout her career, underscoring how working women are a fundamental asset to American businesses, communities and the overall economic health of the nation.”

“It’s a privilege and honor to receive the Aiming High Award, and to be recognized by Legal Momentum,” said Beams. “The mission at ING U.S. — something that I am extremely passionate about — is to guide Americans on their journey to greater retirement readiness, and to make a secure financial future possible for more individuals and families.  This mission is closely aligned with Legal Momentum’s focus on ensuring economic and financial security for all women and girls.”

Legal Momentum debuted the Aiming High Awards in 2001 to recognize pioneering women, with the understanding that the success of the honorees — those who have made a significant impact in a wide array of industries — brings the promise that the voices, views and talents of women are becoming a permanent part of our nation’s corporate culture. 

Media Contact

Joseph Loparco            

Office: (860) 580-2677

Cell: (860) 462-6525

joseph.loparco@us.ing.com

About ING U.S.

ING U.S. (NYSE: VOYA), which plans to rebrand in the future as Voya Financial, serves the financial needs of approximately 13 million individual and institutional customers with a comprehensive array of retirement, investment and insurance products and services, including retirement plans, IRA rollovers and transfers, stable value, institutional investment management, mutual funds, alternative investments, life insurance, employee benefits, fixed and indexed annuities and financial planning.  Our dedicated workforce of more than 7,000 employees is focused on ING U.S.’s mission to guide Americans on their journey to greater retirement readiness and to make a secure financial future possible — one person, one family and one institution at a time.  ING U.S.’s vision is to be America’s Retirement CompanyTM.  For more information, visit http://ing.us.

Tweet me: Congrats to @ING_USA’s Maliz Beams for being honored with @LegalMomentum’s Aiming High Award. http://bit.ly/10r4LVJ

KEYWORDS: Women In Business, Maliz Beams, Aiming High, ING, retirement solutions, Legal Momentum

SOURCE: Corporate Citizenship

Recent years have seen companies have an increased focus on impact measurement. The debate is no longer around whether measuring impact is worthwhile but instead how companies can extend this reporting to other parts of their sustainability programme and how it can be applied to their core business operations.

For many companies, measuring their environmental footprint has been the first venture into quantifying their impact and it is clear why this has been the natural place to start. There are globally recognised standards such as the GHG Protocol which give companies a common and well established framework to use. The nature of environmental data, often drawing on utility data, means it is generally robust and relatively straightforward to collect. There are also tangible business benefits from using this data to drive efficiencies and cost reductions.

Now, many companies are taking impact measurement further to areas where it has traditionally been more complex to measure, for example community investment activities or assessing the economic value they bring to a country or region.

So what has driven this move?

The tougher economic climate in the last few years has put a spotlight on companies. Internally, CR and sustainability departments have seen their community investment budgets under threat with senior leaders demanding to see a return on investment just as they would for other parts of the business. There has also been greater external scrutiny from stakeholders such as governments, regulators and communities who are keen to understand how a company is helping to boost a failing economy by creating jobs, paying taxes and supporting local businesses.

These are not easy questions to answer. However, for companies that undertake the exercise to provide answers to these questions, there are clear rewards. Having the data and evidence to show that your schools programme has raised the literacy skills of 500 school children, that over 50 percent of your sourcing is from local businesses or that you indirectly support an additional 2,000 jobs in the wider economy are powerful facts to engage both internal and external stakeholders.

So how can companies respond to the challenge of measuring the impact they have?

Unfortunately, any company looking for a single universally accepted way to measure their social or economic impact, as they would for carbon reporting, will be disappointed. There are a plethora of frameworks and tools for impact measurement and it can be a difficult landscape to navigate.  A study conducted by Karen Maas, at the Erasmus School of Accounting and Assurance, called Social Impact Measurement: Classification of Methods found around thirty social impact measurement methods.

Through our experience of working with companies to assess their impact across environment, social and economic areas, the following four things are important to consider before you start any impact measurement exercise:

1. Start with your audiences

Understand your audiences and the key questions they would like answered. For example, a national government will be interested in areas such as total economic value added to an economy, total job creation and taxes paid. A local community will be more interested in how the company supports local employment and local businesses. This will help you to map out the key impact indicators you need to measure, as well as influence the type of final communication you require for different audiences.

2. Balance the need for accuracy

We know that collecting data can sometimes be time consuming and costly. It is therefore important to leverage existing resources and data, and target areas for primary research. It is also acceptable to use some level of approximation as long as these are based on realistic assumptions. 

3. Use data effectively to support your impact story

There is no doubt that the right data points can be incredibly powerful in demonstrating the difference you make. However, data alone does not make an effective communication. It needs to be put in context so that readers can understand how your performance compares to others or over time. Some audiences will still be interested in the human angle so case studies and other qualitative information still have a purpose.

4. Use it to inform decision-making

While data and findings are useful for the purpose of communications, keep in mind the value that they can bring to making better and more informed decisions about your programme or business.

With the benefits of impact measurement being increasingly recognised, it is certainly becoming more of a need than a want for companies.

Mitun Majumdar is an Associate Director at Corporate Citizenship and leads on Impact Measurement services

Tweet me: impact measurement; the shift in business culture and how to overcome challenges http://ow.ly/kOSBS #CSR

KEYWORDS: Business & Trade, Environment, Finance & Investment, Marketing, Media & Communications, Corporate Citizenship, csr, Corporate Responsibility, impact measurement, indirect impact, direct impact

SOURCE: Deloitte

In DC and Northern Virginia alone, there are around 225-thousand wounded war veterans fighting each and every day for some sense of normalcy.

Washington D-C resident Will Reynolds has been able to do that through recreational and competitive sports. 

In 2004, while serving in Iraq, Will sustained a life-threatening injury when a concealed IED detonated near his battalion. The shrapnel from the device caused massive arterial damage to Will's left arm and left leg, as well as damage to the bone and nerves in his leg. After two years of treatment and 23 surgeries, Will was granted medical retirement from the Army and returned to work in the public sector. Will now works for Deloitte, the company presenting the 4th Annual Warrior Games.

Continue reading the original article and watching the video interview with Will Reynolds on WUSA 9 >>

About the Warrior Games

The Warrior Games, presented by Deloitte and organized by the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC), are designed to introduce wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans to Paralympic sport competition and encourages them to stay physically active.  The competition will be held in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 11-16, 2013.  Two-hundred sixty injured service members and veterans will participate in the fourth annual event, representing the Army, Marine Corps, Navy/Coast Guard, Air Force and Special Operations, as well as one international team from the U.K.  Teams will compete in seven sports including archery, cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, track & field and wheelchair basketball. 

Tweet me: Interview with @will_reynolds, a @DeloitteUS consultant & competitor for @USArmy in the #WarriorGames http://3bl.me/tp35yv

KEYWORDS: paralympics, Will Reynolds, warrior games, Deloitte, Veterans, wounded vets

SOURCE: H&M

H&M is ranked the “Most sustainable fashion retailer in the Netherlands” by the Dutch consumer organisation Rank a Brand and is awarded with its “Fashion chain Award 2013”. Out of 27 fashion retailers in the Netherlands H&M is number one. The award gives H&M the predicate ‘well on the way in sustainability’.

“At H&M we are of course very happy about the acknowledgement, says Helena Helmersson, Head of Sustainability at H&M. “We work hard every day to make our products, our company and our industry more sustainable. While there is more to do, this ranking proves that we are on the right path and makes these efforts transparent and accessible to consumers.”

H&M have accomplished more of the listed criteria than any other fashion retailer in the study. And in particular Rank a Brand is satisfied with the publication of H&M’s supplier list which serves to improve transparency in the fashion industry. Additionally it is important for H&M to incentivise the suppliers to take ownership over their sustainability and recognize the progress they are making. Other highlights recognized by Rank a Brand are H&M’s efforts to limit the usage of chrome and chemicals as well as CO2 emission and energy use policies.

“When it comes to the people and environment where the clothes are made, H&M takes its responsibility as a market leader, and inspires other brands to follow says Niels Oskam, founder of Rank a Brand. “For example, H&M is the first clothing retailer that has published its list of suppliers; this is a big step in transparency. The sustainability policies of H&M are getting more ambitious each year. We'll keep monitoring H&M and the fashion industry and look forward to see the next steps towards a truly fair and sustainable production chain."

For more information about the award please visit Rank a Brand's blog (Written in Dutch)

For more information about sustainability at H&M

Tweet me: H&M (@hm) is on top of #sustainability in the Netherlands #sustainability #csr http://3bl.me/krnxxk

KEYWORDS: H&M, rank a brand, Award, sustainability, holland, The Netherlands, transparancy, csr

SOURCE: Sodexo, Inc.

GAITHERSBURG, Md., May 7, 2012 /3BL Media/ — Sodexo Foundation continues its investment in youth engagement and the fight against hunger with a $150,000 grant to the Food Recovery Network, advancing its work to fight food waste and hunger nationwide.

The Food Recovery Network (FRN) is a consortium of college students fighting hunger and food waste by recovering surplus food from their dining halls and delivering it to local residents in need of a meal. Since its inception at the University of Maryland, College Park in September 2011, FRN has expanded to 21 campuses in 9 states plus Washington, DC, recovering over 140,000 pounds of food.

“A staggering 40 percent of all food grown or raised in the U.S. goes to waste while more than 50 million people in the country are at risk of hunger. Food Recovery Network represents the type of innovative, student-led approach to ending hunger that can affect real change in local communities,” said Robert A. Stern, chair, Sodexo Foundation. “Raising awareness about food waste and mobilizing youth are critical components to ending hunger and Food Recovery Network offers a model that successfully addresses both.”

In June 2012, FRN Founder and Executive Director Ben Simon, a senior at UMD, first encountered Sodexo Foundation when he was recognized as a regional honoree for its  Stephen J. Brady STOP Hunger Scholarship.  Simon maintained his relationship with the foundation, eventually approaching it that summer to discuss expanding FRN to other campuses. These discussions continue into the present, with hopes of a finalized partnership agreement on the horizon.

While the grant comes from the non-profit charitable arm of Sodexo, one of the largest diversified services providers in the nation (including facilities and food management), the funding will not be limited to the more than 850 colleges and universities served by the company. Of FRN’s 21 campuses, three are contracted with Sodexo: University of California, Davis, The George Washington University, and Providence College.

“Food Recovery Network is extremely excited to be partnering with Sodexo Foundation,” said Simon. “Together, we’re breaking down walls and advancing a very common sense solution – food for people, not for dumpsters.”

During its first 20 months, FRN was run entirely by student volunteerism. The organization is currently led by a co-founding team of students who each contribute 5-20 hours per week guiding other students across the country – launching new chapters at their own colleges. Sodexo Foundation funding will enable FRN to bring on full-time paid staff, provide capacity-building grants to chapters, and further professionalize the organization.

According to the EPA, America’s food waste amounted to 35 million tons in 2010. Ninety-seven percent of that ended up in incinerators or landfills, where rotting food is a top emitter of methane gas, which is 21 times more harmful toward climate change than carbon dioxide. At the same time, 50 million Americans are food insecure, including one in five children.

Simon says he envisions food recovery becoming the new normal, and aims to have 1,000 Food Recovery Network chapters across the United States donating 10 million pounds of food by the end of 2017.

Visit Sodexo Foundation on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @STOPHungerUSA.

###

About the Food Recovery Network

The Food Recovery Network (www.foodrecoverynetwork.org) unites students at colleges and universities across America to fight food waste and hunger by recovering surplus perishable food from their college campuses and surrounding communities that would otherwise go to waste and donating it to people in need. Founded in September of 2011, it has since expanded to reach 21 college campuses and recovered over 130,000 pounds of food that would otherwise have been wasted. During that time, FRN has been covered by MSNBC, ABC, LA Times, and the Washington Post, as well as being recognized by Guidestar as one of the top student-run nonprofits of 2012. Over the next few years, FRN hopes to expand to hundreds of colleges, recovering 10 million pounds of food by 2017 and changing the face of food recovery across the country.

About Sodexo

Sodexo in North America

Sodexo, Inc. (www.sodexoUSA.com), leading Quality of Life services company in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, delivers On-site Services in Corporate, Education, Health Care, Government, and Remote Site segments, as well as Benefits and Rewards Services and Personal and Home Services. Sodexo, Inc., headquartered in Gaithersburg, Md., funds all administrative costs for the Sodexo Foundation (www.SodexoFoundation.org), an independent charitable organization that, since its founding in 1999, has made more than $17 million in grants to end childhood hunger in America. Visit the corporate blog at blogs.sodexousa.com.

Tweet me: #Sodexo Foundation Funds @FoodRecovery Network to reduce food waste and mobilize youth in #endinghunger. http://3bl.me/fcnmve Contact Info:

Sam Wells
Sodexo, Inc.
+1 (301) 987-4893
samuel.wells@sodexo.com

Hannah Wolfe
Food Recovery Network
+1 (919) 619-2856
hannah.wolfe@foodrecoverynetwork.org

KEYWORDS: Business & Trade, Environment, Food & Farming, Health and Wellness, People, Social Action & Community Engagement, Sodexo, food recovery network

SOURCE: The Home Depot

Tom’s inspiring story begins with him being a World War II veteran. On January 21, 1945, Tom was aboard the USS Ticonderoga when the aircraft carrier was hit by two Japanese kamikaze pilots.

Following the war, Tom took a job with American Airlines, where he worked for 40 years and eventually retired as an operations manager.

After retiring, Tom realized that puttering about the house and watching TV was just not for him.

“I’m not going to sit around and watch TV and waste away,” says Tom. “I need to have something to do.”

Today, Tom is one of the most popular associates at The Home Depot Store #0540 in Fort Worth, Texas, where he’s worked since the store opened in 1993. In fact, customers ask for him by name.

“I’ll ask a customer how I can help and their response is ‘Where’s Tom?’” says Ben Gayton, store manager at the Fort Worth store in North Richland Hills.

This year marks Tom’s 20th anniversary with the company, and fortunately for his loyal customers, he shows no sign of retiring.

“I enjoy having somewhere to be, something to do and someone to help every day,” says Tom. “I don’t see that changing anytime soon.”

Click here to read more on Beyond the Apron

Tweet me: This Home Depot associate chooses work over retirement: http://bit.ly/XCEwcb #joblove #retirement

KEYWORDS: veteran, career, homedepot, Home Depot, military, retired, joblove, anniversary

SOURCE: Fair Trade USA

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, you’re probably looking for a way to show mom how much you really care. What if the products you give (or enjoy) this Mother’s Day could also celebrate moms around the world?

This year World Fair Trade Day falls on the same weekend as Mother’s Day (May 12th), highlighting a natural connection between the two holidays and the opportunity to focus on the positive impact that Fair Trade has on the lives of so many mothers around the world. When you buy Fair Trade products, you are helping ensure that women can build a brighter future for their families and become leaders in their communities. That’s why our theme for Mother’s Day this year is Moms Make a World of Difference.

So how can you celebrate moms around the world this Mother’s Day? Here are 6 simple ways to support them:

1.  BUY (OR ASK) FOR FAIR TRADE

Fair Trade is a market-based approach to fighting poverty.  That means that it only works when you actually buy the stuff.  So make put your dollars to work by buying or asking your loved ones for Fair Trade this Mother’s Day!

From chocolate, coffee, spices, clothing, to body scrubs, you’ll know that your gifts were made with respect for the people who grow and sew the products you love.  Can you make a commitment to purchase at least one Fair Trade Certified gift when you shop for mom this year? 

Check out our Mother's Day coupon page for some great discounts on gifts (for you and for mom).

2.  GIVE (OR REQUEST) FAIR TRADE ROSES

Gather Fair Trade florals into a bunch of love for the mom in your life. When you purchase Fair Trade Certified roses, you provide maternity leave, a pesticide-free environment, and job security for hundreds of women flower in Ecuador. Here are a few easy ways to purchase your Fair Trade Certified flowers for mom:

• In store at: Whole Foods Market, New Seasons Market, and Bristol Farms
• Online at: OneWorldFlowers.org and FTD.com

Order today to make sure your flowers arrive on time!

3.  SHARE A FAIR TRADE VIDEO

Educate your friends and family about the strong moms of Fair Trade by sharing a video. This year we have a heartwarming video of Fair Trade moms in Guatemala wishing mothers around the world Happy Mother’s Day! You can watch it here.

Be sure to visit the Fair Trade Certified YouTube page to find even more educational videos.

4.    PLAN A FAIR TRADE BRUNCH

Start mom’s day off right by treating her (or yourself!) to a leisurely Fair Trade breakfast in bed. There's nothing better than waking up to the smell of Fair Trade Certified coffee and tea. You can also surprise mom with a special homemade treat. Whether you’re using fresh fruits & vegetables, sugar, chocolate, spices, or a baking mix, it’s easy to swap out the basic ingredients with their Fair Trade Certified alternatives. Not only will your brunch taste better, you’ll know you’re helping the women of Fair Trade send their kids to school, keep food on the table, and invest in lifesaving healthcare programs.

Click here for several delicious recipes featuring multiple Fair Trade Certified ingredients.

Read on for even more tips!

Tweet me: 6 Easy (and last-minute) ways to celebrate #MothersDay the #FairTrade way: http://3bl.me/y64d5g via @FairTradeUSA

KEYWORDS: Food & Farming, People, Social Action & Community Engagement, Mother's Day, fair trade, campaigns, Coffee, roses, tea, Gifts, may, World Fair Trade Day

SOURCE: Campbell Soup Company

CAMDEN, N.J.,May 7, 2013 /3BL Media/ - On Saturday, May 11, 2013, Campbell Soup Company (NYSE:CPB) will join forces with the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) to support Feeding America and help Stamp Out Hunger across America. Now in its 21st year, the annual food drive helps provide assistance to the millions of Americans struggling to put food on the table.

The Stamp Out Hunger food drive, held on the second Saturday in May, benefits Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization. In 2012, letter carriers collected food donations from 10,000 communities, helping to put millions of meals on the tables of Americans in need.

Last year’s drive also marked the ninth consecutive year that people donated more than 70 million pounds of food to the Stamp Out Hunger food drive. But, with more than 50 million people, including nearly 17 million children, facing hunger in America1 – the fight for hunger-relief continues.

“The Stamp Out Hunger food drive is important for our local communities because it helps stock food banks and pantries for summer, a time when there’s an increased need for food assistance, especially for children who are out of school,” said
Fredric V. Rolando, NALC president. “The letter carriers are committed to supporting the drive by picking up and delivering food donations to local Feeding America food banks and hunger-relief organizations in their markets.”

Nick Cannon, multi-talented entertainer and member of the Feeding America Entertainment Council, is the national spokesperson for the Stamp Out Hunger food drive for the third consecutive year. The drive particularly hits home for Cannon, who experienced hunger and relied on food pantries as a child.

“Feeding America is grateful to all the letter carriers and all sponsors who help make the Stamp Out Hunger food drive possible,” said
Bob Aiken, president and CEO of Feeding America. “With one in six Americans living at risk of hunger, our food banks are stretched thin and providing food assistance to nearly six million people each week. Food donations are crucial to our goal of a hunger-free America.”

Campbell Shows Its Support

Campbell Soup Company, a long-time supporter of the drive, and its partners produced post cards and grocery bags that will be delivered to more than 75 million homes across the country as a reminder and a means to participate in the drive. In addition, Campbell will again support this year’s food collection effort by donating one million pounds of food—more than 800,000 meals2 —to Feeding America member food banks.

“Campbell is committed to the success of the Stamp Out Hunger food drive and will continue to help rally support from coast-to-coast,” said
Denise Morrison, Campbell Soup Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “It’s unfortunate that millions of Americans, especially so many children, continue to struggle with hunger. We strongly encourage people across the country to participate on May 11 to help provide relief for our community members in need.”

Get Involved In Your Community

To participate in the Stamp Out Hunger food drive, residents are encouraged to leave a sturdy bag containing non-perishable foods, such as canned soup, canned vegetables, pasta, peanut butter, rice or cereal, next to their mailbox prior to the time of regular mail delivery on Saturday, May 11. The nation’s 175,000 letter carriers, representing nearly 1,500 NALC branches in more than 10,000 communities, will collect these food donations as they deliver the mail and take them to a local Feeding America food bank or hunger-relief organization.

Feeding America provides food assistance to 37 million Americans every year. According to Feeding America, one in eight Americans relies on the organization for food and groceries, and the organization distributes nearly 3.4 billion pounds of donated food and grocery products, including more than 800 million pounds of fresh produce, annually.

For more information about the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive, visit www.helpstampouthunger.com or www.facebook.com/StampOutHunger, and follow the food drive at www.twitter.com/StampOutHunger.

About Campbell Soup Company

Campbell Soup Company is a manufacturer and marketer of high-quality foods and simple meals, including soup and sauces, baked snacks and healthy beverages. Founded in 1869, the company has a portfolio of market-leading brands, including "Campbell's," "Pepperidge Farm," "Arnott's," "V8" and “Bolthouse Farms.” Through its corporate social responsibility program, the company strives to make a positive impact in the workplace, in the marketplace and in the communities in which it operates. Campbell is a member of the Standard & Poor's 500 and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes. For more information, visit www.campbellsoup.com.

About Feeding America

Feeding America provides low-income individuals and families with the fuel to survive and even thrive. As the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity, our network members supply food to more than 37 million Americans each year, including 14 million children and 3 million seniors. Serving the entire United States, more than 200 member food banks support 61,000 agencies that address hunger in all of its forms. For more information on how you can fight hunger in your community and across the country, visit http://www.feedingamerica.org. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/FeedingAmerica or follow our news on Twitter at twitter.com/FeedingAmerica.

About the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC)

The National Association of Letter Carriers is the union of city delivery letter carriers working for the United States Postal Service founded in 1889. Today, the NALC maintains its tradition as a vibrant union of over 300,000 members in all 50 states and other U.S. jurisdictions. For more information, visit http://nalc.org/commun/foodrive/index.html.

1 According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) annual study measuring food security in the United States: http://feedingamerica.org/press-room/press-releases/usda-food-insecurity-2012.aspx.

2 One meal equals 1.2 pounds of food according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20130507005283/en/

Tweet me: .@CampbellSoupCo. Teams up with the National Association of Letter Carriers to Help Stamp Out Hunger http://3bl.me/n8tdcf http://3b Contact Info:

Megan Haney
Campbell Soup Company
+1 (856) 342-4978
megan_haney@campbellsoup.com

Laura Ude
Weber Shandwick
+1 (312) 988-2349
lude@webershandwick.com

KEYWORDS: Campbell Soup Co., csr, Hunger

SOURCE: Discovery Communications, Inc.

-- Connects STEM education programs across Discovery Channel, Science Channel, Discovery Education and Digital platforms -- 

-- Includes Discovery Education STEM Camp, a no-cost, standards-aligned STEM curriculum for schools, camps and at-home learning --

-- Begins search for the next great innovator with the premiere of THE BIG BRAIN THEORY: PURE GENIUS featuring Kal Penn tonight at 10 p.m. E/P on Discovery Channel -

Silver Spring, Md., May 6, 2013 /3BL Media/ -  Discovery Communications announced “Connect the Dots,” a new multimedia, national STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education initiative designed to provide pathways for kids to achieve today and lead tomorrow by inspiring interest in STEM subjects and careers within industries looking for highly skilled workers. By connecting kids, parents and schools with all of Discovery’s STEM programs across its networks, education and digital platforms, “Connect the Dots” will help make STEM a critical part of kids’ lives, prepare them for the jobs of the future and inspire the next great discovery.

Programs under “Connect the Dots” include: the launch of the Discovery Education STEM Camp program, offering after school and summer resources for educators and parents at no cost; the new science-focused series THE BIG BRAIN THEORY: PURE GENIUS searching for the next great innovator and premiering May 1 at 10 p.m. E/P on Discovery Channel; a partnership between Science Channel, its cornerstone series HOW ITS MADE and America’s manufacturers to promote careers in the skilled trades; and the Lumosity Education Access Program (LEAP), a no-cost program for K-12 schools that seeks to study the effects of cognitive training in the classroom.

“Our kids are the next generation of innovators, problem solvers and game changers, and we need them to take on the planet’s challenges and shape a bright, healthy future by embracing STEM careers,” said David Zaslav, President and CEO of Discovery Communications. “Through its unique position as a company founded on igniting curiosity across generations, and with science, technology, engineering and math in our DNA, Discovery is proud to utilize its platforms to help connect the dots between learning and living, theory and practice, algebra and video game design – and inspire the next generation of innovators and leaders in STEM.”

“As President Obama said at the latest White House Science Fair, when we inspire students to excel in math and science, we are investing in American jobs and industries of the future,” said John P. Holdren, Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. “I applaud Discovery’s longstanding commitment to the Administration’s ‘Educate to Innovate’ initiative to help improve science, technology, engineering, and math education in the United States.”

The announcements were made today by Discovery Communications President and CEO David Zaslav at a STEM education event hosted by Benjamin Banneker Middle School in Burtonsville, Maryland. Also speaking at the event were Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett, Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Joshua P. Starr, and Kal Penn, host of Discovery Channel’s THE BIG BRAIN THEORY: PURE GENIUS.

"Our greatest asset is the talents, skills, creativity, and ingenuity of our people," said Governor O'Malley. "Preparation for becoming the future leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics is essential in pursuing the better future we all prefer.  The primary ingredient of innovation is education, the STEM disciplines in particular.  We are pleased to have partners like Discovery Communications to help provide more of our people with the education and skills to be successful."

"Montgomery County's future, Maryland's future, and America's future lies in inspiring and empowering our young people in science, technology, engineering, and math," said Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett. "Students here at Benjamin Banneker and elsewhere will benefit mightily from Discovery Communications’ 'Connect the Dots ' initiative."

“High-quality STEM programs teach our students how to solve problems, analyze data, and how to work as a team, which are important skills they will need in college and the 21st century workplace,” said MCPS Superintendent Joshua P. Starr. “I am excited to share the outstanding science and math work being done at Benjamin Banneker Middle and throughout Montgomery County Public Schools.”

Also in conjunction with today’s announcement, 150 students from Benjamin Banneker Middle School were hosted at the White House for a STEM education panel discussion featuring administration officials. “Connect the Dots” is an extension of Discovery’s ongoing commitment in support of President Obama’s “Educate to Innovate” initiative to encourage more girls and boys to excel in STEM subjects.

As part of its ongoing commitment to promoting STEM engagement in classrooms around the world, Discovery Education announced the launch of Discovery Education STEM Camp, a dynamic series of standards-aligned curricula available at no cost to schools, districts, non-profit organizations and parents for use as part of summer camps, after-school learning opportunities, and other educational programs. Created in collaboration with leading educators, Discovery Education STEM Camp combines hands-on and virtual labs, engineering challenges, digital investigations, interactive videos and career connections designed to inspire and engage students in learning about STEM subjects. Launching this summer, STEM Camp will be deployed in conjunction with key partners, including the Afterschool Alliance, Mayor Rahm Emanuel's Chicago Summer of Learning Initiative and Chicago Public Schools.  The program is designed to support the grand challenges of science issued by the National Academy of Engineers, with curricula built around the STEM-related topics of water, urban infrastructure and energy. The Discovery Education STEM Camp curricula can be accessed at www.discoveryeducation.com/STEM.

“Building STEM literacy among America’s next generation of leaders is critical to meet the global challenges that lie ahead and prepare students for tomorrow’s careers,” said Bill Goodwyn, CEO, Discovery Education. “We know that learning doesn’t stop when the class bell rings.  After-school hours and summer months provide valuable opportunities to engage and excite students.  Programs like Discovery Education STEM Camp maximize time spent outside traditional learning environments, keeping students inspired by learning and providing them with the tools they need today to compete for the jobs of tomorrow.”

THE BIG BRAIN THEORY: PURE GENIUS premieres May 1 at 10 p.m. E/P on Discovery Channel. Each week, 10 contestants will navigate engineering challenges using design and logic as they compete to see who will be America’s next great innovator.  The program is hosted by actor and producer Kal Penn, who also worked on outreach to young Americans in the White House as a member of the Obama administration. Penn and the series were recognized at the White House Science Fair on April 22, where students from the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge and Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge exhibited their work.

More information on all of Discovery’s “Connect the Dots” STEM education programs can be found online at www.DiscoveryEducation.com/STEM. Other programs designed to promote STEM learning and careers across Discovery’s businesses include:

• New Science-Related Programming on Science Channel:  Premiering in November, critically acclaimed actor James Woods takes viewers on a journey to reveal world-changing breakthroughs and their implications for the future in THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING. Each episode looks at one idea, discovery or grand challenge that will critically alter life as we know it: Synthetic Biology, Predictive Analytics, Habitable Planets, Nano Technology and more.  What's happening in these game-changing fields?  What does it mean for us? Woods asks the big questions to help ignite debate and reveals a stunning image of the future.
• Media Sponsorship of National Manufacturing Day:  Science Channel will be the official media sponsor of Manufacturing Day on Friday, October 4, 2013. Manufacturing Day is a broad-based grassroots effort created to drive public awareness of the American manufacturing industry and manufacturing careers. The network’s popular manufacturing series, HOW IT’S MADE, also was named official program partner for the event. Long a staple of the Science Channel lineup, HOW IT’S MADE has revealed the engineering and ingenuity behind over one thousand factory-made products since its debut.  New episodes of the series air Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

The sponsorship of National Manufacturing Day also supports the company’s “Discover Your Skills” public affairs job skills initiative, designed to provide unemployed and underemployed Americans with access to critical resources for obtaining marketable job skills and expertise, and to raise awareness of career opportunities. It includes www.DiscoverYourSkills.com, an online resource providing links and information to help educate, prepare and advance entry to the workforce.

• Capitol Hill STEM Diversity Event: This fall, Discovery Communications and STEMconnector®, in conjunction with members of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Hispanic Caucus, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, and the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues, will host an event on Capitol Hill to highlight the importance of diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).  The event will recognize the many contributions and accomplishments of women and minorities in the STEM fields and serve as a forum for the discussion of policies and strategies to improve diversity in STEM.
• Stoking Curiosity Online: Reaching more than 60 million unique visitors each month, Discovery Communications has long ensured that science and technology are at the core of its digital offerings. Discovery News, which made its online debut in 1998 as a go-to destination for intelligent, thought-provoking content, is now reaching a new generation with DNews, an original online video channel offering smart daily takes on the world with a science bent.

Most recently, DNews brought the White House Science Fair to life for audiences with coverage from the April 22 event. Additionally, realizing that relatable personalities are key to inspiring youth,HowStuffWorks is reigniting that spark of curiosity that many lose as they grow older through its popular podcasts, such as Stuff You Should Know. The podcasts, available through iTunes and to classrooms across the country through Discovery Education, also have led to new, dedicated “Stuff” websites that now feature new video series, daily blogs and more – giving kids (and their parents) new, engaging ways to drive interest in STEM topics.StuffYouShouldKnow.com, StufftoBlowYourMind.com and FWThinking.com are currently live and new destinations for Stuff Mom Never Told You and Stuff They Don't Want You to Know will launch shortly.

• Lumosity Education Access Program (LEAP):  Discovery is a strategic investor in Lumosity, which is committed to pioneering the understanding and enhancement of the human brain to give each person the power to unlock their full potential. As a part of the company's commitment to education, Lumosity provides a no-cost program for schools K-12 called the Lumosity Education Access Program (LEAP), which seeks to study the effects of cognitive training in the classroom. Lumosity's online and mobile programs train core cognitive abilities such as memory and attention, teaching users about the neuroplasticity of their brains along the way, and can encourage a growth mindset in students that builds a stronger foundation for STEM learning.

​Launched in 2007, Lumosity now has more than 40 games, 40 million members, and paying subscribers from 180 countries. Lumosity’s games are based on the latest discoveries in neuroscience, with continuing independent third-party studies being conducted by researchers at Harvard, Stanford, UC Berkeley, and other academic institutions. Lumosity is available at Lumosity.com and on the iPhone. Lumosity is headquartered in San Francisco, California. For more information, please visit www.lumosity.com.  

Additionally, on the local level in its home town of Silver Spring, Maryland, Discovery is undertaking the following programs:

• Lead Sponsor of Silver Spring Maker Faire:  Discovery will serve as lead sponsor of the Silver Spring Maker Faire – the first ever official Mini Maker Faire in the Washington, DC metropolitan area – which will be held on Sunday, September 29 at Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring. The Maker Faire will be produced by KID Museum, an emerging children’s museum in Montgomery County focused on cultivating creativity, curiosity and compassion in kids. It will include a wide range of creative, interactive exhibits such as constructing and racing your own lunar Rover with NASA scientists, experimenting with 3D printers, building a giant marble run, using recycled materials to create new toys and taking apart and repurposing real objects, such as electronics and toys.
• Open House at the Discovery Creative and Technology Center:  In conjunction with National Manufacturing Day, Discovery will conduct an open house at its Discovery Creative and Technology Center (DCTC) in Silver Spring, Maryland. The public will have the opportunity to see first-hand how Discovery manufactures content for its portfolio of U.S. networks, and the skilled job opportunities available in the media industry.

About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world's #1 nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.8 billion cumulative subscribers in 218 countries and territories. Discovery is dedicated to satisfying curiosity through 155 worldwide television networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science and Investigation Discovery, as well as U.S. joint venture networks OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, The Hub and 3net, the first 24-hour 3D network. Across the Nordic region, Discovery owns and operates SBS Discovery Media, a top-three portfolio of 20 television brands that feature leading nonfiction content, as well as locally produced entertainment programs, sports and the best scripted series and movies from major studios. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools and owns and operates a diversified portfolio of digital media services, including Revision3. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.

Tweet me: #Discovery Communications announces “Connect the Dots," multimedia, national #STEM education initiative http://3bl.me/pkkacz

KEYWORDS: Technology. Innovation & Solutions, discovery communications, STEM, Education, educational initiative, connect the dots

SOURCE: ING U.S.

Arlington, Va., May 6, 2013 /3BL Media/ – The nonprofit LIFE Foundation today announced that its Next Generation financial literacy program will expand thanks to a $100,000 grant from the foundation of financial services provider ING U.S.. The company’s contribution will help LIFE fund new research and develop materials to grow its nation-wide education initiative, which provides high school teachers with free, interactive tools to help demonstrate to students the importance of proper financial planning and risk management.

“We would like to thank the ING Foundation for its generous contribution and for sharing our commitment to empower the next generation of consumers with the education and tools they’ll need to lead financially responsible lives,” said Marvin Feldman, President and CEO of the LIFE Foundation. “While this announcement comes on the heels of National Financial Literacy Month, the grant helps us fulfill our year-round mission to educate the public about the essential role insurance plays to build successful financial futures.”

With the help of the ING Foundation grant, the LIFE Foundation plans to conduct an in-depth qualitative and quantitative study of teachers and students to evaluate the resources that are most beneficial to users of the Next Generation program and roll out new features including:  

• Comprehensive student workbook: The enhanced workbook will use language that younger students can most easily understand, while providing substantive content for teachers to incorporate into their lesson plans.

• Fresh video content: Videos are a core element of the program, teaching students about life, health and disability insurance and risk management. With this grant, the program will now include new online videos in each category, while adding an additional genre: financial planning.

“As a leading provider of retirement and insurance products and services, ING U.S. is dedicated to growing and protecting Americans’ savings to bring them to and through retirement,” said Kurt Fasen, Senior Vice President of ING U.S. Insurance Solutions. “We recognize that financial literacy is a vital life skill, and we are pleased to support the LIFE Foundation in its endeavor to provide young people with the resources they need to make informed financial decisions.”

Since the program’s launch in 1997, Next Generation has reached more than 26 million students and 39,000 high schools nationwide. The program is primarily focused on insurance and financial planning basics, and offers lesson plans, worksheets, videos, quizzes and additional tools to help teachers prepare students to navigate real-world situations. 

Teachers may access Next Generation materials through the LIFE Foundation website at www.lifehappens.org/nextgeneration. The content is free and meets the nation’s math and life skills high school standards.

ING U.S.’s support for Next Generation complements its overall commitment to empower individuals to better understand and take control of their finances as an essential step toward building a secure future. Among its key programs, ING U.S. provides funding to Junior Achievement’s financial and economic literacy programs, and it has created the ING-Girls Inc. Investment Challenge and the ING-Girls Inc. Investing Matters programs, providing young women practical, hands-on experience investing money with the support of mentors.

About LIFE

The Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education (LIFE) inspires the public to take personal financial responsibility through the ownership of life insurance and related products. LIFE is the voice of choice for the industry providing the highest quality independent and objective information about life insurance and related products. To learn more about LIFE, go to www.lifehappens.org.

About ING U.S.

ING U.S. (NYSE: VOYA), which plans to rebrand in the future as Voya Financial, serves the financial needs of approximately 13 million individual and institutional customers with a comprehensive array of retirement, investment and insurance products and services, including retirement plans, IRA rollovers and transfers, stable value, institutional investment management, mutual funds, alternative investments, life insurance, employee benefits, fixed and indexed annuities and financial planning.  Our dedicated workforce of more than 7,000 employees is focused on ING U.S.’s mission to guide Americans on their journey to greater retirement readiness and to make a secure financial future possible — one person, one family and one institution at a time.  ING U.S.’s vision is to be America’s Retirement CompanyTM.  For more information, visit http://ing.us.

# # #

Tweet me: .@ING_USA boosts @LIFE_Foundation with $100,000 grant to support #financialliteracy effort. http://bit.ly/135U7mS Contact Info:

Philip Margolis
ING U.S.
+1 (860) 580-2676
phil.margolis@us.ing.com

KEYWORDS: Corporate Social Responsibility, Education, ING US, Life Foundation, literacy program, financial planning, risk management

SOURCE: Deloitte

When Will Reynolds, a 32-year-old retired soldier, bought his oldest son his first real bicycle, the 4-year-old looked at him with shining eyes.

"He's excited to have a bike like daddy," Reynolds said.

It's a common reaction among tots getting their first big boy bikes. But for Reynolds, who will compete in the 2013 Warrior Games for five days in Colorado Springs beginning on May 11, just being able to go on long bike rides is remarkable. It's something that required 23 surgeries, so there was a good chance that his son wouldn't ever be able to see him on a bike let alone on long training rides to prepare for a Warrior cycling event.

Continue reading the original article on ThePostGame >>

About the Warrior Games

The Warrior Games, presented by Deloitte and organized by the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC), are designed to introduce wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans to Paralympic sport competition and encourages them to stay physically active.  The competition will be held in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 11-16, 2013.  Two-hundred sixty injured service members and veterans will participate in the fourth annual event, representing the Army, Marine Corps, Navy/Coast Guard, Air Force and Special Operations, as well as one international team from the U.K.  Teams will compete in seven sports including archery, cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, track & field and wheelchair basketball. 

Tweet me: Inspiring story about @will_reynolds, a @DeloitteUS consultant & competitor for @USArmy in the #WarriorGames http://3bl.me/bmwm7w

KEYWORDS: warrior games, iraq veteran, Deloitte, Veterans, Colorado Springs, Will Reynolds, cycling

SOURCE: Mary Kay

Everyone knows that we love pink at Mary Kay. Can you guess what our favorite pink item is? (Ok, besides the pink Cadillac.) It's hardhats. We love our pink hardhats at Mary Kay. We know when the pink hardhats come out, then someone's life is about to change for the better.

Mary Kay employees, volunteers and Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants put on their pink hardhats to build Habitat for Humanity homes. Just in Dallas alone, Mary Kay Inc. has sponsored 10 Habitat for Humanity homes, and the company has sponsored several more in the U.S. Check out these photos of our most recent Habitat home build and dedication. The new homeowner, Latasha Gray proves that “One Woman Can...” be a homeowner! Join us in congratulating her on her new home.

For more on how Mary Kay Inc. is making a difference and all of our Pink Changing Lives initiatives, please visit www.marykay.com/socialresponsibility.

Tweet me: .@MaryKay Independent Beauty Consultants put on their pink hardhats to build @Habitat_org homes http://3bl.me/78p82y

KEYWORDS: Mary Kay, one woman can, Habitat for Humanity, Corporate Social Responsibility, csr, Pink Changing Lives, beauty that counts

SOURCE: Cone Communications

There's no doubt that social media has made a huge impact on the nonprofit world. From "tweetaconda" to pink and red drenched Facebook profiles to raise awareness for marriage equality, nonprofits have employed myriad tactics to increase awareness and recruit prospective donors. But one nonprofit is coming out and saying that a tweet is sometimes not enough – especially when there is a life at stake.

UNICEF Sweden recently launched a controversial campaign speaking out against "slacktivisim," a simple, online action to show support of a cause or issue. The organization's position that social media actions won't help impact issues – in UNICEF's case, provide vaccinations or save lives – is driven home by a video of a young orphan named Rahim, who says he's not worried about polio impacting his life because "UNICEF Sweden has 177,000 Likes on Facebook."

To read more on Cone's Prove Your Purpose blog, please click here.

Tweet me: Will a Tweet Save a Life? According to UNICEF Sweden, Probably Not http://3bl.me/sbqe65 via @Cone #causemarketing #nonprofit

KEYWORDS: Business & Trade, Technology. Innovation & Solutions, Social Media, New Media, Campaign, social media campaign, donor engagement, Donations

SOURCE: The Elsevier Foundation

Boston, May 6, 2013 /3BL Media/ – The Elsevier Foundation is seeking new grant proposals for the 2013 New Scholars and Innovative Libraries in Developing Countries programs. The deadline for applications is June 24th 2013. Grants will be awarded in December 2013 and provide one, two and three year awards between US$ 5,000 to US$ 50,000 per year for a total of US$ 100,000. The Elsevier Foundation will accept 1 page applications from May 6th through June 24th via www.elsevierfoundation.org. Forty shortlisted applications will be invited to submit full proposals by September 3rd.

The Innovative Libraries in Developing Countries program provides grants to libraries in the developing world to improve access to scientific, technical and medical information. The 2013 program priorities include: professional librarian training enabling librarians to serve as pivotal advocates in their research ecosystems and projects which demonstrate the link between research access, training, usage and health impact. Priorities will also include projects which demonstrate a strong outcomes evaluation and have the potential for a strong model or multiplier effect.

The New Scholars Program supports projects to help early- to mid-career women scientists balance family responsibilities with demanding academic careers and addresses the attrition rate of talented women scientists. Recent grants have promoted institutional research, advocacy, and policy development to retain, recruit and develop women in science and have enabled researchers to attend conferences critical to their careers by assisting with childcare, mentorship and networking. Since 2010, the New Scholars program has also focused on the developing world through support of recognition awards and national gender-benchmarking research mapping the opportunities and obstacles faced by women in science, technology and innovation.

“Since 2007, we have been able to fund and partner with an impressive and diverse range of projects to build capacity in developing world libraries and advance women in science”, said David Ruth, Executive Director of The Elsevier Foundation. “The Elsevier Foundation grant often serves as critical seed funding to get innovative projects off the ground. “We can’t wait to see what great new ideas have emerged over the past year.”

# # #

Notes for Editors
The online application form will be accepting Phase 1 applications of approximately 1 page via www.elsevierfoundation.org. The top 40 applications will be invited to develop full proposals during the first week of July. The deadline for these is September 3rd and new grants will be announced in December 2013.

The Elsevier Foundation program manager, Ylann Schemm will be available for questions at the Medical Libraries Association/One Health Conference on May 6th, Elsevier Booth #116 3-5pm.

About the Elsevier Foundation
The Elsevier Foundation (www.elsevierfoundation.org) provides grants to institutions around the world, with a focus on support for the world’s libraries and for scholars in the early stages of their careers. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded more than 60 grants worth millions of dollars to non-profit organizations working in these fields. Through gift-matching, the Foundation also supports the efforts of Elsevier employees to play a positive role in their local and global communities. The Elsevier Foundation is funded by Elsevier, a world-leading provider of scientific, technical and medical information products and services.

About Elsevier
Elsevier is a world-leading provider of scientific, technical and medical information products and services. The company works in partnership with the global science and health communities to publish more than 2,000 journals, including The Lancet and Cell, and close to 20,000 book titles, including major reference works from Mosby and Saunders. Elsevier’s online solutions include ScienceDirect, Scopus, Reaxys, ClinicalKey and Mosby’s Suite, which enhance the productivity of science and health professionals, and the SciVal suite and MEDai’s Pinpoint Review, which help research and health care institutions deliver better outcomes more cost-effectively.

A global business headquartered in Amsterdam, Elsevier employs 7,000 people worldwide. The company is part of Reed Elsevier Group plc, a world leading provider of professional information solutions. The group employs more than 30,000 people, including more than 15,000 in North America. Reed Elsevier Group plc is owned equally by two parent companies, Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV. Their shares are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York Stock Exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RUK and ENL.

Media contact
Ylann Schemm
The Elsevier Foundation
+31 (0)6 23982359
newsroom@elsevier.com

Tweet me: The Elsevier Foundation Calls for 2013 New Scholars and Innovative Libraries Projects http://3bl.me/axdee5

KEYWORDS: Elsevier, elsevier foundation, Innovative Libraries, capacity building, developing countries, Gender Equality, Women Scientists, New Scholars programs, grant

SOURCE: Mercedes-Benz Financial Services

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., May 6, 2013 / 3BL Media /PRNewswire/ -- For most companies, ROI means Return on Investment, but for employees of Farmington Hills, MI-based Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, ROI has a greater meaning: "Return on Involvement."

This week, Monday through Friday, May 6-10, more than 1000 employees from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services locations in five countries across the Americas are teaming up with 35 nonprofit agencies for a Week of Caring, taking on community projects to benefit families in need, provide education to underserved youth and beautify communities.

"One of our core values is social responsibility and we are getting a tremendous response from our employees who want to make a significant, positive contribution to the communities where we live and work," said Peter Zieringer, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services USA LLC.

Employees get two opportunities a year to contribute to non-profit agencies in their communities: once to the organization or agency of their choice as a paid personal holiday, and once in a group effort with other employees in their department for a particular agency.

The company focuses on three areas of need when selecting non-profit agencies to support: Community Enhancement which includes housing, food, clothing and greening & sustainability; Education; and Arts & Culture.

For example, this week in Detroit, about 100 MBFS employees will be rehabing houses with Habitat for Humanity in one location on Monday and Tuesday plus a second location Wednesday through Friday.  

Another group will be in southwest Detroit on Thursday working with a group called Urban Neighborhood Initiatives, to clean up graffiti on walls at a park and repaint them with murals under the direction of an artist from the College for Creative Studies.

In Fort Worth, Texas, where the company has its business operations center, approximately 140 employees will be working with REAL School Gardens on to create a learning garden that will be an integral part of the Burton Hills School and the surrounding community.

Follow the progress of Week of Caring on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/mbfsamericas 
Or with Instagram at  #MBFSWeekofCaring

Copyright 2013 PR Newswire. All Rights Reserved.

Tweet me: More than 1,000 Mercedes-Benz Financial Services employees are teaming up with 35 nonprofits in five countries. http://3bl.me/ceyrtn

KEYWORDS: Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, community, week of caring, Return on Involvement, social responsibility, nonprofit

SOURCE: Sears Holdings Corporation

Hoffman Estates, Ill., May 3, 2013 /3BL Media/ - Sears has announced the launch of its sixth annual Heroes at Home spring renovation and fundraising campaign with Rebuilding Together to rebuild and revive the homes of veterans nationwide. Thanks to donations by SHOP YOUR WAY REWARDS Members, customers and associates, the program has raised more than $17 million over the past six years, funding more than 1,300 home rebuilds for America’s military heroes.

This spring, more than 75 military family homes will be rebuilt and to kick off the Heroes at Home campaign, the spotlight falls on a cluster of homes in Red Hook, N.Y. that Sears and Rebuilding Together committed to rebuild last fall in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. The “superstorm” brought more than 10 feet of water into the neighborhood, destroying basements and first floor living areas of homeowners, including that of Vietnam War army veteran Michael Chirieleison, the commander of VFW Post 5195 in Red Hook. Chirieleison, born and raised in Brooklyn, received a Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge and Good Conduct Medal for his dedicated service.

“Sears Heroes at Home program allows our associates, SHOP YOUR WAY REWARDS Members and customers the opportunity to participate not only in the rebuilding of homes, but also in the transformation of lives,” said Ron Boire, executive vice president, chief merchandising officer and president, Sears and Kmart Formats. “It is our collective honor to assist America’s veterans and their families, who have given so much to protect our freedom, by providing the resources necessary so that they can improve their living conditions.”

Now through July 27, Sears is urging SHOP YOUR WAY REWARDS Members and customers nationwide to donate at their local Sears store or via a link online at sears.com/heroesathome. All funds raised go to Rebuilding Together, the nation’s leading nonprofit working to preserve affordable homeownership.

Other examples of the nationwide Heroes at Home projects that are being completed this spring include:

• Colorado Springs, Col. – Retrofitting the family home of an Iraq War Army veteran who lost a leg in an IED attack, making his bathroom accessible, installing a wheelchair ramp and stairway hand rails.
• Miami – Replacement of a leaking roof, major bathroom renovations and exterior improvements to help a Vietnam War Air Force veteran and his wife keep their home of more than 39 years.
• Sacramento, Calif. – Installing new doors, repairing drafty windows and overhauling a bathroom, to help a World War II Navy veteran provide better care for his ailing wife.
• Boston – Repairing a leaky roof and windows, sealing drafts and making security improvements to the home of a Korean War veteran so his wife can stay in the home after his recent move to a nursing home.
• Oakland, Calif. – A complete overhaul of the home of a former Tuskegee Airman, to include bathroom repairs, basement, painting, heater repair, and replacement of windows.

“Our partnership through Heroes at Home ensures our deserving veterans are coming home to a safe, healthy, and accessible living space,” said John L. Fiegel, interim president and CEO of Rebuilding Together. “Our projects center on providing renovations for veterans unable to live in their current home conditions, due to injuries or obstacles that threaten their avenue to a safe and accessible home. We feel proud that each year we are able to help our American soldiers and veterans who dedicated their lives to serve our country.”

In addition to working with Rebuilding Together to help veterans with home modifications, Sears has been recognized as one of the country’s leading military employers. Sears currently employs more than 30,000 veterans, leading recruitment programs to place them in jobs within the organization as well as accommodations for their spouses who have relocated to be closer to them. The company also offers a military pay differential to its full-time associates who are reservists and serving on active duty, allowing each to continue participating in life insurance, medical and dental programs. Sears will also hold a comparable position for deployed employees for up to five years.

For more information about Heroes at Home, to make a donation and volunteer, visit sears.com/heroesathome. Follow Heroes at Home on SHOP YOUR WAY at ShopYourWay.com/heroesathome.

About Sears Holdings Corporation
Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: SHLD) is a leading integrated retailer with more than 2,500 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada and the home of SHOP YOUR WAY, a social shopping experience where members have the ability to earn points and receive benefits across a wide variety of physical and digital formats through ShopYourWay.com. Sears Holdings is the leading home appliance retailer as well as a leader in tools, lawn and garden, fitness equipment and automotive repair and maintenance. Key proprietary brands include Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, with a broad apparel offering, including such well-known labels as Lands' End, the Kardashian Kollection, Jaclyn Smith and Joe Boxer, as well as Sofia by Sofia Vergara and The Country Living Home Collection. We are the nation's largest provider of home services, with more than 14 million service and installation calls made annually, and have a long-established commitment to those who serve in the military through initiatives like the Heroes at Home program. We have been named the 2011 Mobile Retailer of the Year, Recipient of the 2013 ENERGY STAR® "Partner of the Year - Sustained Excellence Award" for Product Retailing and Energy Management and one of the Top 20 Best Places to Work for Recent Grads.  Sears Holdings Corporation operates through its subsidiaries, including Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation.  For more information, visit Sears Holdings' website at www.searsholdings.com.  Twitter: @searsholdings Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SHCCareers

About Rebuilding Together
Rebuilding Together is a Safe and Healthy Housing organization that believes Community Starts at Home. Our focus provides critical repairs, accessibility modifications and energy efficient upgrades to low-income homes and community centers at no cost to service recipients. Our impact extends beyond the individuals served to revitalize and stabilize vulnerable neighborhoods and communities across the country. Our nearly 200 local affiliates complete approximately 10,000 rebuild projects a year thanks to the efforts of 200,000 volunteers from corporate partners, skilled trade professionals and everyday good citizens. Join us — visit RebuildingTogether.org.

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Tweet me: Hurricane #Sandy Rebuild for Army Veteran Kicks-Off #Sears Sixth-Annual Heroes at Home Program http://3bl.me/pd9d6b Contact Info:

Brian Hanover
Sears Holdings
+1 (847) 286-6080
Brian.Hanover@searshc.com

Danny Cohn
Zeno Group
+1 (312) 396-9789
Danny.Cohn@zenogroup.com

KEYWORDS: Sears, sears holding, Hurricane Sandy, community, sandy rebuilding, Veterans, Heroes At Home, csr

SOURCE: Sappi Fine Paper North America

BOSTON, May 3, 2013 /3BL Media/ – Sappi Fine Paper North America today announced the 2013 Call for Entries for Ideas that Matter, an annual, innovative grant program that supports and transforms the creative ideas of designers into a powerful force for social good. Fourteen years ago, Sappi established the Ideas that Matter grant program to recognize and support designers who use their skills and expertise to solve communications problems for a wide range of charitable activities. Sappi has witnessed this world-changing work first hand and remains committed to the belief that good ideas inspire people to take action, great ideas change the world.

Ideas that Matter remains the only grant program of its kind in the industry. Since 1999, Sappi has funded over 500 nonprofit projects, contributing more than $12 million worldwide to causes that enhance our lives, our communities and our planet in ways that add unique value and have measurable impact. Since the program’s inception, Ideas that Matter funded projects have addressed every imaginable societal issue from diversity and human rights campaigns to projects that focus on health and youth development. In tracking the program’s long-term success, Sappi estimates that these projects have directly impacted the lives and environments of people and communities across 24 states and 15 countries.

“Sappi understands that the lasting legacy of the Ideas that Matter program are the individual lives that are positively impacted and forever changed because of the grant-funded projects,” said Jennifer Miller, Executive Vice President, Coated Business and Chief Sustainability Officer, Sappi Fine Paper North America. “The stories of success that come back to Sappi weeks, months and sometimes even years after the grant is awarded, are proof that the creative ideas of designers can have an influence beyond the aesthetic and that those ideas can be a powerful force for social good. It is the people – the designers and nonprofits they choose to work with – that are the lifeblood of this program, and we at Sappi are honored to play a small, but meaningful role in the work they do.”

Each project concept and design entry to Ideas that Matter is evaluated on creativity, potential effectiveness and practicality of the implementation plan by an annually selected, independent panel of judges comprised of leaders and influencers in the design industry. These judges are widely recognized for their commitment to design for social good as well as their award-winning work. This year, Sappi is proud to have the following design leaders take on the challenging task of selecting grant winners from the pool of qualified and creative proposals: Bill Drenttel, President of Winterhouse Institute based in Connecticut; Erin Huizenga, Director of New Business Development at Remedy in Chicago; Jennifer Kinon, Founding Partner at Original Champions of Design/OCD based in New York City; Michael Lejeune, Creative Director at Metro in Los Angeles; Alissa Walker, freelance design writer in Los Angeles.

Individual designers, design firms, agencies, in-house corporate design departments, design instructors, individual design students and design student groups can apply for an Ideas that Matter grant. The designer or the nonprofit must be based in North America. Grant awards range from $5,000 to $50,000 per project. At least a portion of the project must be printed, though additional elements may include a variety of communication mediums. And, for the first time in 2013, proposals may include up to 10% of the total budget as an honorarium for the applying designer or design firm.

The grant application process for Ideas that Matter is similar to submitting a client creative brief or strategic plan. Basic information is required including: the mission statement of the benefiting nonprofit organization and a copy of its 501(c)(3) designation; a written description of the proposed project, including a list of elements to be part of the program; a brief description of the project's objectives; a visual presentation of the proposed idea; a project timeline and proposed budget; a summary of information about the applicant; the applicant's resume; and samples of the applicant's previous work.

To obtain an entry form and for more information about Ideas that Matter, visit www.sappi.com/ideasthatmatterNA or call 800-882-4332. Applications for proposals must be postmarked by July 19, 2013.  The winners will be announced in September 2013.

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For further information:

Joanna Rieke

Manager, Corporate Communications

Sappi Fine Paper North America

joanna.rieke@sappi.com

Shannon McLoughlin

Associate

Burson-Marsteller

shannon.mcloughlin@bm.com

Tweet me: Take action! @SappiNA @IdeasthatMatter grant program 2013 #call for entries open-Enter your #design ideas by July 19 http://3bl.me/h7253f

KEYWORDS: Marketing, Media & Communications, Branding, Cause Marketing, Interactive Marketing, Media and Communications, Social Media, Twitter, People, Social Action & Community Engagement, Positive Change, Social Development, Social Gifting, Social Change, Volunteerism, Sappi Fine Paper North America, Ideas that Matter 2013, Design for social good, call for entries, July 19, 2013, Graphic Design, communication design, non-profit fundraising, grant funding, #communications, csr, Justmeans, stakeholders, sustainability, NGO

SOURCE: Balfour Beatty Construction

TORRANCE, Calif., May 2, 2013 /3BL Media/ - On Saturday, May 4, seven schools in the Redondo, Torrance, Culver City and Wiseburn School Districts will receive much needed improvements, thanks to more than 350 Balfour Beatty Construction employees, contractors, vendors, site staff, students, family and community members. The annual Sharefest Workday mobilizes thousands of volunteers throughout Los Angeles County every year to complete tangible work projects that will change the quality of life for its residents. In addition, the improvements are provided at no cost to the schools. 

This is the fourth year that Balfour Beatty Construction has joined Sharefest for a hands-on partnership, and the first year that additional financial support was provided through Balfour Beatty Construction/Sharefest’s 1st annual Golf Tournament held on April 4, 2013 at Skylinks Golf Course in Long Beach, Calif. The event was well attended with 144 golfers and 150 dinner and awards banquet attendees from Balfour Beatty Construction as well as its many partners who helped to raised $50,000 to support the improvement projects taking place at the schools this Saturday.

“We wanted to raise the bar this year and find ways where we could share the vision of Sharefest with our contractors, consultants and vendors, to make an even greater impact in these communities,” said Tom Schlegel, Balfour Beatty Construction’s senior program manager and the company’s Sharefest Project Coordinator. “Golf was the perfect venue for all of our partners and subcontractors to show a strong commitment to giving back to the communities they serve.   Raising $50,000 was an amazing accomplishment for this first year event, and knowing the net results of the monies raised will be used to improve the lives of staff, students and surrounding communities for years to come is extremely gratifying," he added.  

Balfour Beatty Construction is a shining example of the powerful ways that corporations can invest in and support the local communities in which they do business,” said Chad Mayer, executive director of the Sharefest Community Development. “This commitment to service is evident in the amount of resources that Balfour Beatty Construction contributes as well as the amount of time they volunteer to work side-by-side with local community members, students and families. Fostering such key partnerships is one of the goals of the Annual Workday and integral to cultivating sustainable change within our communities,” he added.

Two Sharefest Workday projects in the Torrance Unified School District have already had some  major components of the work completed,  including floor tile installation,  painting of the multipurpose room at Jefferson Middle School, and the slurry and striping of  100,000 square feet of asphalt playground and staff parking lots at Arnold Elementary School. Additional schools that will receive beautification projects include: Parras Middle School, Tulita Elementary School and Redondo Union High School in Redondo Beach Unified School District, Da Vinci Science Charter School in Wiseburn School District and Culver City High School in Culver City Unified School District. Work that is planned for completion on Saturday includes: reviving gardens with installation of new plants and general weeding; creating outdoor learning environments; installing decomposed granite walkways; planting native California plants; extensive painting of exterior classroom doors and building facades; cleaning classrooms and multipurpose rooms; planting palm trees; hand crafting and installing garden benches and planter bench combinations; repairing and painting basketball hoops as well as painting site-specific murals.

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An industry leader for more than 80 years, Balfour Beatty Construction provides general contracting, at-risk construction management, and design-build services for a wide variety of markets, serving clients in both the public and private sector.  With more than 2,400 employees across the U.S., the company has been cited as a Top 10 Green Builder by Engineering News-Record, and as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For® by FORTUNE magazine, four years in a row. The company is part of London-based Balfour Beatty plc, a global infrastructure services business operating in more than 80 countries, with a worldwide commitment to providing assets that help societies function, develop, and thrive.  To learn more about the company, visit www.balfourbeattyus.com or look for BalfourBeattyUS on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

About Sharefest Community Development’s 10th Annual Workday- Saturday May 4, 2013:

This event mobilizes thousands of volunteers to complete tangible work projects throughout the greater Los Angeles region. Since its inception the Sharefest Workday has mobilized over 40,000 volunteers to complete more than 1,680 projects totaling over $7.5 million. To learn more find us online at http://www.sharefestinc.org/workday or call 310.626.8106.

Tweet me: .@BalfourBeattyUS helps raise $50,000 to support Sharefest's 10th Annual Workday http://3bl.me/zmk6eq

KEYWORDS: People, Social Action & Community Engagement, Sharfest, construction, Sharefest Workday, balfour beatty construction, California, Building, commercial real estate, Fundraising, Golf Tournament