EIN Presswire: International Development Press Releases

FDRA to Co-host Footwear Investment Forum in Nicaragua

Thu, 24 May 2012 22:10:00 +0000

Nicaragua will be showcasing why it has become an attractive and increasingly competitive footwear production platform during its upcoming investment forum titled Nicaragua, The Right Step!

WASHINGTON, DC, May 24, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Nicaragua will be showcasing why it has become an attractive and increasingly competitive footwear production platform during its upcoming investment forum titled "Nicaragua, The Right Step!". The event, which is hosted by PRONicaragua, the official investment promotion agency of Nicaragua, in coordination with the Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America (FDRA), will be held on June 13th and 14th in Managua's prestigious Barcelo Hotel.

Footwear manufacturers, international footwear brands, industry associations, retailers and industry consultants are expected to attend the event, representing countries such as the U.S., Dominican Republic, Brazil, Venezuela, Central America and Japan.

Renowned international speakers include Matt Priest, President of FDRA; Mike Jeppesen, President of Global Operations Group; David Spooner, Principal Negotiator for DR-CAFTA in his role as Textile & Apparel Negotiator and Transition Coordinator in the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR); Mike Todaro, Managing Director of American Apparel Producers' Network (AAPN); Clay Jenkins, Senior Vice-President of Global Sourcing, Compliance & New Business Development of Brown Shoe Company; and Leandro Winter, Director of Tecshoes Latinoamerica S.A.

The program will feature an overview of the international footwear market, industry trends, commercial footwear rules and market access, as well as Nicaragua's main advantages for investments in this industry, which include a favorable business climate, competitive cost structure, preferential access to international markets, pro-business legal framework and its high levels of personal safety.

The program also includes site visits to international footwear manufacturing companies operating successfully in Nicaragua, during which participants will be able to witness their world-class facilities and learn about their experience investing in the country.

The Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA), in its recently published 2012 Annual Footwear Sourcing Forecast, showcased Nicaragua as a "rising star" with great potential to increase its footwear exports to the U.S. In this forecast the U.S. is advised to restructure its sourcing strategies and options due to China's increasing prices, shortages in labor and increased compliance costs, and to "keep an eye on Cambodia, Bangladesh and Nicaragua".

For more information on this up coming footwear investment forum, visit www.pronicaragua.org/footwearforum/

PRONicaragua is the Nicaraguan Investment Promotion Agency, established in 2002. It is a non-profit, public-private institution whose mission is to generate economic growth and job creation in Nicaragua by attracting high-quality foreign direct investment. The agency provides complimentary support services to qualified investors seeking investment opportunities in our country. For further information, please contact us at (505) 2270-6400 or http://pronicaragua.org.

---

Press release service and press release distribution provided by http://www.24-7pressrelease.com

NGOs welcome Senate leadership in international humanitarian funding

Thu, 24 May 2012 21:04:49 +0000

NGOs welcome Senate leadership in international humanitarian funding

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Leading NGO alliance InterAction is heartened by the international affairs spending bill approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee today and urges the House to follow the Senate's lead when the two bills are reconciled. The Senate committee approved the bill with an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 29-1.

"This bill shows the wisdom and courage to invest in international development and humanitarian assistance programs. InterAction urges the House to adopt the Senate's funding levels when the final bill is negotiated," said Samuel A. Worthington, president and CEO of InterAction.

The committee released a summary of the bill on Wednesday, and the full text of the bill is expected to be released in the coming days.

"InterAction applauds the extraordinary leadership and vision of Senators Leahy, Graham, Inouye and Cochran, which was reflected in the bill approved today. When U.S. support helps a child get vaccinated or go to school; helps a community construct a well or be better prepared for a disaster, this fulfills our moral imperative to offer a hand up to those less fortunate than us around the world. This support helps create more self-sufficient communities in the future," added Worthington, "when young democracies are nourished and citizens are empowered to hold their leaders to account, America and the world benefit."

The Senate FY2013 State, Foreign Operations appropriations bill provides for $52.1 billion in discretionary spending for the State Department, the U.S. Agency for International Development and other international development and humanitarian assistance programs, $1.2 billion less than was provided for the current fiscal year and $2.6 billion less than the administration request. The House version of the bill provides $48.4 billion, about $5 billion less than the current year, $6.3 billion less than the request and $3.8 billion less than the Senate bill.

Key accounts in the Senate bill include:

$2.9 billion for USAID's global health programs (House level: $2.5 billion)
$3.1 billion for Development Assistance (House level: $2.5 billion)
$1.3 billion for International Disaster Assistance (House level: $923 million)
$2.3 billion for Migration and Refugee Assistance (House level: $1.7 billion)

SOURCE InterAction

Construction Writers Association Announces 2012 Annual Conference, CONNECTED

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:39:00 +0000

The Construction Writers Association's (CWA) 2012 Annual Conference, CONNECTED, featuring economic and political reports from construction industry economists writers, leaders and analysts; several professional development seminars on social media and building effective content; and a construction tour of CityCenter, will take place Oct. 22-24 at the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton in Crystal City, Va., just minutes from downtown Washington, D.C.

CWA's annual conference begins with a construction tour on Oct. 22 of the Washington, D.C., CityCenter project, giving conference participants a firsthand, hard-hat view of the mixed-use development rising on the former convention center grounds.

A welcome reception at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., kicks off the first evening of the annual conference on Oct. 22. Free admission will be available to the exhibits prior to the welcome reception for registered attendees. The networking event is hosted by Turner Construction Company.

The conference sessions will begin the following morning with the Keynote Economists' Panel. Three panelists will provide their organizations' views of the economic recovery, its strength, sustainability and forecast. Panelists are Allison Black, chief economist and vice president of policy, American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA); David Crowe, chief economist, National Association of Home Builders; and Ken Simonson, chief economist, Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).

The luncheon speaker, Ashley Halsey, The Washington Post transportation writer, will provide her perspective on what to expect in 2012 and beyond in the transportation sector of the built environment.

Dave Bauer, vice president of government relations, ARBTA, and Jeffrey Shoaf, senior executive director, AGC, will weigh in on the question, "What impact will the upcoming election have on the transportation and construction industries?" during an afternoon legislative session.

In addition, four professional development sessions throughout the day will focus on themes and issues relevant to journalists, corporate marketers, public relations professionals and writers in the construction industry.

They include:

Google 101 for Journalists: Jake Parillio, Midwest Manager, Global Communications and Public Affairs at Google

Building on a Content Foundation: How to Get More Out Your Media Material: Andrew Hanelly, Director of Digital Strategy, TMG Custom Media

Mis-Underestimating the Future of Construction: Michael Chusid, FCSI, President, Chusid Associates

The Aging Workforce and Its Impact on the Construction Industry: Don Whyte, President of National Center for Construction Education and Research and Steve Green, Vice President of National Center for Construction Education and Research

The annual conference concludes with the Grand Awards Reception and Dinner on Oct. 23 celebrating winners of CWA's Journalism Awards, Marketing Communications Awards, Photography Awards, Hall of Fame Award, and the prestigious Silver Hard Hat Award. We thank our sponsors for their support in making this an outstanding event. Platinum Sponsors are Caterpillar, John Deere, and Marketwire. The Gold sponsors are American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), Award Company of America, Golden Square, Randall Reilly, and Turner Construction. The Silver Sponsors are American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and Hilti. The Bronze sponsors are Bobcat and Doosan.

For more information about CWA's annual conference, visit the Events section of the CWA Web site, www.constructionwriters.org/events. To join the outstanding sponsors of this event and be recognized as a supporter of journalists, writers, and marketing communicators in the construction industry, contact Deborah Hodges, CWA executive director, for more information at info@constructionwriters.org or at 1(773) 687-8726.

Join us on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/groups?mostPopular=&gid=2185694,
Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/groups/78345106861/
and Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/CWA_Tweets

The Construction Writers Association (CWA), founded in 1958, is a non-profit, non-partisan, international organization that provides a forum for journalism, photography, marketing, and communications professionals in all segments of the construction industry to connect with other professionals and enhance skills through education. Visit the website at www.constructionwriters.org.

For more information contact:
Deborah Hodges
Construction Writers Association
1(773) 687-8726
Email Contact

Major Media Outlets, Open Government Organizations File Amicus Curiae Briefs in Support of Judicial Watch's Lawsuit to Obtain Obama White House Visitor Logs

Thu, 24 May 2012 19:55:00 +0000

Bloomberg, CBS, Dow Jones, National Public Radio and the Washington Post Among Major Media That Urge Court to Reject Obama Administration Interpretation of FOIA Law

Judicial Watch, the organization that investigates and fights government corruption, announced today that major mainstream media outlets and open government organizations have joined its legal campaign against the Obama Secret Service to force the release of White House visitor logs. On August 17, Obama-appointed federal Judge Beryl Howell ruled against the Obama administration that Secret Service White House visitor logs are agency records that are subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The Obama administration appealed that decision and the lawsuit is now before the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (Judicial Watch v. U.S. Secret Service (No. 11-5282)).

Among the organizations joining amicus briefs filed in Judicial Watch's litigation are: Bloomberg, L.P.; CBS Broadcast Inc.; Dow Jones & Company Inc.; Gannett, Co. Inc.; The McClatchy Company; The National Association of Broadcasters; National Freedom of Information Coalition; National Public Radio; The Newspaper Guild; The Radio Television Digital News Association; The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press; The Washington Post; Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW); Openthegovernment.org; Electronic Frontier Foundation; and the Project on Government Oversight.

According to the May 8, 2012, amicus curiae brief filed by Bloomberg, et al., the Obama administration is attempting to "evade the congressional mandate of FOIA":

The Media Amici are particularly concerned that reversal of the decision below may encourage federal agencies to seek to place millions of documents outside of FOIA's ambit based on no more than their say-so, even in the face of express statutes and judicial orders directly to the contrary. Permitting such an end-run around FOIA would significantly reduce the quantity and quality of information available to the media and, consequently, to the public at large, severely undermining the goal of an informed public that sits at the core of our democracy...

... Media Amici respectfully urge this Court to affirm the District Court's ruling... and reject the Secret Service's repeated efforts to evade the congressional mandate of FOIA. Any other decision risks inviting a degradation of the rights of the media and the public to access government information, ultimately reducing confidence in governmental institutions.

The Media Amici group also asserts that the Obama administration's position "would effect a complete end-run around FOIA."

According to the May 8, 2012, amicus curiae brief filed by CREW, et. al., the Obama administration's position on the White House visitor logs is "radical" and will render FOIA a "dead letter."

Pursuant to a lawsuit filed on December 7, 2009, Judicial Watch has asked the court to order the release of Secret Service logs of White House visitors from January 20, 2009, to August, 10, 2009.

The Obama administration has made the erroneous claim that the visitor logs "are not agency records subject to the FOIA [Freedom of Information Act]." As Judicial Watch noted in its complaint filed on December 7, 2009, this claim "has been litigated and rejected repeatedly." Despite White House misinformation to the contrary, tens of thousands of visitor logs are being withheld from disclosure by the Obama administration.

According to Judge Howell's ruling, the records should now be subject to disclosure under FOIA: "... the proper course of action by the Secret Service is duly to process [Judicial Watch's] FOIA request, disclose all segregable, nonexempt records, and then assert specific FOIA exemptions for all records it seeks to withhold." Currently, the White House releases visitor information at its own discretion, the timing and specifics of which, it insisted, was not subject to court review.

"We are grateful that so many reputable media institutions and open government organizations are joining our legal campaign against the Obama administration to uphold our nation's FOIA transparency law and force the release of White House visitor logs," said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. "The Obama administration has a sham policy of voluntarily releasing select White House visitor logs, while shielding hundreds of thousands visitor logs from public view. President Obama has made a mockery of his transparency promises to the American people."

Visit www.judicialwatch.org.

Contact:
Jill Farrell
202-646-5188

"The Ronald Reagan Great Communicator Debate Series" Announced for High School Students Nationwide

Thu, 24 May 2012 19:13:00 +0000

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation's Walter and Leonore Annenberg Presidential Learning Center is proud to announce The Ronald Reagan Great Communicator Debate Series, which will award $35,000 in scholarship funds to outstanding high school debate students across the nation. The Ronald Reagan Great Communicator Debate Series is designed to provide an avenue for high school students across the country to develop their civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions as they research, discuss, and engage in public debate. Rather than follow the traditional school year, this program is designed to align with and leverage the energy of Election 2012.

The competition will consist of three distinct rounds. First, local debates will take place on high school campuses nationwide between June and September of 2012. School champions will advance to regional championships held in September and October of 2012. Regional championships will be held at university campuses including: University of Southern California, University of Notre Dame, University of Georgia, University of Texas, Boston College, and George Mason University. Regional champions will then be flown to the National Championship at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on October 27, 2012 and compete for $35,000 in scholarship awards.

"President Reagan was known as the 'Great Communicator' and as a great debater," said John Heubusch, executive director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation. "It is our mission at the Reagan Foundation to help teach and promote these skills to students -- our nation's future leaders."

For the debate series, the Walter and Leonore Annenberg Presidential Learning Center has partnered with the USC Trojan Debate Squad, the National Forensic League, and the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues.

"President Ronald Reagan's legacy reminds us that outstanding leadership requires effective communication," said J. Scott Wunn, executive director of the National Forensic League. "The Great Communicator Debate Series will allow our future leaders from all over the United States to showcase their abilities in formulating thoughts and opinions in a meaningful and constructive way. No single activity enhances critical thinking, argumentation, research, and communication skills more than debate."

The Ronald Reagan Great Communicator Debate Series is designed to align with the final debates of the 2012 presidential election, promote civic engagement, highlight the legacy of President Reagan as both "The Great Communicator" and a legendary presidential debater, and provide a showcase for many of the nation's most promising high school communicators. The program is sponsored by The Chapman Hanson Foundation and The S. Robert and Denise Zeilstra Foundation.

For complete information on the series, links to resources, and to register your school for the series, visit www.reaganfoundation.org/debates.aspx.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation is a non-profit, non-partisan organization whose mission is to promote the legacy of Ronald Reagan by convening, educating and engaging people around the world in his core principles of freedom, economic opportunity, global democracy and national pride. The Reagan Foundation sustains the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, the Reagan Center for Public Affairs, the Walter and Leonore Annenberg Presidential Learning Center and The Air Force One Pavilion. Located in Simi Valley, California the Library houses 63 million pages of Gubernatorial, Presidential and personal papers and over 60,000 gifts and artifacts chronicling the lives of Ronald and Nancy Reagan. It now also serves as the final resting place of America's 40th President. www.reaganfoundation.org

MEDIA CONTACT:
Melissa Giller
Email Contact

State Department Report Reveals Human Rights Progress In Equatorial Guinea

Thu, 24 May 2012 19:09:18 +0000

State Department Report Reveals Human Rights Progress In Equatorial Guinea

PR Newswire

West African nation has no political prisoners, citizens have unfettered Internet access. There were no credible reports of torture.

WASHINGTON, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- There are no political prisoners in Equatorial Guinea, according to the Department of State's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2011, which was released today. The report documented several positive practices and developments in the country in a report that was more positive in tone and substance than in years past.

Although the report included critical information on the ability of political opposition to challenge the ruling party, the conduct of the courts, and official corruption, it also gave the country clear credit for areas in which it has improved, attempted to improve, or traditionally been strong.

The report indicated that uncensored news is more widely available in the country than critics claim. It also noted efforts to improve health conditions, protect women, children, the disabled and minorities, and improve the penal system.

The report appeared to cast doubt on accounts in international media last year that a French- language host of a television program was terminated from his position for mentioning Libya on a cultural show. Referring to those reports, it noted that "the events of North Africa were widely discussed on radio, television, and in the newly approved independent newspaper, El Lector."

Equatorial Guinea has been the target of severe criticism by human rights and other organizations. They cite the dominant role of the ruling party, criticize the functioning of the court system, and access of the people to information, and they accuse the government of torture. The State Department report appeared to agree with the critics on the first two points, but struck a more nuanced tone on the subject of torture. It said, "While the law prohibits such practices, security officials abused persons during the year. Police officers and military personnel occasionally used excessive force to gather information about an individual's suspected crimes. Opposition leaders and international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) continued to criticize the 'government for its systematic use of torture,' but there were no reliable reports that torture occurred."

The report also shed light on how the people of Equatorial Guinea obtain information that is critical of the government. The report said, "There were no government restrictions on access to the Internet or credible reports that the government monitored e-mail or Internet chat rooms. Individuals and groups could engage in the expression of views via the Internet, including by e-mail. Most overt criticism of the government came from the country's community in exile, and the Internet replaced broadcast media as the primary way opposition views were expressed and disseminated. Exiled citizens' sites were not blocked, and some Internet-based criticism of the government and its leaders was openly sourced without negative repercussions to individuals living inside the country."

Some of the positive factors highlighted in the report are:

There are no political prisoners in the country. The government in June pardoned 22 prisoners serving long jail terms for plotting against the regime.
There were no reports that the government or its agents committed arbitrary or unlawful killings.
The government recently renovated three prisons, and while conditions remain inadequate, they are improved. The largest prison has only 269 inmates.
Prisoners generally have reasonable access to visitors and were permitted religious observances. The government appointed a local judge to serve as ombudsman to hear complaints about sentencing. The nation's attorney general met with 90 percent of inmates in the largest prison to determine their dates of imprisonment, legal situation, sentencing dates, and state of health.
The government signed a headquarters agreement with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) giving the international organization a permanent presence in the country.
A foreign contractor is training police officers and their leaders on human rights, prevention of trafficking in persons, rule of law, appropriate use of force, and code of ethics. Evidence and feedback from expatriates, citizens, and community leaders indicated improvements in performance in human rights and professional conduct, particularly among younger officers who received the training.
Although nearly all media are state controlled, foreign channels were not censored, were broadcast throughout the country, and included Radio France International, the BBC, and Radio Exterior, the international shortwave service from Spain.
The government approved the establishment of an independent newspaper that was published infrequently throughout the year.
International news reported that Juan Pedro Medene, a French language social program host, was terminated from his position on local television for mentioning Libya on a cultural show; however, the events of North Africa were widely discussed on radio, television, and in the newly approved independent newspaper, El Lector.
Unlike in the previous year, there were no reports that the government forcibly evicted families from their homes to make room for roads and luxury housing developments.
The government did not overtly limit participation of minorities in politics.
Numerous public outreach efforts were undertaken to improve public awareness of the issues associated with violence and discrimination against women and children, discrimination against ethnic minorities, and discrimination against those with HIV/AIDS.
The government conducted public awareness campaigns on women's rights and domestic violence. In accordance with a 2009 law, family courts were created to deal with cases of violence against women; however, domestic violence cases continued to be handled by district courts. On occasion, police organized workshops on family violence, and public marches against violence against women were authorized.
The government has reduced maternal mortality and the country is on track to achieve its Millennium Development Goal due in large part to a successful malaria eradication campaign and improved care in hospitals.
The government continued to partner with a foreign oil company to undertake a multimillion-dollar school renovation program and work with a foreign country to reform outdated curriculum materials.
The Ministry of Social Affairs and the Promotion of Women operated several programs to deter child marriage.
The government and the Catholic Church worked together to provide care for persons with mental disabilities. The country's first lady gave several highly publicized donations to help persons living with disabilities. The government worked to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, including broadcasting public service announcements regarding rights of persons with disabilities.
The government vigorously enforced laws prohibiting child labor.
The government respected religious freedom in law and in practice.

About Equatorial Guinea

The Republic of Equatorial Guinea (Republica de Guinea Ecuatorial) is the only Spanish-speaking country in Africa, and one of the smallest nations on the continent. In the late-1990s, American companies helped discover the country's oil and natural gas resources, which only within the last five years began contributing to the global energy supply. Equatorial Guinea is now working to serve as a pillar of stability and security in its region of West Central Africa. The country hosted the 2011 Summit of the African Union. For more information, visit http://www.guineaecuatorialpress.com.

SOURCE Republic of Equatorial Guinea

The Fray's Isaac Slade Stops by Local Elementary School to Deliver Donation of $40,000 Worth of Instruments for Music Program

Thu, 24 May 2012 19:05:00 +0000

The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation Program Supports Music Education

What:
A donation of $40,000 worth of musical instruments to Pennington Elementary School from the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation and Colorado Public Radio, thanks to support from The Anschutz Foundation. There will be a presentation at the school, with the students there to receive and play the instruments for the first time.

Who:
Isaac Slade, The Fray; Steve Blatt, Colorado Public Radio; Lisa Rucker, The Anschutz Foundation; Tricia Steel, The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation; Superintendent Cindy Stevenson, Jeffco Public Schools.

When:
Tuesday, May 29, 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Where:
Pennington Elementary, 4617 Independence St., Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

Media:
Media are invited to cover the event, and speak with representatives from the organizations involved, as well as people from Pennington Elementary.

MHOF:
The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation donates new and refurbished musical instruments to underserved schools nationwide, in an effort to give youngsters the many benefits of music education, help them to be better students and inspire creativity and expression through playing music. Since 1996, 15,000 instruments have been donated to 1,260 music programs across the country benefiting thousands of students. More information can be found at www.mhopus.org.

CPR:
Colorado Public Radio is a community-driven institution committed to promoting excellence in music education throughout Colorado. With the support of The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, Colorado Public Radio has held three annual instrument drives, collecting more than 1,500 instruments from listeners, repairing them and awarding them to deserving schools and music programs throughout the state.

Contact:
Steve Honig
The Honig Company
818-986-4300
Email Contact

Chris Chelios "Assists" Megan's Dreams Golf Outing to Benefit Homeless Animals and Young Veterinarians

Thu, 24 May 2012 17:58:00 +0000

In Memory of Megan Darr-Soroka, 6th Annual Outing Takes Place at Dearborn Hills

Helping to fulfill the dreams of Megan Darr-Soroka, a popular manager at Cheli's Chili Bar in Detroit, the event contributes to an endowment fund for Michigan State University veterinary students and the Friends For the Dearborn Animal Shelter. Celebrating her life and passion for animals and those who care for them, Megan's Dreams Golf Outing takes place on Friday, June 8, at Dearborn Hills Golf Course, 1300 S. Telegraph Road. As one of Michigan's best public golf courses, Dearborn Hills is perfect for all interested golfers, novice and serious alike.

"Former Detroit Red Wing great Chris Chelios serves as honorary co-chair of the event and is joining in the golf festivities with us this year to help round out the day," comments Tim Keyes, Megan's Dreams spokesperson. "We welcome all to join Chris and the rest of us to support these two great charities."

"Collaboration between two nonprofits is key to Megan's Dreams," shares Friends Development Director Kelle Sisung. "We've come together to create a truly unique outing that stands apart from the rest." Mr. Chelios provided one of the many unique auction items: a tour for four people of the Red Wings locker room and the opportunity to attend a morning skate at Joe Louis Arena. Golfers will have a chance to bid on this once-in-a-lifetime package throughout the day on the course.

$125 ticket per person includes:

12 noon: Registration
1 p.m.: Shotgun start
BBQ Wings wagon, ice cream stop, and hot dog station
Roving cigar bar sponsored by Le Cigar of Dearborn
Wine tent sponsored by Barefoot Wine & Bubbly
5 p.m.: Drinks, hors d'oeuvres; silent auction starts
6 p.m.: Dinner banquet (open to non-golfers for only $50 )

Megan's Dreams is a 501(c)(3) organization supporting the health and care of animals. Purchase tickets online at www.MegansDreams.com, or call (313) 943-2697 for more information.

The Dearborn Animal Shelter is located at 2661 Greenfield Road, Dearborn, and is operated by the Friends For the Dearborn Animal Shelter, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Main phone (313) 943-2697 and online www.DearbornAnimals.org
Follow the Shelter on Facebook (www.facebook.com/DearbornAnimals) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/FFDAS).

Contact:
Elaine Greene
Executive Director
Email Contact
313-943-2697

The Green Building Initiative Successfully Completes ANSI Audit

Thu, 24 May 2012 17:49:00 +0000

Procedures Approved for the Development and Maintenance of Green Building Standards

The Green Building Initiative (GBI) recently received notification that the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) had completed review and approval of the GBI's revised process for development and maintenance of consensus standards for environmentally preferable design, construction and upkeep of buildings.

The GBI is a nonprofit organization that became an ANSI-Accredited Standards Developing Organization (SDO) in 2005, breaking new ground for the industry by being the first green building organization to publish an ANSI-Accredited Standard for commercial green building.

Officially named "ANSI/GBI 01-2010: Green Building Assessment Protocol for Commercial Buildings," this standard represents one of the most scientifically advanced and robust green building rating systems for the new construction or major renovation of commercial buildings in the U.S. It takes a holistic approach to green building with seven areas of assessment: Project Management, Site, Water, Energy, Emissions, Indoor Environment and Resources.

GBI President Ward Hubbell said, "This approval of our process enables the GBI to continue its leadership role accelerating the adoption of sustainable building practices across the U.S. The use of an inclusive, consensus-based process ensures a high level of confidence in our assessment and certification programs."

The ANSI/GBI standard was developed following ANSI's consensus-based guidelines, which are among the world's most respected for the development of consensus standards. A variety of stakeholders including sustainability experts, architects, engineers, and industry groups participated in its development including committee members listed here: http://www.thegbi.org/commercial/standards/technical-committee.asp.

ANSI is a nonprofit organization that accredits the procedures of standard-setting organizations, ensuring that characteristics and performance of products and services are consistent and credible.

The Green Building Initiative is a nonprofit organization and ANSI Standards Developer dedicated to accelerating the adoption of building practices that result in energy-efficient, healthier and environmentally sustainable buildings by promoting credible and practical green building approaches. For more information visit www.thegbi.org.

Media Contact:

Sharene Rekow
VP Marketing/Sales/Membership
Green Building Initiative
Email Contact
503.546.2287

Saudi Arabia Pledges $3.25 Billion in Aid to Yemen

Thu, 24 May 2012 17:06:56 +0000

Saudi Arabia Pledges $3.25 Billion in Aid to Yemen

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal reaffirmed the Kingdom's support for the Republic of Yemen and pledged $3.25 billion in development aid as part of the more than $4 billion package from Western and Gulf states following the Friends of Yemen ministerial meeting in Riyadh on Wednesday. The conference addressed strategies to stabilize the country, ensure peace and resolve the worsening humanitarian situation.

"The meeting has taken into a consideration that consolidating security and stability is a prerequisite to realize development and prosperity," said Prince Saud. "This would enable the Yemeni Government of National Unity, supported by the world community and concerned bodies, to improve the conditions of the Yemeni people and to achieve development and revival, in accordance with needed projects and development programs."

Prince Saud confirmed that international support for Yemen will include cooperation with the Yemeni government by providing it with expertise and aid needed in economic, administrative, security and military fields.

Saudi Arabia and Yemen also signed an agreement to establish two development projects in Yemen, worth $105 million, which will be granted by the Kingdom. The first project includes an increase in the number of power lines and the second project supports the Teaching Hospital in Sana's University.

For more information on international aid please visit www.saudiembassy.net or follow the Embassy on Twitter @SaudiEmbassyUSA.

SOURCE Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Information Office

Global Impact of Ivory Poaching in Africa Addressed at Congressional Hearing

Thu, 24 May 2012 17:02:51 +0000

Global Impact of Ivory Poaching in Africa Addressed at Congressional Hearing

PR Newswire

Further protections needed as 1.5 tons of elephant tusks seized in Sri Lanka

WASHINGTON, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sri Lankan authorities said they seized around 350 illegal elephant tusks weighing nearly 1.5 tons in Colombo port on Tuesday – marking the single biggest ivory haul in the island nation. As authorities around the globe work to bring these culprits to justice, today in the U.S. the Senate Foreign Relations Committee led by Senator John Kerry held a hearing to examine the global security implications of elephant poaching in Africa.

"We applaud Senator Kerry for recognizing the global impact of the illegal ivory trade in Africa," said Kelvin Alie, Program Director, Wildlife Crime and Consumer Awareness, IFAW. "Since 2004, the scale of wildlife trafficking and its subsequent impact on wildlife in African range states has increased significantly. It is vital that this illegal trade is eliminated before it causes irreparable damage to these species and the ecosystems in which they live."

So far, 2012 has proven a bloody year for elephants. A report released this week from wildlife officials in the Republic of Congo estimates that nearly 5,000 elephants have been killed by poachers around the Nouabale Ndoki National Park over the past five years. In addition, a tragic killing spree earlier this year in Cameroon's Bouba Ndjida National Park left more than 200 elephants dead by the time the country's military was sent into action.

"The U.S. has long been a leader in elephant conservation through programs like those managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and USAID," said Jeff Flocken, IFAW DC Office Director. "With more and more links being found to organized crime, regional conflict and even terrorist groups, the U.S. can now lead in fighting wildlife crime by looking at it the same way we do the arms and drug trades – as a threat to national security and global stability."

To learn more about IFAW's efforts to protect elephants, visit www.ifaw.org.

About IFAW (the International Fund for Animal Welfare)
Founded in 1969, IFAW saves animals in crisis around the world. With projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW rescues individual animals, works to prevent cruelty to animals, and advocates for the protection of wildlife and habitats. For more information, visit www.ifaw.org. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE International Fund for Animal Welfare

The Pershing Square Foundation Supports Global Human Rights with $10 Million Grant To Human Rights Watch

Thu, 24 May 2012 17:00:00 +0000

The Pershing Square Foundation Supports Global Human Rights with $10 Million Grant To Human Rights Watch

Grant over 5 Years Funds Global Challenge Campaign, Africa and Women's Rights

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pershing Square Foundation today announced a $10 million grant over the next five years to Human Rights Watch to support its strategic plan for expansion – its Global Challenge Campaign – and initiatives within its Africa and Women's Rights Divisions.

The grant to Human Rights Watch reflects The Pershing Square Foundation's continued support for social entrepreneurs and innovators in social justice. The gift makes The Pershing Square Foundation a top five donor globally to Human Rights Watch.

"The Pershing Square Foundation shares Human Rights Watch's commitment to defending and protecting human rights around the world," said Bill Ackman, founder and CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management. "We are proud to support this important organization's efforts to increase its global presence and effectiveness over the coming years."

The grant will support the growth and deeper regional presence of Human Rights Watch and will maximize the organization's success in Africa and in support of the rights of women.

"Human Rights Watch has a long record of taking the initiative to prevent and end human rights abuses. The Pershing Square Foundation's support enables us to build a more effective presence around the world," said Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch.

"We believe in strategic interventions to combat the roots of poverty and repression, and The Pershing Square Foundation is pleased to support the growth of an organization that shares this goal and works to end discrimination and uphold freedom in countries throughout the world," said Paul Bernstein, CEO of The Pershing Square Foundation.

The Pershing Square Foundation is committed to creating a society that respects human rights, dignity and justice both in local communities and around the world. As part of its ongoing mission to support successful, scalable and entrepreneurial organizations, the Foundation has supported Human Rights Watch's work globally since 2008.

About The Pershing Square Foundation
The Pershing Square Foundation, based in New York, was founded in December 2006 by Karen and Bill Ackman. Bill is the CEO and Portfolio Manager of Pershing Square Capital Management. The Pershing Square Foundation invests in social entrepreneurs and leaders with innovative solutions that tackle the injustice of poverty globally, and programs that support our communities. Since it was founded, the Foundation has committed over $140 million in grants and social investments, in the areas of economic development, education, healthcare, and human rights. The Pershing Square Foundation also supports innovative programs in arts and urban development, and actively promotes social entrepreneurship and philanthropy.

SOURCE The Pershing Square Foundation

AJC Praises U.S., Other World Powers, for Standing Firm in Iran Nuclear Talks

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:46:45 +0000

AJC Praises U.S., Other World Powers, for Standing Firm in Iran Nuclear Talks

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --AJC praised world powers for holding firm in the just-concluded talks with Iran in Baghdad. Two days of discussions between the five permanent UN Security Council members plus Germany and Iran ended today with no agreement other than to meet again.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100816/AJCLOGO)

"Pleasantries aside, Iran has taken no action to prove its nuclear program is purely for civilian purposes, as it alleges," said AJC Executive Director David Harris. "Clearly, Iran is using the talks as a cover for continued progress in its drive to achieve nuclear-weapons capability."

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in a new report to be issued tomorrow, will confirm that in the past three months Iran has installed another 350 centrifuges at a facility near Qom. IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano wrote in the IAEA's February report that the agency "continues to have serious concerns regarding possible military dimensions to Iran's nuclear program." Last November, the IAEA issued a comprehensive and damning report indicating that Iran is advancing on a nuclear weapons program.

The Iranian regime has long ignored UN Security Council resolutions, IAEA reports and warnings, and the series of increasingly punishing sanctions imposed by the United States, European Union and many other nations.

"The P5+1 group rightly held firm on the ever-tightening measures against Iran because they recognize Iran's nuclear program is a grave threat to global security and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty," said Harris.

"As long as Iran refuses to demonstrate by concrete and verifiable actions a commitment to abandon its quest for nuclear weapons capability, there should not be any weakening whatsoever of sanctions. Indeed, to the contrary, there should be a further tightening, together with a statement that P5+1 patience is limited, not limitless," Harris added.

The EU embargo on Iranian oil will go into full effect on July 1. Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved on Monday new economic sanctions. The House passed its version in December. These measures build upon the U.S. sanctions against the Central Bank of Iran and the Iranian oil sector.

Iranian negotiators came to the talks pressing for a scaling back of sanctions. In advance of the Baghdad gathering, IAEA Director Amano met with Iranian officials in Tehran and announced that an understanding had been reached on allowing IAEA inspectors to visit the Parchin nuclear site. However, no such agreement has been finalized.

The two days of talks in Baghdad talks were a follow-up to last month's meeting in Istanbul, which was the first time Iran had met with the U.S., Britain, France, Russia, China and Germany in 15 months.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee

Healthwise Brings Home Third Straight National ClearMark Award From the Center for Plain Language

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:39:00 +0000

Online Self-Management Program on Coronary Artery Disease Wins Top Award in Its Category

Healthwise's leadership in plain language for consumer health education was recognized this week with a ClearMark Award from the Center for Plain Language. The Healthwise® Learn To Earn course on Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) won the Category Award for Website, Dynamic Media: Non-Profit. The ClearMark awards honor the best in clear communication and plain language in documents and websites from government, nonprofits, and private companies.

"We are honored to receive this award from the Center for Plain Language," said Christy Calhoun, Healthwise Director of Content Development. "Our mission at Healthwise is to help people make better health decisions and take positive health actions every day. These courses put patients at the center of care. They provide a learning experience that inspires and motivates change."

The Healthwise Learn To Earn course on CAD adds an essential learning component to self-management and health incentive programs by helping people make significant changes in their lives. It combines easy-to-understand health education and action-oriented tools to engage people in building skills in medicine adherence, healthy lifestyle choices (eating healthy, exercising, and living smoke-free), and mood management.

The CAD course includes multiple tracks tailored to specific persona types, so people can pick the track that best meets their needs. For example, the Getting Heart Smart track for a person who's had a recent coronary event focuses on lowering anxiety while increasing confidence, resilience, and trust in medications. Other personas include the person who is no longer having symptoms and believes that the danger has passed, and the person who is overwhelmed with other health issues or life issues and doesn't have time to focus on heart health. Healthwise brings together findings from consumer interviews, behavior change science, and tailored content to make sure each course and track are written for a particular persona.

"We are thrilled to be honoring Healthwise with their third ClearMark Award," said Annetta Cheek, PhD, Chair of the Board of Directors for the Center for Plain Language. "This award continues to recognize Healthwise's understanding of the key role that clear communications play in delivering useable health care information to consumers so they can make better health care decisions."

This third ClearMark Award demonstrates Healthwise's ongoing commitment to plain language and consumer-friendly health education across all Healthwise solutions. In 2011 the Healthwise® Workbook on Arthritis received an Award of Distinction for Original Document: Non-Profit. And in 2010, the Healthwise® Ix® Conversation on Low Back Pain received the Grand Prize ClearMark Award.

About Healthwise
Healthwise is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. People have turned to Healthwise information more than a billion times to learn how to do more for themselves, ask for the care they need, and say "no" to the care they don't need. Healthwise partners with hospitals, electronic medical record (EMR) providers, health plans, disease management companies, and health websites to provide up-to-date, evidence-based information to the people they serve. www.healthwise.org, 1.800.706.9646.

About the Center for Plain Language
The Center for Plain Language is a D.C.-based nonprofit organization that wants government and business documents to be clear and understandable. We support those who use plain language, train those who should use plain language, and urge people to demand plain language in all the documents they receive, read, and use. For more information about the Center or the awards, go to www.centerforplainlanguage.org.

© 2012 Healthwise, Incorporated.
Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise.
9205-052412

Contact:
Tara Troutman
Healthwise
(208) 387-6763
Email Contact

Nobelist Speaks Out on Genetic Modification, Synthetic Biology, Stem Cell Research

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:37:51 +0000

Nobelist Speaks Out on Genetic Modification, Synthetic Biology, Stem Cell Research

PR Newswire

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Sir Richard Roberts, the eminent British biologist and Nobel Prize laureate, said today European opposition to genetically modified organisms is political rather than scientific in nature.

He also said "personal medicine" based on human genome research holds large-scale promise to improve the health of the world's people on an individualized basis.

Roberts, who won the Nobel in 1993 for his shared discovery of split genes, made his remarks at the Astana Economic Forum, a global conference of scientists, academics, multinational executives and government leaders.

"On a political level, governments must embrace genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and not give way to European prophets of doom, who oppose the use of GMOs for purely political reasons," said Roberts. "It is important to note there is a complete absence of evidence that GMOs can cause any harm. Indeed to any well-informed scientist, traditionally bred plants seem much more likely to be harmful than GMOs."

Roberts predicted growing knowledge of the human genome will yield better medical treatments and diagnostics. "It is just as important that we learn more about the bacteria that colonize our bodies since they are an essential part of what it means to be human," he said.

He also predicated synthetic biology will enable scientists to build novel microorganisms from "scratch."

"Most exciting is the promise of stem cells where the challenge is to understand how they drive their differentiation into all of the other cell types in our bodies," Roberts said. "While I do not advocate prolonging life indefinitely, I am very much in favor of ensuring that as we age, the quality of our life does not diminish."

The annual Astana Economic Forum this year has drawn thousands of participants from more than 80 nations to this rapidly growing Central Asian nation. There has been much focus at the current sessions on the Greek financial crisis and turbulence in the Euro currency, in addition to the broader economic, scientific and international trade issues that are a traditional mainstay at Astana.

Deal making is a big part of both the official and the unofficial agenda at Astana. Multinationals represented include Chevron, Toyota, Nestle, Microsoft, BASF, Total, General Electric.

SOURCE Astana Economic Forum