April 25, 2012

Originally reported by Illinois Statehouse News. Read the original article here.

Plastic bag, wrapper recycling bill heads to IL House | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

SPRINGFIELD – As we enter the holiday season, the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal urges residents to pay special attention to Christmas decorations to avoid any potential dangers.  Christmas tree lights, old extension cords, and fresh cut trees without proper care could lead to fires and serious injuries.

“This is a joyful time of the year where many families gather to celebrate and enjoy the beauty of the traditional Christmas tree or other decorations, but we remind people that those days are also a high season for house fires,” said State Fire Marshal Larry Matkaitis. “It’s imperative that our families maintain a safe setting and be well informed about fire safety during the holidays.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 240 home fires caused by Christmas trees between 2005 and 2009. Those fires resulted in an average of approximately 13 civilian deaths, 27 injuries and $16.7 million in direct property damage nationwide each year. Some causing factors involved electrical problems (33%), heat source too close to Christmas trees (20%), and candles near Christmas trees (11%).

OSFM offers the following tips to consumers:

Christmas trees

• If you have an artificial tree, be sure it’s labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant.
• If you choose a fresh tree, make sure the green needles don’t fall off when touched; before placing it in the stand, cut 1-2” from the base of the trunk. Add water to the tree stand, and be sure to water it daily.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit, and is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents, space heaters or lights.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the room or going to bed.
• After Christmas, get rid of the tree. Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside the home.

Christmas lights

• Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory, and make sure you know whether they are designed for indoor or outdoor use.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections.
• Connect no more than three strands of mini-string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of LED strands safe to connect.
• Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.

Candles

December is the peak month for home candle fires, with Christmas Eve and Christmas Day representing two of the top five days for associated fires. More than half of all candle fires start when they are placed too close to combustible household items (i.e. curtains, lamp shades, other fabrics, and plastic) and holiday decorations (i.e., trees, garland, stockings, wrapping paper, and wrapped/boxed gifts).

• Consider using flameless candles, which look and smell like real candles. If you do use traditional candles, keep them at least 12” away from anything that can burn, and remember to blow them out when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Use candle holders that are sturdy, won’t tip over and are placed on uncluttered surfaces.
• Avoid using candles in the bedroom, where two of five U.S. candle fires begin, or other areas where people may fall asleep.
• Never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle.
• Always put candles out before leaving the room.

For more information about fire safety and prevention, please visit http://www.sfm.illinois.gov or www.nfpa.org.
 

State Officials Urge Residents To Be Aware Of Potential Dangers From Holiday Lights And Other Decorations – Holiday Season: A Time of Joy Free of Fire Tragedies | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The research letter, by noted University of Illinois at Chicago demographer S. Jay Olshansky, is published in the Dec. 7 issue of JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Olshansky became interested in the subject when, in the summer of 2011, President Obama celebrated his 50th birthday, and a flurry of news reports focused on his graying hair, pronounced wrinkles, and rapidly aging appearance.

“In the world of biology, we know that you can’t actually measure the aging of an individual,” says Olshansky, professor of epidemiology at the UIC School of Public Health. “There isn’t any single test to actually measure how long you’ve aged from point A to point B, nor is it possible to predict specifically how long an individual will live.”

Using the assumption that presidents age at twice the normal rate, Olshansky calculated how long U.S. presidents would have been expected to live based on their age and the year they were inaugurated — and compared it to how long they actually lived.

Aging at twice the normal rate was estimated by removing two days of life for every day in office (for example, a 4-year term led to a reduction in estimated remaining lifespan of 8 years).

Olshansky found that 23 of the 34 U.S. presidents who died from natural causes lived longer, and in many instances significantly longer, than predicted. Their average age at inauguration was 55.1 years.

Four presidents who were assassinated were excluded from the analysis.

Conventional wisdom suggests that the longevity of U.S. presidents is shortened due to the stresses of the office, but the average lifespan of the first eight presidents was 79.8 years — during a time when, for men, life expectancy at birth was less than 40.

“This is about how long females born in the U.S. today live,” Olshansky said.

The study also found that living ex-presidents have either already exceeded their predicted longevity at the time of their inauguration, or are likely to do so.

“We know that socioeconomic status has an extremely powerful effect on longevity now,” Olshansky said, “and it was likely to have been a factor in the past.” All but 10 U.S. presidents were college educated; all were wealthy; and all had access to health care.

“We don’t die from gray hair and wrinkled skin,” said Olshansky. “What we’re seeing in President Obama is really not inconsistent with what we see for any other man his age in the U.S. or elsewhere.”

Editorial note: An extended interview as MP3 audio file is available at http://bit.ly/vtQqBN

Most U.S. Presidents Live Beyond Average Life Expectancy | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Dec. 5, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ – Accomplished business journalist Stuart Varney, who helped establish CNN’s business news team, is keynote speaker for the 2012 Turnaround Management Association Distressed Investing Convention, January 18-20, at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.                

On the Fox Business Network, Varney examines the interplay of economic and political issues, whether the context is Greek debt or budget woes in California. Varney, who joined the network as an anchor in 2007, hosts “Varney & Co.” and appears regularly with Fox News Channel personalities Sean Hannity and Bill O’Reilly, and its “America Live” anchor Megyn Kelly.

Varney joined CNN when it launched in 1980 and helped found the business news team. He co-anchored “Moneyline News Hour” and hosted “Your Money,” “Business Day” and “Business Asia.” His reporting on the 1987 stock market crash contributed to CNN earning a Peabody Award for journalism excellence. Varney also hosted CNBC’s “Wall Street Journal Editorial Board with Stuart Varney.” A graduate of the London School of Economics, he began his career as a business anchor for San Francisco’s KEMO-TV.

Varney’s presentation is among highlights of the conference developed for professionals involved in acquiring and disposing distressed assets, including hedge funds managers, private-equity executives, turnaround specialists, and attorneys. The Turnaround Capital Forum connects capital providers with professionals who need to finance deals. Topflight experts lead panel sessions on the following topics:

• Capital Markets 2012 – Still Going Strong or a Victim of the Overall Economy?
• Current Legal Developments and the Impact on Private Equity and Hedge Funds
• Distressed Investing: Strategies and Tactics
• Follow the Money – The Ultimate Investor’s Perspective
• Maximizing Business Value and Asset Recoveries: Putting Everything on the Table
• You May Be the Smartest Guys in the Room, but Do You Really Know How to Create Value?
• Lenders Battling Over a Melting Ice Cube: Delphi’s Emergence from Chapter 11

Registration details are available at www.turnaround.org. Follow TMA on Twitter, http://twitter.com/#!/TMATurnaround.

Chicago-based Turnaround Management Association, the premier international nonprofit association dedicated to the corporate renewal industry, has more than 9,000 members in 49 regional chapters who comprise a professional community of turnaround practitioners, attorneys, accountants, investors, lenders, venture capitalists, appraisers, liquidators, executive recruiters and consultants. 

SOURCE Turnaround Management Association

http://www.turnaround.org

Fox Business Host Headlines 2012 TMA Distressed Investing Conference | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Illinois Consumers Would Pay At Least $286 Million Per Year For Taylorville Energy Center

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Nov. 29, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Today’s Senate vote approving SB 678 promises to leave Illinoisans paying at least $286 million in annual costs for the next 30 years to pay for the Taylorville Energy Center, a power plant that Illinois doesn’t need. If passed by the House and signed by the Governor, this tremendous cost would devastate Illinois’ economy, destroying jobs and sending businesses elsewhere.

Kevin Wright, former Illinois Commerce Commissioner and President of the Illinois Competitive Energy Association, cited the costs that Tenaska, an out-of-state energy company, would pass on to Illinois consumers to build the Taylorville Energy Center.

“According to Tenaska’s own report, this project would cost Illinois electricity customers at least $286 million per year, and after today’s vote, Tenaska is one step closer to getting their way,” said Wright. “When this issue comes up next year, I hope the House will do what the Senate wouldn’t and stick up for Illinois consumers by rejecting this bill.”

In addition to the cost alone, this legislation would lock Illinois businesses, families, and government agencies into a 30-year contract, undermining Illinois’ competitive energy market and damaging our economy.

“This bill forces Illinois businesses to subsidize an out-of-state company and leaves them exposed to a huge cost burden in the event of budget overruns, which are almost inevitable,” said David Vite, President of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association. “It will make it harder for our businesses to keep and create jobs and signal ‘Look elsewhere’ to businesses outside our state looking to expand or relocate.”

Three times previously, the General Assembly voted against the Taylorville Energy Center, amending and adding to the legislation to win votes. Greg Baise, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, discussed the legislation and called on the House to reject SB 678 next year.

“This is a massive electric rate hike on Illinois residents and businesses during the worst economic time in our generation,” said Baise. Members of the STOP Coalition are urging the House to stand up for Illinois consumers and reject this legislation next year.

The STOP Coalition is a broad and diverse group of leading businesses, trade associations, and expert economic and energy voices from across Illinois opposed to the Taylorville Energy Center. Visit us online at www.STOPCoalition.com

SOURCE The STOP Coalition

http://www.STOPCoalition.com

Senate Approves Massive Electric Rate Hike | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Nov. 28, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — The most common poisons that threaten our beloved pets are our own medicines—drugs such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, antidepressants, and ADHD medications. Any medication, even those prescribed for a pet, can pose a risk to dogs or cats that might eat whatever they find.

For this reason and more, the National Sea Grant College Program and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) have forged a formal partnership to raise awareness about the need for proper storage and disposal of unused medicines.

Pets, of course, are not the only victims of accidental poisonings. The Journal of Pediatrics recently reported that between the years 2001-2008, more than 430,000 children five years or younger were brought to emergency rooms due to self-ingested medicines. And, in the larger picture, drug-related deaths now outnumber motor vehicle fatalities, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

What’s more, pharmaceuticals are turning up in the environment. “Medicine disposal has become an emerging issue as numerous studies have found pharmaceuticals in drinking water and in lakes and rivers,” said Laura Kammin, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG) pollution prevention specialist. “The long term impacts are not known, but it’s clear that flushing medicines or throwing them in the trash contributes to the problem.”

“We are excited about this collaborative effort involving the AVMA and NOAA’s National Sea Grant College Program,” said Mike Liffmann, Extension Leader for the National Sea Grant Office. “Our Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant colleagues will, on behalf of the National Sea Grant College Program, lead this joint outreach and education effort aimed at ensuring that leftover or unused medications for animals are disposed of properly so they cannot harm people, the animals or the environment.”

For the past six years, IISG has worked with communities to develop local medicine collection programs. Through workshops and the IISG toolkit, the program provides information and support so that these efforts are safe and successful.

Now, alongside the AVMA, the information campaign can grow to encompass new audiences, including animal owners who, along with many in the general public, may need to dispose of unused and expired medicine.

“By increasing the general public’s awareness of options available to them for the proper disposal of pharmaceuticals and the environmental consequences of improper disposal, it is hoped and anticipated that fewer and fewer medications will be flushed or poured into our waters,” said Kristi Henderson, AVMA assistant director of scientific activities.

For more information about medicine collection programs, visit www.unwantedmeds.org. There, you can download the toolkit Disposal of Unwanted Medicines: A Resource for Action in Your Community.  For more information about the AVMA, visit at www.avma.org. 

The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. More than 81,500 member veterinarians worldwide are engaged in a wide variety of professional activities. The year 2011 is being celebrated by veterinarians around the world as Vet2011, the 250th anniversary of the birth of veterinary medicine and education.

SOURCE American Veterinary Medical Association

http://www.avma.org
http://www.unwantedmeds.org

Sea Grant and AVMA Join Forces to Raise Awareness on Medicine Disposal | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Nov. 22, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — The Chicago/Midwest Chapter of the Turnaround Management Association (TMA) has announced its officers and directors for 2012: Harold D. Israel, Kaye Scholer LLP,  president; Kevin A. Krakora, Mesirow Financial Consulting LLC, president elect;  Peter J. Roberts, Shaw Gussis Fishman Glantz Wolfson & Towbin LLC, vice president communications; Aaron L. Hammer, vice president education; Daniel P. Wikel, Huron Consulting Group, vice president programs; Robert Stegman, Tatem LLC, treasurer and Barbara L. Yong, Golan & Christie LLP, secretary.   

Joining the board of directors will be Michael J. Egan, Monroe Capital LLC; David L. Johnson, ACM Partners and Jeffrey S. Kolke, GE Capital Corporate Finance.

“We had many accomplishments during 2011, our organization’s 20th anniversary year,” says outgoing President Carl Lane, Willow Tree Consulting Group. “Our membership remains strong with more than 1,000 members and we have continued support by our sponsors. Through heightened strategic planning and enthusiastic effort by our officers and committees the chapter organized nearly 40 events, provided meaningful programs for our women and future leader demographics and revamped its website and member communications.  We also are very proud to have raised funds to support our Foundation, awarding nearly $10,000 in scholarships to deserving students related to members and colleagues of the TMA and the corporate renewal industry. I was honored to serve as president and look forward to continued growth in 2012 under the new leadership.”

“The TMA Chicago/Midwest is developing a 2012 agenda to solidify our position as the leading professional development organization for members and a resource for industry experts.  We will continue to host top notch educational and networking events that appeal to both members and non-members,” says incoming President Harold Israel.  ”We expect to continue to grow this chapter and look forward to a great year of excellent programming and networking events.”  

“The TMA Chicago/Midwest has developed a 2012 agenda to solidify our position as the leading professional development organization for members and a resource for industry experts. We will continue to host top notch educational and networking events that appeal to both members and non-members,” says Israel. “We expect to continue to grow this chapter and have a record setting year in terms of membership numbers and quality of programming.”  

About TMA Chicago/Midwest
The Chicago/Midwest Chapter of The Turnaround Management Association is the largest, fastest-growing chapter of the only international non-profit association dedicated to corporate renewal and turnaround management. Incorporated in 1991, the award-winning 1,000-member Chicago/Midwest Chapter is celebrating its 20th year of serving its community. Its active membership participates in more than 30 events annually, including educational workshops, networking programs, forums, and conferences.  For more information about the organization and membership, visit www.tmachicagomidwest.org.

Established in 1988, the International TMA has more than 9,000 members in 40 chapters worldwide, including 28 in the US, two in Canada, and one in Australia, Finland, France, Germany, India, Japan, New Zealand, Southern Africa, Taiwan and the UK, as well as chapters forming in Hong Kong, Italy, Spain and Austria.

SOURCE TMA Chicago/Midwest

http://www.tmachicagomidwest.org/

Chicago/Midwest Turnaround Management Association Announces 2012 Officers and Directors | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Forecast Puts Robust Cement Consumption Off Until 2014

SKOKIE, Ill., Nov. 17, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Job creation is key to improving many economic indicators, and its reduction translates into a longer wait for the construction and cement recovery. Even with an economic recovery, construction levels will remain at new floor levels and lead to relatively flat cement consumption until 2014, according to the most recent economic forecast from the Portland Cement Association (PCA).

PCA revised its cement consumption forecast to increases of 1.1 percent in 2011, 0.5 percent in 2012 and 7.4 percent in 2013—roughly half of the previous forecast. According to the report, large structural issues exist in each construction sector that will slow recovery.

“The Great Recession was construction focused. Residential, nonresidential and state discretionary construction levels collapsed,” Edward Sullivan, PCA chief economist said. “Despite economic growth, the residential sector, for example, will continue to be plagued by a large volume of foreclosures, tight lending standards and weak new home prices. I don’t see a rebound in most of that market until 2014.”

Recovery for the construction industry is tied to general economic growth and job creation. Job creation will reduce, and eventually eliminate, the adverse impacts of foreclosures, tight lending standards, commercial occupancy and leasing rates as well as the severity of state fiscal conditions. However, because the impediments to a construction recovery are so large, even if an acceleration in economic growth and job creation occurs on a sustained basis, the benefits will not materialize quickly.

According to Sullivan, nonresidential construction will also remain low until 2013, and lack of assured federal funding will drag down the public sector until 2014.

About PCA
Based in Skokie, Ill., the Portland Cement Association represents cement companies in the United States and Canada. It conducts market development, engineering, research, education, and public affairs programs. More information on PCA programs is available at www.cement.org.

Note to editors: To obtain a copy of PCA’s Forecast contact Patti Flesher at newsroom@cement.org.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.

Edward J. Sullivan

https://profnet.CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=44061

SOURCE Portland Cement Association

http://www.cement.org/

Slow Job Growth Tied to Slow Construction Recovery | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Nov. 17, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — The Chicago chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC/Chicago), one of the largest association chapters in the country, will host its annual holiday networking event on Monday, Dec. 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Tasting Room, 1415 W. Randolph Street.

The event will provide an opportunity for local communication professionals from various industries to meet and share industry news, trends and insights. Attendees are invited to bring a book to donate to local literacy foundations.  It is free for students and members, and $20 for non-members.

DATE:   MONDAY, DEC. 19

TIME:   6 to 8 P.M.

LOCATION:   THE TASTING ROOM, 1415 W. RANDOLPH STREET, CHICAGO

To register, visit http://www.cvent.com/d/zcq8zx/4w.

About IABC/Chicago

IABC/Chicago links business communicators to a global network of communication professionals that develop, establish and adhere to the highest professional standards of quality and innovation in organizational/business communication. IABC/Chicago, which boasts 500 members, is the Chicago metro area chapter of International Association of Business Communicators. The Chicago chapter is one of the largest IABC chapters in the U.S. and the oldest chapter in the world. It began in 1924 as the Industrial Editors Association of Chicago and later changed its name to the Chicago Association of Business Communicators before becoming IABC/Chicago in January 1980. For more information about IABC/Chicago, visit http://chicago.iabc.com/about-iabc/.

SOURCE IABC/Chicago

http://www.iabcchicago.com/

IABC/Chicago to Host Annual Holiday Networking Event | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Nov. 14, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — The American Marketing Association’s (AMA) Marketing Research Council honored Amanda Durkee, Martijn van Kesteren, Pravin Shekar, and Orlando Wood as the recipients of the second annual 4 Under 40 Marketing Research Emerging Leaders Award. The award recognizes the contributions of the next generation of leaders in the marketing research industry. These individuals are leading change and embracing what’s next in the field. The Marketing Research Emerging Leaders Award ceremony took place on Tuesday, September 13, 2011, at the AMA Research and Strategy Summit Conference in Orlando, FL.

(Logo: http://photos.CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM.com/prnh/20111102/DC96044LOGO)

Candidates for the 4 Under 40 Marketing Emerging Leaders Award are nominated by their peers and seventeen submissions were reviewed by the AMA Marketing Research Council. Candidates had to be less than 40 years old at the time of the nomination and were primarily rated on two criteria—a demonstrated commitment to the marketing research industry and its advancement, and passionate leadership through collaboration, mentoring, knowledge transfer, and risk taking to achieve desired results.

Amanda Durkee is Partner and Senior Research Consultant at Zanthus; Martijn van Kesteren is Manager of Consumer/Shopper Insights at Unilever Benelux; Pravin Shekar is Kreator-in-Chief at Krea; and Orlando Wood is the Managing Director at BrainJuicer Labs.

The nomination period for next year’s 4 Under 40 Marketing Research Emerging Leaders Award will open in January of 2012. Nomination information will be available at www.marketingpower.com/4under40

About the American Marketing Association

The American Marketing Association is the largest marketing association in North America. It is a professional association for individuals involved in the practice, teaching and study of marketing worldwide. Through relevant information, comprehensive education and targeted networking, the AMA assists marketers in deepening their marketing expertise, elevating their careers and ultimately, achieving better results. American Marketing Association members are connected to a network of marketing professionals more than 20,000 strong. For more information on the American Marketing Association, please visit www.MarketingPower.com.

Contact: Jason Oleniczak
American Marketing Association
312-542-9041 / joleniczak@ama.org

SOURCE American Marketing Association

http://www.MarketingPower.com

AMA Honors 4 Under 40 Marketing Research Emerging Leaders | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Oct. 17, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Not unlike their human counterparts, our pets can benefit from an ounce of prevention to avoid chronic debilitating diseases. During the month of October, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) urges pet owners to visit their pet’s veterinarian for a preventive health care check-up.  

“Despite the ever-increasing emotional bond we have with our pets, research shows pets are getting less preventive healthcare,” says Dr. Rene A. Carlson, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). “Consequently, illnesses that are totally preventable, such as dental infections, intestinal worms and heartworms, ear infections and diabetes, are on the increase. Every October, we encourage pet owners to bring their pets into their veterinarian for regular checkups.”

This year, the AVMA has released a video with information on a growing, preventable pet health problem – obesity.  Approximately 40 percent of dogs and cats are overweight today. The video offers pet owners some tips on how to know if your pet is overweight and what to do about an overweight pet.

“Once you determine your pet has a weight problem, the next thing you should do is speak with your veterinarian,” Dr. C. A. Tony Buffington, a professor at The Ohio State University veterinary school and pet nutrition expert, said.  ”Having a conversation with your veterinarian about your pet, its eating habits, activity, lifestyle and general health allows you to develop a specific and workable plan to keep your pet healthy.”

Visit the AVMA’s preventive medicine web page for free downloadable materials and poster.  For more information about the AVMA, please visit www.avma.org.  

The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. More than 81,500 member veterinarians worldwide are engaged in a wide variety of professional activities. The year 2011 is being celebrated by veterinarians around the world as Vet2011, the 250th anniversary of the birth of veterinary medicine and education.

SOURCE American Veterinary Medical Association

http://www.avma.org

Preventable Diseases in Pets on the Rise; AVMA Urges an Ounce of Prevention | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

By Andrew Thomason | Illinois Statehouse News

SPRINGFIELD — Some Illinois taxpayers are being asked to shell out more for teachers’ retirement payments than others.

The report added that 138 school districts paid a portion of teachers’ contributions to TRS for the 2010-2011 school year. Teachers in the remaining 313 school districts contributed to TRS directly from their paychecks.

TRS required the following contributions to the pension fund based on teacher salaries:

• Teachers giving 9.4 percent;
• State giving a matching contribution of 9.4 percent;
• School districts giving 0.58 percent.

Teachers can have their school districts cover their TRS contributions through contract negotiations with local school boards. In total, 554 school districts pitched in $400 million for teachers’ pensions during the 2010-2011 school year, according to the institute’s report.

The policy institute said it is highlighting this practice now because of the severe underfunding of the pension system. TRS has an unfunded liability — how much money a pension system falls short of to pay current and future pensions — of $39.8 billion, or about 51 percent of what it needs to pay current and future pensions.

“The districts have used this as a sweetener over time, and it’s clear that the pension pickups have become a benefit for teachers,” said Ted Dabrowski, vice president of policy for the institute. “To ask a teacher … to put money toward their own retirement fund is not too much.”

Whether the money is coming from the district or a teacher’s paycheck, it’s still coming out of the teacher’s pocket, said Charles McBarron, spokesman for the Illinois Education Association, a teachers’ union.

“Regardless of who actually sends the money to the pension system, it is essentially from the teacher, because it is part of a negotiated agreement on compensation,” McBarron said. “It’s part of a teacher’s compensation, and it’s something they negotiate on the local level. There is nothing new about it, and nothing unusual about it.”

How much more it is costing some local taxpayers swings wildly. In the tiny southern Illinois town of Hoyleton, taxpayers were only on the hook for an extra $4,340 for all of the teachers in the Hoyleton Elementary School District. In northwest Chicago suburb of Elgin, more than $18 million went toward local teachers’ pension payments.

In Moline, the cost to taxpayers is about $4 million, according to the report. Robert Tallitsch, a member on the Moline School District School Board, echoed McBarren, saying that benefits like pension payments are used to attract better teachers without raising salaries.

“If they’re having a tough time raising salaries, districts will increase benefits. A lot of time benefit payments are deferred; they don’t impact the bottom line right away,” Tallitsch said. “As a result you’re hoping for a better cash flow later on as compared to right now to make the salary package a better deal.”

TAKE ACTION

Originally reported by Illinois Statehouse News. Read the original article here.

Illinois taxpayers kick in $400 million for teachers’ pensions | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

WOODRIDGE, Ill., Oct. 11, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Celebrating National Bake and Decorate Month this year is easier than ever.  Wilton Enterprises, the industry leader in cake decorating, quality bakeware and food crafting for more than 80 years, has introduced a revolutionary new way of decorating with its Punch. Cut. Decorate!™ system. “We’ve combined the fun and popularity of scrapbooking and paper crafting with food crafting and cake decorating,” says Nancy Siler, vice president of consumer affairs at Wilton. Siler notes that food crafting and scrapbooking are No. 3 and No. 5 respectively in the top ten craft segments by sales, according to the 2010 Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) U.S. Attitude & Usage Study.  

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, go to: http://multivu.CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM.com/mnr/wilton/48638/

(Photo: http://photos.CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM.com/prnh/20111011/MM83420 )

The breakthrough decorating system, Punch. Cut. Decorate!, includes Sugar Sheets! Edible Decorating Paper along with a complete line of punches and cutting tools.  The edible, flexible Sugar Sheets! have a light sweet flavor and are available in solid colors and lively patterns, even the alphabet.  The edible paper is reminiscent of scrapbooking options for paper crafting projects, and the new Punch. Cut. Decorate! tools also reflect those used for similar projects.  The difference is the end product – delicious cakes, cookies, cupcakes or other treats that are decorated with picture-perfect borders, flower bouquets, accent bows, and more.  

Siler predicts that the novelty and fun of this new way to decorate treats will pique the interest of the full range of at-home bakers – from those who are committed cake decorators to those without a dab of cake decorating experience. “Serving unique flower and butterfly-topped cupcakes for a garden-themed party, monogrammed cookies for a family reunion, or a show-stopper birthday cake, definitely make the celebration more memorable,” says Siler.

Autumn treats take on a creative new look with Punch. Cut. Decorate!   From tailgating parties to Halloween to bake sale fundraisers, find inspiration by visiting www.wilton.com.   While there, subscribe to the Ask Nancy podcast for step-by-step videos.

About Wilton Enterprises

Wilton Enterprises, based in Woodridge, Illinois and founded in 1929, is the leading food crafting company in the industry, with the number one position in cake decorating and bakeware. Wilton classes, publications and products help millions of people create impressive party desserts. For the latest information on products and ideas for all occasions, visit www.wilton.com. To locate the closest Wilton® Method Cake Decorating class, call 800-942-8881.

SOURCE Wilton Enterprises

http://www.wilton.com

Try Wilton Punch. Cut. Decorate! This October – National Bake and Decorate Month | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Oct. 4, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — The Premier Basketball League held a talent packed national tryouts and combine for the 2012 season in Chicago this past weekend. In light of the current lock out situation in the National Basketball Association, many top tier and free agent players are looking to the PBL for game action this coming season. With European basketball leagues marketing their programs to the locked out NBA players, record numbers at the PBL combine shows that playing domestically is still on the agenda of many top players for the 2012 season.

With the outstanding turnout during combine weekend in Chicago, the Premier Basketball League is finishing plans to stage a second combine. The East Coast Combine and National Tryouts will tentatively be set for the first weekend in November in the city of one of the PBL’s newest teams, the Scranton Steamers out of Scranton Wilkes-Barre, PA.

“We wanted to give an additional opportunity for professional caliber players to stand out in front of coaches, league administration, and sports agents. We are thrilled with the turnout this past weekend, and have already received registration requests for our East Coast Combine,” commented PBL Vice President of League Operations Carrie Ann May, who organized and put together this past weekend’s PBL Combine from start to finish.

Many agents brought their clients to the Chicago combine to give them a shot on the court with some of the leading unsigned basketball talents in America. “We loved to hear the caliber of play was on par and in some cases exceeded that from the NBA’s D-League combine held the weekend prior,” continued Carrie Ann May.

Attack Athletics’ Owner & CEO Tim Grover brought key players to the PBL combine as the host of the Chicago tryout weekend. With venue leadership being impressed with the overall operation and structure of the PBL combine, sights are set on the Scranton market to raise the bar even higher with the second combine just a month out.

In addition to the combine and tryouts, the PBL held its Referee and Officials Training Camp throughout the weekend. The PBL has been working hard with other leagues to raise the overall standards for minor league basketball in America. One of the first steps was creating a proper credentialing and standards process for game officials.

“We were amazed at the reception we received from potential game officials. With nearly 50 referee candidates showing up from 17 states, the PBL is excited about the high caliber of officiating set for the 2012 season. This is a crucial part of professional basketball, and we intend to set the bar,” commented Paul Carter, PBL Director of Officials.

“I was extremely impressed at how well this PBL Combine was organized and put together.  Their two day tryout program really was a first class event.  The players that came out for the NBA D-League’s Combine were that of the same talent I saw at the PBL’s Combine,” commented Steve Moeller, a Certified NBA Agent and President at Sports PLUS International.

The final date and location for the East Coast Combine will be set this week, and PBL front office staff encourages looking at the league’s website www.ThePBL.com for registration information. The 2012 season is scheduled to tip off in January under the league’s new regional play model.

Contact: Christopher Foltz, 312-772-4865, chris@christopherfoltz.com

SOURCE Premier Basketball League (PBL)

http://www.ThePBL.com

A Successful Combine for the Premier Basketball League Leads to a 2nd Combine Coming to the East Coast in November | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

TRENTON, NJ—A commodity pool operator and day trader based in Hackensack, N.J., admitted today to directing two schemes to defraud individual investors and a financial institution of approximately $2 million and to evading more than $150,000 in tax payments, U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Paul J. Fishman announced.

Victor E. Cilli, 46, pleaded guilty to an information charging him with one count of securities fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and one count of tax evasion. Cilli entered his guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Garrett E. Brown in Trenton, N.J., federal court.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made during Cilli’s guilty plea proceeding:

Beginning in August 2006, Cilli was the sole owner and president of Progressive Investment Funds LLC (PIF), a commodity pool operator (CPO) engaged in an investment trust that solicited funds for the purpose of trading commodity futures. PIF was registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the National Futures Association (NFA), and was the CPO of Progressive Managed Futures Fund LP (PMFF), a commodity pool operated for the purpose of trading commodity futures. Cilli had sole trading authority over PMFF, which remained open until approximately February 2009.

Beginning as early as January 2007 and through September 2007, Cilli engaged in a Ponzi scheme to defraud at least four commodity pool participants of approximately $506,000. Though Cilli returned some funds to the investors, the payments were not from actual trading profits but from funds of existing pool participants. Cilli made false and misleading statements to the pool participants claiming he had made money for them when, in fact, most of his trading resulted in losses. Of the $506,000 invested, Cilli traded approximately $263,000, losing approximately $200,168. Cilli never disclosed to the pool participants that he had traded less than half of their money or that most of his trading had resulted in significant losses.

Cilli also misappropriated thousands of dollars in pool funds for personal expenses—including hair salon visits, skin care treatments, payments on his Harley Davidson motorcycle, and other personal entertainment, meals, and travel expenses.

In an unrelated scheme, from 2002 through September 2006, Cilli and approximately 16 others conspired to defraud KeyBank, a financial institution based in Cleveland of more than $1.5 million in student loans by falsely representing to KeyBank that they would use the funds to attend Tab Express International Inc., a pilot and flight crew training school in DeLand, Fla., and use the proceeds of student loans for educational expenses at Tab.

Based upon prior agreements between Cilli and his co-conspirators, they never intended to enroll at Tab, nor repay principal or interest on the student loans to KeyBank. After KeyBank disbursed the loan proceeds to the school, approximately $600,000 of the loan proceeds were deposited into bank accounts solely owned and operated by Cilli. Cilli then made kickback payments totaling approximately $130,000 to his co-conspirators for signing up for the loans. Tab retained approximately $900,000 of the total loan proceeds. KeyBank was never repaid any of the principal or accrued interest on the loans.

To conceal his fraudulent conduct, Cilli maintained bank accounts in the names of Northeast Flight Training Inc., which was not a flight training school, and United Charities of America Inc., which was not a charitable organization. Both accounts were maintained by Cilli solely to perpetuate his frauds and fund his personal expenditures.

Finally, for calendar years 2003 and 2004, Cilli intentionally failed to provide the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with any information regarding the proceeds that he received in connection with his conspiracy to commit bank fraud, in the aggregate amount of approximately $547,705, resulting in a tax loss to the United States of approximately $158,674.

The securities fraud charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $5 million fine; the conspiracy to commit bank fraud charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine; and the tax evasion charge carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $100,000 fine. Sentencing is currently scheduled for Jan. 11, 2012.

U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael B. Ward; and IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Victor W. Lessoff, for the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked the CFTC, Eastern Regional Office in New York, under the direction of Regional Counsel Stephen J. Obie. U.S. Attorney Fishman also credited the NFA, New York Office, under the direction of Director Cheryl Tulino, for its assistance.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Mendelsohn of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit in Newark, N.J.

This case was brought in coordination with President Barack Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. President Obama established the interagency Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force to wage an aggressive, coordinated, and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. The task force includes representatives from a broad range of federal agencies, regulatory authorities, inspectors general, and state and local law enforcement who, working together, bring to bear a powerful array of criminal and civil enforcement resources. The task force is working to improve efforts across the federal executive branch, and with state and local partners, to investigate and prosecute significant financial crimes, ensure just and effective punishment for those who perpetrate financial crimes, combat discrimination in the lending and financial markets, and recover proceeds for victims of financial crimes.

Commodity Pool Operator Admits to Fraud Schemes and Tax Evasion in New Jersey | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Sept. 26, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Winston & Strawn LLP is honored to be the recipient today of the Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA) 2011 Innovator Award for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Initiatives.

(Logo:  http://photos.CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM.com/prnh/20070820/AQM151LOGO)

The MCCA’s highly prestigious annual award is bestowed upon U.S. law firms, in-house legal departments, or bar associations that have led the way in innovative best practices to assist diverse attorneys. According to the organization, Winston & Strawn’s non-discrimination, civil union and same-sex partner benefits, domestic partner, and childcare/family leave policies contributed to the win, as did Winston’s pro bono, diversity program sponsorship, and recruitment efforts.

“Winston has long been committed to diversity and inclusion. We designed programs to foster greater inclusiveness for all and I’m pleased that it has been recognized by MCCA,” said partner Amanda Groves, chair of the firm’s Diversity Committee.

Nicole Dogwill, a member of the firm’s Diversity Committee and head of the firm’s LGBT Affinity Group, will accept the award on the firm’s behalf at the Diversity Innovators Reception, held this evening in New York. The reception is just one of several events during the MCCA’s annual Pathways to Diversity Conference and Gala Awards Dinner in which Winston will be actively involved. Partner Anna Segobia Masters is a featured speaker at MCCA’s Educational Conference. In addition, Winston is a lead sponsor of the MCCA’s Diversity Honors Gala, in which partner Christine Edwards served on the steering committee.

The MCCA also will present Employer of Choice awards to several Winston clients, including Pacific Gas & Electric Company, Altria, and Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company.

Winston & Strawn LLP is an international commercial law firm with 15 offices in North America, Asia and Europe. More information about the firm is available at www.winston.com.

SOURCE Winston & Strawn LLP

http://www.winston.com

Winston & Strawn Receives MCCA Innovator Award for Diversity-LGBT Initiatives | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Sept. 22, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Three U.S. bankruptcy judges and top-level corporate restructuring and bankruptcy executives anchor panel sessions on competing plans in Chapter 11 cases, restructuring pitfalls for small and mid-size businesses, landmark bankruptcy rulings, municipal turnarounds, crisis management and more at the 2011 Turnaround Management Association Annual Convention at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, October 25-27.

Chicago-based TMA is the premier professional association for individuals involved in corporate restructuring, turnaround management and distressed investing, and has more than 9,000 members in 47 regional chapters worldwide.

A conference in San Diego would not be complete without addressing technology. Twitter co-founder Biz Stone and UCLA Law Professor Lynn M. LoPucki, the architect of one of the most comprehensive databases on large, public-company bankruptcies, are keynote speakers. One panel examines the particularities of financing and restructuring businesses in the tech sector, and a workshop covers techniques for safeguarding sensitive data and intellectual property.

Judge Gregg Zive of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Nevada participates on the panel “How to Achieve a Successful Restructuring in Today’s Changing Legal and Business Environment,” organized by TMA and the American Bankruptcy Institute. Judge Kevin Carey of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware joins the Advanced Education Session, “Ethical Challenges Occurring in Large, Mid-size and Small Companies.” Southern District of California Bankruptcy Judge Margaret Mann contributes to the panel, “How to Restructure Small and Mid-size Businesses: Avoiding Pitfalls and Seizing Opportunities.”

Speakers for all panels represent prominent turnaround advisory, legal and investment firms involved in financing and rehabilitating troubled businesses. The distressed public sector comes into sharp focus in the “Government Turnaround: Exploring Dimensions of Fiscal Stress Management in the Public Sector” session led by panelists versed in corporate restructuring techniques that Detroit and other municipalities are adapting to address declining revenues and underfunded pensions. “The Art of Cross-Border Restructurings” contrasts insolvency procedures in the U.S. with those in Latin America countries and elsewhere, while financial advisers discuss why healthcare, media, real estate and the banking sector are troubled business sectors to watch during the next six months.

TMA also will recognize outstanding professional teams that rescued businesses and jobs and are recipients of the 2011 Turnaround and Transaction of the Year awards.

The full conference schedule is available at turnaround.org.  Follow TMA on twitter.

SOURCE Turnaround Management Association

http://www.turnaround.org

Tech in View at Corporate Restructuring Convention | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

TREVOSE, Pa., Sept. 21, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — International SOS, the world’s leading international healthcare, medical and security assistance and concierge services company, announced today that it was awarded the “Most Innovative Use of Technology“ EMMA Award from the Forum for Expatriate Management, a global HR association, during its US Global Mobility Summit in downtown Chicago on September 12, 2011.

“As a pioneer in traveler tracking technology, International SOS has continued down this innovative path by providing tracking technology and assistance via mobile applications,” said Suzanne Garber, Chief Operating Officer, Americas Region, International SOS, who accepted the award on behalf of the company. “It’s an honor to be recognized by our peers in global mobility who work alongside us every day to keep their workforce healthy, safe and secure.”

More than 500 entries from corporate human resources and service providers were submitted, resulting in just over 20 international awards independently judged and presented at the Summit by some of the most respected names in the global mobility profession.

About International SOS

International SOS (http://www.internationalsos.com) is the world’s leading international travel, medical and security assistance and concierge services company. Operating in over 70 countries, International SOS provides integrated medical, clinical, security, and customer care solutions to organizations with international operations. A global team of over 8,000 employees led by 970 full-time physicians and 200 security specialists provides services including planning, preventative programs, in-country expertise and emergency response to 66 percent of the Fortune Global 500 companies.

SOURCE International SOS

http://www.internationalsos.com

International SOS Wins EMMA Award for Most Innovative Use of Technology | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

NORTHBROOK, Ill., Sept. 20, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Today, Allstate Insurance Company (NYSE: ALL) and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) announced the 22 student-athletes named to the 2011 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, one of the most prestigious off-the field honors in college football. For 20 years the award has recognized a select group of college football players committed to making a difference in their communities.

A program record 132 players were nominated for the award this summer.  From the nominations, a special voting panel, including former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® members and current college football broadcasters, selected 22 players from across the country to the team.  Of the two 11-member teams, one comprises players competing in the NCAA® Football Bowl Subdivision and the other is a combined team representing the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II, III, and the NAIA.

“For two decades this award has represented one of the great aspects of college football by shining a spotlight on the community involvement of its student-athletes,” said Mark LaNeve, Allstate executive vice president, marketing & sales operations, who also serves on the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® voting panel. “Allstate is proud to partner with the AFCA to present and grow awareness around this award and continues to be inspired by the commitment and dedication of its recipients.”

The following players have been selected to the 2011 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®:

Equally as remarkable as the service contributions of Allstate AFCA Good Works Teams of the past, this year’s roster boasts an impressive list of credentials promoting service and volunteerism. From donating bone marrow to a cancer patient to mentoring children home and abroad to playing the piano for hospital patients, the selfless acts of these 22 student-athletes prove that tackles and touchdowns do not have to come at the expense of greatness off the field.

“The tremendous community service activities these young student-athletes participate in is exceptional,” said Grant Teaff, Executive Director of the American Football Coaches Association. “These 22 student-athletes have sacrificed their personal time in an attempt to make their communities a better place. We couldn’t be more proud to have these players make up the 20th Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®. We are also proud to be partnered with Allstate in recognizing these outstanding student-athletes.”

Fans will be able to vote for an Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® Captain by visiting ESPN.com and searching “Good Works”. By viewing the player profiles on the website, fans can learn more about this year’s team members and their selfless acts of kindness. The Team Captain and his fellow award recipients will be invited to New Orleans to take part in a special volunteer project leading up to the 2012 Allstate® Sugar Bowl®.  

The 2011 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® voting panel includes several former Good Works Team members including former University of Pittsburgh quarterback Alex Van Pelt, former University of Georgia offensive lineman Matt Stinchcomb and former University of Notre Dame defensive lineman Grant Irons. ESPN personalities Lou Holtz, who also serves as the national ambassador for the program, and Rece Davis are also a part of the voting panel, joined by current AFCA president and Montana State University Head Coach Rob Ash, 1987 AFCA President and former Brigham Young University Head Coach LaVell Edwards and Allstate executive vice president Mark LaNeve.  

To celebrate the 20th year of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, Allstate has partnered with college sports website LostLettermen.com to host a series of Q&A interviews with Good Works Team® alumni during the 2011 season. To learn more about these past award recipients and where they are now, visit LostLettermen.com and click on the “Allstate” tab.

About Allstate

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer known for its “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®” slogan. Now celebrating its 80th anniversary as an insurer, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help nearly 16 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®.

About the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®

The Allstate AFCA Good Works Teams® were established in 1992 by the College Football Association, recognizing the extra efforts made by college football players and student support staff off the field.  AFCA became the governing body of the award in 1997 and continues to honor college football players who go the extra mile for those in need. Allstate partnered to present the award starting with the 2008 season.

Since 1992, the Southeastern Conference leads all conferences with 54 selections to the Good Works Teams®, followed by the Big 12 with 40 selections and the Atlantic Coast Conference with 29 selections. With Aron White’s selection this year, Georgia moves into first place with 13 honorees to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. The Bulldogs are followed by Nebraska and St. Thomas (Minn.) with 12 honorees each. Super Bowl XLII and XLI champion quarterbacks Eli and Peyton Manning were members of the 2002 and 1997 Good Works Teams, respectively.

About AFCA

The AFCA was founded in 1922 and currently has more than 11,000 members around the world ranging from the high school level to the professional ranks. According to its constitution, the AFCA was formed, in part, to “maintain the highest possible standards in football and in the coaching profession” and to “provide a forum for the discussion and study of all matters pertaining to football.”

SOURCE Allstate Insurance Company

http://www.allstate.com

Allstate, American Football Coaches Association Name 22 College Football Players to the 2011 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Sept. 15, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — The Jane Addams Hull House Association (Hull House) today announced the continuation of its partnership with ARAMARK (www.aramark.com), the global professional services company, to strengthen Chicago communities.

To kick off the celebration of the partnership, now going into its fourth year, a team of 100 ARAMARK volunteers will refurbish the Parkway Community House, one of the Hull House community centers.

Volunteers will enhance health and wellness programs by creating safe space for recreation, fitness, urban gardening and nutrition education. This initiative is part of ARAMARK Building Community (ABC), the company’s signature philanthropic and volunteer program, which enriches the lives of families by strengthening local community centers.

The need for health and wellness solutions in the Chicagoland community is clear.  In the Englewood neighborhood, for example, childhood obesity rates are nearly double the nationwide average. More than 60 percent of children between two and 18 are overweight, compared to 50 percent in Chicago and slightly more than 30 percent nationwide.

Louise Smith, President and CEO of Hull House Association said the ARAMARK volunteers and partnership “have been a source of tremendous inspiration to Hull House clients and staff alike. With ARAMARK’s help we’ve been able to heighten significantly the services that we can deliver to our clients each year.”

Since the relationship began, ARAMARK has contributed more than $500,000 in direct financial support, in-kind contributions and volunteer involvement.  Today’s event at Parkway House is the latest in a series of neighborhood programs, initiatives and projects developed by Hull House and ARAMARK.

“We are incredibly proud of our ongoing relationship with Hull House, and how working together we are benefitting this community in so many ways,” said Mary Ann Wyman, Vice President, ARAMARK Healthcare. “ARAMARK employees bring their time, their energy, and their expertise to the Hull House and to the critical things they do to help build strong Chicago neighborhoods and help families succeed.”

Company employees have refurbished three different facilities, including Mahalia Jackson Elementary School. The team has also hosted school supply and food drives, and company chefs and dietitians have implemented nutrition and wellness workshops to children and adults in community centers throughout the Hull House network.

In addition, more than 700 community residents and 50 employers benefitted from an ARAMARK-sponsored career fair. ARAMARK volunteers help community members develop job skills, one of the first steps toward reducing poverty and decreasing food insecurity, noted Smith.

Through ARAMARK Building Community, the company develops long-term partnerships to improve facilities, prepare youth and adults for careers and connect them to the workforce, and encourage healthy lifestyles through health and wellness education and awareness. By the end of 2011 ARAMARK Building Community will be in more than 50 cities impacting more than 2.5 million individuals and families in the US and abroad.

About Jane Addams Hull House Association

Founded in 1889 by Jane Addams on Chicago’s West Side, Hull House became America’s premiere institution of service, advocacy and philanthropy for the city’s poor and underserved. The original Halsted Street settlement house set the standard for working with poor, marginalized communities and systemically correcting social injustice. Ms. Addams went on to become the first American woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Hull House continues Ms. Addams’ work with 50 community-based programs that impact more than 60,000 children, families and individuals each year, most who live below the federal poverty level.  Hull House offers programs in Child Development Services, Child Welfare, and Family Services and Community Building.

About ARAMARK

ARAMARK is a leader in professional services, providing award-winning food services, facilities management, and uniform and career apparel to health care institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums and arenas, and businesses around the world. The company is recognized as the industry leader in FORTUNE magazine’s “World’s Most Admired Companies,” and as one of America’s Largest Private Companies by both FORTUNE and Forbes magazines. ARAMARK seeks to responsibly address issues that matter to its clients, customers, employees and communities by focusing on employee advocacy, environmental stewardship, health and wellness, and community involvement. Headquartered in Philadelphia, ARAMARK has approximately 255,000 employees serving clients in 22 countries. Learn more at the company’s Web site, www.aramark.com, or www.twitter.com/aramarknews

Contact:

Jon Putnam, Hull House
847-404-5875

Mary Rucci, ARAMARK
215-238-7110

SOURCE ARAMARK

http://www.aramark.com

Hull House Celebrates Continuation of ARAMARK Partnership to Strengthen Chicago Neighborhoods | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.