Brightspark Travel survey finds that over 94 percent of American
business leaders connect student travel with their competitive edge in
the workplace

DEERFIELD, IL, Nov. 9, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ – It seems that catching the travel
bug early on is a strong precursor to accelerated success later in
life. According to a recent poll, entitled The Brightspark Edu-Travel Report, key leadership traits garnered through student travel including
independent thinking, an appreciation for diverse culture, risk-taking
and confidence, give young people a competitive advantage over their
peers, especially when it comes to realizing success in adulthood.

Over 500 American entrepreneurial and business leaders stated that their
travel experience as a student had fostered the development of relevant
leadership skills, with 94 percent of survey respondents strongly
agreeing that being well traveled was a competitive advantage in the
workplace. Additional survey results showed that educational travel allows students to test their independence and
character while gaining a deeper appreciation and acceptance of the
world around them. Ninety-nine percent of American business leaders
said that being more culturally aware provided them with opportunities
for success in all facets of life, on both an international and local
scale.

With the continuing shift towards a more globally informed society as
well as new business challenges brought about by a precarious economy
at home and abroad, life lessons picked up through student travel will
help create more confident and ambitious leaders, both today and
tomorrow. In particular, when it came to career, social connections and
overall happiness, The Brightspark Edu-Travel Report discovered that the majority of business leaders who traveled as a
student rated their success a 4 out of 5 in those categories.

“Student travel provided me with a safe framework to challenge myself
and develop lifelong leadership skills,” says Matt Wilson, Co-founder
of Under30CEO.com, a website for young entrepreneurs. “It encouraged me to take risks and
test my independence; characteristics that helped me as a student and
that I still rely on today in the business world.”

The experience of travel offers young people a multitude of advantages
that open up new horizons and fresh perspectives to the world, with
thanks to thousands of educators who bring those experiences to life
for their students every day. Of business leaders polled, 97 percent
suggested that they were extremely appreciative of their student travel
experiences and agreed that it had a lasting impact on their lives.
More than ever, educators are challenged to connect their classroom
curriculums to real life – and with the right programming assistance,
the outcome can be truly rewarding.

Brightspark Travel, a leading North American educational tour operator,
supports schools by creating customized travel experiences for middle
and high school-aged children that include a broad range of national
and international destinations, making it easier for teachers to
navigate through the complex and often overwhelming world of student
travel.

Lisa Curtin, Vice President of Operations Brightspark Travel, commented:
“This research adds to the growing wealth of evidence demonstrating the
value of learning outside the classroom in improving cultural awareness
and motivating children to become lifelong learners. The overwhelming
benefits of getting children out and about far outweigh the perceived
barriers that can include concerns over safety, which we take very
seriously. Brightspark Travel offers practical solutions to help
teachers integrate learning outside the classroom into the curriculum.”

With more than 100 years of combined experience, Brightspark Travel has
helped simplify the student travel process for teachers and parents
alike; helping thousands of student groups experience diverse
activities ranging from exploring the history behind the Great Wall of
China to performing in front of recognized Broadway producers, to
touring Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Brightspark focuses on
delivering fun and inspiring travel experiences for students across the
country and helps to inspire students, ignite their curiosity and teach
them life lessons through tours that are illuminating and
unforgettable.

The Brightspark Edu-Travel Report (conducted from October 5 – 21, 2011), polled 592 American
entrepreneurial and business leaders, who were reached through a
variety of Twitter sources including @Under30CEO, an online forum
offering advice, trends and events geared towards young entrepreneurs.
The poll was designed to capture the sentiment of American business
leaders in regards to student travel and as it relates to future
success.

About Brightspark Travel

Brightspark Travel is a leading educational tour operator with over 100
years of combined experience taking students around the world.
Brightspark offers custom educational and performance tours in the USA
and to other international destinations. Brightspark helps its
customers simplify the entire student travel process from initial
ideas, to logistics planning, through the completion of the trip. With
help from Brightspark, thousands of student groups have experienced
history, performed for millions, discovered art and experienced a new
culture. For further information: www.brightsparktravel.com

SOURCE Brightspark Travel

Elements of Future Success Influenced by Youth Travel Experiences | 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/ — NFC Data and NFC Rumors are announcing their first collaborative endeavor to enlighten the emerging NFC industry by performing a 3-week independent market survey series based on the two blogs’ vast reach. Recognizing a gap in identifying the real market demands from consumers in response to NFC technology, NFC Rumors and NFC Data have partnered to create an independent survey to understand the NFC market demands and identify investment opportunities for both developers and investors.

While recognizing that most NFC studies and surveys have focused on broad issues regarding mobile payments and operating within a cashless ecosystem, the two blogs seek for more specific information from real consumers. “We want to know information on how people would use NFC products and services, how many times they will use them in a day at work or school, and how much they are willing to pay for them,” explains Seth Planck, Editor-in-Chief of NFC Rumors. “It’s real data feedback like that that will send a message to the industry. We want investors to know how to invest in NFC, how prolific NFC technology can be in the hands of the people. Corporations can fund an entire NFC department, but the independent developers and small companies have been left on the bench.”

Both blogs have long known that lack of investment in NFC has been a major factor in the lack of advancement of NFC technology, and NFC Data and NFC Rumors aim to ensure that NFC gets started on the right foot. Part of that is relying on independent research rather than paid surveys.

Ultimately, both blogs realize that advancement in the NFC space will only happen by knowing the right information. “My perspective as a technologist is to figure out what features that NFC provides will give users the fastest marginal utility and drive adoption,” shares Ken Mages, Founder/CTO of NFC Data. “Having been in the payment space the last twelve years, it is NOT payments necessarily which will move the NFC needle but perhaps the synchronous/asynchronous nature of storing and forwarding data that matters most. We hope to uncover these answers in our survey.”

Participation in the survey is encouraged for anyone, from industry leaders to tech enthusiasts and everyone in between. Please visit http://nfcdata.polldaddy.com/s/nfc-market-questionaire-series-1 to contribute your perspective to help shape the future of NFC.

BACKGROUND

NFC Data is a hardware and software developer integrating payment and/or marketing opportunities for NFC (Near Field Communication) projects.  Our perspective is neutral and we apply ISO standards to provide solutions for our customers.

Contact: Ken Mages, 1-260-632-7468, kmages@nfcdata.com

As a dedicated and independent news and editorial blog, NFC Rumors focuses on bringing to light contactless technologies and its relationship to the global evolution of business and culture. Covering everything from near field communications to gadgets, media, marketing, and social related topics, NFC Rumors is a convergence of everything contactless.

Contact: Seth Planck seth@nfcrumors.com

SOURCE NFC Data

http://www.nfcdata.com

NFC Data & NFC Rumors Release Market Survey to Enlighten Industry of Investment Opportunities in NFC | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Sept. 29, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Twenty-five percent of employers have little or no understanding of specialty pharmacy and 53 percent have only a moderate understanding of this challenging benefit according to a new survey released by the non-profit Midwest Business Group on Health (MBGH), one of the nation’s leading business groups of private and public employers.

The vast majority of the 120 employers – ranging in size from 500 to 25,000 employees – that responded to this national survey indicated they did not know how much their company was spending on specialty pharmacy medications through their medical or pharmacy plans. Additionally, almost 30 percent indicated that they did not know how much their total specialty claim costs had increased in the past three to five years.

The employer-driven survey was conducted by MBGH, with guidance from Randy Vogenberg, PhD, principal at the Institute for Integrated Healthcare. The objectives of the survey were to identify and assess the level of knowledge and benefit design gaps of employer plan sponsors in the area of specialty pharmacy medications and biologic products used to treat conditions such as multiple sclerosis and arthritis. These drugs present significant cost challenges to employers, as well as logistical issues for patients, physicians, pharmacies and manufacturers, as these medications often require special approvals for their use, instructions on dosing and side effects, and appropriate storage and distribution.

“In addition to the uncertainty and challenges that health reform and the economy are placing on employers, health plans and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), the real driver of drug cost trend growth for employers lies in biologics and specialty pharmacy,” said Cheryl Larson, MBGH vice president. “Our research confirms there is a broad lack of awareness and specific knowledge about benefit design related to specialty pharmacy that illustrates key gaps that need to be addressed.”

Additional findings:

• Most employers are still using a traditional benefit design, including tiered formularies, copayments and coinsurance for specialty drugs instead of value-based or innovative benefit designs that may be more appropriate for biologic/specialty pharmacy medications.
• Vendor costs are the most important criteria employers cited when contracting with a specialty pharmacy.
• Forty-two percent of employers reported using PBMs to manage their specialty benefit, with 22 percent using their health plan and 18 percent using a combination of both.
• Only 13 percent of employers are using a specialty pharmacy provider.
• Seventy-six percent of employers don’t offer employees an incentive to ensure proper compliance to medication and adherence to treatment for use of biologic/specialty medications.

Next Steps

MBGH is piloting educational programs and developing an employer toolkit for testing in the Chicago and Baltimore markets. The toolkit will provide objective information on Education & Awareness (understanding Biologics/Specialty Pharmacy Benefits); Planning and Contracting (effectively contract and partner with health plans, PBMs and specialty pharmacies); and, Employee Management & Communication (understanding the importance of managing at-risk populations through effective programs and communications).

In early 2012, MBGH will conduct the Second Annual National Employer Survey to measure the degree of success or additional areas of work that will need to be done in addressing biologics and specialty pharmacy benefits management.

About the Midwest Business Group on Health

Celebrating more than 30 years of advancing value in health care and health benefits management, the non-profit Midwest Business Group on Health (MBGH) is one of the nation’s leading business groups of private and public employers. MBGH’s more than 100 members represent over 3 million lives, spending more than $3 billion on health care benefits annually. MBGH member benefits include educational workshops for health benefits management, networking opportunities, research, demonstration projects and community initiatives. MBGH is a founding member of the National Business Coalition on Health. www.mbgh.org

SOURCE Midwest Business Group on Health

http://www.mbgh.org

Employers Lack Awareness and Understanding of Specialty Drugs and Costs | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Although Americans are increasingly tolerant of the open expression of a variety of views, the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 have made most Americans reluctant to extend those freedoms to Muslim extremists, research released Aug. 25 by NORC at the University of Chicago shows.

The finding, reported in NORC’s General Social Survey, illustrates a lingering impact of the horrific events from ten years ago, as well as the consequences on American public opinion of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, said Tom W. Smith, director of the survey. 

“These figures are a result of people responding to what they perceive to be a serious threat,” Smith said.

The survey found in 2008 that when asked if “A Muslim clergyman who preaches hatred of the United States” should be able to speak publicly, 41 percent of Americans said yes. The percentage remained unchanged in the 2010 survey. When asked if a Muslim extremist should be able to teach, 29 percent of Americans said yes in 2008 and 32 percent said yes in 2010. The survey found that 49 percent of Americans in 2008 would allow a book by a Muslim extremist to be in their local library, while 48 percent approved in 2010.

Yet tolerance has increased for the expression of other non-majority viewpoints. For example, the GSS found that a majority of Americans are no longer opposed to civil liberties for Communists. In 1972, the first year the survey was conducted, 53 percent of Americans felt that Communists should be allowed to speak, compared to 64 percent in 2010. In 2010, 61 percent (versus 33 percent in 1972) said that a Communist should be allowed to teach, and 69 percent (versus 53 percent in 1972) said that a book by a Communist was appropriate for a library collection.

The increases in tolerance for other groups have been similar. Americans have become more willing to support civil liberties for homosexuals, people who oppose churches and religion, and even those who advocate doing away with elections and letting the military run the country.

“Two things in particular account for this trend: an increase in education and changing attitudes across generations,” Smith said.

College attendance in particular, which has increased in the last 40 years, has prompted people to become more open-minded, he said. In addition, younger generations do not feel the same threat from some of the controversial groups as did their parents.

Smith is author of the NORC report “Trends in Support for Civil Liberties.” In addition to the findings on attitudes towards Muslim extremists, the report shows:

• Support for allowing a “person who is against all churches and religions” to speak rose from 66 percent in 1972 to 76 percent in 2010; approval for teaching rose from 42 percent in 1972 to 60 percent in 2010; and tolerance of having such a book in the library grew from 61 percent in 1972 to 74 percent in 2010. 
• Support for allowing “a person who advocates doing away with elections and letting the military run the country” to speak grew from 55 percent in 1976 to 69 percent in 2010; approval for teaching went from 37 percent in 1976 to 57 percent in 2010; and tolerance of having such a book in the library climbed from 57 percent in 1976 to 71 percent in 2010.  
• Support for allowing an “admitted homosexual” to speak increased from 62 percent in 1972 to 86 percent in 2010; approval for teaching rose from 48 percent in 1973 to 84 percent in 2010; and tolerance of having such a book in the library from 54 percent in 1973 to 78 percent in 2010.

Over the period of the survey, there has been very little gain in tolerance for racists. Fifty-eight percent of Americans in 2010 felt people with anti-black views had the right to speak, compared to 61.5 percent in 1977. Forty-eight percent felt they had the right to teach in 2010, compared with 41 percent in 1977. Sixty-five percent felt they had the right to have a book the library, compared with 60 percent in 1977.  

The General Social Survey, conducted for the past 40 years, monitors societal change and the growing complexity of American society. The biennial survey, supported by the National Science Foundation, includes a sample of more than 2,000 interviews of randomly selected people. With the exception of the U.S. Census, the GSS is the most widely used source of information about social trends and attitudes.

NORC at the University of Chicago is an independent research organization headquartered in downtown Chicago with offices on the University campus and in the Washington, D.C. area. NORC has a nationwide field staff as well as international research operations.   

NORC contact: Ray Boyer, 312-330-6433

Tolerance grows for a wide variety of groups, except for Muslim extremists | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Woodridge, Ill., March 08, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Baking is back! This trend was recently confirmed by the bi-annual Celebration Report on How America Bakes, Decorates and Celebrates. The extensive online survey report was conducted by a third party source on behalf of Wilton Enterprises, the industry leader in cake decorating, quality bakeware and food crafting for more than 80 years.

“We found that nearly 75 percent of survey respondents reported baking the same or more than in previous years,” says Nancy Siler, vice president of consumer affairs at Wilton. “In fact, 28 percent said they are baking even more than before, especially those with kids under 18 years old.”

Key findings from How America Bakes:

• Regular bakers are the majority.
Impressively, one-in-four respondents view themselves as regular bakers, stating that they bake at least once a week, with more than half (56%) baking twice a month or more.

• Scratch baking is preferred method.
Baking from scratch is still in style with 38% of respondents stating a preference to bake from scratch while 37% doctor-up mixes. Only 26% expressed loyalty to using a mix or ready-to-bake product.

• Cookies most popular.
While cookies are the most popular homemade treat (82% of respondents), items that have significantly grown in popularity since 2008 are: cakes (up 17%), brownies (up 18%) and cupcakes (up 15%).

• Decorating adds to the enjoyment.
At-home cake bakers who also decorate their cakes increased by 5% from 2008. Those who bake and decorate cupcakes saw a 7% jump. Nearly one-in-two women stated baking and decorating is time well spent.

Combine the most popular item to bake (cookies) along with the most popular reason to bake (an upcoming holiday), and Wilton suggests the following project — a lucky giant shamrock cookie — for a sweet addition to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Visit www.wilton.com for step-by-step information on how to make any celebration special.

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.

Wilton Survey Reveals How America Bakes | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Feb. 23, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ – Since the recession began, more workers are starting their work day on time.  A new CareerBuilder survey reveals that 15 percent of workers said they arrive late to work once a week or more, down from 16 percent in 2009 and 20 percent in 2008.  This national survey was conducted among 2,482 U.S. employers and 3,910 U.S. employees between November 15 and December 2, 2010.

Workers shared a variety of reasons for being tardy, with the top excuse being traffic-related (30 percent), followed by lack of sleep (19 percent).  Nine percent blamed the bad weather for their tardiness, while eight percent indicated a delay in getting their kids to daycare or school.  Other common reasons included public transportation, wardrobe issues or dealing with pets.

“Whether it is a result of fear associated with the economy or just a shift in attitude, workers over the last few years are doing a better job of managing their schedules and getting into the office at the designated time,” said Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources for CareerBuilder.  ”While workers will sometimes be late due to circumstances out of their control, they need to be aware of their companies’ tardiness policies.  Regardless of the reason, workers who are running late should always be honest with their managers.”

While some employers are more lenient with worker tardiness, others have stricter policies.  One-third (32 percent) of employers said they have terminated an employee for being late.

Hiring managers provided the following examples of the most outrageous excuses employees offered for arriving late to work:

• Employee claimed his car was inhabited by a hive of bees and he couldn’t use the car for two hours until bees left.
• Employee claimed her cat attacked her.
• Employee claimed there was a delay with public transportation and produced a note signed by “The Bus Driver.”
• Employee claimed his Botox appointment took longer than he expected.
• Employee claimed his hair was hurting his head.
• Employee claimed he knew he was already going to be late, so he figured he would go ahead and stop to get donuts for everyone.
• Employee claimed her karma was not in sync that day.
• Employee claimed he got hurt taking a fork out of the dishwasher.
• Employee claimed he wasn’t late … the company clock was wrong.

Survey Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Interactive© on behalf of CareerBuilder.com among 2,482 U.S. employers and 3,910 U.S. employees (employed full-time; not self-employed; non-government) ages 18 and over between November 15 and December 2, 2010 (percentages for some questions are based on a subset, based on their responses to certain questions).  With pure probability samples of 2,482 and 3,910 one could say with a 95 percent probability that the overall results have a sampling error of +/- 1.97 and +/- 1.57 percentage points, respectively.  Sampling error for data from sub-samples is higher and varies.

About CareerBuilder®

CareerBuilder is the global leader in human capital solutions, helping companies target and attract their most important asset – their people.  Its online career site, CareerBuilder.com®, is the largest in the United States with more than 23 million unique visitors, 1 million jobs and 32 million resumes.  CareerBuilder works with the world’s top employers, providing resources for everything from employment branding and data analysis.  More than 9,000 websites, including 140 newspapers and broadband portals such as MSN and AOL, feature CareerBuilder’s proprietary job search technology on their career sites.  Owned by Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI), Tribune Company, The McClatchy Company (NYSE: MNI) and Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT), CareerBuilder and its subsidiaries operate in the United States, Europe, Canada and Asia.  For more information, visit www.careerbuilder.com.

SOURCE Career Builder, Inc.

http://www.careerbuilder.com

The Recession Appears to Have Improved Punctuality in the Workplace, Finds New CareerBuilder Survey | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Jan. 18, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — OMG! According to a recent Nielsen survey, text messaging has officially eclipsed voice calls. U.S. Cellular, ranked the country’s best wireless carrier in a Consumer Reports survey, has an FYI for all those thumb-flexing, text enthusiasts out there. Through Feb. 17, all phones that make texting quick and easy are free. Cool handsets like the Samsung Messager Touch, Motorola GRASP and LG Mystique are free after a $50 mail-in rebate and make great gifts for you and your sweetie on Valentine’s Day.

“Many of our customers prefer texting over talking, so we wanted to surprise and delight them with a promotion that features a great lineup of messaging phones,” said Edward Perez, vice president of marketing and sales operations for U.S. Cellular. “They can connect with family and friends quickly with devices that are backed by our quality, high-speed nationwide network.”

Send “Happy V Day 2 u” with The Samsung Messager Touch, which boasts a 2.6-inch touchscreen and slide-out QWERTY keyboard. Or text “I luv u” from the Motorola GRASP with its sporty 2.2-inch display and QWERTY keyboard. If you’re feeling really brave, pop the big question, “Will u marry me?” from the LG Mystique, which features a 2.4-inch touchscreen and QWERTY keyboard.

Customers can match any of these message-friendly phones with Belief Plans that complement the way they use their phone the most. The Essential Belief Plan comes with unlimited text, picture and video messaging, free unlimited incoming calls from any phone, nights after 7p.m. and weekends, mobile-to-mobile calls and 1,000 voice minutes for only $69.99. The Premium Belief Plan has those benefits plus unlimited minutes and the industry-leading Phone Replacement Program for only $89.99.

Pairing up this Valentine’s Day is made easy by signing up for one of U.S. Cellular’s Family Belief Plans. The Family Essential Belief Plan includes two lines with unlimited text, picture and video messaging, free unlimited incoming calls from any phone, nights after 7p.m. and weekends, mobile-to-mobile calls and 1,200 shared voice minutes for $99.99, while the Family Premium Belief Plan has all these amenities and features two lines with unlimited voice, messaging and Phone Replacement for $139.99.

For those who are into smartphones, U.S. Cellular is showing you some love too. Through Feb. 17, the carrier is offering a buy-one-get-one-free sale on all of its Android-powered devices including the Samsung Galaxy Tab. Get that special someone the Samsung Mesmerize, a Galaxy S phone, for just $149.99 and get another one free for you after an $80 mail-in rebate. Consumer Reports rated Galaxy S devices, like the Mesmerize, number one above all other smartphones on the market today. The Mesmerize features a large touchscreen and super fast 1 GHz processor that makes watching videos, playing games and zipping through business and entertainment applications easy.

Customers can match up any new smartphone with the “best value in wireless” by signing up for            U.S. Cellular’s $69.99 Primary Plus Plan that comes with 5GB of data, unlimited text, picture and video messaging, free unlimited incoming calls from any phone, nights after 7p.m. and weekends, mobile-to-mobile calls, 450 minutes and GPS navigation.

Customers on Belief Plans get rewards for doing simple things like paying their monthly bill on time, adding a line or referring new customers. Rewards can be used to get faster upgrades to the newest phones in as little as 10 months, accessories, ringtones and for Overage Forgiveness. With “no contract after the first,” new customers who complete a two-year contract will never have to sign another one and will continue to get great benefits. Existing customers who switch to the new Belief Plans can simply finish out their current contract and never sign a contract again.

For more information about all of U.S. Cellular’s deals, phones, plans and other restrictions on these offers, visit any U.S. Cellular store, go to uscellular.com or check out U.S. Cellular on Facebook.

About U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular is committed to fixing wireless one project at a time and recently unveiled The Belief Project, an array of industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier provides the best cell phone service in the country according to survey results released by Consumer Reports, which found that wireless customers are more satisfied with U.S. Cellular than every other major wireless company.  U.S. Cellular was also named one of Forbes Magazine’s 2010 “Most Trustworthy Companies.” The Belief Project complements U.S. Cellular’s growing catalog of cutting-edge phones that are all backed by its high-speed nationwide network. To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or uscellular.com. You can also check out U.S. Cellular on Facebook.

SOURCE U.S. Cellular

http://www.uscellular.com

U.S. Cellular Offers Sweetheart of a Deal on Messaging Phones | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Survey findings indicate slim hiring in 2011

CHICAGO, Dec. 30, 2010 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Though the economy continues to inch its way out of the depths of the Great Recession, its slow but steady rise remains insufficient to lift hiring levels at U.S. businesses, according to the latest Turnaround Management Association survey.

TMA members responding to the annual Trend Watch forecast see a brighter economic picture clouded by uncertainty from a commercial real estate industry paralyzed by too much debt and from a public sector where state and local governments are wrestling with reduced tax revenues and onerous pension obligations.

“I haven’t seen any economist who predicted back in 2008 that there was going to be a U-turn and the economy was going to come roaring back,” said Thomas S. Henderson, a bankruptcy attorney in Houston.  ”These things are like turning around an ocean liner.”

Still, opinion was tied at 31 percent among those who think the worst of the economic crisis is over and those who expect to see improvement in 2011. Also tied, however, at just under 20 percent of responses each were those who suspect the worst is yet to come and those who don’t expect to see substantial economic improvement until 2012.

An undercurrent of caution is revealed in responses identifying where businesses plan to spend cash reserves after notable gains in 2010.  More than one-third of respondents (35 percent) said companies will engage in mergers and acquisitions, while 31 percent said those funds will go untouched.  Only two percent of respondents think companies will increase personnel, while nearly three in 10 think businesses will increase productivity without increasing employees. Seven percent of respondents think companies will commit to capital spending.

“The panic – or debacle – that we were in during the Great Recession of 2009 and 2008 seems to be subsiding but people are very cautious,” said William K. Lenhart, a certified turnaround professional (CTP) and partner with BDO Consulting in New York. “Businesses are looking at opportunistic buys; otherwise, they’re just sitting on the sidelines.”

The commercial real estate industry again led the list of industries most likely to face distress in 2011, based on 64 percent of responses. The residential real estate industry occupied second place with 40 percent of responses, while the retail outlook appeared less ominous; it garnered 26 percent of responses, down from 35 percent last year, and moved from second to third place.

Similar to the 2009 poll, most TMA members surveyed blamed incipient troubles for those industries on too much debt (70 percent) and lack of access to capital (49 percent). Economic conditions remained the primary external factor likely to trigger problems based on 84 percent of responses, an improvement from last year’s 92 percent.

“People are generally just starting to feel better, but we are only inching forward,” said Thomas E. Pabst, president of HYPERAMS, LLC, a Chicago-area asset disposition and distressed investing firm. “There doesn’t seem to be any indication that improvement will rapidly accelerate in 2011.”

The picture brightens for the automotive industry, which TMA members put at the top of the heap of distressed industries heading into 2009. With 37 percent of responses, it led this year’s list of industries most likely to improve in 2011. Technology, the leader in that same category last year, ranked second place (32 percent) and energy (26 percent) third, among industries most likely to improve. More than five out of 10 respondents, in each case, said those industries would benefit from improvement in the economy and increased demand for products and services.

Responding to the survey within days of President Obama extending Bush-era tax breaks, TMA members, by a wide measure, suggested various forms of tax relief to loosen the grip of a near-10 percent unemployment rate. “The overriding view is that further governmental action is going to be essential to move corporations to the hiring of more people,” Pabst said.

Chicago-based TMA, www.turnaround.org, the only international nonprofit dedicated to corporate restructuring, turnaround management and distressed investing, has more than 9,000 members including turnaround practitioners, attorneys, accountants, investors, lenders, venture capitalists, appraisers, liquidators, executive recruiters and consultants.

SOURCE Turnaround Management Association

http://www.turnaround.org

Economic Lift Steady But Slow, Say Turnaround Pros | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Dec. 3, 2010 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — The DDB Life Style Study®, the nation’s largest and longest-running annual consumer survey, reveals that while most consumers today are budget conscious, they are also focused on value more than on price, ultimately asking themselves, “What’s in it for me?”

Even as the economic downturn has undeniably created widespread frugality among Americans, the new study uncovers pockets of opportunity for marketers as they enter the holiday shopping season. While 54% of Americans claim not to buy anything unless it’s the best deal they can get, a majority of people are still willing to pay higher prices if they feel they are receiving added value.  For instance:  

• 54% of people surveyed say they are willing to pay higher prices at places that offer better customer service

• 60% are always more concerned about the quality of a product than the price

Furthermore, a substantial portion of the population continues to value time over money; 41% always choose products that save time and hassles, even if they cost more.

“What we’re seeing is that people are increasingly valuing their purchases based on convenience, happiness, good works and even memories,” said James Lou, Chief Strategy Officer, DDB U.S. “This is especially significant for retailers and marketers as the masses head out to begin their holiday shopping.  We’ve always known that customer service is important, for instance, but clearly marketers can no longer afford not to make it a priority.”  

The study also reveals opportunities for retailers and marketers that have not traditionally been top-of-mind when it comes to holiday shopping. Sixty-nine percent of consumers say they consciously make an effort to support local merchants, and nearly 50% of adults said they would prefer an experiential gift (i.e., tickets to a movie, concert or other event) to a material item.

“Interestingly, this potentially opens the holiday shopping season to certain niche and service-oriented businesses that have traditionally been less active this time of year,” added Lou.

There may also be good news for the luxury sector this season as 47% of respondents claim that they try to save on everyday items so that they can buy more expensive things they want.  

About DDB

DDB Worldwide Communications Group Inc (www.ddb.com) ranks among the top five consolidated advertising and marketing services global networks, according to Advertising Age. Consistently one of the most awarded networks globally for creative excellence, DDB was Campaign‘s 2009 Global Network of the Year, the 2010 Spikes Asia Network of the Year, and captured both the Cyber Grand Prix and Film Craft Grand Prix at the 2010 International Advertising Festival in Cannes. With more than 200 offices in over 90 countries, the DDB Group helps grow the value and influence of leading brands around the world. We believe that creativity is the most powerful force in business, allowing us to develop the ideas that people want to play with, participate in and pass along. We call this Social Creativity. DDB Worldwide is part of Omnicom Group Inc. (OMC).

SOURCE DDB Worldwide Communications Group Inc

http://www.ddb.com

DDB Life Style Study® Uncovers Distinct Advantage for Customer Service Savvy Companies | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Alzheimer’s Association Offers Spanish Workshop on the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s

To Address this Discrepancy

CHICAGO, Oct. 6 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — According to the Alzheimer’s Association “Hispanic Perceptions of Alzheimer’s Disease” survey(1), which was funded by MetLife Foundation and released today during National Hispanic Heritage Month, 64 percent of survey respondents felt that the Latino community is not very aware or not at all aware of Alzheimer’s disease.  This information, coupled with the finding that Hispanics are one and one-half times more likely to have Alzheimer’s disease and dementia than whites(2), demonstrates the need for additional Alzheimer’s information and support services in the Latino community.    

From the Alzheimer’s Association “Hispanic Perceptions of Alzheimer’s Disease” survey:

• While more than 90 percent of those surveyed knew that Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disease that causes memory loss and problems with thinking and behavior, only half (53 percent) knew it is a fatal disease.  
• Seventy three percent of those surveyed felt that knowing the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s is very important.  However,
  • Only thirty nine percent of people survey knew that trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships is a warning sign of Alzheimer’s.
  • Only thirty eight percent of people survey knew that challenges in planning or solving problems is warning sign of Alzheimer’s.  
  • Only thirty four percent of those surveyed knew that withdrawal from work or social activities is a warning sign of Alzheimer’s.  
  • Fifty four percent of those surveyed incorrectly thought forgetting which day it is but remembering later is a warning sign of Alzheimer’s.
  • Forty percent of those surveyed incorrectly thought losing things from time to time is a warning sign of Alzheimer’s.

Despite this knowledge gap, at 71 percent the majority of survey respondents indicated that they would like to learn more about Alzheimer’s warning signs.  To help meet those needs, the Alzheimer’s Association has created a Spanish-language educational workshop entitled “Know the 10 Signs.”  The workshop, which is currently available to people with the disease and their families from the more than 70 Alzheimer’s Association Chapters nationwide, explores the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s disease with participants.  The “Know the 10 Signs” Spanish-language workshop will also be made available to the public at www.alz.org/espanol this fall.    

“Alzheimer’s disease is not normal aging.  It is a complex brain disease that impacts much more than memory,” said Janis Robinson, Director of Diversity and Strategic Collaborations at the Alzheimer’s Association.  ”Knowing the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s is critical to early detection and receiving the best care possible, so it is imperative that we are inclusive as this public health crisis explodes across the country, including in our diverse communities.”

When speaking about the barriers to seeking further care, the majority of respondents (39 percent) said the person exhibiting warnings signs do not believe they have a problem.  Other barriers include concern about reaction by the person exhibiting warning signs and others, preference to not think about it and lack of a cure.  

“Alzheimer’s affects millions of individuals, and the general public relies upon the Alzheimer’s Association as a leading resource for accurate information,” said Dennis White, president and CEO of MetLife Foundation. “These findings help to heighten the importance of providing the Hispanic community with much-needed information and help raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease.”

For more information on the 10 Warning Signs or to find an Alzheimer’s Association Chapter in your area, please visit www.alz.org/espanol.  

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading U.S. voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. The Association’s vision is a world without Alzheimer’s disease. For more information, visit www.alz.org.

MetLife Foundation, established in 1976 by MetLife, has been involved in a variety of healthy aging initiatives addressing issues of caregiving, intergenerational activities, mental fitness, health and wellness programs, aging in place initiatives, and civic engagement opportunities. For more than 20 years, the Foundation has supported research on Alzheimer’s disease and provided support for a number of caregiver initiatives, including education and outreach activities,  caregiver videos, Alzheimer’s education and awareness resources, and resources for the Hispanic community. For more information, visit www.metlife.org.

(1) The Alzheimer’s Association “Hispanic Perceptions of Alzheimer’s Disease” survey funded by the MetLife Foundation interviewed 872 Hispanic/Latino males and females ages 25+ via telephone and online Interviews July 26, 2010-August 18, 2010.  In reporting results, statistical testing was performed at the 95% confidence level.

(2) The Alzheimer’s Association’s Facts and Figures report is a comprehensive compilation of national statistics and information on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The report conveys the impact of Alzheimer’s on individuals, families, government, and the nation’s health care system. Since its 2007 inaugural release, the report has become the most cited source covering the broad spectrum of Alzheimer issues. The Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report is an official publication of the Alzheimer’s Association®.

SOURCE Alzheimer’s Association

http://www.alz.orghttp://www.metlife.org/

New Survey Shows Understanding of Alzheimer’s in the Latino Community Does Not Correspond with Growing Concern about this Health Crisis | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Daily Economic Pressures and Concern Over Negative Partner Reaction Are Key Reasons Why People Remain Silent; 64 Percent of Women Say If They Were The Primary Earner They’d Be Too Stressed About Finances To Think About Anything Else

BLOOMINGTON, Ill., Sept. 29 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — A new State Farm Life Insurance Company survey shows that since the economic downturn in 2008 and the uncertainty it has created for people’s finances, a majority of people say life insurance is more important than it was two years ago. However, 74 percent of couples say they rarely or never discuss the topic. The survey found that talking about life insurance is particularly difficult for men and women who are primary earners for the family. These respondents say key reasons for avoiding the topic include stress over daily economic pressures and concern that a partner might react negatively – especially in the event of a job loss.

The survey, conducted by KRC Research, shows that among couples who are unlikely to discuss life insurance, the topic is especially concerning for women when faced with the prospect of becoming the primary earner for the family. When asked about why they would not initiate a conversation about life insurance, respondents cited financial stress as very or somewhat important. Women were significantly more likely to remain silent with 64 percent saying they would be too stressed to initiate a conversation with their spouse. This compares with 47 percent of men faced with the prospect of being the sole breadwinner.

“This survey shows that, at a time when couples should be sitting down to discuss how to prepare for the unexpected, far too many remain silent,” said Joe Monk, senior vice president and chief administrative officer, State Farm Life Insurance. “As awkward as it can be to discuss the potential death of a family member, an uncomfortable discussion today can prevent a devastating financial impact tomorrow.”

Avoiding the Awkward Conversation

In the survey, 62 percent of men and women said that given the economic downturn and the uncertainty it has created for finances, having life insurance is much or somewhat more important than it was two years ago. At the same time, the survey found that these economic pressures along with concerns over a partner’s reaction are important reasons why many couples are avoiding the topic entirely.

This is especially true for men and women faced with the prospect of becoming primary income earners for the family. When asked about why they would not initiate a conversation about life insurance, they cited the following factors as very or somewhat important:

• Seventy-four percent said that avoiding the conversation comes from the pressure of meeting immediate household financial needs as the sole income earner.
• Fifty-one percent of respondents answered that should a partner lose a job, that time would not be the best to bring up a subject that might make them feel even worse.

But despite economic pressures, most people in the survey still indicated that having insurance coverage for someone at home caring for children is just as important as someone earning an income. According to the survey, 85 percent of respondents strongly or somewhat agreed that life insurance is just as critical for a spouse or partner who stays at home and cares for children as it is for the spouse or partner who is the primary income earner.

Earlier this year, a study by the research firm, LIMRA, found that nearly one third of U.S. households currently have no life insurance, the highest level in more than forty years.

Reality Check

The State Farm® survey also found that because of the challenging economy, more than half of Americans are now focused solely on protecting what they have versus working to achieve their financial dreams. When asked to choose what best described their current financial situation, just 39 percent said they were working to grow what they have to achieve their financial dreams. However, the majority (52 percent) said they were working to protect what they have to break even.

“Today, more Americans are struggling with job losses, pay cuts and other financial setbacks. These factors amplify feelings of anxiety and create a greater need to ensure the security of loved ones,” said Professor Mary Quist-Newins, State Farm Life Insurance Chair for Women and Finance at The American College. “Women in particular appear to be especially silent on this topic and this is troubling when increasing numbers of women are becoming primary income earners for their families.”

First Steps

State Farm offers the following suggestions for couples who struggle with discussing finances and life insurance:

• Make A Plan. It can be empowering for couples to agree on goals and steps towards achieving a more secure future. For couples experiencing severe economic setbacks, it can be reassuring to have a strategy in place to get back on their feet financially and to prepare for the unexpected.
• Start Small. Often couples may feel the gap is too great between what they have to work with financially today versus what they would like to have in the future. But starting with small steps – such as getting educated about life insurance basics – can set the stage for follow-on steps later.
• Consult an expert. Bringing in a knowledgeable outside perspective can make the process of discussing life insurance easier and less stressful. These experts have experience guiding the conversation and answering questions. This can help avoid misunderstandings and unneeded stress.

State Farm has 17,800 insurance agents across the country. State Farm agents can take the stress out of life insurance by simplifying the process and by helping families select the coverage that fits their needs and budget. For more information or to find an agent, visit www.statefarm.com.

About the Survey

This survey was commissioned by State Farm Life Insurance Company to gauge attitudes around life insurance and the factors that influence those attitudes. The survey was conducted by KRC Research and was a national random digital dial telephone survey of 1,001 adults ages 18 and older within the United States. Interviews were conducted by telephone between Aug. 13 – 18, 2010. The estimated margin of error is +/- 3.1 percentage points for the entire sample and is higher among subgroups.

About State Farm®:

State Farm insures more cars and homes than any other insurer in the U.S., is the leading insurer of watercraft and is also a leading insurer in Canada. Our 17,800 agents and more than 68,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts – more than 79 million auto, fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 34 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit statefarm.com® or in Canada statefarm.ca®.

About KRC Research

KRC Research is a leader in communications research. Our ability to use research to improve communications outcomes—from public relations to public affairs to advertising—sets us apart from traditional research firms, as does our approach, which is creative, practical and fast. Our specialties include research among hard-to-reach audiences, research to drive media attention, brand and reputation research and public policy research. KRC’s clients include Fortune 500 corporations, trade associations and non-profits. Visit our website at www.krcresearch.com.

SOURCE State Farm

http://www.statefarm.comhttp://www.krcresearch.com

State Farm Life Insurance Survey: Despite Importance, 74 Percent of Couples Rarely or Never Talk About Life Insurance | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Crowe Horwath releases survey results for current bank compensation trends

OAK BROOK, Ill., Sept. 28 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — As the financial performance of financial institutions has declined in recent years, so has the compensation of their CEOs. According to Crowe Horwath LLP’s 2010 Comprehensive Financial Institution Compensation Survey, financial institution CEOs saw a 4.2 percent decrease in total compensation in the past year.

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The survey, which compiled data from 340 U.S. financial institutions, is conducted annually by Crowe, one of the largest public accounting and consulting firms in the U.S. Now in its 29th year, the survey found that while total compensation, which includes base salary and discretionary pay, for many positions decreased, median base salaries for officers increased slightly, at 2.4 percent, with non-officers seeing a similar increase of 2.2 percent.

Among all positions, heads of personal investment sales showed the largest decrease in median base salary at 10.7 percent. However, this position saw a double-digit gain of 16.4 percent in total compensation for the same time period. According to Timothy Reimink, a senior consultant in Crowe’s Performance group, this is a result of more activity in the stock market. “This year was better than last year for the stock market, so this activity spurred a corresponding increase in bonus pay.”

Also seeing a large increase, 17 percent in total compensation, were residential mortgage loan officers. “In the past year, mortgage activity was up, in part from the first-time homebuyers’ tax credit and low prices prompting sales, but also in part from a significant uptick in mortgage refinancing. Even though the tax credit expired, rates are still at historic lows, so it’s likely the mortgage activity will continue into the next year,” Reimink said.

Even with new regulatory requirements on compensation, few of the financial institutions surveyed made changes to their compensation practices this year. In response to the requirements, only 17.3 percent of respondents made changes to their compensation practices, while another 41 percent conducted reviews of their practices but didn’t find a need for a change. “When you look at the broad spectrum of financial institutions, pay practices have not been out of line,” said Reimink. “Compensation problems have primarily been a ‘big bank’ issue. This survey indicates that most banks haven’t made changes because they don’t feel they have a problem.”

Regardless of whether institutions need to change their compensation practices to reflect new regulations, all institutions’ boards need to be involved in the annual compensation review. While current regulations require that all financial institution boards review compensation plans, only 51.8 percent of those surveyed report that their board compensation committees have done so, with only 32.9 percent doing so annually. “Regulators expect the boards of directors to review compensation annually. Just because there isn’t a problem yet, that doesn’t mean that boards shouldn’t review pay practices regularly,” Reimink added.

Additional survey findings include:

• Banks expect to offer personnel 2.6 percent salary increases in 2011, compared to forecasted increases of 2 percent this year.
• Marketing directors received large increases in median base salary in the past year of 9 percent. According to Reimink, as banks focus more on attracting new customers, marketing is gaining importance.
• Large increases in median base salary were also received by trust investment officers (9.2 percent) and personal trust officers (8.5 percent). Reimink noted that high net-worth individuals will likely be a source of revenue over the next few years, which is why larger incentives are being paid to trust officers.
• The top human resource priorities were retaining employees, motivating better performance and containing costs. Finding and hiring the right employees was ranked as the least important priority this year.

The survey also shows that banks are trying to contain healthcare benefit costs with approximately 70 percent of institutions planning to increase deductibles, premiums and co-payments. “As a result of the recently passed healthcare legislation, there is a renewed focus on passing some of the benefit costs onto employees as a way to maintain benefits while reducing costs,” said Pat Cole, a senior manager in Crowe’s Audit and Financial Advisory practice, who specializes in human resources consulting for financial institutions. “More than half of the institutions plan to switch providers this year to reduce costs.”

In addition to the national survey, Crowe prepared regional compensation reports for the East Coast, Midwest and Southeast, as well as state reports for Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. To purchase the survey results, please visit www.crowehorwath.com/compsurvey.

About the 2010 Crowe Financial Institution Compensation Survey

The 2010 Crowe Financial Institution Compensation Survey was completed by 340 financial institutions. Using data from June 1, 2010, the participant breakdown is as follows: 40 percent had less than $250 million in total assets, 26 percent had between $250 million and $500 million in total assets, 17 percent had between $500 million and $1 billion in total assets and 17 percent had more than $1 billion in total assets. Of the participants, 251 of the financial institutions were located in towns with populations of less than 100,000, while 89 were located in cities of more than 100,000.

About Crowe Horwath

Crowe Horwath LLP (www.crowehorwath.com) is one of the largest public accounting and consulting firms in the United States. Under its core purpose of “Building Value with Values®,” Crowe assists public and private company clients in reaching their goals through audit, tax, advisory, risk and performance services. With 26 offices and 2,400 personnel, Crowe is recognized by many organizations as one of the country’s best places to work. Crowe serves clients worldwide as an independent member of Crowe Horwath International, one of the largest networks in the world, consisting of more than 140 independent accounting and management consulting firms with offices in more than 400 cities around the world.

SOURCE Crowe Horwath LLP

http://www.crowehorwath.com

Financial Institution CEOs See 4.2 Percent Decrease in Annual Compensation | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Chicago and Los Angeles Kmart stores to host back to school fashion shows

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (Aug. 3, 2010) /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — According to a recent survey conducted by the National Retail Federation (NRF)¹ this year, teenagers and pre-teens will spend more of their own money for apparel, supplies and accessories for back to school. This year, Kmart is offering affordable prices on the hottest trends for tweens and teens from jeggings and skinny jeans to backpacks and candy-colored staplers, allowing customers to get even more for their money.

“For years Kmart has offered customers ways to make back to school more affordable without compromising on quality or style, said Mark Snyder, chief marketing officer, Kmart. “This year, we continue to offer the value that moms want, along with the fashions that their kids are asking for, with access to more exclusive brands including Dream Out Loud with Selena Gomez, Bongo and Rebecca Bonbon.”

Kmart is also bringing more value to its customers this back to school season by conducting in-store fashion shows in Chicago (Aug. 3) and Los Angeles (Aug. 5), to highlight the hottest fashions at prices that won’t break the bank. The full-scale runway shows featuring the latest looks will give tweens and teens a sneak peek at pieces from Dream Out Loud by Selena Gomez, Bongo, Rebecca Bonbon, Route 66 and more.

Kmart is making it convenient for their customer to find exactly what they want, when they want it with online shopping tools such as Kmart2go and layaway. Through Kmart2go, customers can shop for millions of products via iPhone and Android apps, giving users complete access to the full list of items and categories available on Kmart.com. Kmart2go customers can easily search, browse and buy directly from their phone, then have the order shipped to their door.

With Kmart layaway – in store and online – budget-conscious consumers can secure “hot” back to school items early, interest-free and pick them up in time for school. From school supplies to apparel, electronics and home essentials, layaway is an easy way for families to get everything they need for back to school and beyond.

Now shopping for back to school is even more rewarding with Shop Your Way Rewards. Shop Your Way Rewards members can earn 10 points for every $1 spent on qualifying goods and services purchased across Sears, Kmart, Lands’ End, mygofer and The Great Indoors – in store and online. Members can earn and redeem points on almost everything they buy, from school supplies and apparel at Kmart to an oil change at a Sears Auto Center and more. For more information go to www.shopyourwayrewards.com.

For more information on back to school at Kmart, visit www.kmart.com.

About Kmart

Kmart, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: SHLD), is a mass merchandising company that offers customers quality products through a portfolio of exclusive brands that include Jaclyn Smith, Joe Boxer, County Living and Route 66. For more information visit the company’s website at www.kmart.com or the Sears Holdings Corporation website at www.searsholdings.com.

¹ NRF’s 2010 Back to School Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, July 2010

Kmart is ‘Most Likely to Rock’ This Back to School Season by Offering the Hottest Trends in Fashions for Tweens and Juniors Without Breaking Their Budget | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Hoffman Estates, Ill., (July 21, 2010) /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — While summer temperatures are still on the rise, believe it or not, many American families are already planning ahead for the upcoming holiday shopping season.

According to a new national survey* conducted by Sears and Kmart, 60 percent of Americans have put money into a savings account to save for a specific time of year, such as the upcoming winter holidays. Beyond this, 42 percent say they will rely on savings opportunities, such as rewards or points programs or coupons, even more now than they did last year.

In response, Sears and Kmart are again bringing back the Christmas Club card to help consumers budget for the holidays and save money over time, without incurring credit card interest or debt. The Christmas Club card can be used across all Sears and Kmart platforms – whether customers are shopping online, in stores or paying off layaway.

“Sixty-seven percent of Americans feel guilty that they aren’t saving enough money, so we want to make it as easy as possible for them to budget and save for the upcoming 2010 holiday season,” said Susan Ehrlich, president, Financial Services, Sears Holdings. “The Christmas Club card garnered tremendous positive feedback from our customers last year and we’re looking to provide them with the same shopping choices and convenience, while continuing to offer yet another unique way to save.”

These survey numbers are also significantly higher for multicultural audiences. Of those surveyed, 70 percent of African Americans and 58 percent of Hispanics feel guilty for not saving enough money. However, even though both groups admit they don’t save as much as they would like, saving for the holidays is one of the top priorities when they do save. Fifty-nine percent of African Americans and 56 percent of Hispanics say that winter holidays, such as Christmas, are times when they typically save money in advance.

When activated between now and Oct. 31, Christmas Club card users will earn a three percent reward- up to a maximum $100 – based upon the value they have on their Christmas club cards on Nov.15, 2010. The reward will be added to customers’ Christmas Club cards by Nov. 24, 2010.To activate cards or add additional value at any time, customers can visit any Sears or Kmart store location, or online at www.sears.com/christmasclub or www.kmart.com/christmasclub.

Starting, adding value to and redeeming the Christmas Club card are designed to be easy and flexible for shoppers. Customers can start their Christmas Club cards with as little as $5, and they can add value as often as they want at any one of Sears Holdings’ approximately 3,900 full-line and specialty retail stores, or online. Customers can also transfer money left over from their 2009 red Christmas Club cards to the new gold 2010 Christmas Club card if they participated in or received cards as gifts from last year’s program.

“The holidays are about enjoying time with family and friends – not stressing over financial worries,” said Ehlrich. “We are constantly looking for more ways to help serve our customers needs and improve their everyday lives, and the Christmas Club card was designed to do just that.”

As with all Sears and Kmart gift cards, there are no fees associated with the Christmas Club card, and the value on the card will not expire. Cash or credit refunds are not allowed except where required by law. All Sears and Kmart Christmas Club cards can be redeemed at Sears, Kmart, Lands’ End and The Great Indoors store locations, as well as online at www.sears.com, www.kmart.com, www.mygofer.com, www.landsend.com and www.thegreatindoors.com.

About Sears Holdings Corporation

Sears Holdings Corporation is the nation’s fourth largest broadline retailer with approximately 3,900 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada. Sears Holdings is the leading home appliance retailer as well as a leader in tools, lawn and garden, home electronics and automotive repair and maintenance. Sears Holdings is the 2010 ENERGY STAR® Retail Partner of the Year. Key proprietary brands include Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, and a broad apparel offering, including such well-known labels as Lands’ End, Jaclyn Smith and Joe Boxer, as well as the Apostrophe and Covington brands. It also has the Country Living collection, which is offered by Sears and Kmart. We are the nation’s largest provider of home services, with more than 12 million service calls made annually. Sears Holdings Corporation operates through its subsidiaries, including Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation. For more information, visit Sears Holdings’ website at www.searsholdings.com.

About Kelton Research

Kelton Research is a full service market research consultancy with offices in Los Angeles and New York. Kelton serves as a strategic partner to both Fortune 500 corporations and smaller companies, utilizing a wide range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies to drive tactical recommendations for clients. For more information about Kelton’s services, please visit www.keltonresearch.com

*Methodological Notes on the Sears/Kmart Holiday Survey

The Sears/Kmart Christmas Club Survey was conducted by Kelton Research between July 6 and July 12, 2010 via email invitation and an online survey. Quotas were set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the entire U.S. population ages 18 and over. Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results. In this particular study, the chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 3.1 percentage points from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample.

Sears and Kmart Help Shoppers Save for the Upcoming Holiday Season | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

A new keepsake case from e.p.t.® Brand helps women commemorate the moment they knew

SKILLMAN, N.J., June 22 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — It’s strange but true that for many mothers, one of the most beautiful, important moments of her life occurred in her bathroom.  According to a recent survey commissioned by the makers of e.p.t.®  Brand, finding out they were pregnant was a moment so special that 67 percent of expectant mothers saved their at-home pregnancy test, and more than three in four moms and expectant mothers (77 percent respectively) would likely save it if they had a keepsake case to put it in.  Now, women can preserve the moment they knew with a commemorative keepsake case and scrapbook card from e.p.t.®, the leader in home pregnancy testing, available with a mail-in proof of purchase.

For more information about the survey methodology and full details about this release, go to: http://themakersofeptbrand.presslift.com/proof-positive-survey-reveals-at-home-pregnancy-test-trends

The revealing survey findings from the makers of e.p.t.® Brand also detail how moms and expectant mothers shared the news and other pregnancy keepsakes they’ll treasure forever.

Pregnancy Keepsakes

Throughout their pregnancies, women collect and save keepsakes by which to remember the experience.  Among the top three pregnancy keepsakes are:

1. Ultrasound photos (88 percent of moms and 78 percent of expectant mothers)
2. Items from the delivery day, including wristbands, a blanket or baby’s first footprint (74 percent of moms and 57 percent of expectant mothers)
3. At-home pregnancy tests (25 percent of moms and 30 percent of expectant mothers)

Positive Results

• Among the moms who kept their at-home pregnancy tests, 47 percent wanted to save it as a keepsake.  Other reasons included wanting to show their partner (36 percent) or that it was too important to throw away (10 percent).  Among the expectant mothers, wanting to show their partner (45 percent) ranked highest.
• Of those moms and expectant mothers who saved their pregnancy tests, the most common places to save them were in plastic bags (41 and 32 percent respectively) or on its own (22 and 24 percent respectively).

Show and Tell

• Although we are living in a digital age, the majority of moms (78 percent) and expectant mothers (67 percent) chose to reveal the big news to their partner in person.  Over the phone was a distant second (14 percent).
• After they told their partner, most women told their mom before telling a friend or sibling.  Nearly half of moms (46 percent) and expectant mothers (45 percent) told their own mother first.  This is roughly two times as many as those who phoned a friend first.  Only four percent of moms told their fathers first.

For more information about pregnancy and testing visit www.testaccurately.com.

SOURCE the makers of e.p.t. Brand

http://www.testaccurately.com

Proof Positive: Survey Reveals At-Home Pregnancy Test Trends | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

On “AC360°,” survivors of the BP oil rig explosion talk to Anderson Cooper about their 11 “fallen brothers.” Watch “AC360°” live from the Gulf at 10 p.m. ET Thursday.

(CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM) — Scientists now estimate the leaking BP oil well in the Gulf of Mexico was releasing 20,000 to 40,000 barrels — or 840,000 to 1.7 million gallons — per day through last week, the head of the U.S. Geological Survey said Thursday.

The scientists’ previous estimate was 12,000 to 19,000 barrels per day.

The new estimate is of the well’s flow rate prior to BP’s cutting of the damaged riser pipe extending from the well’s blowout preventer last week, U.S. Geological Survey Director Marcia McNutt said. After BP cut the riser on June 3, it placed a containment cap over the preventer’s lower marine riser package to capture some of the leaking oil.

Scientists estimate that the spill’s flow rate increased by 4 to 5 percent after the well’s riser pipe was cut last week in order to place the cap atop the well.

BP says that with the cap, it is capturing about 16,000 barrels daily and funneling it to a ship on the surface. Before that, BP was capturing some oil through a siphon inserted into the well riser.

The latest figure was calculated in part by using high-definition video of the spill that BP released this week after demands from members of Congress.

Scientists from the Geological Survey, the Department of Energy and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and experts from universities and other research institutions worked on the latest estimates, McNutt said. The information is expected to help guide efforts to stop the spill and deal with its impact on coastal areas, fish and wildlife.

In a statement Thursday, BP said the company “fully supported this effort, providing the scientific team with data, including a considerable amount of high-resolution video.”

Still, Rep. Edward Markey, D-Massachusetts, said there will be an opportunity in a few weeks for the scientists to get a better estimate of the size of the flow. The group has told BP that they could get a more accurate estimate if they can send down equipment to measure the flow as the company attempts to swap out the containment cap on the well.

BP has yet to agree to the request, Markey noted in a letter to the company Thursday. “There are concerns that, without the best information on the size and force of this gusher, that the effectiveness of the new containment cap and relief wells could be compromised,” the letter says.

On Monday, BP announced that the new cap would fit better and serve as a better long-term containment option “to provide the greatest flexibility for operations during a hurricane and it is expected to be implemented in early July.”

BP confirmed receiving Markey’s letter. “We plan to respond in due course,” BP said.

The new flow estimate came on a day when U.S. Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen sent a letter to BP Board Chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg asking that he “and any appropriate officials from BP,” meet June 16 with senior administration officials, including President Obama.

Read the letter

A senior administration official told CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM the meeting would take place at the White House.

Also Thursday, a federal official testified that the oil disaster is one in a long list of failures indicating that the oil and gas industry has failed to learn key safety lessons.

“The oil and gas industry must learn from its mistakes,” testified Jordan Barab, deputy assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health, on Thursday.

Barab told the Senate Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety that investigators are finding a lack of compliance during inspections of refineries.

“Time and again, our inspectors are finding the same violations in multiple refineries,” he said.

Day 52: The latest developments

Incidents involving close calls, serious injuries and fatalities “are clear indication that essential safety lessons are not being learned,” he said.

Subcommittee Chairwoman Patty Murray, D-Washington, cited a litany of incidents: Eleven workers died on the Deepwater Horizon rig in an April 20 blast that led to the current oil-well gusher in the Gulf; 15 workers died and more than 170 were injured in the BP Texas City refinery disaster in 2005; seven workers died in the Tesoro refinery fire in Anacortes, Washington, in April.

BP’s response was not immediately available; the company didn’t attend the hearing, an absence that infuriated Murray.

“Honestly, I find it very outrageous that even after an accident that killed 11 workers, BP is not putting a high enough priority on worker safety to send a representative to a hearing specifically focused on protecting workers in their industry,” she said.

Sen. Johnny Isakson of Georgia, the ranking Republican on the subcommittee, said he supports offshore drilling but said that doesn’t mean working Americans should tolerate “less than the maximum amount of security.”

iReport: Share your views on the oil disaster

The Deepwater Horizon catastrophe, experts said Thursday, highlights flaws in the drilling industry’s main defense against oil and gas explosions: the blowout preventer, which is supposed to shut down an oil and gas well if something goes wrong.

Oil companies have treated such devices as virtually fail-safe. “They’re certainly not fail-safe, because they didn’t close this well,” said petroleum engineering professor Paul Bommer of the University of Texas at Austin.

From 2000 to 2009, 72 spills dumped 18,000 barrels of oil into U.S. federal waters, versus 15 spills that put 2,000 barrels into the water during the prior decade, according to the Minerals Management Service of the Interior Department, which regulates energy exploration.

Avoiding such spills depends upon the reliability of the blowout preventer, which is essentially a faucet on top of the oil well that is intended to keep oil and gas from gushing to the surface. Rig workers use the preventer to keep a well under control, especially when oil and gas surge or “kick up” from a well.

When its valves don’t do the job, the blowout preventer is intended to choke off the drilling pipe, like squeezing a straw while drinking.

And, if that fails to work, a blowout preventer has another line of defense: huge shear rams like giant scissors that are supposed to be able to cut and seal the drilling pipe.

Gulf states tracking oil-related illnesses

But, a mile underwater, where the pressure is intense, drill pipes need to be thick, especially the joints between them. And those joints are hard to cut.

“There are some parts of the pipe that the shears were never meant to cut,” said Ford Brett, an expert in petroleum project management who is advising the Interior Department’s oil drilling safety review.

“The blowout preventers had a probability of failing to crush that pipe that approaches 50 percent,” said professor Robert Bea of the University of California at Berkeley, who is familiar with the study. “It would be like getting on an airplane having a 50 percent chance of making it to your destination.”

Failures of basic communication sparked the ire of Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Florida, who blasted federal officials Thursday for not alerting local authorities that oil from the Gulf disaster had entered Florida waters.

“The Coast Guard is doing a great job, but they are stretched to the limit,” Nelson said during a Senate hearing on the spill. “We are livid that the command and control is not there. … Communication is not coming to the state and local government.”

Billy Nungesser, president of Louisiana’s Plaquemines Parish, told a Senate subcommittee that he didn’t know where to direct his anger.

“I still don’t know who’s in charge,” he said. “Is it BP? Is it the Coast Guard? … I have spent more time fighting the officials of BP and the Coast Guard than fighting the oil.” What is needed, he said, is someone “with the guts and the will to make decisions.”

Responsibility is a key question for families of the 11 oil rig workers who were killed and the 15 others who were injured in the April 20 explosion of the Deepwater Horizon.

Victims and their families are suing BP and Transocean, the Swiss-based company that owns the drilling rig.

But getting a settlement from Transocean, the world’s largest offshore drilling company, could be difficult.

The company has invoked a 19th-century American law to limit its liability to $26.76 million, a fraction of what the plaintiffs are likely to seek.

“It may work,” said Martin Davies, professor of law and director of Tulane University’s Maritime Law Center. “They’ve got a chance.”

President Obama said Thursday that he had a “frank conversation” with congressional leaders about the fact that current federal laws are not adequate to deal with the disaster.

The White House and Congress agree on the need to update the laws in order to ensure that residents in the Gulf “are all made whole” and the government is in a “much better position” to respond to future environmental crises, he said.

BP has pledged to speed its payments to businesses that have suffered losses in the disaster, an Obama administration official said Thursday.

USGS: Amount of oil in Gulf may be double first estimate | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

JOHANNESBURG – While many soccer fans expect Brazil to win the World Cup for a record sixth time, almost half of the North Americans surveyed predict an unexpected triumph for the United States.

Bookmakers rate Brazil and Spain as the favorites to win the title at Soccer City on July 11, with a worldwide survey released Tuesday showing that 34 percent of people are backing the South Americans.

But Nielsen Media Research said 46 percent of North Americans believe that the United States is going to shock the soccer world and take home the trophy.

The Americans are in form and beat European champion Spain last year but, other than the first tournament in 1930, have made it past the first round only once in a World Cup outside the United States.

That helps explain why, when everyone else’s votes are included, the U.S. slips back to share second place with former champions Argentina, England and Germany — taking just 9 percent of the global vote.

It could be that the online survey, which quizzed 27,000 people, backs up the accusations of parochialism often thrown at Americans by soccer fans.

“It is the fastest growing sport in the U.S. and Beckham isn’t there now but he made an impact while he was there,” said Toni Petra, the regional director for Nielsen Audience Measurement. “They know something about the game and have bought into it and the kids play it, but how much do they know? How much do they know about other countries compared to the average European?”

A separate study by Nielsen, which also provides TV viewing figures in the United States, suggested that while 34 percent of Americans consider themselves soccer fans, only 18 percent said they would follow the World Cup.

That’s even after the men’s national team surprised all observers by beating Spain to reach last year’s Confederations Cup final in South Africa.

Such apparent disinterest contradicts the trend elsewhere, with figures showing that the World Cup attracts plenty of non-fans.

Worldwide, 34 percent of people say they are soccer fans but 51 percent will still follow the World Cup. The trend is even more pronounced in China, where the numbers are 19 percent and 60 percent, respectively.

“You’ve got this great sport but there’s no way that North American or Asian fans are following the European Cup,” Petra said. “It’s just about being aware that Spain did win the European Championship.”

Nielsen selected its respondents randomly for a base demographically representative of the population in each of the countries covered.

“It doesn’t surprise me, these wild predictions,” Petra said. “You wouldn’t see the same responses in a survey of soccer fans. They’d be a lot more knowledgeable.”

North American fans predict US triumph at the WCup (AP) | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

ATLANTA – A new national survey found that a growing number of teens say they use the rhythm method for birth control, and more teens also think it’s OK for an unmarried female to have a baby.

Experts say those findings may help explain why there hasn’t been a drop in teen births in recent years.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday released results from a sex survey of about 2,800 U.S. teens.

Teens’ use of birth control changed little since a similar survey in 2002. But there were exceptions — 17 percent of teens say they had used the rhythm method, up from 11 percent.

More teens using rhythm method | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

NEW YORK, June 2 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Americans are convinced that math and science skills are crucial for the future, with strong majorities who say there will be more jobs and college opportunities for students with those skills, according to a new Public Agenda survey. But while there’s broad support from parents and the general public for K-12 national standards, more than half of parents (52%) say the math and science their child is getting in school is “fine as it is.”

These are just some of many surprising realities facing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education in public schools, according to “Are We Beginning to See the Light?” a new Public Agenda survey exploring the views of more than 1,400 individuals nationwide, including 646 parents of children grades K-12. The national survey was underwritten by the GE Foundation.

While only 3 in 10 Americans see a demand for science and math-focused jobs in the current economy, 84% agree that there will be a lot more jobs in the future that require math and science skills. And 9 in 10 Americans say studying advanced math and science is useful even for students who don’t pursue a STEM career. Additionally, 88% of the public agrees that students with advanced math and science skills will have an advantage when it comes to college opportunities.

Overall, the general public favors a “national curriculum” as one way of improving STEM education: 8 in 10 Americans say establishing a national curriculum in math would improve STEM education; with more than half (53%) saying it would improve it “a lot.” And 78% say the same about a national curriculum in science, with 48% saying it would improve it “a lot.”    

“Giving today’s students a world class science and math education is the key to maintaining our country’s economic prowess,” said Alan Leshner, Chief Executive Officer of The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). “Parents are beginning to envision the opportunities for their children in the STEM fields, and I am especially heartened by their receptivity to having high national standards in these critical subjects.”

At the same time, parents agree with the general public on the value of STEM education. Most parents surveyed want their own children to take advanced math and science courses in high school (60% and 54% respectively). Parents would also like to see their local schools spend more money on up-to-date and well-equipped science labs (70%), more equipment for hands-on learning (69%) and more equipment to help students learn computer and technology skills (68%). A plurality of parents with children in grades 6-12 say they want to see more emphasis in their child’s school on STEM topics such as computer programming (65%), basic engineering principles (52%), and statistics and probability (49%).

“The public is open to many different strategies for improving STEM education, and they’re enthusiastic about the overall goal, but much more has to be done to help them understand what’s needed for kids in their local schools to have a world-class science and math education,” said Jean Johnson, director of Education Insights at Public Agenda. “The problem is particularly acute in science. Many parents don’t realize the importance of starting children in science early on. Many think it can easily wait until high school.”

There is a growing body of research suggesting Americans are falling behind in math and science education. U.S. students rank 25th in math and 21st in science skills internationally according to a recent OECD report, and the 2007 ACT College Readiness Report points out that only 43% of graduating seniors are ready for college math and 27% are ready for college science.

Last November, President Obama launched an “Educate to Innovate” campaign to improve the participation and performance of America’s students in STEM fields. “Are We Beginning to See the Light?” provides insight into how Americans perceive the problem and how they identify solutions that could help solve the nation’s STEM education problem.

For example, 71% of those surveyed believe in having local businesses provide internships and other business partnership programs, so high school students can gain practical job skills.

While parents and the public understand the value of STEM skills, there’s still a gap between the way the leaders and public see the problem. Few Americans think it is absolutely essential for students to understand advanced sciences like physics (28%) and advanced math like calculus (26%). When it comes to their own child, few parents want more emphasis on advanced math and science like physics (42%) and calculus (42%). Additionally, nearly 7 in 10 Americans say science can wait until middle and high school.

About the survey:

“Are We Beginning to See the Light?” is based on a survey of a nationally-representative sample of more than 1,400 individuals, including 646 parents of children grades K-12. Telephone interviews were conducted from December 1 – 15, 2009, and respondents had the choice of completing the interview in English or Spanish. The margin of error for the report is plus or minus 2.8 percentage points.

Want more?

View the full report and more at http://www.publicagenda.org/pages/math-and-science-ed-2010.

About Public Agenda:

For over 30 years, Public Agenda has been providing unbiased and unparalleled research that bridges the gap between American leaders and what the public really thinks about issues ranging from education to foreign policy to immigration to religion and civility in American life. Nonpartisan and nonprofit, Public Agenda was founded by social scientist and author Daniel Yankelovich and former Secretary of State Cyrus Vance in 1975. Public Agenda’s two-fold mission is to help American leaders better understand the public’s point of view and help citizens know more about critical policy issues so they can make thoughtful, informed decisions. Visit us at www.PublicAgenda.org, become a fan on Facebook and join the discussion on Twitter.

About the GE Foundation:

The GE Foundation, the philanthropic organization of the General Electric Company, works to solve some of the world’s most difficult problems. In coordination with its partners, it supports U.S. and international education, the environment, public policy, human rights, and disaster-relief around the globe. In addition, the GE Foundation supports GE employee and retiree giving and involvement in GE communities around the world. In 2007, the GE family including businesses, employees, retirees and GE Foundation contributed more than $225 million to community and educational programs, including $93 million from the GE Foundation. For more information, visit www.gefoundation.com.

SOURCE Public Agenda

http://www.gefoundation.comhttp://www.publicagenda.org/

Public and Parents Buy Into the Need to Ramp Up Math and Science Education But Most Still Think Their Local Schools are Doing Fine | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Degree Women(R) Survey Reveals Travel Must-Haves to Keep Women Looking and Feeling Good Despite Potential Travel Pitfalls

CHICAGO, May 27 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Everyone loves a vacation, but between long lines or lost luggage, it’s not always easy to stay calm and collected while en route to a relaxing get-away. But some smart packing can leave women feeling refreshed after a long day of travel, sitting elbow to elbow with strangers and breathing recycled air, according to a new survey by Degree Women.

Can’t Live Without It

Women surveyed ranked toothpaste and deodorant over hair products, proving that smelling good is at the top of the beauty priority list when it comes to feeling fresh. Some women (16 percent) would even go so far as to sit in a middle seat between crying children if they could bring their full-size beauty products through security. And many would give up movies (55 percent), a first class seat (37 percent) or free drinks (32 percent) in exchange for being able to keep their beauty products with them at all times, regardless of size.

Boost your Travel Mood

Feeling frazzled while waiting in long lines? A touch of nature can have women singing a happy tune this travel season. Most women (81 percent) find that using products infused with nature improves their moods while nearly the same number (77 percent) say that nature-inspired scents make them feel like they have been transported to a stress-free place.

Women now have an easy way to infuse a little nature while on-the-go, thanks to new Degree Women Natureffects. The new anti-perspirants/deodorants infuse Degree’s top odor and wetness protection formula with fragrances inspired by natural ingredients. Matching body mists come in a convenient 3-ounce size to make it past security and add a layered splash of refreshment to summer travel routines.

The scents are inspired by nature and incorporate fragrance ingredients known to fight odor. Degree Women Natureffects provides exceptional protection in three vibrant scents: Honeysuckle & Tea Tree Oil, Olive Leaf & Pink Pepper and Orange Flower & Cranberry. The Degree Women Natureffects Collection is available nationally at mass market retail stores with a suggested retail price of $3.99 (3 fl oz) for body mist and $3.99 (2.6 oz) for anti-perspirant. For more information, become a fan of the Degree Women Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/DegreeWomen, follow Degree Women on Twitter at @DegreeWomen or visit www.DegreeWomen.com.

About Unilever North America

Unilever works to create a better future every day.  We help people feel good, look good and get more out of life with brands and services that are good for them and good for others.  Each day, around the world, consumers make 160 million decisions to purchase Unilever products. In the United States, Canada and the Greater Caribbean (Trinidad & Tobago, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico) the portfolio includes brand icons such as: Axe, Becel, Ben & Jerry’s, Bertolli, Blue Band, Breyers, Caress, Country Crock, Degree, Dove personal care products, Hellmann’s, Klondike, Knorr, Lipton, Omo, Popsicle, Promise, Q-Tips, Skippy, Slim-Fast, Suave, Sunsilk and Vaseline. All of the preceding brand names are registered trademarks of the Unilever Group of Companies. Dedicated to serving consumers and the communities where we live, work and play, Unilever employs more than 13,000 people across North America – generating nearly $10 billion in sales in 2009. For more information, visit www.unileverusa.com.

About the Degree Women Body Mists Survey

The survey was conducted via telephone with a random sample of 500 women ages 18 and older. Research was conducted in October 2009 by KRC Research.

About the Degree Women Outdoorphins Survey

The survey was conducted via telephone with a random sample of 1,014 women, 18 or older who have traveled by airplane since September 11, 2001. Research was conducted in May 2010 by Impulse Research.

SOURCE Unilever North America

http://www.DegreeWomen.com

Don’t Take the Beauty out of Summer Travel | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.