TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games Football Schedule Released Following Official Draw
TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games Football Schedule Released Following Official Draw
— Canadian Men to play Brazil in Opening Session
TORONTO, April 24, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The highly anticipated TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games football (soccer) schedule was determined today.
The men’s and women’s soccer schedules were determined in a live draw by representatives of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) in conjunction with the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015).
The men’s competition will feature traditional powerhouses such as Brazil, Mexico and Uruguay and host team Canada. The Mexican team enters the tournament as defending champion. Other teams in the men’s tournament include Peru, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, and Paraguay.
On the women’s side Canada is the defending champion, beating Brazil in 2011. Other teams in the women’s tournament include Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Argentina and Trinidad and Tobago.
News Editors please note: B-roll will be available through an FTP site post-event:
http://partner.corusinteractive.com/panam/panam-soccerdraw-april24.zip.
To view the full TORONTO 2015 football schedule for both the men’s and women’s tournament and to purchase tickets, visit TORONTO2015.org/tickets.
About TO2015
The TORONTO 2015 Pan American Games will take place July 10–26 and the Parapan American Games August 7–15. The TORONTO 2015 Games are funded by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, as well as Lead Partner CIBC and other partners and sponsors
The TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015) is tasked with managing and delivering the Games. It is working to bring some of the world’s best athletes and artists to Toronto and the Greater Golden Horseshoe region, giving Ontarians a unique chance to be part of the action, and making the region a hub for sport.
For more information about the Games, please visit TORONTO2015.org or follow @TO2015, @TO2015_fr (French) or @TO2015_es (Spanish).
Teddy Katz, Director, media relations and chief spokesperson, TO2015, 416.957.2117, [email protected]
Markel announces leadership changes to its Global Reinsurance division
Markel announces leadership changes to its Global Reinsurance division
RICHMOND, Va., April 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Markel Corporation (NYSE: MKL) announced today that Jed Rhoads, President and Chief Underwriting Officer of Markel Global Reinsurance, has assigned the following responsibilities to the divisional management team.
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Andrew Barnard, Managing Director, and Peta White, Managing Director, will co-head Global Reinsurance operations in Markel’s Hamilton, Bermuda office. Barnard leads the international property and retro business, and White leads the North American property business. Additionally in Bermuda, Erik Manning, Managing Director, leads the alternative market initiatives and development.
Don Bahr, Managing Director, and Tod Costikyan, Managing Director, will co-head Global Reinsurance operations in Markel’s Summit, New Jersey office. Bahr leads the casualty reinsurance segment that includes general liability, professional liability, non-standard auto, and medical malpractice. Costikyan leads the areas of specialty reinsurance to include workers compensation, surety, energy, trade credit, confiscation, marine, aviation, public entity, aviation/satellite, and agriculture. Also based in the Summit office, Steve Leitz has been promoted to Chief Administrative Officer for Markel’s Global Reinsurance operations.
Richie Whitt, President and Co-Chief Operating Officer of Markel Corporation, stated, “Since last fall, Jed has transitioned to his role in leading Markel’s Global Reinsurance division, and he has created a management team that is strong with deep underwriting and leadership talent in each of our reinsurance platforms.”
Rhoads commented, “I am excited to work with this team that includes experienced industry professionals with a wide breadth of knowledge. With this strong reinsurance leadership team, we believe that Markel will continue to be well positioned to successfully compete in today’s global reinsurance marketplace.
We want to again thank Dave Kalainoff for his contributions to the Global Reinsurance division and congratulate him on his upcoming retirement, effective June 1,” added Rhoads.
Rhoads will split his time between the Bermuda and Summit offices.
About Markel Corporation
Markel Corporation is a diverse financial holding company serving a variety of niche markets. The Company’s principal business markets and underwrites specialty insurance products. In each of the Company’s businesses, it seeks to provide quality products and excellent customer service so that it can be a market leader. The financial goals of the Company are to earn consistent underwriting and operating profits and superior investment returns to build shareholder value. Visit Markel Corporation on the web at markelcorp.com.
Immigration, Education, Religious Liberty, Persecution & Israel to be Discussed at National Hispanic Convention April 28-30
Immigration, Education, Religious Liberty, Persecution & Israel to be Discussed at National Hispanic Convention April 28-30
NHCLC/CONELA Gathering to Feature Gov. Jeb Bush, Gov. Mike Huckabee, U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez & U.S. Director Leon Rodriguez, among others
SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 24, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC)/CONELA will hold its annual convention in Houston, April 28-30, for more than 1,000 Latino Evangelical leaders across the globe during which issues of immigration, education, religious persecution, Israel, racial reconciliation, religious liberty, and family and marriage will be discussed.
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A number of guest speakers across politics, education, religion and business will join NHCLC/CONELA President Rev. Samuel Rodriguez to address each topic.
During the 1 p.m. CDT session on Tuesday, April 28 – the same day the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a case that could decide whether gay and lesbian couples nationwide have the constitutional right to marry – Dr. Russell Moore, President of The Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, will speak to protecting the family and traditional marriage. Additionally, NHCLC/CONELA will announce a new initiative to build a firewall against anti-Semitism and the campaign to delegitimize the nation of Israel as well as raise awareness of the critical intersection of Israel and America’s future.
On Tuesday evening during the 7 p.m. CDT session, Luis Gutierrez, U.S. Representative of Illinois, will speak regarding immigration reform.
Wednesday, April 29, will include a panel during the 8:30 a.m. CDT session on the issue of immigration featuring Leon Rodriguez, Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; Galen Carey, National Association of Evangelical Vice President, Government Affairs; Matthew Soerens, U.S. Church Training Specialist for World Relief; and Barrett Duke, Vice President for Public Policy and Research and Director of the Research Institute for The Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission.
Gov. Jeb Bush, 43rd Governor of Florida, will speak April 29 at noon regarding a number of topics including the importance of education standards for the Hispanic community.
During the evening of April 29, John Jenkins, pastor of First Baptist Church of Glenarden, will join the 7 p.m. CDT session to speak about racial reconciliation while Reuven Azar, Deputy Head of Mission for The Embassy of Israel to the United States, will address Israeli relations during the 7 p.m. CDT session and again on April 30, beginning at 8:30 a.m. CDT.
Gov. Mike Huckabee, 44th Governor of Arkansas, will be the guest speaker at the NHCLC/CONELA Awards Dinner at 6 p.m. CDT on April 29.
“We are in a crucial moment for Hispanics in the U.S. as we approach the 2016 election,” said Rev. Samuel Rodriguez. “The Latino population is growing and with that comes concerns related to issues of importance to our community including family, education, religion and business, which we will be watching for the presidential candidates to address. There is no doubt Latinos will play a critical role in choosing our next president.”
A list of additional speakers and a full schedule of events is available at http://bit.ly/NHCLCschedule.
The theme of the 2015 convention is, “From Survive to Thrive.” More than 1,000 global Christian leaders are expected to attend.
“Our community must repudiate all vestiges of spiritual, social and economic failure, and neither tolerate unending survival mode with dependency on Uncle Sam rather than on the gifts and abilities God deposited in each and every one of us,” Rev. Samuel Rodriguez said of the theme. “We must thrive so we can become a blessing to others and the answer to someone else’s prayer.”
The convention will be held at the Crown Plaza Houston located at 8686 Kirby Drive. For more information or to register, visit https://nhclc.org/2015-nhclc-board-convention.
Credentials for on-site coverage are available to working members of the media. To request credentials visit http://alarryross.com/newsroom/nhclc/2015-convention-press-credentials/.
NHCLC/CONELA is the world’s largest Hispanic Christian organization. It serves as a representative voice for the more than 100 million Hispanic Evangelicals assembled in over 40,000 U.S. churches and another 500,000 congregations spread throughout the Spanish-speaking diaspora. For additional information, visit http://www.nhclc.org.
New Technical Details of the Next Generation Acura NSX Revealed at SAE 2015 World Congress and Exhibition
New Technical Details of the Next Generation Acura NSX Revealed at SAE 2015 World Congress and Exhibition
– New information disclosed on innovative powertrain, body and manufacturing technologies further solidifies the NSX’s position as a world-class supercar
– NSX legacy of innovative, lightweight body design for high performance is advanced with world’s first automotive application of ablation casting
– Total airflow management design strategy employed to achieve world-class supercar performance
DETROIT, April 24, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In advance of the market launch of the highly anticipated next generation Acura NSX, the engineers leading the supercar’s development shared new technical details and design strategies with the automotive engineering community at the April 22nd SAE Detroit Section dinner, held in conjunction with the SAE 2015 World Congress and Exhibition. Additional information about the team’s efforts to achieve a true “New Sports Experience” included details of the NSX’s world’s first body construction process that helped create a multi-material space frame resulting in class-leading body rigidity, the advanced total airflow management system and an update on NSX’s power unit specifications.
Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150423/201095
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Ted Klaus, chief engineer and global development leader of the new NSX, introduced key powertrain, body and dynamic performance engineers who shared new product and technical details in their related areas of the development. The unprecedented sharing of technical details prior to the car’s market introduction reflects the desire of the NSX development team and the company to inspire the imagination of automotive and technology enthusiasts along with the next generation of engineers.
“Our goal is to create something altogether new and exciting, something that advances the concept of a next generation supercar in the spirit of the original NSX,” said Klaus. “In order to provide NSX-level value, we needed to push ourselves to experiment with, refine and then realize many new technologies.”
Significant technical revelations concerning the NSX included:
- The NSX includes Acura’s first use of a revolutionary multi-material space frame design that delivers class-leading body rigidity while remaining lightweight.
- World’s first automotive application of new ablation casting1 technology resulting in world-class body rigidity for ultimate handling and control.
- World’s first use of a three-dimensionally formed, ultra-high-strength steel A-pillar, supporting class-leading rigidity and crash performance while providing outstanding outward visibility.
- The NSX achieves top-in-class aerodynamics targets without the use of active aerodynamic elements, while its three-motor Sport Hybrid power unit is cooled through 10 heat exchangers all thanks to a total airflow management strategy that maximizes the flow of air around and through NSX.
- Displacement of the NSX’s all-new twin turbo V-6 engine was confirmed to be 3.5-liters.
- The NSX will mark the introduction of the most capable and highest torque capacity Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system in Acura history.
- The latest proprietary logic advances Acura’s two decades-long pursuit of Super Handling that proactively responds to driver inputs, allowing the NSX to achieve a new level of line trace while at the same time intelligently supporting the driver in changing environments.
Additional details on each of these engineering achievements follow:
Multi-Material Body
Acura’s First Application of a Multi-Material Body with Space Frame Construction
Developing the Most Rigid-in-Class, Multi-Material Body
At the core of the NSX mission to deliver timeless sports car values is an aluminum-intensive, multi-material space frame. This innovative space frame represents a next-generation leap in body design with class-leading technology that is exclusive to Acura within the automotive market. Based on internal data, the all-new Acura NSX multi-material body is by far the most rigid in its competitive set.
While the all-aluminum monocoque body of the original NSX was ahead of its time, current aluminum and ultra-high-strength steel-intensive body architecture has been taken to the limit for supercar design.
“For this new NSX development, anything and everything that could offer incredible base rigidity and lightweight design was on the table,” said Shawn Tarr, principal engineer and Acura NSX body development leader. “We considered all-aluminum unibody, carbon fiber monocoque and space frame designs and ultimately engineered a multi-material space frame because it offers the lowest weight and best rigidity, precision and hybrid powertrain packaging capability of any design.”
A key advancement in casting technology allowed the NSX development team to realize a quantum leap in body design, for the first time being able to engineer a vehicle with castings in key locations for rigidity, that also support the ductility necessary for placement within crush zones.
World’s First Application of Ablation Casting
The Acura NSX heralds the world’s first application of ablation casting technology in the automotive industry. Ablation casting combines traditional casting methods with rapid cooling techniques to offer the design flexibility and rigidity of casting with the ductility and energy absorption characteristics of extruded material.
Traditional castings provide the ultimate rigidity in space frame and other body designs, but have traditionally suffered a major drawback: traditional castings are brittle. With the no-compromise performance goals of the NSX, a groundbreaking new casting method within the crush zones had to be used.
- The ablation process allows the ultra-rigid castings to be located within the crush zones and to function as large aluminum nodes, or junction points. Aluminum extrusions are then inserted into sockets in the ablation cast nodes, which act as fixtures that hold the space frame in place during welding.
- During the welding process, shorter stitch welds can be applied, enhancing the exceptional, repeatable precision of the NSX space frame construction by reducing heat deformation during the production process.
- Ablation castings also enable traditional aluminum castings to be used at strategic locations in the space frame and as the primary mounting points for suspension and power unit components, in addition to being the reference and temporary attachment points during the highly accurate space frame construction process.
- Full space frame construction and vehicle assembly are conducted on-site at the new Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, OH, providing a high level of quality control.
New A-Pillar Construction Technique
In addition to the world’s first casting technology, the NSX applies an all-new three-dimensionally formed ultra-high-strength steel A-pillar that provides next-generation rigidity and precise shape specification tolerances.
The previous generation NSX had a thin A-pillar that provided very good outward visibility. Reflecting this heritage with modern rigidity and roof crush performance requirements demanded this new, ultra-high-strength production method.
Advanced Materials Strategy
NSX represents an advanced expression of modern body design theory: the strategic integration of multiple materials to achieve optimal body performance for numerous targets, including rigidity, dynamic response, superior fit-and-finish and occupant protection.
- The aluminum-intensive space frame is complimented with precisely crafted ultra-high-strength steel and anchored with a carbon fiber floor together producing body performance at its peak.
- For the new NSX, the body design and technologies are about more than just raw performance – a goal of any supercar development. In keeping with the human-centered supercar concept, the NSX development team went further, to optimize how the car’s performance capabilities are experienced by the driver through the body.
- Drivers will experience all of the on-the-rails handling provided by the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD power unit because it is communicated in high-fidelity through the most rigid body in its class.
Total Airflow Management
Engineering a Next Generation Thermal and Aerodynamic Package via Total Airflow Management
To meet the challenge of the ambitious performance targets, radical packaging design and exotic styling for the next generation Acura NSX, the development team had to totally re-imagine the thermal and aerodynamic engineering for this modern supercar so that maximum energy is extracted from the flow of air around and through the NSX with the highest efficiency.
This new total airflow management strategy supports component cooling, aerodynamic performance (drag and downforce) at a very high level without the use of active aero technology, while also contributing to even more dynamic styling.
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used extensively during development to allow the U.S.-based development team to maximize the performance of a power unit being developed in Japan. CFD models were run on computers totaling many years’ worth of computational uptime.
Thermal CFD was effectively used in two ways during development: first, for the proof-of-concept in establishing heat management strategy at the earliest development stage and second, for continuous thermal performance improvement as the vehicle matured through development. Extensive involvement of thermal CFD with design engineers during the development enabled maximum design optimization.
Along with the use of advanced CFD, wind tunnel and real world testing, the development team also employed computerized lap-time simulation models of some of the world’s most legendary proving grounds that could then be run on chassis-dynamometers allowing testing and validation of computer models for thermal management.
- The all-new NSX employs 10 air-cooled heat exchangers responsible for cooling the front twin-motor unit (TMU), twin-turbo V6 engine, rear direct-drive electric motor and 9-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT).
- The all new, twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine at the heart of the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD power unit requires the greatest cooling and receives it through three radiators: one center and two side units to get maximum airflow volume and efficiency. The center radiator is tilted forward 25-degress, allowing the largest, optimized configuration that best utilizes the inherent pressure gradient while maintaining the strict low center of gravity targets of the NSX’s Advance Sports Package.
- Condenser and power drive unit (PDU) coolers are efficiently packaged in front of the center engine radiator.
- The TMU is cooled passively through strategic use of air in the front motor room and by a heat exchanger mounted in front of the right engine sub-radiator.
- The 9-speed DCT is cooled by two heat exchangers, one mounted in front of the left engine sub-radiator and the other in the engine compartment.
- Twin-intercoolers located in the signature side intakes are used to cool the intake air charge.
Supercar Aerodynamics
NSX achieves top-class aerodynamic balance and supercar aerodynamic downforce without the use of active aero. Aerodynamic drag is minimized, even while moving large airflows through NSX as it inhales and exhales. Aerodynamic downforce is created through the total airflow management focus on utilizing airflow through each vent, as NSX exhales, and through more traditional aerodynamic shape optimization.
NSX has undergone extensive testing at the company’s state-of-the-art wind tunnel in Raymond, Ohio, using ultra-detailed 40-percent-scale models that replicate all of the intake and exhaust vents, heat exchangers and major under-hood components. These highly accurate scale models replicate drag and lift performance with near perfect approximation. It has been verified and put through its paces at the company’s full-scale wind tunnel in Japan, and on real and simulated proving grounds throughout the world.
Total airflow management vents and precision ducting also help create strong, consistent downforce for NSX and were tuned to optimized forms with aerodynamicist and designer input during working wind tunnel sessions.
- Six vortices flow at the rear of the NSX including those that support creating the highest downforce across the rear deck lid.
- Flowing from below the car and exiting through meticulously optimized lower, rear diffuser fins is a critical vortex that further anchors NSX to the ground. Uniquely, the fins are not parallel to each other, but are narrower toward the front of the car and wider at the rear. This design creates low pressure and further maximizes downforce.
Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive
A new handling paradigm decades in the making
The groundbreaking Sport Hybrid SH-AWD dynamic torque vectoring technology applied to this all-new NSX represents research and development that has been ongoing for well over two decades.
Next-generation torque vectoring
Acura has been continuously refining its advanced torque vectoring technology while in parallel developing new ways of accomplishing the timeless sports car values of lightweight, rigid chassis and potent powerplants. This all-new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD represents a system injected with more electric power, delivered more directly, managing more internal combustion power than any system Acura has engineered to date.
In keeping with the development team’s ‘human-centered supercar’ concept, the new NSX and its Sport Hybrid Super Handling drivetrain were truly engineered from the driver out. While the NSX provides a new sports experience with ‘on rails handling,’ its Super Handling technology was optimized to enhance the driving experience by responding instantaneously and intuitively to the will of the driver.
- Super Handling is brought to its pinnacle form in NSX where the strengths of electric motors –delivering zero delay acceleration – allows the NSX to offer dynamic torque vectoring even at low vehicle and engine speeds.
- Super Handling logic has progressed along a parallel path with hardware. While many advanced automotive technologies are focused on feedback, measurements of how the vehicle is reacting, NSX uniquely applies additional technology to focus on accurately responding to driver input through immediate, precise application of torque at each wheel at any moment.
- Using cutting edge computer-aided engineering (CAE) optimization software, engineers created a double-wishbone, double lower control arm front suspension that decouples the twin-motor unit (TMU) torque from the driver’s experience at the steering wheel, providing timeless sports car steering communication to the driver with a new experience of on rails handling provided by the precise torque vectoring of the TMU.
- Variable gear ratio steering is applied to further enhance the confident, race-ready driving dynamics of the all-new NSX.
Powertrain
Sport-Hybrid SH-AWD Power Unit
Powering the Sport Hybrid Power Unit with Racing Technologies
As announced at the 2015 North American International Auto Show, the new NSX will utilize an all-new power unit from a clean sheet design. At its heart is an all-new longitudinally mounted twin-turbo V6 engine that is mated to an all-new, Acura-developed 9-speed DCT with an electric motor that applies its torque directly to the crankshaft for higher output with immediate power delivery to the rear wheels.
- The new engine has a displacement of 3.5-liters and utilizes pinnacle racing technology, applying both direct and port injection to its design.
- The 75-degree V-angle and dry sump design optimizes engine rigidity and further supports the NSX’s Advanced Sports Package by allowing the engine and components to be lowered in the chassis to the maximum extent, resulting in the lowest center of gravity in its class. This also supports the advanced packaging of other engine components.
- The engine’s dry sump design also helps maximize vehicle performance in high lateral-G conditions.
- The rear direct-drive electric motor applies its torque directly to the crankshaft.
- The 9-speed DCT’s main, counter, secondary and output shaft design maximizes the advanced sports package through a configuration that lowers weight and helps to center the mass nearer the driver.
About NSX
The all-new Acura NSX represents the convergence of timeless sports car values and advanced technology in a pinnacle supercar. Timeless sports car values include classic goals like a rigid and light chassis with the mass placed low and close to the driver. Advanced technologies include those that enhance the driving experience in new ways.
To bring back the legendary NSX the global development team has innovated in the critical, timeless areas of frame and aerodynamics in addition to tirelessly refining its key advanced technology – the state-of-the-art hybrid power unit. The NSX has many innovative components, but the basic recipe is simple: timeless sports car values blended perfectly with advanced technologies that deliver a new sports experience.
About Acura
Acura offers a full line of precision crafted performance-luxury vehicles through a network of approximately 270 U.S. dealers. The Acura lineup features five distinctive models – the RLX luxury flagship sedan, the TLX performance luxury sedan, the ILX sport sedan, the 5-passenger RDX luxury crossover SUV, and the seven-passenger Acura MDX, America’s all-time best-selling three-row luxury SUV. The next-generation Acura NSX mid-engine supercar will join the Acura lineup later this year. Acura was recently recognized by Edmunds.com for the third consecutive year as leading all luxury brands in retained value after five years of ownership.
For More Information
Additional media information including detailed features, pricing and high-resolution photography of the Acura model line is available at acuranews.com. Consumer information about Acura is available at acura.com. To join the Acura community on Facebook, visit facebook.com/Acura.
1Ablation casting is co-developed for this world’s first automotive application with the original inventor of the process, Alotech Limited.
Libraries celebrate diversity, promote multicultural literacy
Libraries celebrate diversity, promote multicultural literacy
Join Día! Diversity in Action on April 30
CHICAGO, April 24, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Our nation’s libraries are committed to providing multilingual and multicultural resources and materials that meet the needs of a diverse population. On Thursday, April 30, families, children and communities will celebrate our country’s rich cultural heritage during Día! Diversity in Action. Hundreds of public and school libraries will host multicultural celebrations, including family programs, bilingual story hours, book giveaways and other literacy events for children and their families.
Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150423/201308
Día! Diversity in Action, also known as El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day), is a celebration every day of children and families and reading that culminates annually on April 30. Día! Diversity in Action is an opportunity for libraries around the country to connect children and families to multicultural books, bilingual services, educational resources, and support the need for children and families to have access to materials that mirror their culture, as well as provide a window to others.
Even though the diversity of our country continues to grow, the percentage of children’s books released each year either by a person of color or with a multicultural theme has remained virtually unchanged for nearly 20 years. Experts say a lack of diversity in children’s books can be harmful to the social and identity development of children, particularly those representing cultures with untold stories. Literacy depends on children’s desire to read. It is critical to provide access to and awareness of books that mirror their culture and language.
“Libraries and librarians play an important role in family literacy and multicultural awareness,” said Association for Library Service to Children President Ellen Riordan. “Día! Diversity in Action shows how recognizing and respecting culture, heritage and language can be powerful tools for strengthening families and communities.”
Parents, caregivers and teachers can also celebrate Día! Diversity in Action at home or in their classrooms with free bilingual book lists and activities at http://dia.ala.org.
Día! Diversity in Action is sponsored by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association, and is an enhancement of Children’s Day, which began in 1925. Children’s Day was designated as a day to bring attention to the importance and well-being of children. In 1996, nationally acclaimed children’s book author Pat Mora proposed linking the celebration of childhood and children with literacy thus the inception of El día de los niños/El día de los libros.
Through a grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) continues to increase public awareness of the event in libraries throughout the country. ALSC is collaborating on this effort with Día’s Founder, Pat Mora; and Founding Partner of Día, the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking (REFORMA).
For book lists and additional information on Día! Diversity in Action please visit http://dia.ala.org. For information on local events contact your local library, or visit http://cs.ala.org/websurvey/alsc/dia/map.cfm.
About the Association for Library Service to Children
ALSC, a division of ALA, is the world’s largest organization dedicated to the support and enhancement of library service to children. With a network of more than 4,000 children’s and youth librarians, literature experts, publishers and educational faculty, ALSC is committed to creating a better future for children through libraries. To learn more about ALSC, visit their website at www.ala.org/alsc.
About Dollar General
Dollar General Corporation has been delivering value to shoppers for nearly 75 years. Dollar General helps shoppers Save time. Save money. Every day!® by offering products that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks, health and beauty aids, cleaning supplies, basic apparel, house wares and seasonal items at low everyday prices in convenient neighborhood locations. With more than 11,000 stores in 40 states, Dollar General has more retail locations than any retailer in America. In addition to high quality private brands, Dollar General sells products from America’s most-trusted manufacturers such as Procter & Gamble, Kimberly-Clark, Unilever, Kellogg’s, General Mills, Nabisco, Hanes, PepsiCo and Coca-Cola. Learn more about Dollar General at www.dollargeneral.com.
About REFORMA
Established in 1971 as an affiliate of the American Library Association (ALA), REFORMA has actively sought to promote the development of library collections to include Spanish-language and Latino oriented materials; the recruitment of more bilingual and bicultural library professionals and support staff; the development of library services and programs that meet the needs of the Latino community; the establishment of a national information and support network among individuals who share our goals; the education of the U.S. Latino population in regards to the availability and types of library services; and lobbying efforts to preserve existing library resource centers serving the interests of Latinos.
DiversityInc Unveils the 2015 Top 50 Companies for Diversity
NEW YORK, April 24, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Diversity and inclusion’s keystone event in America took place at Cipriani Wall Street Thursday evening, as DiversityInc announced the 2015 Top 50 Companies for Diversity in front of more than 900 senior executives. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation remained at the top of the rankings for their second year, while Kaiser Permanente jumped two spots to come in second. PricewaterhouseCoopers, EY, Sodexo, MasterCard Worldwide, AT&T, Prudential Financial, Johnson & Johnson, and Procter & Gamble rounded out the top 10. MassMutual Financial Group and Hilton Worldwide were both newcomers to the list this year.
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“With more than 1000 companies participating, the competition for a spot on the DiversityInc Top 50 and Specialty Lists was up over 30% this year,” said DiversityInc Founder and CEO Luke Visconti. “Companies are recognizing the importance of diversity for corporate reputation – which directly effects millennial-generation recruiting and retention. And whether you’re talking about Silicon Valley, Ferguson, or Indiana, there’s no denying that stories about how far we still need to come regarding diversity have been dominating the headlines in 2015.”
DiversityInc Top 50 companies have significantly more diversity than average American corporations. Compared with EEOC statistics, Top 50 companies have 20% more Blacks, Latinos, and Asians in management, and 13% more women. In the Top 10 the contrast is even sharper, with 41% more Blacks, Latinos, and Asians, and 46% more women than US corporate average. This year, for the first time, the National Organization on Disability tracker was required for the Top 10 Disabilities list.
CNBC covered the DiversityInc Top 50 event and provided the stock market econometric evaluation. “The Top 50 list outperformed the market on a short and long-term basis – which has been the case over the past several years. This shows evidence of the link between excellence in diversity management and superior corporate governance,” said Visconti.
Any company with over one thousand U.S.-based employees is eligible to enter, and there is no cost to compete. Each company’s rank is based on objective analysis of 183 separate factors, based on data from a 300-question survey. The four equally weighted areas of measurement include Talent Pipeline, Equitable Talent Development, CEO/Leadership Commitment, and Supplier Diversity.
“We are extremely honored to be recognized by DiversityInc as the top ranked company for a second year in a row,” said Christi Shaw, President, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and US Country Head, Novartis Corporation. “For us, Diversity & Inclusion are an important part of our culture and strategic business focus. Fostering an environment where authenticity and collaboration can flourish enables us to drive future breakthroughs and innovations that help patients live fuller, healthier lives.”
The announcement dinner included a keynote address from Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr., whose Rainbow PUSH Coalition has been calling on the tech industry to embrace more diversity as a business opportunity.
DiversityInc also released 13 lists for the following select specialty areas:
- 25 Noteworthy Companies
- Top 10 Companies for LGBT Employees (Wells Fargo, No. 1)
- Top 10 Companies for Supplier Diversity (AT&T, No. 1)
- Top 10 Companies for People With Disabilities (EY, No. 1)
- Top 10 Companies for Recruitment (PricewaterhouseCoopers, No. 1)
- Top 10 Companies for Mentoring (EY, No. 1)
- Top 5 Utilities (Ameren, No. 1)
- Top 10 Regional Companies (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, No. 1)
- Top 10 Companies for Veterans (Northrop Grumman Corporation, No. 1)
- Top 10 Companies for Global Diversity (IBM, No. 1)
- Top 10 Companies for Employee Resource Groups (Merck & Co., No. 1)
- Top 10 Companies for Diversity Councils (EY, No. 1)
- Top 5 Hospitals and Health Systems (Henry Ford Health System, No. 1)
For the entire Top 50 list, visit http://www.diversityinc.com/top50 or follow the conversation online with the hashtag #DITop50.
The DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity Announcement Dinner was made possible thanks to the following sponsors: Abbott, ADP, AT&T, Caterpillar, Cox Communications, CVS Health, Deloitte, EMC, EY, IBM, Kaiser Permanente, Marriott International, MasterCard, Monsanto, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Prudential Financial, Sodexo, Target, TD Bank, Time Warner, Toyota Motor North America, and Wells Fargo.
About DiversityInc
DiversityInc’s mission is to bring education and clarity to the business benefits of diversity. The DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity list began in 2001, at the same time many corporations were beginning to understand the business value of diversity-management initiatives. The 2015 Top 50 Companies for Diversity results are featured on DiversityInc.com and in DiversityInc magazine. For more information, log on to www.diversityinc.com, https://www.facebook.com/DiversityInc, https://twitter.com/DiversityInc or http://www.linkedin.com/company/26561.