Mes: diciembre 2020

The Blue Book Building & Construction Network® Announces Launch of New Industry Velocity Index

JEFFERSON VALLEY, N.Y., Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ —

Summary: The Blue Book Network® has introduced a new construction index to track the direction and velocity of bidding activity in the commercial construction industry’s largest and most active network.  The Blue Book Network Velocity Index provides manufacturers, distributors, general contractors and subcontractors with a critical leading indicator of construction spending to inform key business…

JEFFERSON VALLEY, N.Y., Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ —

Summary: The Blue Book Network® has introduced a new construction index to track the direction and velocity of bidding activity in the commercial construction industry’s largest and most active network.  The Blue Book Network Velocity Index provides manufacturers, distributors, general contractors and subcontractors with a critical leading indicator of construction spending to inform key business decisions.

The Blue Book Network® today announced The Blue Book Network Velocity Index, a new leading economic indicator for the construction industry. The Velocity Index measures the direction and magnitude of month-to-month changes in bidding activity in The Blue Book Network, accounting for seasonality. The Index provides Manufacturers, Distributors, General Contractors, and Sub Contractors a vital leading indicator of construction spending to inform their critical business decisions. The Blue Book Network® Velocity Index is the latest development from Blue Book’s Network Intelligence and Analytics team, focused on creating analysis and data visualization applications to support critical business decisions.

The Blue Book Network Velocity Index for November:

The Blue Book Network Velocity Index continued to reflect the October decline, dropping to 100.8 in November, a 4.8% decrease (December 2018 = 100).  The rate of decrease for the Index slowed considerably compared to the revised 13.9% drop seen in October, likely still reflecting concern over increases in COVID-19 rates. The Index remains strong, 19% higher than April’s revised low of 84.7

Manufacturing and Industrial categories showed largest downturn at -24.1% and -9.6% respectively; Commercial reported modest increase of 5.1% to 83.6; Lodging, buoyed by New York, rose to 42.3 after low of 38.0 in October.

Blue Book Network Velocity Index Continues Modest Decline in Most States for November: Regional pockets of growth driven by Midwest states; 70% of states flat or down compared to October.

Click here to learn how The Blue Book Network Velocity Index is created and how to include it in your company’s strategic decision making.

For additional information, please contact: Brian Tonry, Vice President of Network Intelligence and Analytics at (800) 431-2584 ext. 3632 / btonry@mail.thebluebook.com

About The Blue Book Building & Construction Network:

The Blue Book Building & Construction Network / www.thebluebook.com is an employee-owned company and the largest, most active network in the U.S. commercial construction industry. Today, The Blue Book Network defines and delivers the industry through three unparalleled databases of: companies, projects and people. By integrating and understanding the relationships shared by these groups, The Blue Book Network provides an indispensable resource to connect with the industry every day.

The Blue Book Building & Construction Network

 

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SOURCE The Blue Book Building and Construction Network

EPRI and Industry Will Use New Grant to Help New York State Reach Zero-Emission Electricity by 2040

PALO ALTO, Calif., Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), along with Schneider Electric, General Electric, and Smarter Grid Solutions, received a $2.2 million award to develop a distributed energy resource management system (DERMS) to mitigate potential issues caused by integrating distributed energy resources (DER) with the electric grid.

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PALO ALTO, Calif., Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), along with Schneider Electric, General Electric, and Smarter Grid Solutions, received a $2.2 million award to develop a distributed energy resource management system (DERMS) to mitigate potential issues caused by integrating distributed energy resources (DER) with the electric grid.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) awarded the funding through its Smart Grid Innovation program, as part of New York State’s overall strategy to achieve Governor Cuomo’s goal of a zero emission electricity sector by 2040. The project includes a pilot program deployed with Central Hudson Gas & Electric to develop and demonstrate a scalable system that enables a large quantity of DER to be integrated into transmission and distribution systems.

«EPRI is proud to spearhead this effort to develop a control framework for utilities to manage challenges brought on by integrating high amounts of DER,» said Daniel Brooks, EPRI’s Vice President of Integrated Grid and Energy Systems. «EPRI is implementing this critical pilot program, and we are developing the requirements for technologies and protocols for DERMS to communicate with DER successfully and securely.»

Research seeks to address potential challenges to integrating more DER into the electric grid, such power quality challenges, overload to distribution and transmission grid components, and over-voltages. The project will also demonstrate how DERMS can be integrated with existing utility back office systems. The results will help utilities integrate higher capacities of renewable energy resources while ensuring reliable, safe, and affordable power to customers.

«As we work to implement Governor Cuomo’s nation-leading goals, collaborative solution-based projects like this are helping New York State to advance technology needed to ensure that the electric grid has the capacity to integrate and deploy clean energy in a safe and cost-effective way,» said John Lochner, NYSERDA’s Vice President of Innovation. «We are eager to learn from this research project and pilot program to further inform efforts as we ramp-up renewable energy distribution across the State.»

The three companies—Schneider Electric, General Electric, and Smarter Grid Solutions—offer insights into operating experiences and best practices with DERMS, distribution management systems, and energy management systems. These diverse experiences will allow for the project’s combined results to provide a broad range of lessons for DER and grid management across the entire power industry while providing specific results for Central Hudson Gas & Electric.

«We’re at an exciting and critical moment as we work toward achieving New York State’s ambitious clean energy goals,» said Ryan Hawthorne, Assistant Vice President of Electric Engineering and Operations at Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation. «This research initiative will help overcome potential challenges with DER while also ensuring the quality and reliability of service that our customers expect.»

New York’s aggressive decarbonization goals and statewide scale-up of renewable energy resources, such as wind and solar, require increasing the existing electric grid’s capabilities while reducing distribution costs to the consumer and reducing the need for system upgrades.

EPRI is leading the industry on DERMS research and development (R&D) through thought leadership initiatives like the DERMS Interest group and the TSO/DSO coordination working group for DER Management. Through these activities, EPRI continues to serve utilities, ISOs and technology providers by developing well-vetted, consensus requirements for DERMS that are widely used by the industry.

EPRI will extend participation in this initiative to other utilities with the introduction of a new supplemental project designed to help set a repeatable framework for utilities to handle operational challenges of integrating DER actively using the new DERMS technology. For more information, visit www.epri.com/research/sectors/pdu.

About EPRI
The Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. (EPRI, www.epri.com) is a tax-exempt, non-profit organization, that conducts research and development relating to the generation, delivery and use of electricity for the benefit of the public, on a non-discriminatory basis. An independent organization, EPRI brings together its scientists and engineers as well as experts from academia and industry to help address challenges in electricity, including reliability, efficiency, health, safety and the environment. EPRI’s members represent more than 90 percent of the electricity generated and delivered in the United States, and international participation extends to nearly 40 countries. EPRI’s principal offices and laboratories are located in Palo Alto, Calif.; Charlotte, N.C.; Knoxville, Tenn.; and Lenox, Mass.

Contact:
Tim Leljedal
Electric Power Research Institute
980-229-5964
tleljedal@epri.com

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SOURCE Electric Power Research Institute

InventHelp Inventors Develop Protective Accessory for Parked Vehicles (LAX-1206)

PITTSBURGH, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — «Our car was dented while parked at a grocery store,» said one of three inventors, from Los Angeles, Calif. «We thought there should be a protective accessory to prevent this from happening again, so we invented the DENT AND CHIP PROTECTOR. Our design protects your vehicle against damage while parked.»

PITTSBURGH, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — «Our car was dented while parked at a grocery store,» said one of three inventors, from Los Angeles, Calif. «We thought there should be a protective accessory to prevent this from happening again, so we invented the DENT AND CHIP PROTECTOR. Our design protects your vehicle against damage while parked.»

The invention provides an effective way to protect a car while parked in a crowded parking lot. In doing so, it helps to prevent nicks, paint scratches and other damage. As a result, it provides added protection and peace of mind and it could help to uphold the original condition and appearance of a car. The invention features a lightweight and user-friendly design that is easy to apply and use so it is ideal for vehicle owners. Additionally, it is producible in design variations.

The original design was submitted to the Los Angeles sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 19-LAX-1206, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp’s Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.

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SOURCE InventHelp

Report: NYC Business Leaders Must Take 4 Critical Steps to Help Lead City’s Economic Recovery

NEW YORK, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — New York City’s business community should take four critical steps to help shrink the gap to a full post-pandemic recovery for New York. Taking such actions would also position the city to quickly take advantage of public health breakthroughs, including the coming vaccines, says a new <a target="_blank"…

NEW YORK, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — New York City’s business community should take four critical steps to help shrink the gap to a full post-pandemic recovery for New York. Taking such actions would also position the city to quickly take advantage of public health breakthroughs, including the coming vaccines, says a new report by the Committee for Economic Development of The Conference Board (CED).

The new report – prepared by CED’s NYC Reopening Task Force – stresses that New York’s business leaders have the voice and expertise to help guide and strengthen the region’s response. While New York’s successful mitigation efforts have limited the spread of COVID-19 infections, this progress remains fragile, especially with the country as a whole experiencing the biggest wave of infections yet.

«In past crises facing the region, New York City’s business leaders have stepped forward to promote the city, commit to its future strength, and guide it to recovery and renewal,» said CED President Lori Esposito Murray. «They must do so now, more than ever, to restore New York City as an economic engine – the nation’s commercial, entertainment, and cultural center – and a critical component of, and catalyst for, national competitiveness.»

New York’s business leaders should take four steps to assist with the ongoing COVID-19 response; specifically, they should:

  • Promote public health and related communications by joining with other civic actors to rally New Yorkers to follow public health best practices. That includes advocating for making necessary and ongoing sacrifices like wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, and avoiding large gatherings to stop the spread of the virus. Business leaders must ensure that their companies’ work environments are safe, enabling workers to return to the job in-person.
  • Advocate for prioritizing public investment in economic opportunity, including reliable schools and childcare services, universal broadband access, and safe public transportation options. The pandemic’s economic impacts have hit lower- and middle-income New Yorkers especially hard. Ensuring access to these critical services will ameliorate that imbalance, putting the entire metro area on more solid economic footing.
  • Support aid for small businesses, including additional tax incentives and loan guarantees to help the small businesses most impacted by COVID-19. Failures of otherwise viable businesses solely because of temporary shocks create economic drag and can even trigger a «domino effect,» which hurts still more otherwise sound small businesses.
  • Advocate for regulatory flexibility to help businesses innovate and adapt to the pandemic, allowing them to obviate the risk and operate safely.

Read the new report, Business Leaders Should Act to Advance New York’s COVID-19 Response.

About CED
The Committee for Economic Development is the Public Policy Center of The Conference Board that delivers well-researched analysis, and non-partisan, reasoned solutions in the nation’s interest. www.ced.org

About The Conference Board
The Conference Board is the member-driven think tank that delivers trusted insights for what’s ahead. Founded in 1916, we are a non-partisan, not-for-profit entity holding 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status in the United States. www.conference-board.org

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SOURCE Committee for Economic Development of The Conference Board (CED)

Mister Car Wash Expands its Florida Footprint with Acquisition of Avatar Car Wash

TUCSON, Ariz., Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Mister Car Wash, the nation’s largest car wash company, has expanded its presence in Florida with the acquisition of Avatar Car Wash at 4607 Neptune Rd. in St. Cloud. The deal brings the company’s total number of stores in Florida to 30, and the acquisition brings the total number of Floridians employed to nearly 600.

TUCSON, Ariz., Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Mister Car Wash, the nation’s largest car wash company, has expanded its presence in Florida with the acquisition of Avatar Car Wash at 4607 Neptune Rd. in St. Cloud. The deal brings the company’s total number of stores in Florida to 30, and the acquisition brings the total number of Floridians employed to nearly 600.

«The addition of this location maximizes our ability to service our current members and customers in the St. Cloud and Greater Orlando area and gives Avatar members new options,» shared Tim Vaughn, vice president of operations for Mister Car Wash. «Additionally, they’ll have member access to all of our other Mister locations throughout Florida,» he continued.

While the acquisition is effective as of December 16, 2020, customers can expect the same level of service and no disruption to membership as Mister begins the transition. 

About Mister Car Wash

Headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, Mister Car Wash (www.mistercarwash.com) is an equal opportunity employer operating 341 car washes and in 21 states. The Mister Car Wash brand is anchored in quality, friendliness and our commitment to creating memorable customer experiences. Our people are what make us successful and allow us to achieve these high standards. We continue to focus on recruiting and retaining top talent, developing best-in-class training programs and investing in employee benefits to cultivate a positive company culture.

Contact:  Matt Russell
Russell Public Communications
mrussell@russellpublic.com
520.232.9840

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SOURCE Mister Car Wash

Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo Unveils the Newest and Most Luxurious Glamping Accommodations in the Eastern United States

RIVER RANCH, Fla., Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo officially announced the opening of reservations for its newest luxury glamping accommodations – 10 Luxe Conestoga Wagons…

RIVER RANCH, Fla., Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo officially announced the opening of reservations for its newest luxury glamping accommodations – 10 Luxe Conestoga Wagons and 10 Luxury Glamping Tents. These premium offerings are the latest addition to the unique lodging experiences available at this secluded luxury glamping resort, located one-hour south of Orlando and two-hours north of Palm Beach County, Florida. Reservations begin online or by phone today, with availability starting on Friday, March 12, 2021.

The multimillion-dollar accommodation expansion project allows the resort to offer the next evolution in all-inclusive glamping experiences overlooking a vibrant stream where buffalo graze and stately Luxe Conestoga Wagons now sit. Each 495-square foot wagon features bespoke luxury décor and sleeps up to six guests providing the pinnacle of Florida luxury living in the middle of a 1,700-acre Old Florida dude ranch. The Wagons feature a king bed, twin bunk beds, a queen sleeper sofa, private en suite luxury bathroom, microwave, kitchenette sink, mini refrigerator, electrical outlets, heating and air conditioning, plus a private porch with patio furnishings. A stay in a Luxe Conestoga Wagon includes private VIP concierge services and all-inclusive and unlimited activities throughout the ranch, such as horseback riding, trap and skeet shooting, archery, airboat rides, VIP access to the Saturday night rodeo and much more. Each Wagon also comes with a complimentary six-person golf cart to explore the ranch in comfort and style. Rates for these luxurious new all-inclusive accommodations start at $759 for weeknights and $999 for weekends per night for a family of six.

Nestled in an exclusive and majestic oak hammock, the new 505-square-feet Luxury Glamping Tents feature an experience that elevates Glamping to an entirely new standard. The new Luxury Glamping Tents provide guests with enhanced luxury living space, in addition to a full en suite bathroom with walk-in shower along with a double-sink vanity, king bed, queen sleeper sofa, microwave, mini refrigerator, electrical outlets and heating and air conditioning. All Luxury Glamping Tents feature a complimentary golf cart for use while on property. The Luxury Glamping Tents also feature personal Glamping Concierge services, with rates beginning at $379 per night for weeknights and $459 per night for a family of four.

«After the overwhelming guest response for our award-winning Luxe Teepees and Glamping Tents, we wanted to elevate the level of luxury and service at this spacious and private luxury dude ranch resort,» said David Siegel, Founder, President & CEO of Westgate Resorts. «We are thrilled to provide families with the next evolution in glamping luxury at the best dude ranch on this side of the Mississippi!»

Luxe Conestoga Wagons and Luxury Glamping Tents are just the latest accommodation addition at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, which also offers Glamping Tents, Luxe Teepees, RV and Tent Camping, Lodge Suites, Lodge Guest Rooms, Deluxe Lodge Suites, Premium Lodge Suites, Saddle Club Studio Cabins, Saddle Club Rail Cars, Lodge One-Bedroom Cottages, Saddle Club One-Bedroom Grand Cabins, Lodge Two-Bedroom Cottages and Saddle Club Two-Bedroom Cabins. For more information about Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, visit www.westgateriverranch.com.

ABOUT WESTGATE RESORTS

Westgate Resorts is the largest privately held timeshare company in the world and one of the largest resort developers in the United States. Founded in 1982 by David Siegel, the company is headquartered in Orlando with 7 Orlando hotels, and 24 themed destination resorts nationwide, featuring more than 14,500 luxury villas and hotel rooms in popular vacation destinations throughout the United States such as Miami, Orlando and Cocoa Beach, Florida; New York City, New York; Park City, Utah; Las Vegas, Nevada; Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Williamsburg, Virginia; Branson, Missouri; Mesa, Arizona; and Tunica, Mississippi. Most Westgate Resorts locations feature a variety of unique restaurant, retail and spa concepts, including Drafts Burger Bar, Edge Steakhouse, Westgate Marketplace & Deli and Serenity Spa by Westgate. For more information about Westgate Resorts, visit www.westgateresorts.com.

Media Contact:
Heather Merritt
The Zimmerman Agency
hmerritt@zimmerman.com
(850) 402-6032

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SOURCE Westgate Resorts

InventHelp Inventor Develops Device to Secure Food/Drink Deliveries in a Car (LAX-1195)

PITTSBURGH, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — «I wanted to create a device to secure food deliveries and prevent distractions for delivery drivers,» said an inventor, from Sylmar, Calif., «so I invented the patent pending DELIVERY DRIVER CADDY 78. My design prevents food and drink deliveries from shifting, falling and spilling onto the car seat or floor.»

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PITTSBURGH, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — «I wanted to create a device to secure food deliveries and prevent distractions for delivery drivers,» said an inventor, from Sylmar, Calif., «so I invented the patent pending DELIVERY DRIVER CADDY 78. My design prevents food and drink deliveries from shifting, falling and spilling onto the car seat or floor.»

The invention provides an effective way for a delivery driver to transport food and beverage orders in a vehicle. In doing so, it ensures that orders remain secure and stable. As a result, it helps to prevent spills and messes and it provides added safety and peace of mind. The invention features a lightweight and user-friendly design that is convenient and easy to use so it is ideal for restaurants with delivery services, delivery drivers, travelers, vehicle owners, etc. Additionally, it is producible in design variations and a prototype model is available upon request.

The original design was submitted to the Los Angeles sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 19-LAX-1195, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp’s Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.

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SOURCE InventHelp

InventHelp Inventors Develop Automotive Monitoring System for Determining Fault (LAX-1215)

PITTSBURGH, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — «We wanted to create a system to help law enforcement officers and vehicle owners determine who is responsible for accidents and vehicle-related crimes,» said one of two inventors, from Sherman Oaks, Calif., «so we invented the SKY HAWK DEVELOPMENT. Our design increases accountability and it could help to promote good driving habits.»

…

PITTSBURGH, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — «We wanted to create a system to help law enforcement officers and vehicle owners determine who is responsible for accidents and vehicle-related crimes,» said one of two inventors, from Sherman Oaks, Calif., «so we invented the SKY HAWK DEVELOPMENT. Our design increases accountability and it could help to promote good driving habits.»

The patent pending invention provides an improved way to determine fault of vehicle accidents, crimes and other incidences. In doing so, it helps to prevent disputes and confusion. It also increases accuracy and it provides added safety and peace of mind. The invention features an effective design that is convenient and easy to use so it is ideal for government agencies, vehicle owners and manufacturers. Additionally, it is producible in design variations and a prototype model is available upon request.

The original design was submitted to the Los Angeles sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 19-LAX-1215, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp’s Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.

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SOURCE InventHelp

Give the Gift of Prevention: Keep Kids Away from Lottery Play

SANFORD, Fla., Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Today, the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) is joining the National Holiday Lottery Responsible Gambling Campaign to raise awareness about the risks of gifting lottery tickets to minors during the holidays and to encourage parents and others to choose safer gifts.

According to Jennifer Kruse, FCCG’s Executive Director, «Unfortunately, the myth persists that gifting lottery tickets to children for the…

SANFORD, Fla., Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Today, the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) is joining the National Holiday Lottery Responsible Gambling Campaign to raise awareness about the risks of gifting lottery tickets to minors during the holidays and to encourage parents and others to choose safer gifts.

According to Jennifer Kruse, FCCG’s Executive Director, «Unfortunately, the myth persists that gifting lottery tickets to children for the holidays carries no risks. There is a reason that gambling is strictly prohibited for those under the age of 18 in the Sunshine State. Research shows us that receipt of lottery tickets as gifts during childhood is correlated with risky, problematic gambling behavior later in life.»[1]

Stressors brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, which impact youth through school closures and restricted social activities, must also be considered as risk factors for the development of a gambling problem and warrant a heightened awareness for parents and caregivers about limiting exposure to gambling concepts before the legal age. In addition, many adults are not aware of the new ways that gambling opportunities are being integrated into online formats, such as through video games and mobile apps with shaky or no age verification. Data collected on the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine over the past year showed that an astounding 27% of lottery gamblers seeking help reported that they first gambled before the age of 21, and that 40% of all problem gamblers contacting the HelpLine started gambling before age 26.

«Taking the time to instead choose a gift that will inspire a new hobby or passion for the youngster in your life can help fight this troubling trend and leave a more lasting impact,» continued Kruse. It’s important to know that help and hope for anyone affected by problem gambling, including concerned loved ones, is available 24/7 through the confidential and multilingual 888-ADMIT-IT Problem Gambling HelpLine. «Like drugs and alcohol, gambling is off limits for minors and needs to be treated as such without exception to avoid the normalization of an illegal behavior and to support the prevention of problem gambling,» concluded Kruse.

The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, Inc. (FCCG) is a not-for-profit corporation under contract with Florida State government, serving as the designated state affiliate of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). In addition to operating the 24-hour Problem Gambling HelpLine (888-ADMIT-IT), the FCCG increases awareness of problem gambling through education and outreach efforts throughout the state of Florida, advocates on behalf of the public regarding issues relating to problem gambling, and provides programs, resources, and other population specific supports to those in need of assistance. For more information, please visit gamblinghelp.org.

[1] Kundu, Priya V eta l. «Gambling-Related Attitudes and Behaviors in Adolescents Having Received Instant (Scratch) Lottery Tickets as Gifts» Journal of Adolescent Health: Official publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine vol. 52, 4 (2013): 456-64.

Media Contact

Jennifer Kruse, The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, Inc., +1 (407) 865-6200, fccg@gamblinghelp.org

Twitter

 

SOURCE The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, Inc.

Report: As Social Challenges Intensify Due to COVID-19, Companies Can Help Through Disaster Response Programs

NEW YORK, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ –A new report by The Conference Board outlines how companies can strengthen their philanthropy programs to respond to natural disasters – from the COVID-19 pandemic to hurricanes, earthquakes, and fires. Among the findings, companies are shifting their resources from disaster relief to preparedness. As they do so, companies have an opportunity to mitigate the disparate impact that natural disasters have on disadvantaged communities. 

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NEW YORK, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ –A new report by The Conference Board outlines how companies can strengthen their philanthropy programs to respond to natural disasters – from the COVID-19 pandemic to hurricanes, earthquakes, and fires. Among the findings, companies are shifting their resources from disaster relief to preparedness. As they do so, companies have an opportunity to mitigate the disparate impact that natural disasters have on disadvantaged communities. 

These findings and more are from Disaster Philanthropy Practices: 2020 Edition. The report presents findings from a survey of more than 100 corporate citizenship professionals and draws upon additional research conducted by The Conference Board.

Select findings from the new report include:

While most funding is allocated to relief, many companies are prioritizing disaster preparedness.

  • While relief continues to be the response of choice for companies, preparedness now ranks second, moving up from fourth in the 2019 edition of this report.

«Looking ahead, we expect the transition from relief to preparedness to accelerate,» said Robert Schwarz, Senior Researcher at The Conference Board ESG Center. «This shift is being driven by the increased frequency, intensity, and magnitude of natural disasters, along with companies seeing that preparedness can be more cost efficient than relief.»

Companies’ involvement in disaster philanthropy is mainly driven by their commitment to corporate citizenship and local communities. Those priorities were cited by 61 percent of respondents.

  • By comparison, 19 percent said their company’s involvement in disaster philanthropy is driven by an expectation set by their CEO and/or business units.
  • Just 12 percent view it as an expectation set by their employees.

«Much like Hurricane Katrina 15 years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic has—on a much larger scale—highlighted the disparate impact that natural disasters can have,» said Paul Washington, Executive Director of The Conference Board ESG Center. «Companies should consider incorporating an assessment of the impact a disaster has on disadvantaged populations into their disaster response protocols. They should also consider how they can partner with local organizations devoted to economic, health, and racial equality in planning for, and responding to, natural disasters.»

Due to COVID-19 related restrictions, much of the workforce will likely continue volunteering virtually for an extended period.

  • Many companies have been or are transitioning to virtual volunteering. However, research from The Conference Board shows that opportunities are insufficient to meet employee demand, especially when it comes to skills-based programs.
  • Companies will want to continue to innovate in response to these challenges, including developing more skills-based virtual volunteering programs that align employees’ areas of expertise with nonprofit/NGO partners and other entities dedicated to responding to disasters.

«Virtual volunteering programs can be designed to enable employees to help not just with immediate relief efforts, but also with the other phases of disaster preparedness, recovery, and rebuilding,» noted Jeff Hoffman, Leader of The Conference Board Corporate Citizenship & Philanthropy Institute. «Virtual volunteering not only supports the shift of corporate disaster philanthropy toward preparedness, but also enables more employees to volunteer, deepens the company’s involvement in disaster philanthropy on an ongoing (not just periodic) basis, and increases the impact of the company’s efforts.»

An increasing number of companies will likely seek to collaborate more with each other, given the challenges disaster response programs are facing – especially during this pandemic.

  • The skills, expertise, and capacity that multiple partners bring can increase the scale and scope of any individual company’s response. The case for such collaboration is strengthened by the increased frequency and severity of natural disasters, and it can go hand-in-hand with the shift toward disaster preparedness. 

About The Conference Board
The Conference Board is the member-driven think tank that delivers trusted insights for what’s ahead. Founded in 1916, we are a non-partisan, not-for-profit entity holding 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status in the United States. www.conference-board.org

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SOURCE The Conference Board