Mes: enero 2021

CVS Health Foundation Establishes $5 Million College Scholarship for Black and Latinx Students Pursuing Health Care Careers

WOONSOCKET, R.I., Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The CVS Health Foundation today announced it has established a five-year, $5 million CVS Health Foundation Health Care Careers Scholarship program, in collaboration with UNCF (United Negro College Fund). Scholarships will be awarded to Black and Latinx students pursuing an academic career in health care. The new scholarship program is part of CVS Health’s <a target="_blank"…

WOONSOCKET, R.I., Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The CVS Health Foundation today announced it has established a five-year, $5 million CVS Health Foundation Health Care Careers Scholarship program, in collaboration with UNCF (United Negro College Fund). Scholarships will be awarded to Black and Latinx students pursuing an academic career in health care. The new scholarship program is part of CVS Health’s nearly $600 million commitment over the next five years to address inequity faced by Black people and other disenfranchised communities.

«This scholarship will feed a robust pipeline of under-represented students, which will in turn strengthen the pool of talented college graduates ready for today’s and tomorrow’s workplace,» said David Casey, Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, CVS Health. «Enabling students to excel in the workforce—particularly people of color and those facing financial barriers—advances our commitment to social justice and equity and will have a lasting impact.»

The CVS Health Foundation Health Care Careers Scholarship is being launched in collaboration with UNCF, the nation’s largest minority education organization supporting students’ education and development through scholarships and advocacy for minority education and college readiness. According to a report by UNCF’s Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute, students who receive a UNCF scholarship outperform the national population of students in persistence through college and to graduation. In fact, 70% of African American freshmen who received a UNCF general scholarship graduated within six years, compared to only 38% of all African American students nationwide.

«This is an incredibly generous gift from the CVS Health Foundation,» said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, UNCF’s president and CEO. «We know that African American, Latinx and other minority communities have been disproportionately impacted by the current pandemic. It’s particularly important right now to welcome as many students of color as we can into the health care field. The ripple effect of COVID-19 has the potential to discourage students from pursuing a college education and may prevent others from continuing their education. Recognizing these facts, the CVS Health Foundation is providing a pathway for successful applicants to continue on their journey to attain a college degree and become our next generation of pandemic frontliners.»

Black and Latinx students attending an accredited four-year college or university in the United States with an interest in pursuing a career in the health care sector are eligible to apply for the need-based awards.  Eligible areas of study will bolster the health care innovation talent pipeline, with majors including pharmacy, nursing, business management, biology, biochemistry, finance, operations/supply chain, data analytics, information technology, actuary and human resources. The two-year scholarships will support students in their junior and senior years as they complete their studies.

«Working with UNCF, the CVS Health Foundation is supporting a best-in-class model for moving students to and through college,» said Eileen Howard Boone, Senior Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility and Philanthropy, CVS Health and President of the CVS Health Foundation.  «UNCF has an impressive track record of impacting minority education and improving graduation rates for students, while making a meaningful difference in the lives of selected scholars.» 

UNCF will accept applications for the CVS Health Foundation Health Care Career Scholarship from February 1 through April 1, 2021. For more information and to apply visit: https://uncf.org/scholarships

About the CVS Health Foundation
The CVS Health Foundation is a private charitable organization created by CVS Health that works to build healthier communities, enabling people of all ages to lead healthy, productive lives. The Foundation provides strategic investments to nonprofits throughout the U.S. who help increase community-based access to health care for underserved populations, create innovative approaches to chronic disease management and provide tobacco cessation and youth prevention programming. We also invest in scholarship programs that open the pathways to careers in pharmacy to support the academic aspirations of the best and brightest talent in the industry. Our philanthropy also extends to supporting our colleagues’ spirit of volunteerism through Volunteer Challenge Grants to nonprofits where they donate their time and fundraising efforts. To learn more about the CVS Health Foundation and its giving, visit www.cvshealth.com/social-responsibility.

About UNCF
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, supports and strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other historically Black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding nearly 20% of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 1,100 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized trademark, ‟A mind is a terrible thing to waste.»® Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Twitter at @UNCF.

Media Contacts:

Courtney Tavener
(401) 712-3698
Courtney.Tavener@CVSHealth.com

Monique LeNoir
(202) 810-0231
monique.lenoir@uncf.org

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cvs-health-foundation-establishes-5-million-college-scholarship-for-black-and-latinx-students-pursuing-health-care-careers-301217111.html

SOURCE CVS Health

Crises Will Define 2021 Proxy Voting Season, with a Focus on Human Capital, Board Diversity, Corporate Political Activity, and Climate Change at Virtual Shareholder Meetings

NEW YORK, Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The pandemic, racial protests, conflict attending the recent Presidential election, and ongoing concerns about the environment will help to define the upcoming 2020 proxy season, further accelerating trends that have been building over the past few years.

Released today, <a target="_blank"…

NEW YORK, Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The pandemic, racial protests, conflict attending the recent Presidential election, and ongoing concerns about the environment will help to define the upcoming 2020 proxy season, further accelerating trends that have been building over the past few years.

Released today, 2021 Proxy Season Preview and Shareholder Voting Trends (2017-2020) builds on a multi-year analysis of corporate filings across both the Russell 3000 and S&P 500 indexes to provide insights for what’s ahead in shareholder voting. The report is complemented by an online dashboard where data can also be analyzed by business sector and company size group. The project was conducted by The Conference Board and ESG data analytics firm ESGAUGE, in collaboration with the leadership advisory and search firm Russell Reynolds Associates and Rutgers Center for Corporate Law and Governance.

Insights and recommendations from this report include:

  • Boards should step up their oversight of human capital management (HCM) and expand company disclosures beyond those required by the new SEC rules, as the pandemic, recession, and racial protests are all focusing investor attention on human capital management (HCM). HCM resolutions focusing on workforce diversity, gender pay equity, and employee arbitration policies increased significantly in the 2020 proxy season. While average support remained below 50%, seven shareholder resolutions on HCM received majority support in the 2020 proxy season, compared to only four in the same period in 2018 and three in 2017, with the highest average support for proposals on diversity (38.2 percent for those on workforce diversity, up from 28.6 percent in 2017). The new SEC rules, and various voluntary reporting frameworks, provide a reference point for disclosures, but investors are looking for more comprehensive disclosure regarding the company’s HCM strategy and the board’s role. 

«Companies should clarify and strengthen the role of the board of directors and its committees in the oversight of HCM,» said Rusty O Kelley, co-leader of Russell Reynolds Associates’ Board & CEO Advisory Partners. «This exercise includes reviewing committee charters and governance principles to ensure they clearly assign responsibilities. It also extends to assessing HCM performance and examining, with a critical eye, the company’s workforce policies to eradicate bias that may affect the process for the selection, promotion, and compensation of employees and their managers.»

  • Companies should be prepared to explain how boards are making gender and racial/ethnical diversity an integral part of the ongoing board (and CEO) succession planning process. While this is particularly important for those smaller companies where diversity is still lacking, even companies with some diversity in their top leadership should avoid the risk of being complacent on this important topic and of adopting a check-the-box, compliance approach. In 2020, with many shareholder votes cast before the death of George Floyd and protests for racial equality, proposals relating to the diversity of the board received an average level of support of 36.8 percent, significantly up from the 18.3 percent in 2018. 

«Where more stringent prescriptions (such as the ones set for California-headquartered companies) do not apply, the efforts to improve diversity may include: requiring a diverse slate of candidates for each open position; ensuring that nominating committees, which take the lead in the director recruitment process, are diverse; and considering diversity when making board and committee leadership appointments to help leverage their networks,» said Prof. Douglas S. Eakeley, Founder and Co-Director of the Rutgers Center for Corporate Law and Governance.

  • Expect increased support for shareholder proposals, and more comprehensive discussions with investors, on a broad spectrum of political activity. Support for shareholder proposals calling for transparency on political contributions has been increasing, with five resolutions that went to a vote in 2020 passing, while a dozen more barely missed the majority support threshold. While support for proposals on lobbying continued to lag, in 2020 there was renewed public scrutiny of the alignment between companies’ stated values and lobbying activities of companies and their trade associations. With the recent attack on the Capitol and votes to block the certification of Presidential electors, companies should conduct a comprehensive inventory of their political activity, policies, and board oversight governing the full range of corporate political activity – financial contributions, lobbying, trade association affiliations, and public statements. 

«Investors have long understood that corporate political activity can be important in supporting the execution of a company’s business strategy, but they also see it as a significant source of reputation, business, and legal risk,» said Paul Washington, Executive Director of The Conference Board ESG Center.  «While some level of risk is probably unavoidable, companies need to assure investors that they have a handle on all of their political activity, not just corporate financial contributions, and that there is appropriate board oversight and management controls.»

  • Expect support for climate and other environmental proposals to continue to grow beyond the energy sector. Thanks to the endorsement of larger institutions such as BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street, support levels for climate-related proposals have been increasing, from 24.1 percent in 2019 to 31.6 percent in 2020. While one of these types of proposals passed in 2019, four of those that went to a vote in 2020 received majority support. Even companies outside the energy industries that have not yet done so should consider the benefits of a process to gather information on their carbon footprint, design an emission-reduction strategy, and address the business risks resulting from global warming.

«Companies should consider whether the board of directors and C-suites have sufficient expertise in relevant environmental matters,» said Paul Hodgson, Senior Adviser at ESGAUGE. «While this recommendation certainly applies to carbon-intensive businesses, for which environmental sustainability has a specific strategic significance, the contribution to the oversight role of the board coming from a recognized leader in the field can be a driver of innovation even in other sectors of the economy.»

  • The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to make virtual shareholder meetings a matter of necessity even in the 2021 proxy season. Many lessons can be learned from the experience of the last year, and companies should ensure they adopt technologies and protocols to safeguard shareholder participation.

«This is an opportunity for companies to engage with investors to underscore their commitment to shareholder participation and the measures the company has adopted (or intends to adopt) to facilitate the virtual meeting experience—especially during the Q&A session,» said Matteo Tonello, Managing Director of ESG Research at The Conference Board and the author of the study. «It is particularly important to ensure clarity in proxy statements and other documents disseminated to shareholders on the procedures that should be followed to attend the meeting and ask questions.»

Access the report and online dashboard here.

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

About ESGAUGE
ESGAUGE is a data mining and analytics firm uniquely designed for the corporate practitioner and the professional service firm seeking customized information on U.S. public companies. It focuses on disclosure of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices such as executive and director compensation, board practices, CEO and NEO profiles, proxy voting and shareholder activism, and CSR/sustainability disclosure. Our clients include business corporations, asset management firms, compensation consultants, law firms, accounting and audit firms, and investment companies. We also partner on research projects with think tanks, academic institutions, and the media.

About Russell Reynolds Associates
Russell Reynolds Associates is a global leadership advisory and search firm. Our 470+ consultants in 46 offices work with public, private and nonprofit organizations across all industries and regions. We help our clients build teams of transformational leaders who can meet today’s challenges and anticipate the digital, economic and political trends that are reshaping the global business environment. From helping boards with their structure, culture and effectiveness to identifying, assessing and defining the best leadership for organizations, our teams bring their decades of expertise to help clients address their most complex leadership issues. We exist to improve the way the world is led. www.russellreynolds.com

About the Rutgers Center for Corporate Law and Governance
The Rutgers Center for Corporate Law and Governance is a project of the Rutgers University School of Law, located in Camden and Newark, New Jersey. The Center is an interdisciplinary forum for research, analysis, and discussion of current issues in corporate law and governance. The Center serves as a resource for students, faculty, alumni, and the business and nonprofit communities. Its objectives are to identify and promote best corporate law and governance practices and law reform, and to build bridges between Rutgers Law School, the business and nonprofit communities, government officials, and other Rutgers University units. For more information, visit https://cclg.rutgers.edu/

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/crises-will-define-2021-proxy-voting-season-with-a-focus-on-human-capital-board-diversity-corporate-political-activity-and-climate-change-at-virtual-shareholder-meetings-301217132.html

SOURCE The Conference Board

SunPower’s Head of Policy and Strategy Elected to Executive Committee of Solar Energy Industries Association Board

SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ:SPWR), a leading solar and energy storage technology and services provider, today announced the election of Suzanne Leta, head of policy and strategy, to the executive committee of the Solar Energy…

SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ:SPWR), a leading solar and energy storage technology and services provider, today announced the election of Suzanne Leta, head of policy and strategy, to the executive committee of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) Board of Directors. With the incoming Biden-Harris administration, Leta will work to build diverse, bipartisan coalitions to advance policies that accelerate the deployment of distributed solar and storage and increase diversity, equity and inclusion within SEIA, the industry and its workforce at large, and the customers we serve.

«Without question, 2021 is shaping up to be another exciting year for solar and energy storage,» said Abigail Ross Hopper, President and CEO of SEIA. «Suzanne’s expertise, energy and dedication will be an instrumental part of our ability to meet SEIA’s goals in the Solar+ Decade. SEIA has already benefited from Suzanne’s involvement over the years, and together we will advance aggressive clean energy goals and invest in modern infrastructure and a diverse workforce.»

An Opportune Moment for Solar
As a member of the executive committee, Leta will focus on implementing SEIA’s Solar Vision for the Biden administration and 117th Congress, an agenda that SEIA is dedicated to moving forward within the first 100 days of the Biden-Harris administration.  This agenda includes longer-term extension of the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for both individuals and corporations, developing a diverse workforce, and increasing low-income access to distributed solar and storage.  During Leta’s term on the executive committee, she also plans to work with SEIA to reduce permitting costs via development and implementation of SolarAPP, advance model building codes that include solar and energy storage for new homes and buildings and adopt a clean electricity standard that includes distributed generation.

«We are at a significant turning point in the solar industry and have an incredible opportunity to accelerate a strong policy agenda by working in partnership with the incoming Biden-Harris administration, a new Congress, and state decision-makers motivated to fuel economic growth through renewable energy expansion,» said Leta. «We believe that accelerating distributed solar and energy storage adoption will spur well-paying jobs across the country and provide lower cost electricity options for consumers while helping to tackle our climate crisis at the same time.»

Experienced Clean Energy Leader
With 17 years of experience in renewable energy, Leta is known for her industry leadership and board expertise. At SunPower, she directs the market policy and strategy team, which is responsible for government relations, strategic business initiatives and new market entry. Before joining SunPower in 2015, she led the U.S. power and renewables business for Atkins, now SNC-Lavalin.

Leta currently serves on leadership and policy councils to the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE), Advanced Energy Economy (AEE), Local Solar for All, and SolarAPP, and is also on the Renewable Energy Advisory Council for Energy Trust of Oregon.

About SEIA®: 
The Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA) is leading the transformation to a clean energy economy, creating the framework for solar to achieve 20% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030. SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies and other strategic partners to fight for policies that create jobs in every community and shape fair market rules that promote competition and the growth of reliable, low-cost solar power. Founded in 1974, SEIA is a national trade association building a comprehensive vision for the Solar+ Decade through research, education and advocacy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.

About SunPower
Headquartered in California’s Silicon Valley, SunPower (NASDAQ:SPWR) is a leading Distributed Generation Storage and Energy Services provider in North America. SunPower offers the only solar + storage solution designed and warranted by one company that gives customers control over energy consumption, resiliency during power outages while providing cost savings to homeowners, businesses, governments, schools and utilities. For more information, visit www.sunpower.com.

© 2021 SunPower Corporation. All Rights Reserved. SUNPOWER and the SUNPOWER logo are registered trademarks of SunPower Corporation in the U.S.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sunpowers-head-of-policy-and-strategy-elected-to-executive-committee-of-solar-energy-industries-association-board-301217146.html

SOURCE SunPower Corp.

COVID to Limit Global Aviation Fleet Growth Over the Next 10 Years

NEW YORK, Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — By 2031, the global aviation fleet will be smaller than once projected because of the impact of COVID-19, and a decade of smaller fleets will mean constrained growth and consolidation, according to <a target="_blank"…

NEW YORK, Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — By 2031, the global aviation fleet will be smaller than once projected because of the impact of COVID-19, and a decade of smaller fleets will mean constrained growth and consolidation, according to Oliver Wyman’s Global Fleet & Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Forecast 2021-2031.

Airlines will not return to 2019 levels of operations until at least 2022, with recovery in parts of the aerospace market lagging by a year or two. For consumers, the slow recovery may mean fewer direct and less frequent routes — at least until the pandemic is under control and normal economic activity returns.

«COVID has created a long list of challenges never seen before in modern commercial aviation,» said Tom Cooper, an Oliver Wyman vice president and one of the authors of the report. «It will take the next few years for the fleet to adjust and return to stable growth, but even after 10 years, the industry will never fully regain all that it has lost from the pandemic. Right now, with many airlines still burning through millions of dollars each day, the focus must be cash flow management.»

At its lowest point during the pandemic, the global fleet had only about 13,000 aircraft in service, less than half the number flying in January 2020 as the outbreak began to spread. Today, the 2021 fleet is up to more than 23,700 aircraft. By 2031, we forecast the fleet will number more than 36,500. But it is still a far cry from pre-COVID projections, which put the 2021 global fleet at 28,800 and the 2030 fleet at more than 39,000.

Impact of less aircraft

Fewer aircraft flying means fewer planes need to be produced or repaired. Given the inventory backlog of new planes that are built but undelivered or unsold, more aircraft will be delivered to airlines over the next several years than will be produced by aerospace manufacturers. While production and deliveries are closely aligned in normal years, this imbalance reflects conflicting pressures on airframe manufacturers to balance the realities of lower market demand with needs of key suppliers to maintain enough production.

The impact of COVID on the MRO market will also be significant — both in the short and long terms.  Short term, demand in 2020 and 2021 is expected to be 33 percent, or $60 billion, below pre-COVID projections for the combined two years. Over the next 10 years, the industry will lose more than $95 billion in revenue compared with pre-COVID expectations.  

Bright spots

Despite the challenges, there are some hopeful signs. Deliveries of narrowbody aircraft are expected to hold up reasonably well, with cumulative deliveries approximately 90 percent of pre-COVID expectations over the 10 years. This class of aircraft tends to carry under 200 passengers and is benefiting from their smaller size, which makes them easier to fill during periods of lower travel demand.

In contrast, widebody aircraft deliveries and production could be as much as 40 percent below what had been predicted. This is due to falloff in international and business travel driven by changing corporate travel policies and government restrictions.

Despite significant short-term losses, the long-term outlook for MRO is a bright spot. Aftermarket providers will begin to see consistent growth over the mid and long terms, as the size of the fleet expands and the overall age increases. This will drive interest from private equity and other investors.

About the Global Fleet & MRO Market Forecast

The 2021-2031 edition of Oliver Wyman’s Global Fleet & MRO Market Forecast Commentary represents our more than two-decade commitment to the understanding and assessment of the commercial airline transport fleet and the associated maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) market outlook. The commentary is the go-to resource of aviation executives—whether a manufacturer, operator, or aftermarket provider, as well as for those with financial interests in the sector through private equity firms and investment banks.

This year’s research focuses on the aviation industry’s recovery from COVID-19, subsequent growth and related trends affecting aftermarket demand, maintenance costs, technology, and labor supply after a devastating 2020. The outlook reveals significant challenges the industry faces as it develops and expands its recovery and rebound plans.  An interactive tool also accompanies the report for further exploration of the forecast.

About Oliver Wyman

Oliver Wyman is a global leader in management consulting. With offices in 60 cities across 29 countries, Oliver Wyman combines deep industry knowledge with specialized expertise in strategy, operations, risk management, and organization transformation. The firm has more than 5,000 professionals around the world who work with clients to optimize their business, improve their operations and risk profile, and accelerate their organizational performance to seize the most attractive opportunities. Oliver Wyman is a business of Marsh & McLennan Companies [NYSE: MMC]. For more information, visit www.oliverwyman.com. Follow Oliver Wyman on Twitter @OliverWyman.

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/covid-to-limit-global-aviation-fleet-growth-over-the-next-10-years-301217276.html

SOURCE Oliver Wyman

COVID to Limit Global Aviation Fleet Growth Over the Next 10 Years

NEW YORK, Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — By 2031, the global aviation fleet will be smaller than once projected because of the impact of COVID-19, and a decade of smaller fleets will mean constrained growth and consolidation, according to <a target="_blank"…

NEW YORK, Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — By 2031, the global aviation fleet will be smaller than once projected because of the impact of COVID-19, and a decade of smaller fleets will mean constrained growth and consolidation, according to Oliver Wyman’s Global Fleet & Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Forecast 2021-2031.

Airlines will not return to 2019 levels of operations until at least 2022, with recovery in parts of the aerospace market lagging by a year or two. For consumers, the slow recovery may mean fewer direct and less frequent routes — at least until the pandemic is under control and normal economic activity returns.

«COVID has created a long list of challenges never seen before in modern commercial aviation,» said Tom Cooper, an Oliver Wyman vice president and one of the authors of the report. «It will take the next few years for the fleet to adjust and return to stable growth, but even after 10 years, the industry will never fully regain all that it has lost from the pandemic. Right now, with many airlines still burning through millions of dollars each day, the focus must be cash flow management.»

At its lowest point during the pandemic, the global fleet had only about 13,000 aircraft in service, less than half the number flying in January 2020 as the outbreak began to spread. Today, the 2021 fleet is up to more than 23,700 aircraft. By 2031, we forecast the fleet will number more than 36,500. But it is still a far cry from pre-COVID projections, which put the 2021 global fleet at 28,800 and the 2030 fleet at more than 39,000.

Impact of less aircraft

Fewer aircraft flying means fewer planes need to be produced or repaired. Given the inventory backlog of new planes that are built but undelivered or unsold, more aircraft will be delivered to airlines over the next several years than will be produced by aerospace manufacturers. While production and deliveries are closely aligned in normal years, this imbalance reflects conflicting pressures on airframe manufacturers to balance the realities of lower market demand with needs of key suppliers to maintain enough production.

The impact of COVID on the MRO market will also be significant — both in the short and long terms.  Short term, demand in 2020 and 2021 is expected to be 33 percent, or $60 billion, below pre-COVID projections for the combined two years. Over the next 10 years, the industry will lose more than $95 billion in revenue compared with pre-COVID expectations.  

Bright spots

Despite the challenges, there are some hopeful signs. Deliveries of narrowbody aircraft are expected to hold up reasonably well, with cumulative deliveries approximately 90 percent of pre-COVID expectations over the 10 years. This class of aircraft tends to carry under 200 passengers and is benefiting from their smaller size, which makes them easier to fill during periods of lower travel demand.

In contrast, widebody aircraft deliveries and production could be as much as 40 percent below what had been predicted. This is due to falloff in international and business travel driven by changing corporate travel policies and government restrictions.

Despite significant short-term losses, the long-term outlook for MRO is a bright spot. Aftermarket providers will begin to see consistent growth over the mid and long terms, as the size of the fleet expands and the overall age increases. This will drive interest from private equity and other investors.

About the Global Fleet & MRO Market Forecast

The 2021-2031 edition of Oliver Wyman’s Global Fleet & MRO Market Forecast Commentary represents our more than two-decade commitment to the understanding and assessment of the commercial airline transport fleet and the associated maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) market outlook. The commentary is the go-to resource of aviation executives—whether a manufacturer, operator, or aftermarket provider, as well as for those with financial interests in the sector through private equity firms and investment banks.

This year’s research focuses on the aviation industry’s recovery from COVID-19, subsequent growth and related trends affecting aftermarket demand, maintenance costs, technology, and labor supply after a devastating 2020. The outlook reveals significant challenges the industry faces as it develops and expands its recovery and rebound plans.  An interactive tool also accompanies the report for further exploration of the forecast.

About Oliver Wyman

Oliver Wyman is a global leader in management consulting. With offices in 60 cities across 29 countries, Oliver Wyman combines deep industry knowledge with specialized expertise in strategy, operations, risk management, and organization transformation. The firm has more than 5,000 professionals around the world who work with clients to optimize their business, improve their operations and risk profile, and accelerate their organizational performance to seize the most attractive opportunities. Oliver Wyman is a business of Marsh & McLennan Companies [NYSE: MMC]. For more information, visit www.oliverwyman.com. Follow Oliver Wyman on Twitter @OliverWyman.

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/covid-to-limit-global-aviation-fleet-growth-over-the-next-10-years-301217276.html

SOURCE Oliver Wyman

Update: ReTo Eco-Solutions Receives Funding with Launch of Second High-Visibility Beijing Winter Olympics Competition Zone Project

BEIJING, Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — ReTo Eco-Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: RETO) («ReTo» or the «Company»), a provider of technology solutions for the improvement of ecological environments, today announced it received State-backed funding with the launch of its second high-visibility Beijing Winter Olympics Competition Zone project. The latest project launch follows ReTo’s successful August 2020 launch of a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment solution, as part of the…

BEIJING, Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — ReTo Eco-Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: RETO) («ReTo» or the «Company»), a provider of technology solutions for the improvement of ecological environments, today announced it received State-backed funding with the launch of its second high-visibility Beijing Winter Olympics Competition Zone project. The latest project launch follows ReTo’s successful August 2020 launch of a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment solution, as part of the Yanqing-to-Chongli Expressway, connecting the two competition zones for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics in the Yanqing district of Beijing and the Chongli district of Zhangjiakou. 

ReTo worked with Tsinghua University Academy of Fine Arts on the latest high-profile, national priority research and development plan for the project. The project features many advanced technology applications in the fields of solid waste utilization, 3-D printing, solar energy utilization, energy storage and luminescent materials. As a national priority scientific research project, it will serve as a core of the Shougang Park, the main venue of the Beijing Winter Olympics, where a series of key events will be held. Under the project plan, ReTo will develop the technology, equipment and special materials, necessary facilities in the park, and the Company will provide ongoing maintenance and management of the eco-friendly solution. 

Mr. Li Hengfang, ReTo’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, «We are very excited to have a role in this showcase national project, which is directly aligned with our philosophy of Technology Improves Ecology. We have an excellent long-term relationship with Tsinghua University, and we are pleased to be cooperating together on this latest project. Tsinghua University has helped us to stay ahead of the industry in China and internationally by cooperating with us on advanced technology and concepts. The successful launch of this project underscores the breadth of our technology and eco-friendly solutions, and serves as a powerful platform to raise our profile as we pursue new growth opportunities.»

About ReTo Eco-Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: RETO)

Founded in 1999, ReTo (NASDAQ: RETO), through its proprietary technologies, systems and solutions, is striving to bring clean water and fertile soil to communities worldwide. The Company offers a full range of products and services, ranging from the production of environmentally-friendly construction materials, environmental protection equipment, and manufacturing equipment used to produce environmentally-friendly construction materials, to project consulting, design, and installation for the improvement of ecological environments, such as ecological soil restoration through solid waste treatment. For more information, please visit: http://en.retoeco.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. When the Company uses words such as «may,» «will,» «intend,» «should,» «believe,» «expect,» «anticipate,» «project,» «estimate,» or similar expressions that do not relate solely to historical matters, it is making forward-looking statements. Specifically, the Company’s statements regarding: 1) the ability of additional features and customized configurations on its machinery and equipment products to attract new customers; 2) the ability of the growth of its business to resume in the near future; and 3) the further spread of COVID-19 or the occurrence of another wave of cases and the impact it may have on the Company’s operations are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the following: the Company’s goals and strategies; the Company’s future business development; product and service demand and acceptance; changes in technology; economic conditions; the growth of the construction industry in China; reputation and brand; the impact of competition and pricing; government regulations; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing and other risks contained in reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional factors are discussed in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available for review at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/update-reto-eco-solutions-receives-funding-with-launch-of-second-high-visibility-beijing-winter-olympics-competition-zone-project-301217225.html

SOURCE ReTo Eco-Solutions, Inc.

Technomic features industry-leading foodservice and adult beverage guest speakers at January conference

CHICAGO, Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Technomic hosted its January Planning Program meetings virtually, with more than 900 manufacturers in attendance. The program’s biannual meetings provide updates on the economy, industry, menus and consumers, assisting suppliers with strategic planning.

The meeting’s theme was «Reinvent,» providing an in-depth exploration of key topics that will matter most for success in a post-pandemic environment. In addition to proprietary Technomic research, content…

CHICAGO, Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Technomic hosted its January Planning Program meetings virtually, with more than 900 manufacturers in attendance. The program’s biannual meetings provide updates on the economy, industry, menus and consumers, assisting suppliers with strategic planning.

The meeting’s theme was «Reinvent,» providing an in-depth exploration of key topics that will matter most for success in a post-pandemic environment. In addition to proprietary Technomic research, content was shared from industry-leading speakers, including David McPhillips, director of beverage strategy and innovation at Buffalo Wild Wings; Federico Valiente, director of marketing at Pollo Campero; Lance Reynolds, senior manager of the restaurant operations consulting group at US Foods; and Dave Miesse, CEO at Association for Foodservice Distributor Representatives.

«It was important for us to forecast what the restaurant landscape will look like once all virus concerns are resolved and consumer confidence in dining out rebounds,» said Bernadette Noone, vice president, programs, at Technomic. «The recommended actions within these studies will serve as a foundation for our members to make foolproof plans for the future.»

Key findings include:

  • Total foodservice industry sales declined by 26.4% nominally in 2020, while on-premise adult beverage sales declined by 47.3%
  • 82% of operators put sustainability initiatives on hold in 2020
  • 38% of operators expect to be more interested in innovation in the coming years than they were pre-pandemic

Our Foodservice Planning Program and Adult Beverage Planning Program supplier members benefit from custom studies, newsletters and ongoing deliverables in addition to annual meetings. For more information on the programs, visit Technomic.com or contact one of the individuals listed below.

Contacts:

Press inquiries and program details: Bernadette Noone, (312) 506-3853, bnoone@technomic.com
Purchasing details: Patrick Noone, (312) 506-3852, pnoone@technomic.com

About Technomic

Technomic, Inc., a Winsight company, was founded as a management consulting firm in 1966. Since then, Technomic’s services have grown to encompass cloud-based B2B research tools, consumer and menu trend tracking, as well as other leading strategic research and analytic capabilities, to prioritize and size business opportunities. Our clients include food manufacturers and distributors, restaurants, retailers and multiple other business verticals aligned with the food industry that are looking to make informed decisions to support their business growth. Visit Technomic at www.technomic.com.

 

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/technomic-features-industry-leading-foodservice-and-adult-beverage-guest-speakers-at-january-conference-301213284.html

SOURCE Technomic

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Joins with Rover to Make Pet-Friendly Travel Easier for New Pet Parents

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,000 hotels across 90 countries, today announced a new tail-wagging deal perfect for new pet parents in need of getaway. The well-known hotel company has teamed up with Rover, the nation’s largest network of five-star pet sitters and dog walkers, offering U.S. guests $30 off their first Rover pet service when they book a…

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,000 hotels across 90 countries, today announced a new tail-wagging deal perfect for new pet parents in need of getaway. The well-known hotel company has teamed up with Rover, the nation’s largest network of five-star pet sitters and dog walkers, offering U.S. guests $30 off their first Rover pet service when they book a qualified stay at any By Wyndham hotel.

The timely collaboration comes as the U.S. experiences a surge in dog adoptions, sales and fostering amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, a recent poll of pet parents by Rover noted that nearly half had recently acquired a new dog during the pandemic. And a separate survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association, found that roughly two-thirds of American families own a pet, which they spent $96 billion on in 2019, a figure that many expect will only continue to grow. In working together, Wyndham and Rover hope to help everyday travelers save money and reduce travel anxiety—particularly as they think about traveling with, or away from, their new four-legged family members.

«With thousands of pet-friendly locations across the country, our hotels have always been a go-to for families with pets.» said Lisa Checchio, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. «Many travelers are eager to start planning that next getaway. Our new partnership with Rover and their range of pet services will help pet owners take the guess work out of travel – helping them care for their pets at home or on the great American road trip.»

Rover counts more than 300,000 sitters among its network and connects pet owners with services such as dog boarding, house sitting, dog walking, doggy day care, drop-in visits and grooming in select markets. All new sitters pass a background check, provide a detailed profile and personal information, and are approved by Rover’s team of sitter specialists. Pet parents can find loving care in their neighborhood or on-the-road, making them the perfect complement to Wyndham’s more than 4,500 pet-friendly hotels across the U.S., including those under well-known brands like La Quinta® by Wyndham, Baymont® by Wyndham, Super 8® by Wyndham and Howard Johnson® by Wyndham, to name just a few.

«In joining forces with Wyndham, we’re making it easier for pet owners to travel with or without their pet. This serves our mission of making it easier for everyone to experience the love of a pet in their lives,» said Kate Jaffe, Trends Expert at Rover. «Wyndham’s pet-friendly hotels allow traveling pet parents to easily accommodate their pets. But not all travel activities are pet-friendly. That’s where Rover can help, offering peace of mind to travelers with easy to find, trusted local pet care.»

Promotional offer of $30 off is available only to new Rover customers and requires a qualified stay at any participating By Wyndham hotel. Travelers must book direct with Wyndham to qualify for the offer and complete their stay by December 31, 2021. Pet policies vary by hotel and may include certain restrictions on the type, size, and number of pets allowed. Additional hotel fees may apply. Learn more at www.wyndhamhotels.com/rover.

About Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) is the world’s largest hotel franchising company by the number of properties, with approximately 9,000 hotels across approximately 90 countries on six continents. Through its network of 804,000 rooms appealing to the everyday traveler, Wyndham commands a leading presence in the economy and midscale segments of the lodging industry. The Company operates a portfolio of 20 hotel brands, including Super 8®, Days Inn®, Ramada®, Microtel®, La Quinta®, Baymont®, Wingate®, AmericInn®, Hawthorn Suites®, Trademark Collection® and Wyndham®. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is also a leading provider of hotel management services. The Company’s award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program offers 85 million enrolled members the opportunity to redeem points at thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally. For more information, visit www.wyndhamhotels.com.

About Rover
Founded in 2011 and based in Seattle, Rover.com® is the world’s largest and most trusted network of five-star pet sitters and dog walkers. Rover connects dog and cat owners with pet care whenever they need it. Millions of services have been booked on Rover, including pet sitting, dog walking, in-home boarding, drop-in visits, doggy day care, and grooming in select markets. As The Dog People®, Rover makes it easier for people to have pet love in their lives through the Rover Guarantee, 24/7 support, vet consultations, and GPS walk tracking. And by sharing expertise on TheDogPeople.com, a trusted resource for millions of dog and cat parents worldwide, Rover provides tips and articles that delight, inform, and enhance the bond between people and their pets. To learn more about Rover, please visit http://www.rover.com.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wyndham-hotels–resorts-joins-with-rover-to-make-pet-friendly-travel-easier-for-new-pet-parents-301217138.html

SOURCE Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Conner Named Vice President Of FERC And RTO Strategy & Policy

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) has named Amanda Riggs Conner vice president – FERC and RTO Strategy & Policy, effective Jan. 30.

Conner will be responsible for ensuring AEP’s generation and grid development businesses are represented in policy matters at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and Regional Transmission Organizations (RTO). She will report to <span…

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) has named Amanda Riggs Conner vice president – FERC and RTO Strategy & Policy, effective Jan. 30.

Conner will be responsible for ensuring AEP’s generation and grid development businesses are represented in policy matters at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and Regional Transmission Organizations (RTO). She will report to Antonio Smyth, senior vice president – Grid Solutions.

Conner, 46, currently serves as managing director in AEP’s Washington, D.C., office, focusing on FERC and federal legislative issues. She began working for AEP in 2012 as senior counsel in the Legal Department, representing the company in PJM transmission owner committees and handling transmission formula rate and market based rate issues before FERC.

«Amanda brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with federal regulatory and policy issues that will strengthen our efforts as we continue making investments in the energy solutions that improve service to our customers,» Smyth said.

Prior to joining AEP, Conner held a counsel position at Orrick, where she represented renewable developers in project finance and related matters before FERC, including market-based rate applications, qualifying facility self-certifications, applications for approval of transactions involving jurisdictional facilities, and interconnection of renewable generation. Previously, she was an associate attorney with Wright & Talisman, where she represented Southwest Power Pool and the MISO transmission owners in numerous FERC matters, including those involving energy market implementation and compliance with open access transmission directives. Conner earned her bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and her law degree from Indiana University – Maurer School of Law.

American Electric Power, based in Columbus, Ohio, is focused on building a smarter energy infrastructure and delivering new technologies and custom energy solutions to our customers. AEP’s approximately 17,000 employees operate and maintain the nation’s largest electricity transmission system and more than 221,000 miles of distribution lines to efficiently deliver safe, reliable power to nearly 5.5 million regulated customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation’s largest electricity producers with approximately 30,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity, including more than 5,300 megawatts of renewable energy. AEP’s family of companies includes utilities AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia and West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana, east Texas and the Texas Panhandle). AEP also owns AEP Energy, AEP Energy Partners, AEP OnSite Partners, and AEP Renewables, which provide innovative competitive energy solutions nationwide. For more information, visit aep.com.

(PRNewsfoto/American Electric Power)

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/conner-named-vice-president-of-ferc-and-rto-strategy–policy-301217076.html

SOURCE American Electric Power

Shaquille O’Neal Takes on the Biggest Sunday in Sports With ‘Mercari Presents The SHAQ Bowl’ – The Ultimate Big Game Kickoff Show Live From Tampa on Sunday, Feb. 7

NEW YORK, Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ —

Migos, DJ Diesel and Superstar Special Guest TBA to Headline The Halftime Show Presented by Pepsi Stronger Together Hosted by Terrell Owens & Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson; Featuring Ezekiel Elliott, Anthony Anderson, Nelly, Tim Tebow, Quavo, Offset, Winnie Harlow, Olivia…

NEW YORK, Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ —

Migos, DJ Diesel and Superstar Special Guest TBA to Headline The Halftime Show Presented by Pepsi Stronger Together Hosted by Terrell Owens & Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson; Featuring Ezekiel Elliott, Anthony Anderson, Nelly, Tim Tebow, Quavo, Offset, Winnie Harlow, Olivia Culpo, Diplo, Drew McIntyre, The Miz and More Competing in Live Challenges; Plus, an Epic Live Performance From Bryson Tiller Presented by Papa John’s

The biggest Sunday in sports just got SHAQ sized – Shaquille O’Neal is set to bring his unrivaled game-day energy to millions of living rooms with the ultimate Big Game Sunday Kick-Off Show: Mercari Presents The SHAQ Bowl. Broadcasting live from Tampa, Florida, in a custom-built SHAQ Bowl stadium, the all-new event will feature professional athletes, celebrities, and A-list stars across two teams competing in fun, viral challenges to win the first-ever SHAQ Bowl Trophy. The live three-hour special begins Sunday, Feb. 7, at 3 p.m. ET and is available for free on Facebook (@SHAQ) and via SHAQBowl.com. Additionally, it will be simulcasted by LiveXLive across 20+ other platforms including LiveXLive, YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, Twitter, and more. 

«The Big Game looks pretty different than it has in years past. With no in-person events, I decided to team up with Mercari to create The SHAQ Bowl and connect fans across America on the biggest Sunday in sports,» said Shaquille O’Neal. «We’ve got celebrity-fueled viral challenges, plus a superstar musical lineup for our Halftime Show. Be prepared for the most exciting and action-packed kickoff event ever!»

Known as the Big Game Weekend’s most in-demand and buzzed-about event, Shaq’s Fun House returns as The SHAQ Bowl. Hosted by Hall of Famer Terrell Owens, 4x Pro-Bowler Chad «Ochocinco» Johnson, and Sarah Walsh, featuring an unrivaled slate of celebrity guests, SHAQ is inviting America to join him for the biggest kickoff event of all time. 

The SHAQ Bowl Halftime Show Presented by Pepsi Stronger Together will feature multi-platinum recording artist Migos, DJ Diesel, and a Superstar Special Guest TBA in a one-of-a-kind performance. Plus, Pepsi will present Restaurant Battles, showcasing four local Tampa restaurants live on The SHAQ Bowl competing for a $10,000 grant.

The Corona® brand is bringing beach vibes and game-day excitement to fans at home as The Official Beer and Hard Seltzer of The SHAQ Bowl. Papa John’s® is serving up its all-new Epic Stuffed Crust featuring an epic performance from Bryson Tiller presented by Papa John’s. Fans at home will do what moves them and enjoy a BACARDÍ Coco Conga – The Official Cocktail of The SHAQ Bowl. 

Mercari presents The SHAQ Bowl will showcase professional athletes, A-list celebrities, and musical artists in a series of show-stopping viral challenges. The full list of participating talent includes: 

  • Team Kansas City – Diplo, Ezekiel Elliott, Olivia Culpo, Quavo, Steve-O, The Miz 
  • Team Tampa Bay – Anthony Anderson, Drew McIntyre, Nelly, Offset, Tim Tebow, Winnie Harlow

Mercari Presents The SHAQ Bowl Celebrity Challenges Live From Tampa: 

  • #PassTheBall Challenge Presented by Mercari – A sports obstacle course that will include football, basketball, golf, and more 
  • Celebrity Dodgeball – Prepare for the ultimate game of celebrity dodgeball 
  • Hot Wing Challenge Presented by Truff – Shaquille O’Neal will find out who can handle the heat in this hot wing battle featuring Truff hot sauce 
  • Tug-of-War Presented by JCPenney – The biggest battle of strength will be officiated by Shaquille O’Neal 
  • Dance Challenge Presented by Aéropostale – Shaquille O’Neal will serve as a judge when the teams bring their swagger to the dance floor 
  • Six-Pack Challenge Presented by Emsculpt Neo – Witness the celebrity teams as they duke it out in a sit-up challenge to determine which team has the most grit and which celebrity has the strongest core
  • Sauce Showdown Presented by Skillshare – Bring «all the boys to the yard» with a game-day skill test led by famed «Milkshake» R&B singer and chef Kelis
  • Surf’s Up Challenge Presented by Nautica – An ocean-inspired challenge to test which team can last the longest on a mechanical surfboard 

In addition to the celebrity challenges, Shaquille O’Neal will join in on the fun with one very special challenge:

  • Shaquille O’Neal vs. Bryson The #EpicStuffs Challenge Presented by Papa John’s – An epic race between SHAQ and Bryson Tiller in Papa John’s Epic Stuffed Chair, the ultimate sports-watching seat to enjoy the new Epic Stuffed Crust Pizza. 

Mercari, The Presenting Partner of The SHAQ Bowl, connects millions of people across the U.S. to shop and sell almost anything. Aiming to empower the next generation of athletes by giving them access to pre-loved equipment and gear, sellers on Mercari have the opportunity to «Pass the Ball» to those following in their footsteps. «Mercari is delighted to bring a new element of fun to this year’s all-new Mercari Presents The SHAQ Bowl,» said John Lagerling, Mercari US CEO. «This has been a challenging year for many Americans and, at its core, Mercari is about connecting people. We look forward to partnering with SHAQ to bring people together across America in what is sure to be Big Game Sunday’s most exciting event.» The partnership is highlighted by the forthcoming Mercari x SHAQ Bowl shop, which will offer limited-edition SHAQ Bowl signed memorabilia to benefit The Boys & Girls Club of America. Fans can learn more about the shop at SHAQBOWL.com.

The SHAQ Bowl Halftime Show Presented by Pepsi Stronger Together – Pepsi’s series of grassroots initiatives bringing tailored programming to communities around the country – will feature multi-platinum recording artist Migos, DJ Diesel, and a Superstar Special Guest TBA in a one-of-a-kind performance. In addition, Pepsi Stronger Together is partnering with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) to donate $100,000 in grants to help struggling bay-area restaurants. Through the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), Pepsi and the NRAEF will award $10,000 grants to Tampa restaurants – recipients of which will be announced live during the SHAQ Bowl. 

«Shaq has been an invaluable partner for Pepsi Stronger Together, helping us give back to communities around the country while inspiring people to take action,» said Derek Lewis, President, South Division, PepsiCo Beverages North America. «We have seen an incredible response in cities from Miami to Memphis, Louisville to Washington, D.C. – from a charitable food drive, a community basketball court refurbishment, to mentorship programs with local universities – and we are thrilled to be able to give back to Tampa Bay’s small business community with the wildly popular SHAQ Bowl as a platform.» 

Papa John’s has teamed up once again with Shaquille O’Neal, a Papa John’s board member and restaurant owner to showcase the brand’s all-new Epic Stuffed Crust. During The SHAQ Bowl, Papa John’s will present a performance from legendary artist Bryson Tiller, known for his 2016 breakout TrapSoul, which paved the way for his musical career while an employee at Papa John’s. Most of all, fans won’t want to miss SHAQ vs. Bryson in «The #EpicStuffs Challenge Presented by Papa John’s,» where the pair will race to the finish line in a Papa John’s Epic Stuffed Chair, the grand prize of the Epic Stuffs Sweepstakes the company is holding from now until Feb. 14. To learn how to enter and see rules, visit www.papajohns.com/sweepstakes.

In a year where tailgates are fewer and watch parties are more intimate, BACARDÍ is bringing game-day excitement to fans at home with its Coco Conga, a delicious coconut mojito, the official cocktail of The SHAQ Bowl. BACARDÍ encourages fans across the globe to «do what moves you» with the cocktail inspired by the brand’s reimagining of the global hit «Conga» releasing this week.

Corona® will present a special segment full of surprises with some of Shaquille O’Neal’s closest friends.

Skillshare is excited to bring one of its celebrity teachers, Grammy-nominated artist-turned-cooking-icon Kelis, to The SHAQ Bowl. Kelis’ sauce-making class is one of tens of thousands of classes that Skillshare members can explore, including illustration, photography, film, design, productivity, and so much more. In addition to teaching a new skill to each participant and judging their newfound mastery, or lack thereof, she’ll also provide recipe demos for viewers at home looking to up their game-day sauce regime. 

Xersion® activewear, available only at JCPenney, has created the custom jerseys for SHAQ’s celebrity teams which will compete in a series of viral challenges including Tug-of-War Presented by JCPenney. SHAQ will officiate Tug-of-War as the teams battle it out in what is sure to be a highlight of the show. Xersion activewear is built for performance and inspires the Motivation to Move, regardless of size or fitness level. 

During the trying times of today, the thought of a six-pack is going straight to the store and bypassing the gym. Watch some of your favorite celebrities take on a six-pack challenge brought to you by Emsculpt Neo, the first FDA-cleared 2-in-1 body contouring treatment that simultaneously melts fat while building muscle. Who will survive? Which celebrity contestants will be smart enough to seek out Emsculpt Neo in advance to get 12-16 weeks of HIIT training in, 30% fat reduction and a 25% increase in muscle?

The SHAQ Bowl is produced by Medium Rare, in partnership with ABG Entertainment. Medium Rare’s track record at Big Game Weekend is second to none with some of the most viral events in history including Gronk Beach and Shaq’s Fun House. Now pulling in huge audiences for primetime broadcasts, Medium Rare recently produced The Sports Illustrated Awards, SHAQ vs GRONK, and Black Entrepreneurs Day. This live broadcast, merging incredible celebrity-fueled challenges, a halftime show, and championship predictions from some of the greatest names in the game, will be no exception as it’s poised to be watched by millions of fans around the country.

«We are incredibly excited to deliver Mercari Presents The SHAQ Bowl to millions of Americans on the biggest day for sports and entertainment of the year. There is a real need for an entertainment-driven Big Game kickoff show and The SHAQ Bowl will not only be a warm-up to the Big Game, but a pop culture phenomenon in its own right,» said Joe Silberzweig and Adam Richman, Medium Rare. 

«Building off of the success of the innovative events we have co-produced with Medium Rare, we are incredibly proud to unveil The SHAQ Bowl as an extraordinary Big Game show watched by millions of fans around the country and developed in partnership with some of the greatest names in the business,» said Marc Rosen, President – Entertainment at ABG.

The SHAQ Bowl will air live from Tampa on Sunday, Feb. 7, from a brand-new, custom-built studio. The live, three-hour special begins at  3 p.m. ET and is available for free on Facebook (@SHAQ) and via SHAQBowl.com. Additionally, it will be simulcasted by LiveXLive across 20+ other platforms including LiveXLive, YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, Twitter, and more.

Final Event Flyer

3D SHAQ Bowl Stadium Map

Shaq’s Fun House Photo Highlights

About Medium Rare 

Focused at the intersection of Sports & Entertainment, Medium Rare partners with global icons to build live event and content brands. Medium Rare is the creator and producer of: Shaq’s Fun House, Gronk Beach, Black Entrepreneurs Day, The Sports Illustrated Awards, SHAQ vs GRONK, and more. Medium Rare also manages and produces custom activations for leading brands and icons including DJ Diesel aka Shaquille O’Neal, Rob Gronkowski, DJ Carnage, and Virgin Voyages. Medium Rare was founded by Joe Silberzweig and Adam Richman, who previously worked with global festivals across Live Nation, Tomorrowland, and LiveStyle. Earlier this year, Joe and Adam were named to the Forbes 30U30 list and Pollstar’s Next Gen Impact list. Learn more at www.Medium-Rare.com.

About ABG Entertainment

ABG Entertainment offers unparalleled storytelling through long-form and short-form content, live event production, hospitality and immersive experiences in collaboration with the world’s most influential creators, distributors, brands and artists. ABG Entertainment is a division of Authentic Brands Group, a global brand development, marketing and entertainment company, and owner of a portfolio of iconic and renowned brands that generate more than $14 billion in retail sales worldwide. For more information, visit authenticbrandsgroup.com.

About Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal is one of the world’s most successful athlete-turned-businessman, whose accomplishments both on and off the court have translated into a highly sought-after consumer brand. As an entrepreneur, sports analyst, DJ, restaurateur, and brand ambassador, Shaquille O’Neal’s signature «Business of Fun» mantra resonates throughout each of his countless endeavors. The 15-time NBA All-Star’s unprecedented athletic career spanned nearly two decades and earned him countless awards and honors, including NBA Most Valuable Player, NBA Rookie of the Year, four NBA Championships and a First Ballot NBA Hall of Famer. Currently, O’Neal is an analyst on TNT’s Emmy Award-winning «Inside the NBA.» O’Neal, who has a Ph.D. in Leadership and Education, gives back through a number of annual philanthropic programs including Shaq to School, Shaqsgiving, and Shaq a Claus. The launch of his Las Vegas eatery Big Chicken has further elevated Shaquille’s status as he has positioned himself as a successful restaurateur. A second Big Chicken location is open in Glendale, California, and additional locations will debut at sea on Carnival Cruise Lines Radiance and Mardi Gras. Follow Shaquille O’Neal on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram.

About Mercari US

Mercari, Inc. («Mercari») is your marketplace. Our platform connects millions of people across the U.S. to shop and sell items no longer being used. Mercari is constantly innovating to make exchanges easier, from at-home authentication to improvements in online payments and shipping. Mercari has more than 50 million downloads in the U.S. and 350,000 new listings every day, empowering the next generation to transform the way they shop. Mercari can be downloaded on app stores or accessed online through www.mercari.com.

About Pepsi Stronger Together

Pepsi Stronger Together is a national initiative to empower and engage communities around the country by providing tailored programming and resources that bring people together. It was conceived with the idea that now, more than ever, we must foster a sense of connection and belonging, starting by investing locally. Launched in May of 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic – engaging its network of partners in the South to shine a spotlight on essential front-line workers in a variety of industries – Pepsi Stronger Together was expanded in October of 2020 by partnering with NBA teams and charitable organizations to foster, among other things, community and police relations. Get involved at pepsistrongertogether.com and follow the conversation on social media with @pepsistrongertogether. 

About Corona® Brand Family 

The Corona brand family is home to Corona Extra, Corona Light, Corona Familiar, Corona Premier, Corona Refresca, and Corona Hard Seltzer. The entire Corona portfolio is brewed in Mexico by Constellation Brands and imported and marketed exclusively to the U.S. by the company. As always, Corona encourages consumers 21 and older to enjoy its products and to Relax responsibly®.

Media Contacts:
Zach Rosenfield – zach@rmg-pr.com
Amanda Sprague – amanda@rmg-pr.com

Related Images

mercari-presents-the-shaq-bowl.jpg
Mercari Presents The SHAQ Bowl

the-shaq-bowl-stadium.jpg
The SHAQ Bowl Stadium

image3.png

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shaquille-oneal-takes-on-the-biggest-sunday-in-sports-with-mercari-presents-the-shaq-bowl—the-ultimate-big-game-kickoff-show-live-from-tampa-on-sunday-feb-7-301217031.html

SOURCE Mercari Presents The SHAQ Bowl