The Nutrition Facts Label and MyPlate Can Help You Make Healthier Food Choices in 2021

SILVER SPRING, Md., Jan. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Thinking about making healthier food choices as part of your New Year’s resolutions, but not sure where to start? The newly released Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 encourages Americans to make shifts in their food and beverage…

SILVER SPRING, Md., Jan. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Thinking about making healthier food choices as part of your New Year’s resolutions, but not sure where to start? The newly released Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 encourages Americans to make shifts in their food and beverage choices based on personal, cultural and traditional preferences in order to achieve a healthy dietary pattern. The updated Nutrition Facts label and MyPlate can serve as tools to help you set goals for a healthy dietary pattern and maintain them all year long!

Using the Nutrition Facts label to make healthier food choices.
The updated Nutrition Facts label can help you make informed choices that contribute to lifelong healthy eating habits and meet the recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The label provides important nutrition information about packaged food and drinks—from serving size to calories and nutrient information. So, what’s new on the label?

  • The serving size now appears in larger, bold font and some serving sizes have been updated. Serving sizes have also been updated to better reflect the amount people typically eat and drink.
  • Calories are now displayed in larger, bolder font.
  • Daily Values have been updated.
  • Added sugars, vitamin D, and potassium are now listed on the label. Manufacturers must declare the amount in addition to percent Daily Value for vitamins and minerals.

Here are a few ways you can make the most of the label in the new year.

  • Use the Nutrition Facts label to monitor calories and use serving information to help you choose the right portion sizes for you.
  • When shopping for groceries, use the label to compare different food items. More often, choose items higher in dietary fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium, and lower in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars.

Planning your meals while keeping MyPlate in mind.
MyPlate shows the five food groups that are the building blocks of a healthy diet using a familiar image: a place setting for a meal. Here are a few ways you can use MyPlate to stick with your resolutions in 2021.

  • Try to include all five food groups (vegetables, fruits, grains, protein foods, and dairy) in your meals. To make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need, choose a variety of foods and beverages from each food group.
  • Make small changes to your meals so that they are as complete as possible. For example, if you are cooking pasta, add veggies to the sauce. Or if you’re craving something sweet, cut up fruit for dessert!

Learn more about how you can use the Nutrition Facts label and MyPlate together to make healthier choices: https://www.fda.gov/food/new-nutrition-facts-label/using-nutrition-facts-label-and-myplate-make-healthier-choices.

For more nutrition education information from FDA, visit www.fda.gov/nutritioneducation.

Contact: Media: 1-301-796-4540 Consumers: 1-888-SAFEFOOD (toll-free)

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

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SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration

The Nutrition Facts Label and MyPlate Can Help You Make Healthier Food Choices in 2021

SILVER SPRING, Md., Jan. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Thinking about making healthier food choices as part of your New Year’s resolutions, but not sure where to start? The newly released Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 encourages Americans to make shifts in their food and beverage choices based on…

SILVER SPRING, Md., Jan. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Thinking about making healthier food choices as part of your New Year’s resolutions, but not sure where to start? The newly released Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 encourages Americans to make shifts in their food and beverage choices based on personal, cultural and traditional preferences in order to achieve a healthy dietary pattern. The updated Nutrition Facts label and MyPlate can serve as tools to help you set goals for a healthy dietary pattern and maintain them all year long!

Using the Nutrition Facts label to make healthier food choices.
The updated Nutrition Facts label can help you make informed choices that contribute to lifelong healthy eating habits and meet the recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The label provides important nutrition information about packaged food and drinks—from serving size to calories and nutrient information. So, what’s new on the label?

  • The serving size now appears in larger, bold font and some serving sizes have been updated. Serving sizes have also been updated to better reflect the amount people typically eat and drink.
  • Calories are now displayed in larger, bolder font.
  • Daily Values have been updated.
  • Added sugars, vitamin D, and potassium are now listed on the label. Manufacturers must declare the amount in addition to percent Daily Value for vitamins and minerals.

Here are a few ways you can make the most of the label in the new year.

  • Use the Nutrition Facts label to monitor calories and use serving information to help you choose the right portion sizes for you.
  • When shopping for groceries, use the label to compare different food items. More often, choose items higher in dietary fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium, and lower in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars.

Planning your meals while keeping MyPlate in mind.
MyPlate shows the five food groups that are the building blocks of a healthy diet using a familiar image: a place setting for a meal. Here are a few ways you can use MyPlate to stick with your resolutions in 2021.

  • Try to include all five food groups (vegetables, fruits, grains, protein foods, and dairy) in your meals. To make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need, choose a variety of foods and beverages from each food group.
  • Make small changes to your meals so that they are as complete as possible. For example, if you are cooking pasta, add veggies to the sauce. Or if you’re craving something sweet, cut up fruit for dessert!

Learn more about how you can use the Nutrition Facts label and MyPlate together to make healthier choices: https://www.fda.gov/food/new-nutrition-facts-label/using-nutrition-facts-label-and-myplate-make-healthier-choices.

For more nutrition education information from FDA, visit www.fda.gov/nutritioneducation.

Contact: Media: 1-301-796-4540 Consumers: 1-888-SAFEFOOD (toll-free)

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SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Nationwide Survey Finds Utilities Lack the Analytics Needed to Improve Grid Resiliency In a Time of Extreme Weather

HOLLYWOOD, Fla., Jan.14, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — NV5 Geospatial, powered by Quantum Spatial, North America’s largest geospatial data firm, today announced results of a recent survey showing that most utility companies are not taking advantage of advanced data and analytics to improve resilience and mitigate risk. The…

HOLLYWOOD, Fla., Jan.14, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — NV5 Geospatial, powered by Quantum Spatial, North America’s largest geospatial data firm, today announced results of a recent survey showing that most utility companies are not taking advantage of advanced data and analytics to improve resilience and mitigate risk. The «Geospatial Analytics, Resilience and Extreme Weather Readiness» survey of more than 100 utilities from across the United States revealed that even though almost all utilities have wildfire and storm mitigation strategies in place, only about one-third are using locational data and 3D modeling to assist with evaluating asset health, preventing outages and managing vegetation.

«In 2020 alone, 30 named Atlantic storms caused almost $40 billion in damages, while California experienced a record drought that resulted in rolling blackouts and spawned five of the six largest wildfires in history. These unpredictable challenges are difficult for utilities to manage, as are more predictable problems, such as vegetation growth around critical infrastructure. ,» said Eric Merten, vice president and general manager, Commercial Markets at NV5 Geospatial. «Advanced data and analytics offer a proven way to improve risk mitigation and build on utilities’ GIS investments. By taking a ‘collect once, use multiple times’ approach, utilities can cost-effectively use lidar and 3D modeling to proactively monitor and manage the grid, promoting resilience in the face of extreme weather events and more common root causes of outages.»

Survey findings include:

  • Utilities said they have put comprehensive strategies in place to reduce risk from storms (89%) and fire (68%) (see figure 1). But even though 66% said they use data to analyze risk from fires and storms, only 39% rely on locational data and 3D modeling as part of the process.
  • The largest sources of outages, aside from the event itself, are vegetation management (56%) and aging infrastructure (53%).
  • Factors that drive utility wildfire and storm risk mitigation include worker safety (80%) customer safety (76%) and managing customer expectations (60%).
  • Of the technologies available for managing risk, fewer than half currently use transmission siting (40%), geological hazard mapping (31%) or 3D modeling of substations (23%). Another 24% of utilities surveyed indicated they use no technologies at all.
  • Less than half of survey respondents currently use lidar, with investor-owned utilities (IOUs) adopting the technology at the highest rate (53%) compared to only 16% of cooperatives.
  • More than 50% said the primary benefits of using 3D modeling for asset health, outage prevention and vegetation management included improved safety for workers and customers, asset management and outage restoration outcomes, as well as less risk of fire and costly outages

The survey was conducted Fall 2020 by Zpryme with representatives from more than 100 utility companies.

For full details, download the «Geospatial Analytics, Resilience and Extreme Weather Readiness» survey.

About NV5 Geospatial
NV5 Geospatial, powered by Quantum Spatial, is North America’s largest provider of geospatial services, providing end-to-end solutions and insights to organizations that need geospatial intelligence to mitigate risk, plan for growth, better manage resources and advance scientific understanding. We combine the widest array of advanced remote sensing technologies with proprietary processes, analytics tools, algorithms, and analysis tailored to meet our clients’ needs. For more information visit quantumspatial.com, join us on LinkedIn or follow us on Twitter @nv5geospatial.

About NV5
NV5 Global, Inc. is a leading provider of compliance, technology, and engineering consulting solutions for public and private sector clients supporting infrastructure, utility, and building assets and systems. The Company primarily focuses on six business verticals: testing, inspection & consulting, infrastructure support services, utility services, buildings & program management, environmental health sciences, and geospatial technology services. NV5 operates out of more than 100 offices nationwide and abroad. For additional information, please visit the Company’s website at http://www.NV5.com. Also visit the Company on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Vimeo.

Media Contact

Maria Bradley, Kickstart Consulting for NV5 Geospatial, +1-415-509-0498, mbradley@kickstartconsulting.com

 

SOURCE NV5 Geospatial

ClimeCo Expands Sustainability Services with the Hire of Emily Damon

BOYERTOWN, Pa., Jan. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — ClimeCo announces the expansion of its sustainability services, launching a dedicated sustainability and ESG team. The team is joined by Emily Damon, who, prior to joining <a target="_blank"…

BOYERTOWN, Pa., Jan. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — ClimeCo announces the expansion of its sustainability services, launching a dedicated sustainability and ESG team. The team is joined by Emily Damon, who, prior to joining ClimeCo, led the North American ESG Sustainability practice for a multinational, 7,000-person consulting firm. The team brings cross-sectoral expertise in sustainability reporting, tracking, risk management, target-setting, and ESG strategy.

«Our customers are seeking advice on ESG as pressure mounts from their board, shareholders, and consumers to be more sustainable,» says Bill Flederbach, President and CEO of ClimeCo. «As expectations intensify, companies are finding them increasingly complex to navigate, so it was a natural step for us to add Emily to our sustainability team. The experience and skillset she brings to the team is key to keeping our customers on top of this challenge.»

Damon will serve as Vice President and leader of the Sustainability, Policy and Advisory team. She specializes in ESG performance and disclosure. Her work spans reporting, materiality assessment, rating and ranking optimization, and risk assessment. She also has deep expertise in corporate climate strategy, including greenhouse gas accounting, target-setting, abatement strategy, energy efficiency, and renewable energy.

«The growth we’ve seen in sustainability demands on companies continues to accelerate,» says Damon. «We help our clients turn what can be a headache into an opportunity to improve performance. This expanded ESG team, along with ClimeCo’s net-zero experts, is in a unique position to help our clients become sustainability leaders.»

Damon holds a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering from Stanford University. She has spent over a dozen years in sustainability consulting. Her work has spanned many industries, including retail, apparel/fashion/footwear, real estate, food & beverage, pharmaceutical, energy & extractives, industrial processing, and logistics.  She loves a good challenge, whether it’s a spreadsheet or stakeholder, and is proud to support ClimeCo’s mission—making a difference today for a better world tomorrow.

About ClimeCo

ClimeCo is a respected advisor, transaction facilitator, and trader of environmental commodity market products. We specialize in regulated carbon, regional criteria pollutant trading programs, voluntary markets, sustainability, and project development and financing of GHG abatement and mitigation systems. For more information or to discuss how ClimeCo can drive value for your organization, contact us at 484.415.0501, info@climeco.com, or through our website climeco.com.

 

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SOURCE ClimeCo

Glen Davis to lead Sunfolding

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Sunfolding board of directors is excited to announce the appointment of Glen Davis as Chief Executive Officer.

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Sunfolding board of directors is excited to announce the appointment of Glen Davis as Chief Executive Officer.

«Glen’s track record and experience enables Sunfolding to accelerate growth at a pivotal time,» said director Bruce Sohn.

Over 35 years as a distinguished energy executive, Davis has led market share development, revenue and profit growth, and new market expansion while serving as CEO at RES Americas; Group Leader at AES Corp., a global independent power producer; and CEO at Agile Energy, a solar project developer.

Davis joins a powerhouse leadership team at Sunfolding with deep experience in product development and gigawatt-scale project deployment. Last year, Sunfolding added Bruce Sohn, former president of First Solar, to the board of directors.

Jurgen Krehnke, Sunfolding CEO since August 2017, will continue to serve the company in an advisory role.

«Sunfolding’s focus has been to develop world-leading solar tracker technology, unlock project profitability, and scale to operational excellence. As Sunfolding’s growth accelerates, we are absolutely thrilled to welcome Glen to the leadership team,» said Sunfolding CTO and Founder Leila Madrone.

«Glen understands the project developer and EPC’s perspective. His track record and experience will enable Sunfolding to accelerate growth at a pivotal time for the energy sector,» Sohn said.

«Sunfolding’s transformative tracker technology offers unparalleled design freedom, cost improvements, and operational advantages. By partnering with us, our customers build more solar projects with better project economics. Our value proposition and ability to deliver what our customers demand will drive Sunfolding’s growth in an expanding solar market,» Davis said.

Davis holds an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management and a mechanical engineering degree from Brown University.

About Sunfolding
Sunfolding maximizes profitability with innovative solar tracking technology. Powered by air, the Sunfolding T29™ Single-Axis Tracker deploys on land previously off limits to utility-scale solar. The Sunfolding T29 also makes solar plants faster to install and easier to operate. Sunfolding has won recognition as a 2020 Global Cleantech 100 Company and a 2019 Bloomberg New Energy Pioneer. Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, Sunfolding ships US-manufactured trackers throughout North America and Australia. For more information, visit Sunfolding.com.

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SOURCE Sunfolding

The Blue Book Network® and Regional Hispanic Contractors Association Form Strategic Alliance

DALLAS, Jan. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Blue Book Building and Construction Network www.thebluebook.com the largest and most active network in the commercial construction industry, has partnered with the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association <a target="_blank"…

DALLAS, Jan. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Blue Book Building and Construction Network www.thebluebook.com the largest and most active network in the commercial construction industry, has partnered with the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association https://regionalhca.org/ to provide its members with significant value-added benefits.

The Blue Book Building & Construction Network

This new alliance complements the missions of both organizations in supporting the growth of the construction industry. Subcontractors will now have access to pre-bid meetings, networking events, and special promotions and discounts. In addition, General Contractor members will have free access to The Blue Book Network’s leading Bid Communication and Collaboration solution, ONETEAM. 

«We are excited about the opportunity to become more actively involved with the RHCA,» said Matt Daniel, Dallas-Fort Worth Area General Manager at The Blue Book Network. «Both our organizations have had a presence in Dallas-Fort Worth for more than 20 years. Deepening our relationship with this partnership couldn’t have come at a better time and will benefit both our constituencies as well as the local economy.»  

John H. Martinez-D., President of the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association, commented, «During this time of uncertainty, The Blue Book Network partnership with the RHCA gives our diverse contractor members confidence in finding out about project opportunities. The RHCA is proud of our alliance with one of the construction industry’s most trusted members.»

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.

About Regional Hispanic Contractors Association 
The mission of the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association is to promote and support the advancement and economic growth of the Hispanic contractors, architects and engineers in Texas. We are committed to developing programs and facilitating the resources needed to help the diverse Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (A/E/C) Industry reach their potential.

Contact: Matt Daniel, Area General Manager, (609)221-8247

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SOURCE The Blue Book Building and Construction Network

The Blue Book Network® and Regional Hispanic Contractors Association Form Strategic Alliance

DALLAS, Jan. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Blue Book Building and Construction Network www.thebluebook.com the largest and most active network in the commercial construction industry, has partnered with the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association <a target="_blank"…

DALLAS, Jan. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Blue Book Building and Construction Network www.thebluebook.com the largest and most active network in the commercial construction industry, has partnered with the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association https://regionalhca.org/ to provide its members with significant value-added benefits.

This new alliance complements the missions of both organizations in supporting the growth of the construction industry. Subcontractors will now have access to pre-bid meetings, networking events, and special promotions and discounts. In addition, General Contractor members will have free access to The Blue Book Network’s leading Bid Communication and Collaboration solution, ONETEAM. 

«We are excited about the opportunity to become more actively involved with the RHCA,» said Matt Daniel, Dallas-Fort Worth Area General Manager at The Blue Book Network. «Both our organizations have had a presence in Dallas-Fort Worth for more than 20 years. Deepening our relationship with this partnership couldn’t have come at a better time and will benefit both our constituencies as well as the local economy.»  

John H. Martinez-D., President of the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association, commented, «During this time of uncertainty, The Blue Book Network partnership with the RHCA gives our diverse contractor members confidence in finding out about project opportunities. The RHCA is proud of our alliance with one of the construction industry’s most trusted members.»

 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.

About Regional Hispanic Contractors Association 
The mission of the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association is to promote and support the advancement and economic growth of the Hispanic contractors, architects and engineers in Texas. We are committed to developing programs and facilitating the resources needed to help the diverse Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (A/E/C) Industry reach their potential.

Contact: Matt Daniel, Area General Manager, (609)221-8247

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SOURCE The Blue Book Building and Construction Network

Survey: America’s CEOs Start 2021 Concerned About Taxes, Optimistic About Trade, & Eager to Return to the Office

NEW YORK, Jan. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — As 2021 begins, a new survey from The Conference Board reveals the biggest issues that will keep business leaders up at night in the new year. CEOs in the United States are more worried about higher corporate taxes and increased regulation, but less worried about global political instability and disruptions to global trade. And compared to their global peers, U.S. CEOs are more eager to have staff return to the physical…

NEW YORK, Jan. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — As 2021 begins, a new survey from The Conference Board reveals the biggest issues that will keep business leaders up at night in the new year. CEOs in the United States are more worried about higher corporate taxes and increased regulation, but less worried about global political instability and disruptions to global trade. And compared to their global peers, U.S. CEOs are more eager to have staff return to the physical workplace. U.S. executives also see the widespread availability of a vaccine as a game changer for their businesses.

The survey gauged CEOs and C-suite executives from around the world about their biggest business challenges in 2021. Among the top stressors worldwide, respondents primarily cited COVID-19, recruiting and retaining top talent, recession risk, vaccine availability, and accelerating digital transformation.

The survey, C-Suite Challenge™ 2021, was conducted between November 7thDecember 10th. More than 900 CEOs and more than 600 C-suite executives weighed in from primarily three regions: Europe, Asia, and North America. Highlights and insights include the following:

External Challenges in 2021: Highlights 

U.S. CEOs think vaccine distribution will have an outsized impact on their businesses.

  • U.S. CEOs: They see vaccine availability as a game changer, ranking it 2nd (the highest among CEOs globally).
  • CEOs Globally: Among CEOs worldwide, it ranks 3rd.
  • Chinese CEOs: They rank it much lower, at 9th.

U.S. CEOs are more worried about regulation & taxes, less worried about trade & global turmoil.

  • More concern about corporate tax rates: In 2020, it was U.S. CEOs’ 14th top worry; in 2021, it rose to 5th.
  • More concern about regulation: In 2020, it was their 9th top worry; in 2021, it rose to 4th.
  • Less concern about trade disruptions: In 2020, it was their 4th top worry; in 2021, it dropped to 7th.
  • Less concern about global political instability: In 2020, it was their 4th top worry; in 2021, it dropped to 10th.

Recession fears: Chinese CEOs are more worried than U.S. CEOs about another downturn.

  • U.S. CEOs: They rank recession risk as their 3rd top worry for 2021.
  • Chinese CEOs: They rank recession risk 1st – their top worry.
  • CEOs Globally: Among CEOs worldwide, it ranks 2nd.

Internal Challenges in 2021: Highlights

Turbocharging innovation: COVID-19 has accelerated the need for creativity.

  • Accelerate pace of digital transformation: Both U.S. CEOs and CEOs globally rank it 1st.
  • Improve innovation: Both U.S. CEOs and CEOs globally rank it 2nd.

As recession fears linger, companies stay defensive by prioritizing cash flow & controlling costs.

  • Lower costs: Globally, CEOs rank the need to control costs as 4th; U.S. CEOs rank it 3rd.
  • Improve cash flow: Globally, CEOs rank it 6th; U.S. CEOs rank it 7th.

Human Capital Management Challenges in 2021: Highlights

Returning to the office: U.S. CEOs are most committed to bringing workers back.

  • Bringing workers back to the physical workspace: Among CEOs globally, it ranks 9th; U.S. CEOs rank it 3rd.

Remote work stabilizes: Few CEOs plan to further increase or decrease their remote workforce.

  • Increase number of remote workers: Globally, CEOs rank it 17th; U.S. CEOs also rank it 17th.
  • Decrease number of remote workers: Globally, CEOs rank it last, at 21st; U.S. CEOs rank it 18th.

Talent reigns supreme: Recruiting and retaining the best and brightest remains the top priority.

  • Recruit and retain top talent: Regardless of a company’s location or size, attracting and retaining top talent ranks as the top priority for CEOs and other C-suite executives globally in 2021. This was also true in 2020.

COVID-19’s Legacy: CEOs Rank the Pandemic’s Long-Term Impacts

Reduced business travel is likely here to stay.

  • U.S. CEOs: They rank reduced business travel as the 2nd most likely long-term impact of COVID-19.
  • CEOs Globally: They rank this scenario as the most likely long-term impact.

Will my work office shrink? U.S. CEOs expect reduced office space.

  • U.S. CEOs: They rank reduced office space as the most likely long-term impact of COVID-19.
  • CEOs Globally: They rank this scenario as the 5th most likely long-term impact.

CEOs expect automation to accelerate.

  • U.S. CEOs: They rank more automation of tasks as the 3rd most likely long-term impact of COVID-19.
  • CEOs Globally: They rank this scenario as the 2nd most likely long-term impact.

Commentary on the survey results

Rebecca Ray, Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Human Capital, The Conference Board
«In 2021, a hybrid model with a mix of onsite and remote workers will likely be the new norm. In this environment, as new employees join teams and have little personal contact with existing team members, leaders will need to ensure that all have a sense of belonging. Organizations should take a hard pause to ask themselves: Is the culture we had – and, perhaps, want to preserve – the right culture for this new environment?»

Dana Peterson, Chief Economist, The Conference Board
«While CEOs continue to fret about a possible downturn, 2021 is poised to be the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. In most regions – especially the United States – CEOs believe the distribution of a successful vaccine will have a significant impact on their businesses this year. The spread of COVID-19 vaccines will, among other benefits, provide greater clarity and predictability around short-term planning and operations.»

Chuck Mitchell, Executive Director of Content Quality, The Conference Board
«The current crisis means the luxury of having a years-long lead time to digitally transform is gone. Investment in digital technology is only a piece of that puzzle. Organizational culture, enlightened leadership, and talent will ultimately create a sustainable competitive advantage. Recovery will require finding the right balance between conserving cash and investing in innovation needed to succeed in a new commercial landscape.»

Ataman Ozyildirim, Global Research Chair, The Conference Board
«Looking beyond reduced business travel, altered landscape of commercial office space, and increased automation of tasks, CEOs believe the need to address the resilience of global supply chains will be one of the most likely long-term legacies of COVID-19. During the pandemic, many policymakers and companies learned that a heavily optimized supply chain often lacked the agility to substitute alternate sources of supply. While concerns about global trade disruptions diminished recently, the global pandemic has exposed new vulnerabilities in supply chains.»

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

Toyota Research Institute and Stanford University’s Dynamic Design Lab Study How to Improve Automotive Safety

Inspired by the Skills of Professional Drift Drivers, Research Seeks to Combine the Technology of Vehicle Automation with Artificial Intelligence Algorithms

LOS ALTOS, Calif., Jan. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — What if every driver who ran into trouble had the instinctive reflexes of a professional race car driver and the calculated foresight of a supercomputer to avoid a crash? Researchers at Toyota Research Institute are working with <span…

Inspired by the Skills of Professional Drift Drivers, Research Seeks to Combine the Technology of Vehicle Automation with Artificial Intelligence Algorithms

LOS ALTOS, Calif., Jan. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — What if every driver who ran into trouble had the instinctive reflexes of a professional race car driver and the calculated foresight of a supercomputer to avoid a crash? Researchers at Toyota Research Institute are working with Stanford’s Dynamic Design Lab to make this vision come true.

Inspired by the Skills of Professional Drift Drivers, Research Seeks to Combine the Technology of Vehicle Automation with Artificial Intelligence Algorithms

The engineers are conducting research into how to bring together the instincts of professional drivers and automated driving technology. Their goal is to design a new level of active safety technology and share it broadly so that Toyota and other auto manufacturers can deploy it on the road.

«Every day, there are deadly vehicle crashes that result from extreme situations where most drivers would need superhuman skills to avoid a collision,» said Gill Pratt, TRI CEO and Chief Scientist at Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC). «The reality is that every driver has vulnerabilities, and to avoid a crash, drivers often need to make maneuvers that are beyond their abilities. Through this project, TRI will learn from some of the most skilled drivers in the world to develop sophisticated control algorithms that amplify human driving abilities and keep people safe. This is the essence of the Toyota Guardian™ approach.»

Every year, car crashes result in nearly 40,000 fatalities in the United States, and about 1.25 million fatalities worldwide. Toyota’s goal is to reduce that number to zero. While most crashes occur in mundane situations, in other situations drivers may need to make maneuvers that take their vehicle close to and, at times, exceed normal limits of handling. When faced with wet or slippery roads for instance, professional drivers may choose to ‘drift’ the car through a turn.

«Since 2008, our lab has taken inspiration from human race car drivers in designing algorithms that enable automated vehicles to handle the most challenging emergencies,» said Professor Chris Gerdes of Stanford University’s Dynamic Design Laboratory.  «Through this research, we have the opportunity to move these ideas much closer to saving lives on the road.» 

TRI has supported the Dynamic Design Lab’s research for many years. The current project draws upon Stanford’s published paper, «Opening New Dimensions: Vehicle Motion Planning and Control using Brakes while Drifting,» in which Stanford researchers demonstrated advanced drifting on MARTY, an electrified, automated DeLorean. Stanford’s experimental results produced a proof-of-concept architecture capable of controlling a rear-wheel drive vehicle in a drift using brakes, steering and propulsion. TRI is now applying this architecture to vehicle platforms, including the GR Supra.

TRI is also engaging Toyota’s engineering expertise in motorsports and advanced development. Toyota Racing Development (TRD U.S.A., Inc.) in the United States is providing valuable technical and experiential know-how in motorsports and drifting. Separately, TRI is also working with Toyota Motor Corporation’s Vehicle Dynamics Control Team — based in Japan — to apply the drifting architecture for future Toyota vehicles.

About Toyota Research Institute
Toyota Research Institute (TRI), established in 2015, aims to develop active vehicle safety and automated driving technologies, robotics, and other human amplification technology.  Led by Dr. Gill Pratt, TRI’s researchers use artificial intelligence to benefit society and improve the human condition by creating a future where everyone has the freedom to move, engage, and explore. TRI is based in the United States, with offices in Los Altos, California, Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Ann Arbor, Michigan. For more information about TRI, please visit http://tri.global.

Media Contacts

Stephen Hughes
Communications Manager
Toyota Research Institute
Stephen.Hughes@tri.global
650-422-8947

Wendy Rosen
Communications Dir.
Toyota Research Institute
Wendy.Rosen@tri.global
650-284-6429

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SOURCE Toyota Research Institute

New Study Finds Tax Policy Drives Connecticut’s Ongoing Fiscal & Economic Crisis

BOSTON, Jan. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Multiple rounds of tax increases aimed at high earners and corporations triggered an exodus from Connecticut of large employers and wealthy individuals, according to a

BOSTON, Jan. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Multiple rounds of tax increases aimed at high earners and corporations triggered an exodus from Connecticut of large employers and wealthy individuals, according to a new study published by Pioneer Institute.

«It’s no coincidence that the state’s ongoing economic struggles have corresponded with a string of experimental tax hikes,» said Greg Sullivan, who co-authored «Connecticut’s Dangerous Game: How the Nation’s Wealthiest State Scared Off Businesses and Worsened Its Fiscal Crisis,» with Andrew Mikula.

Over the last quarter-century, Connecticut has endured a series of budget crises. To cover ballooning costs, the state enacted sharp tax increases, including four income tax hikes in the last 20 years that caused the top rate to jump by 77 percent.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont said that the tax increases «totally disadvantage the state,» noting that it already has «some of the highest income tax rates in the country and we pay a price for that.»

In recent years, Connecticut has increasingly turned to high earners and large companies to close budget gaps, doubling a surcharge on large firms, establishing and then increasing a tax on luxury goods, and raising the income tax for the state’s highest earners.

The results have been disastrous. From 2008 to 2020, the state placed 49th among the states in private sector wage growth. In just the last couple of years, General Electric and Alexion Pharmaceuticals both moved their headquarters to Massachusetts. The flight of jobs has in turn affected existing homeowners, and before COVID-19, property values in wealthy Fairfield County were still 18 percent below their 2006 peak.

Further, these tax increases have failed to stabilize Connecticut’s finances, and large deficits continue to be projected for the state.

According to 2016 Connecticut Department of Revenue Services data, the state’s wealthiest 3 percent of families account for 41 percent of all income tax revenue. Between 2012 and 2018, Connecticut lost high earners at a rate that trailed only Washington, D.C., and those who fled earned more on average than taxpayers who migrated into the state.

Despite rate increases, the amount of taxes paid by Connecticut’s 100 top taxpayers plummeted 45 percent between 2015 and 2016 alone.

Massachusetts took a very different approach in the wake of the 1990-91 recession. A state income tax that was once 6.25 percent now stands at 5.0 percent. In recent years, the Commonwealth has gained millionaires at a higher rate than the national average, and nearly twice the rate of Connecticut.

Between January 2008 and January 2020, employment in Massachusetts grew by 12.5 percent. In contrast, Connecticut still hasn’t recovered all the jobs it lost during the Great Recession, and those it has created are, on average, lower paying.

Massachusetts has also benefited from Connecticut’s struggles to retain major corporations and wealthy individuals, and Connecticut is one of the few states from which taxable income migration to Massachusetts has been positive in recent years. That said, wealth migration remains a concern in Massachusetts, especially given the large scale of tax avoidance.

«Leaving has never been easier,» said Pioneer Institute Executive Director Jim Stergios. «In some cases, high earners can stay put and simply move money into trusts located in other states.»

About the Authors

Andrew Mikula is a Research Assistant at Pioneer Institute. Mr. Mikula was pre¬viously a Lovett & Ruth Peters Economic Opportunity Fellow at Pioneer Institute and studied economics at Bates College.

Gregory Sullivan is Pioneer’s Research Director. Prior to joining Pioneer, Sullivan served two five-year terms as Inspector General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and was a 17-year member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Greg is a Certified Fraud Investigator, and holds degrees from Harvard College, The Kennedy School of Public Administration, and the Sloan School at MIT.

About Pioneer

Pioneer’s mission is to develop and communicate dynamic ideas that advance prosperity and a vibrant civic life in Massachusetts and beyond.

Pioneer’s vision of success is a state and nation where our people can prosper and our society thrive because we enjoy world-class options in education, healthcare, transportation, and economic opportunity, and where our government is limited, accountable and transparent.

Pioneer values an America where our citizenry is well-educated and willing to test our beliefs based on facts and the free exchange of ideas, and committed to liberty, personal responsibility, and free enterprise.

Media Contact

Micaela Dawson, Pioneer Institute, 617-723-2277, micaela@pioneerinstitute.org

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SOURCE Pioneer Institute