NIH effort seeks to understand MIS-C, range of SARS-CoV-2 effects on children

BETHESDA, Maryland, March 2, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The National Institutes of Health has launched a new research effort to understand how SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, affects children, who account for <a target="_blank"…

BETHESDA, Maryland, March 2, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The National Institutes of Health has launched a new research effort to understand how SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, affects children, who account for roughly 13% of the total cases of COVID-19 in the United States. The effort is called the Collaboration to Assess Risk and Identify Long-term Outcomes for Children with COVID (CARING for Children with COVID). This research program is developing and funding studies to investigate why some children are at greater risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection than others, why symptoms vary among children who are infected, and how to identify children at risk for severe illness from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Research on the latter question is focused particularly on multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), a life-threatening condition marked by severe inflammation of one or more parts of the body, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes and gastrointestinal organs.

The program is led by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) in collaboration with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Research conducted through CARING for Children with COVID is supported in part by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.

«This effort stems from NIH’s commitment to understanding the spectrum of risk that SARS-CoV-2 poses for children and to identifying interventions to improve their short- and long-term health outcomes,» said NICHD Director and CARING for Children with COVID co-chair Diana Bianchi, M.D.

Based on current data, most children with SARS-CoV-2 infection do not develop serious illness. However, those who do go on to develop MIS-C can experience prolonged fever and severe abdominal pain and may progress to shock. Although most children with MIS-C survive, its cause and long-term effects remain largely unknown. There is also early evidence that some children with asymptomatic or mild infection may go on to develop such long term symptoms as fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and respiratory problems.

«While much of the devastation wrought by COVID-19 is on older and vulnerable populations, it is affecting children in ways we are just beginning to understand,» said Gary Gibbons, M.D., director of the NHLBI and co-chair of CARING for Children with COVID. «That’s why this research and these networks are so critical.»

Specifically, the program developed new research protocols for three clinical networks with sites across the country, to include children with SARS-CoV-2 infection and related conditions, including MIS-C:

CARING for Children with COVID also includes Predicting Viral-Associated Inflammatory Disease Severity in Children with Laboratory Diagnostics and Artificial Intelligence (PreVAIL kIds), a research funding program to encourage the development of approaches that identify children at high risk for developing MIS-C. PreVAIL kIds is funded by NIH’s Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) Radical (RADx-rad) program to support new, non-traditional approaches and reimagined uses of existing tools to address gaps in COVID-19 testing and surveillance.

Although the studies supported by CARING for Children with COVID have slightly different goals, all will collect data on a core set of health measures that can later be analyzed across studies. Data from CARING for Children with COVID activities will be made available on multiple NIH web platforms to allow researchers to conduct additional analyses and make more discoveries.

More information on the effort is available on the CARING for Children with COVID website at Caring4KidsWithCOVID.nih.gov.

About the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD): NICHD leads research and training to understand human development, improve reproductive health, enhance the lives of children and adolescents, and optimize abilities for all. For more information, visit https://www.nichd.nih.gov.

About the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI): NHLBI is the global leader in conducting and supporting research in heart, lung, and blood diseases and sleep disorders that advances scientific knowledge, improves public health, and saves lives. For more information, visit www.nhlbi.nih.gov.

About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit https://www.nih.gov.  

 

SOURCE Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; National Institutes of Health (NIH)

J L Stream lanza la aplicación de social LIVE streaming ‘Made in India’

MUMBAI, India, 2 ed marzo de 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Con más de 680 millones de usuarios activos de Internet y 450 millones de usuarios de redes sociales, India tiene uno de los datos de menor precio en el mundo. Este segundo mercado online más grande está creciendo rápidamente para ser uno de los mayores consumidores de contenido a nivel mundial. J L Stream es promovido por la actriz de Bollywood Shilpa Shetty Kundra, el empresario Raj Kundra junto con un consejo asesor de visionarios de la…

MUMBAI, India, 2 ed marzo de 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Con más de 680 millones de usuarios activos de Internet y 450 millones de usuarios de redes sociales, India tiene uno de los datos de menor precio en el mundo. Este segundo mercado online más grande está creciendo rápidamente para ser uno de los mayores consumidores de contenido a nivel mundial. J L Stream es promovido por la actriz de Bollywood Shilpa Shetty Kundra, el empresario Raj Kundra junto con un consejo asesor de visionarios de la industria como Raj Nayak – ex jefe de Viacom, Bunty Bahl – consejero delegado de ITW Playworx Media & Entertainment & Nandan Jha – ex responsable de operaciones de Ease My Trip. J L significa Jaldi Live – una aplicación móvil de social LIVE streaming que da a los usuarios la oportunidad de transmitir su talento, ser descubierto, chatear y ganar.

J L Stream launches globally. Discover. Chat. Earn.

La aplicación tiene una característica única llamada K.I.S.S. que significa ‘Keep It Simple Streamer’ y da una opción a los usuarios para compartir un video corto de su talento junto con su introducción para ayudar a ser descubierto más rápido. En J L Stream, los usuarios pueden transmitir en cualquier lugar en cualquier momento, mostrar su talento, dar gritos a su audiencia y ganar dinero con dinero instantáneo. La aplicación estará disponible en todo el mundo excepto China. Los usuarios podrán comprar monedas en la aplicación y pagar a los streamers a través de regalos virtuales durante las sesiones en vivo. Los streamers pueden retirar sus ganancias al instante a través de múltiples opciones de pago digital.

Encantado con el próximo lanzamiento, el consejero delegado, Raj Kundra dijo: «En los últimos 5 años, India ha visto una cantidad sustancial de crecimiento en la forma en que consumimos datos y vemos contenido. Jaldi Live es una parte importante de la nueva cultura de internet que da a cada persona con cualquier talento una plataforma para convertirse en una estrella. Ya hemos cruzado 1 instalación de Lakh. Estoy orgulloso de decir que la aplicación está hecha en la India y estará disponible en todo el mundo.»

Para obtener más información o para descargar la aplicación, vaya a www.JLStream.com.

Acerca de J L Stream India Pvt Ltd 

J L Stream India Pvt Ltd es fundada y promovida por el empresario Raj Kundra. J L Stream es una aplicación de transmisión en vivo social sin problemas. El Logo J L se une para formar un ‘Namaste’, un gesto de gratitud hacia los demás. Una aplicación orgullosamente Made in India, para el mundo.

Foto – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1447714/J_L_Stream_Launch.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1447721/JLStream_Logo.jpg

J L Stream Logo

Contacto de Medios: 
Reena Kapoor 
Director – Talento & RRPP
reenak@jlstream.com

J L Stream lanza la aplicación de social LIVE streaming ‘Made in India’

MUMBAI, India, 2 ed marzo de 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Con más de 680 millones de usuarios activos de Internet y 450 millones de usuarios de redes sociales, India tiene uno de los datos de menor precio en el mundo. Este segundo mercado online más grande está creciendo rápidamente para ser uno de los mayores consumidores de contenido a nivel mundial. J L Stream es promovido por la actriz de Bollywood Shilpa Shetty Kundra, el empresario Raj Kundra junto con un consejo asesor de visionarios de la…

MUMBAI, India, 2 ed marzo de 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Con más de 680 millones de usuarios activos de Internet y 450 millones de usuarios de redes sociales, India tiene uno de los datos de menor precio en el mundo. Este segundo mercado online más grande está creciendo rápidamente para ser uno de los mayores consumidores de contenido a nivel mundial. J L Stream es promovido por la actriz de Bollywood Shilpa Shetty Kundra, el empresario Raj Kundra junto con un consejo asesor de visionarios de la industria como Raj Nayak – ex jefe de Viacom, Bunty Bahl – consejero delegado de ITW Playworx Media & Entertainment & Nandan Jha – ex responsable de operaciones de Ease My Trip. J L significa Jaldi Live – una aplicación móvil de social LIVE streaming que da a los usuarios la oportunidad de transmitir su talento, ser descubierto, chatear y ganar.

J L Stream launches globally. Discover. Chat. Earn.

La aplicación tiene una característica única llamada K.I.S.S. que significa ‘Keep It Simple Streamer’ y da una opción a los usuarios para compartir un video corto de su talento junto con su introducción para ayudar a ser descubierto más rápido. En J L Stream, los usuarios pueden transmitir en cualquier lugar en cualquier momento, mostrar su talento, dar gritos a su audiencia y ganar dinero con dinero instantáneo. La aplicación estará disponible en todo el mundo excepto China. Los usuarios podrán comprar monedas en la aplicación y pagar a los streamers a través de regalos virtuales durante las sesiones en vivo. Los streamers pueden retirar sus ganancias al instante a través de múltiples opciones de pago digital.

Encantado con el próximo lanzamiento, el consejero delegado, Raj Kundra dijo: «En los últimos 5 años, India ha visto una cantidad sustancial de crecimiento en la forma en que consumimos datos y vemos contenido. Jaldi Live es una parte importante de la nueva cultura de internet que da a cada persona con cualquier talento una plataforma para convertirse en una estrella. Ya hemos cruzado 1 instalación de Lakh. Estoy orgulloso de decir que la aplicación está hecha en la India y estará disponible en todo el mundo.»

Para obtener más información o para descargar la aplicación, vaya a www.JLStream.com.

Acerca de J L Stream India Pvt Ltd 

J L Stream India Pvt Ltd es fundada y promovida por el empresario Raj Kundra. J L Stream es una aplicación de transmisión en vivo social sin problemas. El Logo J L se une para formar un ‘Namaste’, un gesto de gratitud hacia los demás. Una aplicación orgullosamente Made in India, para el mundo.

Foto – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1447714/J_L_Stream_Launch.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1447721/JLStream_Logo.jpg

J L Stream Logo

Contacto de Medios: 
Reena Kapoor 
Director – Talento & RRPP
reenak@jlstream.com

J L Stream lanza la aplicación de social LIVE streaming ‘Made in India’

MUMBAI, India, 2 ed marzo de 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Con más de 680 millones de usuarios activos de Internet y 450 millones de usuarios de redes sociales, India tiene uno de los datos de menor precio en el mundo. Este segundo mercado online más grande está creciendo rápidamente para ser uno de los mayores consumidores de contenido a nivel mundial. J L Stream es promovido por la actriz de Bollywood Shilpa Shetty Kundra, el empresario Raj Kundra junto con un consejo asesor de visionarios de la…

MUMBAI, India, 2 ed marzo de 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Con más de 680 millones de usuarios activos de Internet y 450 millones de usuarios de redes sociales, India tiene uno de los datos de menor precio en el mundo. Este segundo mercado online más grande está creciendo rápidamente para ser uno de los mayores consumidores de contenido a nivel mundial. J L Stream es promovido por la actriz de Bollywood Shilpa Shetty Kundra, el empresario Raj Kundra junto con un consejo asesor de visionarios de la industria como Raj Nayak – ex jefe de Viacom, Bunty Bahl – consejero delegado de ITW Playworx Media & Entertainment & Nandan Jha – ex responsable de operaciones de Ease My Trip. J L significa Jaldi Live – una aplicación móvil de social LIVE streaming que da a los usuarios la oportunidad de transmitir su talento, ser descubierto, chatear y ganar.

J L Stream launches globally. Discover. Chat. Earn.

La aplicación tiene una característica única llamada K.I.S.S. que significa ‘Keep It Simple Streamer’ y da una opción a los usuarios para compartir un video corto de su talento junto con su introducción para ayudar a ser descubierto más rápido. En J L Stream, los usuarios pueden transmitir en cualquier lugar en cualquier momento, mostrar su talento, dar gritos a su audiencia y ganar dinero con dinero instantáneo. La aplicación estará disponible en todo el mundo excepto China. Los usuarios podrán comprar monedas en la aplicación y pagar a los streamers a través de regalos virtuales durante las sesiones en vivo. Los streamers pueden retirar sus ganancias al instante a través de múltiples opciones de pago digital.

Encantado con el próximo lanzamiento, el consejero delegado, Raj Kundra dijo: «En los últimos 5 años, India ha visto una cantidad sustancial de crecimiento en la forma en que consumimos datos y vemos contenido. Jaldi Live es una parte importante de la nueva cultura de internet que da a cada persona con cualquier talento una plataforma para convertirse en una estrella. Ya hemos cruzado 1 instalación de Lakh. Estoy orgulloso de decir que la aplicación está hecha en la India y estará disponible en todo el mundo.»

Para obtener más información o para descargar la aplicación, vaya a www.JLStream.com.

Acerca de J L Stream India Pvt Ltd 

J L Stream India Pvt Ltd es fundada y promovida por el empresario Raj Kundra. J L Stream es una aplicación de transmisión en vivo social sin problemas. El Logo J L se une para formar un ‘Namaste’, un gesto de gratitud hacia los demás. Una aplicación orgullosamente Made in India, para el mundo.

Foto – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1447714/J_L_Stream_Launch.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1447721/JLStream_Logo.jpg

J L Stream Logo

Contacto de Medios: 
Reena Kapoor 
Director – Talento & RRPP
reenak@jlstream.com

NIH effort seeks to understand MIS-C, range of SARS-CoV-2 effects on children

BETHESDA, Maryland, March 2, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The National Institutes of Health has launched a new research effort to understand how SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, affects children, who account for <a target="_blank"…

BETHESDA, Maryland, March 2, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The National Institutes of Health has launched a new research effort to understand how SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, affects children, who account for roughly 13% of the total cases of COVID-19 in the United States. The effort is called the Collaboration to Assess Risk and Identify Long-term Outcomes for Children with COVID (CARING for Children with COVID). This research program is developing and funding studies to investigate why some children are at greater risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection than others, why symptoms vary among children who are infected, and how to identify children at risk for severe illness from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Research on the latter question is focused particularly on multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), a life-threatening condition marked by severe inflammation of one or more parts of the body, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes and gastrointestinal organs.

The program is led by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) in collaboration with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Research conducted through CARING for Children with COVID is supported in part by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.

«This effort stems from NIH’s commitment to understanding the spectrum of risk that SARS-CoV-2 poses for children and to identifying interventions to improve their short- and long-term health outcomes,» said NICHD Director and CARING for Children with COVID co-chair Diana Bianchi, M.D.

Based on current data, most children with SARS-CoV-2 infection do not develop serious illness. However, those who do go on to develop MIS-C can experience prolonged fever and severe abdominal pain and may progress to shock. Although most children with MIS-C survive, its cause and long-term effects remain largely unknown. There is also early evidence that some children with asymptomatic or mild infection may go on to develop such long term symptoms as fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and respiratory problems.

«While much of the devastation wrought by COVID-19 is on older and vulnerable populations, it is affecting children in ways we are just beginning to understand,» said Gary Gibbons, M.D., director of the NHLBI and co-chair of CARING for Children with COVID. «That’s why this research and these networks are so critical.»

Specifically, the program developed new research protocols for three clinical networks with sites across the country, to include children with SARS-CoV-2 infection and related conditions, including MIS-C:

CARING for Children with COVID also includes Predicting Viral-Associated Inflammatory Disease Severity in Children with Laboratory Diagnostics and Artificial Intelligence (PreVAIL kIds), a research funding program to encourage the development of approaches that identify children at high risk for developing MIS-C. PreVAIL kIds is funded by NIH’s Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) Radical (RADx-rad) program to support new, non-traditional approaches and reimagined uses of existing tools to address gaps in COVID-19 testing and surveillance.

Although the studies supported by CARING for Children with COVID have slightly different goals, all will collect data on a core set of health measures that can later be analyzed across studies. Data from CARING for Children with COVID activities will be made available on multiple NIH web platforms to allow researchers to conduct additional analyses and make more discoveries.

More information on the effort is available on the CARING for Children with COVID website at Caring4KidsWithCOVID.nih.gov.

About the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD): NICHD leads research and training to understand human development, improve reproductive health, enhance the lives of children and adolescents, and optimize abilities for all. For more information, visit https://www.nichd.nih.gov.

About the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI): NHLBI is the global leader in conducting and supporting research in heart, lung, and blood diseases and sleep disorders that advances scientific knowledge, improves public health, and saves lives. For more information, visit www.nhlbi.nih.gov.

About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit https://www.nih.gov.  

 

SOURCE Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; National Institutes of Health (NIH)

The RSM US Middle Market Business Index Improves as Post-Pandemic Optimism Lifts Outlook

CHICAGO, March 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The RSM US Middle Market Business Index (MMBI), presented by

CHICAGO, March 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The RSM US Middle Market Business Index (MMBI), presented by RSM US LLP («RSM») in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, rose slightly in January 2021 to 124 from 121 in December 2020, indicating that while the U.S. economy continues to see pandemic-induced challenges, businesses are optimistic about future economic activity in 2021. This is the best reading for the index since October 2020, though it is still 7% below its pre-pandemic level. The index is part of the MMBI for the first quarter.

«While concerns around COVID-19 infections in the U.S. and Europe continue, causing a somewhat bleak immediate outlook, 56% of respondents expect significant improvement in the second half of the year,» said Joe Brusuelas, RSM US LLP chief economist. «American consumers are holding on to approximately $1.5 trillion in savings, and as vaccination rates accelerate, businesses are preparing for what could be rapid reflation of strong consumer behavior toward the second half of the year. This data confirms that optimistic sentiment.»

MMBI Data Shows a Clear Economic Deceleration into the First Quarter of 2021
While there is long-term optimism over the next six months, it is important to note that only 29% of respondents indicated an improvement in current economic conditions, 39% noted a deterioration in current economic conditions and 28% implied no change.

However, a plurality of respondents, or 44%, noted a current improvement in gross revenues, and 43% indicated an improvement in net earnings. Similar to their forward view on the economy, 60% of the executives indicated they expect an improvement in gross revenues over the next six months, and 59% anticipate growth in net earnings.

Businesses Expect to Grow and Hire, Returning to Normal Levels of Inflation
The ongoing vaccination efforts, coupled with strong rates of savings, are giving cause for optimism in future employment. Over the next six months, 56% of respondents state that they expect to increase hiring, 55% will increase compensation and 48% are going to increase outlays on productivity enhancing capital expenditures.

The evolving sentiment on inflation in the middle market is also notable. Currently, 66% of respondents noted an increase in prices paid, but only 41% of survey participants reported passing those prices downstream to customers. Looking forward, 67% expect prices paid to rise, and 60% state that they intend to pass along those price increases to customers, both above their respective levels of 62% and 52%.

«Businesses are still navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Middle Market Business Index continues to provide intelligent insight,» said Neil Bradley, executive vice president and chief policy officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. «While challenges persist, people are seeing a clearer finish to the pandemic-economy. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce will keep supporting businesses as they prepare for the post-pandemic period and lay the groundwork for future success.»

Cyberthreats Continue to Increase
Responses from this quarter’s MMBI also revealed near exponential increases in perceptions of cyber threats. However, while 74% of respondents reported a higher number of cyber incidents compared to 2019, and more than a quarter reported data breaches, 93% are confident in current measures to safeguard their data.

Data and privacy issues for middle market businesses is the topic of RSM’s upcoming MMBI special report on cybersecurity. Those findings will be released in a special report later this year.

RSM will continue to publish monthly installments of the MMBI for the extent of the COVID-19 pandemic. To stay informed with the latest insights, ideas and countermeasures to minimize the outbreak’s negative effects as well as prepare for future emergency events, visit RSM’s COVID-19 Resource Center.

The survey data that informs this index reading was gathered between January 11 and January 29, 2021.

About the RSM US Middle Market Business Index
RSM US LLP and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have partnered to present the RSM US Middle Market Business Index (MMBI). It is based on research of middle market firms conducted by Harris Poll, which began in the first quarter of 2015. The survey is conducted four times a year, in the first month of each quarter: January, April, July and October. The survey panel consists of 700 middle market executives and is designed to accurately reflect conditions in the middle market.

Built in collaboration with Moody’s Analytics, the MMBI is borne out of the subset of questions in the survey that ask respondents to report the change in a variety of indicators. Respondents are asked a total of 20 questions patterned after those in other qualitative business surveys, such as those from the Institute of Supply Management and National Federation of Independent Businesses.

The 20 questions relate to changes in various measures of their business, such as revenues, profits, capital expenditures, hiring, employee compensation, prices paid, prices received and inventories. There are also questions that pertain to the economy and outlook, as well as to credit availability and borrowing. For 10 of the questions, respondents are asked to report the change from the previous quarter; for the other 10 they are asked to state the likely direction of these same indicators six months ahead.

The responses to each question are reported as diffusion indexes. The MMBI is a composite index computed as an equal weighted sum of the diffusion indexes for 10 survey questions plus 100 to keep the MMBI from becoming negative. A reading above 100 for the MMBI indicates that the middle market is generally expanding; below 100 indicates that it is generally contracting. The distance from 100 is indicative of the strength of the expansion or contraction.

About RSM US LLP
RSM’s purpose is to deliver the power of being understood to our clients, colleagues and communities through world-class audit, tax and consulting services focused on middle market businesses. The clients we serve are the engine of global commerce and economic growth, and we are focused on developing leading professionals and services to meet their evolving needs in today’s ever-changing business environment.

RSM US LLP is the U.S. member of RSM International, a global network of independent audit, tax and consulting firms with 48,000 people across 120 countries. For more information, visit rsmus.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and/or connect with us on LinkedIn.

About The U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization representing companies of all sizes across every sector of the economy. Members range from the small businesses and local chambers of commerce that line the Main Streets of America to leading industry associations and large corporations.

They all share one thing:  They count on the U.S. Chamber to be their voice in Washington, across the country, and around the world. For more than 100 years, we have advocated for pro-business policies that help businesses create jobs and grow our economy.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-rsm-us-middle-market-business-index-improves-as-post-pandemic-optimism-lifts-outlook-301238927.html

SOURCE RSM US LLP

U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce Calls on President Biden to sign Executive Order to ensure small business access to federal contracts by inclusion in «Category Management Best-In-Class» (BIC) contracts

WASHINGTON, March 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — To ensure women-owned firms receive their fair share of federal government contracts, today, the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce ( http://www.uswcc.org ) <a target="_blank"…

WASHINGTON, March 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — To ensure women-owned firms receive their fair share of federal government contracts, today, the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce ( http://www.uswcc.org ) calls on President Biden to sign a single Executive Order requiring small business suppliers are included in «Category Management Best-In-Class» (BIC) contracts.

The U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce and its members call on President Biden to sign a Presidential Executive Order to specifically:

  1. Recognize ALL Small Business spending as BIC Tier 3, regardless of the contract vehicle.
  2. Add a training requirement that all agency leadership and acquisition staff must receive training on the Category Management / BIC initiative that ensures small business inclusion.
  3. Require that new BIC vehicle awards be made in proportion to the population (i.e., proportion of large business vs. small business awards match the business population).

In 2017 through an executive order, the federal government implemented the federal acquisition process known as «Category Management» through «Best-In-Class» solutions, which introduced the concept of «Tiered» procurements. This new and unregulated process resulted in larger contracts going to fewer and larger firms thus limiting competition to a list of preferred vendors comprising only a small percentage of the total contractor market.

A November 2020 Report released by the GAO (GAO-21-40) on the impact of Category Management, found, «Of the tens of thousands of contracts eliminated by category management, 53% of them were small business contracts.»

«This anti-competitive contracting practice known as Category Management / Best-in-Class Contracts was quickly, and without thorough consideration and regulatory authority, inserted in front of the normal federal acquisition process – seemingly as a predicate to the existing Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and the requirements of the Small Business Act,» states Margot Dorfman, CEO of the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce.  «The lack of competition in this new, unregulated process drives up costs, and excludes small business thereby leaving out the vital  contributions small business suppliers bring including agility, innovation, service, etc. Further, the nuanced needs of federal agencies and regions are ignored, which leads to challenges and extra costs. Local economies suffer as small businesses are locked out of key business opportunities — which starts a downward spiral negatively impacting the industrial base and local economies.»

«Women-owned firms have been reporting for decades the difficulties they have accessing government contracts,» continues Dorfman.  «When small business suppliers depart from government contracting (either by choice or due to lack of opportunity), America suffers. Small businesses are the heartbeat of economic recovery. They are widely known to employ local talent, reinvest profits near to home to spur economic development, and bring growth and innovation to their communities.»

The U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce (USWCC) is the leading advocate for women on economic and leadership issues. As the economic leader for women, the USWCC creates opportunities, drives progress, advocates, and provides tools and solutions to support the economic growth of women across America. The USWCC ( http://www.uswcc.org/ ) is a not-for-profit 501(c)6 organization founded in 2001 with over 500,000 members; its headquarters offices are located in Washington, D.C. Contact the USWCC at (202) 607-2488.

Contact:  Charmagne Manning, charmagne@uswcc.org, (202) 607-2488.

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-womens-chamber-of-commerce-calls-on-president-biden-to-sign-executive-order-to-ensure-small-business-access-to-federal-contracts-by-inclusion-in-category-management-best-in-class-bic-contracts-301238921.html

SOURCE U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce

New GSX Cabinets and Chests Optimize Tool Storage for Mechanics and MRO Pros

SPARKS, Md., March 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Professional automotive, industrial and MRO technicians know when a project is well thought out. The end result doesn’t just look good; it answers every question at every turn. No, «Yeah, but» about it.

SPARKS, Md., March 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Professional automotive, industrial and MRO technicians know when a project is well thought out. The end result doesn’t just look good; it answers every question at every turn. No, «Yeah, but» about it.

Top-shelf build quality, but also with built-in features that meet and exceed the needs for the most demanding users.

That was the motivation behind the new GSX Tool Storage products from GEARWRENCH. Three new chests, each compatible with one of three new rolling tool cabinets to provide maximum storage capacity that is easy to access.

«The last thing we ever want to see are pros shaking their heads in disappointment, so we built our new GSX cabinets and chests for them in every sense of the word,» said Chris Coll, product manager at GEARWRENCH. «Top-shelf build quality, but also with built-in features and functionality that meet and exceed the day-to-day needs for the most demanding users.»

The GSX Tool Chests are made from 20-gauge steel for durability and strength. Gas-charged lift support struts offer easy opening and closing, and durable black foam mat liners are included for each drawer and the top storage space. The two larger chests both feature a power strip with four outlets and two USB ports with an on/off switch for convenient charging. A trigger lock system drawer release allows drawers to open and close naturally.

The GSX Tool Cabinets roll on heavy duty industrial casters for easy mobility around the work site. Drawers are made from 22-gauge steel and ride on ball bearing slides for exceptional load capacity and easy slide action. Finally, GEARWRENCH GSX Chests and Cabinets come in matching sizes (26″, 36″ and 41″) so they can be paired together for even more storage.

Joining the cabinets and chests is the new 35″ 7 Drawer GSX Series Rolling Tool Cart with Tilt Top (83246). It features a built-in charging station, auto-return sliding drawers and textured finish for durability. With more than 16,200 cubic inches of storage capacity, its compact design is even more impressive.

For more information, visit gearwrench.com.

About GEARWRENCH®
GEARWRENCH is a premier hand tool brand from Apex Tool Group. Since the launch of the original five-degree ratcheting wrench, the GEARWRENCH brand has led the industry with breakthroughs in pass-thru ratchets, sockets, screw/nut drivers, pliers, and specialty tools. For more information, visit www.gearwrench.com.

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SOURCE GEARWRENCH

Dionisio Gutiérrez joins Freedom House Board of Trustees

WASHINGTON, March 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ –The Guatemalan businessman, journalist and PhD in Sociology and Political Science, made history in recent days by becoming the first Latin American to serve on the Board of Trustees of Freedom House, the most important organization in the United States dedicated to the promotion of democracy around the world.

WASHINGTON, March 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ –The Guatemalan businessman, journalist and PhD in Sociology and Political Science, made history in recent days by becoming the first Latin American to serve on the Board of Trustees of Freedom House, the most important organization in the United States dedicated to the promotion of democracy around the world.

In the words of the Board’s Chairman⎯and former Secretary of Homeland Security of the United States⎯, Michael Chertoff, Gutiérrez’s admission: «Will bring an important perspective to Freedom House. He will strengthen our understanding of democracy and freedom in Latin America and will assist as we work to empower citizens to exercise their rights and reject repression and promote our fundamental conviction that freedom flourishes in democratic countries where leaders must be held accountable for their behavior. We are honored that he has agreed to offer his talent and wisdom to Freedom House».

The Board Members, including Francis Fukuyama, Stanford Professor and writer, Anthony Lake, former NSA, and other world personalities, congratulated Gutiérrez and recognized his work in promoting democracy in the region.

Dionisio Gutiérrez’s civic career has been prolific. In its beginnings, towards the end of the eighties, he was president of Cámara de la Libre Empresa, and host and director of the successful television program Libre Encuentro, which was broadcasted uninterruptedly for 20 years with high audience levels throughout Central America. From these spaces he dedicated himself to promoting democratic dialogue between different sectors of his country and to denouncing abuses of power. Since 2006 he has presided Fundación Libertad y Desarrollo, in 2013 he hosted the television program Dimensión and in 2018 he premiered the television program Razón de Estado.

Freedom House is an organization based in Washington, D.C., and is constituted of prominent intellectuals around the world. It is dedicated to speak out against the main threats to democracy and empowers citizens to exercise their fundamental rights. Working as an independent watchdog organization dedicated to the expansion of freedom and democracy around the world, Freedom House is notable for its nonpartisan character and commitment to maintaining support for its mission among members of both major US political parties.

 

 

 

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SOURCE Freedom House

The Dolphin Company celebra 16 años de ser una Empresa Socialmente Responsable

CANCÚN, México, 2 de marzo de 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Dolphin Company, la operadora de parques más grande de América Latina y la empresa #1 de nado con delfines, anunció que fue reconocida por el Centro Mexicano para la Filantropía (Cemefi) con el Distintivo de Empresa Socialmente Responsable por cumplir 16 años consecutivos con todos los estándares establecidos en los ámbitos estratégicos de Responsabilidad Social Empresarial que se…

CANCÚN, México, 2 de marzo de 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Dolphin Company, la operadora de parques más grande de América Latina y la empresa #1 de nado con delfines, anunció que fue reconocida por el Centro Mexicano para la Filantropía (Cemefi) con el Distintivo de Empresa Socialmente Responsable por cumplir 16 años consecutivos con todos los estándares establecidos en los ámbitos estratégicos de Responsabilidad Social Empresarial que se evalúan.

Cemefi es un organismo que promueve la participación filantrópica, comprometida y socialmente responsable de los ciudadanos, organizaciones sociales y empresas para alcanzar una sociedad más equitativa, solidaria y próspera. Cada año Cemefi reconoce a las empresas justas e incluyentes a través de un proceso de autodiagnóstico, agregan rentabilidad y valor a la marca, acreditando a la empresa ante sus grupos de interés como una organización comprometida públicamente con la responsabilidad social.

«Para The Dolphin Company, ser reconocida por Cemefi como Empresa Socialmente Responsable por 16 años consecutivos es el resultado del fuerte compromiso de los que formamos parte de la organización bajo el liderazgo de nuestro director el Mtro. Eduardo Albor. Nuestro diagnóstico está compuesto por más de 150 indicadores divididos en cinco secciones: Gestión de la Responsabilidad Social, Ética Empresarial, Calidad de Vida, Cuidado y Protección del Medio Ambiente y Vinculación con la comunidad. En The Dolphin Company y tenemos estrategias prioritarias enfocadas a nuestro talento, la comunidad en la que nos desarrollamos, las especies bajo nuestro cuidado y al medio ambiente. Así mismo participamos activamente en la creación e implemetación de buenas prácticas que enriquecen nuestros pilares. Agradecemos especialmente a nuestros asociados y asociadas que hacen que este distintivo sea posible cada año», comentó la Mtra. Guadalupe Jiménez, Directora de Valor Humano de The Dolphin Company.

Desde hace seis años, The Dolphin Company cuenta con la insignia ESR con el 1% de inversión social, esto quiere decir que destina este mismo porcentaje de sus utilidades antes de impuestos a acciones sociales. La empresa se caracteriza por realizar acciones en pro de grupos vulnerables de la sociedad, entre las que destacan sus eventos con causa, voluntariado, campañas de cuidado dirigidas a perros y gatos en situación de calle y cuidado del medio ambiente. The Dolphin Company refrenda su compromiso con sus grupos de interés mediante la implementación continua de prácticas sostenibles en lo económico, social y ambiental.  

Acerca de The Dolphin Company:

Por más de 26 años, The Dolphin Company ha contribuido al estudio y conservación de los mamíferos marinos, creando vínculos de amor y respeto a través de la mejor experiencia de interacción con estas especies. Millones de personas han visitado los 31 parques y hábitats que conforman actualmente el mundo de The Dolphin Company, en México, el Caribe, Estados Unidos de América, Argentina e Italia. Para más información visite www.thedolphinco.com

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FUENTE The Dolphin Company