Exciting news regarding the upcoming CBI Asia in December 2008!
July 15, 2008
For Immediate Release
Contact: Clinton Foundation Press Office+1.212.348.0360
President Bill Clinton Announces 2008 CGI Asia Meeting
Clinton Global Initiative to Host First Meeting Outside U.S. in Hong Kong
Hong Kong - Former President Bill Clinton today announced the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) will host its first meeting outside of the United States in Hong Kong on December 2-3, 2008. President Clinton will be joined by Asian heads of state, top CEOs, directors of nongovernmental organizations, philanthropists, scholars, and members of the media to address local and global challenges in the areas of education, energy and climate change, and public health.
“I am looking forward to engaging Asian leaders from government, business, and the nonprofit sector to take action on critical global challenges,” President Clinton said. “By combining Asia’s unique capacity to lead on pressing issues such as poverty alleviation and global health with the Clinton Global Initiative’s successful model that has inspired $30 billion worth of commitments to improve 200 million lives in 100 countries, this meeting holds tremendous promise and opportunity for change throughout the Asian continent and around the world.”
The CGI Asia meeting builds on the success of CGI’s Annual Meetings in New York City. Since its first Annual Meeting in 2005, CGI has brought together more than 80 current and former heads of state, hundreds of top CEOs and business leaders, directors of innovative and successful NGOs, and 10 of the last 16 Nobel Peace Laureates. Working together, CGI members have made nearly 1,000 commitments to improve the lives of more than 200 million people in over 100 countries.
Action is the defining element of the CGI approach. Each participant of CGI Asia – and any other CGI meeting – is asked to make a “Commitment to Action” in one of CGI’s focus areas. At CGI Asia, focus areas include education, energy & climate change, and public health. In the past, CGI members from the corporate sector have made commitments in the form of new approaches to their businesses, which generate financial, social, and environmental value. Members also make commitments to provide in-kind support or grants to nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to help take their work in new directions or scale up existing programs. Many commitments reflect new partnerships between members who join together to pursue new approaches and expand their impact.
The CGI Asia meeting will run for two days, engaging members in panel discussions and interactive working sessions, two key components of CGI’s methodology. Guided by facilitators and working closely with one another, participants will discuss new ideas and uncover new insights to address specific problems. CGI members will then apply these ideas and solutions to formulate their “Commitments to Action.”
Past CGI participants include: Yang Jiechi (Chinese Foreign Minister), Ban Ki Moon (U.N. Secretary-General), Kim Dae Jung (Former President, South Korea), Gordon Brown (Prime Minister, United Kingdom), Yoriko Kawaguchi (Japanese House of Councillors and former Foreign Minister), Margaret Chan (Director-General, World Health Organization), Rupert Murdoch (News Corporation), Nandan Nilekani (Infosys), Bill Gates (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation), and Jet Li (One Foundation).
CGI MilestonesIn the three years since its inception, CGI members have committed to:
Reduce more than 20 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
Provide more than three million people with access to clean-energy services in the developing world.
Ensure 1.2 million patients throughout Sudan, Chad, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo receive emergency and primary medical care, including mental health services.
Fund more than 270 microfinance institutions, permitting access to finance for close to 3 million microentrepreneurs.
Provide 8.5 million out-of-school children with access to schooling.
Supply safe drinking water for 11 million people in Asia.
About the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI)The Clinton Global Initiative is an initiative of the non-partisan William J. Clinton Foundation. Established in 2005, CGI brings together a community of global leaders to devise and implement innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. CGI’s more than 1,000 members are diverse and influential leaders from all over the world who make tangible “Commitments to Action” to create or support projects within CGI’s areas of focus and report to CGI on the progress made throughout the course of the year. The CGI community also includes college students through CGI U, regional voices from around the world through CGI International, and an online portal for anyone to make a commitment at MyCommitment.org. For further details on CGI, please visit http://www.clintonglobalinitiative.org/NETCOMMUNITY/page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2fwww.clintonglobalinitiative.org&srcid=2228&erid=0.
For more information, please contact: press@clintonglobalinitiative.org.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Good News Regarding New Advertising Standards
As mentioned in an earlier post, the FTC has concluded that distilled spirits advertising is adhering to the new standards, as had been desired. Article listed below.
FTC Report Concludes Distilled Spirits Advertising Adheres to Rigorous Adult Standards
For Immediate Release - 6/26/2008
Contact: Public AffairsTelephone: 202-682-8840
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a major report released today on self-regulation in the beverage alcohol industry, the Federal Trade Commission found “high levels of compliance” with the industry’s voluntary 70 percent 21 years of age and older demographic standard and concluded the distilled spirits industry’s advertising is directed to adults.
Specifically, the FTC found that more than 92 percent of all television, radio, and print advertising placements met the 70 percent 21+ demographic standard and more than 97 percent of total advertising impressions met the 70 percent standard.
“The FTC has stated clearly that the spirits industry has done an excellent job in ensuring that its advertising and marketing is directed to adults,” said Distilled Spirits Council President Peter H. Cressy. “Since 2003, we have instituted transparent public reports, rigorous audits and a new buying guideline for internet/digital media which have significantly contributed to the high standard cited in today’s announcement.”
The FTC did not recommend a change in the 70 percent 21+ demographic standard noting that it is grounded in the 2000 census data and that the “current 70 percent baseline standard has helped to ensure that alcohol advertising is not disproportionately directed to those below the legal drinking age, as recommended by the Surgeon General’s Call to Action.”
Cressy noted, “Not surprisingly, assertions about beverage alcohol advertising by industry critic, the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth (CAMY), once again comes in for criticism for its questionable methodologies and conclusions – something the industry has long pointed out to the news media and public officials.” Importantly, the FTC said that teen drinking “has declined substantially over time,” and “restriction on teen access to alcohol are a proven way to reduce teen drinking.” The FTC noted most teens who drink gain access to alcohol primarily through non-commercial sources such as older friends, parties where adults are present, or by taking it from their own homes, which was reinforced by a major study issued today by the U.S. Substance and Mental Health Services Administration.
-30-
FTC Press Release
FTC Report
FTC Report Concludes Distilled Spirits Advertising Adheres to Rigorous Adult Standards
For Immediate Release - 6/26/2008
Contact: Public AffairsTelephone: 202-682-8840
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a major report released today on self-regulation in the beverage alcohol industry, the Federal Trade Commission found “high levels of compliance” with the industry’s voluntary 70 percent 21 years of age and older demographic standard and concluded the distilled spirits industry’s advertising is directed to adults.
Specifically, the FTC found that more than 92 percent of all television, radio, and print advertising placements met the 70 percent 21+ demographic standard and more than 97 percent of total advertising impressions met the 70 percent standard.
“The FTC has stated clearly that the spirits industry has done an excellent job in ensuring that its advertising and marketing is directed to adults,” said Distilled Spirits Council President Peter H. Cressy. “Since 2003, we have instituted transparent public reports, rigorous audits and a new buying guideline for internet/digital media which have significantly contributed to the high standard cited in today’s announcement.”
The FTC did not recommend a change in the 70 percent 21+ demographic standard noting that it is grounded in the 2000 census data and that the “current 70 percent baseline standard has helped to ensure that alcohol advertising is not disproportionately directed to those below the legal drinking age, as recommended by the Surgeon General’s Call to Action.”
Cressy noted, “Not surprisingly, assertions about beverage alcohol advertising by industry critic, the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth (CAMY), once again comes in for criticism for its questionable methodologies and conclusions – something the industry has long pointed out to the news media and public officials.” Importantly, the FTC said that teen drinking “has declined substantially over time,” and “restriction on teen access to alcohol are a proven way to reduce teen drinking.” The FTC noted most teens who drink gain access to alcohol primarily through non-commercial sources such as older friends, parties where adults are present, or by taking it from their own homes, which was reinforced by a major study issued today by the U.S. Substance and Mental Health Services Administration.
-30-
FTC Press Release
FTC Report
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
CGI 2008 Upcoming Dates for NYC and Hong Kong
Here is the latest announcement regarding the upcoming 2008 CGI Dates for NEw York City and Hong Kong.
June 23, 2008
For Immediate Release
Contact: Clinton Foundation Press Office+1.212.348.0360
President Clinton Announces 2008 Dates for CGI and CGI Asia
New York, NY - President Clinton announced today that the fourth Annual Meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) will be held September 23-26, 2008, in New York City.
CGI Asia, the first of a series of CGI International meetings, will be held December 2-3, 2008, in Hong Kong.
The Clinton Global Initiative is a project of the non-partisan Clinton Foundation that transforms ideas into action by bringing together heads of state, business executives, directors of NGOs, academics, and philanthropists to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. At the fourth Annual Meeting, members will participate in workshops and meetings focused on four main topics: energy & climate change, education, global health, and poverty alleviation.
At CGI Asia, President Clinton will join several hundred Asian leaders to further strengthen social responsibility in Asia, and will engage the participants for two days of panel discussions and interactive working sessions, each of which will examine specific challenges and opportunities for action. The meeting will focus on three primary areas of discussion: education, energy & climate change, and public health.
Attendees at all CGI meetings make specific commitments to address one of the topics covered and report to President Clinton on the progress made throughout the course of the coming year. Attendees who do not make or keep their commitment are not invited back to subsequent meetings.
Since 2005, CGI members have made nearly 1,000 commitments to improve over 200 million lives in 100 countries.
June 23, 2008
For Immediate Release
Contact: Clinton Foundation Press Office+1.212.348.0360
President Clinton Announces 2008 Dates for CGI and CGI Asia
New York, NY - President Clinton announced today that the fourth Annual Meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) will be held September 23-26, 2008, in New York City.
CGI Asia, the first of a series of CGI International meetings, will be held December 2-3, 2008, in Hong Kong.
The Clinton Global Initiative is a project of the non-partisan Clinton Foundation that transforms ideas into action by bringing together heads of state, business executives, directors of NGOs, academics, and philanthropists to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. At the fourth Annual Meeting, members will participate in workshops and meetings focused on four main topics: energy & climate change, education, global health, and poverty alleviation.
At CGI Asia, President Clinton will join several hundred Asian leaders to further strengthen social responsibility in Asia, and will engage the participants for two days of panel discussions and interactive working sessions, each of which will examine specific challenges and opportunities for action. The meeting will focus on three primary areas of discussion: education, energy & climate change, and public health.
Attendees at all CGI meetings make specific commitments to address one of the topics covered and report to President Clinton on the progress made throughout the course of the coming year. Attendees who do not make or keep their commitment are not invited back to subsequent meetings.
Since 2005, CGI members have made nearly 1,000 commitments to improve over 200 million lives in 100 countries.
Friday, April 4, 2008
2008 Summary of State Laws Concerning Distilled Spirits is Released
For those of you interested in not just California distilled spirit regulations but those for all states across this great nation, The Distilled Spirits Council has issued the 2008 summary of state laws, 35th edition. I thought this would be of interest.
Distilled Spirits Council Issues 2008 Summary of State Laws
For Immediate Release - 4/1/2008
Contact: Public Affairs Telephone: 202-682-8840
WASHINGTON, DC -- The Distilled Spirits Council released today the 35th edition of the Summary of State Laws & Regulations Relating to Distilled Spirits, its compendium of beverage alcohol regulation in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
The Summary of State Laws & Regulations Relating to Distilled Spirits is a valuable reference tool for those in the beverage alcohol industry, state officials and interested members of the public. Divided into separate sections for Control and License states, the publication provides state-by-state information on a wide range of laws, regulations and rulings pertaining to the sale and distribution of distilled spirits in the United States.
The Summary includes entries covering trade practices, promotional activities, advertising, retail sales channels, taxes and other state charges, licenses, wholesaler monopoly protection, local option, and other areas of state regulation. The new edition also reflects changes in state laws and regulations subsequent to the publication of the 34th edition (April 2006), as well as citations to statutes, regulations, rulings, and judicial decisions.
“States are continuing to modernize their distilled spirit regulations to increase market access for spirits products resulting in more choices and added convenience for adult beverage alcohol consumers,” said Peter Cressy, President of the Distilled Spirits Council.
The publication is available on a single disk in Word format for $100 (or $105.75 in the D.C. with applicable taxes). Those interested in obtaining a copy should send a check payable to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, to DISCUS, Office of the General Counsel, 1250 Eye Street, N.W., Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20005. For more information, call 202/682-8820.
The Distilled Spirits Council is a national trade association representing producers and marketers of distilled spirits sold in the United States.
Distilled Spirits Council Issues 2008 Summary of State Laws
For Immediate Release - 4/1/2008
Contact: Public Affairs Telephone: 202-682-8840
WASHINGTON, DC -- The Distilled Spirits Council released today the 35th edition of the Summary of State Laws & Regulations Relating to Distilled Spirits, its compendium of beverage alcohol regulation in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
The Summary of State Laws & Regulations Relating to Distilled Spirits is a valuable reference tool for those in the beverage alcohol industry, state officials and interested members of the public. Divided into separate sections for Control and License states, the publication provides state-by-state information on a wide range of laws, regulations and rulings pertaining to the sale and distribution of distilled spirits in the United States.
The Summary includes entries covering trade practices, promotional activities, advertising, retail sales channels, taxes and other state charges, licenses, wholesaler monopoly protection, local option, and other areas of state regulation. The new edition also reflects changes in state laws and regulations subsequent to the publication of the 34th edition (April 2006), as well as citations to statutes, regulations, rulings, and judicial decisions.
“States are continuing to modernize their distilled spirit regulations to increase market access for spirits products resulting in more choices and added convenience for adult beverage alcohol consumers,” said Peter Cressy, President of the Distilled Spirits Council.
The publication is available on a single disk in Word format for $100 (or $105.75 in the D.C. with applicable taxes). Those interested in obtaining a copy should send a check payable to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, to DISCUS, Office of the General Counsel, 1250 Eye Street, N.W., Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20005. For more information, call 202/682-8820.
The Distilled Spirits Council is a national trade association representing producers and marketers of distilled spirits sold in the United States.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Inaugural Meeting of CGI University (CGI U) - Commitments to Action
The latest update on CGI U, with a set of its own commitments to action below. This new project allows students and universities to address global issues while in the educational environment. This is a great, non-partisan way to come together to bring business, politics and social issues together in their unique formula across the globe.
For Immediate Release
March 15, 2008
President Clinton Announces Student and University "Commitments to Action" on Pressing Global Issues
700 Students from around the world gather at Tulane University for the Inaugural Meeting of CGI U
New Orleans, LA – President Bill Clinton today opened the inaugural meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) by announcing new projects that students and universities are undertaking to improve the world. CGI U, a new non-partisan project of the Clinton Global Initiative, is mobilizing college students and universities to address global issues with practical and innovative solutions.
"Today’s generation of young people has more power to change the course of our future than any previous generation," President Clinton said. "Whether it’s from their computer in a dorm room or through student groups on campus, they are seizing opportunities to put their innovative ideas into action. I hope CGI U will embolden more students to help solve the great challenges we all face in the 21st century."
Nearly 700 college students gathered on the campus of Tulane University, traveling from more than 250 colleges and universities, representing almost each state and every continent except Antarctica. Students were joined by 29 university presidents, 11 national youth organization directors, social entrepreneurs, and college and university faculty and administrators.
CGI U’s schedule consisted of several working sessions and discussions devoted to four focus areas: energy & climate change, global health, human rights & peace, and poverty alleviation. A special session will also focus on the challenges and opportunities of rebuilding New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. Participants included New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, Brad Pitt, Lance Armstrong, Laurie David, James Carville, Lauren Bush, Dave Eggers, Betty Bigombe, and New Orleans Recovery Chief Dr. Ed Blakely, among others.
Over the course of the day, President Clinton announced several exemplary commitments made by both students and universities, descriptions of which are included below. Prior to attending the meeting, students and faculty submitted proposals on their plans to take action on these issues.
These commitments ranged from small actions with big impacts, such as installing energy-efficient light bulbs in low-income homes, to more ambitious projects such as providing support to subsistence farmers returning to Sudan. Students will carry out these projects over the coming months and years, and report back to CGI U on their progress and results.
The New Orleans community joined the CGI U attendees on Saturday afternoon to hear President Clinton speak about the need for young people to get involved in addressing the challenges of the day.
On Sunday, March 16, students will join President Clinton and Brad Pitt in the Lower 9th Ward to help rebuild New Orleans. Students will work on site preparation and erosion control measures with Pitt’s Make It Right Foundation. Make It Right made a commitment at the 2007 CGI Annual Meeting to construct 150 affordable and sustainable homes in the Lower 9th Ward.
Students not in attendance at Tulane University were able to follow the meeting live via webcast, and can make their own commitments online by visiting http://www.clintonglobalinitiative.org/NETCOMMUNITY/page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2fwww.cgiu.org&srcid=1927&erid=0.
President Clinton announced the following commitments on Saturday:
Mambidzeni Madzivire, Student, Mayo Graduate SchoolThis commitment will repair medical equipment in the developing world by pairing engineering graduate students with faculty service trips. These groups will hold trainings in Ghana and Jamaica, where the school has pre-existing relationships.
Tony C. Anderson and Marcus Penny, Students, Morehouse CollegeThis student group will raise funds to install one million energy efficient light bulbs including compact fluorescent bulbs over four years in low-income households. The pilot program will take place in Atlanta's West End.
Jokom Riak, Student, Salt Lake City Community CollegeThis commitment will support returning farmers to Southern Sudan following the peace agreement by providing farming equipment, seeds, and pesticide. Riak, a Lost Boy, came to the United States as part of the Clinton Administration's decision to grant the Lost Boys refugee status. President Clinton's resettlement initiative, has already created a website to assist in the collection of funds and will reach out to other Lost Boys to spread awareness and combine efforts.
Lu Hardin, President, University of Central ArkansasThe University is creating a new program that will leverage faculty and student research relating to poverty alleviation. Undergraduate researchers will identify best practices that can be applied in rural Arkansas. These students will work towards the implementation of their research by collaborating with think-tanks and non-profits working in the region.
Elizabeth Coleman, President, Bennington CollegeBennington College will create a center on campus that will house problem-based educational programs in five subject areas: education, energy and climate change, international health, human rights, and poverty. Visiting interdisciplinary scholars, practitioners and activists from diverse disciplines and backgrounds will spend semesters at this center, and new classes will be launched to introduce students to these issues and identify promising solutions to them.
Julie Carney, Student, Yale UniversityThrough this commitment, The Artemis Project will create an online network to allow truth commissions and their successor organizations to upload, store, and share materials. In countries with the technological capacity, truth commissions can upload digitized documents to a central database. Where this capacity is not available, The Artemis Project staff will work alongside local truth commissions to help digitize documents on the site.
Scott Cowen, President, Tulane UniversityThis commitment will create neighborhood-based health centers throughout New Orleans for residents without health insurance. Each center will employ five to eight primary care physicians, and will service up to 20,000 distinct patients.
Elliott Sanchez, Student, Loyola University - New OrleansThis commitment will create a student-sponsored microfinancing fund for community members to purchase income-building assets, such as painting supplies.
Anna Monhartova, Student, Tulane University StudentThis commitment will create a tennis-based after-school program in New Orleans, which will give students an opportunity to develop as student life and ease community tensions through sports.
Laurie Gonzalez, Katherine Reeves, Kavinda Udugama, Students, Lafayette CollegeThese students are working on an entrepreneurship and development project with the Holy Cross Neighborhood Association in the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans and the Center for Bio-Environmental Research (CBER) at Tulane and Xavier Universities to help the community build a "green" urban economy. This student group has conducted similar programs worldwide.
Qian Xiao, Student, University of California -San DiegoIn partnership with Peking University, this commitment will collect and distribute 7,500 children's books for primary and middle school students in rural China. They will also compile a guidance package with instructions on how to develop and maintain school and community libraries. This commitment will target 8 rural villages and help 800 students and 100 rural teachers.
Di Ling and Jenna Hook, Students, Rice UniversityThis commitment will create medical diagnostic backpacks for nomadic doctors in sub-Saharan Africa. Jeannie’s commitment will customize and prepare the backpacks for doctors working with the Pediatric AIDS Corps in Tanzania, Botswana and Malawi. Jenna will work with Jeanie’s team to develop a backpack to bring with her to Lesotho.
Ruth Simmons, President, Brown UniversityBrown University will build on the current partnership between Princeton, Brown and Dillard Universities to "green" Dillard University facilities and promote sustainability on campus. These institutions will also collaborate on educational opportunities for students and faculty research.
For more information on CGIU, webcasts of sessions, and updated commitments, visit http://www.clintonglobalinitiative.org/NETCOMMUNITY/page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2fwww.cgiu.org&srcid=1927&erid=0.
For Immediate Release
March 15, 2008
President Clinton Announces Student and University "Commitments to Action" on Pressing Global Issues
700 Students from around the world gather at Tulane University for the Inaugural Meeting of CGI U
New Orleans, LA – President Bill Clinton today opened the inaugural meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) by announcing new projects that students and universities are undertaking to improve the world. CGI U, a new non-partisan project of the Clinton Global Initiative, is mobilizing college students and universities to address global issues with practical and innovative solutions.
"Today’s generation of young people has more power to change the course of our future than any previous generation," President Clinton said. "Whether it’s from their computer in a dorm room or through student groups on campus, they are seizing opportunities to put their innovative ideas into action. I hope CGI U will embolden more students to help solve the great challenges we all face in the 21st century."
Nearly 700 college students gathered on the campus of Tulane University, traveling from more than 250 colleges and universities, representing almost each state and every continent except Antarctica. Students were joined by 29 university presidents, 11 national youth organization directors, social entrepreneurs, and college and university faculty and administrators.
CGI U’s schedule consisted of several working sessions and discussions devoted to four focus areas: energy & climate change, global health, human rights & peace, and poverty alleviation. A special session will also focus on the challenges and opportunities of rebuilding New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. Participants included New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, Brad Pitt, Lance Armstrong, Laurie David, James Carville, Lauren Bush, Dave Eggers, Betty Bigombe, and New Orleans Recovery Chief Dr. Ed Blakely, among others.
Over the course of the day, President Clinton announced several exemplary commitments made by both students and universities, descriptions of which are included below. Prior to attending the meeting, students and faculty submitted proposals on their plans to take action on these issues.
These commitments ranged from small actions with big impacts, such as installing energy-efficient light bulbs in low-income homes, to more ambitious projects such as providing support to subsistence farmers returning to Sudan. Students will carry out these projects over the coming months and years, and report back to CGI U on their progress and results.
The New Orleans community joined the CGI U attendees on Saturday afternoon to hear President Clinton speak about the need for young people to get involved in addressing the challenges of the day.
On Sunday, March 16, students will join President Clinton and Brad Pitt in the Lower 9th Ward to help rebuild New Orleans. Students will work on site preparation and erosion control measures with Pitt’s Make It Right Foundation. Make It Right made a commitment at the 2007 CGI Annual Meeting to construct 150 affordable and sustainable homes in the Lower 9th Ward.
Students not in attendance at Tulane University were able to follow the meeting live via webcast, and can make their own commitments online by visiting http://www.clintonglobalinitiative.org/NETCOMMUNITY/page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2fwww.cgiu.org&srcid=1927&erid=0.
President Clinton announced the following commitments on Saturday:
Mambidzeni Madzivire, Student, Mayo Graduate SchoolThis commitment will repair medical equipment in the developing world by pairing engineering graduate students with faculty service trips. These groups will hold trainings in Ghana and Jamaica, where the school has pre-existing relationships.
Tony C. Anderson and Marcus Penny, Students, Morehouse CollegeThis student group will raise funds to install one million energy efficient light bulbs including compact fluorescent bulbs over four years in low-income households. The pilot program will take place in Atlanta's West End.
Jokom Riak, Student, Salt Lake City Community CollegeThis commitment will support returning farmers to Southern Sudan following the peace agreement by providing farming equipment, seeds, and pesticide. Riak, a Lost Boy, came to the United States as part of the Clinton Administration's decision to grant the Lost Boys refugee status. President Clinton's resettlement initiative, has already created a website to assist in the collection of funds and will reach out to other Lost Boys to spread awareness and combine efforts.
Lu Hardin, President, University of Central ArkansasThe University is creating a new program that will leverage faculty and student research relating to poverty alleviation. Undergraduate researchers will identify best practices that can be applied in rural Arkansas. These students will work towards the implementation of their research by collaborating with think-tanks and non-profits working in the region.
Elizabeth Coleman, President, Bennington CollegeBennington College will create a center on campus that will house problem-based educational programs in five subject areas: education, energy and climate change, international health, human rights, and poverty. Visiting interdisciplinary scholars, practitioners and activists from diverse disciplines and backgrounds will spend semesters at this center, and new classes will be launched to introduce students to these issues and identify promising solutions to them.
Julie Carney, Student, Yale UniversityThrough this commitment, The Artemis Project will create an online network to allow truth commissions and their successor organizations to upload, store, and share materials. In countries with the technological capacity, truth commissions can upload digitized documents to a central database. Where this capacity is not available, The Artemis Project staff will work alongside local truth commissions to help digitize documents on the site.
Scott Cowen, President, Tulane UniversityThis commitment will create neighborhood-based health centers throughout New Orleans for residents without health insurance. Each center will employ five to eight primary care physicians, and will service up to 20,000 distinct patients.
Elliott Sanchez, Student, Loyola University - New OrleansThis commitment will create a student-sponsored microfinancing fund for community members to purchase income-building assets, such as painting supplies.
Anna Monhartova, Student, Tulane University StudentThis commitment will create a tennis-based after-school program in New Orleans, which will give students an opportunity to develop as student life and ease community tensions through sports.
Laurie Gonzalez, Katherine Reeves, Kavinda Udugama, Students, Lafayette CollegeThese students are working on an entrepreneurship and development project with the Holy Cross Neighborhood Association in the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans and the Center for Bio-Environmental Research (CBER) at Tulane and Xavier Universities to help the community build a "green" urban economy. This student group has conducted similar programs worldwide.
Qian Xiao, Student, University of California -San DiegoIn partnership with Peking University, this commitment will collect and distribute 7,500 children's books for primary and middle school students in rural China. They will also compile a guidance package with instructions on how to develop and maintain school and community libraries. This commitment will target 8 rural villages and help 800 students and 100 rural teachers.
Di Ling and Jenna Hook, Students, Rice UniversityThis commitment will create medical diagnostic backpacks for nomadic doctors in sub-Saharan Africa. Jeannie’s commitment will customize and prepare the backpacks for doctors working with the Pediatric AIDS Corps in Tanzania, Botswana and Malawi. Jenna will work with Jeanie’s team to develop a backpack to bring with her to Lesotho.
Ruth Simmons, President, Brown UniversityBrown University will build on the current partnership between Princeton, Brown and Dillard Universities to "green" Dillard University facilities and promote sustainability on campus. These institutions will also collaborate on educational opportunities for students and faculty research.
For more information on CGIU, webcasts of sessions, and updated commitments, visit http://www.clintonglobalinitiative.org/NETCOMMUNITY/page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2fwww.cgiu.org&srcid=1927&erid=0.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Fashion Week, Feb. 1-8, 2008 News
Fashion Week is coming up February 1-8, 2008 in New York, and it undoubtedly will be filled with the sounds and sights of the fashion world's elite. The Wines of Rioja, Imperia Vodka and Chambord are just a few of the generous sponsors at this star-studded upcoming event, where Fall 2008 Collections will be showcased.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
First Time in the Tents....Designers to Watch at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York International Exposure Puts New Collections on the Fashion Radar
New York, NY (January 22, 2008) - A new crop of design talent will showcase its collections alongside American heavyweights like Michael Kors, Vera Wang and Diane Von Furstenberg among others at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York February 1st through 8th. The collections debuting inside the Tents include 3.1 Phillip Lim, Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Iódice, Araks, Mara Hoffman, Rubin Singer and Malan Breton. Additionally, Angel Sanchez, Verrier and R. Scott French return to the runways of Bryant Park. The Fall 2008 Collections will be presented to the press, buyers, fashion insiders and celebrities who descend upon the city for the eight-day long event celebrating the best in fashion.
The international coverage of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week shines the spotlight on New York City and the many talented designers presenting on the runways in Bryant Park. Over 100,000 guests are expected to attend, including some 3,000 members of the press and fashion industry from around the world. The journalists, photographers, broadcasters and bloggers convening in the iconic tents, designed this season as a Greco Roman "Temple of Fashion," will bring the Fall 2008 Collections to fashion-lovers worldwide. The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week schedule begins with Nautica and is followed by The Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection 2008, Perry Ellis, Yigal Azrouël, Duckie Brown, Rubin Singer, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Yeohlee, Nicole Miller, Erin Fetherston, Project Runway Designer, Venexiana, Lacoste, Academy of Art University, Abaeté, Araks, Mara Hoffman, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Juan Carlos Obando, Z Zegna, Verrier, Sass & Bide, Rock & Republic, Akiko Ogawa., Lela Rose, Hervé Léger by Max Azria, DKNY, Twinkle by Wenlan, Tracy Reese, Diane Von Furstenberg, Y-3, Angel Sanchez, Tuleh, Miss Sixty, Terexov, Peter Som, Carolina Herrera, R. Scott French, Jill Stuart, Betsey Johnson, Luca Luca, Pamella Roland, MAX AZRIA, Ports 1961, Iódice, Tibi, Badgley Mischka, Monique Lhuillier, Cynthia Steffe, Dennis Basso, Diesel, Joanna Mastroianni, Vivienne Tam, Malan Breton, Nanette Lepore, Michael Kors, Milly by Michelle Smith, Carlos Miele, Anna Sui, Richard Chai, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Temperley London, Tony Cohen, Vera Wang, Naeem Khan, Rebecca Taylor, Bill Blass, Reem Acra, Calvin Klein, Chris Han, Tommy Hilfiger, Custo Barcelona, Zac Posen, Jayson Brunsdon, Project Runway, Ralph Lauren, Tadashi Shoji, Carmen Marc Valvo, Willow, Donna Karan Collection, Anne Bowen, Zang Toi and Sean John. Title sponsor Mercedes-Benz is joined by DHL, American Express, M_A_C Cosmetics, LYCRA®, Judith Ripka, YKK, W Hotels Worldwide, The Heart Truth Campaign, Evian ® Natural Spring Water, Peroni, The Wines of Rioja, Imperia Vodka, Chambord, and BAWLS Guarana as well as the following media partners The New York Times, Women's Wear Daily, Full Frontal Fashion, ULTRA HD, WGSN, IQONS and Getty Images. Each of these sponsors and partners will be providing hospitality, services and amenities to make the hectic week of shows as effortless and pleasurable as possible for all attendees. Further details and announcements on this event will follow. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2008 Collections will be held February 1 to 8, 2008.
For more information, and for press and industry registration, please visit us online at http://www.mbfashionweek.com/newyork/.
For press information including complimentary hi-resolution runway and celebrity photography please register and visit the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Newsgroup at http://www.newsgroup.mbusa.com/. Contact:Alison LevyIMG Fashion646-871-2492
mailto:Fashion646-871-2492Alison.Levy@imgworld.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
First Time in the Tents....Designers to Watch at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York International Exposure Puts New Collections on the Fashion Radar
New York, NY (January 22, 2008) - A new crop of design talent will showcase its collections alongside American heavyweights like Michael Kors, Vera Wang and Diane Von Furstenberg among others at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York February 1st through 8th. The collections debuting inside the Tents include 3.1 Phillip Lim, Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Iódice, Araks, Mara Hoffman, Rubin Singer and Malan Breton. Additionally, Angel Sanchez, Verrier and R. Scott French return to the runways of Bryant Park. The Fall 2008 Collections will be presented to the press, buyers, fashion insiders and celebrities who descend upon the city for the eight-day long event celebrating the best in fashion.
The international coverage of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week shines the spotlight on New York City and the many talented designers presenting on the runways in Bryant Park. Over 100,000 guests are expected to attend, including some 3,000 members of the press and fashion industry from around the world. The journalists, photographers, broadcasters and bloggers convening in the iconic tents, designed this season as a Greco Roman "Temple of Fashion," will bring the Fall 2008 Collections to fashion-lovers worldwide. The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week schedule begins with Nautica and is followed by The Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection 2008, Perry Ellis, Yigal Azrouël, Duckie Brown, Rubin Singer, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Yeohlee, Nicole Miller, Erin Fetherston, Project Runway Designer, Venexiana, Lacoste, Academy of Art University, Abaeté, Araks, Mara Hoffman, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Juan Carlos Obando, Z Zegna, Verrier, Sass & Bide, Rock & Republic, Akiko Ogawa., Lela Rose, Hervé Léger by Max Azria, DKNY, Twinkle by Wenlan, Tracy Reese, Diane Von Furstenberg, Y-3, Angel Sanchez, Tuleh, Miss Sixty, Terexov, Peter Som, Carolina Herrera, R. Scott French, Jill Stuart, Betsey Johnson, Luca Luca, Pamella Roland, MAX AZRIA, Ports 1961, Iódice, Tibi, Badgley Mischka, Monique Lhuillier, Cynthia Steffe, Dennis Basso, Diesel, Joanna Mastroianni, Vivienne Tam, Malan Breton, Nanette Lepore, Michael Kors, Milly by Michelle Smith, Carlos Miele, Anna Sui, Richard Chai, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Temperley London, Tony Cohen, Vera Wang, Naeem Khan, Rebecca Taylor, Bill Blass, Reem Acra, Calvin Klein, Chris Han, Tommy Hilfiger, Custo Barcelona, Zac Posen, Jayson Brunsdon, Project Runway, Ralph Lauren, Tadashi Shoji, Carmen Marc Valvo, Willow, Donna Karan Collection, Anne Bowen, Zang Toi and Sean John. Title sponsor Mercedes-Benz is joined by DHL, American Express, M_A_C Cosmetics, LYCRA®, Judith Ripka, YKK, W Hotels Worldwide, The Heart Truth Campaign, Evian ® Natural Spring Water, Peroni, The Wines of Rioja, Imperia Vodka, Chambord, and BAWLS Guarana as well as the following media partners The New York Times, Women's Wear Daily, Full Frontal Fashion, ULTRA HD, WGSN, IQONS and Getty Images. Each of these sponsors and partners will be providing hospitality, services and amenities to make the hectic week of shows as effortless and pleasurable as possible for all attendees. Further details and announcements on this event will follow. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2008 Collections will be held February 1 to 8, 2008.
For more information, and for press and industry registration, please visit us online at http://www.mbfashionweek.com/newyork/.
For press information including complimentary hi-resolution runway and celebrity photography please register and visit the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Newsgroup at http://www.newsgroup.mbusa.com/. Contact:Alison LevyIMG Fashion646-871-2492
mailto:Fashion646-871-2492Alison.Levy@imgworld.com
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Distilled Spirits Expect Continued Economic Growth Despite Weak Economy
Economic growth in the U.S has been weak, but the Distilled Spirits Industry is expected to continue growing in 2008, as reported in the article below. 2007 saw impressive growth in revenue, and although 2008 may soften slightly, the numbers are still strongly positive. See these encouraging predictions below.
DISCUS Review/2008
Forecast: Eighth Consecutive Year of Growth in 2007;
Prediction: Growth Will Continue Despite Challenging Economy
For Immediate Release - 1/25/2008
Contact: Public AffairsTelephone: 202-682-8840
New York, NY – The Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS) reported today that in 2007 distilled spirits grew for the eighth straight year, with sales up 5.6% totaling $18.2 billion and volume rising 2.4% to 181.5 million cases as consumers continued their fascination with cocktails and high-end products. The Council also reported that, despite a weakening economy, the growth would continue for a ninth year in 2008, forecasting sales growth of 4.6% to $19 billion with volume expected to rise 1.9% to 185 million cases.
“Consumer fascination with cocktail culture and the overall trend toward premiumization continued in 2007,” said Distilled Spirits Council President and CEO Peter Cressy at the Council’s annual industry review and forecast for media and Wall Street analysts in New York. “Obviously the reality of a softening economy will create new challenges in 2008. With the 75th anniversary of Prohibition repeal coming, it is important that we continue to eliminate archaic and inefficient blue laws and regulations. Improvements in market access have contributed to the industry’s growth.”
In presenting his industry data and forecast, DISCUS chief economist David Ozgo noted that spirits and wine increased market share in 2007, while beer lost share for the sixth year in a row. He attributed the 2007 growth to the following factors: continued premiumization; more consumers switching to spirits over beer; price increases and population growth.
“Despite the apparent economic downturn, I am confident spirits revenue will grow in 2008” said Ozgo, basing his forecast on the most comprehensive industry data available.
Ozgo also noted: Vodka, representing 24% of industry sales, saw a 7.65% revenue growth to $4.3 billion; Rum, representing 18% of industry sales, saw 8.9% revenue growth to $2.1 billion; Tequila, representing 15% of industry sales, saw 10.5% growth to $1.6 billion; and Whiskey (Bourbon, Blends, Canadian, Scotch and Irish) representing 29% of industry sales, saw 3.8% growth to $5.2 billion.
Record Export Revenue Exceeds $1 Billion DISCUS Senior Vice President for International Trade Debbie Lamb said 2007 was another record year for U.S. exports, primarily American Whiskeys. Lamb stated exports grew approximately 15% in volume in 2007 relative to 2006, hitting a record $1.01 billion (Preliminary).
“American Whiskeys have achieved remarkable global acceptance in a very short period of time and can now be found in more than 100 markets worldwide,” said Lamb.
She noted that DISCUS is beginning its 4th year of export promotion in emerging markets, which recently included China, Vietnam, Brazil, Chile, Romania and Bulgaria.Lamb indicated she expected the program to expand in the coming years.
Top countries for U.S. exports include: the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Australia and Japan.
Link to industry review here.
DISCUS Review/2008
Forecast: Eighth Consecutive Year of Growth in 2007;
Prediction: Growth Will Continue Despite Challenging Economy
For Immediate Release - 1/25/2008
Contact: Public AffairsTelephone: 202-682-8840
New York, NY – The Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS) reported today that in 2007 distilled spirits grew for the eighth straight year, with sales up 5.6% totaling $18.2 billion and volume rising 2.4% to 181.5 million cases as consumers continued their fascination with cocktails and high-end products. The Council also reported that, despite a weakening economy, the growth would continue for a ninth year in 2008, forecasting sales growth of 4.6% to $19 billion with volume expected to rise 1.9% to 185 million cases.
“Consumer fascination with cocktail culture and the overall trend toward premiumization continued in 2007,” said Distilled Spirits Council President and CEO Peter Cressy at the Council’s annual industry review and forecast for media and Wall Street analysts in New York. “Obviously the reality of a softening economy will create new challenges in 2008. With the 75th anniversary of Prohibition repeal coming, it is important that we continue to eliminate archaic and inefficient blue laws and regulations. Improvements in market access have contributed to the industry’s growth.”
In presenting his industry data and forecast, DISCUS chief economist David Ozgo noted that spirits and wine increased market share in 2007, while beer lost share for the sixth year in a row. He attributed the 2007 growth to the following factors: continued premiumization; more consumers switching to spirits over beer; price increases and population growth.
“Despite the apparent economic downturn, I am confident spirits revenue will grow in 2008” said Ozgo, basing his forecast on the most comprehensive industry data available.
Ozgo also noted: Vodka, representing 24% of industry sales, saw a 7.65% revenue growth to $4.3 billion; Rum, representing 18% of industry sales, saw 8.9% revenue growth to $2.1 billion; Tequila, representing 15% of industry sales, saw 10.5% growth to $1.6 billion; and Whiskey (Bourbon, Blends, Canadian, Scotch and Irish) representing 29% of industry sales, saw 3.8% growth to $5.2 billion.
Record Export Revenue Exceeds $1 Billion DISCUS Senior Vice President for International Trade Debbie Lamb said 2007 was another record year for U.S. exports, primarily American Whiskeys. Lamb stated exports grew approximately 15% in volume in 2007 relative to 2006, hitting a record $1.01 billion (Preliminary).
“American Whiskeys have achieved remarkable global acceptance in a very short period of time and can now be found in more than 100 markets worldwide,” said Lamb.
She noted that DISCUS is beginning its 4th year of export promotion in emerging markets, which recently included China, Vietnam, Brazil, Chile, Romania and Bulgaria.Lamb indicated she expected the program to expand in the coming years.
Top countries for U.S. exports include: the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Australia and Japan.
Link to industry review here.
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