Only a Few Days Left to Enter: Deadline is February 16, 2015

Boston, MA, February 12, 2015 – Rather than the traditional trips associated with college spring break, many students are choosing to participate in service projects to help improve the community and make an impact in the lives of others. CengageBrain, part of Cengage Learning and a premier destination for purchasing digital learning solutions, e-books, and textbooks, is currently accepting service project ideas from college students wishing to enter the second annual Alternative Spring Break Contest. The winning group of students will receive $2,500 to be used towards the expenses for their service project, and the opportunity to share their experience on the CengageBrain Blog and Facebook page.

To enter, students must visit the CengageBrain Facebook page and submit service project details in 250 words or less, including the location of the service project and the name of the organization through which they will be working with in the project description. The entry deadline is Saturday, February 16, 2015.

CengageBrain is encouraging students to further develop their leadership skills though the work of service. By being active in the community, students can truly be the change they wish to see in the world. Last year’s winning group from the University of Oregon paired with a local middle school to explore the wild and scenic area of Oregon’s Rogue River. Students noted of their trip:

• “Throughout the week we were able to assist in stewardship of the Rogue River, while building skills in the areas of conservation and back-country leadership, and all the while working with middle school aged youth.”

• “We spent two nights at the Indian Mary campground and worked on the Umpqua Joe trail. We sawed through trees and removed them from where they were blocking the trials, cleared brush and worked to remove poison oak that was lining the trail. This allowed us to get our hands dirty and we could really see the difference we made!”

• “Winning the CengageBrain Alternative Spring Break contest allowed us to purchase new tents for our trip, which we have donated back to the Holden Leadership Center for future use. Without these tents we would have not been able to survive in the rain, and our trip would have been cut short!”

Following this submission period, the top two projects will be narrowed down by CengageBrain, with the final winning project being chosen through public voting. All higher ed and graduate students are encouraged to apply. Please visit the CengageBrain Blog for complete service project requirement details and further information on submitting an entry.

About Cengage Learning and CengageBrain.com
Cengage Learning is a leading educational content, technology, and services company for the higher education and K-12, professional and library markets worldwide. The company provides superior content, personalized services and course-driven digital solutions that accelerate student engagement and transform the learning experience. CengageBrain is the premier destination for purchasing and renting digital learning solutions, eBooks, eChapters, study tools and textbooks, offering students convenience, savings, and the broadest choice of formats available. For more information, visit www.cengage.com or www.cengagebrain.com.

Media Contact
Lauren Medina
Cengage Learning
(203) 965-8609
lauren.medina@cengage.com

It comes as no surprise that most students want better grades. However, many students mistakenly assume that they will need to log excessive hours at the library or cut out weekend activities to achieve better results in the classroom. Luckily it can take only a few small adjustments for students to see some major improvements to their GPA.   With midterms on the horizon, there is still time to make some changes that will perk up those grades.

• Get Organized: Being organized is one of the most undervalued study habits students can implement to achieve better grades. With the fast paced lives of student’s today, keeping assignments, coursework and deadlines straight can feel nearly impossible. To support students with this, edtech leaders are continually improving tools to help students get organized and stay that way. For example, to ensure today’s digital solutions best support the student learnflow – or how they live and learn – Cengage Learning, a global education company, is conducting extensive student-focused research. By integrating student feedback, today’s digital tools are able to better assist with time management in traditional ways such as tracking assignments, due dates and upcoming projects to help be better prepared, but also by packaging study materials for delivery in digestible segments and convenient formats in order to maximize downtime for learning.
• Time, Time, Time: For college students, time management can be one of the most challenging skills to master.  On any given day students may be juggling coursework, extra curricular activities, job commitments, and spending time with friends and family. With all of these different demands and priorities, it can be difficult for students to manage time and get the most out of their day. Maintaining a detailed calendar, tracking time and creating a schedule at the beginning of each week are all helpful tools to help students manage time and maximize efficiency.
• Activate Learning: 80% of college students say that implementing digital technologies in their learning has increased their academic performance[1]. Yet, despite these overwhelmingly positive statistics, some studies show that as many as 40% of students are not taking advantage of digital offerings that are available to them. This means that in many cases, students are neglecting the digital components that come with the course materials that they purchase and missing out on the valuable benefits these digital solutions provide. With today’s online learning tools designed to optimize a student’s learnflow, they offer valuable opportunities to maximize productivity and understanding.  When students take advantage of the technology tools available to them, such as MindTap, Cengage Learning’s personalized e-learning platform, classroom engagement increases, information retention improves, and – grades go UP!
• Breathe Deeply, Sleep Soundly:  Improved study habits aren’t the only ways to get better grades, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also critical to keeping the mind and body at peak performance. Students today are pulled in so many directions that staying healthy often slides to the bottom of the list. However, regular exercise, a healthy diet and a consistent sleeping schedule are essential to optimal brain performance. As a result, students who practice healthy habits report higher levels of energy, improved information retention and overall better focus.
• Get Engaged: It’s no secret that students who are more actively engaged in their course materials tend to be the ones who get the most out of class. Interestingly, according to research from Cengage Learning 77% of students attribute higher levels of engagement to courses that use digital learning tools[1]. Often this is because technology-enabled learning tools foster collaboration between students, instructors and classmates – allowing for improved student workflow, greater customization, and more visibility into individual progress.

Changing your behavior or habits doesn’t happen overnight. However, if you try to incorporate a few of these small changes to your study routine you can begin to see positive results in your performance.   It’s never too late to make a few changes that could improve your grades.

Good luck!

Key Messages
• Hookah smoking is on the rise, while health effects are not fully understood.
• Hookah smoking can produce carcinogens and other chemicals associated with ill health at levels similar to or higher than cigarette smoking.
• Toxicologists, who study the adverse effects of chemicals, are concerned about public perception that hookah smoking is a safer alternative to other forms of tobacco use.

Reston, Va.; February 2, 2015 — Studies have shown that hookah smoking is on the rise among adolescents and young adults, which is a cause of concern for members of the Society of Toxicology (SOT).

“Researchers are finding that people perceive hookah smoking as a safer and healthier means of tobacco use. However, toxicological research is finding elements in hookah smoke that are well-established to cause adverse health effects,” says Norbert E. Kaminski, PhD, SOT President 2014–2015.

Studies show that hookah use is associated with potentially dangerous chemicals and health effects:

• Chemicals produced during one hookah smoking session of 45 to 60 minutes can equal those produced by smoking 10 or more cigarettes.
• Hookah use generates carcinogens, such as benzene, and has been linked to lung cancer and loss of lung function.
• Similar peak plasma nicotine levels, greater blood carbon monoxide levels, and much greater inhaled smoke volume were observed from exposure to hookah smoke compared to cigarette smoke.

“Developing comprehensive assessments of any substance’s health risks can take years of research,” says Dr. Kaminski, “but in the meantime, individuals using hookah water pipes need to be aware of the potential dangers that are already present.”

In its new issue statement on hookah smoking, the Society identifies many factors that could impact the health of hookah users, including the inhaled smoke and vapors; secondhand smoke and vapors; and emissions generated from the smoldering charcoal that is used in water pipes.

The complete issue statement is available on the SOT website: http://toxicology.org/gp/is.asp.

Experts are available for interviews upon request, as are infographics regarding hookah smoking.

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About SOT
Founded in 1961, the Society of Toxicology (SOT) is a professional and scholarly organization of more than 7,800 scientists from academic institutions, government, and industry representing the great variety of individuals who practice toxicology in the US and abroad. SOT is committed to creating a safer and healthier world by advancing the science of toxicology. The Society promotes the acquisition and utilization of knowledge in toxicology, aids in the protection of public health, and has a strong commitment to education in toxicology and to the recruitment of students and new members into the profession. For more information about SOT and toxicology, visit the Society online at www.toxicology.org, follow us on Twitter @SOToxicology, and like us on Facebook.

Media Contact:
Michelle Werts
Society of Toxicology
703.438.3115 ext. 1640
michelle@toxicology.org

As part of the Whole You Living Lab open innovation platform, the company announces its advisory group and vision to improve the health of the world together, one innovation at a time

SAN JOSE, Calif. (January 29, 2015) – Whole You, Inc., a Mitsui Chemicals’ company dedicated to providing innovative solutions that allow those with sensory and physical mobility challenges to live life to the fullest, has teamed up with crowd-sourcing company InnoCentive to challenge people from around the world to create innovative solutions for those with oral and vision challenges. In the oral space, Whole You is looking for solutions to incentivize compliance encouraging regular use of oral appliance to motivate patients to effectively manage obstructive sleep apnea. Additionally, the company has launched a vision challenge asking for ideas about other services vision care providers can offer to optimize a person’s health and well-being. One solver from each category that recommends the best idea in each category will be awarded $15,000.

Whole You is simultaneously announcing its advisory group, which consist of professionals with expertise in sensory and physical mobility areas. The advisory group will provide input and guidance to the development of the company’s sensory and physical mobility innovation efforts, while judging Whole You challenge submissions, accordingly. Current members include:

• Rupa Balachandran PhD., CCC-A Program Director Audiology, Associate Professor Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, University of the Pacific
• Dr. Ting-Ling Chang, DDS, Clinical Professor and Section Chair of Prosthodontics at the Division of Advanced Prosthodontics, UCLA School of Dentistry
• David Green, Social Entrepreneur, MacArthur Fellow and Ashoka Fellow
• Dr. Moshe Lewis, MD, MPH, Chief, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehab, California Pacific Medical Center, St. Luke’s Campus
• Dr. Katayoun Omrani, DDS Orofacial Pain specialist, Los Angeles Pain Clinic; Dentist at the Headache, Orofacial Pain and Sleep Apnea Program at the Cedars-Sinai Pain Center
• Dr. Frank Spors, MS, PhD, Assistant Professor at the College of Optometry at Western University of Health Sciences

“We have identified many sensory and physical mobility challenges that individuals face and believe that an open innovation approach is essential to creating truly ground-breaking products that we know the market needs,” said Hiromi Inagaki, chief innovation officer, Whole You. “The partnerships with our advisory group and InnoCentive demonstrate our commitment to tapping in to great minds that are aligned with our vision – to deliver innovative solutions to for those with sensory and physical mobility challenges.”

All Whole You partnerships and collaborations, including the open innovation challenges and continually expanding advisory group, will all be a part of Whole You’s Living Lab, a unique, interdisciplinary innovation network where a broad range of experts – in collaboration with people living with sensory and physical mobility challenges and needs – come together to develop solutions that will optimize health, well-being and experience to unlock human potential.

“One of my main goals is to provide my patients with the best solutions available so they can live life to the fullest, and Whole You is now on the frontline of this innovation,” said Dr. Ting-Ling Chang, DDS, Clinical Professor and Section Chair of Prosthodontics at the Division of Advanced Prosthodontics, UCLA School of Dentistry. “I am pleased to be a part of the company’s platform that encourages ongoing discussion that will drive enhancements in the dental industry. I look forward to seeing what solutions will come from the InnoCentive challenge.”

To provide a solution to one of the InnoCentive challenges, please visit: www.innocentive.com/pavilion/wholeyou.

About Whole You
By combining open innovation with wide range of partners, material innovation, and deep understanding of market needs, Whole You Inc., a Mitsui Chemicals company, is committed to offering solutions that allow those with sensory and physical mobility challenges to live life to the fullest. Through Mitsui Chemicals’ acquisitions of Dentca and PixelOptics and Panasonic Healthcare’s technology, Whole You and its partners will push the boundaries of technology to greatly improve how life is experienced by millions of Americans.

Whole You is headquartered in San Jose, CA. For more information, please visit www.whole-you.com.

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Contact:
Christina Witz
H+K Strategies
Christina.Witz@hkstrategies.com
310-633-9424

10 Reasons Why Cancun is the Spring Break Mecca of the World

As your designated driver and local destination expert, we have seen it all. Amstar is your official airport shuttle during Spring Break 2015 at the top beach destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean and it’s our pleasure to give our top 10 reasons why Cancun is the Mecca of the Spring Break world. 

Cancun’s white sand beaches and the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea make this city on the sea a favorite international beach destination for many a traveler. But there’s so much more. Cancun has also become notorious for not only having a great Spring Break party scene, but for having the Spring Break party scene par excellence. And while tourism in Cancun has become much more diverse over the last several years, one thing is certain: Cancun is like the Floyd Mayweather of Spring Break destinations: it remains undefeated.

Here’s why.

#10 Mariachi sombreros

Fulfill your secret desire of wanting to dress up like a mariachi and travel to the paradise that is the Mexican Caribbean for some tropical sombrero shopping. Yes, that’s right, you’ll find great prices on an array of mariachi sombreros that not only make great souvenirs to take back home with you. Plus, they’re so big they provide lots of shade, which in turn means you won’t go home with that raccoon look that would make you a social media sensation.

#9 Added skin tone

That is of course as long as you make sure to wear sunscreen to avoid that baked gringo look of falling asleep on the beach without sunscreen (or a mariachi sombrero). Yes, friends, make sure to apply heavy doses of sunscreen so that you avoid those painful sunburns that ruin the rest of your trip But don’t let that scare you, because just by spending some healthy time on the beach, which we’re sure of course you will, you’ll still go home with a nice tan that will be the envy of all the unlucky peeps that stayed home in the cold while you partied away on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

#8 Right next door

Cancun is like your lovely neighbor with the great swimming pool. Close by, an awesome backyard, cold beer and good looking friends hanging out together under the sun. Yes, Cancun is all that and much, much more. And with direct flights from many U.S. destinations and most large airlines flying in and out of this tropical paradise, it’s never been easier for you and your friends to make that venture down Mexico way. You’ll also have a friendly face to greet you when you arrive.

#7 Accommodations for all

From all-inclusive accommodations to shared rooms in high-end or low-end hostels, not to mention AirBnB, Cancun has got the overnight solutions for all budgets. And with a great public transportation solution that basically runs all hours of the day, you’re free to choose a room with an ocean view or one that’s in the heart of downtown Cancun. Either way, you’ll never be more than 20 to 30 minutes away from the next beach party. And that’s all that really matters.

#6 Real Mexican food  

You see, as delicious and mouth-watering as Tex-Mex food can be, it isn’t now nor ever really was authentic Mexican cuisine. So even if you can find that and many other ‘Merican staples such as McDonalds, Burger King and Starbucks galore (although not quite on every corner), make sure you dive into the deliciousness of the real deal. For instance, try the Yucatan specialty of Cochinita Pibil, or the pride of the Mexican Caribbean, Tikin Chic, which not only sounds cool but is a very tasty charcoaled fish covered in achiote sauce and onions. Or a michelada, which is not only a great beer-drink-mixture for that hangover you just can’t shake, you can also get it with shrimp skewers.

#5 Tequila

Cue the music, because this one’s easy. While there’s no doubt that you should test your tolerance by drinking you some tequila, you should know that it will be an experience unlike those painful affairs you had back home. Know why? Because what you drink back home may bear the name tequila, but it likely isn’t. And it’s painful. In fact, real tequila must be 100% blue agave (a plant not a cactus) and is best imbibed using your best tough guy impression: straight no chasers. Your body will thank you the next day when you realize that your tequila trauma was due to a drink that was nothing more than a cheap imitation of the 100% blue agave nectar known in Mexico as a drink from the gods.

#4 Inception Music Festival. ‘Nough said.

If you haven’t been to or heard of the Inception Music Festival, then in all likelihood you fell into a comma after taking a hard fall while running with the bulls in Pamplona haven’t woken up in the last two years, during which time over 60,000 spring breakers have gathered their youthful energy for some of the best damn partying this side of the Rio Grande. Top international DJ’s, great music, beautiful beaches and more party people from all over the world dancing to the beat than most people ever see in a lifetime. Organizers of this party on the beach (and at Cancun’s premier nightclubs) call it, “The wildest week of your life.”

#3 Mayan ruins and pyramid- climbing

Nothing says Mexican Caribbean more than the must-see Mayan ruins that are spread out all over the Mexican Caribbean. And with so many great sites to visit, you really can pick your poison based on what sounds best for your group. Want to visit a Seven New Wonder of the World? Then Chichen Itza is calling. Want to see a walled-city built to overlook the Caribbean Sea? Tulum is in your future. Want to ride bikes in the middle of the jungle and climb the highest pyramid in the entire Mexican Caribbean? Coba is your shot of tequila. Prefer to get off the beaten path and visit a less-crowded but equally impressive monument to the mighty Maya empire? Ahoy, Ek Balam!

#2 Land and sea adventures galore

If archeological sites are nothing more to you than simply pieces of crumbling stones covered in faded and barely visible paint, then you just might want to consider other activities to complement your party-filled agenda. And this is part of what makes Cancun such a great place to visit. there’s always something for everyone! Want to take a catamaran cruise to the beautiful island of Isla Mujeres, with some snorkeling at a coral reef mixed in for good measure? What about some deep sea fishing or a mixture of land and sea adventures at one great aquatic park? And be it soaring through the canopy on zip lines, getting your fill on an ATV-ride through the jungle or diving down into the depths of underground rivers, it’s all good. Plus, there’s more to do than you’ll ever find time for.

#1 Too blue to be true

Last but definitely not least. In fact, we saved what is perhaps the best for last: Cancun’s white sand beaches. If you’ve never been to Cancun or the Riviera Maya, you’ll have a hard time believing that those incredible azure hues of the Caribbean are the real deal. But, yes, it’s true. No Photoshop is needed to make these beautiful beaches look any more amazing and awe-inspiring than they already are. Moreoever, with over 16 miles of white sand paradise to choose from, you can always take some time away from the party scene to kick it back and soak up some rays in front of the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea.

And remember, always drink responsibly and follow all safety regulations, especially when you’re at the beach. Have fun, live the moment to the fullest, and always remember that Amstar dmc is your local expert for tips and advice about the best things to do and see while in Cancun. We’re online and in destination 365 days a year and are always more than happy to help. 

Herman Miller and IIDA Challenge Students to Capture How Campus Environments Must Evolve for the Future with Sixth Annual Video Contest

ZEELAND, Mich., Jan. 28, 2015- The world of higher education is changing rapidly in response to myriad shifts on and off campus, including intense economic pressures, the widening skills gap and ongoing advances in technology. Yet, there is one constant: a universal mission shared by every college and university – equip students for success, in the workplace and in life. Physical learning spaces have never been more integral to that goal. No one knows this better than the students who are on campus every day.

Herman Miller Inc., in collaboration with knowledge partner International Interior Design Association (IIDA), has launched its sixth annual Student Video Contest, inviting students to explore “What’s Next in Learning Spaces?” Using a video camera and their imaginations, students are asked to show how learning spaces should evolve to support the talents they need to excel in the future.

“Learning has no boundaries. It happens everywhere, from classrooms and studios to the places students live and socialize,” said Jeff Vredevoogd, Director of Herman Miller Education. “Higher education continues to more intensely focus on student experience, and drive the innovation that will enable students to thrive on campus, and ultimately, in the workplace. The student voice is critical. This contest will help us – as researchers, designers, faculty and administrators – better understand how students use existing spaces and, in their eyes, what will make on-campus spaces even more valuable as they pursue lifelong learning.”

The Student Video Contest is open to students attending two- and four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada. Entries will be accepted until 5 p.m. EST on March 27, 2015. Representatives from Herman Miller and IIDA will select three finalists whose submissions best represent creativity, originality and relevancy to the theme. A public vote will then decide the final ranking for the top three submissions. The first place winner will be awarded $2500; second place $1500, and third place $1000. Finalists will be invited to join Herman Miller at the 50th annual Society of College and University Planning conference in July 2015 in Chicago. The students will participate on a panel, share their videos and further explore “What’s Next in Learning Spaces?”

To view contest rules and guidelines, visit hermanmiller.com/studentvideocontest. You can also connect with Herman Miller on Twitter (@HermanMillerEdu), Facebook or Pinterest to catch the latest updates throughout the competition (#SVC2015).

About Herman Miller Inc.
Herman Miller’s inspiring designs, inventive technologies and strategic services help people do great things and organizations to perform at their best. The company’s award-winning products and services generated approximately $1.9 billion in revenue in fiscal 2014. A past recipient of the Smithsonian Institution’s Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award, Herman Miller designs can be found in the permanent collections of museums worldwide. Innovative business practices and a commitment to social responsibility have also helped establish Herman Miller as a recognized global leader. In 2014, Herman Miller again received the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s top rating in its annual Corporate Equality Index and was named among the 50 Best U.S. Manufacturers by Industry Week. Herman Miller is included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol MLHR.

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Contact:
Roya Bruce
Herman Miller, Inc.
roya_bruce@hermanmiller.com
(619) 847-5334

carpooling, Europe’s No. 1 ridesharing app, debuts in U.S. to college market

Students can now tap green, cost-effective, door-to-door long-distance ridesharing platform

Palo Alto, Calif. and Munich, Germany ─ January 28, 2015 ─ In December, the No. 1 European ridesharing platform, carpooling, launched in the U.S., making mid- and long-distance transportation easy, safe and affordable — especially for college students. Drivers and passengers can quickly select and connect on the details of their trip via free iOS and Android mobile apps. With this launch, carpooling opened its ridesharing technology to U.S. consumers, providing a convenient, safe, social, and green-friendly way for riders to save money when traveling long distances.

In the past, getting to a Spring Break destination or going with friends to a music festival cost effectively could be tough. The carpooling app encourages students traveling the same direction to ride together, share travel costs and help the environment by getting cars off the road ─ all while making the experience comfortable, safe and fun. Instead of taking a boring bus ride or an expensive flight, carpooling makes it easy to safely connect with drivers and enjoy road trips in the company of friends and classmates.

The carpooling app enables students to post available car seats and find passengers. In just a few seconds, the app lets passengers search for rides anywhere in the U.S. App features have been designed to make traveling via carpooling safe and reliable. Drivers include information on their profiles such as car license plate, photo ID and Facebook profiles. Travelers can rate drivers, view a driver’s star rating and read passenger and driver comments to help ensure a safe, secure ridesharing experience.

Through a product integration with Uber, carpooling is the first company to offer a door-to-door long-distance service in the U.S. Passengers can be picked up at home by an Uber driver to take them to the starting point of their carpool, and then have an Uber driver at the arrival point to take them to their exact destination, if needed.

“Students in particular need a cost-effective, eco-friendly and fun mode of transportation to get to where they want to be, whether they are going on Spring Break or headed to a concert in another city. We recognize there won’t be an abundance of passengers and drivers connected with each other at launch, but we’re confident from more than a decade of experience in Europe that supply and demand will grow rapidly,” said Markus Barnikel, carpooling CEO.

Designed in collaboration with renowned global product strategy and design consultancy frog, the carpooling app makes finding rides and meeting up with drivers quick and intuitive. Registration and login is made easy via Facebook. Drivers then post their driving routes and times of departure. Passengers can search for available rides, compare prices and departure times, and review driver profiles.

Booking a ride takes only a few seconds. With the “Live Map” feature, the passenger can see the meeting point and book an Uber ride, if needed, to get there. Built-in GPS functionality lets drivers and passengers easily locate one another at the agreed meeting place and time. After the ride, the driver and passenger rate each other.

Ridesharing via carpooling is unique from other platforms:
· Carpooling ridesharing is designed specifically for longer distances (average trip is 125+ miles).
· Carpooling does not employ drivers or encourage driving for profit. The company and app provides a platform that enables everyday people who happen to be traveling in the same direction to contact each other and share the costs of their trips.
· The carpooling app is a premium tool with value-added functionality designed specifically to make ridesharing easy, safe and convenient.

About carpooling
Headquartered in Munich, Germany, with initial funding by carmaker Daimler, carpooling was founded in 2001 as mitfahrgelegenheit.de by three students at the University of Würzburg in Germany. The platform quickly grew in popularity, and today ridesharing is one of the most popular travel options for mid- to long-distance journeys in Europe. More than 3.5 million ridesharing offers are accessible through the carpooling app every day. For more information, visit www.carpooling.com.

Press Contacts:
David Templeton
DBT Communications, Inc.
203.530.0458
press-us@carpooling.com

Carleen LeVasseur
DBT Communications, Inc.
408.264.6767
press-us@carpooling.com

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New platform of tools to provide students with resources they need for the career they want

NEW YORK, January 27, 2015– PwC US today announced the launch of CareerAdvisor, a free, interactive and customizable tool that will help students discover their unique interests and professional goals as they prepare to enter the job market. Designed to support students of all majors, CareerAdvisor aims to equip the next generation of leaders with what they need to effectively develop their resumes, prepare for interviews, build an online presence and successfully launch their careers. CareerAdvisor is accessible online and via all mobile devices.

“Good grades, extracurricular activities, and a strong resume alone won’t guarantee that you will find yourself in the career of your dreams,” said Michael Fenlon, PwC’s US and Global Talent Leader. “CareerAdvisor helps job seekers discover who they are, what they want to do and how to get there. Whether it’s accounting, engineering, teaching, science or health professions, or management consulting, CareerAdvisor acts as a motivational tool for students to reflect on their passions and take control of their future.”

CareerAdvisor is comprised of four areas, each which includes activities, articles, videos, tips and tools to give users an advantage in the job market. Students can customize these resources to create their own personal experience to meet their career planning goals and stand out from the competition.

The four areas of CareerAdvisor include:
1. Assess – Identify your unique strengths and interests to select a career path that is right for you
2. Maximize – Tap into the resources you’ve got in order to make informed choices that can open doors to new opportunities.
3. Prepare – Develop a job search toolkit that will showcase your unique talents and the value you can bring a potential employer
4. Present – Understand how to strengthen your personal brand, communicate with confidence and build relationships so you can stand out from others and make your mark

“The foundation of leadership lies within self-discovery,” commented Rod Adams, PwC’s US Recruiting Leader. “PwC is dedicated to helping build leaders at all levels by helping them realize the career and life success they aspire to achieve, and CareerAdvisor is another way in which we are fulfilling this mission.”

CareerAdvisor can be accessed online and via any mobile device so users can update their profiles wherever they may be. The tool allows users to link their social media accounts to their profile.

For more information about PwC’s CareerAdvisor, please visit: http://careeradvisor.pwc.com

About PwC US
PwC US helps organizations and individuals create the value they’re looking for. We’re a member of the PwC network of firms, which has firms in 157 countries with more than 195,000 people. We’re committed to delivering quality in assurance, tax and advisory services. Find out more and tell us what matters to you by visiting us at www.pwc.com/US.

© 2015 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership. All rights reserved. PwC refers to the US member firm, and may sometimes refer to the PwC network. Each member firm is a separate legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details.

This content is for general information purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional advisors.

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Contact:
Suzanne Dawson
LAK Public Relations, Inc.
sdawson@lakpr.com
(212) 329-1420

Tanja Sullivan
PwC US
tanja.sullivan@us.pwc.com
(646) 471-6959

FLORHAM PARK, NEW JERSEY, USA — January 20, 2015 — ASCO Numatics, the world’s leading manufacturer of comprehensive fluid automation, flow control, and pneumatics solutions, today announced it has begun accepting applications for its 2015 ASCO Numatics Industrial Automation Engineering Scholarship program.

ASCO Numatics will award two $5,000 scholarships to U.S. engineering students, provide $1,000 grants to their college’s engineering departments, and host the students at “The Amazing Packaging Race” at PACK EXPO International 2015 in Las Vegas in September.

The application period is now open and the deadline to apply is April 3, 2015. Details and forms are available at: http://www.asconumatics.com/scholarship.

“This year, we again are pleased to offer our support to America’s best and most driven engineering students through the ASCO Numatics Scholarship program,” said Robert W. Kemple, Jr., executive vice president, sales and marketing – Americas, ASCO Numatics. “We’re proud, as an industry leader, to support our next-generation of engineering leaders.”

Over the past 8 years, ASCO Numatics has awarded $70,000 in scholarships to 14 students based on their potential for leadership and for making a significant contribution to the industrial automation engineering profession. In addition, we have provided another $14,000 in grants to 12 U.S. schools of engineering.

The ASCO Numatics scholarship is merit-based and will be awarded on the candidate’s potential for leadership and for making a significant contribution to the industrial automation engineering profession, particularly as it relates to the application of fluid control and fluid power technologies. A panel of ASCO Numatics executives and independent judges will select the finalists.

Applicants must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate program in an instrumentation, systems, electrical, mechanical, or automation engineering discipline at an accredited U.S. educational institution for the 2015/2016 academic year. Candidates must also maintain at least a 3.2 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale, and be a U.S. citizen or legal U.S. resident. The deadline to apply is April 3, 2015. Details and forms are available at http://www.asconumatics.com/scholarship.

ASCO Numatics will award the scholarships at “The Amazing Packaging Race” at PACK EXPO International, to take place in Las Vegas from September 20-23, 2015. The race, sponsored by ASCO Numatics, is a fun and educational event that pits teams of packaging students, from programs around the country, against each other in a race to gather points by completing tasks at specific PACK EXPO booths.

About ASCO Numatics
ASCO Numatics, a division of Emerson, offers comprehensive fluid automation solutions, including fluid control and fluid power products, for a wide range of industry-focused applications. The ASCO Numatics product line in North America consists of more than 50,000 valves, an extensive selection of air preparation equipment, and a full line of actuation products. ASCO products include solenoid pilot valves, angle body piston valves, linear indicators, redundant control systems, and pressure sensors. The Numatics line covers valve manifolds, cylinders, grippers, filters, regulators, and lubricators. For more information about ASCO Numatics products, visit www.asconumatics.com.

About Emerson
Emerson (NYSE: EMR), based in St. Louis, Missouri (USA), is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions for customers in industrial, commercial, and consumer markets around the world. The company is comprised of five business segments: Process Management, Industrial Automation, Network Power, Climate Technologies, and Commercial & Residential Solutions. Sales in fiscal 2014 were $24.5 billion. Emerson Industrial Automation (www.EmersonIndustrial.com), a business of Emerson, provides automation and power generation technologies and services to a wide range of industries. With its global capabilities and deep industry expertise, Emerson Industrial Automation is a trusted partner for products and solutions that increase machine performance, efficiency, reliability, and availability. Its industry-leading brands include Appleton®, ASCO®, Branson®, Browning®, Control Techniques, Kop-Flex®, Leroy-Somer®, McGill®, Morse®, Numatics®, O-Z/Gedney, Rollway®, SealMaster®, and System Plast™.

Note to Editors:
Press contacts: Don Goncalves, 781-793-9380, dgoncalves@tizinc.com, and Kristen Walker, ASCO Numatics, 973-966-2372, kristen.walker@emerson.com

Now accepting new members and set to go viral – Free Coffee Card Club is helping coffee lovers pay for their coffee. The company operates a membership club that rewards members with Starbucks coffee cards for referring new members to the club. The market potential is enormous with 54% of American adults drinking coffee every day. The club is already popular with college students and young professionals.

The main idea of the club is simple. A person pays a $20 fee to become a member. They get one $5 Starbucks gift card just for joining. That member is then rewarded additional $5 Starbucks cards for every new member they refer to the club. The more friends a member refers to the club, the more coffee cards they earn.

It’s no surprise that coffee is still a welcome addiction to so many people. A 2012 Huffington Post article cited the following coffee facts:

“Americans consume 400 million cups of coffee per day, equivalent to 146 billion cups of coffee per year, making the United States the leading consumer of coffee in the world.”
“52% of coffee drinkers would rather go without a shower in the morning than give up coffee.”
“49% of coffee drinkers would rather give up their cell phone for a month than go without coffee.”

These facts clearly demonstrate the explosive potential of this coffee club as members tell their friends about it on Facebook and other social media sites. As if the world is not already wired enough, coffee fans will appreciate this new way to subsidize their happy habit. For more information, visit http://www.FreeCoffeeCards.com.

About Free Coffee Card Club:
Free Coffee Card Club operates FreeCoffeeCards.com. The site is a coffee club where members earn Starbucks coffee cards for referring new members. The club launched January 1st 2015 and is designed to go viral via perpetual member referrals. The club has no affiliation with Starbucks Corporation.

Public Press Contact Info:
Lee Williams
info@freecoffeecards.com
Phone: 858-227-9577