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Posts Tagged ‘Inaugural’

(PRWEB) January 13, 2012

Greater Birmingham Community Food Partners, a member of the Health Action Partnership, has announced the members of the inaugural Birmingham-Jefferson Food Policy Council. The group met for the first time Thursday, Jan. 12 at United Way of Central Alabama.

Renowned food policy pioneer Mark Winne led the retreat. Winne helped start the first food policy council in Knoxville, Tenn., in 1981. He will help the council determine its leadership structure and set priorities for 2012.

“The food policy council becomes kind of like a table,” Winne told The Birmingham News in September. “Bring our ideas bring our food, so to speak and come up with a plan to have the food system work as optimally as possible for everybody.”

Twenty-one community leaders have been selected for the new council, tasked with improving Jefferson Countys overall food system. According to a 2010 study conducted by Main Street Birmingham, nearly 90,000 Birminghamians live too far from mainstream grocery stores and therefore lack access to fresh, healthful foods such as fruits and vegetables.

“The bottom line is that our food system affects us in more ways than we realize, and this council is a huge step toward correcting many of the inefficiencies and inequalities in the current framework,” says Suzette Harris with the Jefferson County Department of Health. “A lot of people simply eat unhealthy because that’s their only real option, and that’s not sustainable for a healthy community.” Harris oversees county-wide obesity initiatives for the Jefferson County Health Action Partnership.

Those interested in serving on the council in the future may serve on a working group in the meantime to familiarize themselves its goals and its members. To learn more about the Birmingham-Jefferson Food Policy Council, including working groups, call Food Policy Council Coordinator Jennifer Ropa at 205-229-7871.

Jefferson County Health Action Partnership is a coalition of more than 100 nonprofit organizations working alongside the Jefferson County Department of Health to encourage physical activity, reduce obesity, expand food access, advance smoke-free policies, reduce tobacco use and improve the overall health of Jefferson County residents. http://www.championsforhealth.org.

Birmingham-Jefferson Food Policy Council members are: Monica Baskin (UAB School of Public Health), Virginia Bear (Alabama Beverage Association), Hana Burwinkle (Jefferson County Department of Land Planning & Development Services), Craig Corwin (Jefferson County Department of Health), David Fleming (Operation New Birmingham), Burgin Fowlkes (Jefferson County Department of Health), James Gibbs (City of Birmingham), Keecha Harris (KHA, Inc.), Maureen Holt (Little Savannah), Aimee Johnson (American Diabetes Association), Natalie Kianoff (Childrens Policy Council of Jefferson County), John Obert, Jr. (J3 Organics), Mark Rubino (Staysail Group, LLC), Ama Shambulia (West End Community Garden), Scott Silver (Jones Valley Urban Farm), Ellie Taylor (Alabama Grocers Association), Spencer Taylor (Birmingham City Schools), Patricia Terry (Samford University), Paulette VanMatre (Magic City Harvest), Chris Vizzina (Campus Dining), Kristie Waters (Adams Produce Companies).

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New Jersey (PRWEB) November 30, 2011

New Jersey-based Positive Impact, a sports and entertainment management and consulting group, secured more than $ 2.5 million in sponsorships for the inaugural Quicken Loans Carrier Classic the first-ever NCAA college basketball game played on the flight deck of an active aircraft carrier. Top-ranked University of North Carolina defeated Michigan State 67-55 aboard the USS Carl Vinson, anchored at the Coronado Air Base adjoining San Diego Harbor on Veterans Day 11-11-11.

ESPN said Monday that Friday night’s game between top-ranked North Carolina and Michigan State drew a 2.7 rating (3.859 million viewers), the highest college basketball game in November since the network started keeping records in 1991.

The game was ESPN’s most-watched college basketball game since North Carolina-Duke was seen by 3.78 million households in March 2006.

Quicken Loans received entitlement of the event and broadcast exclusivity as well as exclusive branded content and elements across all media platforms. State Farm sponsored the halftime show, a shooting contest featuring actress and model Brooklyn Decker, musician and former division one college basketball star B. Taylor, retired NBA all-star James Worthy and former UNC basketball star and current Indiana Pacer Tyler Hansbrough, as well as the post-game concert that featured performances by singer/songwriter Five For Fighting and country music artist Billy Currington.

An additional twelve (12) partnerships were secured including such brands as Coke, Applebees, Sears and MillerCoors.

The Positive Impact team, led by President and CEO Michael Rowe, secured sponsors, provided operations staffing for construction, game operations, event management and press operations on behalf of event producer Morale Entertainment Foundation.

Our firm and team members have been involved in producing well over 3,500 public events attended by over 80 million patrons but this one was one of our most rewarding to date. To help execute the commercial and operational plans for an event that honored the great service of our military men and women was a personal and professional highlight for me and our firm. Being the first team to stage it on an active aircraft carrier deck and having the President and Mrs. Obama in attendance was an added honor, said Rowe. I’m extremely proud of our team that performed so successfully, Rowe added.

About Positive Impact:

Positive Impact, Inc. was founded by Michael Rowe in 1998. Rowe was the former President and Chief Operating Officer of the New Jersey Nets and was also the highly successful Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Meadowlands Sports Complex where he was responsible for the execution of over 3,500 public events visited by over 80 million spectators.

Positive Impact is a management group that represents an array of clients seeking consulting services in the highly competitive world of sports and entertainment. Positive Impact specializes in facility design and development, event creation, strategic planning, asset appreciation, revenue-generation, team, event and facility management services, operations consultation and marketing support.

For more information on Positive Impact visit http://www.positiveimpact.net.

For more information on the Quicken Loans Carrier Classic visit http://www.quickenloanscarrierclassic.com.

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Paso Robles, CA (PRWEB) December 01, 2011

By February, the gifts have long been opened (and some returned), the holiday parties have come to end and the New Year has been celebrated. For those who are feeling more wiped out than refreshed, escape to Paso Robles wine country for an affordable post-holiday season retreat. Throughout the month of February 2012, the Travel Paso Robles Alliance is sponsoring Paso Robles Hotel Month, when visitors who stay two nights will receive their third night free, available at a range of participating resorts, flagship hotels and inns. In addition, guests will enjoy a complimentary bottle of Paso Robles wine from the Paso Robles Wine County Alliance, plus special amenities unique to each property. All of this because everyone needs a holiday after the holidays!

As part of Paso Robles Hotel Month, visitors can enter the Sweetheart Sweepstakes to win a romantic Valentine’s weekend getaway February 10-12, 2012 to Paso Robles wine country. For more details and to enter, simply like them on http://www.facebook.com/travelpaso and click on Sweepstakes. The contest is open from December 1 15.

Nestled in the Santa Lucia Mountains of Central Coast California and just over three hours from Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, Paso Robles is an ideal place for a relaxing winter getaway. With current average daytime temperatures hovering around 55 degrees Fahrenheit, year-round activities include wine tasting at more than 200 Paso Robles wineries, farm fresh dining, hiking, biking, premier golfing, hot springs spas, and nearby Hearst Castle and beaches are only 30 minutes away.

For Paso Robles Hotel Month reservations and booking information, visit bit.ly/PasoHotelMonth2012. All offers are subject to availability; blackout dates apply; valid February 1- 29, 2012. For more information about Paso Robles visit http://www.travelpaso.com.

Participating lodging properties include:

Adelaide Inn – enjoy all the comforts of home at this family-owned, budget friendly inn including complimentary muffins, fruit and cookies each day, comfy pillow-top mattresses plus a heated outdoor pool and spa, sauna and a miniature golf course. During Paso Robles Hotel Month guests will also receive a $ 5 per person coupon to locals favorite Margie’s Diner for breakfast each morning, complimentary afternoon cookies and wine tasting tickets to more than a dozen Paso Robles wineries.

Best Western Black Oak Lodge – recently renovated, nicely appointed rooms and outdoor heated pool, hot tub and a dry sauna provide a relaxing wine country escape. During Paso Robles Hotel Month guests will also receive a $ 10 per person breakfast voucher at favorite locals spot Margies Diner.

Courtyard by Marriott enjoy well-appointed contemporary guestrooms, room service, complimentary evening wine tasting, a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center and in-room spa services. During Paso Robles Hotel Month, guests will also receive 10% off spa services and restaurant purchases.

Hampton Inn & Suites – this charming Mediterranean style property recently completed a $ 2 million renovation. Enjoy the complimentary breakfast bar each morning and evening wine reception (held Mon. – Thurs.), heated pool, spa and fitness center. During Paso Robles Hotel Month guests will receive two complimentary signature wine glasses with their bottle of wine.

Holiday Inn Express Suites – fully-appointed guestrooms, Jacuzzi suites and extended stay suites provide an ideal relaxing getaway. Enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast and an indoor pool and spa.

La Bellasera Hotel & Suites – this luxurious Mediterranean-style hotel offers amenities including acclaimed Enoteca Restaurant & Bar, an onsite spa, a choice of specialty suites, a swimming pool, fitness center, whirlpool and fireside cabana.

La Quinta Inns & Suites enjoy special amenities such as a complimentary breakfast buffet, a nightly wine and gourmet cheese reception, a fitness center and an outdoor heated pool and whirlpool. New two-room suites feature spacious bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs, a living room and large bedroom. During Paso Robles Hotel Month, guests will also enjoy a complimentary Artisan Series tasting at adjacent San Antonio Winery.

Paso Robles Inn – renowned for their therapeutic mineral spa tubs, this serene getaway is surrounded by lush gardens, streams, koi ponds and majestic oak trees. Hotel amenities include an outdoor heated pool and spa and the popular Paso Robles Inn Steakhouse. For an extra special getaway, book a room with a fireplace and private hot springs mineral spa tub. During Paso Robles Hotel Month guests will also enjoy 10% off at the Paso Robles Inn Steakhouse.

About Paso Robles, CA

Nestled in the Santa Lucia Mountains of the Central California Coast midway between Los Angles and San Francisco, Paso Robles is an affordable and welcoming retreat that offers the authentic California experience. An extensive variety of activities and experiences offer something for everyone including untouched natural beauty, a bounty of farm fresh cuisine supplied by local organic and specialty farms and the nearby Pacific Ocean, more than 200 wineries, renowned cultural attractions, first-class shopping, golf and entertainment, and much more. Visitors can choose from a wide selection of accommodations, from luxurious resorts and boutique inns to leading brand hotels and affordable, family friendly motels. For information on how to make the most of your stay in Paso Robles, visit http://www.travelpaso.com or contact (805) 227-PASO, tourism@prcity.com. For the latest news on the area, visit http://blog.travelpaso.com, join us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/travelpaso and follow us on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/travelpaso.

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Yorba Linda, CA (PRWEB) November 30, 2011

BioConference Live, the world’s largest producer of online-only conferences for the Life Sciences and Clinical Diagnostics community, and the Veterinary Bioscience Institute announce the inaugural two-day international Laboratory Animal Science (LAS) BioConference Live. This is the premier online-only conference focused on laboratory animal medicine. The theme of this conference is Animal Wellbeing and Welfare Science with three tracks; housing, enrichment and pain/distress/pleasure.

Laboratory Animal Science BioConference Live will bring together scientists, veterinary technicians, veterinarians, technical support staff, IACUC administrators and support staff, as well as training and compliance personnel from around the world to learn about recent advances in the field of laboratory animal medicine. Never before has such a diverse group of experts been able to participate in one, groundbreaking conference.

This conference offers an amazing opportunity as it is free to participants, and there will be no out-of-pocket expenses for travel. However, participants will still benefit from interacting with a global community of like-minded colleagues, without leaving the comfort of their office or home.

Dr. Pat Turner of International Association of Colleges of Laboratory Animal Medicine stated The free educational opportunity and prospect for conference participants to virtually engage with internationally renowned speakers in laboratory animal science are exciting developments, bringing the global community a step closer to realizing internationally harmonized best practices for laboratory animal welfare.

Conference participants will be able to:

Search and attend session(s) of their choice
Have their questions answered in real-time by experts via live video
Receive Free Continuing Education Credits
Chat live with peers and speakers
Browse a virtual exhibit floor for solution providers

No crowded airports, delayed flights or expensive hotel rooms, but still the look and feel of a first-rate conference with world renowned experts. Participants also benefit from the fact that experts and vendors are more accessible, no more waiting in line to speak to someone, only have them leave before your questions can be answered.

Dr. Anna Olsson, Director of Laboratory Animal Science Research Group at the Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, Portugal, stated Im much in favor of promoting interaction in this field which doesnt require people to travel long distances at considerable personal, financial and environmental costs.

The goal is to bring together leading authorities from around the world to present on the science of animal wellbeing and welfare, and the use of science in housing and enrichment decisions and policies. This conference will stimulate discussion with a view to identifying future priorities for research, education, and practical/policy developments.

Leading sponsors for the event include: Tecniplast, Bio-serv, Andersons Inc, CRC Press Taylor Francis Group llc, Transnetyx, Taconic and Aquatic Habitats. Non-profit partners include the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, the Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science, the Association of Assessment and. Accreditation for Laboratory Animal. Care International, the International Association of Colleges of Laboratory Animal Medicine, the Laboratory Animal Scientist’s Association India, the Laboratory Animal Welfare Training Exchange and C