Hawaii Film + Arts International today announced their First Annual Hawaii Film Challenge, an international screenwriting contest open to a global pool of talent, and awarding three winners airfare and lodging for their creative team, as well as casting, production staff, and equipment support, and a 10-day shoot and production experience in Hawaii, culminating in an exclusive screening.
The competition is open to entrants 21 years of age and older, and is targeting short film scripts (10-12 minutes) from passionate filmmakers who want the opportunity to have their story produced.
“We created this challenge to give emerging filmmakers a once-in-a-lifetime platform for their voices, and to extend established talent the opportunity to have a truly unique shoot experience,” said Mark Blackburn, co-founder of Hawaii Film + Arts International, patron to several leading Pacific artists, and one of the country’s foremost Polynesian art scholars.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/8021051-hawaii-film-arts-international-2017-challenge/
Today, the American Federation of Government Employees released a microsite site to raise awareness of the threat of privatizing the VA, and the negative impact it will have on veterans.
The site, The Fight Against VA Privatization, can be accessed at www.afge.org/VACall and offers viewers reports, data, photos, footage, and information about the largest health care system in the country tailored to the unique needs of our nation’s veterans.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8199531-afge-staff-the-va/
Today, GENYOUth announced the launch of Fuel Up to Play 60 en español, an evolution of its national flagship program. The program encourages Spanish-speaking communities nationwide to live healthier lifestyles through good nutrition and physical activity. Fuel Up to Play 60 launched a redesigned website (FuelUpToPlay60.com) that provides Spanish-language content and materials, extending the reach and access of the program to students, teachers and families across the country. Several organizations have supported the effort, including the PepsiCo Foundation, which has provided a previously announced grant of $550,000 to develop Spanish-language materials and resources. In addition the PepsiCo Foundation will provide another $100,000 for mini-grants for health and wellness activities and programming within Los Angeles Unified School District and Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
Fuel Up to Play 60, a program founded by the National Football League (NFL) and National Dairy Council (NDC), is designed to engage and empower youth to take action for their own health by implementing long-term, positive nutrition and physical activity changes for themselves, their schools and their communities. Studies show that physical fitness may benefit brain health and academic performance, suggesting active kids may do better. However, only 1 in 3 kids are active every day, potentially leaving many at a disadvantage inside and outside of the classroom.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7646551-fuel-up-to-play-60/
Stella Artois, part of the Anheuser-Busch family of brands, and Water.org today announced a call to action for all beer lovers who plan to watch this year’s Super Bowl, the most highly watched event of the year. By stocking up on Stella Artois beer for the big game and beyond, people across the country can help provide access to clean water for those in the developing world. More than 663 million people are impacted by the global water crisis today.
From January 15 until April 15 of this year, every purchase of a Stella Artois 12-pack (both bottles and cans, including Stella Artois Cidre) will help Water.org provide 12 months of clean water for one person in the developing world. For those watching the big game at a bar, the purchase of one pint or bottle of Stella Artois will help provide one month of clean water. And as in years past, in 2018 every purchase of a Limited-Edition Stella Artois Chalice will help provide five years of clean water for one person in the developing world.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8254751-stella-artois-water-org-super-bowl-party/
As National Manufacturing Month begins, Whirlpool Corporation is celebrating its history and embracing progress in the manufacturing industry. Whirlpool Corporation is proud to be a Gold Supporter of Manufacturing Day 2017 and will be marking the day with a series of events in the local communities of its manufacturing plants across the country.
Whirlpool Corporation will invite select groups of high school and college students as well as community leaders to take part in a variety of activities at its U.S. plants. Programming will include: tours of the facilities, video presentations, and question-and-answer sessions. Whirlpool Corporation will also visit area schools, and employees will be involved with collaborative manufacturing-related class projects designed to educate students on the industry. Events are planned in the following cities: Amana, IA; Fall River, MA; Clyde, OH; Greenville, OH; Marion, OH; Ottawa, OH; Findlay, OH; Tulsa, OK; Cleveland, TN.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8182251-whirlpool-national-manufacturing-day-2017/
Kumon, the world’s largest after-school math and reading program, is unlocking the potential of children across North America by helping to build a strong foundation in math and reading. The Kumon program aims to guide children to a point where they not only reach their grade level, but surpass it. In fact, many Kumon students study material one to three years above their grade level in math and reading.
“Kumon’s individualized approach is not only popular, but very successful,” said Dominique Ciccarelli, Ed. M., education spokesperson for Kumon North America. “Kumon strives to cultivate confident and independent students who become life-long learners both in and out of the classroom. The success of the program is evident in the accomplishments of thousands of students across the country.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7720252-kumon-self-learning-approach/
Christina Nicols, senior vice president and director of strategic planning and research at Hager Sharp, was named the Washington Women in Public Relations’ (WWPR) 2015 Washington PR Woman of the Year Friday in a ceremony honoring top public relations executives and celebrating women in communications.
Nicols was one of three public relations professionals chosen as an honoree for the 26th annual award. The other finalists were Carrie Fox, president of C. Fox Communications, and Lisa Throckmorton, chief operations officer at SpeakerBox Communications. The three finalists represent women who have led some of the most influential communications campaigns in the District and across the country.
“This is a phenomenal honor and I am humbled to be surrounded by such exemplary leaders in the field who are dedicated to mentoring and supporting the next generation of public relations professionals,” said Nicols. “It is a special privilege to join the ranks of previous PR Woman of the Year recipients including Hager Sharp’s own cofounders Susan Hager and Marcia Sharp, as well as our CEO Jennifer Wayman and executive vice president Debra Silimeo.”
Nicols was presented the award by Silimeo, the 2010 PR Woman of the Year, at Friday’s luncheon.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7695751-2015-wwpr-woman-of-the-year-award/
While car thefts are declining across the country, the thefts of some parts and accessories are proving to be a lucrative business for professional thieves.
In the Detroit area, it’s become a huge problem that’s costing consumers, insurance companies, car dealers and car rental companies.
“We hear all this good news about auto theft being down in Michigan, but unfortunately, what’s replaced that is component theft,” said Terri Miller, executive director of Help Eliminate Auto Thefts (HEAT). “Because it’s harder to steal an entire vehicle these days, they’re stealing the parts. The tires and rims are not marked and they are very, very marketable.”
To view the Multimedia News Release, go http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7523153-nicb-detroit-wheel-tire-theft/
QROPS - Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes were introduced in 2006 as part of a major overhaul of Britain\'s pension framework, aimed at simplifying pension transfers to another country. New legislation was passed by the UK tax authority, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), in order to comply with an EU directive that pensions be free to move across Europe\'s borders. This ruling means that individuals, wishing to retire to countries such as France, Spain and Portugal can effectively take their UK pension funds with them: http://www.axis-finance.com/what-are-qrops.php
Who can apply for a QROPS?
A QROPS is specifically designed to allow anyone, not intending to retire in the UK, to transfer existing and frozen UK pension plans into a more appropriate retirement vehicle.
Individuals who are, or have been members of a UK registered pension fund and are currently living outside of the UK, or intending to leave the UK on a permanent basis, can consider transferring their retirement fund into a QROPS: http://www.axis-finance.com/qrops-living-in-France
Transfers to QROPS
The UK Government allows transfers to QROPS to be made free of UK tax. Their aim is to simplify the affairs of individuals leaving the UK on a permanent basis and to encourage them to continue saving in order to provide an income when they retire. There is no official limit to the amount of funds that may be transferred to a QROPS: http://www.axis-finance.com/qrops-France-pension-transfers
QROPS - HMRC Rules
What makes a scheme a QROPS?
In order to transfer your UK pension into a QROPS, it is necessary for the overseas pension scheme to be accepted by HMRC. The criteria outlined by HMRC for an overseas scheme to qualify as a QROPS include:
- The pension scheme must be established outside of the UK
- It must be recognised for tax purposes in the country where it is located
- It must be regulated in the country in which it is established
Age that benefits can be taken from a QROPS
The QROPS regime mirrors that of a regulated pension scheme in the UK. Benefits, including lump sum payments, from the transferred funds may not be distributed earlier than the normal retirement age of 55, if an individual has been a non-UK resident for less than five complete tax years: http://www.axis-finance.com/qrops-living-in-France-HMRC-Rules
QROPS Reporting requirements
HMRC should be notified if a payment is made within the first five tax years of a member becoming non-UK tax resident. Any benefits paid before five complete tax years of non-UK residency and not in accordance with UK Pension rules will be deemed an unauthorised payment.
The scheme manager does not have to notify HMRC if the payment is made 10 or more years after the day of the transfer that created the QROPS fund for the \'relevant member\', provided that the person is non UK resident for the duration of this period. This 10 year \'bracket\' for reporting payments took effect as of 6 April 2012.
QROPS List
When transferring your UK pension to a scheme overseas, it is important to check that the scheme meets the conditions to be a qualifying recognised overseas pension scheme (QROPS). Not all transfers to overseas or offshore schemes are QROPS transfers; it is therefore essential to verify that the scheme receiving your UK benefits is on the QROPS list published by HMRC, otherwise a transfer will be treated as a transfer to a non-qualifying overseas scheme and substantial penalties may be applied by HMRC at the time of transfer: http://www.axis-finance.com/qrops-list-living-in-France
How do I know if it is a legitimate QROPS scheme?
QROPS approved plans that agree to have their details published are listed on the HMRC website. A UK Pension administrator will confirm a QROPS listing before agreeing to a transfer. If not listed, the administrator will contact HMRC
This Memorial Day weekend, PBS brings viewers an inspiring night of remembrance dedicated to our men and women in uniform, their families at home and all those who have given their lives for our country. The multi award-winning NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT returns live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol co-hosted by Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise. The broadcast marks the tenth anniversary that the acclaimed actors, who have dedicated themselves to veterans’ causes and supporting our troops in active service, co-host the event. The NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT will showcase our courageous American heroes who have been disabled for life; shine a spotlight on Gold Star Children who have lost a parent to war; and commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7124753-capital-concerts-memorial-day-2015/
U-Haul, the industry leader in do-it-yourself moving and self-storage, has teamed with a beloved Motor City charity to help previously homeless families transition from shelters into clean, dignified and welcoming homes. Humble Design Fueled by U-Haul, as it is now termed, was born seven years ago out of the idea that decent families emerging from homelessness in Metro Detroit deserve to come home to basic necessities like tables to eat at, sofas to sit on and beds to sleep in each night. Co-founder Treger Strasberg’s organization has assisted more than 660 families so far. With the support of U-Haul, that number will swell exponentially while expanding this noble pursuit to additional cities.
“The expertise, resources, national reach and community commitment of U-Haul make it a tremendous partner for Humble Design to take our mission nationwide to alleviate homelessness,” Strasberg said. “Working together, U-Haul and Humble Design will engage communities to serve families in need by turning houses into homes across the country.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7907151-u-haul-humble-design-partners/
In California where over one-third of the country’s vegetables and two-thirds of the country’s fruits and nuts are grown, businesses in the agricultural industry are looking for ways to reduce costs while continuing to deliver high quality products. In one of the nation’s sunniest states, farmers, food processers, beverage suppliers and more have used complete solar solutions from SunPower (NASDAQ:SPWR) to save on one of their largest operating expenses: electricity.
One grower-owned almond processor based in the 7-square-mile town of Buttonwillow, Calif., now offsets 90 percent of its electricity costs with a 1-megawatt SunPower® Helix™ system. Golden Empire Shelling can see up to 70 million pounds of almonds roll through its state-of-the-art facility each year. With limited land and water resources in the area, the company chose a solar solution that delivers 29 percent more energy per square foot compared to conventional systems, and can be robotically cleaned with 75 percent less water than manual methods.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7706154-sunpower-solar-solutions-for-agricultural-industry/
