The list of winners of the Institute's TOP SAFETY PICK award is longer than ever this year, with vehicles in nearly every size category the Institute evaluates earning accolades. From minicars to sedans to pickups, consumers have a record number of choices among 2012 models.
In all, 69 cars, 38 SUVs, 5 minivans, and 3 pickups earn TOP SAFETY PICK. The award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rollover, and rear crashes based on ratings in Institute evaluations. The ratings, which cover all 4 of the most common kinds of crashes, help shoppers pick vehicles that offer the highest levels of crash protection. Because the federal government now requires all 2012 and later passenger vehicles to have electronic stability control to help drivers avoid loss-of-control crashes, ESC no longer is a requirement to win as it was in prior years.
The winners’ circle includes 18 new recipients for 2012, while 97 models that previously qualified for the 2011 award carry over to 2012.
Employers expect to increase hiring for professional-level positions in the first quarter, but they have concerns about finding qualified candidates for these roles, a new Robert Half survey shows. A net 10 percent of executives interviewed for the Robert Half Professional Employment Report plan to add full-time staff in the first three months of the year, up three points from the fourth-quarter forecast. However, the number of respondents who report recruiting challenges also is on the rise: 67 percent of executives said it is at least somewhat challenging to find skilled employees today, up from 59 percent last quarter and 42 percent in the third quarter.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/53176-robert-half-professional-employment-report-q12012
Corporate Executive Board (CEB) (NYSE: EXBD), a leading research and advisory services firm, today announced the release of “The Challenger Sale: Taking Control of the Customer Conversation,” a new book that confirms companies are wasting precious time and money cultivating sales people who focus on building and maintaining relationships instead of teaching business insights—the number one attribute customers value in today’s complex selling environment. “The Challenger Sale” prescribes specific steps companies can take to develop a sales force of Challengers, which in a study of more than 6,000 sales reps, consistently outperformed other types of sales reps by nearly 15 percent.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/52980-corporate-executive-board-new-book-the-challenger-sale-dixon-adamson
Famed dancer, actress, and director Debbie Allen has teamed up with Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) today to kick off “Join the Pace Makers,” a national campaign designed to empower people with a condition called bradycardia, also known as a slow heartbeat, to learn about their available treatment options so that they can have an informed conversation with their doctor.
People living with bradycardia can experience a number of symptoms ranging from general lethargy and shortness of breath to fainting or syncope. There are a number of treatment options available, including medication therapy and implanting a pacemaker, which delivers electrical pulses to help regulate a person’s heartbeat.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/52990-debbie-allen-and-medtronic-join-the-pace-makers
With the kick-off of pro football season and September marking National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, the American Urological Association (AUA) Foundation and the National Football League (NFL) have teamed up for a third year to educate men about prostate health and encourage them to join the “Know Your Stats” campaign. With the support of an increasing number of NFL greats and prostate cancer survivors, the national campaign is focused on turning awareness into action by encouraging men to know their risks and get tested.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/51874-aua-foundation-nfl-mike-haynes-know-your-stats-prostate-cancer-awareness
Pussy, the only 100% natural energy drink made from milk thistle and schizandra is gearing up for a global launch over the next six months with new investors Holly and Sam Branson joining the brand.
Created by British entrepreneur Jonnie Shearer in 2004, Pussy has been a well kept secret in celebrity circles until London fashion store Selfridges ordered thousands of cans this summer. Tesco has followed suit recently launching Pussy in selected stores. Now firmly in the retail spotlight, Pussy is finalising global distribution deals – and with Branson investment, has its sights set on knocking taurine based energy drinks off the number one spot.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/prne/pussydrinksltd/52138/
Philips, the makers of Sonicare power toothbrushes and Zoom whitening, announced today the launch of a new educational campaign called Get It Right!, which encourages people to engage a dental professional in the teeth whitening process to ensure a healthy smile worthy of a great first impression. Smiling is an instinct that starts as early as one month of age and as we grow it becomes one of our most important social assets. “Smiling affects not only how someone feels, but also how others perceive that person,” said psychologist, executive coach and author Ann Demarais, Ph.D. “In fact, research suggests there are a number of benefits to smiling – from a mood enhancer to being more socially appealing.”
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/52322-philips-get-it-right-educational-campaign-teeth-whitening
Blu Homes (www.bluhomes.com), a leading designer and manufacturer of beautiful, green, precision-built homes, based in Boston and San Francisco, announced today the unfolding of two eco-friendly faculty homes at Portsmouth Abbey School, one of the nation’s leading Catholic boarding schools. The two-story Blu “Evolution” homes are Energy Star-rated and LEED certifiable, and will be located on the School’s 500-acre campus on the picturesque shores of Narragansett Bay in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. The spacious and highly energy-efficient Blu Evolutions are two of a growing number of Blu homes embraced by Rhode Islanders. A Blu Element was erected in Charlestown last year while a Blu Breezehouse and another Element are currently being prepared for homeowners in Little Compton.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/40401-blu-homes-unfolds-green-faculty-homes-rhode-island-portsmouth-abbey-school
Music icon Barry Manilow today revealed his long struggle to manage a serious heart disease called atrial fibrillation (AFib). He has joined with Sanofi US to kick-off Get Back in Rhythm™, a national education campaign to raise awareness about AFib, and to encourage people to learn more about all the risks of AFib and the importance of keeping the heart in rhythm.
Today, approximately 2.5 million Americans have AFib and that number is expected to grow to 12 million by 2050. A serious heart disease that causes the heart to race and beat out of rhythm, AFib can lead to permanent heart damage, heart attack, heart failure, stroke and death.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/51813-get-back-in-rhythm-barry-manilow-afib-awareness
Lexmark and Perceptive Software secured a number of notable customer wins, two of which are highlighted by Managed Print Services (MPS) agreements, a rapidly growing enterprise services segment for Lexmark. Lexmark continues to drive results for its MPS customers in the form of infrastructure optimization, workflow solutions and proactive management of printer fleets and supplies, ultimately reducing costs.
Perceptive Software’s customer wins included two deployments of its award-winning ImageNow Enterprise Content Management (ECM) solution to automate business processes and drive efficiency in the education and utility sectors.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/lexmark/48228/
Ann Curry, co-anchor of NBC News’ TODAY, America’s number one morning news program; Brian Williams, anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News, America’s leading evening newscast; and everyone’s favorite feathered friend, Big Bird, star in 24-hour preschool television channel Sprout’s first PSA created for “Kindness Counts,” the network’s new multiplatform, prosocial initiative designed support the development of empathy in preschoolers. Marking the official kick-off of “Kindness Counts,” the PSA premiered this morning during TODAY.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/50882-sprout-kindness-counts/
Verizon managers continue to step up to provide solid service on day five of a strike by the Communications Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, answering customers’ calls, performing general customer service and responding to an increasing number of incidents of sabotage.
The company’s call centers answered 91 percent of incoming calls on Wednesday, and Verizon management call centers have repaired dozens of acts of sabotage to its network facilities since Aug. 6. In the face of adverse conditions, Verizon managers continue to increase their productivity while focusing on restoring customers’ service.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/51704-verizon-responds-to-union-strike
