The Latest news about what is available to our Society in North America, These PR articles, bring the newest technologies, initiatives and helpful tools to those who need them through social services.
As a result of their rigorous work schedules, Cen Cal Builders & Developers’ employees were allegedly unable to take off duty rest breaks and were not fully relieved of duty for rest periods. Specifically, the lawsuit alleges employees were required from time-to-time to work in excess of four (4) hours without being provided ten (10) minute rest periods as a result of their overburdened work requirements and inadequate staffing. Further, the lawsuit alleges these employees were denied their first rest periods of at least ten (10) minutes for some shifts worked of at least two (2) to four (4) hours from time to time, a first and second rest period of at least ten (10) minutes for some shifts worked of between six (6) and eight (8) hours from time to time, and a first, second and third rest period of at least ten (10) minutes for some shifts worked of ten (10) hours or more from time to time. Additionally, Cen Cal Builders & Developers’ employees were also allegedly not provided with one-hour wages in lieu thereof. As a result of their allegedly rigorous work schedules and inadequate staffing, Cen Cal Builders & Developers’ employees were from time to time allegedly denied their proper rest periods by Cen Cal Builders & Developers.
If you would like to know more about the Cen Cal Builders & Developers lawsuit, please contact Attorney Jackland Hom today by calling (619) 255-9047.
Zakay Law Group, APLC and JCL Law Firm, APC are labor and employment law firms with offices located in California that dedicate their practices to fighting for employees who have been wronged by their employers due to unfair employment practices. Contact one of their attorneys today if you need help with workplace issues regarding wage and hour, wrongful termination, retaliation, discrimination, and harassment.
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The Cyber Power Rankings is a published list of the top 100 schools within the NCL, representing the hard work and skills of collegiate and high school students. These rankings measure students’ abilities to work individually and as a team in performing a wide range of cybersecurity tasks.
Highlights from the Cyber Power Rankings include:
Top three schools from the Standard Bracket are Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, California State University – Chico, United States Military Academy.
Top school from the Experienced Bracket is University of North Georgia.
Top high school is South Burlington High School from South Burlington, VT.
Students that participate in the NCL receive valuable performance data through individualized Scouting Reports, which aligns their experience to industry certifications and government standards. With these reports, they are able to showcase tangible evidence of their technical skills to employers.
“Our students have impressed internships and jobs with their successes in the NCL. We use the NCL to help create a true sense of community among our cybersecurity students, which has profoundly positive effects in and out of the NCL,” said Brian Callahan, NCL coach and professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, which placed first in the NCL Standard Bracket.
“The NCL not only demands astute time management, challenging students to prioritize and organize effectively, but also enhances collaboration and communication through its team-based approach,” said Dr. David Zeichick, NCL Commissioner. “It bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, ensuring that what is learned in the classroom translates directly into practical, real-life scenarios. This approach not only solidifies the educational experience, but also prepares students for the actual tasks and challenges they will face in their professional lives.”
Sponsorship from companies like Cipher Tech Solutions and CrowdStrike are instrumental for NCL to provide scholarships, mentorship programs, and career building events to its students.
“Through Cipher Tech’s partnership with NCL, we have been able to build connections and provide support for those entering the workforce, in addition to welcoming NCL participants as new hires who have quickly become invaluable assets to their teams,” said Kristina Fraser, hybrid recruiter, Cipher Tech Solutions. “Not only does participation in NCL provide real-world experience that can be applied to a future career, but it is also a great addition to any resume to show drive, commitment, and a passion for cybersecurity.”
Registration for the Spring 2024 NCL Competition is open from Jan. 29 to March 22. The cost to participate is $35, with late registration from March 23 to 26 and a cost increase to $45.
About the National Cyber League
Established in 2011 by an alliance of public agencies dedicated to developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, the National Cyber League is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization aiming to help students develop, practice and validate their cybersecurity knowledge and skills. To learn more, visit nationalcyberleague.org.
About Cyber Skyline
Founded in 2014, Cyber Skyline is a leading cloud-based cybersecurity skills evaluation platform helping students and professionals track their skills growth and helping businesses find, identify and cultivate talent. Cyber Skyline operates the NCL Competition with the support of the National Cyber League. To learn more, visit cyberskyline.com.
Media Contact
Emily Kalandranis, National Cyber League, 1 240-720-7870, [email protected]
Military Aid Societies are poised to embark on their second annual fundraising battle, setting the stage for the #Battle4BraggingRights, where they will vie for supremacy in contributions.
“Amidst the #GivingTuesday philanthropic spirit, we are challenging ourselves to add an exhilarating twist – a friendly competition among Military Aid Societies – to amplify the excitement of giving,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant General Robert R. Ruark, NMCRS’s President and CEO.
The #Battle4BraggingRights will unfold across social media platforms on #GivingTuesday, November 28, 2023. Supporters are encouraged to visit Battle4BraggingRights.com, where they can allocate their contributions to one of the four Military Aid Societies. At the close, a victor will emerge.
“While the rivalry adds some flavor, the true winners remain our service members, veterans and their families,” said Kristina McBride, AFAS’s acting CEO. “Every contribution for #Battle4BraggingRights enables the continuation of vital programs and services for military personnel and veterans worldwide.”
Within the organizations’ circles, good-natured banter permeates, as staff and volunteers gear up for the friendly competition.
“In sparking inter-service competition, we’re firing up our supporters to achieve remarkable success during #Battle4BraggingRights,” said U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Cari Thomas, CEO of CGMA. “We have full confidence that our loyal advocates will rally to make this endeavor triumphant.”
Lockheed Martin, a global security and aerospace company, has extended a generous proposal to match every gift made during #Battle4BraggingRights on #GivingTuesday, up to a sum of $1 million. This substantial matching pledge guarantees that donations to these transformative Military Aid Societies will yield double the impact for military members, veterans and their families.
“Our shared commitment to aiding our armed forces and their families underscores the significance of this gesture,” said U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Raymond Mason, Director of AER. “Thanks to Lockheed Martin’s generous support, donors who give during #Battle4BraggingRights will have their impact and contribution and impact doubled.”
Commencing in 2012 as a Global Day of Giving, #GivingTuesday has galvanized countless individuals to rally behind their cherished causes. To make a donation, and have it doubled for your favorite Military Aid Society, be sure to visit Battle4BraggingRights.com this #GivingTuesday on November 28th, 2023.
About Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Air Force Aid Society, Army Emergency Relief and Coast Guard Mutual Assistance The United States has four Congressionally sanctioned Military Aid Societies charged with helping more than 2.5 million service members, their families and, in some cases, military retirees in financial need. Each organization is a nonprofit 501c3 that provides financial support to their service-specific clients through zero-interest loans, grants, disaster assistance, scholarships and a myriad of other needs-based programs and services. All programs and services are designed to support military members in need and help them build a solid foundation for a financial future. All four Military Aid Societies are 4-star Charity Navigator-rated nonprofit organizations. Please visit Battle4BraggingRights.com to donate to one or more of the Military Aid Societies and learn more about the unique programs of each organization.
The Georgia Spa Gives Back Program is holding a toy drive across all its locations through November 30. All collected toys will be donated to local toy drives in December in advance of Christmas.
AUBURN, Ga., Nov. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Georgia Spa Gives Back Program is holding a toy drive across all its locations through November 30. All collected toys will be donated to local toy drives in December in advance of Christmas.
Those purchasing a hot tub or spa during the donation period can receive a discount of up to $500 on a hot tub or swim spa accessory package for donating toys (each $10 value toy = $100 discount; max discount $500).
Additionally, a portion of purchases made at Georgia Spa Company in the month of November will go to supporting the Winder Fire Department’s Empty Stocking Drive and to the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office’s Shop with a Hero program.
The Georgia Spa Gives Back program will collect unwrapped toys at its six showrooms as well as it’s pre-owned and service center. Georgia Spa Company showrooms are in Alpharetta, Kennesaw, Buford, Athens, Newnan and Augusta. Showrooms are open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. The Pre-Owned and Service Center in Auburn is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. All locations will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
The Georgia Spa Gives Back program is a charitable giving initiative focused on giving back to different organizations and deserving individuals around the state of Georgia. Through the program, Georgia Spa selects a charity or cause to sponsor and donates a portion of our proceeds from a given month or quarter to that organization.
The Georgia Spa Gives Back Toy Drive follows up a successful Food Drive held in October. MUST Ministries, North Fulton Community Charities and the North Gwinnett Cooperative each received a $2,000 donation and a food contribution. These Georgia Spa Gives Back donations were made possible by Georgia Spa customers from a portion of proceeds from October and their support of the food drive.
Media Contact Tanner Tedeschi, Georgia Spa Company, 1 4702380063, [email protected], Georgia Spa Company
Beloved Colorado Tradition Returns for 33rd Year with Its Largest and Brightest Holiday Lights Display Ever
DENVER, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — For 33 years, Zoo Lights presented by Your Hometown Toyota Stores has been at the heart of the holidays for countless Colorado families. Now, with 80 acres boasting more than 3 million sparkling lights (up from 2 million in previous years), Denver Zoo is still the destination for holiday memories. This year, there’s even more magic than ever, including an adults-only night (Nov. 20), sensory-friendly night (Dec. 31), animated light sculptures, nightly ice-carving exhibitions sponsored by Primrose Schools, and festive seasonal treats. The Zoo is also introducing new peak and standard pricing, which allows guests to enjoy lower prices and smaller crowds on select dates. Tickets are available online at DenverZoo.org.
Guests will find surprises at every turn, including live ice-carving exhibitions with local artists, seasonal craft cocktails and holiday treats, and cozy fire barrels. And enchanting new installations, with themes like Sunrise, River and Waterfall, immerse guests in a wash of color and dazzling animal light sculptures. Special add-on packages to enhance the Zoo Lights experience include the Zoo it All Pass and Glow Package, which offers custom HoloSpex 3-D glasses and a reusable souvenir mug filled with hot cocoa or cider.
Denver Zoo has reduced its energy consumption by 78 percent during Zoo Lights since switching to LED lights in 2005, saving a cumulative 6.5 million kWh and $600,000, according to Xcel Energy Partners in Energy. Each year, the Zoo works to make Zoo Lights even more sustainable by sourcing more reusable, recyclable, and compostable materials; and encouraging all guests and members to help it get closer to its goal of becoming a zero-waste campus by 2025. Throughout the event, the Zoo’s Environmental and Campus Services teams plan to trial new waste receptacles and conduct waste audits to gain an understanding of the Zoo Lights waste stream and determine areas of opportunity for supply chain changes or guest communication.
Zoo Lights sell out every year, and with limited nightly capacity to enhance the visitor experience, guests are highly encouraged to purchase tickets for their select dates and times immediately. Standard price tickets start at $25 for adults and $18 for kids with peak pricing at $28 for adults and $21 for kids. For more information and tickets, visit DenverZoo.org.
ABOUT DENVER ZOO‥ Home to almost 3,000 animals representing more than 450 species,‥Denver Zoo‥is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, and the city’s oldest and most passionate advocate for the natural world. The Zoo is among the most visited cultural destination in Colorado, serving almost 2 million people per year, and accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which assures the highest standards of animal care. With the mission‥inspiring communities to save wildlife for future generations,‥Denver Zoo dedicates almost $2 million annually to Zoo-led programs aimed at protecting animals within their natural habitats around the world. For more information, visit‥DenverZoo.org.‥
Ms. Wang alleged that as a result of their purported actions, defendants Air China and LB Oceanfront Corporation sexually discriminated against her and created a hostile work environment, retaliated against her, and aided and abetted each other’s discrimination. Ms. Wang brought her claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the New York State Human Rights Law, and the New York City Human Rights Law.
Following four days of testimony from seven witnesses, the jury heard closing arguments by the parties. During these arguments, Ms. Wang’s counsel asked that, in addition to compensatory damages, the jury award her $50 million in punitive damages. After deliberating for approximately an hour and a half, the jury came back with a complete defense verdict, finding zero liability on the part of the defendants.
“We are gratified that the jury has rendered a fair and just verdict for Air China,” said Jacques Catafago, a partner at Catafago Fini LLP and the lead attorney for Air China. “The jury found that Air China did not violate the laws Ms. Wang claimed it did, and found no fault on the part of the company or LB Oceanfront Corporation.”
The case is captioned Huan Wang v. Air China Limited, et al., No. 17-cv-06662, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The case was before U.S. District Chief Judge Margo K. Brodie.
Air China is represented by Jacques Catafago and Sarah M. Dyer of Catafago Fini LLP.
“It’s great to see a number of positives from this year’s national trends,” said EAA Board of Directors Chair Kim Koy, president and CEO of the Employers Council. “We are seeing a shift to an ‘improvement’ mindset. While many still anticipate a decline, indicators show positive movement upward.”
When executives were asked what they believe are the most serious challenges to their business in 2024, talent acquisition ranked highest. Cybersecurity became a top concern, breaking into the list at #2, with talent retention falling to #3. Inflation challenges came in at #4, and developing future leaders also made it into the top five challenges in the 2024 report.
While talent acquisition remains a challenge, also showing a trend toward the positive, business leaders felt that hiring was easier this year than it had been in the previous years, with 44% of organizations hiring as originally planned compared with 37% in the previous year’s survey.
Executives reported that skilled professional staff (non-manager) positions remain the most challenging when it comes to recruitment (47%). Approximately 33% of respondents report that skilled production workers are the most challenging in terms of retention.
The top strategies that executives are using to overcome retention challenges were:
Adjusting pay ranges upward (74%)
Focusing on existing staff receiving additional training and development (65%)
Focusing on existing staff retention in jobs where recruitment is difficult (57%)
Variable pay is also indicated as a strategy used to overcome recruitment or retention challenges. Top variable pay strategies this year include: employee referral bonuses at 59%, followed by year-end bonuses (38%), and hiring (sign-on) bonuses (31%).
Executives were asked what they thought are the most important factors prospective employees are looking for. The top five responses in the 2024 survey were:
Competitive pay (86%)
Good work-life balance (77%)
Flexibility in work hours (59%)
Vacation/paid time off (37%)
Competitive/robust health benefits (34%)
Inflation was once again taken into consideration in the current survey. When asked what pay adjustments have been or will be made to account for higher wage demands due to inflation, updated wage structures/pay ranges (49%) ranked highest, followed by increased starting rates (47%) and increased standard wages (42%).
Another hot topic was remote and hybrid work. The top response was “few if any, staff work remotely on a regular full-time basis” at 40%, with only 2% responding that all staff work remotely on a regular full-time basis. Regarding hybrid work, “some staff work on a hybrid schedule (33%)” with 28% indicating they do not have hybrid workers.
With the emergence of ChatGPT in 2023 the EAA National Business Trends Survey also ranked the top Artificial Intelligence (AI) uses organizations are considering: Marketing content production (19%), Website content production (16%), and Recruitment and talent sourcing (15%) ranked as the top three. Seven percent list cybersecurity/fraud management as an AI use already implemented, with an additional 12% considering this as a use in the future. With 47% of executives planning or continuing to implement investments in new technology in 2024 (the top measure to strengthen business results), we may see a greater increase in AI use in the 2025 report.
The EAA, a nonprofit national employer association, provides the National Business Trends as an annual survey to share information on what 1,049 organizations and executives did in 2023 and what they are planning to do for 2024 regarding the changing business climate. The report includes:
Business Outlook
Business Investment Plans
Staffing Plans
Recruitment/Retention Challenges
Job Creation Challenges
Business Improvement Measures
Pay Strategies
Business Challenges
For a copy of the full report of the 2024 National Business Trends Survey, contact McKenna Arnold at [email protected] | 503.585.4320
About Employer Associations of America (EAA)
EAA consists of 24 regional employer associations serving 35,000 companies and more than six million employees. Regional employer associations are dedicated to serving their members as trusted partners that help members maximize the performance of their employees and their organization through business expertise in compliance, recruitment, retention, surveys, safety, training, and organization development. EAA’s mission is to advance a national presence and to promote local success among members through unparalleled collaboration, excellence, and efficiency. To learn more about the EAA, visit http://www.eaahub.org.
Tatango’s leading text message marketing platform delivers innovation and proven fundraising results to nonprofits.
RALEIGH, N.C., Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Tatango, the leading text message platform in the nonprofit sector, is purpose-built for fundraising efficiency, making it the preferred platform for organizations seeking to drive engagement and get maximum support for their mission.
With Giving Tuesday right around the corner, Tatango is encouraged to be a part of the digital transformation taking place with leading nonprofits during the end-of-year giving season. Nonprofits increasingly realize that a mobile-first strategy is critical to breaking through unread emails and cluttered social channels; smart texting with Tatango is the best way to achieve results. Tatango customer data shows that 90% of messages are opened within the first 3 minutes of sending and messages have a 99% overall open rate ensuring key messages are seen.
Tatango has established itself as a vital tool for nonprofits to boost engagement and achieve their fundraising goals. Notably, on Giving Tuesday, a significant day for charitable giving, Tatango clients see success by incorporating texting into their communications mix. Texting is used to connect with audiences, bolster awareness, increase donor participation levels, and share gratitude. Some organizations report that donations positively influenced by text messages are growing faster than other channels demonstrating the effectiveness of Tatango’s platform in reaching and motivating donors. This trend highlights how integral Tatango has become in the digital strategy of nonprofits, especially during key events like Giving Tuesday.
Tatango is designed to meet the unique needs of nonprofit organizations with features specifically tailored to support fundraising. The company continuously innovates so nonprofits can engage, drive efficiency, and fundraise higher. Additionally, Tatango’s proven scalability and industry-leading SOC-2 certification enable nonprofits to execute campaigns of any size while safeguarding the interests of both organizations and donors. The robust infrastructure can deliver high-volume campaigns in seconds. Beyond the software, Tatango has experts with nonprofit experience and regularly contributes to industry conferences. The company is now sharing its expertise with a collection of resources for Giving Tuesday.
“As the leading text messaging service to drive fundraising, we understand the challenges nonprofits face in reaching their goals,” Tatango’s CEO, Kevin Fitzgerald. “The resilience, creativity, and resourcefulness demonstrated by nonprofits on Giving Tuesday and every single day inspires us. We’ve designed our entire offering to eliminate friction, enhance efficiency, and ultimately empower nonprofits to thrive; from the features we build to the team we’ve assembled, our mission is to assist nonprofits in furthering their important work.”
Top nonprofit organizations are recognizing the rising need to incorporate text messaging into their digital marketing strategies. Tatango appreciates the opportunity to be part of the Giving Season and is excited to help organizations advance their cause, get noticed, and further their mission.
CHC’s rural vaccination equity program will cultivate sustainable community partnerships that provide training and scientifically based health education; increase health literacy and awareness of health risks and health protection practices; plus, help make prevention services and vaccines more accessible. The initiative will work across health systems, nonprofit and university partners including HBCUs, and community-based organizations as part of a broader health ecosystem.
“Unfortunately, we see inequitable access to preventive services among rural areas of the US,” said Mary-Ann Etiebet, AVP, Health Equity at Merck. “We are proud to be working with CHC to implement a community-based strategy to address social and structural barriers to care, combat mis- and disinformation through education, and build trust among these underserved communities.”
The initiative runs from August 2023 through November 2024.
CHC is committed to implementing inclusive strategies that are equity-centered, community-informed, and community-led. CHC’s approaches are based on evidence and centered on equity to address the social drivers of health, incorporating community perspectives and the lived experiences, needs and concerns of affected communities. Learn more about CHC’s health equity work.
ABOUT CHC: CREATING HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES CHC: Creating Healthier Communities exists so that every person in every community has an opportunity to live their healthiest life. We build partnerships to address health inequities by fostering trusted community engagement, fundraising, and offering programs and services to help support communities where everyone can thrive. We focus on awareness and access, education and advocacy, and philanthropy. Together with partners, we’ve been creating healthier communities for nearly 70 years. Join us at chcimpact.org or @chcimpact.
“Not only are the inaugural Fellows outstanding students,” shared Gillian Leek, CEO, NEXT for AUTISM, “but their commitment to working with autistic adults, now and beyond graduation is a great indication of the next generation of professionals entering the field.”
The scholarship recipients represent top institutions across the country, including George Mason University (VA), State University of New York at Buffalo (NY), Great Basin College (NV), University of California at Berkeley (CA), Morehead State University (KY), and Lansing Community College (MI).
There are more autistic adults who need services than there are qualified DSPs to support them. In fact, more than 482,000 adults with autism and intellectual disabilities are waitlisted for services that they need and deserve. As the need for DSPs and neurodivergent professionals continues to increase, it’s anticipated that there will be seven million vacant DSP job openings by 2029. Now is the time to help pave the way for a positive future—for work as a DSP and to ensure meaningful support and mentorship for an autistic adult.
The 2024 NEXT for AUTISM Fellows Scholarship cycle will open in February 2024.
ABOUT NEXT FOR AUTISM
NEXT for AUTISM is the leading nonprofit dedicated to transforming the national landscape of services for people with autism by strategically designing, launching, and supporting innovative initiatives.‥
In 2023, the organization’s 20th anniversary, NEXT remains steadfast in its quest to change the paradigm for how individuals with autism thrive throughout their adult lives. This is done by leveraging a broad range of autistic and neurotypical stakeholders and partnering with national organizations, regional agencies, and local entities to enhance services and maximize resources.‥ Learn more at NEXTforAUTISM.org
Media Contact
Holly Wainwright, NEXT for AUTISM, 1 203-667-4734, [email protected], NEXTforAUTISM.org
