Friday, June 28, 2013
Procter & Gamble’s My Black is Beautiful Joins First Ever BET Experience at L.A. Live
Procter & Gamble Press Release:
| Procter & Gamble’s My Black is Beautiful Joins First Ever BET Experience at L.A. Live |
My Black is Beautiful Celebrates the Imagine a Future Documentary
National Premiere with Exclusive Screenings
“BET represents a preeminent media source for our African American consumer and serves as the perfect platform to bring our Imagine a Future documentary to the masses,” said
Imagine a Future is a poignant first-hand story of African-American teen
"We are so proud to be a part of such a moving and powerful documentary that tears down the boundaries of beauty and redefines what it means to be beautiful," said
Immediately before the national
About Imagine a Future
In
To learn more about Imagine a Future and join the MBIB conversation, visit myblackisbeautiful.com, facebook.com/MBIB and on Twitter, @MBIB. The thirty-minute “Girl Talk” discussion and an informative Imagine a Future discussion guide will be available through these platforms to help aid in ongoing conversations about the film as well as the overall beauty conversation. The documentary will also be available for online viewing on the My Black is Beautiful YouTube channel.
ABOUT
P&G serves approximately 4.6 billion people around the world with its brands. The Company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Pampers®, Tide®, Ariel®, Always®, Whisper®, Pantene®, Mach3®, Bounty®, Dawn®, Fairy®, Gain®, Charmin®, Downy®, Lenor®, Iams®, Crest®, Oral-B®, Duracell®, Olay®, Head & Shoulders®, Wella®, Gillette®, Braun®, Fusion®, Ace®, Febreze®, Ambi Pur®, SK-II®, and Vicks®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 75 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.
ABOUT BET NETWORKS
BET Networks, a subsidiary of
ABOUT UNCF
UNCF is the nation's largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities across the country. UNCF supports education through scholarships and other programs, by supporting its 38 member colleges and universities, and by advocating for the importance of minority education. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 21 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. The UNCF logo features the torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste."® Learn more at www.UNCF.org.
ABOUT BLACK GIRLS ROCK!
Founded by celebrity DJ and Philanthropist,
Source:
|
Oral-B® Sweeps the Country with the Power “Wow” Experiment
Procter & Gamble News Release:
| Oral-B® Sweeps the Country with the Power “Wow” Experiment |
Social Experiment to Challenge Americans’ Brushing Routines on Manual Streets Across the
For many people, using a manual toothbrush is an unquestioned, lifelong aspect of their daily routines. But anecdotal evidence indicates that once people try a power brush, they are hard-pressed to go back to their manual version. This insight sparked the idea for this summer’s town takeovers in which Oral-B is challenging people throughout the country to rethink the way they brush.
“We know that power brushes provide an overall better brushing experience but they still lag behind in popularity and everyday usage,” said
Each of the towns selected for takeovers all have one thing in common – they are home to the aptly named “Manual Street.” The town takeover events will offer food, music and fun for the whole family, and of course, the opportunity for local residents to trade in their manual brush for a new Oral-B Deep Sweep power brush. The events will take place in the following cities this summer:
Upcoming Oral-B Town Takeovers
For updates on the Oral-B “WOW” experiment throughout the summer, visit WOW Experiment. If you have already been converted into a power brush user by having a “WOW” moment of your own -- or if you’re curious about the experiment -- get in on the conversation online by using #OralBWOW.
The Oral-B Deep Sweep power brush makes the transition from a manual brush to a power brush easy, with a familiar-shaped brush head coupled with traditional stationary bristles. Deep sweeps in between teeth remove up to 100 percent more plaque versus a regular manual toothbrush, helping to prevent and reverse gingivitis.
Oral-B Deep Sweep TRIACTION Power Toothbrush
The Deep Sweep TRIACTION power toothbrush is available in multiple models including the Professional Series Deep Sweep TRIACTION 1000 and Professional Series Deep Sweep + Smart Guide™ TRIACTION 5000, offering consumers a choice of price points and features that best suit their needs. Oral-B Professional Series Deep Sweep TRIACTION is available at department, retail and specialty stores nationwide at suggested retail prices ranging from
For more information on Oral-B, visit OralB.com and facebook.com/OralB.
About Oral-B
Oral-B is the worldwide leader in the over
About
P&G serves approximately 4.6 billion people around the world with its brands. The Company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Pampers®, Tide®, Ariel®, Always®, Whisper®, Pantene®, Mach3®, Bounty®, Dawn®, Fairy®, Gain®, Charmin®, Downy®, Lenor®, Iams®, Crest®, Oral-B®, Duracell®, Olay®, Head & Shoulders®, Wella®, Gillette®, Braun®, Fusion®, Ace®, Febreze®, Ambi Pur®, SK-II®, and Vicks®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 75 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands. |
ATK President and CEO Mark DeYoung Honored as One of STEMconnector's "100 CEO Leaders in STEM"
ATK Press Release:
ATK President and CEO Mark DeYoung Honored as One of STEMconnector's "100 CEO Leaders in STEM"
Jun 28, 2013
 |
ARLINGTON, Va., June 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- ATK (NYSE: ATK) announced today that its President and CEO Mark DeYoung was named one of the "100 CEO Leaders in STEM" by STEMconnector®, a network dedicated to linking those advocating science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education across disciplines and distances. DeYoung was honored for his leadership at ATK and his commitment to advancing STEM for young people in the communities in which the company operates.
"I am proud to receive this award," said DeYoung. "But I'm even more proud of ATK's success in engaging our next generation of scientists, engineers and explorers to promote careers in these critically important fields."
The CEO list, compiled by STEMconnector® and slated to run in the July "Global 500" issue of FORTUNE, showcases companies that are strong proponents of STEM education and active role models for aspiring students.
Under DeYoung's leadership, ATK supports local college and university scholarship programs, and employees participate in and financially support local school initiatives such as bridge building, aerospace and energy technology projects, and camps for students interested in STEM fields of study. ATK also rotates MBA students and interns through several STEM functions for college credit and future employment.
"ATK's mission is more than just achieving financial success; we also have a responsibility to be good corporate citizens," said DeYoung. "That's why ATK makes it a priority to partner within our communities to bring our STEM professionals to the classroom to provide hands-on experiences for students."
For more information on ATK's focus on STEM, please read the company's Corporate Social Responsibility report online atwww.atk.com/corporate-social-responsibility/. To see the full list of CEOs, please visitwww.STEMconnector.org/100CEOs. DeYoung's profile can be found on page 56 of the report.
ATK is an aerospace, defense, and commercial products company with operations in 21 states, Puerto Rico, and internationally. News and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com, on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/atk, or on Twitter @ATK.
Alcoa to Close Fusina Smelter in Italy
Alcoa Press Release:
June 28, 2013
Alcoa to Close Fusina Smelter in Italy
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alcoa (NYSE:AA) announced today that it intends to permanently close its Fusina (Venice, Italy) primary aluminum smelter, which has been curtailed since June 2010. The planned closure will reduce Alcoa’s global smelting capacity of 4.2 million metric tons per year by 44,000 metric tons.
The intended closure of Fusina’s 44,000 metric tons is in addition to the 460,000 metric tons of operating smelting capacity that Alcoa previously announced was under review.
“The underlying conditions that led Alcoa to curtail the Fusina smelter in 2010 have not fundamentally changed,” said Alcoa Global Primary Products President Bob Wilt. “Global aluminum prices remain weak and we must take action to maintain Alcoa’s competitiveness.”
Alcoa will work with affected communities to explore ways to redevelop the closed smelter and will consult with local unions to put appropriate social support in place for the employees impacted by the closure. Alcoa currently employs 14 people at the curtailed smelter.
The Alcoa Fusina rolling mill operates separately from the smelter and is not affected by this announcement.
Total restructuring-related charges for second quarter 2013 as a result of the closure are expected to be between $30 million and $35 million after-tax, or about $0.03 per share, of which approximately 50 percent is non-cash.
About Alcoa
Alcoa is the world’s leading producer of primary and fabricated aluminum, as well as the world’s largest miner of bauxite and refiner of alumina. In addition to inventing the modern-day aluminum industry, Alcoa innovation has been behind major milestones in the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation, consumer electronics and industrial markets over the past 125 years. Among the solutions Alcoa markets are flat-rolled products, hard alloy extrusions, and forgings, as well as Alcoa® wheels, fastening systems, precision and investment castings, and building systems in addition to its expertise in other light metals such as titanium and nickel-based super alloys. Sustainability is an integral part of Alcoa’s operating practices and the product design and engineering it provides to customers. Alcoa has been a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for 11 consecutive years and approximately 75 percent of all of the aluminum ever produced since 1888 is still in active use today. Alcoa employs approximately 61,000 people in 30 countries across the world. For more information, visitwww.alcoa.com, follow @Alcoa on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Alcoaand follow Alcoa on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Alcoa.
June 28, 2013
Alcoa to Close Fusina Smelter in Italy
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alcoa (NYSE:AA) announced today that it intends to permanently close its Fusina (Venice, Italy) primary aluminum smelter, which has been curtailed since June 2010. The planned closure will reduce Alcoa’s global smelting capacity of 4.2 million metric tons per year by 44,000 metric tons.
The intended closure of Fusina’s 44,000 metric tons is in addition to the 460,000 metric tons of operating smelting capacity that Alcoa previously announced was under review.
“The underlying conditions that led Alcoa to curtail the Fusina smelter in 2010 have not fundamentally changed,” said Alcoa Global Primary Products President Bob Wilt. “Global aluminum prices remain weak and we must take action to maintain Alcoa’s competitiveness.”
Alcoa will work with affected communities to explore ways to redevelop the closed smelter and will consult with local unions to put appropriate social support in place for the employees impacted by the closure. Alcoa currently employs 14 people at the curtailed smelter.
The Alcoa Fusina rolling mill operates separately from the smelter and is not affected by this announcement.
Total restructuring-related charges for second quarter 2013 as a result of the closure are expected to be between $30 million and $35 million after-tax, or about $0.03 per share, of which approximately 50 percent is non-cash.
About Alcoa
Alcoa is the world’s leading producer of primary and fabricated aluminum, as well as the world’s largest miner of bauxite and refiner of alumina. In addition to inventing the modern-day aluminum industry, Alcoa innovation has been behind major milestones in the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation, consumer electronics and industrial markets over the past 125 years. Among the solutions Alcoa markets are flat-rolled products, hard alloy extrusions, and forgings, as well as Alcoa® wheels, fastening systems, precision and investment castings, and building systems in addition to its expertise in other light metals such as titanium and nickel-based super alloys. Sustainability is an integral part of Alcoa’s operating practices and the product design and engineering it provides to customers. Alcoa has been a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for 11 consecutive years and approximately 75 percent of all of the aluminum ever produced since 1888 is still in active use today. Alcoa employs approximately 61,000 people in 30 countries across the world. For more information, visitwww.alcoa.com, follow @Alcoa on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Alcoaand follow Alcoa on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Alcoa.
Aetna Helps Members Affected by Wildfires in Arizona and Flooding in Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota
Aetna Press Release:
Aetna Helps Members Affected by Wildfires in Arizona and Flooding in Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota
ORIGINALLY RELEASED ON 6/25/13; UPDATED TO ADD IOWA AND MINNESOTA
Friday, June 28, 2013 1:37 pm EDT
"Our members are of the utmost concern to us and we are committed to helping them get the care and medications they need, understanding that many may have evacuated from their homes and are unable to use their usual physicians, pharmacies and hospitals."
HARTFORD, Conn., June 28, 2013-- Aetna (NYSE: AET) is making it easier for members affected by the wildfire burning in Arizona and flooding in Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota to refill prescriptions and access employee assistance, student assistance and behavioral health programs. The company is also extending claim and appeal filing times, and helping members who have evacuated find care outside their home areas, among other steps.
“Our thoughts are with the people affected by these devastating events,” said Mark T. Bertolini, Aetna chairman, CEO and president. “Our members are of the utmost concern to us and we are committed to helping them get the care and medications they need, understanding that many may have evacuated from their homes and are unable to use their usual physicians, pharmacies and hospitals.”
Aetna Behavioral Health has opened its Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources to all Aetna plan sponsors, regardless of whether or not they are Aetna EAP customers, during these times of need. Aetna’s EAP professionals, who have experience dealing with traumatic events, are available to help. Aetna members can contact Aetna EAP 24/7 for telephonic consultation, referrals or general information such as areas affected by a disaster, available shelters and government resources.
The number to call for EAP is1-888-AETNA-EAP (1-888-238-6232) and the number to call for the Student Assistance Program is 1-877-351-7889. Individuals and families may also want to reference the following materials.
In addition, Aetna members and health care providers affected by the disaster who need care or other assistance can reach the company at the following toll-free numbers.
- Aetna Member Services: Call the number printed on your ID card*. If ID card is unavailable, call 1-800-443-AETNA (1-800-443-2386)
- Aetna Specialty Pharmacy Customer Service: 1-866-782-ASRX (1-866-782-2779)
- Aetna Rx Home Delivery Customer Service:1-888-RX AETNA (1-888-792-3862)
- Aetna Employee Assistance Program: 1-888-AETNA-EAP (1-888-238-6232)
- Aetna Student Assistance Program: 1-877-351-7889
- Aetna Dental: 1-877-238-6200
- Health care providers should contact the Provider Service Centers:
- Indemnity and PPO-based benefit plans: 1-888-MD-Aetna (1-888-632-3862)
- HMO benefit plans: 1-800-624-0756
* Replacement ID cards and access to a Personal Health Record (PHR) can be found on Aetna Navigator™:http://www.aetna.com/index.html
Affected Aetna members may refill their prescriptions early, as needed, or refill a prescription that may have been lost, damaged or destroyed. Those who use Aetna’s mail-order pharmacy can receive a prescription at an alternate delivery location.
Affected Aetna members also can seek routine or emergency care anywhere, as needed, without a referral or pre-authorization. As part of its disaster procedures, Aetna will monitor the impact on its network doctors, hospitals and other health care providers. The company will work closely with providers to make further modifications to its policies as necessary to ensure members have access to care.
If any additional local, state or federal disaster executive orders or regulations are issued related to these catastrophic events, Aetna will adjust its policies to comply.
About Aetna
Aetna is one of the nation's leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving an estimated 44 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities, Medicaid health care management services, workers' compensation administrative services and health information technology services. Aetna’s customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, health care providers, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, see www.aetna.com.
Johnson Controls announces Third Quarter 2013 Earnings Conference Call Webcast
Johnson Controls Press Release:
Johnson Controls announces Third Quarter 2013 Earnings Conference Call Webcast
MILWAUKEE, June 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Controls, Inc (NYSE: JCI), a global diversified company in the buildings and automotive industries, announces the following webcast:
What: Johnson Controls Third Quarter Fiscal 2013 Earnings Conference Call
When: Thursday, July 18, 2013, at 11 a.m. ET
How: Live over the Internet -- Log on to the Web atwww.johnsoncontrols.com/investors. Note: A slide presentation will be available that morning for downloading.
Replay: If you are unable to participate during the live webcast, the call will be archived athttp://www.johnsoncontrols.com/publish/us/en/investors/webcast_archive.html
About Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 168,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful. In 2013, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #141 company in its annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.
ATK Provides Propulsion and Composite Structures for Successful Launch of Pegasus Rocket
ATK Press Release:
ATK Provides Propulsion and Composite Structures for Successful Launch of Pegasus Rocket
IRIS SPACECRAFT FILLS CRUCIAL GAP TO ADVANCE SUN-EARTH CONNECTION STUDIES
Jun 28, 2013
ARLINGTON, Va., June 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- ATK (NYSE: ATK) supported the successful launch of an Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB) air-launched Pegasus XL® rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
The Pegasus XL rocket carried NASA's Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) spacecraft, built by Lockheed Martin, into a sun-synchronous polar orbit for continuous solar observations throughout the two-year mission. IRIS is designed to make detailed measurements of the flow of energy and plasma through the sun's atmosphere and heliosphere.
ATK is the major propulsion provider for the Pegasus XL rocket, delivering motors for all three stages of the Pegasus rocket. ATK's Orion motors have provided reliable propulsion for the Pegasus since its first mission in 1990. They are manufactured in Magna, Utah.
ATK also provided several structures and components from its Clearfield, Utah, facility for the Pegasus rocket. The three composite rocket motor cases were manufactured using ATK's advanced filament winding processes. Several other composite structures—including the interstage assembly that joins the 50-inch diameter second stage case to the 38-inch diameter third stage case, raceway covers used to protect flight critical cabling, and the fairing that encases the third stage motor and payload—were manufactured using hand lay-up processes. ATK also manufactured the flexseals that facilitate movement of the second and third stage nozzles.
For the IRIS mission, ATK manufactured the camera structure for the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory at its San Diego, Calif. facility.
The Pegasus rocket traveled under Orbital's L-1011 "Stargazer" carrier aircraft to an altitude of approximately 39,000 feet, where it was released horizontally before the first-stage Orion 50 SXL motor ignited. Approximately 130 seconds into the flight, the Orion 50 XL second-stage ignited and a composite payload fairing was jettisoned. After a several-minute coast period, the third-stage Orion 38 motor burned until approximately 10 minutes into the flight. Three minutes later, when the Pegasus released IRIS into its intended orbit.
This was the 42nd mission launched by Pegasus rockets. Pegasus, which has deployed over 80 satellites into orbit, has set the standard for reliable small launch vehicles using ATK's Orion motors.
Key partners supporting the manufacturing of ATK's Orion motors include Reinhold Industries and Votaw Precision Technologies, both located in Santa Fe Springs, Calif., and Central Valley Machine, in Logan, Utah. Reinhold provides the Pegasus nozzle assemblies, while Votaw provides the saddle assembly and Central Valley Machine provides the critical attach hardware. All of these suppliers are vital to the success of the Pegasus program.
ATK is an aerospace, defense, and commercial products company with operations in 21 states, Puerto Rico, and internationally. News and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com, on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/atk, or on Twitter @ATK.
Abbott Hosts Conference Call for Second-Quarter Earnings
PRESS RELEASE
Abbott Hosts Conference Call for Second-Quarter Earnings
June 28, 2013
Abbott Park, Illinois(NYSE: ABT) — Abbott will announce its second-quarter 2013 financial results on Wednesday, July 17, 2013, before the market opens.
The announcement will be followed by a live webcast of the earnings conference call at 8 a.m. Central time (9 a.m. Eastern), and will be accessible through Abbott's Investor Relations Web site at www.abbottinvestor.com. An archived edition of the call will be available after 11 a.m. Central time.
About Abbott
Abbott (NYSE: ABT) is a global healthcare com pany devoted to improving life through the development of products and technologies that span the breadth of healthcare. With a portfolio of leading, science-based offerings in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic pharmaceuticals, Abbott serves people in more than 150 countries and employs approximately 70,000 people.
Visit Abbott at www.abbott.com and connect with us on Twitter at @AbbottNews.
Consumers’ Trust in Utilities Lowest in Four Years, New Accenture Research Shows
Accenture Press Release:
June 28, 2013
Consumers’ Trust in Utilities Lowest in Four Years, New Accenture Research Shows
NEW YORK; June 28, 2013 – Less than one quarter of consumers trust their utilities, according to an annual survey by Accenture (NYSE: ACN) of more than 11,000 consumers in 21 countries.
Accenture’s New Energy Consumer research shows that just 24 percent of consumers trust their utility to inform them of actions they can take to optimize energy consumption – a decrease of nine percentage points from 2012. This is the lowest level of trust since the multi-year global research program was launched four years ago. Furthermore, customer satisfaction has drifted lower globally, falling from 59 percent to 47 percent over the past year.
Across both regulated and competitive energy markets, consumers are ready to turn to alternative providers for energy and energy-related products and services. If given the choice, 73 percent of the consumers surveyed said they would consider alternative providers for purchasing electricity and alternative energy-related products and services.
“In the evolving energy marketplace, many utilities are at an inflection point at which they should redefine their role in consumers’ lives and refocus on building a base of trust,” said Greg Guthridge, Accenture Energy Consumer Services managing director. “The first step is making interactions simple, in particular getting the basics right the first time. Each touch point with the consumer is critical – whether it involves mobile or digital options for straightforward transactions, or higher-touch interactions to resolve issues.”
Despite the fact that many utilities have increased spending on consumer-centric programs, such as online self-service, this has yet to translate directly into improved trust or satisfaction. Storms, challenges with service reliability, and price volatility have all contributed to decreasing customer trust and satisfaction. However, Accenture’s research shows that there is a growing gap between customer expectations and the energy experience they receive from their providers today.
The research shows that delivering the basics of the customer experience is key to building consumer trust. The vast majority of consumers surveyed said that consistently getting the bill correct (92 percent), receiving reliable energy delivery (91 percent) and getting clear and easy-to-understand pricing information (91 percent) are the factors that matter most in building their trust with energy providers.
However, the survey results also show that there are significant gaps between consumers’ expectations and their utilities’ performance. For example, while 91 percent of consumers said that clear and easy-to-understand pricing information is important, only 69 percent would rate their providers’ performance in that area as good or excellent – a gap of 22 percent.
“Utilities need to consider radically rethinking their customer satisfaction investments with a targeted approach to simplifying the consumer energy experience, addressing the concerns of dissatisfied consumers and closing the expectation gap,” Guthridge said.
Responses from survey participants indicate that utilities have several opportunities to better engage with their customers, including:
Methodology
Accenture’s annual global survey was based on questionnaire-led interviews with 11,154 residential consumers in 21 countries, conducted online in native languages for Accenture by Harris Interactive. It is a quantitative survey with a sample statistically representative of the general population in each country, with the exception of Brazil, China and South Africa, where the sample was representative of the urban populations.
The New Energy Consumer Handbook (http://www.accenture.com/us-en/Pages/insight-new-energy-consumer-handbook.aspx) draws upon four consecutive years of end-consumer research, analysis of consumer and technology trends, insights from leading energy providers, cross-industry experience and Accenture’s knowledge of managing utility customer operations. The handbook is designed to offer energy providers fresh ideas and actionable insights to help frame the journey ahead and inspire dynamic new approaches that can lead to success in the evolving energy marketplace.
About Accenture
Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company, with approximately 266,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Combining unparalleled experience, comprehensive capabilities across all industries and business functions, and extensive research on the world’s most successful companies, Accenture collaborates with clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. The company generated net revenues of US$27.9 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2012. Its home page is www.accenture.com
About Accenture Energy Consumer Services
Accenture Energy Consumer Services provides customer care solutions for competitive and regulated energy providers globally. We help our clients to develop and implement full value-chain solutions that achieve three key business imperatives: cost effectiveness, revenue assurance and customer satisfaction. Through new energy customer transformation, next generation customer solutions, transformational outsourcing and asset-powered services, we bring world-class industry-specific management consulting, technology and business process customer-care capabilities to our electricity, gas and water clients.
NEW YORK; June 28, 2013 – Less than one quarter of consumers trust their utilities, according to an annual survey by Accenture (NYSE: ACN) of more than 11,000 consumers in 21 countries.
Accenture’s New Energy Consumer research shows that just 24 percent of consumers trust their utility to inform them of actions they can take to optimize energy consumption – a decrease of nine percentage points from 2012. This is the lowest level of trust since the multi-year global research program was launched four years ago. Furthermore, customer satisfaction has drifted lower globally, falling from 59 percent to 47 percent over the past year.
Across both regulated and competitive energy markets, consumers are ready to turn to alternative providers for energy and energy-related products and services. If given the choice, 73 percent of the consumers surveyed said they would consider alternative providers for purchasing electricity and alternative energy-related products and services.
“In the evolving energy marketplace, many utilities are at an inflection point at which they should redefine their role in consumers’ lives and refocus on building a base of trust,” said Greg Guthridge, Accenture Energy Consumer Services managing director. “The first step is making interactions simple, in particular getting the basics right the first time. Each touch point with the consumer is critical – whether it involves mobile or digital options for straightforward transactions, or higher-touch interactions to resolve issues.”
Despite the fact that many utilities have increased spending on consumer-centric programs, such as online self-service, this has yet to translate directly into improved trust or satisfaction. Storms, challenges with service reliability, and price volatility have all contributed to decreasing customer trust and satisfaction. However, Accenture’s research shows that there is a growing gap between customer expectations and the energy experience they receive from their providers today.
The research shows that delivering the basics of the customer experience is key to building consumer trust. The vast majority of consumers surveyed said that consistently getting the bill correct (92 percent), receiving reliable energy delivery (91 percent) and getting clear and easy-to-understand pricing information (91 percent) are the factors that matter most in building their trust with energy providers.
However, the survey results also show that there are significant gaps between consumers’ expectations and their utilities’ performance. For example, while 91 percent of consumers said that clear and easy-to-understand pricing information is important, only 69 percent would rate their providers’ performance in that area as good or excellent – a gap of 22 percent.
“Utilities need to consider radically rethinking their customer satisfaction investments with a targeted approach to simplifying the consumer energy experience, addressing the concerns of dissatisfied consumers and closing the expectation gap,” Guthridge said.
Responses from survey participants indicate that utilities have several opportunities to better engage with their customers, including:
- Extending the mobile experience: The increased use of mobile devices is driving the demand for mobile energy experiences with personalized information. Thirty-eight percent of consumers say they would like to receive notifications about their energy usage on their mobile device. And 32 percent say they would like to have the ability to remotely control their home heating, cooling and appliances using their mobile devices.
- Tackling consumer costs: Reducing the household energy bill is a consumer priority. More than three-quarters (76 percent) of survey respondents expect detailed online access to their energy usage information and half (50 percent) want online personalized tips on actions they can take to reduce their energy bill.
- Acting as an energy advisor: Eighty-one percent of consumers surveyed would be more interested in purchasing energy-related products and/or services if their utility were to provide them information on how to save on their energy bill.
- Delivering a smarter experience: The vast majority of respondents – 87 percent – said that once their utility supplies them with a smart meter, they expect the company to provide additional energy-related products or services, including personalized advice on actions they can take to reduce their bill, information on new product and service offerings, bill notifications and home-energy management solutions. Similarly, if their utility were to provide them with a variable rate plan option in which the price of energy changes throughout the day, 92 percent of consumers surveyed said they would expect the utility to offer new features to help them manage their bill.
Methodology
Accenture’s annual global survey was based on questionnaire-led interviews with 11,154 residential consumers in 21 countries, conducted online in native languages for Accenture by Harris Interactive. It is a quantitative survey with a sample statistically representative of the general population in each country, with the exception of Brazil, China and South Africa, where the sample was representative of the urban populations.
The New Energy Consumer Handbook (http://www.accenture.com/us-en/Pages/insight-new-energy-consumer-handbook.aspx) draws upon four consecutive years of end-consumer research, analysis of consumer and technology trends, insights from leading energy providers, cross-industry experience and Accenture’s knowledge of managing utility customer operations. The handbook is designed to offer energy providers fresh ideas and actionable insights to help frame the journey ahead and inspire dynamic new approaches that can lead to success in the evolving energy marketplace.
About Accenture
Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company, with approximately 266,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Combining unparalleled experience, comprehensive capabilities across all industries and business functions, and extensive research on the world’s most successful companies, Accenture collaborates with clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. The company generated net revenues of US$27.9 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2012. Its home page is www.accenture.com
About Accenture Energy Consumer Services
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Who is the Healthiest? New Aetna Study Shows That Millennials, GenXers and Baby Boomers All Think They Are the Healthiest Generation
Aetna Press Release:
Who is the Healthiest? New Aetna Study Shows That Millennials, GenXers and Baby Boomers All Think They Are the Healthiest Generation
-- Aetna “what’s your healthy?SM” survey provides insight into Americans’ diet, fitness, relationships and stress across generations --
Friday, June 28, 2013 9:15 am EDT
"These survey results and the conversation we’ve started on the ‘what’s your healthy?’ website show that everybody has a different definition of being healthy"
HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Results from a new study reveal that American adults of all ages – Millennials, GenXers and Baby Boomers – feel that their own generation is the healthiest. Nearly half the people surveyed (45 percent) named their own generation as the healthiest, followed by their parents’ generation (32 percent) and the younger generation (23 percent). The findings come from the Aetna (NYSE: AET) “what’s your healthy?” study, a survey of 1,800 Americans ages 25-64 conducted online this spring by Harris Interactive.
The study is a part of Aetna’s “what’s your healthy?” national marketing and advertising campaign. The campaign includes an interactive website, www.WhatsYourHealthy.com, where people can share their unique definitions of what being healthy means to them.
Other generational differences include:
- Almost twice as many Baby Boomers (23 percent), who are ages 49-64, define being healthy as getting recommended screenings or checkups, compared to both GenXers (ages 37-48) and Millennials (ages 25-36). A much higher percentage of Millennials define being healthy as having good eating habits (24 percent) and regular physical activity (22 percent), compared with the older generations.
- Millennials are far more likely than other age groups to reach for alcohol when stressed - 37 percent agree that they often do so. Both GenXers and Millennials also tend to snack on unhealthy food when dealing with stress (48 percent and 51 percent) more frequently than Baby Boomers.
- Baby Boomers are less self-conscious and look at the big picture. While about one-third of Millennials and GenXers want to look good in their underwear (35 percent and 32 percent), only 19 percent of Boomers consider this important. More than half of Baby Boomers (53 percent) would tell their younger selves not to “sweat the small stuff,” a higher rate than both GenXers (43 percent) and Millennials (36 percent).
“These survey results and the conversation we’ve started on the ‘what’s your healthy?’ website show that everybody has a different definition of being healthy,” said Robert Mead, senior vice president of Marketing, Product & Communications (MP&C) for Aetna. “We are committed to improving the health and well-being for all generations, and these insights are valuable as we build new tools and resources to help individuals and families achieve their unique health goals.”
Across the generations, Americans give themselves fairly high marks on health status considering their age, with an average score of 70.1 on a 0-100 scale. About a third of people (34 percent) say they’re living healthier today than five years ago. People that are living healthier today cited such factors as choosing “side salads instead of French fries” (47 percent of those living healthier today); dialing down alcohol consumption (37 percent); and adding tougher workouts (34 percent) as ways they are leading healthier lives.
Other key findings include:
Weighing Weight Loss
A large majority of people (67 percent) believe they need to lose a considerable amount of weight – a median of 25 pounds. At the same time, more than half (54 percent) of all Americans surveyed believe they can be overweight and still be healthy. Baby Boomers are more likely than Millennials to say that “healthy” is associated with being the right weight for body type and height. Men are happier than women with their current weight and women are more likely to want to lose weight.
A large majority of people (67 percent) believe they need to lose a considerable amount of weight – a median of 25 pounds. At the same time, more than half (54 percent) of all Americans surveyed believe they can be overweight and still be healthy. Baby Boomers are more likely than Millennials to say that “healthy” is associated with being the right weight for body type and height. Men are happier than women with their current weight and women are more likely to want to lose weight.
The Healthy Gender Gap
In addition to their different views on weight, men are more likely than women to define healthiness in terms of a major fitness event or goal, like a marathon. Other gender differences include:
In addition to their different views on weight, men are more likely than women to define healthiness in terms of a major fitness event or goal, like a marathon. Other gender differences include:
- Upcoming events such as reunions and weddings kick-start healthier living for women more than men.
- More dads (34 percent) than moms (22 percent) see parenthood as a path to a healthier life.
- Among men who say they live healthier today than 5 years ago, 49 percent report they’re drinking less alcohol now.
- Among women who say they live healthier today than 5 years ago, 36 percent report they’re caving in less to late-night sweet cravings.
Alleviating Stress
Getting to the office in the morning doesn’t appear to be as stressful as actually being in the office all day. Only 11 percent of Americans cited driving as a major stressor. However, the workplace topped the list of most stressful places, with more than a quarter (27 percent) of Americans saying they experience the most stress at work, followed by spending time with extended family (12 percent) and their spouse/partner (11 percent).
Getting to the office in the morning doesn’t appear to be as stressful as actually being in the office all day. Only 11 percent of Americans cited driving as a major stressor. However, the workplace topped the list of most stressful places, with more than a quarter (27 percent) of Americans saying they experience the most stress at work, followed by spending time with extended family (12 percent) and their spouse/partner (11 percent).
While family is a major cause of stress, four-legged members of the family help bring people peace of mind. Nearly 7 in 10 people (69 percent) agree that having a cat or dog can help reduce stress.
Moms & Millennials Trust Social Media
Significantly higher percentages of Millennials and GenXers agree that connecting through social media has a positive impact on their health or well-being, find social media is a great way to share health and wellness info, and are inspired to live healthier by what they see on social media. In addition, a third (34 percent) of moms say that connecting with others on social media has a positive impact on their overall health and wellness, compared with a quarter (24 percent) of dads.
Significantly higher percentages of Millennials and GenXers agree that connecting through social media has a positive impact on their health or well-being, find social media is a great way to share health and wellness info, and are inspired to live healthier by what they see on social media. In addition, a third (34 percent) of moms say that connecting with others on social media has a positive impact on their overall health and wellness, compared with a quarter (24 percent) of dads.
Results from the study will be featured on Meredith Corporation websites and publications such as Family Circle, Ladies’ Home Journaland Fitness.
Survey Methodology
The survey, commissioned by Aetna, was conducted online by Harris Interactive among a nationally representative sample of Americans ages 25-64. Fieldwork was conducted from April 8 - 19, 2013, and resulted in 1,800 completed questionnaires. Figures for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region and household income were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents’ propensity to be online.
The survey, commissioned by Aetna, was conducted online by Harris Interactive among a nationally representative sample of Americans ages 25-64. Fieldwork was conducted from April 8 - 19, 2013, and resulted in 1,800 completed questionnaires. Figures for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region and household income were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents’ propensity to be online.
Data from additional waves of the “what’s your healthy?” study will be released later this summer and fall.
*Please credit all data to "what’s your healthy?," an Aetna survey.
About Aetna
Aetna is one of the nation's leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving an estimated 44 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities, Medicaid health care management services, workers' compensation administrative services and health information technology services. Aetna’s customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, health care providers, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, see www.aetna.com.
Aetna is one of the nation's leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving an estimated 44 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities, Medicaid health care management services, workers' compensation administrative services and health information technology services. Aetna’s customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, health care providers, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, see www.aetna.com.
Merck to Hold Second-Quarter 2013 Sales and Earnings Conference Call on July 30
Merck News Release:
Merck to Hold Second-Quarter 2013 Sales and Earnings Conference Call on July 30
Friday, June 28, 2013 8:30 am EDT
WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, will hold its second-quarter 2013 sales and earnings conference call with institutional investors and analysts at 8:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, July 30. During the call, Kenneth C. Frazier, chairman and chief executive officer; Peter N. Kellogg, executive vice president and chief financial officer; and Adam H. Schechter, president, Global Human Health, will provide an overview of Merck’s financial performance for the quarter.
Investors, journalists and the general public may access a live audio webcast of the call on Merck’s website at http://www.merck.com/investors/events-and-presentations/home.html. Software needed to listen to the webcast is available on Merck’s website and should be downloaded prior to the beginning of the webcast. A replay of the webcast will be available at approximately 11:00 a.m. EDT on July 30 and will remain on the website for 12 months. The quarter's sales and earnings news release and supplemental financial disclosures also will be available in the Newsroom and Investor sections of the company's website at www.merck.com.
Institutional investors and analysts can participate in the call by dialing (706) 758-9927 or (877) 381-5782 and using ID code number 22104203.
Members of the media are invited to monitor the call by dialing (706) 758-9928 or (800) 399-7917 and using ID code number 22104203. Journalists who wish to ask questions are requested to contact a member of Merck's Media Relations team at the conclusion of the call.
About Merck
Today's Merck is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. Merck is known as MSD outside the United States and Canada. Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer care and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to healthcare through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on Twitter,Facebook and YouTube.
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