Boeing Delivers Advanced Chinook Maintenance Training Devices to Canada

From Boeing:


Boeing Delivers Advanced Chinook Maintenance Training Devices to Canada

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 12, 2015 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] recently delivered a maintenance training system to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) that will help prepare technicians to keep the RCAF’s CH-147F Chinook helicopters mission ready.

The Chinook Maintenance Trainer includes a complete airframe and an interactive display system that allow the technicians to gain experience addressing a number of scenarios. Boeing also delivered six training aids focused on specific items including aircraft wiring and fuel tank maintenance.

“Boeing’s training helps prepare our customer to meet a wide range of operational requirements,” said Tony Barnett, Boeing project manager for Canadian Medium-to-Heavy Lift Helicopters (MHLH) Training Systems. “This training suite complements a very capable CH-147F aircraft and will permit the RCAF to accomplish their near-term operational missions.”
This system is the most recent part of Boeing’s training for the RCAF and follows on the company having instructed more than 180 pilots and maintenance technicians on the Chinook’s systems.

The RCAF will use the system at its MHLH Maintenance Training Center, which is being constructed at Garrison Petawawa, Ontario.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $33 billion business with 56,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

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Tampa Educators, Students to Benefit From New Microsoft Digital Education Initiative With City, Hillsborough County Public Schools

Press release:

Tampa Educators, Students to Benefit From New Microsoft Digital Education Initiative With City, Hillsborough County Public Schools

Aug. 10, 2012

Tampa Mayor Buckhorn designates Aug. 11 “Back to School With Microsoft” Day; technology training for 500 educators to support student success.

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TAMPA, Fla. — Aug. 10, 2012 — With the goal of preparing local students for the opportunities of tomorrow’s economy, Microsoft Corp. is working with the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) to implement a strategic digital education initiative across the region. On Saturday, Aug. 11, a “Back to School With Microsoft” event will kick off the activities to train more than 500 local educators as part of the effort to modernize in-classroom teaching with Microsoft technologies, boost students’ technology skills, and emphasize the value of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning in preparation for 21st century careers. 

“As one of the largest school districts in the nation, Hillsborough County is taking a leading role in extending high-tech skills training and new educational tools to its community of teachers and students,” said Florida Commissioner of Education Gerard Robinson. “This strategic relationship with Microsoft will help us equip future generations with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in tomorrow’s economy as we roll out Microsoft IT Academy Program offerings to more than 214 schools throughout our state.”

This collaboration with the City of Tampa and HCPS is part of Microsoft’s efforts to help prepare youth for the jobs of tomorrow. In the current economy, science and technology continue to drive innovation while creating jobs, yet a growing number of today’s students face an opportunity divide — a growing gap between those who have the access, skills and opportunities to be successful and those who do not.

Florida’s First Districtwide IT Academy

HCPS is participating in Florida’s pilot implementation of the Microsoft IT Academy Program,which provides a complete IT education solution that bridges the world of education with the world of work. Together with Microsoft and the Florida Department of Education, HCPS will roll out the IT Academy Program across its 27 high schools and 18 middle schools as a STEM-focused elective for students in the upcoming 2012–2013 school year. 

“The Microsoft IT Academy fits perfectly with our goal of preparing our students for careers in the 21st century,” said MaryEllen Elia, Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent. “This is a wonderful partnership that will benefit our teachers and our students, and I’m grateful to Microsoft and the City of Tampa for their commitment.”

Beginning with the Aug. 11 “Back to School With Microsoft” technology showcase, more than 500 HCPS teachers in attendance will have access to 60 professional development sessions that show how Microsoft technologies can be used to support education goals and interactive learning in the classroom. Development sessions range from using Kinect for Xbox 360 in education to supporting rapid e-learning.

With the IT Academy training, educators get professional development so they can stay abreast of the latest Microsoft technologies and easily integrate these technologies into their existing curriculum and lesson plans to meet the individual learning needs of their students. Educators can build their own success, as well as earn certifications ranging from becoming a Microsoft Innovative Educator to the ITA certifications that dive more deeply in specific Microsoft technologies taught through the IT Academy courses. 

Through the IT Academy Program, students will have access to hundreds of Web-based e-learning courses and receive hands-on experience with the latest Microsoft software and programs, giving them an edge to gaining job-ready skills and industry credentials while still in school. 

Shaping Tampa’s Future

Microsoft is committed to the Tampa Bay region, particularly to support efforts that will help youth realize new opportunities. Through Microsoft’s long-term work with the people and organizations of the Tampa Bay region, a number of training, education and community programs are surfacing, which include these:

• A pilot program that will feature the use of Kinect consoles in a dozen HCPS classrooms which will establish the use of interactive, gesture-based learning.
• The DigiGirlz education program will provide local middle and high school girls with the opportunity to learn about careers in technology, connect with Microsoft employees, and participate in hands-on computer and technology workshops. Over the past 12 years, DigiGirlz has reached 19,000 girls in more than 20 states and 17 countries.
• Kodu programming and game-development technology will be incorporated into the HCPS curriculum, helping students develop IT skills by creating games on the PC and Xbox using the simple, visual programming language designed for use by children.

“We’re thrilled to work with the City of Tampa and HCPS to bring the best technologies to area educators to help students realize their full potential,” said Marietta Davis, general manager for Microsoft’s Southeast District. “This is yet another important partnership we’ve formed as part of our commitment to help create positive and lasting impacts in the metropolitan areas in which we live and work. In the Tampa region, our commitment starts with schools and students.”

In addition to Microsoft’s work with Tampa on these education and community outreach initiatives, Microsoft has also worked with the city on a variety of other programs aimed at making a real impact in the region. Notably, Microsoft recently teamed up with the Tampa Police Department on a jointly funded public safety initiative aimed at modernizing the department’s systems used for crime analysis, reporting and reduction, which included an investment in Microsoft SharePoint and SQL Server technologies. 

Microsoft has also joined the board of the Tampa Bay Partnership, a public-private organization supporting economic growth and development in the region, and recently made a $25,000 commitment to the organization and its programs.

Youth Engagement at National Political Conventions

Microsoft is also working with National Journal and The Atlantic to host a “Conversations With the Next Generation” town hall on Wednesday, Aug. 29, at The Improv Theater in Ybor. The one-of-a-kind event will feature political leaders, policy experts and journalists who will engage in a dialogue with younger Americans and students about the critical issues they face. 

Notable Tampa participants include Superintendent Elia and youth leaders such as Brian Goff, student body president, University of South Florida-Tampa. National participants include Chelsea Clinton, George P. Bush and Rep. Aaron Schock, R-Ill. Microsoft will also sponsor a sister event at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C.

These conversations are part of Microsoft’s commitment to help people and businesses throughout the world realize their full potential. Microsoft’s citizenship mission is to globally serve the needs of communities and fulfill its responsibilities to the public. Microsoft programs have a focus on helping youth and young adults around the world obtain the skills they need, and connect them to greater opportunities for education, employment and entrepreneurship. Microsoft has the unique ability, through technology and partnerships, to make education and learning more accessible and more engaging for these young people.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Networks Improve Healthcare in China

Networks Improve Healthcare in China

Avnet Technology Solutions UK Expands Specialist Storage Team to Drive New Business Opportunities for Hitachi Content Platform Storage Solution

Note to visitors: We have moved! For current news and information, please visit our successor blogs:  http://JBK-BizTech.blogspot.com and http://JBK-Current-Events.blogspot.com.  Thank you.

March 28, 2012 - Avnet Technology Solutions UK Expands Specialist Storage Team to Drive New Business Opportunities for Hitachi Content Platform Storage Solution

Bracknell, UK -- Avnet Technology Solutions, the global IT solutions distribution leader and an operating group of Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT), is gearing up to drive increased demand in the UK for the Hitachi Content Platform from Hitachi Data Systems. Avnet has invested in fixed and mobile demonstration equipment and technical training. In addition, the Avnet team has been expanded to help existing and newly recruited business partners take the Hitachi Content Platform into the marketplace.

The advanced storage and data management capabilities of the Hitachi Content Platform are designed to help IT organisations address challenges posed by ever-growing volumes of unstructured data. Using a common platform, the Hitachi Data Systems approach to what are known as 'file and content solutions' provides a single infrastructure that can support a wide range of data types, applications and users, all with different service level needs.

Mike Fearon, Hitachi Data Systems business manager, Avnet Technology Solutions, UK, commented, "In an increasingly content rich world, Hitachi Data Systems is leading the way with technology that will have the same impact on storage that MP3 players had on music. We have stepped up our resources to work with the business partners to gain traction in the marketplace and fully exploit the potential of the Hitachi Content Platform. Our investment in this area, and the fact that we are the only UK channel player to hold the Hitachi Content Platform technical accreditation, makes Avnet the foremost Hitachi Data Systems file and content specialist distributor in the UK."

According to Avnet and Hitachi Data Systems, there is real market potential for the solution across diverse industries such as healthcare, media and contact centres. In healthcare, for instance, Hitachi's Clinical Repository, based on Hitachi Content Platform, overcomes the major challenge of searching, retrieving and storing documents and medical images across different IT applications. One platform is created that acts as the central repository for storing all medical images regardless of the image format (scans, x-rays, etc.) thereby saving time, increasing efficiency and ultimately, improving patient care.

Avnet business partners have the opportunity to attend an Avnet HealthPath™ University hosted by Hitachi Data Systems on 9th and 10th May in central London. The two-day programme provides a dedicated environment in which to learn more about the Hitachi Content Platform and Hitachi Clinical Repository products specifically tailored to the health sector. The keynote speaker is Steve Wragg, an experienced IT professional and Chairman of Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and attendees will benefit from his first-hand knowledge and insight into strategic issues such as healthcare buying and spending patterns and how to influence purchasing decisions.

Neill Burton, vice president of channels and alliances at Hitachi Data Systems, added, "The Hitachi Content Platform takes a totally fresh and radical approach to the complex issue of storage, rethinking how data is categorised and utilised. Combining Hitachi Data Systems' technology with the expert knowledge and outreach of Avnet, we are confident we have the support necessary to maximise the market opportunity that exists for the storage and retrieval of growing volumes of unstructured data."

To find out more about Avnet's partnership with Hitachi Data Systems, the Hitachi Content Platform or to register on Avnet's HealthPath University for Health in May, please visithttp://www.ts.avnet.com/uk/health.

About Avnet Technology Solutions
As a global IT solutions distributor, Avnet Technology Solutions collaborates with its customers and suppliers to create and deliver services, software and hardware solutions that address the business needs of their end-user customers locally and around the world. For fiscal year 2011, the group served customers in more than 70 countries and generated US $11.5 billion in annual revenue. Avnet Technology Solutions (www.ats.avnet.com) is an operating group of Avnet, Inc.

About Avnet
Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT), a Fortune 500 company, is one of the largest distributors of electronic components, computer products and embedded technology serving customers in more than 70 countries worldwide. Avnet accelerates its partners' success by connecting the world's leading technology suppliers with a broad base of more than 100,000 customers by providing cost-effective, value-added services and solutions. For the fiscal year ended July 2, 2011, Avnet generated revenue of $26.5 billion. For more information, visit www.avnet.com.

GE Healthcare Announces First Graduating Class of U.S. Army Reservists from Professional Development Program

19 March 2012

GE Healthcare Announces First Graduating Class of U.S. Army Reservists from Professional Development Program

 

Externship program provides training and fosters employment opportunities for biomedical equipment specialists in the Army and private sector

MILWAUKEE – March 19, 2012 – GE Healthcare today announced the graduation of the first class from its joint externship program with the U.S. Army Reserve’s 807th Medical Command (Deployment Support) (807th MDSC). The program provides training and fosters career development for biomedical equipment specialists with the goal of producing highly skilled Soldiers for Army Reserve war and peace time missions and facilitating their employment in the civilian healthcare technology industry so Soldiers stay mission-ready.

Last year, GE established a partnership with the 807th MDSC, which manages deployment of all Army Reserve field expeditionary medical units from Ohio to California, to help address the critical need for biomedical equipment specialists both within the Command and in the private sector. The pilot program graduated seven Army Reservists. A second wave made up of seven externs is midway through the program, and a third wave will commence shortly.

The externship program aligns with GE’s commitment to strengthening America’s global competitiveness by building a more highly skilled workforce and supporting the integration of the nation’s veterans into industry. In February 2012, GE announced plans to hire 5,000 veterans over the next five years and to partner with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to support its “Hiring our Heroes” initiative through career opportunities and training for veterans in 50 U.S. cities. GE Healthcare has already hired three employees through the program.

“GE is proud to count among our employees thousands of military veterans whose leadership skills and training supports our culture of dedication and commitment,” said Richard Neff, Vice President and General Manager of Service for the United States and Canada, GE Healthcare. “We are pleased with the results of this pilot program and look forward to expanding our efforts to provide career opportunities to our service men and women, addressing needs in the healthcare industry, and helping drive ‘what works’ in the American economy.”

Biomedical equipment specialists participating in the program obtain professional qualifications for both military and civilian standards. Externs complete hands-on “mission” assignments as well as Duty Military Occupational Skill Qualification requirements and acquire experience in regional medical equipment concentration sites, advanced, multi-modality biomedical training and process management training with regular progress review.

“We are pleased to collaborate with GE Healthcare to not only help meet the need for specialized biomedical training in the healthcare industry, but to also provide important opportunities for military veterans to integrate into the civilian workforce,” said Maj. Gen. L.P. Chang, Commander, 807th Medical Command.

News Release from EPA - Sumter Coatings

Sumter Coatings Inc. to Pay Civil Penalty for Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Violations 

Contact Information: Dawn Harris-Young, (404) 562-8421, harris-young.dawn@epa.gov

(ATLANTA - Feb. 27, 2012) — Sumter Coatings Inc. (SCI) agreed to pay a $55,000 civil penalty as part of a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a series of hazardous waste violations at its facility in Sumter, South Carolina.  As part of the settlement, SCI agreed to develop a personnel training program, develop a schedule for implementation of the training program and identify facility employees that require training. 

SCI manufactures paints and coatings primarily for the steel and farm implement industry. SCI also blends raw materials onsite to create custom coatings. The violations were observed during April 2010, when inspectors from the EPA and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control performed a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Compliance Evaluation Inspection.

The settlement resolves several alleged violations that were noted during the inspection. The alleged violations  include:

• Improper management of hazardous waste containers on site;
• Failure to provide a sufficient base beneath containers which held hazardous waste;
• Failure to make a hazardous waste determination;
• Failure to inspect all areas where hazardous waste containers are stored weekly;
• Failure to develop personnel training program to ensure compliance with hazardous waste management’s;
• Failure to update information contained in the contingency plan, along with failing to make arrangements with local police and hospital authorities regarding the contingency plan and submitting copies of the contingency plan to first responders.

SCI implemented the process changes to reduce the risk of release from hazardous waste containers.  The changes include: labeling all containers with the necessary information; reducing the number of locations where short term storage occurs; changing container sizing and completing all necessary waste determinations.  SCI also applied a non-porous sealant to the base floor surface where the majority of hazardous waste containers are staged during regular operations. 

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News Release from the DOE - Smart Energy Training

President Highlights Smart Energy Training at U. of Miami

February 24, 2012 

President Barack Obama tours the University of Miami Industrial Assessment Center in Miami, Florida, Feb. 23, 2012. The IAC is where students learn how to become industrial energy-efficiency experts as they help small to mid-sized manufacturers reduce their energy costs. | Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy.

Ginny Simmons

Managing Editor for Energy.gov, Office of Public Affairs

What have IACs accomplished to date?

• 15,000 energy assessments have helped save enough energy to power 5.5 million American homes.
• Participating manufacturers have saved more than $5.6 billion in energy costs.
• 3,000 students have graduated -- with more than 60 percent going on to careers in the energy industry.

During his visit to Florida, yesterday, President Obama highlighted the University of Miami's Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) as a smart and important piece of the administration's "all-of-the-above" approach to domestic energy sources.

In September of last year, the Energy Department gave 24 universities a total of $30M in grants to help train the next generation of industrial energy-efficiency experts. Each school will receive $200,000 to $300,000 per year for up to 5 years to train students on core energy management concepts. The teams conduct energy assessments in a broad range of manufacturing facilities, which prepare students to compete in today's economy while helping local companies and factories reduce energy waste, save money, and become more competitive.

As President Obama said yesterday, "We're taking a step that will make it easier for companies to save money by investing in energy solutions that have been proven here at the University of Miami -- new lighting systems; advanced heating and cooling systems that can lower a company's energy bills and make them more competitive."

Since the Industrial Assessment Center program began in 1976, university teams have conducted more than 15,000 energy assessments at U.S. manufacturing plants nationwide. To date, more than 3,000 students have graduated from the Industrial Assessment Center program, with more than 60 percent going on to careers in the energy industry. Critically, these assessments have helped save over 530 trillion BTUs of energy -- enough to meet the energy needs of 5.5 million American homes -- and have helped participating manufacturers save more than $5.6 billion in energy costs.

If you'd like to apply for an assessment, you can contact one of the 24 schools across the country that currently participate in the IAC Program.

News Release from the DOE - Energy Efficiency Training Centers

President Obama Highlights Energy Department Efficiency Training Centers That Save U.S. Manufacturers $5.6 Billion

February 23, 2012 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – During a visit to the University of Miami to highlight his administration’s all-out, all-of-the-above approach to American energy, President Obama today touted the Energy Department’s cost-cutting Industrial Assessment Program. The program supports university-based Industrial Assessment Centers (IACs) across the country, which provide students with critical skills and training to conduct energy assessments in a broad range of facilities, while producing real cost savings for small to mid-size manufacturers. To date, these assessments have helped save over 530 trillion BTUs of energy – enough to meet the energy needs of 5.5 million American homes – and have helped participating manufacturers save more than $5.6 billion in energy costs.

“As President Obama made clear, an American economy built to last will depend on American manufacturing, American energy and skills for American workers,” said U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu. “This is why the Energy Department invests in innovative initiatives like the Industrial Assessment Centers that help to train the clean energy workforce of tomorrow, while cutting energy waste for American businesses and making our manufacturing companies more competitive.”

Through Industrial Assessment Centers at universities throughout the U.S., engineering students receive practical training in industrial processes, energy assessment procedures, and energy management principles, and gain real-world experience by working directly with small and medium-sized industrial and manufacturing facilities in their communities.

For more than 30 years, the Industrial Assessment Program has provided valuable training and experience for students, while saving money for manufacturing plants. Since the program began in 1976, the university teams have conducted more than 15,000 energy assessments at U.S. manufacturing plants nationwide. To date, more than 3,000 students have graduated from the Industrial Assessment Center program, with more than 60 percent going on to careers in the energy industry.

More information and a full list of Industrial Assessment Centers across the U.S. can be found HERE.

Supplier of the Year

News release from GE:

21 February 2012

GE Energy’s Industrial Solutions Business Named Gexpro’s 2011 North America Supplier of the Year

 

PLAINVILLE, Conn. — Feb. 21, 2012 — GE Energy’s (NYSE: GE) Industrial Solutions business has received the prestigious 2011 North America Supplier of the Year award from Gexpro, a part of Rexel Holdings, U.S.A. The award, one of four presented, was announced recently at the Gexpro Leadership Conference in Phoenix, Ariz.

“GE Energy’s Industrial Solutions business was clearly focused on innovation, marketing, services and solutions with Gexpro,” said Scott King, vice president of sourcing and inventory for Gexpro. “They successfully drove engagement and leadership that netted revenue growth for all five Gexpro divisions.”

Many factors and metrics determine which Gexpro vendor receives the Supplier of the Year award. Industrial Solutions excelled in the following areas:

• Dedicated resource investments focused on Gexpro growth of Industrial Solutions products.
• More than 10 percent revenue growth versus 2010 results.
• Deeper collaboration across every Gexpro division with a strong focus on sales growth, operations improvements and trade area strategies.
• Improved field sales leadership engagement from GE regional sales leaders, sales directors and account managers across all five Gexpro divisions.
• Highly effective sales and marketing programs created specifically for Gexpro.
• Relationship builders, training resources and marketing tools: the Gexpro-dedicated GE Connections quarterly newsletter and The GE Source, a section of GE-exclusive pages within Gexpro’s quarterly intranet.
• GE’s overall tenacity for higher engagement and performance with Gexpro across all functions.

“Gexpro is a foundation distributor with GE Energy, and our mutual success depends on working together to solve challenges and deliver results for both teams as we have done for more than a century,” said Gary Arnott, North America sales executive for Industrial Solutions. “GE has resources, marketing and sales dedicated to help Gexpro be more successful and drive growth. Together, we are able to provide solutions to jointly meet our customers’ many challenges and help them save money.”

Gexpro, headquartered in Shelton, Conn., and a part of Rexel Holdings, U.S.A., serves the construction, commercial, industrial and original equipment manufacturer markets with more than 2,500 professionals in more than 150 locations around the globe. Gexpro’s Answer-Based Sourcing and Active 8 Energy Solutions bundle the electrical supplies its customers need with services and solutions to add value, improve performance and save money on every project. By combining productivity tools, large local inventories and dedicated specialists, Gexpro leads the industry in delivering on customer needs and building on competitive advantages for its customers.

Safer Internet Day

News release from IBM:

IBM Releases Free Internet Security Training Tools to Educate Students, Teachers and Parents on Digital Responsibility

IBMers Volunteer to Teach Students How to Protect their Personal Data in an Online Environment

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ARMONK, N.Y. - 07 Feb 2012:  IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced that in conjunction with Safer Internet Day, (#SID2012) it will release free Internet safety training tools for students and have thousands of volunteers working to help raise awareness and educate students and businesses on Internet safety and digital responsibility.

IBM is unveiling three free volunteer kits to better educate students, parents and teachers on Internet safety:

• Control Your Online Identity  - A volunteer education kit, it is designed to help teenagers learn to protect personal data online and reputation online. Teenagers are typically savvy about how to use the Internet, but often unaware about what happens to personal data once it's shared. This presentation and volunteer information helps students learn how to protect personal data and control how they present themselves online.
• Internet Safety Coaching - Aimed at teachers or adults working with children, this is a general primer on Internet safety providing basic information about common Internet activities by young people including instant messaging and social networking.   This kit is designed to raise awareness of Internet safety and how to have a meaningful and open dialogue with children on this topic.
• Cyberbullying -- Aimed at parents or adults who work with children, this activity helps adults learn about how young people use the Internet today and how to recognize cyberbullying symptoms, how to prevent online bullying from happening and how to intervene if it does happen.

"IBMers are committed to helping educate people on ways to safely and securely use the Internet," said Harriet Pearson, IBM Security Counsel and Chief Privacy Officer. "The resources we are donating will help teachers and parents raise awareness that most Internet-based threats to individual and computer security can significantly be reduced by actions that informed users take themselves."

In conjunction with today's announcement, IBM volunteers around the world are educating communities about Internet safety. Some select activities include:

• In Finland, IBM's lead volunteer on Cyberbullying will participate in a national summit at Helsinki City Hall in conjunction with Safer Internet Day. 60 IBM volunteers have already run Cyberbullying workshops for parents in 100 schools across Finland.
• In Germany, IBM will expand its partnership with klicksafe, the national partner of the Insafe network, focusing on the Manage Your Identity Initiative, Already more than 500 IBM, retiree and partner volunteers have delivered over 100 interactive workshops on the topic to more around 3,000 students around the country.
• In Italy, an IBM team will conduct events in local schools using both the IBM materials and afilm from Safer Internet Day to discuss Internet safety and cyberbullying.
• In Romania, IBM volunteers are partnering with NGOs APDETIC and Junior Achievement Romania to deliver an Internet Safety session to students focusing on controlling your online identity and Facebook usage.
• In the United Kingdom, IBM volunteers will use the volunteer kits to promote online safety awareness in schools.  IBMers will partner with non-profit YPNGlobal on their initiative called Cyber Champions. 

Last year IBM employees donated more than three million hours of volunteer service.  The company has donated 34 volunteer kits to help both IBMers as well as community members have meaningful activities and dialogues in the community about various issues.

Since its inception in 2004, Safer Internet Day interest has grown to reach all five continents and almost 80 countries, from Canada to South Korea and Russia to Kenya, including all 27 countries of the European Union. The goal of the day is to help make the Internet a better place for our children and young people.

About IBM

For more information on IBM volunteer and citizenship efforts, please visit www.citizenibm.com

About InsafeInsafe is the European Safer Internet awareness-raising network co-funded by the European Commission. It comprises national contact centres across the European Union and in Iceland, Norway and Russia, with partner organisations around the world. Insafe aims at empowering users to benefit from the positive aspects of internet whilst avoiding the potential risks. Further information is available at www.saferinternet.org or contact info-insafe@eun.org.

About Safer Internet Day

Safer Internet Day is part of a global drive by awareness-raising partners to promote a safer Internet for all users, especially young people. It is organised by INSAFE in the framework of the European Commission's Safer Internet Programme.

Titan Environmental Services to Pay $10,878 Penalty

News release from EPA Region 7:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7

901 N. Fifth St., Kansas City, KS 66101

Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Nine Tribal Nations

Titan Environmental Services to Pay $10,878 for Violations of Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act

Contact Information: Chris Whitley, 913-551-7394, whitley.christopher@epa.gov

Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Kansas City, Kan., Feb. 6, 2012) - Titan Environmental Services, Inc., of Kansas City, Mo., has agreed to pay a $10,878 civil penalty to the United States to settle a series of violations of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act, including failures to provide required hands-on training to contractors and other renovation professionals who enrolled in some of its training courses.

As part of its settlement with EPA Region 7, and in addition to paying the $10,878 civil penalty, Titan Environmental Services has agreed to offer the federally-required hands-on training at no cost to trainees who were enrolled in the company’s classes where EPA found violations.

The company has also agreed to perform a supplemental environmental project, through which it will spend at least $97,902 to fund lead abatement activities at five residential properties in St. Joseph, Mo. The project will cover window replacement and lead-based paint abatement, to be performed by entities licensed and/or certified by the State of Missouri. Titan Environmental Services must submit detailed work plans to EPA for approval before the abatement activities begin, and follow-up reports to the Agency when those activities are completed, under terms of the settlement.

According to an administrative consent agreement and final order filed by EPA Region 7 in Kansas City, Kan., Titan Environmental Services’ violations of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act were based on findings from three EPA inspections: a May 2010 recordkeeping inspection at the company’s Kansas City business office, an October 2010 inspection at a lead-based paint training course given by the company at a hotel in Osage Beach, Mo.; and an October 2010 follow-up recordkeeping inspection at the company’s business office.

The Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992, which amended the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), was designed to address the need to control exposure to lead-based paint hazards. The law directs EPA to regulate the accreditation of training programs offered to renovation professionals, including minimum requirements for training providers, training curriculum, training hours, hands-on training, trainee competency and proficiency, and requirements for training program quality control.

Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting and demolition can produce hazardous lead dust that can be harmful to adults and children.

EPA’s inspections found that, despite being accredited in August 2009 to offer training in the Renovator Initial Course – English, Titan Environmental Services: 

• Failed to properly notify EPA at least seven days in advance of offering training on at least six occasions during 2010.
• Failed to properly notify EPA within 10 days after completions of training on at least 35 occasions during 2010.
• Failed to maintain and make available to EPA necessary documents showing the education, work experience, training requirements or demonstrated experience for the principal instructor of a course offered in April 2010.
• Failed to cover all required portions of hands-on training activities during training courses provided on at least four occasions in April 2010 and October 2010.
• Failed to maintain and make available to EPA the necessary student assessment forms for training courses provided on at least two occasions in April 2010. 

By agreeing to the settlement with EPA, Titan Environmental Services has certified that it is presently in compliance with the applicable federal regulations.

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