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NAMEPA Launches First Holistic CSR/ESG Program Designed for the Maritime Industry

North American Marine Environment Protection Association

NAMEPA (North American Marine Environment Protection Association) has launched the first known comprehensive CSR/ESG (Corporate Social Responsibility/Environment, Social, Governance) program designed expressly for the maritime industry, with its corresponding “Maritime Sustainability Passport” (MSP) awarded to companies, organizations and individuals who meet the requirements of the platform. The program encompasses the three pillars of CSR/ESG: corporate governance, environment and the human element. The first company to qualify for NAMEPA’s Maritime Sustainability Passport is Cargill. Its ocean transportation business successfully completed all three phases of the program, including supplying supporting documentation for its claims. Their submission was then evaluated by a team of assessors to determine whether they met the criteria of the CSR/ESG program and were eligible to receive NAMEPA’s MSP Certificate and Seal. Cargill successfully demonstrated to the assessors their eligibility to qualify for the Maritime Sustainability Passport. “The maritime industry is rapidly recognizing the importance of demonstrating its commitment to sustainability” stated NAMEPA Chairman Joe Hughes of the American Club. “NAMEPA identified the need to provide the industry with a standard guideline of expectations relating to a company’s efforts in CSR/ESG. We are pleased to provide this tool for the industry to support its efforts towards sustainability.” “Cargill has made sustainable shipping a priority and an integral part of our business strategy,” remarked Jan Dieleman, Business Leader for Cargill Ocean Transportation. “We are working with partners and other industry leaders to accelerate progress across the maritime sector, with a particular focus on decarbonization.” “Our industry is changing at an unprecedented rate, with societal demands driving regulatory requirements driving technological change” observed NAMEPA Co-Founder/Executive Director Carleen Lyden Walker. “With an operating climate that is increasingly transparent, industry needs to match that transparency and demonstrate its commitment to core values contained in the CSR/ESG program. The program contains a uniform set of standards plus a toolkit for achieving them. Completion of the program results in the issuance of NAMEPA’s Maritime Sustainability Passport, which is renewed annually.” NAMEPA’s CSR/ESG program can be found at https://namepa.net/csr-esg . The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) is a marine industry-led organization of environmental stewards preserving the marine environment by promoting sustainable marine industry best practices and educating seafarers, students and the public about the need and strategies for protecting global ocean, lake and river resources. Visit us at NAMEPA.net . Contact Details Carleen Lyden Walker +1 203-255-4686 executivedirector@namepa.net Company Website https://namepa.net/

July 01, 2020 03:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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More than half of ecosystem types in North & South America fall short of global conservation goals

NatureServe

A study conducted by NatureServe and published in PLOS ONE yesterday documents the loss of ecosystem diversity across the Americas and terrestrial ecosystems are widely underrepresented in protected areas. The study identifies areas where conservation efforts could be directed to meet international conservation targets. The study clearly shows that, over the past few centuries, ecosystem conversion has been concentrated in agriculturally productive and accessible lands throughout the Western Hemisphere. Using two levels of classification and description of terrestrial ecosystems, we found that a staggering 70% of ecological systems [1] in North America and over 50% of vegetation macrogroups [2] across the hemisphere do not reach protection targets set under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) . According to the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems , nearly a third of these ecological systems and fully a fifth of vegetation macrogroups score as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered. “From this study, it becomes clear that our investments in protected areas have been skewed to minimize conflict with economic development. By recognizing and conserving all natural types of ecosystems, we conserve the natural setting for species to survive and evolve.” – Patrick Comer, Chief Ecologist, NatureServe Using advanced modeling techniques and machine learning, our ecologists mapped both the current and historical extent of several hundred ecosystem types at fine thematic and spatial resolutions, allowing us to rigorously document long-term ecosystem loss to land conversion, and to much more precisely determine how well current protected areas represent ecosystem diversity. This is especially important when considering the protection of threatened ecosystems that have already experienced significant loss, like grasslands and savannas across North and South America or the iconic longleaf pine woodlands of the Southeast United States. These results provide increasingly precise direction as to where decision-makers should concentrate conservation actions to protect ecological diversity, which is essential to safeguarding ecosystem services, keeping common species common, and securing endangered ecosystems in the wake of the ongoing extinction crisis. “The analyses in this study – covering nearly a quarter of the earth’s land surface — allow us to better understand our impact on nature and give us a way to hold humanity accountable for securing ecosystem diversity as required under international agreements. It also points us toward places where we should target conservation to minimize extinction, secure critical ecosystem services, and achieve a greater degree of sustainability.” – Sean O’Brien, Ph.D., President and CEO, NatureServe NatureServe’s President and CEO, Dr. Sean O’Brien, as well as our Chief Ecologist, Patrick Comer (the study’s lead author), are both available to discuss the findings, which reflect years of ecosystem mapping and classification efforts by our world-renowned ecologists. You can learn more about NatureServe’s work to protect biodiversity here , and more specifically about the publication and related map products here . We look forward to discussing this landmark study with you in more detail soon. [1] Ecological system: A mid- to local- scale ecosystem type developed by NatureServe, useful for standardized mapping and conservation assessments of habitat diversity and landscape conditions. Terrestrial ecological systems reflect similar physical environments, similar species composition, and similar ecological processes. About 1,500 are described across the Americas. [2] Macrogroup: A combination of diagnostic plant species and diagnostic growth forms reflecting biogeographic differences in composition and sub-continental to regional differences in climate, geology, substrates, hydrology, and disturbance regimes. About 400 are described across the Americas. For nearly 50 years, NatureServe has been the authoritative source for biodiversity data throughout the Western Hemisphere. To protect threatened biodiversity, NatureServe works with nearly 100 organizations and over 1,000 conservation scientists to collect, analyze, and deliver standardized biodiversity information, providing comprehensive spatial data to meet both regulatory and conservation needs. NatureServe and its network partners develop and manage data for over 100,000 species and ecosystems, answering fundamental questions about what exists, where it is found, and how it is doing. Contact Details Samantha Belilty +1 703-908-1871 sam@natureserve.org Company Website http://natureserve.org/

July 01, 2020 01:15 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Cloud Conventions Virtual Trade Show Platform Delivers Automation to Convert Live Events into a Virtual Conference or Expo

Convey Services

The Cloud Conventions Virtual Trade Show and Conference Platform from Convey Services brings new capabilities to a marketplace looking for solutions to replace the thousands of live trade shows, annual conferences and association meetings cancelled in the wake of COVID-19. Originally launched as ConveyLive, Cloud Conventions automates exhibitors and virtual booths, attendee registration, speaker sessions and reminders, invitations and email communication, while at the same time producing detailed analytics on attendee, session and exhibitor activity. “Stringing together a series of webinars doesn't constitute an effective virtual event,” said Carolyn Bradfield, founder of Convey. “You must give attendees an interactive educational experience, opportunities to network and connect, offer promotions and giveaways, while at the same time providing ways to engage with exhibitors or sponsors. Our technology was built on a mature content delivery platform. When compared to other virtual trade show solutions, Cloud Conventions provides a more complete experience, with automation and analytics. Event hosts can offer compelling reasons for sponsors and exhibitors to participate based on their ability to attract a larger high-value audience, capture attendee information inside virtual booths and create calls to action.” Cloud Conventions fits events ranging from small association conferences to large industry expos. Events can be fully supported and managed by Convey or self-managed. Cloud Conventions automates registration and engagement with custom dashboards so attendees can navigate through the event. Automated session management allows 1-click sign-up, posting the session on attendee calendars with email and text reminders. “ Cloud Conventions has a unique ‘Hub & Spoke’ content delivery model that supports associations and trade groups that manage multiple events,” Bradfield added. “The association can maintain one centralized hub site for exhibitors to add educational and marketing assets and duplicate content selectively to regional events, gaining efficiency and saving time for chapters. Pre-designed booth templates standardize the look and feel of the show, providing a consistent attendee experience and simplifying vendor management. Cloud Conventions is designed for the non-technical user who doesn’t have HTML skills or technology training. Any marketing or event manager can easily use the platform.” The platform provides sponsors and exhibitors greater promotional opportunities with advertising, a graphical display of content and marketing assets, meeting calendars with pre-show meeting requests, live chat, giveaways and promotional points. Cloud Conventions has responsive web design and is web conferencing neutral allowing the choice of any combination of conferencing services to fit the size of the audience or the complexity of the session, with Convey offering monitoring and support if needed. Cloud Conventions is one of the first virtual trade show platforms to offer ADA compliance. It is available for single or multi-day events with the portal remaining online for extended periods to allow attendees longer-term access to session recordings, sponsors and exhibitors. For more information visit: www.cloudconventions.com or email info@cloudconventions.com. XXX About Convey Services Convey Services delivers content and marketing portals and connects them into networks to inform, educate and engage channel partners and direct sellers in the telecom/cloud space, the property and casualty insurance market and food distribution industry. Convey’s portal technology automates and organizes partner management, has tools to engage and educate partners and integrates email marketing technology for members to run packaged email marketing campaigns to their customers and prospects. For information visit www.conveyservices.com , info@conveyservices.com or call 888-975-1382. Contact Details Bruce Ahern +1 770-580-0810 bahern@conveyservices.com Company Website http://www.conveyservices.com

July 01, 2020 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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SynaVoice SOL begins second week of sold-out virtual camp

SynaVoice SOL

SynaVoice LLC (SynaVoice) officially launched SynaVoice SOL , (summer online), a pop-up, virtual summer camp for high school students last week. Conceived as an alternative to in-person, academic programs that were cancelled due to Covid-19-related closures, SynaVoice SOL provides exposure to new ideas, concepts and skills for high school students that inform their college, career, and life choices. After the murder of George Floyd, SynaVoice moved to create a more inclusive environment by identifying scholarship candidates from partner schools and revising the general pricing structure to a “pay what you can” model, to remove the barriers to entry for all students. SynaVoice SOL features nationally-recognized experts with a wide variety of expertise that engage campers and capture their imagination, staying true to our mission to provide exposure to new ideas and deliver creative, innovative, educational content. Each week, a different focus is offered, and virtual high school campers can choose to attend one or multiple weeks. In the first weekly session, Powerful Presence: Public Speaking & Presenting , campers representing eight high schools from Virginia, Michigan, Massachusetts, Texas, and Florida enjoyed daily presentations from Sherhara Downing, a master trainer and speaking coach for multinational corporations. For the second session, 24 campers from over 20 different high schools in Virginia, Michigan, and Florida enrolled for Lights, Camera, Action: Acting for the Camera . Suzanne Regan and Joe Stearns, both actors and talent agents, share what it takes to act for the camera. “Our one-week sessions are designed to provide a taste of an interesting subject so high schoolers can determine for themselves if they want to delve deeper into the subject matter outside of camp. Sharing this experience with a diverse group enables conversations of mutual interest, fosters meaningful relationships, and chips away at the opportunity gap for the campers who would not ordinarily be exposed to this type of enrichment program.”, said Julie Rothhouse, SynaVoice SOL founder. SynaVoice SOL sessions are held on the Zoom platform for two hours a day. College students from Brown University, New York University, and Wake Forest, facilitate the activities and discussions in the breakout room ‘cabins’. All sessions provide a fun take on an interesting topic or skill. The True Crime session keys off the passion that some kids have for true crime stories and tv shows. Dr. James Diamond, a professor and criminal lawyer, provides an overview of criminal law and highlights some of the cases he worked on. The Art of Graphic Narratives , led by award-winning graphic novelist and New Yorker cartoonist, Amy Kurzweil, shows campers how to combine personal narratives and illustration. Calling All Cars , led by two of the foremost automotive experts in the trade show world, Matt Troyer and Ken Smith, discusses complex automotive technology and design in an entertaining and understandable way. Curt Doty, award-winning marketer and international lecturer, shows campers how signs and symbols have influenced communication throughout history and leads the campers in the design of their own logos in The Influence of Design. About SynaVoice SOL SynaVoice LLC is a woman-owned consultancy providing strategic communications, training, customer outreach, market research and insights to both federal and corporate clients. Productions Plus – The Talent Shop is a woman-owned, national talent and event staffing agency providing some of the world's best-known brands with full-service talent management in auto, event marketing, product demo and film/TV/voiceover. SynaVoice and Productions Plus partnered to develop and launch SynaVoice SOL, offering unique learning experiences to a diverse group of high school students to expand their horizons and inform their college, career, and life choices. To register, visit www.SynaVoiceSOL.com . To donate, visit www.givebutter.com/SOLsponsor. Structured like a camp, but indoors and therefore, way cooler. SynaVoice LLC is a woman-owned consultancy providing strategic communications, training, customer outreach, market research and insights to both federal and corporate clients. SynaVoice SOL is a pop-up, virtual camp for high school students providing exposure to new ideas, concepts, and skills for high school students that inform their college, career, and life choices. Contact Details Julie Rothhouse +1 703-401-2340 Julie@SynaVoiceSOL.com Company Website http://www.synavoicesol.com

June 30, 2020 09:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Launching Today: News Direct Disrupts the News Distribution Industry

News Direct

Contact Details Ally O'Hara +1 212-404-6609 aohara@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://www.newsdirect.com/

June 29, 2020 10:05 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Industry Veteran Gregg Castano launches News Direct - Upending Traditional Paradigm of News Wire Category

News Direct

News Direct , the first content and news distribution platform purpose-built for contemporary media outreach, officially launches today. News Direct enables both journalists and PR professionals to do their best work. It’s the only platform with the exclusive capability to release standalone multimedia and features a self-directed, collaborative workspace powered by AI-assisted advanced automation software. Amid the coronavirus global pandemic, the volume and scale of pitches sent to journalists has exponentially increased - prompting brands and PR pros to determine the best way to convey and distribute COVID-related information in digestible bites. This is also reflective of today’s communications landscape. “Newswire services, which so many brands rely on to distribute their news and content, remain stagnant. This had to change. How news and information is disseminated and consumed today requires public relations professionals and journalists to create and deliver impactful multi-sensory stories. And this is what News Direct provides,” said Gregg Castano , Founder and CEO of News Direct. “It is a platform that helps great content rise to the top and get discovered. Full stop.” A purpose-built platform for the contemporary communications landscape. News Direct provides features and benefits that address key pain points for PR and IR professionals to position them for success. This includes: Exclusive standalone multimedia distribution : Bridging together PR and journalists’ ecosystems by delivering of relevant, engaging and informative content in the most sought-after formats. Infographics, videos and images are distributed as independent assets – without the requirement of embedding into a news release. Reimagined workflow : Users can work smarter with a state-of-the-art platform that combines advanced automation with speed, efficiency and collaboration. News Direct maintains the human element where it matters most, however – in customer service. Unparalleled security : The most secure data protection protocol in the category – supported by industry-leading technology that offers the highest level of content security throughout the workflow and distribution process. Actionable analytics : Proprietary media intelligence that provides meaningful metrics and insights that stakeholders care about. News Direct has partnered with News Quantified to provide best-in-class measurement and exclusive data reporting. Predictable pricing: The only major platform with a flat-rate pricing model for greater budget management and value. No word counting or geographic limitations like others. About News Direct News Direct is redefining the content and news distribution industry – and we’re doing it from the ground up. That’s because the News Direct platform was designed and built from the ground up, to reinvent content delivery, re-engineer workflow, revitalize metrics and ROI, and bring security and pricing into the 21st century. News Direct is purpose-built. Client-focused. Dedicated to modern media outreach, and to the PR and IR professionals who need a platform to make them the best they can be. To learn more visit newsdirect.com or follow us on LinkedIn , Twitter and Facebook . Contact Details Ally O'Hara +1 212-404-6609 aohara@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://www.newsdirect.com/

June 29, 2020 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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