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Updates from Utah Gov - Organizations

Thursday, November 17, 2016 - 9:30am

The Season’s Hottest Gifts Encourage Fun, Activity, and Creativity;

Shopko Announces Low Black Friday Prices on Family Favorites!

Doorbusters and hot holiday toys available to early shoppers

November 24, 4:00 p.m. - November 25, 11:00 p.m.

 

Gifts that keep giving?  Yes, Virginia, they do exist!  Shopko shelves are stocked with great gifts that recipients will use long after the wrapping paper has been recycled.

 

  • Make family time a priority in 2017 by purchasing family game night essentials including the trendiest game, Pie Face or classics such as Life and Uno.
  • Spend those snowed in days whipping up tasty treats with the new Easy Bake Oven.
  • Encourage the wild side of your loved ones imagination with Mega Bloks, Legos and K’Nex – the perfect toy to build up whatever you can imagine.
  • Never nag your children to get outside of the house again. Snag a Razor Hovertrax, Audi R8 Spyder or Yamaha Apex Snow Bikes while they last.

 

Who:                    Shopko customers

 

What:                   Stop by Shopko on Black Friday for seasonal door busters and hot holiday toys!  

 

When:                  Doors open on November 24, 4:00 p.m. and stay open until November 25, 11:00 p.m.

                             

Where:                Shopko

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Get a Behind-the-Scenes Preview as Stores Prepare for the

Busiest Shopping Days of the Year

 

With Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday shopping fast approaching, JCPenney is getting ready for one of the biggest shopping events of the year. We invite media to come in stores and get a behind-the-scenes preview of JCPenney’s biggest Black Friday event ever. We look forward to working with you on live segments, in-store interviews, trend stories and more.

 

WHEN:

 

Store preparations (Nov. 14 – 23)

 

- OR -

 

Book now to secure access on Thanksgiving Day opening at 3 p.m.

 

WHERE:

 

Local JCPenney stores. (Go to jcp.com and click on “find a store” for nearest location.)

 

STORY ELEMENTS:

 

·       Interview a local General Manager about how associates are preparing for Black Friday

·       Interview customers on their game plans to shop for Black Friday

·       Showcase associates inside the stock room, hanging store signage and unloading merchandise from delivery trucks

·       Popular Black Friday spotlight deals include:

o   $1.99 Mixit touch tech gloves

o   $2.99 Home Expressions 100% cotton towel

o   $7.99 cooks kitchen electrics (after $12 mail in rebate)

o   $9.99 Tzumi Dream Vision Virtual Reality Headset

o   $19.99 Women’s boots

o   $20 1/10 CT. T.W. diamond studs in sterling silver

o   $29.99 Sky Rider Drone with Camera

o   $39.99 5-pc Protocol Hamilton luggage set

o   $88 men’s or women’s Citizen, Casio, Seiko or Invicta watches

o   $89.99 Keurig 2.0 K250 brewer

o   $147.99 1Ž2 CT. T.W. diamond studs or 1/3 CT. T.W. diamond pendant in 10K gold

o   $293 each Hotpoint 3.8 cubic feet stainless steel basket washer or 6.2 cubic feet electric dryer

o   $994 Samsung 26 cubic feet 3-door French door refrigerator

 If you are unable to visit a JCPenney sto download Holiday store b-roll here: http://www.jcpnewsroom.com/videos-broll.html

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(Denver, Colo. – Nov. 16, 2016) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Veteran’s Administration (VA), and the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (UDEQ) have signed a Federal Facility Agreement (FFA) for the 700 South 1600 East (East Side Springs) PCE Plume Superfund site that sets out the roles and responsibilities of each party in conducting cleanup activities at the site. A 45-day public comment period for the FFA will end on December 31st, 2016.

The FFA requires the VA, as the lead agency, to follow the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) to ensure a thorough investigation and cleanup of the site, which is located in the northeast quadrant of Salt Lake City. CERCLA, also known as Superfund, is the federal program that investigates and cleans up the country’s hazardous waste sites to protect public health and the environment. 

“The signed Federal Facility Agreement with EPA, VA and UDEQ takes us into the next major phase of the Superfund process at this site. With the good work of the VA, the community has been involved and well informed throughout this process and we are pleased with the progress,” said Shaun McGrath, EPA Regional Administrator.  

VA was identified as a potential responsible party due to historic use of PCE in a dry cleaning facility at the George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center in the 1970s. Tetrachloroethylene (also known as perchloroethylene or PCE), which was used at the facility, has been found in groundwater and springs at the site. The site was added to the Superfund National Priorities List in 2013.

In coordination with EPA and UDEQ, VA is currently conducting the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study that will determine the nature and extent of contamination at the site, identify technologies available to address this type of contamination, and evaluate performance of technologies that may be used to clean up the site.

VA has begun the remedial investigation (RI) with an accelerated study near the intersection of 900 South and 1200 East, known as the East Side Springs, to address possible vapor intrusion. The accelerated study is to assess if PCE is found in indoor air spaces or shallow groundwater and will inform future remedial actions. Phase I was completed in 2015 and phase II was completed in September 2016.

For more information, visit: http://www2.epa.gov/region8/700-south-1600-east-pce-plume

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HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS BRING NEW TOUR TO Salt Lake City ON Monday, Feb. 6 ON THE HEELS OF SETTING NINE GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ RECORDS

Tickets are on sale now to see Globetrotters at Vivint Smart Home Arena

 

(ATLANTA, Nov. 17, 2016) – As the Harlem Globetrotters prepare to bring their 2017 World Tour to the Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City on Monday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m., the iconic team took a timeout for Guinness World Records Day. Only one year after setting seven official Guinness World Records titles, the Globetrotters broke a single-day total of nine records this year, including the longest basketball hook-shot.

 

VIDEO FOR BROADCAST MEDIA: https://youtu.be/10h5ICl25wA (courtesy Harlem Globetrotters)

 

VIDEO TO SHARE: Media can also embed and share the Globetrotters’ video on social media. A condensed highlight reel went live minutes ago at www.facebook.com/harlemglobetrotters.

 

Tickets to the see the Globetrotters in Salt Lake City start at $25.50 and are officially on sale now at harlemglobetrotters.com or the Vivint Smart Home Arena box office.

 

The records were broken at the AT&T Center, home of the San Antonio Spurs, during the 12th annual Guinness World Records Day, a global celebration of record breaking launched to celebrate the day the Guinness World Records book sold its 100 millionth copy.  Since 2000, the Globetrotters now own 15 current Guinness World Records.

 

“We are the original trick shot artists, so it is great to reclaim our records and reestablish our dominance,” said Harlem Globetrotters star Big Easy Lofton.  “We have been training hard so to have a day where we push the limits and try some fun yet challenging shots, is pretty cool. I mean, how many people can say they’re a Guinness World Records title holder? We can’t wait to put smiles on people's faces as we demonstrate our skills and talents on the upcoming world tour.”

 

Among the nine Guinness World Records titles which were set by the Globetrotters, four of them reclaimed records that were originally held by the team and then broken by Dude Perfect. The Globetrotters reclaimed the records of longest basketball hook shot, longest basketball shot blindfolded, most basketball 3-pointers made by a pair in one minute, and longest blindfolded basketball hook shot.

 

Here’s a full look at the records set by the Globetrotters:

 

  • Longest basketball hook shot – Big Easy Lofton (72 feet, 6.25 inches)
  • Longest basketball shot blindfolded – Ant Atkinson (73 feet, 10 inches)
  • Most basketball 3-pointers in one minute (single ball) – Ant Atkinson and Cheese Chisholm (10 each)
  • Farthest basketball shot made while sitting on the court – Thunder Law (58 feet, 9.25 inches)
  • Most bounced basketball 3-pointers in one minute – Zeus McClurkin (5)
  • Most basketball 3-pointers made by a pair in one minute – Ant Atkinson and Cheese Chisholm (22 each)
  • Farthest basketball shot under-one-leg – Thunder Law (52 feet, 5.5 inches)
  • Longest blindfolded basketball hook shot – Big Easy Lofton (58 feet, 2.5 inches)
  • Most basketball slam dunks in one minute (individual) – Zeus McClurkin (16)

 

The Globetrotters will tip off their 2017 World Tour on Dec. 26 and will play in over 250 North American markets as well as 30 countries worldwide. Tickets are now available at harlemglobetrotters.com.

 

 

 

The Harlem Globetrotters® are legendary worldwide, synonymous with one-of-a-kind family entertainment and great basketball skills for the past 90 years. Throughout their history, the Original Harlem Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 122 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans – among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents – over nine thrilling decades. Sponsored by Baden Sports, Harlem Globetrotters International, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Herschend Enterprises, the largest family-owned themed entertainment company in the U.S. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, visit the Globetrotters' official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com and follow them on Twitter @Globies.

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BEBOP SENSORS AT IDTECHEX Video of Helmet: https://youtu.be/RAl5iNOfxnk
BOOTH# A18

BEBOP SENSORS INTRODUCES FIRST SMART HELMET SENSOR SYSTEM

WITH REAL-TIME HIGH RESOLUTION, FORCE LOCATION SPECIFIC IMPACT INFORMATION

Release: http://www.thomas-pr.com/bebop/bebopsensorshelmetrelease.html

First System to Capture Complete High-Speed Movie of Entire Impact Incident

from the Head’s Point of View for First Responders & Trauma Analysis

Employs 40 Sensors in Helmet Liner -- Scans Skull at 400 Times per Second

 

 

 

 

Video: https://youtu.be/RAl5iNOfxnk

BeBop to Launch at IDTechEx Wearable USA Conference Held Nov. 16-17 in Santa Clara, CA – Keith McMillen, Founder & CEO, BeBop Sensors, to Speak Wed., Nov. 16 at 4:45 PM on Sensor Fabrics & Safety

Berkeley, CA, November 16, 2016 — BeBop Sensors, Inc. http://www.bebopsensors.com, the leader in smart fabric sensor technology, announced today the BeBop Sensors Smart Helmet Sensor System, the first helmet system employing a Force Location Sensor System which uses BeBop’s revolutionary flexible fabric sensors for high resolution, location-specific impact information. BeBop’s Smart Helmet Sensor System is the first to capture a complete high-speed movie of the entire impact incident from the head’s point of view, providing real-time feedback with a customizable set of commands to a paired Bluetooth device for first responders and post-trauma study. The BeBop Sensors Smart Helmet Sensor System will be launched today at the IDTechEx Wearable USA Conference, held November 16-17, 2016 at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, California, BeBop Booth #A18.

Provides State-of-the-Art Analysis & Safety Response Commands without False Triggers from Accidental Drops

The Smart Helmet System provides state-of-the-art analysis tools that track the exact impact location and velocity thresholds. The system can also be programmed to trigger safety response commands, such as an emergency call or other response. Other safety helmets deploy accelerometer based technology, but do not have the ability to detect the exact impact point and history, causing false triggers during accidental drops. Bebop achieves the ability to track exact impact point by using a latticed array of over 40 sensors embedded in the helmet liner, so multiple impacts are tracked and recorded in real-time and stored in F-RAM. The helmet system uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connection for data transmission, measuring 6-axis IMU acceleration up to 160 Gravities. Upon first indication of a potential incident, the sensor wakes up within milliseconds, then scans the entire skull 400 times per second, storing 16 seconds of event data internally, awaiting download. The lattice sensor arrangement allows custom design for any OEM helmet across innumerable use cases where intelligent, real-time monitoring safety mechanisms are required.

Valuable First Responder Information

“Strikes to the pterion (temple area) are far more dangerous than to the frontal bone. Knowing where the strike originated and how it propagates during the event can provide valuable first responder information as well as input for decision making to dial an emergency 911 number for assistance,” said Keith McMillen, BeBop Founder and CEO.

BeBop Sensors IDTechEx Booth & Speech

BeBop will be showcasing its Smart Helmet Sensor System as a Gold Sponsor at this year’s IDTechEx Wearable USA Conference in the Santa Clara Convention Center, Santa Clara, California, held on November 16-17, 2016 Booth #A18. Come by the booth and hit the helmeted display mannequin BOB (Bang On Brain) to see real-time analysis and display. Keith McMillen, Founder & CEO, Bebop Sensors will speak on “Safety Applications for Fabric Sensors” at the IDTechEx Wearable USA on Wed., November 16th at 4:45 PM at the Santa Clara Convention Center, Great America Ballroom F Track 3.

To schedule press meetings with BeBop Sensor at IDTechEx Wearable USA, contact:
Karen Thomas/Eva Yutani, Thomas PR (631) 549-7575
Emails: kthomas@thomaspr.com, eyutani@thomaspr.com

BEBOP BOOTH AT IDTECHEX: BOOTH# A18

WHERE: IDTechEx Wearable USA, Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054

DATE: Wed., November 16th – Thurs., November 17th, 2016

BEBOP SENSOR’S SPEECH AT IDTECHEX:
SPEAKER: Keith McMillen, Founder & CEO, BeBop Sensors
TOPIC: “Safety Applications for Fabric Sensors”
DATE: Wed., November 16, 2016
TIME: 4:45 PM – 5:10 PM
WHERE: IDTechEx USA, Santa Clara Convention Center, Great America Ballroom F Track 3
INFO: http://www.idtechex.com/idtechex-wearable-usa/show/en/speakers/8005/fabric-sensing-in-automotive

About BeBop Sensors

BeBop uses smart fabrics to create elegant sensor solutions for OEMs. Where things or people interact, BeBop Sensors comprehends force, location, size, weight, shape and presence across any size, resolution and geometry. BeBop technology is robust and proven with over a million sensors in daily use. Based in Berkeley, California, BeBop Sensors makes things knowable for product designers and visionaries. For more information and demonstrations, see the BeBop Sensors website http://www.bebopsensors.com.

About Keith McMillen, Founder & CEO, BeBop Sensors

BeBop Sensors’ Founder & CEO, Keith McMillen has started and sold two companies in his 30+ years innovating in the sensor and audio market. Zeta Music revolutionized stringed instruments and was sold to Gibson Guitars in 1992. Octiv, started in 2000, received funding from 3i and Intel Capital and was sold to Plantronics (NYSE:PLT) in 2005. McMillen is the inventor on numerous patents, has released hundreds of profitable products and published dozens of scholarly papers, as well as winning a Guthman Award in 2010. He received a BS in Acoustics from University of Illinois at Urbana. For more information, see: http://www.idtechex.com/idtechex-wearable-usa/show/en/speakers/8005/fabric-sensing-in-automotive.

About IDTechEx

IDTechEx Wearable USA focuses on critical enabling technologies that shape the future of wearable technologies, including low-power electronics, wireless power transfer, thin and flexible energy storage, energy harvesting, smart textiles, and flexible/stretchable electronics. The Wearable conference is co-located alongside a series of highly relevant and synergic tradeshows and conferences on Printed Electronics, Energy Harvesting and Storage, and the Internet of Things. For more information, see: http://www.idtechex.com/idtechex-wearable-usa/show/en/.

Photos:
BeBop Sensors Smart Helmet Sensor System: http://www.thomas-pr.com/136/photos/bebopsensorssmarthelmet.html
Keith McMillen, Founder & CEO, BeBop Sensors: http://www.thomas-pr.com/136/photos/bebopmcmillen.html
BeBop Sensors Logo: http://www.thomas-pr.com/136/photos/beboplogo.html

Video: https://youtu.be/RAl5iNOfxnk

Press Contact:
Karen Thomas/Eva Yutani
Thomas PR (631) 549-7575 Emails: kthomas@thomaspr.com eyutani@thomaspr.com
Website:http://www.thomas-pr.com http://www.thomaspr.com

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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Interest in STEM Majors/Careers High, Readiness Low Among ACT-Tested 2016 High School Graduates

Alarmingly Few Students Interested in Teaching Math or Science

IOWA CITY, Iowa—Many 2016 high school graduates are interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) majors and careers, but few of those students are well prepared to succeed in first-year college STEM courses. These findings come from the latest edition of ACT’s annual STEM report, The Condition of STEM 2016, which was released today.

While around half (48 percent) of the nearly 2.1 million 2016 U.S. high school graduates who took the ACT® test had an interest in STEM majors or careers, only 26 percent of those graduates met or surpassed the ACT College Readiness Benchmark in STEM. The benchmark is an indicator of whether a student is well prepared for first-year courses such as calculus, biology, chemistry and physics, which are typically required for a college STEM-related major. These findings are virtually unchanged from last year.

“Our data continue to show a big disconnect between students’ interests and their actual preparation,” said Marten Roorda, ACT chief executive officer. “While the level of interest we are seeing in important STEM majors and careers is encouraging, the lack of readiness for STEM college coursework remains troubling.”

Among underserved learners—those who tend to have a lack of access to high-quality educational and career planning opportunities and resources—interest in STEM majors and careers was similarly high, but readiness for STEM coursework was substantially lower than overall. This is particularly true for students with more than one of the three defining underserved characteristics (racial/ethnic minority, low-income, and first generation in college).

The findings indicate interest in teaching STEM subject areas continues to be alarmingly low among high school graduates. Fewer than 1 percent of the nearly 2.1 million 2016 graduates who took the ACT indicated an interest in teaching math or science. The U.S. Department of Education lists both math and science as current high–need fields where teacher shortages exist in many states.

The report notes that average ACT science scores have gone up among students meeting the ACT STEM benchmark over the past four years, while average ACT math scores have stayed flat over the same period.

“It may be that initiatives designed to increase STEM interest and achievement have focused more on science and less on math,” said Roorda. “Both subject areas are vitally important for success in STEM majors and careers.”

The ACT College Readiness Benchmark in STEM is based on the ACT STEM score, which represents students’ combined performance on the ACT math and science tests. Students who meet or surpass the ACT STEM benchmark score of 26 have about a 75 percent probability of earning a grade of C or higher in first-year college STEM courses and are more likely to earn good grades, persist in a college STEM major and earn a STEM-related bachelor’s degree than those who didn’t meet the benchmark.

The Condition of STEM 2015 reports for the nation and for each state can be accessed for free on the ACT website at www.act.org/stemcondition.

# # # 

ACT is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people achieve education and workplace success. Headquartered in Iowa City, Iowa, ACT is trusted as the nation’s leader in college and career readiness, providing high-quality achievement assessments grounded in more than 50 years of research and experience. ACT offers a uniquely integrated set of solutions that help people succeed from elementary school through career, providing insights that unlock potential. To learn more about ACT, go to www.act.org.

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TravelPass Group Ranked No. 155 Fastest Growing Company in North America on Deloitte’s 2016 Technology Fast 500

 

 

TravelPass Group is one of five Utah companies ranked

 

The wave of innovation in the travel industry moves at a breakneck pace—and we love being a part of that to maximize distribution for hotels and help customers find the best deals and accommodations.

— Daniel A. Nelson, Executive Chairman of TravelPass Group

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, USA, November 16, 2016 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500™ ranked TravelPass Group No. 155 on its list of the 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies in North America. Growth has been a constant for TravelPass Group, which grew 546 percent during the three-year period measured.

“We appreciate the recognition as it represents the outstanding work of our teams and our many partners over the years,” said Daniel A. Nelson, Executive Chairman of TravelPass Group. “The wave of innovation in the travel industry moves at a breakneck pace—and we love being a part of that to maximize distribution for hotel suppliers and help customers find the best deals and accommodations.”

Founded in 2007, TravelPass Group is building a technology marketplace with many hotel inventory sources giving travelers unsurpassed access to hotel choices. It operates five travel-related websites, including ReservationCounter.com and ReservationDesk.com.

“This year’s Fast 500 winners showcase that when organizations are open to diverse perspectives and insights, they are able to create an environment for their employees and customers to see the possibilities and ingenious solutions that might lie ahead,” added Jim Atwell, national managing partner of the emerging growth company practice, Deloitte & Touche LLP. “Entrepreneurial environments foster change and innovation within businesses, and we look forward to watching these companies continue to drive change across all sectors.”

About TravelPass Group
TravelPass Group is becoming a leading company in the travel industry with more than 10,000 room nights booked per day and annual sales reaching more than $400 million. Part of the Utah-based company Partner Fusion, TravelPass Group is a marketplace for independent and brand name hotels, wholesalers, and the largest travel agencies, such as Expedia and Priceline. It operates five travel-related websites, including ReservationCounter.com and ReservationDesk.com, and a best-in-class call center that help travelers access more than 1 million properties worldwide.

About Deloitte’s 2016 Technology Fast 500™
Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 provides a ranking of the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies – both public and private – in North America. Technology Fast 500 award winners are selected based on percentage fiscal year revenue growth from 2012 to 2015.

In order to be eligible for Technology Fast 500 recognition, companies must own proprietary intellectual property or technology that is sold to customers in products that contribute to a majority of the company's operating revenues. Companies must have base-year operating revenues of at least $50,000 USD, and current-year operating revenues of at least $5 million USD. Additionally, companies must be in business for a minimum of four years and be headquartered within North America. For more information, visit www.fast500.com.