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UNDP joins private sector leaders in Paris to explore links between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development
Paris – More than 600 executives from the private sector, international institutions, civil society organizations and high ranking civil servants joined UNDP at the 8th Annual FEDERE Conference in Paris on 25-26 March 2009 to explore ways to incorporate sustainability principles in their corporate social responsibility. The 8th edition of the conference, organized by the Paris-based newspaper, Les Echos, and supported by UNDP, focused in particular on the central question "CSR, a lever to overcome the crisis?" and discussed issues such as the costs and the return on investment of sustainable development, CSR and local development, biodiversity and company strategy, firms and development, green economy and new regulations, responsible marketing, and responsible finance.
FEDERE is a French acronym for "European Forum for Sustainable Development and Responsible Business" (forum européen pour le développement durable et une entreprise responsable).
"UNDP works often with the private sector through forums like FEDERE to bring human and sustainable development to the center of discussions on Corporate Social Responsibility, " said Cecile Molinier, Director of UNDP's Geneva Liaison Office. "Solutions to the world's enormous challenges will only come through multi-stakeholder partnerships, of which business – big and small – is an extremely important member."
To support the growth of the private sector in developing countries, and leverage the potential economic growth has in alleviating poverty, UNDP offers strategies and tools for companies to expand beyond traditional business practices and bring in the world's poor as partners in growth and wealth creation.
Ms. Molinier chaired a panel discussion with George Akiki of Cisco, Paul Hengeveld of Microsoft, Sahba Sobhani of UNDP's Private Sector Division and Paul Carpentier director of Pesinet, a small company that provides remote diagnostic solutions to rural health clinics in Africa. The special session, titled "creating value for all: what partnerships and what contribution from the private sector?", explored how private companies can play a key role in fostering human development through both their CSR and in their core business activities.
Sahba Sobhani, who manages UNDP's Growing Inclusive Markets initiative, said it would be understandable if the world questioned the role of the private sector in providing solutions to poverty, given that in the past year, "the private sector has destroyed a lot of the world's wealth," he said.
"Millions of people have lost their jobs, their savings and their homes as a result of a financial crisis caused in large measure by the private sector. The state has had to step in and protect firms and individuals from even greater loss. Hence, one may reasonably ask whether the private sector is still a good partner in the fight against poverty, and, consequently, whether we should continue with this initiative that works for inclusion of poor people into business models," Sobhani said.
"The answer is an unequivocal yes. This crisis has shown that the global economy needs to be more inclusive, and that value creation cannot rely on the private sector in isolation. Cooperation between players from all sectors, private, public and civil, is necessary to create inclusive business models and sustainable markets."
Sobhani added that the poor have a largely untapped potential for consumption, production, innovation, and entrepreneurial activity. "The more business models integrate and include the poor, the more likely companies successfully pursuing revenues will also help in fulfilling the Millennium Development Goals," he said.
In his presentation, Sobhani highlighted five strategies that private businesses have implemented to successfully overcome the most common obstacles to doing business with the poor: 1) adapting products and services; 2) investing in infrastructure or training to remove constraints; 3) leveraging the strengths of the poor to increase labour and management pool and expand local knowledge; 4) working with similarly-minded businesses, non-profit organizations or public service providers; and 5) engaging in policy dialogue with governments in order to overcome constraints.
UNDP Technical Advisor Mohand Cherifi, speaking at a roundtable that explored the role of the private sector at the local and regional levels where many partners are engaged in providing development solutions, said the role of business in providing solutions is not necessarily against its own self-interest. "In fact," he added, "businesses that provide new and innovative solutions to new markets are usually the ones that succeed in the long term."
Cherifi underlined the need, however, for the private sector to work in concert with the public sector. "An empowered, capable and resourced public sector is needed to ensure the necessary infrastructure and conducive regulatory framework that the private sector needs in order to function and grow," he said.


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Rick and his team started with promptly scheduling a visit to provide us a quote. He was flexible in revising his quote when we were comparing companies and worked with us when we had design idea changes. His team was professional friendly and punctual. He was very receptive to feedback during the project and took care of changes. The job took longer than we thought to complete mostly due to waiting on a glass order. We are pleased with this experience and the final product. We will call Rick and his team for future projects we may have.
We are very pleased with the results and how you handled the process. We have finally found the kind of contractor we've been looking for. You will be the first we call for our future projects!
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Rick and his staff are great! They arrived on time and completed all the work in a timely manner. Glad to know they do larger projects as well. I'll use them again in the future.
They did excellent work and had great customer service. They did such a good job that I referred them to my friends.
Rick was an utmost professional as were his associates. The crew was always punctual (both arriving and completing projects), which was a pleasant change from my previous contractor. He was very accommodating regarding scheduling around my deliveries and other work. They were great about addressing the inevitable surprises that come with remodeling. When I had… Read more "Melissa"
We had the unfortunate experience of having a poorly installed shower with a leaky drain which ended up causing water damage to the carpet, wood floor, and Sheetrock in the adjacent rooms. Rick not only removed the old shower, fixed the plumbing issue, and installed a new shower, he also took care of the water… Read more "Robert"
Rick, it is beyond perfect! I'm thrilled with the way the patio area looks. A neighbor was here when I got home and she needs some exterior trim and painting done. I showed her what you did and said I trusted you like a brother! Your crew was great too. Very professional and courteous.
The shower is awesome! Thank you so much for your speedy professionalism.
Having used other contractors in the Plano area before–most never get repeat business from me [but] Rick and his team not only did a great job but let me know they appreciated my business. All of Rick's crew go above and beyond to provide excellent service. Rick is conscientious and very easy to work with… Read more "Marlena"
We had a bad experience with a prior contractor who worked on our master bathroom and other areas in our house. The experience was so bad that it took us 6 years before we decided to remodel our bathroom. We found Manning Remodeling and Construction on Angie's list and decided to call him for an… Read more "Patricia"
Wow, Rick! What a spectacular job. Our kitchen was so dark and claustrophobic we were desperate to get it changed, but our experiences with previous contractors had us scared. From the time we met you we began to relax. Your explanations about the concerns we had were so clear that we immediately felt we had… Read more "Salah and Lynn"
Absolutely blown away by the craftsmanship and attention to detail… The tile and trim is just awesome, more than I even imagined! …very high-end. Thank you!!!!!
Great responsive owner. Came out and took notes then submitted an estimate. Work was completed on time and satisfactorily. I would definitely use again.
Please tell your guys thank you. They were super professional. Not often you have such thoughtful workers in your home.
Rick and his team started with promptly scheduling a visit to provide us a quote. He was flexible in revising his quote when we were comparing companies and worked with us when we had design idea changes. His team was professional friendly and punctual. He was very receptive to feedback during the project and took… Read more "Josh"
Oh my gosh, what a wonderful job they've done. You know I always give you feedback good or bad. This team was wonderful, from their detail to their clean up and wanting to be sure everything works properly and looked good. I'm extremely pleased . You are my man!
We are lucky. We had hired Rick on a recommendation of a friend to paint the interior of a house we had to sell. That house was 40 years old and looked it. I swear, I am so glad disco is dead. After Rick and his crew did such an amazing job painting, we had… Read more "Jon & Tricia"
Rick, as always the work was done perfectly. Tim and Michael were both efficient, professional, kind and cleaned up the area when they left. As always, above and beyond what any other company would do. Thank you.
Rick, everything looks beautiful! Your team were professionals through out and it was a pleasure working with them. I was amazed at how clean they left the property every evening! This was a step above expectation.
Rick, Thanks again for the great job you all did. Give our thanks to Tim, Drew, Michael and Pedro. We'll definitely call on you all again.
Rick, thank you for our beautiful kitchen. Your employee's we so nice and efficient and professional. Everyone's work was superb! Thank you also for addressing the few issues that cam dup so promptly. Best wishes, Laura & Dan.
Manning Remodeling and Construction and has done 2 projects on my house in the last 6 weeks. Both have been done extremely well. The best thing about Rick is almost all of his work is done by employees and he uses subcontractors only when he has to. His guys show up on time, are extremely… Read more "Tim"
Frist and foremost, Rick Manning called me back within 10 minutes after I left a message on his phone and he set an appointment the following day to come by and look at what needed to be done. He had the quote for the work back to me in 2 business days. Once I made… Read more "Tim"
We hired Rick Manning and his company to take over a remodeling project after we broke-up with another remodeling company mid-way through the project. Basically, Rick had to come in and figure out from a picture and other people's rough estimates exactly what we wanted. It was a disadvantage for him and his crew but… Read more "Taryn"
This was a complete end to end rip out, tear down and re-do entire bathroom from floor, to walls and ceiling. Rick and his crew displayed professionalism from the start of the project until they finished this week. The project took about 6 weeks to complete which was within provided expectations. We are very happy… Read more "Thomas"
Everything was great. They were punctual, professional and always made sure we were happy with each step along the way. The bathroom is beautiful and updated now.
Full master bath remodel. Prompt and effective communication. No surprises, exceptional attention to the details. Will use in the future for other big ticket projects. Awesome experience.
Total master bathroom renovation project. Excellent quality workmanship. Rick was very responsive when there were concerns, and very flexible with small changes. Tim, Drew and the rest of the crew were very personable and professional. They genuinely want to ensure that youre happy with your project. I highly recommend this company.
Remodeled an unusable master bath, new commodes in two other bathrooms, fixed loose kitchen floor tiles and tape/bedded/painted the laundry room. We are extremely pleased with the bathroom remodel and other items they did. This project has hung over our head for years, and we finally got it accomplished. Rick and his crew were friendly,… Read more "Susan"
Partial master bathroom renovation. I cant say enough good things about this company. I met initially with owner, Rick Manning. He drew everything up and gave me a quote. I had 2 other quotes that were lower but what I liked about this group is they dont use subs. Everyone from tile guy to plumber… Read more "Marlene"
Rick and crew were the best people we worked with in the entire 6 month remodel effort. I just cant say enough good things about this crew! They were very agile and easily accommodated the few changes we requested. They expect 100% perfection from their work, and I cant say that I can find fault… Read more "Angela"

subset: commoncrawl


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Oct. 16, 2005
Freshman Bison, Jordan Wilson, a former DLHS standout, led the cross-country team to a fifth place finish out of nine teams at the Evansville Invitational with a time of 26:57.
"Jordan is an extraordinary runner; his poise, strength and maturity will no doubt be an asset to our team" said Coach Karen Robichaud.
Jordan placed 16th overall and was trailed by Weldon Ehlert (17th, 27:02) who showed much promise in spite of nagging injuries.
Zac Yanis ran a minute and 11 seconds faster than last year to place 20th overall with a time of 27:21. Daniel Pelltier ran a 28:16 (36th) and was closely followed by Clint Carter 28:20 (37th).
Senior Naeem Thompson improved his time by a remarkable 2 minutes and 15 seconds placing 44th for the Bison (28:41).
The Bisons will be preparing the next two weeks to the A-Sun Conference race October 29.


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From the Logan County Department of Public Health
Send a link to a friend
16, 2014]
Like many other counties across the
nation, Logan County has received its first reports of
laboratory-confirmed influenza for the season. The Logan County
Department of Public Health has received 37 reports, with collection
dates occurring over the past couple of weeks.
The health
department reminds those who have not been vaccinated that it's not
too late for vaccinations. The vaccine is recommended for everyone 6
months and older.
The hours for vaccines at the Logan County Department of Public
Health, 109 Third St., are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. until
4 p.m. No appointment is required.
The cost of the seasonal flu shot is $27 for adults and children
with health insurance that covers vaccines, $23.75 for children
6 months through 18 years of age who have no health insurance or
health insurance that doesn't cover vaccines, and free to those with
a Medicaid or Medicare card.
[to top of second column]
For more information on the seasonal influenza vaccine, call the
health department at 217-735-2317.
For more information, visit
www.flu.gov and www.lcdph.org.
[Text from file received from the
Logan County Department of Public
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text:
"Back in the '60s, when I was 16 years old …"
You've got to love any hot rod story that starts that way. When we read those words at the beginning of Cliff Walter's story about his beautiful '32 Chevy three-window coupe, we had to smile. It was probably the same kind of smile we had when we spotted the jet-black highboy parked in the middle of the street in downtown Culver City, California, earlier this year. But back to Cliff's story …
"I was 16 years old and ready to buy my first car. I found a '23 T-bucket in my neighborhood. That's when I knew that I wanted a hot rod. But, since the car had no top, my dad said, 'No way.' So I ended up buying a '56 Buick Roadmaster two-door.
"After that, I drove a '64 Chevy Malibu SS, then a '41 Dodge, then a '51 Chevy, and so on, but it was always in the back of my mind that I wanted to own a hot rod."
It took awhile, but in 2004 Cliff's wish came true. "I found this '32 Chevrolet on eBay. It was a completed car and it was a Chevy—not a Ford. As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to have it. I bought it that weekend."
At that time, the coupe was riding on the original Chevrolet-manufactured "deuce" 'rails, and it still is today. The frame was boxed for strength, and the suspension was beefed up accordingly. In front, a tubular dropped axle was set up for Chevy spindles and hairpins. The steering is original, and the front brakes are 10-inch '66 Corvette discs. The master cylinder is also '66 Corvette, and the rear brakes are 11-inch drums. The rearend is from a '66 Nova, with 3.55:1 gears and limited slip, hanging on '37 Chevy leaf springs.
Coker Tire provided the rims as well as the classic wide white bias-ply rubber. The tires are nice and narrow, measuring L78-15 in the rear and 5.60-15 in front. The 15-inch steelies are painted red with beauty rings and caps.
All work on the unchopped Chevy body—including the paintjob—had already been done when Cliff discovered the coupe, and was one of the strongest selling points of the car. The downside is that due credit cannot be given to the bodyman who worked hard to get the original steel straight as a laser, or the painter who shot the reflective jet black that proves it. They're out there somewhere; let's hope they read this and accept our compliments. The door handles are stock items, and the windshield and windows are original glass. Gaps are probably better than original. Los Angeles–area pinstriper "Skratch" added some tasteful traditional lines to the grille shell, decklid, and dash.
There is no hood—because why would anybody deliberately hide such a great-looking engine?! This 350 small-block is not the same 350 that came with the car. "A few years went by and I knew I needed a few more horsepower," Cliff explains. In the spring of 2010, he and his neighbor, Jim Schall, pulled out the old motor and TH350 transmission that had been powering the car, in favor of something that could power it even more.
Paint on the block continues the bright red color theme, matched by the MSD distributor cap and plug wires, and the finned aluminum valve covers. The red is contrasted by lots of polish and chrome, and the engine was dressed up to keep up with the car's traditional hot rod look. Louvered helmet-style air cleaners are mounted on 250-cfm Rochester 2G carbs on a polished Offenhauser intake. Lakes-style headers with cutouts are ceramic coated. But this is more than just a pretty Mouse; the motor was built in the true tradition of a hot rod. Cliff delivered the engine to Vellios Machine Shop in Lawndale, California, for machining, and it was balanced and blueprinted. Jim Schall handled the assembly. Probe 10:1 pistons with Scat rods fill the 0.030-over cylinders. It also has Edelbrock RPM aluminum heads and an Isky cam. The Turbo 350 was rebuilt at Hiro's Automatic Transmission in Gardena, California, and runs an 1,800-rpm stall converter and Lokar shifter.
The interior is the perfect complement to the rest of the '32, with the color theme swapped. Black is restricted to the carpet, stock steering wheel, and dash. Mooneyes supplied the engine-turned-dash insert as well as blackface gauges; the wiring was accomplished with the use of a Painless Performance kit. Like the bodywork and paint, the upholstery was accomplished prior to Cliff's involvement, but the red vinyl tuck 'n' roll on the aftermarket bench seat and door panels suits the whole look. Cliff rolls down the windows when he wants air conditioning, but the coupe does feature a an underdash head unit for tunes.
Now that Cliff owns the hot rod he always wanted, he's having a blast. When we saw the Chevy in Culver City, Cliff was about an hour away from winning the Best Hi-Boy award at the Cruisin' Back to the 50's Car Show, hosted by legendary builder and custom car icon George Barris. That's when we first heard the story that began in the late '60s. The next time we saw the Chevy was later that day at the top-secret location where these photos were taken. "I have entered it in a few local car shows, and it gets lots of stares when my wife, Carol, and I go for Sunday drives," Cliff says. "It's been great finally having the hot rod of my dreams."
Triple Rochester 2Gs on an Offy intake feed the well-dressed small-block—reflected in the near-mirror finish of the firewall.