Friday, September 16, 2011

Major Study Reveals Next Generation of Corporate Leaders Lacks Critical Thinking Skills to Successfully Take the Helm

As today’s corporations grapple with everything from a volatile global economy to technology evolving at warp speed, the biggest challenge they face may be a mass exodus from the executive suite.

Oklahoma City, OK, September 13, 2011 - As today’s corporations grapple with everything from a volatile global economy to technology evolving at warp speed, the biggest challenge they face may be a mass exodus from the executive suite. According to statistics from the U.S. Bureau of the Census, Baby Boomers are retiring at a rate of one every eight seconds and top companies have as many as 60 percent of their workforce eligible for retirement in the next three years.

Findings from a study of top corporations released today reveal that current corporate leaders don’t believe the next generation of executives has the critical and strategic thinking skills requisite to navigate these volatile times and the unchartered future.

The “2011/2012 Trends in Executive Development: A Benchmark Report” is the product of collaboration between Pearson TalentLens and Executive Development Associates Inc. (EDA). Leaders from a record number of 81 large national and multinational corporations with substantial business operations in the United States participated in the biennial survey, which has been conducted by EDA every two years since 1983 to follow the trends, growth and evolution of executive development in corporate environments. The complete report can be purchased at http://www.executivedevelopment.com.

“The leaders at the helm of today’s corporations – most of whom are Baby Boomers – are telling us that they believe the next generation of leaders are not prepared to move into the executive suite and face the challenges of effectively making critical decisions, solving complex problems and thinking creatively and strategically,” said Dr. Judy Chartrand, Consultant Chief Scientist at Pearson TalentLens. “Significant investments in the identification and development of the next generation of corporate leaders will play a crucial role in the success and, perhaps survival, of these large national and multinational corporations. Bonnie Hagemann and John Mattone’s research report couldn’t come at a better time.”

As in the 2009 study, this year’s survey respondents continued to cite the importance of building their “bench strength” for leadership succession. However, this year’s research revealed a troubling disconnect between the belief that succession planning and development are critical and actual corporate initiatives to support those needs.

In a similar vein, this year’s respondents admitted that their organizations need to use more objective assessments to evaluate employee performance and potential, but then reported that they were continuing to use subjective measures that often have very little to do with predicting likely future performance in more challenging and difficult roles.

Interestingly, companies’ struggles with today’s economic crisis and global upheaval were apparent during the survey process. A representative from one company that has typically participated in the research reported that because of economic changes and financial constraints, they had nothing to contribute. Another leader from a Global 1000 company said that because of cutbacks, the human resources team is much smaller than two years ago and expected to do twice the work with fewer resources, and therefore couldn’t even spare the 30 minutes to complete the survey.

For more information about Pearson TalentLens, visit http://www.talentlens.com, become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/criticalthinkers or follow on Twitter at http://twitter.com/talentlens.

Executive Development Associates is a leader in creating custom-designed executive development strategies, systems and programs that help organizations build the capabilities needed to achieve their strategic objectives. EDA leads the way in the use of executive development to help organizations successfully address their marketplace challenges and accelerate the execution of their business strategy. With their proven ability to achieve results, they create measurable improvements in both individual executive performance and business outcomes. For more information about executive, leadership and high-potential development, visit http://www.executivedevelopment.com.

About Pearson
Pearson, the world’s leading learning company, has global reach and market-leading businesses in education, business information and consumer publishing (NYSE: PSO). For more information about the Assessment & Information group of Pearson, visit http://www.pearsonassessments.com/.

Contact:
Bonnie Hagemann
CEO
Executive Development Associates
4 NE 10th Street, #171
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
+1 816 830 6001

Harrisburg University to offer New Certified Government Chief Information Officer (CGCIO™) Program

Beginning October 2011, a new certification program for government Chief Information Officers (CIOs) will be offered at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology to specifically address the unique challenges of public sector IT executive leadership.

Harrisburg, PA, September 16, 2011 - Beginning October 2011, a new certification program for government Chief Information Officers (CIOs) will be offered at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology to specifically address the unique challenges of public sector IT executive leadership. By joining forces with the national Consortium for State and Local Government Technology Leadership Development, the Government Technology Institute (GTI) at Harrisburg University will offer the Certified Government Chief Information Officer (CGCIO™) program.

The 12 month, comprehensive educational program is designed to enhance knowledge in critical areas of public sector IT leadership and management and it is believed to be the only program of its kind in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The program will enable current and aspiring information technology executives working at a senior level in public service to earn a recognized credential, and develop the skills and knowledge to manage the demands of their complex role. To ensure relevance in its application, most of the instructors for the CGCIO™ will be successful IT executives from public and private sector organizations.

Pennsylvania state government spends in excess of $1B annually on information technology (IT). County and local governments collectively make similar investments each year. The role of the IT executive within government is quickly changing and expanding. Just knowing how technology works is no longer sufficient for those responsible for leading IT organizations. Public sector IT executives are expected to have a comprehensive knowledge of areas such as communications, finance, human resources, policy making, management practices and how to effectively connect the technology to the business needs. These expectations combine with the reality that technology continues to evolve rapidly, therefore, requiring a strategic lens. The job of public service IT leader has never been tougher and never more important to the success of government!

Until now there were few opportunities for public sector CIO's and other IT executives to learn how to get a seat at the executive table and how to provide meaningful advice to government officials and others. The new program at Harrisburg University hopes to change this and is accepting nominations now through September 23 for the Inaugural Class of the CGCIO™. Twenty-five candidates from IT senior leadership positions in state, county and local government will be accepted into the Inaugural Class program, which begins October 13, 2011.

In-person sessions, two days per month are led by the program facilitator who maintains topical continuity and builds community within the cohort. Session topics are taught by subject matter experts who use presentations, industry resources, case studies and guest lecturers to present concepts and practical exercises. Peer-learning is emphasized as a valuable method of gaining perspective and lessons learned from others within the cohort. Additionally, independent readings, the applied project and online discussions also support varied instructional approaches for all kinds of learners.

Harrisburg University’s state-of-the-art Academic Center is located at 326 Market Street in Harrisburg. More information on the program is found online at http://www.harrisburgu.edu/academics/GTI/cgcio/index.php Information about the Government Technology Institute at Harrisburg University is found online at www.HarrisburgU.edu/GTI

The University's location in downtown Harrisburg is near Interstates 83 and 81 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, making it an easy drive to the University. The Amtrak Passenger Train Station and Greyhound Bus Station are one block from our location. More information on parking rates and directions to the University are found online at http://www.harrisburgu.net/campuslife/directions.php#parking

Founded in 2001 to address Central Pennsylvania's need for increased opportunities for study leading to careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, Harrisburg University is an innovative and ambitious private institution that produces graduates who provide increased competence and capacity in science and technology disciplines to Pennsylvania and the nation. Harrisburg University ensures institutional access for underrepresented students and links learning and research to practical outcomes. As a private University serving the public good, Harrisburg University remains the only STEM-focused comprehensive university located between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

For more information on the University's demand-driven undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs in applied science and technology fields, call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu.

Contact:
Steven Infanti
AVP Communications
326 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA, 17101
717.901.5146

Medical Care Technologies Inc. Closes $200,000 Bridge Loan Financing for Kids' Health Center

This financing concludes the second last stage in funding to complete the licensing process of Teddyberry™ and Company, the Company's Chinese subsidiary and to which the Company has named its first flagship children's health and wellness center.

Beijing, September 13, 2011 -- Medical Care Technologies Inc. (OTCBB: MDCE), a rapidly growing children's healthcare service provider, is pleased to announce that, through ReachOut Holdings Limited, its Hong Kong subsidiary, it has closed a $200,000 bridge loan agreement with a private investor for its first children's health and wellness center located in Dongguan, Guangdong Province, China.

The terms of the bridge loan are unsecured and bear an annual interest rate of 10% for a thirty (30) day term. Reimbursement of the loan is due in principal plus all accrued interest at the end of the thirty day period.

This financing concludes the second last stage in funding to complete the licensing process of Teddyberry™ and Company, the Company's Chinese subsidiary and to which the Company has named its first flagship children's health and wellness center.  The funds will be invested in a demand deposit account and will be used to fulfill the requirements of Chinese government health authorities of proving ReachOut's strong financial backing from accredited investors.

Teddyberry™ and Company, once completed, will be a 4,000+ square foot facility that is expected to serve a community and broader metropolitan area of 10 million people, including more than 1 million children.  The health center will also directly serve the two (2) neighboring municipalities of Guangzhou and Shenzhen, home to over 25 million residents. Management expects its children's health center to treat roughly a minimum of 300 patients weekly, generating an estimated $30-40 million Yuan Renminbi (RMB) in revenues, which translates to approximately $4.5 to $6 million U.S. Dollars in revenues yearly.

"This financing marks a significant milestone in the development of the Teddyberry™ project," said Ning Wu, CEO and President of Medical Care Technologies Inc. "We are very pleased with the strong investor reception for this financing, which we view as a validation of our children's healthcare development efforts."

About Medical Care Technologies Inc.

Medical Care Technologies Inc. is traded under the symbol MDCE on the OTCBB and is headquartered in Beijing, China.  MDCE, through joint ventures or Chinese subsidiaries, develops a network of children's health facilities in the larger urban areas throughout China. Services are geared towards the advancing economic middle-class and upper class Chinese families. Specializing in the care of children between the ages of 3 to 16, MDCE's role is to enhance the overall well-being of the family and community and to expand its pediatric services to include preventative health and wellness education. MDCE, through its children's health facilities, will also distribute a diverse range of industry-leading pharmaceutical and nutraceutical product lines. MDCE's main mission is simple – to become a healthcare service provider leader in children's health. Information on the Company can be found at www.sec.gov and the Company's website at www.medicaretechinc.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

All statements contained in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements, including those regarding: MDCE's products, services, capabilities, performance, opportunities, development and business outlook, guidance on our future financial results and other projections or measures of our future performance; the amount and timing of the benefits expected from strategic initiatives and acquisitions or from deployment of new or updated technologies, products, services or applications; and other potential sources of additional revenue. These statements are based on our current plans and expectations and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future events or results to be different than those described in or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include those relating to: lack of operating history, transitioning from a development company to an operating company, difficulties in distinguishing MDCE's products and services, ability to deploy MDCE's services and products, market acceptance of our products and services; operational difficulties relating to combining acquired companies and businesses; our ability to form and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with customers and strategic partners; changes in economic, political or regulatory conditions or other trends affecting the healthcare, Internet, information technology and healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, and our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel. Other risks and uncertainties may include, but are not limited to: lack of or delay in market acceptance and fluctuations in customer demand, dependence on a limited number of significant customers, reliance on third party vendors and strategic partners, ability to meet future capital requirements on acceptable terms, continuing uncertainty in the global economy, and compliance with federal and state regulatory requirement.  Further information about these matters can be found in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings. We expressly disclaim any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Suzanne Holbrook

Contact:
Shu Bei
Medical Care Technologies Inc.
Room 815, No.2 Building,
BeiXiaoJie, DongZhiMenNei,
Beijing 10007
(852) 8122-9660

Tucson's Brilliance Project Event Shows Kids How to Eat Healthy at Richardson Elementary School

Healthy kids make better choices, ultimately improving society. But who's actually making this happen? Tucson's Richardson Elementary and The Brilliance Project are, with an interactive experience celebrating health and wellness through music.

Tucson, AZ, September 13, 2011 (Straight Line PR) -- Richardson Elementary School in Tucson is hosting members of the Brilliance Project, Scott "Fireman" Robb and Eric Thompson, for a revolutionary type of assembly that will have the kids thinking critically about what they put in their bodies, and how that can influence their creative expression - and ultimately their role in their community.

"There is something unique that is inside of us and is worth developing," says Eric Thompson, founder of Global Ascension Productions - the Tucson-based speaker development and publishing company that is behind the Brilliance Project ( http://www.BrillianceProject.org ). "The healthier our kids are, the better decisions they tend to make, improving their chances in unleashing their brilliance - allowing them to be better educated and live deeper, richer lives."

"The Brilliance Project is a powerful way for our students to discover, develop and deliver their virtues to our community," noted Kathy Van Loan, Vice Principal of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School in Tucson.

The particular program they will be conducting at Richardson Elementary School on Friday, September 16th, 2011 at 9:00 AM, has proven to have a positive impact because of Scott "Fireman" Robb and his creative integration of music into the presentation. Fireman Robb uses his ADDY award-winning skills and talents to inspire kids to live safe and healthy lives, engaging them with his newly-released song "Gotta Eat Healthy".

This catchy new song can be heard on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T602kl-eFT4

Kids love this music and get very involved when Scott performs it. The kids whistle and do a great job of getting engaged in the presence of their peers, most of whom have never done anything like this before. They get the message and they have fun! 

"We have had amazing feedback from our clients," says Eric Thompson of The Brilliance Project. "I was on campus the other day at one of the schools we have worked with, and some kids saw me and started whistling the chorus of Fireman Robb's rendition of a popular song, 'It's A Good Life', by One Republic. Principals are now calling us and wanting to be one of our collaborative schools, as opposed to us knocking on doors."

Evaluating and training high performers has made Eric Thompson an expert at nurturing the skills for high achievement. After a decade of real life professional development, he's developed a plan that helps people to synergize their multiple awarenesses, allowing them to discover and fully utilize the hidden strengths that so many people never use - their Brilliance. They help develop the dormant talents that many young people fail to discover until much later in their lives, if at all.

About The Brilliance Project:
Eric and his team, including Scott "Fireman" Robb, host a conversation on real-life obstacles and the tactics they have developed to succeed, in a competitive daily environment. Their enthusiastic personalities, candid and charismatic style will keep attendees engaged and help them unlock the path to Brilliant Living.

The Brilliance Project can be contacted at 520-837-9837 or via their web site at http://www.BrillianceProject.org

Book the Brilliance Project by e-mailing Eric at: Eric@BrillianceProject.org

Please contact http://www.PressReleaseNation.com for corrections or updates.

Contact:
David Lockman
RichContent
9734 Lincoln Lane
Blaine, WA 98230
360.312.4312