Survey: Weak Economy Led to 1,395 Child Care Program Closures In Georgia Last Year

/PRNewswire/ -- Already struggling in a difficult economy, conditions went from bad to worse in 2010 for Georgia's child care providers and the thousands of children and families they serve.

According to a new report released by Quality Care for Children, Georgia lost 1,395 child care programs due to the poor economy – a net loss of 43,000 child care slots statewide. This represents an 11 percent decline in the number of child care centers and a more than 30 percent decline in family child care.

The 1,395 closures are more than double the 600 shutdowns reported by Quality Care for Children last year.

And the worst may not be over. The annual statewide survey of 485 child care programs also found that 20 percent of child care centers and 33 percent of family child care providers are considering closing their doors. Approximately one in three family child care providers say they're worried about having to close, an increase from last year when one in four had the same concern.

"We've seen a huge spike in the number of vacancies in child care programs throughout the state, brought on by parents who've either lost jobs or seen their income reduced and then had to withdraw their children," said Quality Care for Children CEO Pam Tatum, "At the same time, costs to operate a center have never been higher – further adding to the financial pressure on providers. The most pressing concern is: Who is now caring for these children? In tough economic times, parents have fewer options and often feel financially pressured to leave their kids in care situations that may be unsuitable – even dangerous – in order to make ends meet. Ultimately it's the kids who pay the price."

Tatum said nearly 65 percent of families in Georgia use some form of child care today.

QCC also reported a troubling new trend tied to the economy: More children are arriving to child care hungry. A significant number of providers are reporting that children appear more stressed and are living in homes that are experiencing hardship, evidenced by the number of children coming into the provider's home hungry in the morning, especially after weekends.

QCC ensures more than 10,000 children in family child care receive nutritious snacks and meals every day through the USDA Child Care Food Program. "Clearly, that's not enough," Tatum said.

"Any child who starts their day hungry; who seems visibly stressed; and who is not in a stable, nurturing quality environment is not getting the start that is essential to their healthy development and the ultimate health of Georgia's economy," Tatum said.

For the third consecutive year, QCC reported substantial declines in the overall quality of child care programs as well, measured by the number of programs that have cut staff hours, eliminated staff positions, and spent less on needed improvements and supplies such as books and toys. "These cuts and lack of investments can be devastating to the quality of early education in Georgia. Our children can't afford another year of decline."

Copies of the report are available at www.qualitycareforchildren.org.

-----

Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG @FayetteFP

Stable home prices key to thwarting deflation, double-dip recession

Deflation and an ensuing double-dip recession can be avoided if recently stabilized home prices don’t fall again, said Rajeev Dhawan, director of the Economic Forecasting Center at Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business.

In his quarterly Forecast of the Nation, released today, Dhawan said that the “D” word (deflation) is being heard more frequently because of factors such as the slowing of private job creation, yo-yoing retail sales, falling core CPI inflation (inflation excluding food and energy costs), and a rapidly falling 10-year bond yield, now below three percent.

“Consequently,” said Dhawan, “what happens to home prices over the next few months will be critical to consumer confidence. It will affect their spending decisions, especially for big ticket items. This, in turn, will send a signal to CEOs about whether or not to ramp up investment and hiring plans, which then will determine potential consumer income growth and, ultimately, the next round of spending.”

The importance of home price stability is also evident from the fact that one-third of the CPI Index derives from housing or shelter costs. Said Dhawan, “If we take shelter costs out of the core, there is no deflation. Hence, if home prices plunge again, spending power will be sapped, resulting in further price declines that will manifest as deflation leading to a double-dip recession.”

The good news, said Dhawan, is that the growth rate of investment in equipment and software, a precursor of job growth, has been in double digits for the past nine months. Sustaining that pace will depend, said the forecaster, “upon what happens with the currently polarized political atmosphere, costly unpopular reforms and high fiscal deficits causing uncertainty over the tax structure in coming years.

“Still,” Dhawan concluded, “the expectation that housing prices will rise only about 10 percent over the next five years (according to the July MacroMarkets home price survey) has kept consumer confidence flat, illustrating again why home prices are so critical to future growth.”

Highlights from the Economic Forecasting Center’s National Report

Real GDP growth in 2010 will be 2.8 percent for the year. Due to a rollback in government spending and subdued spending by consumers, it will decelerate sharply to 1.9 percent in 2011. In 2012, the real GDP will grow at an improved rate of 2.7 percent. Consumption growth will remain subpar throughout the forecast period, barely reaching 2.2 percent in 2012.
Inflation will be 0.8 percent in the second half of 2010, 1.3 percent in 2011, and will increase to 2.1 percent in 2012. Rate hikes will be on hold until late 2011. At that point the Fed will be aggressive with hikes, quickly raising the target rate to 3.0 percent by mid-2012, as core inflation gets closer to 2.0 percent.
Expect the 10-year bond rate to rise in the coming months to make for an average of 3.4 percent in 2010. It will rise further to 3.9 percent in 2011 and to 4.5 percent in 2012. The fiscal deficit will be 10.0 percent of GDP in 2010, moderating to 6.5 percent in 2012.
After growing by 14.3 percent in 2010, investment in equipment and software will decelerate to 10.1 percent in 2011. In 2012, the category will expand by 10.7 percent. Job growth will increase from the current pace of 100,000 in 2011 to 130,000 in 2012. Unemployment will remain consistently above 9.0 percent.
Georgia and Atlanta to Exhibit Quasi-Growth Prospects
Dhawan said that swings in the national economy, a cautious corporate sector and tempered consumer spending due to weakened prospects for increases in property values will lead to “quasi-growth” prospects locally.

In his Forecast of Georgia and Atlanta released today, he said that factors that reducing income potential going forward include yo-yoing retail sales, weak consumer confidence affecting business investment, and a lack of credit, particularly for smaller-sized corporations, due to continued fallout from the subprime crisis.

“The inability of banks to make loans continues to hamper construction at all levels,” said Dhawan, who added, “Big value projects are missing from the local growth picture. The same is true on the residential side, where many small developers are gone due to an inability to sell unfinished homes.” At the current permitting rate of about 6,000 annually, Atlanta has enough developed lots to build for the next 20 years, he said.

Despite this, housing permits have risen sharply in the last six months, “but only,” said Dhawan, “because people are doing major renovations rather than developers building big multi-family projects. Even with that,” he said, “actual permit levels are one-tenth of what they were at their peak in 2006.”

Things are not much better when it comes to government, which was hit hard in 2008. State government has seen some growth in collections due to a rebound in spending and tighter controls. At the county and city levels, however, the drop in home values has led to sharp declines in collections.

“The corporate sector,” said Dhawan, “has added jobs nationally in the last six months, but growth at the local level has been minimal.” In Georgia the sector has been aided somewhat by the opening of the Kia plant in West Point, the building of a new facility by NCR and, to a lesser extent, planned development of green-tech jobs.

Dhawan said to look for job gains in Atlanta to number only 3,700 for calendar year 2010. Job gains will rise substantially to 46,300 (including 13,800 premium jobs) in 2011 and 55,300 (14,300 premium jobs) by 2012. Unemployment rate, however, still remains above 9.0 percent even in 2012.

Highlights from the Economic Forecasting Center’s Local Report

Georgia will gain only 5,000 jobs in calendar year 2010. In the 2011 calendar year, the recovery pace will pick up somewhat with the creation of 60,300 jobs (including 18,100 premium jobs). Job growth will be stronger in calendar year 2012; 78,300 jobs will be created (with 17,200 premium job gains).
By year’s end, Georgia's unemployment rate will have increased modestly by 0.6 points to 10.2 percent. In 2011, unemployment will decrease slightly to 9.7 percent. In 2012, it will decrease further to 9.2 percent.
Atlanta's housing permits will increase in 2010 by a strong 39.9 percent, with both single and multi-family permits posting significant increases. Permit activity increases by 28.9 percent in 2011 and will grow by a robust 47.1 percent in 2012.
Nominal personal income in Georgia will rise by 3.0 percent in 2010, followed by an increase of 4.1 percent in 2011 and a decent increase of 4.8 percent in 2012. Georgia’s total tax collections are expected to increase by 3.5 percent in FY11, followed by another rise of 5.0 percent in FY12.

-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Industrial Directory Reports Georgia Lost Fewer Manufacturing Jobs Over Past Year

/PRNewswire/ -- Industrial employment in Georgia fell 4.2% over the past twelve months according to the 2011 Georgia Manufacturers Register®, an industrial directory published annually by Manufacturers' News, Inc. (MNI) Evanston, IL. MNI reports Georgia lost 21,757 industrial jobs between April 2009 and April 2010, roughly half the number of jobs MNI reported lost over the 2008-2009 survey period. MNI had recorded a loss of 48,904 industrial jobs or nearly 9% from April 2008 to April 2009.

Manufacturers' News reports Georgia is now home to 10,349 manufacturers employing 486,109 workers.

"The recession, combined with weak demand for housing and building materials, continues to contribute to the employment decline," said Tom Dubin, President of Manufacturers' News. "But manufacturing in Georgia is starting to pick up, with companies taking advantage of the state's favorable business climate."

Food products manufacturing remains Georgia's largest industrial sector by employment, accounting for 67,348 of the state's jobs, down 3.1% over the year, following the closures of two Pilgrim's Pride chicken processing plants, among others. Textiles and apparel ranks second with 62,019 industrial jobs, down 9.5%, due partially to closures and layoffs at carpet and flooring company Shaw Industries and carpet maker Mohawk Industries. Industrial machinery and equipment ranks as the state's third largest manufacturing sector with 43,546 of the state's industrial jobs, down 4.6% over the past twelve months.

MNI reports other industrial sectors that lost jobs over the past year included lumber/wood down 10.6%; rubber/plastics down 10.5%; printing/publishing down 7.7%; stone/clay/glass down 6.7%; electronics down 6.6%; furniture/fixtures down 3.9%; fabricated metal down 3.5%; transportation equipment down 3.1%; and primary metals down 2.9%.

Bright spots for the state included the opening of Kia's first North American manufacturing plant in West Point, the opening of a Johnson Controls plant, also in West Point, which will supply the Kia plant, the re-opening of a previously shuttered Pilgrim's Pride plant in Douglas, and the planned expansion of auto supplier ZF Group with the construction of a plant that will produce gear boxes for wind turbines. Other companies expanding or opening in Georgia include De Wafelbakkers, which plans a processing facility in McDonough; pet care products manufacturer Animal Health & Sciences; MAGE Solar; ATM manufacturer NCR Corporation; and Belgian flooring manufacturer IVC Group.

MNI reports industrial jobs declined the most in Southwest Georgia, down 10.2% over the year, with the region currently accounting for 35,730 manufacturing jobs. Industrial jobs declined 7.8% in South Central Georgia, with the region home to 47,992 workers, while Southeast Georgia saw a drop of 4.7%, currently home to 38,377. Northeast Georgia saw a decline of 4.5%, and is currently home to 77,382, while industrial jobs declined 2.7% in Northwest Georgia, with the region accounting for the most industrial employment with 286,628 jobs.

Atlanta remains the state's top city by industrial employment, accounting for 57,007 manufacturing jobs, up 2% over the past twelve months. Dalton saw employment decrease 8.5% and is currently home to 23,276 industrial workers. Marietta accounts for 16,109 industrial jobs, down 2.8%, while Alpharetta saw jobs drop 10.5% and currently accounts for 15,048 industrial jobs. Fifth-ranked Norcross accounts for 14,202, down 1.2% over the year.

Detailed profiles of Georgia's 10,349 manufacturers and 1,873 industrial distributors can be found in the 2011 Georgia Manufacturers Register®, available in print for $141 and on CD-ROM from $230. Each profile provides up to 30 facts, including vital contact information (phone, web, e-mail), 36,694 executives by name and title, product(s) manufactured, annual sales, number of employees, and more. Visitors to mnileads.com may generate custom profiles of manufacturers using thirteen different criteria, including area or zip code, county, SIC, sales volume, number of employees, and more. Information is also available on Facebook and Twitter.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Consumer Reports Health: Central-Line Infection Rates in Atlanta Hospitals Vary; One Hospital Reports Rates Up to 6 Times National Average

Consumer Reports Health: Central-Line Infection Rates in Atlanta Hospitals Vary; One Hospital Reports Rates Up to 6 Times National Average; Some Hospitals Not Reporting

/PRNewswire/ -- Hospitals in the Atlanta area vary in terms of how well their intensive care units (ICUs) prevent central-line bloodstream infections, a cause of death, disability, and expense in our nations' hospitals that is largely preventable. On February 2, www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org will post hospital infection rates for 12 Atlanta area hospitals that voluntarily reported their infection rates. Bloodstream infections cause at least 30 percent of the estimated 99,000 annual hospital-infection-related deaths in the U.S. and add on average $42,000 to the hospital bills of each ICU patient who gets a central line-infection.

In the Atlanta area, only one of the 12 hospitals rated, Hamilton Medical Center, reported zero central line infections. Other hospitals with lower than average infection rates include: WellStar Kennestone Hospital reported a rate that is 61 percent better than the national average, meaning there were 61 percent fewer infections reported than the U.S. average for its mix of ICUs. Emory University Hospital reported 56 percent fewer infections than average; WellStar Cobb Hospital reported 54 percent fewer infections than average; and North Fulton Regional Hospital reported 51 percent fewer infections than average. Infection rates are for 2008.

On the other end of the spectrum, several Atlanta hospitals reported alarmingly high infection rates: Dekalb Medical Center at Hillendale reported an infection rate that is 858 percent worse than the national average, and Eastside Medical Center reported a rate that is 126 percent worse than average. Other hospitals that stand out for their poor performance include: Dekalb Medical Center (71 percent worse than average) Cartersville Medical Center (48 percent worse than average); South Fulton Medical Center (32 percent worse than average); and Emory Crawford Long Hospital (29 percent worse than average).

"Infection rates can vary widely from hospital to hospital and even within the same hospital chain or system," said John Santa, M.D., M.P.H., director of the Consumer Reports Health Ratings Center. "Providing patients with infection rate information enables them to identify which hospitals are making patient safety a priority and which ones are not." According to a related investigative report in the March issue of Consumer Reports, of the 926 U.S. hospitals whose infection rates were analyzed by Consumer Reports Health, 105 hospitals tallied zero central line infections (listed online at www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org).

"All hospitals should be aiming for zero infections," said Santa. "The procedures needed to eliminate ICU infections are simple, low-tech, and inexpensive, requiring a change of mindset and culture. All ICUs should be able to dramatically reduce if not eliminate these infections," continued Santa.

The Consumer Reports online ratings are based on hospitals that publicly report their infection rates as a result of state laws and hospitals that voluntarily report to the Leapfrog Group, a Washington D.C. based nonprofit, works with large employers and purchasers of health care to measure and publicly report on hospital safety and quality in 41 states in the U.S. (www.leapfroggroup.org). Citizen activists, including those working with Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports, have helped enact laws in 27 states, forcing hospitals to publicly disclose their infection rates. To date, 17 of those states have made that information publicly available.

Georgia does not require hospitals to report data on these types of infections. "State lawmakers should mandate hospital infection reporting so all Georgians can find out whether their local hospital is doing a good job keeping patients safe from these sometimes deadly infections," said Lisa McGiffert, Director of Consumers Union's Safe Patient Project (www.SafePatientProject.org).

Consequently, the Consumer Reports ratings for Georgia hospitals are based on Leapfrog data. "It is important to recognize that many hospitals demonstrate commitment to their communities by willingly reporting safety data -- warts and all. Consumers should be most wary of hospitals that are asked to report by their patients, and refuse," said Leah Binder, CEO of the Leapfrog Group. Binder noted that several hospitals in Atlanta declined to provide their data to Leapfrog during the reporting period, including Grady Memorial Hospital and Piedmont Hospital. A complete list of non-reporting hospitals can be found at www.leapfroggroup.org/decline.

A Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) is a type of infection caused by the presence of a central line catheter. A "central line" or "central catheter" is a tube that is placed in a large vein in the neck, chest, or arm to enable the rapid administration of fluids, bloods, or medications. These long, flexible catheters empty out in or near the heart so that the circulatory system can deliver what's put in them within seconds. A bloodstream infection can occur when bacteria or other germs travel down the central line and enter the bloodstream, making the central line's biggest virtue as a quick pathway for delivering the essentials into its biggest vice.

Since the risk of infection varies substantially across different types of ICUs, the Consumer Reports ratings are using what is known as a "standardized infection ratio," taking into account the unique mix of ICU types in a given hospital by comparing the hospital infection data for each ICU to the national average for each such ICU type published by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For instance, the average infection rate for cardiac ICUs nationwide is 2 per 1000 central line days (that's the total number of days that patients are on central lines), while surgical ICUs average 2.3 infections per 1000 central line days. So an infection rate 100% above average would be 4 per 1000 days for a cardiac ICU, but 4.6 per 1000 days for a surgical ICU.

The Consumer Reports web site (www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org) currently rates more than 3,600 hospitals in the U. S. based on several criteria including patient satisfaction, intensity of care, and steps to prevent infection. This last measure, which is different from the CLABSI infection rates, assesses how well a hospital follows correct procedures to avoid surgical infections.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage

Report Answers Questions on Stimulus Contracting

/PRNewswire/ -- State and Federal Communications, Inc. - which provides government compliance information and consulting - is sharing a report on government stimulus contracting to help companies and others stay compliant with state laws.

To read a free copy, go to www.stateandfed.com/stimulus.asp.

"Because this is an unprecedented stimulus package, with billions of dollars in government contracts at stake, many companies and their representatives who are seeking these stimulus contracts have never before been involved in the government procurement process," said Elizabeth Bartz, president and CEO of State and Federal Communications. "They must proceed with caution."

Citing one of many examples, Bartz pointed out sales and business development professionals might not realize they must register as lobbyists in many jurisdictions. Furthermore, they might not know about restrictions on gifts and other activities that could, if even unintentionally violated, result in penalties, prosecution, and elimination from consideration of contract awards.

States will distribute a large portion of the stimulus money, which comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Unfortunately, no two states have the same procedures, making it difficult for companies to determine what each state allows in regard to obtaining contracts.

The State and Federal Communications document - researched and developed by the firm's in-house staff of government compliance attorneys - is broken down by state and includes:

-- An overview of the process for procuring stimulus contracts, including
information on vendor registration, open solicitations, certification,
and RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs;
-- Which state department or agency is overseeing stimulus contract
awards, and contact information for that agency;
-- How the particular state defines "executive branch lobbying," which is
important to know because how the state defines lobbying will dictate
whether company representatives need to register as lobbyists before
seeking a stimulus contract;
-- What, if any, specific restrictions each state has on attempts to
obtain stimulus contracts; and
-- Whether lobbying for stimulus contracts affects political
contributions a company or individual might make.

"We provide similar kinds of information - and much more in the areas of lobbying laws and political contributions - to our clients every day. However, we decided to share this special report publicly because of the unprecedented breadth of the stimulus package, the amount of money involved, and the large number of companies seeking contracts," Bartz said.

The company released the report for "our loyal clients and also for companies that might not know about the unique information and consulting services we provide. We also hope our report helps increase transparency in the procurement process for these stimulus funds," Bartz said.

-----
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page

CPSC Announces Drop in Fireworks-Related Injuries; Consumers Still Urged To Celebrate Safe This July 4th

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's new Chairman, Inez Tenenbaum, urged families today to put safety first during the Fourth of July holiday and celebrate with caution when it comes to fireworks. The latest report (PDF) from CPSC indicates that there were reports of seven fireworks-related deaths and an estimated 7,000 hospital emergency room treated injuries in 2008. In 2007, CPSC had reports of eleven deaths and an estimated 9,800 injuries.

Chairman Tenenbaum, in a press event and fireworks demonstration on the National Mall, reminded consumers that even with fewer reported deaths and injuries in 2008, the one-month period surrounding the Fourth of July is still the most dangerous time. In fact, 70 percent of all fireworks-related injuries occurred between June 20 and July 20.

"CPSC wants to keep reducing fireworks-related deaths and injuries in 2009," said Chairman Tenenbaum. "Children should never play with or light fireworks, and adults should watch our demonstrations to see how powerful and dangerous illegal fireworks can be."

Chairman Tenenbaum was joined on the National Mall by Tony West, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division of the Department of Justice; Dan Baldwin, Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Trade within Customs and Border Protection (CBP); and Joseph Riehl, Acting Assistant Director of the Office of Enforcement Programs and Services for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

CPSC continues to work to keep American families safe by educating the public about the risk of injury associated with fireworks, enforcing fireworks regulations, and prosecuting dealers and distributors who manufacture and sell illegal explosives.

As a part of its fireworks enforcement program, CPSC actively works with ATF to investigate roadside stands, warehouses and retail stores that sell professional grade explosives to consumers, and homes that serve as havens for the manufacture of dangerous fireworks devices. These investigations have resulted in dozens of successful prosecutions by the Justice Department's Office of Consumer Litigation and U.S. Attorney offices across the country.

On June 19, 2009, a federal judge in the Eastern District of New York sentenced Jon Cea and Vincent Cea to 24 months and 36 months in federal prison, respectively, after they pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing in explosive materials, involving the illegal sale of more than 1,000 pounds of explosives. The defendants and their customers were not licensed, yet they purchased and sold professional display fireworks. CPSC and the Justice Department worked in partnership on this case.

At the ports, CPSC is working alongside CBP to ensure shipments are in compliance with the federal regulations. With CBP assistance, last year CPSC staff found through sampling and testing of fireworks shipments that forty-nine percent of these shipments contained illegal fireworks.

While the federal government remains committed to stopping the manufacture and sale of illegal fireworks, CPSC encourages consumers who decide to purchase legal fireworks to:

* Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.

* Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

* Avoid buying fireworks that come in brown paper packaging, as this can often be a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and could pose a danger to consumers.

* Adults should always supervise fireworks activities. Parents often don't realize that there are many injuries from sparklers to children under five. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.

* Never have any portion of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move back a safe distance immediately after lighting.

* Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully functioned.

* Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

* Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.

* Light one item at a time, then move back quickly.

* Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

* After fireworks fully complete their functioning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding to prevent a trash fire.

-----
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page

SFI Forest Certification Continues Rapid Growth

/PRNewswire / -- The astounding growth of the independent Sustainable Forestry Initiative(R) (SFI(R)) program is a sure sign forest certification is increasingly being used as a tool to demonstrate responsible forest management.

SFI Inc. released its 2008 progress report June 19, Sustainable Forestry Initiative: Growing Stronger Together, which showed a four-fold increase in SFI chain-of-custody certifications in 2008, and continued steady growth in forest and fiber sourcing certifications. At the end of 2008, the SFI program had 154 million acres (62 million hectares) of certified lands across the United States and Canada, 407 chain-of-custody certificates at 1,020 locations, and 39 fiber sourcing certifications - and the numbers continued to climb in 2009.

"The numbers are solid indicators of growth but I find what's behind them is even more compelling," SFI President and CEO Kathy Abusow said today. "Behind them is a lot of hard work and dedication by the many people who work with us - members of conservation groups, researchers, forest professionals, public employees and representatives of companies who remain committed to sustainable forest management despite incredibly tough times in the forest industry and in the economy."

Abusow said the SFI program, one of the largest and most widely accepted forest certification programs in the world, is backed by strong endorsements. "Whether it's the American Consumer Council, the Competition Bureau of Canada, TerraChoice's North American Environmental Choice eco-logo program or marketplace surveys - it is clear consumers and end users view the SFI program as proof that products are from well-managed forests."

She said that a time when there is increased sensitivity to environmental claims, the SFI program earns this trust by making sure its labels and claims conform with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, the Competition Bureau of Canada and ISO 14020's nine principles for Environmental Labeling designed to promote accurate, verifiable and relevant environmental declarations and claims.

The SFI External Review Panel, a volunteer group of experts representing conservation, environment, professional, academic and public organizations, advises the SFI Inc. Board of Directors on ways to improve the SFI program. Among other things, the panel ensured the 2008 progress report accurately reflects the program's progress, and its members continue to monitor the open review process that will lead to the revised SFI 2010-2014 Standard. The standard review process has included two public consultation sessions as well as opportunities for on-line input and seven regional workshops across North America.

"The continued growth of the SFI program is encouraging news to those of us who support the concept of sustainable forestry, and want to see more independently certified forestlands," said Panel Chair Michael Goergen, Executive Vice President of the Society of American Foresters. "We are also impressed by the commitment of SFI participants to continual improvement through a standard review process that is a model of open, transparent and responsible consideration of public input, scientific and economic factors."

In addition to the start of the standard review process, the progress report highlights additional achievements through 2008, including:

Habitat for Humanity partnerships: Local SFI Implementation Committees joined forces with Habitat for Humanity chapters to build homes in Hibbing, Minn., and Portland, Maine, using materials from sustainable sources.
Investments in forest research: SFI program participants invested $88.9 million (US) in 2008 for forest research, bringing the total invested since 1995 to $1.07 billion (US).
Support for forestry training: Through the SFI program or its recognition of other programs, 6,627 resource and logging professionals were trained in responsible forestry in 2008 - 117,405 have been trained since 1995.
Simpler, clearer labels: The SFI program introduced new on-product labels after thorough market testing, making it easier for consumers to find the information they want.

Recognition for conservation leadership: SFI Leadership in Conservation Research Awards went to projects with strong partnerships led by Rayonier Inc. in Georgia and UPM-Kymmene Inc. in the Canadian Maritimes. The Minnesota Division of Forest Capital Partners LLC won the SFI and Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation Wildlife Stewardship Award for a landmark conservation easement in northern Minnesota.

-----
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page

Georgia achieves highest marks yet on child welfare report

Georgia has received its highest marks yet for improving child welfare in Fulton and DeKalb counties in a report released June 19 by court monitors tracking the State’s progress in fulfilling the provisions of the “Kenny A.” consent decree.

Specifically, the Department of Human Resources (DHR) Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) improved in child safety, finding permanent homes for children, reducing the number of children who re-enter foster care and education. DFCS also surpassed the consent decree’s maltreatment in care standard and demonstrated the highest level of performance yet recorded on all child safety outcomes. Significantly, the report concluded that more children were achieving safe, lifelong connections with caring adults than at any time since the Period II report in December 2006. Also, the number of children re-entering the foster care system is the lowest ever measured for the consent decree. Another major indicator was the number of youth graduating from high school or receiving their GED, which increased by more than 21 percent in 2008.

The report, known as the Period VI Monitoring Report, used 28 outcomes to measure DFCS’ performance in specific areas of children welfare between July 1, 2008, and December 31, 2008. According to the report, DFCS’ overall performance in Period VI was the best yet measured in the consent decree’s six reporting periods.

“Although we have made great strides, there is still work that needs to be done to provide all children in our care with permanent homes and safety from abuse” said Mark A. Washington, DHR assistant commissioner and director of the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS).

“The strides we have made on the ‘Kenny A.’ consent decree mirrors the overall progress the state has made in child welfare since 2004,” said B.J. Walker, DHR commissioner. “Today, there are fewer children in foster care, more children are being placed with relatives, the recurrence of child maltreatment is well below the national average and the average caseload per caseworker has significantly decreased. These aren’t just figures on a piece of paper. These are achievements that have enhanced the lives of Georgia’s children and their families.”

The Period VI Monitoring Report details opportunities for improvement in key areas, including the number of caseloads per case manager, the timeliness of permanency hearings and the monitoring of maltreatment reports in DFCS-supervised foster homes.

To address the increase in caseloads, DHR has given priority to filling critical positions like case managers in Fulton and DeKalb counties.

The “Kenny A.” consent decree is the result of a class action lawsuit filed in June 2002, on behalf of children in foster care in Fulton and DeKalb counties. A settlement agreement was reached with state officials in July 2005.

-----
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.artsacrossgeorgia.com
Arts Across Georgia

Any Eventual Recovery at the National Level Hinges on Quick and Proper Financial Rescue Plan, Says Georgia State Forecaster

Despite the passage of the economic stimulus bill, the recession will continue to deepen until there is a detailed plan to fix the nation's banking system, says Dr. Rajeev Dhawan, director of the Economic Forecasting Center at Georgia State University, in his Forecast of the Nation, released yesterday.

According to Dhawan, the plan recently unveiled by the Treasury has some good elements but execution and specifics, especially as it relates to transparency, will be the key to protecting the economy from any further turmoil.

"The stimulus plan is not the cure for treating our economic woes as we probably won't see any positive impact until mid-2010 and 2011," says Dhawan. "In order for any stimulus to work, we first need to clear the banking system of toxic debt which is the only thing that will encourage credit to flow and corporate America to start investing again."

According to Dhawan, corporate leaders have stepped back and are taking a deep look at all aspects of their operations. "This reset is far from a simple matter of flipping a switch on the circuit breaker," he explains. "Rather, it is a mindset that takes time and improvements in credit availability to change."

So when will that change take place and how much longer will the recession last?

"By the GDP growth metric, the recession will technically end in mid-2010 when the numbers finally turn positive and the job loss rate is practically zero," says Dhawan. "In total, the current recession will be the longest one in postwar history, lasting about 30 months, almost as long as the period of double-dip recession in the early 1980s."

Highlights from the Economic Forecasting Center's National Report:

Real GDP will decline at a 3.0% rate in 2009, and will decline again, albeit at a milder rate of 0.2% in 2010. In 2011, real GDP will grow by a subpar 1.8%. Growth will not be anywhere close to the 3.0% trend line until after 2012.

Consumption will decline by 2.2% in 2009 but recover only mildly to a positive 0.2% growth in 2010. Thus, consumption in this recession will decline for six consecutive quarters.

In the first half of 2009, the economy will continue to shed almost half a million jobs per month. This job loss rate will moderate to 250,000 per month in the second half of 2009. In 2010, the economy will finally show signs of recovery with monthly gains of 15,000 jobs. This rate will improve substantially to 75,000 jobs per month in 2011. The peak unemployment rate in this recession will be at 10.3%, with total job losses of more than 4.5 million jobs since December 2007.

Georgia and Atlanta – Corporate Pullback Deepens Georgia's Recession

A sharp rise in unemployment and foreclosures, an increase in bank failures and a plunge in the housing market has bled Georgia's economy dry, says Dhawan. But things will get worse before they get better as the reset in the corporate sector will deepen Georgia's recession and delay any significant job recovery until 2011.

"During the ongoing mayhem in the credit markets, the corporate sector threw in the towel," says Dhawan in his Forecast for Georgia and Atlanta, also released today. "Now, corporations are in what I call a self-preservation mode which involves drastic, cost-cutting maneuvers including increased layoffs and an unwillingness to invest."

According to Dhawan, this corporate reset has far-reaching negative implications for the local economy including a continued rise in unemployment and a sharp deterioration of one of Georgia's economic engines – the hospitality sector.

Adding to the area's troubles are the number of banks in Georgia that are failing.

"One of the state's biggest problems is that bank balance sheets in Georgia are becoming more fragile. Six banks already have failed in the state in the past 12 months, and numerous others have cease-and-desist orders issued against them by the FDIC," says Dhawan. "This is why Georgians should pay close attention to the Treasury's plan for solving the banking issue."

In addition, the state continues to see an increase in foreclosures and a decline in tax revenue.

"The finances of state and local governments are taking a big hit with the double whammy of falling retail sales and property tax collections which has led to layoff announcements from various municipal entities and school boards," said Dhawan. "Unfortunately, the portion of the recently approved stimulus bill directed towards bolstering state finances will temper but not eliminate this decline." He added, "The trouble is even more severe at the city and county government levels as property tax revenues will decline sharply in the coming years. The stimulus proposal offers nothing to alleviate the declining revenue situation which is already leading to cutbacks."

Net-net, Dhawan says that the prognosis for Georgia's growth in the coming 12 to 18 months is bleak.

"The recovery will begin in 2011 as stimulus programs and credit repairs undertaken by the government kick in. But the recovery will be somewhat tepid as credit market operations continue to remain well below their highs."

Highlights from the Economic Forecasting Center's Local Report:

Georgia's employment growth will be negative for the next two years. After losing 89,600 in calendar year 2008, Georgia will lose another 143,100 jobs (54,000 premium job losses) in 2009. In calendar year 2010, the state will lose another 24,400 jobs (17,100 premium jobs losses). The recovery will be modest in 2011 when 44,200 jobs will be created (7,100 premium job gains).

Georgia's unemployment rate will significantly increase to 9.0% in 2009 from 6.8% in 2008. In 2010, it will increase further to 10.3% and then slightly rise to 10.5% in 2011.

Atlanta's employment growth will remain negative for a total loss of 92,200 jobs in calendar year 2009 (37,600 premium job losses). In the first half of 2010, 10,200 job losses are expected with a mild recovery happening during the second half of 2010 when 400 jobs will be created. In all, 2010 will post 9,800 job losses [8,600 premium job losses].The recovery will strengthen somewhat in 2011 when 34,000 jobs are created (with 6,000 premium job gains.)

Atlanta's total housing permits will plummet again in 2009 by 37.4% after a 57.6% decline in 2008. Permit activity will experience a boost in 2010, posting a 7.1% increase. It will again increase by 17.7% in 2011.

-----
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page

New CDC Report Finds Motor Vehicles and Falls are Causes of Most Child and Teen Injuries and Deaths in the United States

An estimated 55 million children and teens from birth to age 19 were treated in emergency departments for unintentional injuries from 2001 to 2006, according to a new report released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The report also notes that between 2000 and 2005, unintentional injuries resulted in 73,052 deaths among children and teens. Falls caused most non-fatal injuries (about 2.8 million each year), while most deaths were transportation-related (about 8,000 deaths each year involved a motor vehicle occupant, pedestrian or pedal cyclist).

According to the report, every year, an estimated 9.2 million children visited emergency departments for unintentional injuries. Falls were associated with over half of the nonfatal injuries involving children less than one year, while transportation-related injuries and deaths were highest among children 15 to 19 years of age. Overall, males were almost twice as likely to die as a result of unintentional injuries than females.

To help parents and other adults prevent child injuries, CDC is also launching the "Protect the Ones You Love" initiative. More about this initiative can be found at www.cdc.gov/safechild.

"Injury risks change as our children grow and we want them to be appropriately protected as they develop," said Dr. Ileana Arias, Director of CDC's Injury Center. "We encourage parents to be vigilant and to understand that there are proven ways to help reduce injuries at each life stage."

Other notable findings in the CDC report include:

-- The highest fatality rates were among occupants of motor vehicles;
-- Drowning was the leading cause of unintentional injury death for
children ages one to four. For those ages 5 to 19, most injury deaths
were due to being an occupant in a motor vehicle crash; and
-- Children ages one to four also had the highest nonfatal injury rates
due to poisoning and falls.

-----
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page

76% of American Middle Class Households Not Financially Secure According to New Report

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the economy continues to reel, a new report finds that 4 million American households lost economic security between 2000 and 2006, and that a majority of America's middle class households are either borderline or at high risk of falling out of the middle class altogether. The new report, "From Middle to Shaky Ground: The Economic Decline of America's Middle Class, 2000-2006" was published today by the policy center Demos and the Institute for Assets and Social Policy (IASP) at Brandeis University.

"From Middle to Shaky Ground" is based on the Middle Class Security Index, co-developed by Demos and IASP/Brandeis, which uses government data and measures the financial security of the middle class by rating household stability across five core economic factors: assets, educational achievement, housing costs, budget and healthcare. Based on how a family ranked in each of these factors, they were defined as financially "secure," "borderline" or "at risk". In addition to the report, Demos and IASP/Brandeis have published an "Economic Security Scorecard" that the average family can use to measure where they fall on the Middle Class Security Index.

"The increases we're witnessing in housing costs and the number of families who lack health insurance, coupled with the extreme volatility of the average household's savings, show that a large percentage of America's middle class are not well equipped to weather this current economic storm," said Jennifer Wheary, one of the report's co-authors and a Senior Fellow at Demos.

"From Middle to Shaky Ground" shows some worrying trends in America's households, including:

--The median financial assets held by middle-class families declined by 22 percent. This means that for every dollar in median assets that middle-class families held in 2000, they held just 78 cents in 2006. These figures do not include home equity and therefore do not reflect additional losses families may have experienced due to a decline in their home values.

--Monthly housing expenses for the middle class rose by 9 percent. As a result, the percentage of middle-class families who match the Department of Housing and Urban Development's definition of "housing burdened" rose from 31 percent in 2000 to 37 percent in 2006.

--The number of middle-class families in which at least one member lacks health insurance grew from 18 percent in 2000 to 25 percent in 2006.

"Declines such as these in any one area are alarming," said Tom Shapiro, Professor of Law and Director of the Institute on Assets and Social Policy at Brandeis. "Bad news across a range of areas supporting financial stability means the middle class is confronting its greatest challenge since the Great Depression."

This is the third report in a series based on the Middle Class Security Index. The first examined the overall economic security of the middle class, the second focused on African-American and Latino households. To download the report, the household financial security scorecard or the factsheet, visit www.demos.org.

-----
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page

National Report Ranks Georgia 50th in Protecting Kids from Tobacco

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ten years after the November 1998 state tobacco settlement, Georgia ranks 50th in the nation in funding programs to protect kids from tobacco, according to a national report released today by a coalition of public health organizations.

Georgia currently spends $3.2 million a year on tobacco prevention programs, which is 2.7 percent of the $116.5 million recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Other key findings for Georgia include:
-- The tobacco companies spend more than $444 million a year on marketing
in Georgia. This is 139 times what the state spends on tobacco
prevention.
-- Georgia this year will collect $393 million from the tobacco
settlement and tobacco taxes, but will spend less than 1 percent of it
on tobacco prevention.


The annual report on states' funding of tobacco prevention programs, titled "A Decade of Broken Promises," was released by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Lung Association and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

"Georgia is one of the most disappointing states when it comes to funding programs to protect kids from tobacco," said Matthew L. Myers, President of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. "On this 10th anniversary of the tobacco settlement, we call on Georgia's leaders to raise the state cigarette tax and use some of the new revenue to increase funding for tobacco prevention. Tobacco prevention is a smart investment that reduces smoking, saves lives and saves money by reducing tobacco-related health care costs."

Georgia's current cigarette tax of 37 cents per pack is 43rd in the nation and well below the national average of $1.19 per pack. Scientific studies have found that increasing cigarette prices is one of the most effective ways to prevent kids from smoking and encourage smokers to quit.

On Nov. 23, 1998, 46 states settled their lawsuits against the nation's major tobacco companies to recover tobacco-related health care costs, joining four states (Mississippi, Texas, Florida and Minnesota) that had reached earlier settlements. These settlements require the tobacco companies to make annual payments to the states in perpetuity, with total payments estimated at $246 billion over the first 25 years. The states also collect billions of dollars each year in tobacco taxes.

The new report finds that most states have broken their promise to use a significant portion of their tobacco money to fund programs to prevent kids from smoking and help smokers quit.

According to the report, the states in the last 10 years have received $203.5 billion in revenue from the tobacco settlement and tobacco taxes. But they have spent only 3.2 percent of this tobacco money - $6.5 billion - on tobacco prevention and cessation programs.

Other findings of the report include:
-- In the current year, no state is funding tobacco prevention at
CDC-recommended levels, and only nine states fund their programs at
even half of the CDC recommendation.
-- 41 states and the District of Columbia are funding tobacco prevention
programs at less than half the CDC-recommended amount. These include
27 states that are providing less than a quarter of the recommended
funding.
-- Total funding for state tobacco prevention programs this year, $718.1
million, amounts to less than three percent of the $24.6 billion the
states will collect from the tobacco settlement and tobacco taxes. It
would take just 15 percent of this tobacco revenue to fund tobacco
prevention programs in every state at CDC-recommended levels.


The report warns that the nation faces two immediate challenges in the fight against tobacco use: complacency and looming state budget shortfalls. First, while the nation has made significant progress over the past decade in reducing smoking, progress has slowed and further progress is at risk without aggressive efforts at all levels of government. Second, the states are expected to face budget shortfalls in the coming year as a result of the weak economy. The last time the states faced significant budget shortfalls, they cut funding for tobacco prevention programs by 28 percent between 2002 and 2005. The cutbacks are a major reason why smoking declines subsequently stalled, and states should not make the same mistake again.

The report found that there is more evidence than ever that tobacco prevention programs work to reduce smoking, save lives and save money by reducing tobacco-related health care costs. Washington State, which has been a national leader in funding tobacco prevention, has reduced smoking by 60 percent among sixth graders and by 43 percent among 12th graders since the late 1990s. A recent study found that California's tobacco control program saved $86 billion in health care costs in its first 15 years, compared to $1.8 billion spent on the program, for a return on investment of nearly 50:1.

In Georgia, 18.6 percent of high school students smoke, and 11,300 more kids become regular smokers every year. Each year, tobacco claims 10,300 lives and costs the state $2.25 billion in health care bills.

-----
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page

News to Use in Fayetteville, Atlanta, Savannah, Peachtree City and all of Georgia

University System of Georgia Fall Enrollment Increases 4.8 Percent

Enrollment Reaches All-Time High Approaching 283,000 Students

When the University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents adopted a new strategic plan in August 2007, the plan predicted an additional 100,000 students enrolling in Georgia’s 35 public colleges and universities by 2020. The numbers in the board’s fall 2008 enrollment report, released today, show the system is on track to reach and perhaps surpass that prediction, with a record 282,978 students.

And 46,711 of those students this fall are first-time freshmen. This group increased 9.6 percent over fall 2007 and is evidence of the increasing demand on public higher education resources by Georgians.

The overall numbers represent a gain of 12,956 students from fall 2007, or an increase of 4.8 percent. This follows a gain of 10,077 students from fall 2006 to fall 2007. To put the gains in perspective, the USG has grown by 32,319 students, or 12.9 percent, in the last five years.

“We have added the equivalent of another University of Georgia to the system over the past five years,” said USG Chancellor Erroll B. Davis Jr. “This represents significant growth, during a period in which we are challenged to serve more students at a high level of quality with diminished resources.” For example, a new USG analysis shows that the number of faculty and staff in the system to serve students has decreased by 18 percent per 1000 students from fall 2000 to fall 2007, while over the same period, enrollment increased 31.5 percent.

An analysis of the numbers shows two key developments, says Dr. Cathie Mayes Hudson, vice chancellor for Research and Policy Analysis. “First is that the regents’ strategic goal of meeting capacity by increasing enrollment at the state and two-year colleges is producing results. And second is that the System increasingly reflects the state population in terms of the diversity of the student body.”

In the first example, Hudson is referring to a decision by the board to increase access to the System’s eight state colleges and eight two-year colleges. State college enrollment grew by 6.1 percent, while two-year college enrollment grew by 8.4 percent, both well above the USG average of 4.8 percent. Some of the biggest enrollment percentage gains were at these types of institutions. For example, from fall 2007 to fall 2008, enrollment growth was in the double-digits at:

Atlanta Metropolitan College, up 19.1 percent to 2,241 students;
Bainbridge College, up 16.2 percent to 3,091 students;
East Georgia College, up 28.6 percent to 2,555 students;
Gainesville State College, up 10.2 percent to 8,238 students; and
Georgia Gwinnett College, up 98.4 percent to 1,563 students.

Two state universities also have experienced double digit growth from fall 2007 to fall 2008. Fort Valley State University is up 21 percent to 3,106 students and Georgia Southwestern State University is up 13 percent to 2,717 students.

But overall in the System’s 13 state universities, growth was smaller, at 5 percent, which is in line with the Strategic Plan that calls for more modest enrollment growth in this sector. And at the two regional universities – Georgia Southern University and Valdosta State University, enrollment grew 4 percent from fall 2007 to fall 2008, for a combined student body of 29,254.

Enrollment increased at the four research universities by just 2.6 percent – again, right in line with the objectives of the Strategic Plan to shift enrollment to the System’s four- and two-year institutions. Among the four research universities, Georgia State University posted the largest percentage increase, of 4 percent, to a fall 2008 enrollment of 28,229 students. Right behind Georgia State in the percentage increase in enrollment is the Georgia Institute of Technology, with a 3.6 percent increase in enrollment, to 19,424 students. The Medical College of Georgia saw its enrollment increase 2 percent, to 2,919, and the University of Georgia’s enrollment grew 1 percent, to 34,180 students.

The increasing diversity of the USG student population is central to the board’s second goal in its strategic plan. According to 2000 U.S. Census data, Georgia’s African-American population was 29.2 percent, and Hispanic population was 5.3 percent, with the Asian population at 2.4 percent. The numbers in the fall 2008 enrollment report reflect progress in increasing access to the USG by underserved groups, said Hudson.

African-American enrollment increased by 7.5 percent, or 4,878 additional students from fall 2007 to fall 2008. African-American enrollment now stands at 69,771 students, or 24.7 percent of the total enrollment. And African-American student enrollment growth rates have exceeded the total student growth rates for several years: the five-year growth rate is 18.7 percent, and the 10-year rate is an increase of 60.7 percent.

Likewise, the report shows Hispanic enrollment up 12 percent in fall 2008 over last year, to a total this fall of 9,874 students. This year’s gains mirror a 12.6 percent increase from fall 2006 to fall 2007, and reflect the continued growth in the number of Hispanics seeking greater opportunities through higher education. Hispanics now represent 3.5 percent of all USG students.

The enrollment of Asian/Pacific Islander students increased by 6.5 percent, or 1,087 students from fall 2007 to fall 2008 to a total of 17,805 students. This group represents 6.3 percent of all students.

Looking at gender, 57.7 percent – 163,320 students – of the USG student body is female. However, the growth rate for male students, at 5.3 percent from fall 2007 to fall 2008, exceeded that of female students, at 4.4 percent. Eleven USG institutions have more than 65 percent female enrollment.

The system’s full-time equivalent enrollment (FTE) for fall 2008 is 247,168, an increase of 5.1 percent over fall 2007, adding 11,982 more FTE students. This increase is above the overall enrollment increase of 4.8 percent, which indicates that more students are taking additional hours of courses, compared to students in fall 2007.

-----
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.artsacrossgeorgia.com
Arts Across Georgia

Lung Cancer Alliance-Georgia Issues Third Annual State-Specific Report Card on Lung Cancer

PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Lung Cancer Alliance-Georgia (LCA-GA) issued its 3rd Annual Report Card on Lung Cancer. This Report is an assessment of progress being made against this lethal disease in the state of Georgia. LCA-GA is a chapter of Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA), the only national organization dedicated exclusively to patient support and advocacy for people living with or at risk for lung cancer.

Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths nationally, as well as among Georgian men and women, resulting in 30 percent of all cancer deaths in the state. This year alone, 5,980 Georgians will be diagnosed and 4,570 will die from the disease --- more than the combined total of breast, prostate, and colon cancers.

"Despite these alarming statistics, the Georgia legislature and Georgia Cancer Coalition have virtually ignored lung cancer and its impact on citizens throughout the state," said Ed Levitt, LCA-GA Chair. "State funding for lung cancer prevention, early detection, better treatments and research must increase if we are going to see a reduction in mortality rates in Georgia."

"For the third straight year, LCA-GA has laid out their commitments to reversing the decades of stigma and neglect associated with lung cancer," said Laurie Fenton Ambrose, LCA President and CEO. "They have an incredible team in place willing to work with other organizations who share their common goals laid out in their 2008 Report Card on Lung Cancer."

The LCA-GA 2008 Report Card on Lung Cancer uses seven categories to annually grade progress in key benchmarks areas, in order to alert Georgian public health and public policy leaders and state residents to what needs to be done to address lung cancer appropriately.

Over the past four decades, significant funding for research and early detection has greatly increased five year survival rates for breast cancer (88 percent), prostate cancer (99 percent) and colon cancer (65 percent).

Underfunded and ignored, lung cancer five year survival rate is still only 15 percent.

The LCA-GA 2008 Report Card on Lung Cancer grades the following seven categories:

-- Number of Deaths -- GRADE: F Lung cancer is the number one cause of
cancer death among Georgian men and women.
-- Five-Year Survival Rate -- GRADE: F Lung cancer is the only major
cancer with virtually no improvement in survival for nearly 40 years,
and a five year survival rate that has hovered at 15 percent.
-- State-Supported Research -- GRADE: F Lung cancer is under-funded and
under-researched relative to its Georgia public health impact.
-- Newly-Addicted Youth Smokers -- GRADE: F 13,100 new Georgian "daily"
smokers under age 18 become addicted each year. Georgia is one of only
5 states not covering prescription medications to quit smoking under
Medicaid losing federal matching funds and is 48th out of 50 states in
tobacco prevention spending, spending only $2.3 million in the 2009
budget, less than 1% of tobacco-related revenues.
-- State-Supported Early Detection Program -- GRADE: F Georgia continues
to ignore the mounting data showing that CT screening in a high risk
population will save lives.
-- State Cancer Plan Commitment -- GRADE: D The 2008 State Cancer Plan is
underwhelming in its commitment to patients, survivors, and caregivers
who are looking for leadership to reverse decades of stigma and
neglect too long attached to lung cancer.
-- Disparity Issue -- GRADE: F The lung cancer incidence and mortality
for African-American males in Georgia is significantly higher than any
other ethnic group, yet this difference is not being addressed or
researched.


"The problem is clear," concluded Levitt. "It is time to make a change. Lung cancer has been declared a national public health priority by the U.S. Congress. LCA-GA would like to make sure that Georgia and its outstanding hospitals and research centers play a major role in this effort for the benefit of Georgians as well as the nation."

-----
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page

Georgia Tech Information Security Center Releases Emerging Cyber Threats Forecast for 2009

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Georgia Tech Information Security Center (GTISC), a national leader in information security research and education, today announced the release of the GTISC Emerging Cyber Threats Report for 2009, outlining the top five areas of security concern and risk for consumer and enterprise Internet users for the coming year. The report was released at the annual GTISC Security Summit on Emerging Cyber Security Threats – a gathering of leading industry and academic leaders from organizations with a stake in protecting the online user community.

For 2009, GTISC is forecasting five key cyber security areas where threats are expected to increase and evolve:

* Malware— specifically under the guise of benign social networking links
* Botnets – specifically the spread of botnet attacks to wireless and peer-to-peer networks
* Cyber warfare — including targets on the U.S. economy and infrastructure
* Threats to VoIP and Mobile Convergence—specifically voice fraud and cellular botnets
* The Evolving Cyber Crime Economy – including the rise of sophisticated malware-for-sale kits and programs

According to the report, data will continue to be the primary motive behind future cyber crime – whether targeting traditional fixed computing environments or mobile applications. Experts from across the IT security spectrum – from government to industry to academia – join GTISC’s call for closer coordination between the security industry, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), application developers and government regulators to safeguard the user community and hinder the spread of sophisticated cyber security threats.

“At GTISC, we strongly believe that a proactive approach to understanding emerging threats will help us develop more effective information security technologies and strategies,” said Mustaque Ahamad, director of GTISC. “The annual GTISC Security Summit on Emerging Cyber Security Threats and this report seek to give us a better understanding of the increasingly sophisticated cyber security challenges we will face in the years ahead. We wish to thank the esteemed members of the IT security community who assisted us with the creation of this report.”

More than 300 corporate executives, industry leaders and technologists from across the country attended the GTISC Security Summit on Emerging Cyber Security Threats, keynoted by Lt. General Robert J. Elder, Jr., Commander Eighth Air Force of the Barksdale Air Force Base. Following Lt. Elder’s address on “Global Operations and Mission Assurance in a Contested Cyber Environment” in the morning, Summit panelists engaged in a lively discussion moderated by IT Security Entrepreneur, Thomas E. Noonan. This year’s panelists, from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, IBM Internet Security Systems, the Georgia Institute of Technology, Cisco, Motorola and SecureWorks, helped to educate the audience on the proliferation of cyber threats, including those listed in the report, and highlighted possible countermeasures to safeguard the user and business communities.

To view the entire GTISC Emerging Cyber Threats for 2009 report or to watch a pre-recorded Web cast of the Summit, please visit http://www.gtiscsecuritysummit.com.

-----
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page

News to Use in Fayetteville, Atlanta, Augusta, Peachtree City and all of Georgia