T. Willard Fair has spent over five decades in service of opportunity for others. The longest running head of a major Urban League, Fair, now an icon for his extensive community work in Miami and South Florida, has said of his work with charter schools and choice: "...this is not a black or white issue. It's not about the unions or the school boards or the Democrats or the Republicans -- it's about our children and doing the right thing. ...there is a new day in education."
Don’t miss CER’s 25th Anniversary and the premiere event of the year for anyone in education – with unbeatable opportunities to network and connect with others in your field and professionals in the business, finance, technology and government sectors. This is your chance to establish new ideas, collaborate on important work and develop next-level solutions for tomorrow’s challenges with the EdReform community and leaders in Higher-Ed, as well as Ed-Tech entrepreneurs from across the country and throughout the globe.
Visit edreform.com for the full list of attendees, honorees and speakers, and stay tuned for further information about the event. Rooms are filling up fast—book yours today.
Founded in 1993, the Center for Education Reform aims to expand educational opportunities that lead to improved economic outcomes for all Americans — particularly our youth — ensuring that conditions are ripe for innovation, freedom and flexibility throughout U.S. education.
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Utah Division of Water Resources Declares Water War 2018
$5,000 Grant To The Winning School
Salt Lake City (October 3, 2018) The Utah Division of Water Resources announced the third annual “H2Oath: Water War,” an online pledge competition among Utah’s colleges and universities to see which school can acquire the most water conservation commitments from students, faculty, alumni and fans. The winning school will receive a $5,000 grant to the department or program most closely related to water conservation. The H2Oath can be taken at water.utah.gov/h2oath.
“We call it H2Oath: Water War because who doesn’t like water fights? We are interested to see which school is the most dedicated to water conservation, and this is a fun way to find out,” said Todd Adams, Deputy Director of the division, adding, “I think the Aggies are going to win this year. I wanted a recount last year, but I guess Weber State took it fair and square. Come on, Aggies, let’s win it [again] this year.”
“This water war competition really brings the heat, especially when we are in the middle of a drought. You could say it’s hotter than the Utah and BYU rivalry. You don’t want to lose to your arch nemesis, and this is another great way to show your fandom and support to your [favorite] school,” said Joshua Palmer, WE3 Section Manager.
H2Oath participants can choose their favorite Utah college or university. The pledge can be taken at water.utah.gov/H2Oath. The competition will take place through October 20th, 2018. Commitments include watering no more than what the division's Weekly Lawn Watering Guide allows, which recommends two irrigations watering for most of Utah following last week's evaluations. It also includes several other commitments that each of us can easily do.
Faye Rutishauser, state water conservation coordinator said, “We encourage schools to get the information into their school newspapers, department newsletters, social media posts, billboards [electronic or otherwise] and going one step further and have announcements during their sporting events. We would like to see school leaders take the pledge to show that they are committed to being good water-stewards”.
The division encourages participants to let their peers know via social media when they take the H2Oath, using the hashtags #H2Oath, #WaterWar, #SlowTheFlow and the name of the school they are cheering for.
College and university choices include:
· Brigham Young University
· Dixie State University
· Salt Lake Community College
· Snow College
· Southern Utah University
· University of Utah
· Utah State University
· Utah Valley University
· Weber State University
· Westminster College
Weber State University (WSU) won last year’s 2017 H2Oath: Water War competition in a head to head race with Utah State University (2016 winner). WSU is putting their grant towards water conservation studies and initiatives to help reduce water waste on campus.
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Background
The Utah Division of Water Resources (DWRe) launched a water conservation campaign called “H2Oath: Utah’s Water-Wise Pledge” to encourage doable and efficient water conservation efforts by families, businesses, cities, government agencies and statewide organizations. It can be found at water.utah.gov/H2Oath.
The H2Oath is designed to commit individuals and groups to conserve more by following the division’s Weekly Lawn Watering Guide (found on slowtheflow.org, and posted weekly via the division's Facebook and Twitter accounts) throughout the irrigation season. It also encourages committing to several other water conservation actions. Governor Herbert showed his support, officially declaring May 10, 2016 "H2Oath: Utah's Water-Wise Pledge Day."
Hundreds of people and organizations have taken the H2Oath. The division works to partner with organizations and individuals to conserve water through adherence to its commitments. The division encourages people to take the pledge, and show support by asking their family, friends, customers, employees and constituents to do the same.
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Local Insulation Installer Competes for the Title of 2018
‘America’s Best Insulation Installer’
Pleasant View-based insulation installer, Jorge Tinoco of J&K Insulation participates in annual competition for $10,000 prize.
DENVER – Oct. 2, 2018 – Local Pleasant View resident, Jorge Tinoco of J&K Insulation will compete this month in the 16th annual America’s Best Installer competition. He and 36 other insulation installers from around the country will come together at the at the EXDO Event Center in Denver from Oct. 18-20 to compete in the fast-paced competition for the $10,000 grand prize.
America’s Best Installer was created in 2003 by building products manufacturer Johns Manville and Insulate America to recognize the unique skills, hard work and dedication to high-quality installation shown by top installers. Understanding how and why a quality installation is critical to overall energy efficiency is one of the reasons Insulate America and Johns Manville created the annual competition.
“We’re proud to host a competition that recognizes hardworking insulation installers from across the country and emphasizes how quality installation can positively impact energy efficiency, a topic that’s important for everyone,” said Bob Wamboldt, president of Insulation Systems at Johns Manville. “We look forward to the competition each year and the opportunity to celebrate local insulation installers and their contributions to the building and construction industry.”
The three-day skill-based competition involves a mock home structure, where competitors are required to install JM formaldehyde-free insulation batts into the walls filled with barriers like pipes, vaulted ceilings and electrical outlets. Expert judges evaluate each competitor’s performance based on real job site criteria, including workmanship and install quality, speed, material use, and reaction to the different obstacles.
The winner of the competition will receive the grand prize of $10,000 and the coveted title of America’s Best Insulation Installer. Second-, third- and fourth-place winners will be awarded cash prizes of $5,000, $3,500 and $2,500 respectively. America’s Best Insulation Installer and the runners-up will be announced during an awards ceremony at EXDO on Oct. 20.
About Johns Manville
Johns Manville, a Berkshire Hathaway company (NYSE: BRK.A, BRK.B), is a leading manufacturer and marketer of premium-quality products for building insulation, mechanical insulation, commercial roofing and roof insulation, as well as fibers and nonwovens for commercial, industrial and residential applications. JM serves markets that include aerospace, automotive and transportation, air handling, appliance, HVAC, pipe and equipment, filtration, waterproofing, building, flooring, interiors and wind energy. In business since 1858, the Denver-based company has annual sales over $3 billion and holds leadership positions in all of the key markets that it serves. Johns Manville employs 7,600 people and operates 43 manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and China. Additional information can be found at www.jm.com.
About Insulate America
Insulate America is the nation’s largest independent insulation contractor. With over 200 locations serving 46 states, Insulate America is committed to the highest quality workmanship and service. Training, education, sharing ideas, rigorous certifications and life-long learning separate Insulate America as professionals in the industry. Learn more at www.insulateamerica.com.
