/PRNewswire/ -- Aflac, the No. 1 provider of voluntary and guaranteed-renewable insurance in the United States, today announced a nationwide search for the All-American Worker. A lucky winner will receive a trip for two to Atlanta for an exclusive behind the scenes experience at the Emory Healthcare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, including a meeting with NASCAR driver Carl Edwards.
Aflac's Finding The All-American Worker contest is being hosted on the newly launched Aflac Racing page on Facebook and runs through Aug. 18. To participate in the contest, entrants must explain how they, or someone they know, go above and beyond on the job and in their lives.
"I can't think of anything better than a Labor Day race to celebrate the spirit of the American workforce -- a workforce Aflac has under its wing," said Edwards.
The grand prize includes roundtrip airfare for two, 3-day/2-night hotel accommodations, ground transportation and $500 spending money. Entries must provide a detailed account of the nominee's line of work and why the person is deserving of the prize. Entries can be submitted online at the Aflac Racing Fan page on Facebook at Facebook.com/AflacRacing.
"For 55 years, Aflac has been helping the American workforce recover from illness or injury by offering voluntary insurance policies that help protect you financially when you need it most," said Danny Fleishman, vice president of sponsorships and emerging markets at Aflac. "Aflac's Finding The All-American Worker contest allows us to spotlight an inspiring person and also treat them to a one of a kind race day experience."
Public voting on the contest page will determine the top-five submissions based on the total number of votes received. From that group, Aflac will review and judge the semifinalist essays and determine a contest winner in August.
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Monday, August 9, 2010
Aflac Launches New Labor Day NASCAR Contest 'Finding The All-American Worker'
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Petit commits $1.5 million cornerstone gift to GSU Athletics
Georgia State University hasn't played a football game yet, but the program has scored a key victory as alumnus and long-time benefactor Parker H. "Pete" Petit has made a $1.5 million commitment toward the GSU Football Practice Complex, representing the largest gift ever made to GSU athletics.
Head coach Bill Curry and the Panthers are preparing for their inaugural season, which kicks off Sept. 2 at the Georgia Dome. Team members begin preseason drills Wednesday.
Petit, who received his MBA from Georgia State's J. Mack Robinson College of Business, is chairman and chief executive officer of MiMedx Group, Inc., an integrated developer, manufacturer and marketer of biomaterial-based products. He previously served as chairman and CEO of Atlanta-based Matria Healthcare and other Healthdyne-related companies.
"I believe that having football at Georgia State University will provide numerous benefits for the students and the University," said Petit. "Under Coach Bill Curry, Panther football will add a new dimension to the excitement and enthusiasm that students will feel about their University experience.
"Coach Curry's character and leadership align exactly with that of President Mark Becker and the existing administration at GSU. This football program will create a more complete college experience at GSU, and it will certainly act as a catalyst for continuing the growth of the University."
Becker said, "'Pete' has been a loyal friend of Georgia State University for many years. He is a champion of higher education as evidenced by his gift to our Science Center, and we are deeply grateful for this cornerstone gift supporting GSU football."
"It is only fitting that 'Pete' is making this historic gift as we literally kick off our football program," said GSU Director of Athletics Cheryl L. Levick. "What an exciting week this is, with our inaugural team reporting to campus and beginning practice as we build toward our historic opening game on Sept. 2."
Located adjacent to campus at 188 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, the GSU Football Practice Complex features a 100-yard synthetic turf field and a 60-yard natural turf field with lights. The synthethic field was completed in March and utilized by the Panthers during spring practice, and the natural turf field is now also available for practice.
An existing structure on the property is being renovated and expanded to create a headquarters for Panther football, including a locker room for the team, as well as a state-of-the art weight room, expansive meeting space, an equipment room and an athletic training room.
The meeting rooms will be utilized by the Panthers this season, with the remaining phases to be completed as funding permits.
"The educational aspect of this project has been substantial, and one of the main instructors has been 'Pete' Petit," said Curry. "His unique involvement will enable us to provide our student-athletes with the facilities they need to be successful.
"'Pete' has been an inspiration to me for many years, and I am delighted to have him on our team."
The GSU Football Practice Complex will also be utilized by the University's new marching band, which debuts this fall.
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Tuesday, August 3, 2010
UGA offers guaranteed gameday parking on campus for $120
University of Georgia Parking Services is selling season long parking permits in the Carlton Street Parking Deck, North Campus Parking Deck and the Performing Arts Center Parking Deck for all six 2010 home football games.
Passes cost $120 plus shipping and handling and are sold exclusively at http://gamedaygameplan.com/ until 5 p.m. on Aug. 25. They will be sold on a first-come first-served basis.
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Friday, July 30, 2010
Lung Cancer Alliance-Georgia Announces 2nd Annual No More Excuses 5K Run/1 mile walk
Saturday, November 6, 2010 - Rain or Shine
Registration begins at 7:00 a.m.
Race/Walk begin at 8:00 a.m.
New Balance Atlanta @ North Point
7300 North Point Parkway
Alpharetta, GA 30022
Pre-registration online: $20 per person
Race-day registration: $25 per person
Online at: www.nomoreexcusesrunwalk.kintera.org
/PRNewswire/ -- Yesterday, Lung Cancer Alliance-Georgia (LCA-GA) announced the return of the No More Excuses No More Lung Cancer 5K Run/Walk. Taking place on Saturday, November 6, 2010, the run/walk will raise awareness for lung cancer to help reduce the stigma of the disease, expand the grassroots movement for the disease and inspire others to join the cause to increase compassion and support to all those impacted by lung cancer.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death nationally and in Georgia. This year alone, more Georgians will lose their lives to lung cancer than breast, prostate and colon cancers--combined. More than 75% of those diagnosed never smoked at all or are former smokers who quit decades ago.
"Lung cancer affects men and women of all ages, ethnicities and lifestyles. It does not discriminate," said LCA-GA Co-Director and six-year stage IV lung cancer survivor, Ed Levitt. "All cancer patients deserve compassion and the best possible treatment regardless of their smoking history. LCA-GA is changing the face of lung cancer in Georgia and the No More Excuses Run/Walk helps us do just that."
LCA-GA's NO MORE EXCUSES 5K RUN/WALK offers participants a meaningful and inspirational avenue to support the lung cancer community in Georgia and beyond, as well as to honor loved ones touched by this disease. Proceeds from the event will help LCA-GA provide support, information and hope to the almost 6,000 Georgians diagnosed with lung cancer each year and their families as well as raising awareness and securing public health dollars for lung cancer research.
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Thursday, July 22, 2010
Thrashers Re-Sign Restricted Free Agent Goaltender Ondrej Pavelec
The Atlanta Thrashers have re-signed restricted free agent goaltender Ondrej Pavelec to a multiple-year contract, according to General Manager Rick Dudley. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Pavelec, 22, appeared in 42 games during his first full NHL season, posting a 14-18-7 record with two shutouts, a 3.29 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage. The 6-3, 220-pound goaltender made a career-high 50 saves in a 3-1 victory on Oct. 31 at Ottawa and recorded his first career shutout, with a 38-save performance, on Nov. 13 vs. Los Angeles. Pavelec was also a member of the Czech Republic team at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia.
The Kladno, Czech Republic, native has earned a 20-28-7 record with two shutouts, a 3.33 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage in 61 career NHL games over three seasons with the Thrashers from 2007 to 2010. Pavelec posted a 51-36-5 record with five shutouts, a 2.69 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage in 92 career games with the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League from 2007 to 2009. He also appeared in 24 post-season contests with the Wolves, registering a 16-8 record with two shutouts, a 2.34 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage, while helping Chicago capture the 2008 Calder Cup Championship.
Prior to his professional career, Pavelec earned 55-29-0 record with four shutouts, a 2.52 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage in 90 games with Cape Breton of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League from 2005 to 2007. He also spent two seasons with the Kladno organization in the Czech Republic from 2003 to 2005. Pavelec has represented his native Czech Republic in International Competition four times, including the Winter Olympics (2010), World Championships (2010), World Junior Championships (2007) and World Under-18 Championships (2005).
Pavelec was originally selected by the Thrashers in the second round, 41st overall, of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.
Lower level season tickets for the 2010-11 Atlanta Thrashers are now available starting at less than $23 per game. For more information, please call 1-866-715-1500 or visit www.thrashersseasontickets.com.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
City of Decatur Hosts Kick-Off Celebration for Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk & Fitness Program
City’s Active Living Board a model for encouraging residents to get out and get moving
Decatur Mayor Bill Floyd and former Olympian Jeff Galloway to speak at event
The City of Decatur is kicking its community fitness campaign up a notch by encouraging residents to join Team Decatur for the Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk & Fitness Program. The City is hosting an official Kick-Off Celebration event for the program on the Decatur Square Monday, July 26, 2010 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
WHAT City of Decatur/Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk & Fitness Program Kick-Off Celebration
· Receive information about the Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk and free local runs and walks around the city.
· Drawings for gifts and certificates from Joan Rao, Leon’s, Big Peach Running, Fleetfeet, Decatur Boxing Club, and more.
· Other giveaways include balloons from Kaiser Permanente and City of Decatur Walking Tour Brochures
· Visit with local businesses including Decatur Boxing Club, Big Peach Running, FleetFeet Decatur, Decatur-DeKalb YMCA, Kick in the Fit, DeKalb Jazzercize, Kaiser Permanente, One Step At A Time, Phidippides, Decatur Active Living, Oh Baby Fitness, CrossFit Decatur, and the Decatur Business Association
· Event is FREE and open to the public
WHEN Monday, July 26, 2010, 6-8 p.m.
WHERE Decatur Square
GREETINGS/ Mayor Bill Floyd, City of Decatur
REMARKS Jeff Galloway, Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk Race Director and former Olympian
Luke Beno, MD, Pediatrician, Kaiser Permanente Decatur Medical Office
Scott Drake, Decatur Business Association
City of Decatur
MUSIC Morgan Rowe
STRETCH BREAK Cheryl Burnette, City of Decatur Active Living
GET FIT TRAINING Greg White, City of Decatur Active Living
Jeff Galloway, Phidippides
Representative, Big Peach Running, Decatur
Clay Scarborough, Fleet Feet, Decatur
Charles Cope, One Step At A Time
MUSIC Morgan Rowe
Decatur’s Active Living Department (formerly Parks & Recreation) has been hard at work developing opportunities to encourage residents to get out and get moving. In addition to adding bike lanes, walking trails and sidewalks around the city to make it more pedestrian friendly, they are also getting ready to launch the “Walk There! Decatur” program. The department has measured distances between a variety of community activity centers around the city and translated the distances into steps that will be posted on signs to encourage people to consider walking instead of driving.
Mayor Bill Floyd, 63, a former marathon runner who often walks to work himself, is proud of the active role his city has taken and the enthusiasm behind its involvement in the KP Corporate Run/Walk. “It’s an opportunity to show people that anyone can maintain a healthy and active lifestyle with a little effort and some reinforcement and support from friends, family and co-workers. And that’s what this is all about,” he said.
Race director Jeff Galloway applauds Decatur’s efforts. “I have never seen a city get behind something like this like the City of Decatur has,” he said. “It is truly inspiring and we hope that City’s excitement will encourage other cities in the metro area to do the same.”
Visit the KP Corporate Run/Walk site today at www.kpcorporaterunwalk.com and go to the registration page to sign up to be a part of Team Decatur. Be sure to click on Team Decatur. All Team Decatur participants receive:
8 weeks of Fitness Tips
Training schedules for beginners and experienced walkers and runners
Free runs and walks around the City of Decatur offered by Big Peach, One Step at a Time, FleetFeet Decatur, Decatur Active Living and more!
Fitness related discounts
An evening of fun and fitness
Free t-shirt
Race refreshments and more at the Team Decatur tent at the World's Largest Office Party
About the Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk & Fitness Program
The Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk & Fitness Program is a unique workplace-organized fitness program that began in 1983 in Atlanta with 900 participants from a handful of companies. Designed to inspire fun, fitness and camaraderie among Atlanta’s corporate community, the annual event attracts more than 15,000 participants from more than 350 companies and is one of the largest workplace organized corporate fitness events in the Southeast. Event highlights of the 28th run/walk event include an eight-week “Get Active Atlanta” training program, 5K run/walk, Best Self Atlanta Magazine Expo, free team and candid photos, awards ceremony, fireworks, music by Rupert’s Orchestra and hundreds of office picnics in downtown Atlanta adjacent to Turner Field. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Atlanta Braves Foundation and the Atlanta Community Food Bank. For more information, visit www.kpcorporaterunwalk.com.
TRAINING: July 26 – Sept. 16, Free 8-week “Get Active Atlanta” Training Program
Aug. 18 – Sept. 15, Complimentary Workouts at LA Fitness – all Metro Atlanta locations
5K RUN/WALK: September 16, 2010, 7:00 p.m., Downtown Atlanta, Turner Field
REGISTRATION: www.kpcorporaterunwalk.com
Online: May 1 – September 15, 2 p.m.
Mail: May 1 – September 10
In-person: September 9-15 (at Phidippides running/walking stores)
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter:
Facebook: Search for Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk & Fitness Program.
Twitter: twitter.com/kpcorprunwalk
In addition to seventh year title sponsor Kaiser Permanente, other sponsors for this year’s Corporate Run/Walk include Mercer, CBS Atlanta, DAVE FM, 680 The Fan Sports Radio, Best Self Atlanta magazine, FitAtlanta magazine, Clear Channel Outdoor and Phidippides.
About Kaiser Permanente of Georgia
Kaiser Permanente is Georgia’s largest not-for-profit health plan. Its mission is to provide high quality, affordable health care services to improve the health of its members and the communities it serves. Kaiser Permanente serves more than 230,000 members in a 28-county service area in metro-Atlanta with care focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists, and team of health care providers. Expert and caring medical teams are supported by industry-leading technology and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the art delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Nationally, Kaiser Permanente is recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers, serving more than 8.6 million members in nine states and the District of Columbia. For more information, visit www.kp.org.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Clayton Staters Celebrate 2010 Peachtree Road Race
On Tuesday, July 6, a dozen members of the Clayton State family gathered on the University Quad to celebrate their participation in the 41st running of the Peachtree Road Race with a group photo in their race t-shirts.
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In all, at least twice that many Clayton State faculty, staff, students, alumni and retirees participated in the 2010 version of the 10K race, including President Dr. Thomas J. “Tim” Hynes, Jr., who ran for the 13th time. Also running was Hynes’ son, Patrick Hynes of Brooklyn, N.Y., who finished 86th overall with an official time of 33:13. While President Hynes may not have beaten son Hynes to the finish line, he did note that he passed a lot of younger runners, undoubtedly a truism, since Hynes finished 1956th out of almost 51,000 finishers.
Another father/son combination in the race was retired Director of Auxiliary Services Robert Holmes and son Zack Holmes… who also finished ahead of dad.
“He ran with me for about a mile, then took off,” says father Holmes.
Also notable among Clayton State faculty and staff was the accomplishment of Assistant Track and Cross Country Coach Hugh Toro, who ran for the 39th consecutive time. Associate Professor of Accounting Dr. Greg Kordecki has also been a Peachtree regular – this was his 23rd consecutive race. As an added bonus, Kordecki’s 13-year old daughter and cross country/track enthusiast, Hilary Ma ZiHong Kordecki, spotted him in the cover page photo of Section C of the Monday, July 5 issue of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
“If you look carefully, you will find me near the left side of the photo in the fourth row of runners at the race start line. As a volunteer in the runner control line that separates world-class from sub-seeded athletes, I gave it all I had in a 200-yard dash at the start to make it to the side line safely,” he says.
After volunteering, he jumped in the race as bib number 35369. However, Hilary Kordecki, bib number 35370, did finish 47 minutes ahead of her dad. Of course, she is little younger. Also running from the School of Business was Joseph Echols (Conyers), an MBA student and staff member in the Clayton State Office of Recruitment and Admissions.
Several other Clayton Staters have participated in the race multiple times – Interim Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management Dr. Mark Daddona (seven consecutive, he was seeded with the “B” group, just behind President Hynes in “A”), Director of the Office of Career Services Dr. Angelyn Hayes (13 consecutive… she noted that she finished ahead of 5,000 people), Director of Grant and Contract Programs Vickie Fennell Smith (nine), Fayetteville resident and student Angela Goddard (five), student Patrick V. Jones (six), and Master of Arts in Liberal Studies student (and Union City resident) Rob Rogers (seven).
“It's part of the tapestry that is Atlanta. I tell all my friends that everyone living here should do it at least one time,” says Rogers.
Also in the race were Director of Counseling and Psychological Services Dr. Christine Smith, Associate Professor of Chemistry Dr. Patricia Todebush, and Telecommunications and Networking’s Todd Birchfield, who said he ran with 54,999 of his closest friends. He’s run Peachtree before, but not since 1981.
Clayton State alumni also took part. Forty-one year old Cedric Hendrix (East Point), a spring 2010 graduate, started in the “C” group.
Perhaps Jones had the best comment on the race.
“See you next year,” he said. A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.
