August 11th, 2015
By Dennis Powell, e-Management
e-Management supports A Wider Circle, a charity focused on eliminating poverty. What are your favorite causes or charities? #mypriority #AWiderCircle
Charitable giving which includes financial support, in-kind donations, and volunteering can be one of the most fulfilling things anyone can do. Yet, there are actually some charities that take advantage of the public’s generosity. How are a few nonprofits getting over on donors? Well, CNN reported that the “nation’s 50 worst charities” wastefully paid fundraising companies almost $1 billion during a 10-year span. Even more concerning, these same 50 charities gave “less than 4% of donations raised to direct cash aid.” In other words, if I give $100 to my favorite cause, only four dollars go to programs that support real action.
So, how can consumers find charities that focus on maximizing donations for people and causes rather than consultants and executives? e-Management has gathered a few tips that may help anyone who is thinking about giving to charities…
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Confirm that the charity is real. The Charity Navigator—a nonprofit with the mission to help empower people to give intelligently—recommends donors confirm the 501(c) (3) status of charities prior to committing any dollar to a cause. In the United States, 501(c) (3) organizations are tax-exempt nonprofits that meet special requirements under Section 501(c) of the United States Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. § 501(c)). Donations to these organizations are tax-deductible. According to the Charities Review Council, consumers may also be able to deduct expenses incurred while volunteering at these nonprofits as well as get a deduction on some of the cost of attending a charity event sponsored by 501(c) (3) organizations.
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Request an annual report. Not all 501(c) (3) organizations are run efficiently to maximize dollars that support their causes. CNN exposed a Florida based charity that raises millions of dollars every year, yet it spent “less than 3 cents on the dollar helping kids.” In contrast, e-Management works with , a 501(c) (3) with only 2% overhead (operational expenses) and the charity is committed to using fundraising dollars to directly “serve those in poverty.” Clearly, A Wider Circle is putting its donations toward advancing its mission! Donors can get financial information about charities by requesting an annual report or a statement of activities. An annual report gives donors insight into how a nonprofit uses its resources and oftentimes showcases the successes of their programs. Some annual reports will even explicitly list top donors, which may offer additional peace of mind for donors.
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Build a relationship with your charity. Charities are living organizations that may experience highs and lows. Many nonprofits rely heavily on private donations. Once a charity has been qualified as a 501(c) (3) that provides services to advance its mission, consumers may want to consider setting up automatic and periodic donations (e.g., monthly, annual) to their trusted charity. Donors may even consider volunteering a few hours every week or month. Another option for donors is to find out how they can become social media advocates to help their cause secure additional supporters, volunteers, and donors. Supporters of charities may also want to attend annual fundraising events and invite their family and friends to buy tickets. Seasoned leaders, managers, directors, or executives may want to consider joining planning committees or boards of advisors/directors of their favorite charities to ensure of the organizations’ long-term success.
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Learn about new charity scams. It seems as if every day there is a new online or telemarketing charity scam that targets people who want to make the world a better place. The good news is that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the consumer protection agency, makes identifying such scams easy. Donors can visit the FTC website, which gives consumers a Charity Checklist to help them avoid costly scams. Click for more information. It’s that simple!
What charities or causes are right for you?
Forbes magazine ranks the in the countries based on private support and other criteria. The on the list are United Way, Salvation Army, and Feeding America. (1) Did your favorite charity make it on the Forbes list? (2) What are your favorite causes? (3) What do you look for in an organization when you donate?
Tags: #mypriority, A Wider Circle, cause, charity, CNN, Dennis Powell, , , Forbes, fundraising, nonprofit, Ola Sage, Salvation Army, United Way
Posted in Entertainment, Family, Lifestyle, Social Media | 22 Comments »
July 9th, 2015
San Miguel de Allende is known for its Spanish colonial architecture, great food, pleasant summer climate, and incredible vistas. So, when do you plan to book your trip there? Photo Credit: Jiuguang Wang (https://goo.gl/bDa73z)
By Dennis Powell, e-Management
July 4th has come and gone. While many people limit their days off to Independence Day week, August, and perhaps Labor Day, the e-Management Travel Team knows that July is a great month to travel; so we got together and created our vacation recommendations for summer travelers. Check them out!
Try the San Juan Islands in Washington State. Located approximately 100 miles north of Seattle, the scenic islands are popular in July. Surrounded by pristine blue ocean and made up of spectacularly lush green terrain, summer temperatures on the islands are in the comfortable 70-degree range. The islands are also known for their small towns and villages, vineyards, and fine cuisine prepared from local food sources. Nature and marine life enthusiasts may find orca whale watching fascinating. Known for its annual Tour de Lopez (on Lopez Island), the area is great for cycling. The San Juan Islands may be one of the country’s best kept summer secrets.
Explore La Fête Nationale in France. For those who fancy international travel destinations, France in July is a wonderful option. Americans who enjoy Independence Day celebrations on July 4th should certainly check out how the French party and celebrate their Bastille Day (officially La Fête Nationale). The July 14th holiday commemorates the start of the French Revolution. Events are nationwide, but visitors may want to visit Paris for the Military Parade on the Champs-Élysées. Visitors will love the annual concert on the Champs-de-Mars. As with any big celebration, there are major fireworks lighting the sky around the Eiffel Tower. Traveling on a budget? The has a page for finding deals in France.
Visit the Heart of Mexico. Time magazine picked July as a great month to visit San Miguel de Allende located in the heart of the Mexico and we agree. Named after General Ignacio Allende (a prominent leader in Mexico’s quest for independence from Spain), the town is rich in history and charm. For those who love architecture, the town is known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial buildings and edifices. San Miguel offers low humidity and comfortable temperatures during the day and cool nights. Foodies will love a sundry of rooftop restaurants that provide stunning views of the town. July also offers lower lodging costs for budget-conscious travelers. *** Great food, low prices, and amazing views…what are you waiting for, call your travel agent today. J ***
Discover Maui. Ranked at the top of the U.S. News & World Report Best Summer Vacations list, Maui is a great destination for those looking for a happy medium between upbeat nightlife and complete tranquility. First of all, the island has over 30 miles of celebrated beaches. Travelers who enjoy a good game of golf may be interested to know that the island has some of the best courses in the world. Nature lovers may want to take a day trip to Haleakala National Park, the perfect destination for hiking, camping, and viewing stunning sunsets and sunrises. For nightlife and a fine dining, check out Kihei and Lahaina. Each is known for singalong bars, dance clubs, and sports pubs. Visitors can relax in the tiered Pools of Oheo, which are filled by waterfalls.
Enjoy San Francisco. Contrary to popular belief, Mark Twain never said, “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.” Hopefully, that revelation alone should encourage visitors to consider this picturesque city in the summer. Besides, most people don’t go to San Fran for the weather. They go for the variety of options for fun. What’s so great this town? Everything! You get to ride on vintage-style cable cars that are popular with visitors of all ages and backgrounds! There’s the scenic Golden Gate Bridge, perhaps the most famous overpass in the nation. Other tourist attractions include one of the country’s most infamous prisons Alcatraz, the eclectic Fisherman’s Wharf, and the charming Palace of Fine Arts. Traveling with young ones or teens? Check out the Walt Disney Family Museum. Its Tomorrowland: Walt’s Vision for Today exhibition runs from July 22 through December 7, 2015! San Francisco has a little bit of something for everyone.
The Best of July
That’s our shortlist of places to visit in July. The Travel Channel lists other options like Barbados, Provincetown (Massachusetts), and Pamplona (Spain). Those are certainly on our bucket lists! (1) Do you plan to travel this summer? (2) What are your favorite summer destinations? (3) What other times of the year are great times to travel based on your experiences?
Tags: Bastille Day, Champs-Élysées, Dennis Powell, , Eiffel Tower, foodie, France, Golden Gate Bridge, golf, Hawaii, Maui, Mexico, Ola Sage, San Francisco, San Juan Islands, San Miguel de Allende, summer, Tomorrowland, tourist, Travel
Posted in Dining, Events, Family, Lifestyle, Travel | 24 Comments »
June 9th, 2015
By Dennis Powell, e-Management
Did you know a trip by Amtrak results in less greenhouse gas emissions than other popular modes of travel? (Photo: Amtrak)
The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, known as Amtrak, is a quasi-government organization that officially launched 44 years ago. Amtrak provides passenger train service to nearly 31 million passengers to towns and cities across the country. Since 1971, Amtrak has relied on federal money—much to the chagrin of some members of Congress, which authorizes the passenger railroad service’s funding. Amtrak has also faced significant challenges. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) data shows that between 2010 and 2014, there has been an average of 26 derailments annually. So far, this year there has been at least nine. Amtrak’s May 12th derailment in Philadelphia left over a half dozen dead and more than 140 injured. The accident renewed criticism around the organization’s safety and funding. Others have criticized the passenger rail service for what they see as old-fashioned technology, which lags behind the United Kingdom, France, Japan, and China.
Enough of the criticism!
With all the negative press and unfortunate events around Amtrak over the past few weeks, it’s sometimes too hard to remember that there are benefits and conveniences to using the rail service. We’ve pulled together a list of why Amtrak is important to life in America.
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Amtrak drops passengers and business travelers off in the actual city they are visiting. First time visitors to Washington, DC—a popular Amtrak destination—are usually surprised at the hurdles they may have to go through to get from Dulles International Airport to the city, which is located about 27 miles away (up to an hour of driving if there is traffic). In contrast, Amtrak passengers are dropped off at Union Station, only a few blocks from Congress, eateries, hotels, historical sites, and downtown DC. The same is true for rail stations in New York City, Philadelphia, and other towns serviced by Amtrak. Say goodbye to those $75 taxi rides to the hotel and those sometimes frustrating multiple stops via shuttle service providers!
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Amtrak’s travel experience is often less of a hassle…Passengers get more leg room than the typical premium, extra cost seats on airlines AND they don’t have to pay extra! Plus, travelers won’t be stuck in the dreaded middle seat because there aren’t any on Amtrak. Customers can power up their smartphones, tablets, or laptops using power outlets on trains. There is also free Wi-Fi on some trains. What about those popular $50 luggage fees and other hidden costs associated with some airlines? Well, the Amtrak website states there are “no extra fees—what you see is what you get.” Perhaps best of all, passengers aren’t required to show up two hours before the train leaves, wait in long security lines, or undress (removing shoes, belts, etc.) before jumping abroad. For city to city/regional travel, Amtrak seems like a more streamlined approach to traveling.
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Traveling by Amtrak is greener than air travel or a road trip. That’s right. A trip by rail results in less greenhouse gas emissions than other popular modes of travel! The U.S. Department of Energy Oak Ridge National Laboratory Data on Fuel Efficiency – Transportation Energy Data Book (Edition 33) illustrates that traveling by rail is 30% more efficient (in terms of mileage) than by auto. Amtrak is so committed to reducing its passengers’ carbon footprint, it has partnered with Carbonfund.org. This partnership empowers Amtrak riders to offset their “carbon emissions footprint” through making voluntary contributions to Carbonfund.org—a nonprofit dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of energy consumption. Find out more at
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Amtrak puts Americans to work. The rail service employs more than 20,000 people. As one might expect, Amtrak staff and loved ones can take advantage of complimentary services on the rail systems traveling throughout its 21,300-mile (34,000 km) system. Amtrak employees don’t pay Social Security taxes. Instead, they get a higher retirement benefit by paying special taxes as a result of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act (RRTA). Plus, they can elect to participate in a traditional 401(k) retirement plan.
Not Even Close to Perfect
Amtrak isn’t the most advanced passenger rail system in the world. Its federal funding will likely be cut again in the next fiscal year. And yes, it has yet to turn a profit. Still, with proper guidance, investments, and upgrades to its infrastructure, Amtrak’s future days could be brighter. (1) What are your thoughts of rail vs. road vs. air travel? (2) Do you think Amtrak is good for America? (3) When was the last time you traveled by rail (excluding light rail and subway systems)?
Tags: Amtrak, carbon emissions, Dennis Powell, , FRA, government spotlight, greenhouse gas, hi-speed rail, Ola Sage, rail
Posted in Entertainment, Government, Lifestyle, Travel | 26 Comments »
May 13th, 2015
By Colleen Schuler, e-Management
For Memorial Day, thousands visit the famous Iwo Jima statue at the Marine Corps Memorial located outside of Washington, DC. How will you honor the fallen this Memorial Day? Photo Source: https://goo.gl/lh4X3e
“It is for us, the living, rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they have, thus far, so nobly carried on,” President Abraham Lincoln declared. “It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us. That from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion – that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain.”
The President, of course, was referring to the Union soldiers who had died five months earlier at the Battle of Gettysburg. It would be another 20 months of fighting before the last general of the Confederate Army surrendered.
Decoration Day Commences.
Three years after the Civil War ended, Memorial Day was created to honor the fallen soldiers on both sides of the conflict. After World War I, it was designated to honor all soldiers who died while serving their country. Originally known as Decoration Day (the soldiers’ graves were decorated) and celebrated on May 30, it wasn’t until 1971 with the passage of the National Holiday Act that it was moved to the fourth Monday in May. In 2000, President Clinton signed the National Moment of Remembrance Act designating “3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day each year as the National Moment of Remembrance, in honor of the men and women of the United States who died in the pursuit of freedom and peace.”
Yes, Memorial Day is in remembrance for the fallen. But I suggest we broaden our view. Let’s honor the memories of those who’ve fallen in service to our country by using the gifts and talents we have to help and serve the living. Everyone can do something.
Twenty dollars.
Perhaps you’ve heard of Myles Eckert, whose father, U.S. Army Sgt. Andy Eckert, died in Iraq when Myles was an infant. Last year, Myles found $20 in a restaurant parking lot outside of Toledo, Ohio. He was going to spend it on himself when he saw a man in uniform—Lt. Col. Frank Dailey of the Ohio Air National Guard. Instead, he gave the money to Dailey with a note: “Dear Soldier – my dad was a soldier. He’s in heaven now. I found this 20 dollars in the parking lot when we got here. We like to pay it forward in my family. It’s your lucky day! Thank you for your service. Myles Eckert, a gold star kid.” That’s a big heart for an 8-year-old.
Clear Water.
In 2007, fresh out of college on a ROTC scholarship, U.S. Army Capt. Benjamin Sklaver was sent to northeast Africa. In Uganda, he saw that clean water was vital for the health of the people, especially those living in small villages, and worked to provide that. When he came back to the States, he set up the to continue helping the Ugandans. Two years later, Sklaver was redeployed to Afghanistan, working in civil affairs doing much of the same work that he had done in Uganda. But he lost his life to a suicide bomber. His parents and friends continued the work of his foundation; eight years later they are still going strong.
Kick for Nick.
U.S. Army Pvt. Nick Madaras inspired many people to honor his memory—with a global reach. Madaras, a soccer aficionado and youth-soccer coach from Connecticut, had been deployed to Iraq. He found that soccer broke down barriers, especially with the Iraqi children. Madaras’ goal was to send soccer balls to the Iraqi children. But he was killed by a roadside bomb in 2006. A Korean War vet, Ken Dartley, read a local newspaper article about Madaras and started a soccer ball drive. That has evolved into the . People from forty-seven states have sent more than 42,000 soccer balls to 19 countries. Cal Holt, an eighth grader from Winston-Salem, N.C., saw a video about Madaras and started his own drive for a school project. He and his friends collected 33 soccer balls. They ended up in the hands of children from the African nation of Djibouti. Seeing pictures of the smiling children, Holt said, “Doing this, I’ll remember this for a long time.”
What a great way to honor Pvt. Madaras—a seemingly small act with a big impact.
What does Memorial Day mean to you?
The beginning of summer? A paid holiday? Great bargains? Blockbuster movies? Cookouts?
Let’s remember the fallen. Let’s resolve that those who gave their lives for our country will not have died in vain.
Let’s make it a day that inspires. What will you do?
Tags: charity, ClearWater Initiative, Colleen Schuler, , Kick for Nick Foundation, Memorial Day, Ola Sage
Posted in Corporate, Entertainment, Family, Leadership, Lifestyle, Travel, Uncategorized | 20 Comments »
April 28th, 2015
The DOE EM PPPO recently launched a website that “will help people stay current, involved and informed” about the radioactive material cleanup efforts at the Portsmouth, Ohio and Paducah, Kentucky Gaseous Diffusion Plant Sites. Photo source: PPPO
By Dennis Powell, e-Management
The Cold War is a distant memory for many. Political tension between the United States and the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics led to a massive buildup of nuclear weapons over decades. That era is over and has left a legacy of nuclear material, radioactive waste, and contamination. It all sounds a little scary. But you can take some comfort due to the work of the Department of Energy (DOE). Many Americans are oblivious to the role of DOE in everyday life. Our focus for this government spotlight is DOE’s Office of Environmental Management (EM), the United States’ response to its Cold War environmental legacy. Since 1989, EM’s focus has been on managing nuclear materials and cleaning up radioactive waste and contamination in the United States.
EM’s Legacy…
EM’s impact on communities around the country cannot be overstated. Nuclear products, if not properly managed, can have serious consequences on life and our environment. Here are five important ways EM is working for Americans and keeping the environment safe from the harmful effects of radioactive waste and contamination.
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Retiring Nuclear Facilities. One of the responsibilities of EM is deactivation and decommissioning (D&D). During this process, EM safely and completely shuts down nuclear facilities to protect the environment and communities from hazardous and radioactive materials. One facility that is currently in the process of D&D is the Kentucky-based Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, which in the past was a nuclear enrichment plant for military and civil programs. The Paducah facility was the last uranium enrichment plant in the USA. Last month, the EM Portsmouth/Paducah Project Office (PPPO) launched a new website (energy.gov/pppo) that “will help people stay current, involved and informed” about the progress of the decommissioning of the Paducah plant, according to PPPO Manager William E. Murphie.
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Promoting Sustainability. In addition to D&D, EM has a strong commitment to renewable energy. For instance, innovations at EM have led to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®), a noted green building certification program, honored EM’s groundwater treatment plant at Hanford (Washington State) with the very first gold certification in the sustainable design category. Additionally, EM’s Savannah River Site (SRS) recently received a Department of Energy Sustainability Award. Why? SRS developed a new way to determine radiation levels from containers of transuranic (TRU) waste—materials from plutonium or other human-made radioactive elements. The new technique has already saved the government more than $10 million.
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Processing Waste. The SRS initiative above is part of EM’s Tank Waste and Waste Processing program. EM is tasked with disposing of radioactive and hazardous waste at a number of facilities around the country. How much nuclear waste are we talking about? There’s a lot of it. DOE is responsible for more than 85 million gallons of liquid waste and over 4,000 cubic meters of solid waste in bins.
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Protecting the Public and Environment. The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) is the only deep geologic repository for TRU waste in the United States. TRU waste can remain harmful for thousands of years according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). So, this type of radioactive material must be kept isolated to keep the public and environment safe. As its name suggests, WIPP is secluded—located in the Chihuahauan Desert of southeastern New Mexico, approximately 26 miles east of Carlsbad. DOE sites send contaminated materials including soil, clothing, and debris to WIPP for permanent disposal in rooms that are located 2,150 feet underground.
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Consolidating to Improve Business and Performance. In order to meet its high-stakes mission of waste management and nuclear clean-up, EM is doing its work smarter. Last year, Federal News Radio highlighted the EM Consolidated Business Center (EMCBC) and how that office has pulled many of EM’s functions into one centralized location. The result is that things are working better, including the overall management of radioactive waste site closures.
Environmental Thoughts…
The use of nuclear energy and products remain highly controversial. (1) What are your thoughts about the work EM is currently doing around nuclear waste management and cleanup? (2) Are you for or against the use of nuclear power? (3) What are your ideas around sustainable sources of energy?
Tags: Carlsbad, Dennis Powell, DOE, , EM, EMCBC, environment, EPA, government spotlight, Hanford, nuclear, Ola Sage, PPPO, SRS, TRU, WIPP
Posted in Energy, Government, Risk Management | 16 Comments »
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