Consumers Oppose Annual Rate Increases

Clear Message to Legislators: No to Rate Hike Bill

CHICAGO, Oct. 24 - With the clock ticking towards the start of the legislative veto session in Springfield, Illinois consumers today sent a simple but clear message to lawmakers: No to Senate Bill 1652, ComEd and Ameren's annual utility rate hike legislation. The bill, which was vetoed by Governor Pat Quinn in September, is due back to legislators next week and consumers will reach out to their elected representatives to ensure the Governor's veto stands in both chambers.

To strengthen their message, consumer advocacy groups led by AARP joined with Governor Quinn, as well as with representatives from the Attorney General's office and leaders of the business community in Chicago, to unveil the results of a statewide telephone poll.

The poll of 800 registered voters, conducted by AARP and other concerned groups, found that nearly 7 in 10 Illinoisans oppose annual increases in their electric bills, even if they would improve reliability and prevent outages. Additionally, more than half of those polled (52 percent) stated that they wouldn't vote for a legislator who allows electric utilities to raise their rates annually.

"Consumers have expressed themselves very clearly: they do not want automated rate increases, and they believe their electric bill is already too high," said AARP Illinois State Director Bob Gallo. "We are asking our 1.7 million members, and all Illinoisans, to hold legislators accountable on this critical issue and urge their legislator to uphold the Governor's veto."

"When I vetoed this bill, I said consumers can't be expected to foot the bill for executive bonuses and lobbyists fees with massive rate hikes that don't do anything to improve Illinois' power grid. Before even considering rate hikes, we need to make sure consumers are getting the quality service they already pay for," Governor Quinn said. "More than 1.5 million people and businesses have had to deal with power outages and service disruptions this summer, and now these same utilities are trying to change the rules to guarantee themselves annual rate increases, while eliminating any real accountability. I'm not buying what they're selling and ratepayers agree."

"Consumers deserve—and are willing to pay for—reliable service, but until they get it, they won't support automatic profits for ComEd and Ameren," Attorney General Lisa Madigan said.

"Businesses throughout Illinois have fought hard to develop a competitive energy market," said Steve Longhta, who represents the Illinois Industrial Energy Consumers. "The passage of Senate Bill 1652 would move Illinois backwards by setting utility costs and dictating a utility's earnings in state statute." The Illinois Industrial Energy Consumers consists of more than 30 of Illinois' largest manufacturers who support decisions that are good for business in matters involving electric, natural gas and water service operations.

"Call it what you want, the bottom line is that SB1652 is a bad deal for Illinois consumers as it will significantly raise electric rates at a time when individuals and families are still struggling to afford basic necessities," said William McNary, Co-Director for Citizen Action. "We need consumers to stand up, and urge their legislators to uphold Governor Quinn's veto."
The statewide poll also found that:

• 81 percent responded that they believe utility donations had influence over legislators who voted for SB1652;
• 70 percent already believe their electric system is reliable;
• 50 percent think their electric bill is too high;
• 47 percent responded that the bill should be amended to protect consumers AND an additional 26 percent responded, without being prompted, that the legislature should not "pass anything";
• Only 10 percent responded "State Legislature" when asked between the State Legislature and the ICC which group do they believe "would best represent your interests in regulating electric utilities."

AARP is urging individuals to call toll-free 1-800-719-3020 and urge their legislators to vote "NO" on SB1652. For additional information, go to: http://saynotoratehikes.org.

10 Test Driving Tips for Car Buying Consumers

ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 24 -It is easy for car buying consumers to fall in love at first sight with the sleek styling and attractive exterior of their dream machine.  In most American households today, a vehicle purchase is a major financial expense, so a second look and an extensive test drive is time well invested.
AAA Automotive experts recommend that consumers start that test drive at the computer keyboard.  Valuable information about vehicle safety features, performance data, and purchase pricing and resale value can be researched online.

"In today's economy, consumers have additional factors to consider when purchasing a vehicle, often making the selection process more difficult and extensive," said John Nielsen, AAA Director of Automotive Repair, Buying, and Consumer Information. "There is no substitute for quality research and an in-depth test drive tailored to your personal driving needs, to help make a sound financial car buying decision."

The physical test drive is the next step in the car buying research process. An extensive test drive can reveal many important factors not immediately obvious at first blush.
AAA recommends the following test driving tips:
 
Before You Drive. Walk around the car. Is it the right size for the needs of your family? Check the quality of the assembly and the tightness of the body panel alignment. Check for bubbles and pitting on the paint and chrome. Open and close the tailgate or trunk and doors. Does it sound solid and well made? Will the design allow for easy loading of luggage, sporting goods, and groceries?

Be a Backseat Test Driver. Ask the salesperson to take you for a preliminary test drive. You can focus on the ride without the distraction of driving, and you're more likely to notice noise and overall comfort. And, of course, you can evaluate backseat room for future passengers.
 
Find Your Fit. Get in and try the car on for size. Check the leg room and visibility. How easy is it to adjust the seats? Are the controls easy to read, reach and use? Try all of the accessories and options, such as air conditioning, the sound system, and navigation aids.
 
On The Road. Drive the exact model of the car you want to purchase. Pick your own route for the test drive. If possible, pick a route that mirrors your daily driving routine. It's a good idea to test the car's ride quality and handling on a number of different road surfaces: city streets, hills, freeways, and winding roads.
 
Power. Test the engine's responsiveness in real-world conditions. Is there a smooth and constant delivery of power? Try merging onto the highway, passing, and stop-and-go city driving. Spend part of the test drive with the air conditioner on to see if it drains power.

Transmission. Look for smoothness and ease of operation. Listen for hesitation or straining.
 
Handling. Check steering responsiveness. Practice long turns and sharp turns. Safely practice sudden swerves and gradual lane changes.
 
Brakes. Your life could depend on your brakes, so put them to the test. Brake both softly and decisively to gain an accurate idea of the car's stopping distance.
 
Noise Level. At various speeds, listen for excessive engine, road, and wind noise. Check for squeaks and rattles coming from the interior and bodywork. Listen with the windows open and closed.
 
Parking. Parallel park to discover any blind spots or potential difficulty in identifying the corners of the car.
AAA recommends that consumers always have pre-owned vehicles inspected by a quality repair facility prior to purchasing.  More than 8,000 AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities are located across North America. 
 
As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 52 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com

Stage set for the Future of Mercury in Dentistry

U.S. State Department Announces Position on Mercury Fillings

WASHINGTON, Oct. 23  - For the first time in history, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) is evaluating international regulations that would ban mercury-containing products including silver/amalgam dental fillings, which contain 50% mercury and are already in the mouths of more than 122 million Americans.

The DOS will present their official position on the use of mercury in amalgam fillings and other medical devices at a stakeholder meeting on Monday, October 24th, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the DOS headquarters on 2201 C Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.  Injured consumers and members of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) will attend the meeting to encourage a ban on mercury/silver dental amalgam fillings.

The U.S. government's monumental decision about mercury fillings is being made in preparation for the third session of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC3), scheduled for later this month in Nairobi, Kenya.  The committee was created with the specific purpose of developing a global, legally-binding instrument on mercury due to its significant negative effect on human health and the environment.

Mercury, a potent neurotoxin used in dental amalgam fillings, can damage the brain, kidneys, and nervous system, and is particularly harmful to the fetus and young children. Substantial, peer-reviewed, scientific evidence proving these dangers is documented in IAOMT's Petition for Reconsideration, which was filed with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2009.

The hazards of mercury filings have also been addressed by other international groups.  In 1991, the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded that dental amalgam is "the greatest source of mercury exposure for the general population, exceeding those from food and air."

In the United States, President Obama has recognized the hazards of mercury since 2008, and he emphasized the need to protect children from being exposed to mercury in his September 8, 2011 speech to Congress.

Yet, no actions to defend the American public from the known risks of mercury/silver dental fillings have been taken, although a recent submission by the U.S. to UNEP's Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee supports "further consideration of dental amalgam by the INC...with the goal of potential or gradual phasedown of dental amalgam and ongoing research for affordable, viable alternatives."

Such a position is unacceptable to Dr. David Kennedy, past president of IAOMT, who explains, "Using the excuse of alternative materials to further delay protecting the public is illogical because safe alternatives to mercury fillings have already been used for more than 20 years."

Leo Cashman, executive director and volunteer for the non-profit, consumer advocacy group Dental Amalgam Mercury Solutions (DAMS), agrees: "Dental amalgam is not viable when the costs of mercury poisoning to the individual, to families, and to the healthcare industry are considered."

"If we accept the current treaty language of UNEP, WHO, and the U.S. State Department, as well as their associated health declarations that I completely disagree with, the treaty will be about an 'infinite phase down' which won't even begin phasing down mercury/silver amalgam dental filling placement until 2020 the soonest, but more likely 2030, with requested exemptions by the FDI", says Dr. David Simone, who will be representing IAOMT at the DOS meeting. He reiterates, "The way it stands now, the UNEP Mercury Instrument is designed to keep placing mercury amalgams in all populations for another 20 years at least."
Freya Koss, President of the PA Coalition for Mercury-Free Dentistry, was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis after having an old mercury amalgam filling drilled out and replaced with a new one, and she will be at the meeting to insure that the DOS keeps mercury fillings in a proposed ban portion of the INC treaty.

Marie Flowers, President of Dental Amalgam Mercury Solutions (DAMS), experienced neurological symptoms following the removal of a mercury amalgam filling and will likewise be at the DOS meeting on Monday.  Flowers has commented, "The U.S. lags behind countries such as Sweden, who initiated a mercury phase out in 1987, followed by Denmark and Norway, who banned dental mercury amalgam in 2009.

Nashville's Fox 17 anchor Stacy Case told her personal story of mercury poisoning to the FDA at a recent Town Meeting in San Francisco: "I had four amalgams unsafely removed and replaced with four shiny mercury fillings, and I got out of bed one day and couldn't walk."  However, Case recovered from her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis after her fillings were safely removed.  Her message to the U.S. government is clear: "Use your power and position for good.  Please right this wrong!"

IAOMT and other groups are strongly urging the DOS to support the position of the U.S. Government as stated in February 2009 by Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, who announced, "Mercury poses a serious threat to public health in communities around the world...The United States will play a leading role in working with other nations to craft a global, legally binding agreement that will prevent the spread of mercury into the environment and improve the health of workers, pregnant women, and children throughout the world."

Monday's DOS meeting about the U.S. position on the INC treaty will set the international stage for the future of mercury in dentistry, which many hope will be the end of drilling a potent neurotoxin into the mouths of an unsuspecting international public. 

Indian Summit to Discuss Key Investments in Banking Technology

DUBAI, UAE, October 23 - In the face of the rising competition, banks are currently investing more in technology and as a result IT is considered a business enabler rather than a support function. Banks are competitively working to enrich banking experience in various channels while contributing to their bottom line.


With consumers becoming more demanding, technology is now driving business in banks resulting in a shift from conventional banking to a variety of other platforms.


Banks are realising the growing importance of updating their legacy systems to enhance their service offering. In an interview with IQPC, Dharmaraj Ramakrishnan, Head of Core Banking Unit, ING Vysya Bank stressed "Progressive modernisation is the right way to go for cost-effective technology aiding IT. Key steps we follow are: identifying the legacy systems which are to be replaced; carrying out a cost benefit analysis and justifying the capital investment and finally ensuring deployment of new systems are aligned with business priorities - this will help in achieving a faster ROI."


ING Vysya will be sharing their success story at the Banking Technology India Summit 2011 being held in Mumbai on the 15th and 16th November 2011 at the Four Seasons Hotel. The Summit is being conducted by IQPC and brings together industry experts including Umesh Jain: CIO - Yes Bank , Rajnish Khare: Head of Remote Banking - Standard Chartered Bank, P.R Somasundaram: CEO & MD- The Lakshmi Villas Bank Ltd, Shrinath Bolloju: MD& COO- India Deutsche Bank, Sameer Ratolikar: CISO Risk Management- Bank of India, Munish Mittal: Executive Vice President IT- HDFC Bank, Jason O'Shaughnessy : Managing Director EMEA- Yodlee, Sudhakar Ramasubramanian: Managing Director - Aditya Birla Money Ltd - Aditya Birla Money Mart ltd and many more.


About IQPC

IQPC provides business executives around the world with tailored practical conferences, large scale events, topical seminars and in-house training programs, keeping them up-to-date with industry trends, technological developments and the regulatory landscape. IQPC's large scale conferences are market leading "must attend" events for their respective industries.


IQPC produces more than 1,500 events annually around the world, and continues to grow. Founded in 1973, IQPC now has offices in major cities across six continents including: Berlin, Bengalaru, Dubai, Johannesburg, London, Madrid, New York, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, and Toronto. IQPC leverages a global research base of best practices to produce an unrivalled portfolio of conferences.

Lawsuit Against Corn Refining Industry Rejected

WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 - "The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) is pleased that the court in the Western Sugar case has stricken the sugar industry's state law claim under the California anti-SLAPP statute, which provides for early dismissals of meritless cases aimed at chilling freedom of expression," says Audrae Erickson, President of the CRA.  The sugar industry alleged that the CRA's educational campaign to defend the merits of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) was deceptive.  "To the contrary," Erickson said, "the educational campaign is science based and supported by a wide variety of medical and scientific experts."

SLAPP stands for "strategic lawsuit against public participation."  The court on Friday, October 21, 2011, granted CRA's anti-SLAPP motion, and rejected the sugar industry's attempt to stop the CRA's speech concerning HFCS, finding that it was "protected under the anti-SLAPP statute" and that the sugar industry plaintiffs "have not met their burden to show a probability of prevailing on their unfair business competition claim,"  beyond their allegations.

As the prevailing party on its motion, under California's anti-SLAPP law the CRA is now entitled to recover its attorneys' fees and costs against the sugar industry members who brought suit.

Because the anti-SLAPP statute applies only to state law claims, the sugar industry's federal Lanham Act claim was not immediately dismissed against the CRA, at this early stage of the case, where the court was required to accept the allegations in the sugar industry's complaint. "It is important to note that this does not mean the sugar industry's allegations are true," Erickson said, "only that they have alleged enough to get to the next stage of the case on the Lanham Act claim."  

Apart from the CRA, the court granted a motion to dismiss all of the individual companies who manufacture HFCS.

The CRA looks forward to demonstrating that Plaintiffs' remaining federal claim, like their dismissed state law claim, lacks merit beyond the bare allegations of the complaint.  According to Erickson, "The sugar industry is attempting to shut down free speech rather compete in the marketplace."

The 10 Best Places to Retire in 2012

New list features places with an affordable cost of living and top-notch amenities

WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2011 - U.S. News Media Group today unveiled The 10 Best Places to Retire in 2012.

U.S. News worked with Onboard Informatics, the premier data services company for top tier organizations in real estate, media, and technology, to create a list of great places to retire in 10 key categories. "Everybody's got their own idea of the best place to live," said Brian Kelly, editor of U.S. News, "so we've created tools to make the search fun and useful. There are some great and unexpected choices."

Many of the categories focus on how to achieve the retirement lifestyle you want on a fixed income, such as the best place for water views on a budget (Traverse City, Mich.), an affordable mountain town for retirees (Boone, N.C.), and the best place to find affordable housing (Port Charlotte, Fla.). We also recognize Pittsburgh as a place that provides a great mix of affordability and amenities for retirees.

This list also includes a place with pleasant weather year-round (Flagstaff, Ariz.), a locale with unique recreation and cultural opportunities to explore (Santa Fe, N.M.), and a college town that is also friendly to retirees (Ithaca, N.Y.). Retirement is a period of life in which many people reinvent themselves, so we've included a great place to launch a second career (Lincoln, Neb.) or form a new relationship in a city with plenty of single people age 55 and older (Pittsfield, Mass.).

The U.S. News Best Places to Retire search tool provides extensive information for consumers considering relocating in retirement. The interactive search tool can help users find locations that best fit their individual lifestyles. Visitors can examine and sort through economic and quality-of-life data, such as housing prices, proximity to hospitals, and even the average temperature, to find a locale that best meets their needs.

The cities honored as T he 10 Best Places to Retire in 2012 are:

Pleasant year-round weather: Flagstaff, Ariz.
Affordable mountain town: Boone, N.C.
Water views on a budget: Traverse City, Mich.
Greenest place to retire: Walnut Creek, Calif.
A college town for retirees: Ithaca, N.Y.
Place to launch a second career: Lincoln, Neb.
Best mix of affordability and amenities: Pittsburgh
Best place for affordable housing:  Port Charlotte, Fla.
Best place for single retirees: Pittsfield, Mass.
Best place for recreation and culture: Santa Fe

Wuzhou Changlian Offers Free Shiping to Worldwide Customers

SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 17, 2011 - Shenzhen Wuzhou Changlian International Trading Co is pleased to announce a new promotion: Free shipping now available on all orders over USD 250 for all customers worldwide.

Esmodshopping, the comprehensive website introduced by Wuzhou Changlian, offers a wide selection of dresses and fashionable jewelries. Now to help customers adjust to the frequently changing weather, they are introducing a series of healthcare products to help those with chronic illness, especially for little babies. In order to bring more pleasure to those female fashion lovers who enjoy special occasions, esmodshopping holds the activity.

As most products in esmodshopping are affordably priced, the company offers customers wholesale wedding dresses, along with discounted wedding accessories, including high heels and matching freshwater pearl jewelries. In addition, combinations of wedding dresses and freshwater pearl necklaces, or a taffeta A line corset dress and a pair of high heels can enjoy free shipping.

International trade has become a more and more popular trade channel to benefit both customers and sellers, while retail or wholesale from China plays an important role.  Esmodshopping is just such a trading company specialized in designing unique models to lead fashion trends.

With the launching of promotional activity, more customers will be benefited to spend less and get more surprises. In the activity, the products and shipping time won't be affected because of affordable prices. Esmodshopping welcomes wholesalers in a friendly long term business relationship.

Ten Things Parents Can Do To Make Halloween Safer

"The Mentalist" Actor Tim Kang Tells Parents How They Can Build Safety into Halloween This Year
 
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 17, 2011 - Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year for children, but sometimes the most hectic for parents.  Nearly 94 percent of children between the ages of four and twelve participate in Halloween activities each year.  Tim Kang, actor from the hit CBS show The Mentalist has partnered with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) to help educate parents about what they should be telling their children to keep them safe.  Parents need to take a moment to consider basic safety precautions that will make Halloween a safer night of fun.

• CHOOSE bright, flame-retardant costumes or add reflective tape to costumes and candy bags so children are easily seen in the dark.  In addition, carry a glow stick or flashlight. 
• PLAN a trick-or-treating route in familiar neighborhoods with well-lit streets.  Avoid unfamiliar neighborhoods, streets that are isolated, or homes that are poorly lit inside or outside.
• NEVER send young children out alone.  They should always be accompanied by a parent or another trusted adult.  Older children should always travel in groups.
• ALWAYS walk younger children to the door to receive treats and don't let children enter a home unless you are with them.
• BE SURE children do not approach any vehicle, occupied or not, unless you are with them.
• DISCUSS basic pedestrian safety rules that children should use when walking to and from houses.
• CONSIDER organizing a home or community party as an alternative to "trick-or-treating."
• MAKE sure children know their home phone number and address in case you get separated.  Teach children how to call 911 in an emergency.
• TEACH children to say "NO!" or "this is not my mother/father" in a loud voice if someone tries to get them to go somewhere, accept anything other than a treat, or leave with them.  And teach them that they should make every effort to get away by kicking, screaming and resisting.
• REMIND children to remain alert and report suspicious incidents to parents and/or law enforcement.

"Child safety is vital year round, but Halloween is an especially important time for parents and children to pay extra attention to their surroundings and not let their guard down," said actor Tim Kang a spokesperson for NCMEC. "Parents need to exercise a few basic safety precautions to help ensure that Halloween is both fun and safe."

About the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1984.  Designated by Congress to serve as the nation's clearinghouse, the organization has operated the toll-free 24-hour national missing children's hotline which has handled more than 3,421,390 calls.  It has assisted law enforcement in the recovery of more than 166,800 children.  The organization's CyberTipline has handled more than 1,233,990 reports of child sexual exploitation and its Child Victim Identification Program has reviewed and analyzed more than 56,672,970 pornography images and videos.  The organization works in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Justice's office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.  


About Tim Kang
Tim Kang can currently be seen on the hit CBS drama The Mentalist as straight-arrow investigator "Kimball Cho," a fan favorite on the show. The Mentalist won a 2009 People's Choice Award for "Favorite New TV Drama," and was nominated for a 2009 Television Critics Association Award for "Outstanding New Program of the Year."   Other appearances on popular TV shows include recurring roles in CBS's The Unit and NBC's Third Watch and guest starring on The Office, The Ghost Whisperer, The Sopranos, Monk, Chappelle's Show, Law & Order: Criminal Intent and  Law & Order: Trial By Jury. Tim was also seen in the films Rambo, The Forgotten, Two Weeks Notice and as the star of Mister Green.

Do Baby Products Prevent SIDS? FDA Says No

SILVER SPRING, Md., Oct. 17, 2011- The best thing you can do to lower the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is to place your baby on his or her back to sleep, with nothing else in the crib or bassinet.

That's the recommendation of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is working to prevent manufacturers of sleep products for babies from claiming that their use will prevent or lower the chance of SIDS. These products include infant positioners, mattresses, crib bedding, pillows, crib tents and baby monitors.

The agency has never approved a product to prevent SIDS—the unexplained death of a baby younger than age 1—and is asking manufacturers to stop marketing their products with these claims until they have received FDA clearance or approval, or to change their labeling to remove all medical claims.

Learn more about SIDS prevention... 

Britain's Top "40 Under 40" International Development Leaders Announced

LONDON, October 17, 2011 - Devex, the world's largest community of relief and development professionals, today announces the top 40 under 40 international development leaders based in London. They represent the next generation of leaders helping to improve the quality of life for millions of people around the world.


Honorees include a wide variety of professionals ranging from members of Parliament to private sector champions who are spearheading innovative approaches to global challenges from economic development and governance and to improved access to quality education and health care.

"The awardees comprise key international development leaders who are helping to transform the global development agenda - and most importantly, make a difference in the lives of millions around the world," said Devex President Raj Kumar.


Sponsored by Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX), one of the world's leading integrated energy companies, the Devex-led initiative highlights the importance of economic, social and infrastructure-based development as a key component of the prosperity of local businesses and communities.


"In today's economic climate, our collective commitment to economic opportunity, global health and education must assume more importance, not less," said Russ Yarrow, general manager of corporate affairs for Chevron. "At Chevron, we know that successful businesses, including ours, do best when they operate in healthy, prosperous communities. Each of these 40 individuals is contributing to the achievement of those goals."


The 40 individuals honored today were chosen by an independent selection committee that includes the head of the UK's leading global development think tank, the chief executive of one of the UK's largest international NGOs, and the senior executive responsible for global development at one of the world's largest software companies. Young leaders were chosen based upon their impact on development and their influence on the development agenda.


All honorees will be recognized at a reception held tonight at the Heron Tower in London and hosted by The Milken Institute. More information on the honorees and selection committee can be found on london40.devex.com [http://london40.devex.com ]. The complete list of the Devex "40 Under 40" International Development Leaders in London is as follows (in alphabetical order):

    
    - Rushanara Ali, member of Parliament and shadow minister for
      international development

    - Rob Bailey, senior research fellow on energy, environment &
      resource governance at the Royal Institute of International Affairs 

 - Rachael Barber, head of global community investment at Barclays
      Corporate Affairs

    - Laure Blanchard-Brunac, principal banker at the European Bank
      for Reconstruction and Development

    - Jasmine Burnley, global economic crisis advisor to Oxfam GB
    - Karin Christiansen, managing director of Publish What You Fund
    - Brendan Cox, director of policy and advocacy at Save the
      Children UK
    - Jo Cox, former director of the Maternal Mortality Campaign and
      head of policy and advocacy at Oxfam GB
    - Alex Evans, non-resident fellow and head of the program on
      resource scarcity, climate change and multilateralism at New York
      University's Center on International Cooperation
    - Sally Faiz, global portfolio manager at The Children's
      Investment Fund Foundation
    - Liz Ford, deputy editor of global development at The Guardian
    - Jonathan Glennie, research fellow at the Overseas Development
      Institute's Centre for Aid and Public Expenditure
    - Zac Goldsmith MP, member of Parliament
    - Jesse Griffiths, coordinator of the Bretton Woods Project
    - Kate Gross, CEO of the Africa Governance Initiative
    - Peter Guest, UK business editor for The Huffington Post
    - Louise James, Europe lead for Accenture Development Partnerships
    - Nik Kafka, founder and managing director of Teach a Man to Fish
      UK
    - Henriette Kolb, CEO of The Cherie Blair Foundation for Women
    - Christine Kolbe, governance, security and justice team manager
      at Coffey International Development
    - Anja Langenbucher, European government relations and public
      policy lead for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
    - Richard Leftley, president & CEO of MicroEnsure
    - Eric Levine, CEO of Restless Development
    - Alexander McLean, founder and director general of the African
      Prisons Project
    - Clare Melford, CEO of the International Business Leaders Forum
    - Ben Mellor, head of the Iraq inquiry team at the UK Department
      for International Development
    - Matthew Mitro, founder & chairman of Indego Africa
    - Rosemary Nuamah, senior policy officer for The Elders
    - Truman Packard, lead economist at the World Bank
    - Kathy Peach, head of external affairs, VSO
    - Tom Rippin, founder and CEO, On Purpose
    - Joel Roxburgh, head of sustainability, Vodafone
    - Bernadette Sexton, practice leader of the public administration
      and governance division, Maxwell Stamp
    - Matthew Smith, principal advisor, KPMG
    - Dr. Dhananjayan Sriskandarajah, interim director, The
      Commonwealth Foundation
    - Andy Sumner, research fellow, Institute of Development Studies
    - Andy Wales, head of sustainable development, SABMiller
    - Peter Williams, founder and executive director, ARCHIVE
    - Ned Wills, director, Laureus Sport for Good Foundation
    - Charlotte Wolff, corporate responsibility manager, ArcelorMittal

About Devex Devex is a social enterprise bringing efficiency to international development through recruiting and business information services. Our members find development projects, business and career advice, jobs - and professional connections - on devex.com. Founded in 2000, Devex serves a global community of 500,000 development professionals and 1,000 donors, companies and NGOs. With a mission to bring greater efficiency to international development, our global staff of more than 100 in five offices (London, Barcelona, Manila, Tokyo, and Washington) works to provide innovative products and services to address the needs of each member of our development community.