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星期五, 11月 30, 2018

「功夫茶」加入僑胞卡特約商店

駐波士頓臺北經濟文化辦事處處長徐佑典夫婦(左一、左二)和功夫茶
負責人竹前佳佑(右二)、僑教中心主任歐宏偉合影
【「功夫茶」加入僑胞卡特約商店 
12月起提供消費優惠】

總部位於紐約的知名茶飲商店「功夫茶」,為響應中華民國僑務委員會發行的「僑胞卡」服務,正式加入海外特約商店的行列,將從今年12月起提供持卡人5%的消費優惠,希望能讓更多僑胞鄉親感受到政府的用心與美意。

該茶飲店負責人竹前佳佑表示,「功夫茶」近年來已在麻州波士頓華埠、市區、郊區及大型購物賣場等地開設9家營業據點,吸引許多主流社會各界人士、臺灣留學生和僑胞前來消費,大家都給予相當高的評價與肯定,他說,在獲知僑委會於海外發行「僑胞卡」,且在波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉的鼓勵下,決定從今年12月起麻州的9家茶飲店全面提供持卡人消費九五折(5off)的優惠服務。

波士頓「功夫茶」飲料店負責人竹前佳佑(右二)在店門口張貼僑胞卡
特約商店的專用貼紙,今年12月起提供僑胞卡持卡人消費優惠。
駐波士頓臺北經濟文化辦事處處長徐佑典表示,「功夫茶」是波士頓地區知名的茶飲店,臺式的珍珠奶茶和店內的冷熱飲品都很有特色,很高興該公司能加入僑胞卡海外特約商店的行列,希望未來有更多僑臺商業者共襄盛舉。

駐波士頓臺北經濟文化辦事處處長徐佑典夫婦(左起)和功夫茶
負責人竹前佳佑Allston店店長、僑教中心主任歐宏偉合影。
歐宏偉主任說,目前已加入波士頓地區僑胞卡特約商店的業者,包括有波士頓和昆西市的「龍鳳大酒樓」、牛頓市的「珠媽廚房」、摩頓市的「一品香」、麻州西部春田市的「Ginger Blossom」和佛蒙特州南伯靈頓市的「Zen Garden」,都已提供持卡人消費優惠,「功夫茶」是波士頓地區第六家特約商店,而且有9家營業據點,很感謝竹前佳佑的支持。(圖與文:波士頓僑教中心提供)



Minority Business Development Agency Awards $1.8 Million To Tackle Opportunity Gaps

Minority Business Development Agency Awards $1.8 Million To Tackle Opportunity Gaps

WASHINGTON (November 30, 2018) – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is announcing the five organizations that received grant funds to support three MBDA initiatives – Access to Capital, Research, and Sustainable Business Models. The call for proposals under each initiative sought solutions for constraints, disparities, and opportunity gaps that impact a minority business enterprises’ (MBEs) ability to build scale and capacity and ensure business sustainability.
“MBDA is focused on creating new opportunities for minority-owned businesses,” said MBDA National Director Henry Childs, II. “Providing greater access to financial resources, data analytics, and world-class business models will help companies grow to scale and remain competitive in the global marketplace.”
The grant recipients include:
Access to Capital:
  • Harbor Bank of Maryland Community Development Corporation ($400,000) to facilitate MBEs receiving equal opportunity to participate in the opportunity zones provisions.
  • National Association of Investment Companies, Inc. ($350,000) to provide diverse investment managers innovative and proven methods for greater exposure to increase the likelihood of MBE firms receiving capital from public and private institutions.
  • The Enterprise Center ($500,000) to introduce new financing and investment models and provide patient growth capital to help MBEs hire more local employees and build their businesses to be more stable, competitive, and profitable for the long term.
Research:
  • Research Foundation of the City University of New York ($200,000) to create an interactive visual database that maps the journey of minority entrepreneurs from inception to funding.
Sustainable Business Model:
  • Metropolitan Economic Development Association ($382,896) to develop a playbook for developing sustainable revenue generation for other minority development organizations with a focus on merger and acquisition consulting, accounting services, and loan servicing.
These programs are part of the 2018 MBDA Broad Agency Announcement, a new initiative this year. More than $13 million was awarded for 35 projects focused on Department of Commerce and MBDA priorities from resources that increase disaster preparedness and relief to programs that increase access to capital. For a full listing of MBDA’s 2018 grant awards, visit www.mbda.gov/news.

美國116屆國會將共有20名亞裔國會議員


CAPAC Applauds Historic Asian Pacific American Representation in the 116th Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The 116th Congress will bring tremendous milestones for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, including a record number of AAPI Members of Congress and the inclusion of an Asian American Member in House Leadership. Earlier today, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Member Ted Lieu (CA-44) was elected to House Leadership as a Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) Co-Chair. In this role, Lieu will help guide messaging strategy for the entire House Democratic Caucus and will be the only Asian American Member in House Leadership. Next Congress will also bring three new AAPI Members to the U.S. House of Representatives, including Representative-Elects Andy Kim (NJ-03), Michael San Nicolas (Guam), and T.J. Cox (CA-21). CAPAC Chairwoman Judy Chu (CA-27) released the following statement:

“Since its founding in 1994, CAPAC has always strived to ensure that diverse voices are represented in the halls of Congress, and we are thrilled that the American people voted overwhelmingly to elect candidates who better reflect the diversity of our nation. As a result, the 116th Congress will be the most diverse in history and will include a record 20 Asian American and Pacific Islander Members of Congress. Earlier today, House Democrats also voted to elect Congressman Ted Lieu as a Democratic Policy and Communications Committee co-chair. With these victories, CAPAC will have its highest AAPI membership in history and an important seat at the table within House Leadership.

“I want to congratulate Congressman Ted Lieu on his well-deserved victory and welcome our newly elected AAPI Members, Andy Kim, T.J. Cox, and Michael San Nicolas. I look forward to working with all of my colleagues to continue to strengthen our nation and move our country forward.”

劉雲平獲選為眾議院民主黨政策及通訊委員會共同主席


REP LIEU STATEMENT ON BEING ELECTED TO HOUSE LEADERSHIP AS A DPCC CO-CHAIR
WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Ted. W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) issued the following statement after his Democratic colleagues elected him to House Leadership as a Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) Co-Chair. As DPCC Co-Chair, Rep. Lieu will help guide messaging strategy for the House Democratic Caucus. Rep Lieu received the highest amount of votes for DPCC Co-Chair and is the only Asian American Member and only veteran in House Democratic Leadership.
“Thank you to my colleagues for electing me to House Democratic Leadership as a DPCC co-chair. I am honored to join David Cicilline, Debbie Dingell, and Matt Cartwright in shaping Democrats’ bold and inclusive messaging to move America forward.
Democrats made history in 2018 by winning the largest popular vote margin in a midterm in recent U.S. history. We’re ushering in the most diverse, dynamic and enthusiastic caucus we’ve ever had. It’s an exhilarating time to be in the House and I’m honored to have a leadership role.
Starting in January, the majority House Democratic Caucus will endeavor to stop any harmful policies of the Trump Administration and Republicans; work on a bipartisan basis to advance positive legislation to move our country forward; and execute our oversight responsibilities. I look forward to collaborating with my Democratic colleagues in the 116th Congress."

星期四, 11月 29, 2018

MASSACHUSETTS STATE TROOPER PLEADS GUILTY IN OVERTIME ABUSE INVESTIGATION


MASSACHUSETTS STATE TROOPER PLEADS GUILTY
IN OVERTIME ABUSE INVESTIGATION

BOSTON – A retired Massachusetts State Police Trooper pleaded guilty today to collecting over $29,000 in overtime pay that he did not work.

Paul Cesan, 50, of Southwick, who was previously arrested and charged on June 27, 2018, pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement from an agency receiving federal funds. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock scheduled sentencing for March 12, 2019.

            Cesan was a Massachusetts State Police (MSP) Trooper assigned to Troop E, which was responsible for enforcing criminal and traffic regulations along the Massachusetts Turnpike, Interstate I-90. In 2016, Cesan earned $163,533, which included approximately $50,866 in overtime pay. 

            Cesan was paid for overtime shifts that he did not work at all or from which he left early. Cesan concealed his fraud by submitting fraudulent citations designed to create the appearance that he had worked overtime hours that he had not, and falsely claimed in MSP paperwork and payroll entries that he had worked the entirety of his overtime shifts.

            Cesan has admitted collecting $29,287 for overtime hours that he did not work. 

            The overtime in question involved the Accident and Injury Reduction Effort program (AIRE) and the “X-Team” initiative, which were intended to reduce accidents, crashes, and injuries on I-90 through an enhanced presence of MSP Troopers who were to target vehicles traveling at excessive speeds. 

            In 2016, MSP received annual benefits from the U.S. Department of Transportation in excess of $10,000, which were funded pursuant to numerous federal grants.
   
            Cesan is the fourth Trooper to plead guilty as a result of the ongoing investigation. On July 2, 2018, former Trooper Gregory Raftery, 47, of Westwood, pleaded guilty, on Sept. 14, 2018, suspended Trooper Kevin Sweeney, 40, of Braintree, pleaded guilty, and on Oct. 11, 2018, suspended Trooper Gary Herman, 45, of Chester, pleaded guilty. Three others have been charged: former Lieutenant David Wilson, 57, of Charlton; retired Trooper Daren DeJong, 56, of Uxbridge; and suspended Trooper Eric Chin.     

Pursuant to the plea agreement, the government will recommend a sentence of between 10 and 16 months in prison. The charge of theft of government funds provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.   

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Douglas Shoemaker, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dustin Chao and Mark Grady of Lelling’s Public Corruption Unit are prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the court documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

星期三, 11月 28, 2018

波城經文處舊友 今皆台灣高官

波士頓牙醫師阮浩鑾(右三,左二)夫婦和歷任波士頓經文處處長,副處長,返台後高升的賴銘琪(左起),李大維,陳銘俊,以及陳佩玲。
(阮浩鑾提供)
            (Boston Orange 周菊子報導) 波士頓是福地,奉調回台的經文處官員,幾乎都步步高升,也都和波士頓人保持友誼。波士頓劍虹體育會創辦人之一的阮浩鑾最近赴台探訪,1128日傳回如今全為高官的三名波城舊友消息。
             半年前剛調回台灣的波士頓經文處前處長賴銘琪,前副處長陳銘俊,以及廿多年前駐波士頓的前經文處處長李大維。
       賴銘琪在5月回台前,已知預定出任外交部非政府組織國際事務會執行長。回台上任後,又立即於615日率領9個台灣NGO來到美國華府,參加美國國際志工行動協會年會,並積極促進美國和台灣非政府組織之間的交流,合作。
             陳銘俊返台前,十分不捨波士頓,在許多僑團送別聚會中,離情依依,留下許多感人畫面。那時候,沒人知道他回台後,何去何從。但他的曾經留學日本,獲有博士學位,具備語言天分等優點,顯然受到注意。波克萊台灣商會顧問游勝雄早前為他在台灣設立的獎學金發消息時,率先透露了陳銘俊出任總統府機要室主任,1128日,阮浩鑾的返台探訪,再為波城人帶來他的近影。
             李大維回台後,歷任北美司司長,駐美國,澳洲,歐盟,加拿大等國家、地區的代表(大使),還在2010年時被加拿大渥太華外交政策期刊選為最具影響力大使
             20182月,賴清德接行政院長一職後改組內閣,李大維也從外交部部長一職調任國家安全會議秘書長。
             數起來,曾經在波士頓待過,然後擔任國家安全會議秘書長的人,至少有三個,另外兩個,一個是在李大維之前擔任駐波士頓經文處處長的張文忠,另一個是曾在波士頓做哈佛大學訪問學者的前大使胡為真。
             當年和李大維一起成功推動波士頓,台北締結姊妹市關係的牙醫師阮浩鑾,1128日在台北晶華酒店和李大維,賴銘琪,陳銘俊等人共進午餐。
             席間,他們暢談舊事,包括攜手促成波士頓、台北的姊妹市關係,在華埠牌樓重建銅碑,贊助北美華人排球邀請賽,祖輩支持孫中山的歷史,李大維和當年的波士頓市長萬寧諾(Tom Menino),市議會議長金凱利(Jim Kerry)的交情,為經文處和波士頓市府關係奠定基礎,也懷想已辭世的黃述沾,胡國新在擔任紐英崙中華公所主席期間,是多麼忠貞的中華民國之友。

星期日, 11月 25, 2018

波士頓華埠社區議會改選 225人投票 7名議員同額當選

選舉結束後,部分議員合影。前左起,陳文浩,梅伍銀寬,梅麗梨,
李有香,陳灼鋆,後排左起,李洪文,雷國輝。(梅氏公所提供)
               (Boston Orange 周菊子整理報導) 波士頓華埠/南灣社區議會 (CNC)的年度改選,甫於今(25)5點結束,共有225人出席投票,7名候選人同額當選。
               選舉結果,競選連任,以居民身分參選的紐英崙梅氏公所主席梅麗梨,以最高票數當選,共得200票。
梅氏公所成員出席投票,支持公所主席梅麗梨競選連任。
(梅氏公所提供)
               根據波士頓華埠社區議會的開票結果,各類別候選人及得票數依序為,居民類,梅麗梨200票,李有香149票,伍嘉輝130票。機構類,雷國輝得182票。其他類,周慶玲146票,張良125票,商戶類,周樹昂145票。
               梅氏公所成員為支持梅麗梨,成群結伴的出席投票,其中甚至包括梅炳鈿,梅伍銀寬,梅國治,梅宇國,梅凱生,梅少彬等該公所多名歷屆主席。
               改選塵埃落定後,共有21名議員的波士頓華埠社區議會,將於新年度首次出現夫妻檔。已在位多年的李洪文和在華人醫務中心服務的新科議員周慶玲這對夫婦,將同台議事。
               在新當選的7名議員之外,將繼續服務的其他14名議員為余麗媖,曾雪清,阮鴻燦,黃競雄,游誠康,梅沛傑,梅伍銀寬,陳文浩,陳灼鋆,李洪文,陳魯誠,司徒文信,John Leung,鄺炎彬。
                         波士頓華埠社區議會的下一次會議,將於12月17日晚在紐英崙中華公所會議廳舉行。


小心詐騙 微信語音也能克隆


               (Boston Orange 綜合報導) 微信語音現在也能克隆,收到親朋好友微信語音要求借錢、轉帳,千萬別輕易相信,最好另以電話或互動視頻核實。
             中國科協科普工作官方微平台在1125日發佈緊急提醒文稿,指出微信新騙局:連微信語音都能克隆!已有多人中招。
             網易視頻的一段社會透明度” (https://3g.163.com/v/video/VM0FHST64.html),也提示耳聽不為實,微信語音能克隆
               波士頓華商會獲悉此事後,也轉發網易視頻,提醒會員,親友,小心山寨微信語音克隆可能詐欺。
             近年來詐騙案層出不窮,向接電話者冒充中領館人員,家人,同學,好友,編造各種理由來騙錢的事,似乎還沒退流行,仍不斷有人被騙之際,早從2015年起就發生過的微信克隆詐騙,在今年2月又被阿里安全實驗室指出微信克隆漏洞,壞人只要發一條消息,就可完整克隆受害者的微信帳號,並實現微信錢包支付和竊取隱私信息的操控。
騰訊在接獲阿里安全獵戶座實驗室和潘多拉實驗室通知後,立即緊急發佈了6.6.3版本,呼籲用戶更新。
不過,後來發生的微信詐騙,竟是因為微信語音被克隆了。受騙者聽到自己熟悉的親友聲音,又有著微信語音無法複製,轉傳的印象,於是上當了。
網上已出現多宗微信語音詐騙個案,包括一名趙姓女子,從微信語音中聽到爸爸的聲音,要求轉帳,以便在超市購物,不疑有他,就立即轉帳二百元,回到家和爸爸談起,才知道受騙了。一名滄州王姓女士則是經由語音,認為確實是同學,借的錢又不多,就被騙了。
人民日報在關於董女士被假的父親語音所騙這則文稿中指出,有媒體調查發現,網上流傳有不少被稱為多開唯信增強版微信的軟件,付費後就能解鎖這些語音信息轉發一鍵克隆朋友圈等用於犯罪的功能,甚至不用添加好友,也能克隆。
人民日報說騰訊的工作人員表示,這些聲稱可轉發語音的軟件,都是微信的外掛軟件,不但侵犯微信的軟件著作權,也藏有木馬等安全風險。網上流行的山寨版微信,功能強大,危險性更大。
相關單位提醒微信防範詐騙,遇有借錢等事宜,最好透過電話等其他方式確認,另外應養成設置好友備註的習慣,以辨別克隆好友,還要避免QQ和微信互相關聯,一旦發現微信帳號被盜,要及時凍結(winxin110.qq.com),並通知其他好友別上當。

星期四, 11月 22, 2018

波士頓正體漢字文化節 鼓勵多管道學習

波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉和陳燕貞會長(右二)3位評審,馮文鸞
(右一)、吳萍萍(左二)、陳盈靜(左一)合照留念。(僑教中心提供)


(Boston Orange) 1117日在波士頓僑教中心舉行的2018年「波士頓地區正體漢字文化節」,共有10餘所中文學校,200多名學生參加。正體字抄寫比賽中、高年級組,勒星頓中文學校學生第一名,低年級組文誠及牛頓中文學校第一名。
今年的「波士頓地區正體漢字文化節」系列活動,由中華民國僑務委員會贊助,新英格蘭中文學校協會主辦,有正體字抄寫比賽及朗誦比賽,希望透過多元有趣方式,提高學生學習正體中文的興趣。
新英格蘭中文學協會會長陳燕貞頒發獎狀給獲得優勝的學生,
並合影留念。(僑教中心提供)
波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉在會中致詞,感謝新英格蘭中文學校協會會長陳燕貞長期致力推廣正體漢字,發揚中華文化。他也讚許參賽學生的努力,特別強調參賽就已經優秀,所有學生都是優勝者。
活動中的朗誦比賽以指定題目方式進行,低年級組朗讀《小元元 做湯圓》,中年級組朗讀名作《念奴》,高年組朗讀余光中江湖》。每名參賽學生朗讀時都聲情並茂、十分動聽,評委老師和觀眾紛紛報以熱烈掌聲。
正體字抄寫比賽部分,勒星頓中文學校參賽學生分別獲得中年級及高年級組的第一名,文誠中文學校和牛頓中文學校的同學,得到低年級組第一名。

波士頓華埠社區議會2018年訂11月25日改選 7議員將同額當選

波士頓華埠社區議會2017年議員,前排左起,梅伍銀寬,李麗嫦,陳魯誠,後排左起,雷國輝,游誠康,黃競雄,余麗媖,陳文浩,陳灼鋆,李洪文,周樹昂,梅麗哩,梅沛傑。(周菊子攝,檔案照片)




                         (Boston Orange 周菊子整理報導) 波士頓/南灣華埠社區議會 (CNC)將於1125(週日)辦理年度議員改選。由於應選7人,而參選人數也是7名,無論投票結果如何,都將同額當選。
凡年滿16歲,住在麻州的華人,1125日當天的早上9點至下午5點,都可到波士頓華埠,夏利臣街(Harrison Ave.)的桑坦德銀行(Santander)投票。
            根據華埠社區議會印製的選票樣本,七名候選人分別為居民類的李有香,梅麗梨,伍嘉輝,機構類的雷國輝,其他類的周慶玲,張良,以及商戶類的周樹昂。
            其中的李有香,梅麗梨,雷國輝,周樹昂為競選連任,伍嘉輝,周慶玲及張良為新人。
任期屆滿不再競選連任的議員有四人,分別為Raymond Ptau、李麗嫦及陳偉民,以及鄺炎彬。
華埠社區議會成立於1980年代,是一個波士頓市政府認可,已有三十多年歷史的社區組織,共有機構,商戶,組織,居民及其他等5個類別的議員共21人,每年改選7人,各自任期3年,每年一月改選下一屆議會主席。 
2015年有八名議員同額當選,分別為雷國輝,周樹昂,李有香,李麗嫦,陳偉民,其他類的梅麗梨,居民類的Raymond Ptay,商戶類鄺炎彬。
2016年當選的七名議員為團體類的余麗媖,鄺炎彬,機構類的曾雪清,其他類的阮鴻燦,居民類的黃競雄,游誠康,商戶類的梅沛傑。
2017年當選的七名議員為當年競選連任的梅伍銀寬,陳文浩,陳灼鋆,李洪文,陳魯,以及波士頓華埠退伍軍人會前會長司徒文信,塔芙茨醫療中心醫師John Leung
華埠社區議會的議員改選,今年將是第四度同額當選。華埠社區議會如何加強和華埠社區民眾及機構的互動,提高民眾關心,參與意願,將是波士頓華埠社區議會新年度的一大挑戰。

海外華人企業家聯合會第19屆年會 從中美貿易戰談起

海外華人企業家聯合會舉行第19屆年會。(周菊子攝)
(Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導) 海外華人企業家聯合會(OCEAN)日前在達娜法伯癌症研究所(Dana-Farber Cancer Institute)舉行第19屆年會,並以潮起潮落,華人創業與之共舞為主題,安排七場嘉賓演講,彰顯隆重。
海外華人企業家聯合會主席盧山談中國疫苗事件。(周菊子攝)
會議開場先由新接主席職位的麻州大學醫學院教授盧山,和該會顧問,金門超市總經理胡運炤博士一起,頒發顧問證書給曾任該會主席的波士頓應用科技及IOptron等公司創辦人蔣華。卸任主席蘇壯因人在中國,當天未克出席。                                            2016年當選會長並連任迄今的會場楊洪芳和該會企業管理培訓班講師,麻州大學市場行銷學教授劉瑞明分別主持當天的七場講座。
楊洪芳主持的上半場講座,有易聯資本創始人兼CEO侯玉東談中美貿易之爭下的創業環境,曾是OCEAN企管班學員的建築弱電系統工程公司創辦人暨總裁杜堅談跨界創業的生存策略2016年才獲得國家過敏和傳染病研究所1700餘萬元撥款,帶隊在人體上做第二期愛滋病疫苗研究的麻州大學醫學院教授盧山談中國疫苗事件及其影響
海外華人企業家聯合會會長楊洪芳主持第19屆年會。(周菊子攝)
劉瑞明主持的下半場講座,有移民律師余輝談時代工作及移民簽證的變化及其對創業的影響,中關村波士頓區塊鍊創新中心總監蔣紅波談區塊練技術和家密經濟的炒作和真相,美國普克藥業創辦人暨執行長郭大海談01,建立一個世界級的製藥企業,以及根據OCEAN年會場刊英文部分介紹,在美國的Pan Pacific Holdings GroupMiami Palm Investment Group擔任執行主管,個人擁有71.4億美元基金的萬穎談數字化歐洲-藝術品或壁畫重塑歐洲文明價值
易聯資本創始人兼CEO侯玉東談中美貿易之爭下的創業環境”。
(周菊子攝)
侯玉東在會中指出,中美貿易戰有如下圍棋,會影響未來廿,三十年的全球政治,經濟格局。由於貿易戰背後是金融,和政府財政赤字,債務危機,外匯儲備不足,本國貨幣大幅貶值等,都會是導致經濟危機的因素。他指出,在創業投資上,中美兩國的創投資金及私募基金投資最多的領域是消費服務,科技,生物技術及醫療健康等。前幾年的創投資金投資熱點是虛擬現實和人工智慧,2018年則是區塊鏈和網路安全。生物技術領域則是一直都很熱,美國每年大概有800家生物科技企業需要融資,中國估計有2000家。
建築弱電系統工程公司創辦人暨總裁杜堅談跨界創業的
生存策略
”。
(周菊子攝)
杜堅指出,企業執行長最重要的兩個任務是爭取銷售更多,營利更高的企業成長,以及聘用並保持一個有競爭力的團隊。他自己當初創業就因此從技術導向轉為服務導向的企業模式。他還以自己的親身經驗提醒創業者,要從開始就注意讓利促銷,為他人著想,與人合作時,要有專業精神,堅守誠信,不要嫌起點低,要放長眼光,做好風控。
海外華人企業家聯合會舉行第19屆年會出席踴躍。(周菊子攝)
盧山從2018年的長生生物科技違規生產凍乾人用狂犬病疫苗說起,指中國藥企近年發展迅速,其中利潤增長最快的是疫苗和化學原料藥,疫苗相關弊案也從2010年中國經濟時報報導的山西疫苗亂象調查開始,一而再,再而三的發生。這類消息以往因為不要妖魔化國產企業的要求,並未廣泛傳播,但新媒體崛起後,以獸爺為名的自媒體一篇 疫苗之王長文,引發連鎖反應,連中國中央政府都出面關注。本身是疫苗專家的盧山,在講談中還特地比較了中美疫苗事件的處理及管理。
演講部分結束後,OCEAN還把演講會場改成晚宴會場,邀出席者聚餐,欣賞小提琴演奏,OCEAN會員演唱歌劇等等表演。劉瑞明會後還填詞一首滿庭芳,聊以誌慶。
2017107日在哈佛醫學院舉辦年會,2018331日在麻州屋本市West Cummings Park舉辦換屆選舉及春季講座,20181110日在達娜法伯癌症研究所舉辦年會。查詢OCEAN概況,可上官網http://www.oceanusa.org。(圖片已於11月16日發表)


麻州開始合法賣大麻 兩家店首日營業額44萬元


(Boston Orange 編譯) 麻州合法銷售大麻的第一天,2家店就賣出44萬元。
麻州大麻控制委員會(Cannabis Control Commission)21日下午公佈了相關數據。
2家大麻店第一天開張,賣出的貨物包括大麻花,濃縮罐,預捲節,注射含有四氫大麻酚,這大麻中可提神主要成分的可食用品等等,不下10,700種。
包括來自6.25%的銷售稅,以及10.75%的大麻消費稅,麻州政府估計可從這第一天的銷售額,得到74,800元收入。
這兩家大麻店所在的Leicester Northampton,各自另徵收了3%的地方銷售稅。
有關當局拒絕透露每家店的更詳細營業收入數據,兩市鎮個消瘦了多少大麻,因此不得而知。
位於北安普頓(Northampton)New England Treatment Access (NETA),早前表示20日服務了2000名客戶。在LeicesterCultivate則表示約有1000名客戶。兩家店在感恩節這天都將休業,週五再繼續開門營業。
Cultivate董事長Sam Barber表示,該公司團隊為銷售產品已籌備兩年,這首兩天的銷售成績很讓人欣喜。
NETA的政府事務主任Norton Arbelaez表示,真是非常非常成功的第一天,無論是銷售總額,各種軟體系統運作,企業流程都很順利。
他說,空氣中似乎有點魔術的味道,在正式開業的第一天,依然有人排隊,但營運速度快了20%。他也透露從購買者的身分證來看,有來自康州,紐約州,佛蒙特州,甚至賓州的人。
為了合法的在麻州買大麻,有些人甚至不惜排隊3個小時。

星期三, 11月 21, 2018

波士頓市提醒市民注意風雪 安全過感恩節


Winter Preparedness Press Conference

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Utilities Will Adopt Comprehensive Pipeline Safety Management Standards

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Utilities Will Adopt Comprehensive Pipeline Safety Management Standards
Massachusetts Becomes First State in Nation to Fully Adopt Federally Recommended Management System

BOSTON – As part of efforts to ensure the safety of the Commonwealth’s natural gas distribution system, the Baker-Polito Administration today announced that the Northeast Gas Association (NGA) has committed to adopting a Pipeline Safety Management System, the American Petroleum Institute’s (API) Recommended Practice 1173. This marks the first time an entire state has committed to Recommend Practices 1173, which was developed in the aftermath of high-profile natural gas incidents like the San Bruno gas disaster in 2010. After the gas explosions in the Merrimack Valley on September 13th, the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) requested that all natural gas companies adopt these comprehensive standards and review their safety protocols, including an examination of the feasibility of implementing a safety management system.

“Our administration is pleased that the Northeast Gas Association has complied with the DPU’s request to adopt the nation’s first statewide Pipeline Safety Management System to ensure the safety of our communities,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are proud to work with the Northeast Gas Association and its members to ensure that a culture of safety is in place at every level of utility business operations, and that the best possible policies and oversight are in place to protect public safety.”

The purpose of the Safety Management System is to help pipeline operators create a framework for developing a comprehensive, process-oriented approach to safety, emphasizing continual assessment and improvement. Backed by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), the Safety Management System is not a singular rule or requirement, but rather a formal business approach to managing safety risks that includes a commitment from management and organizational structures, policies, and procedures. The NGA’s adoption of these standards in the Commonwealth exceed federal requirements for pipeline safety set by the NTSB and PHMSA, and this organizational change will promote increased safety by identifying and mitigating safety risks and continuously assessing processes to improve safety performance.

“One of the goals of adopting the Safety Management System is to change the culture of safety by moving away from being reactive and becoming proactive and predictive on safety issues,” said Department of Public Utilities Chair Angela O’Connor. “The Department of Public Utilities looks forward to working with the natural gas distribution companies to fully implement this system, and to continually reassess whether the right protocols are in place to ensure the safety of our pipeline system.”

Implementation of the Safety Management System will include safety culture training of all employees and leadership, analysis and management of pipeline safety risks, implementation of better operational controls of the pipeline system and use of contractors, development of a plan for stakeholder engagement regarding safety risks, creation of a process to investigate incidents and near-misses and implement corrective actions, development of effective emergency preparedness and response procedures, development of an oversight system to continually improve the Safety Management System, and improvement of record keeping, among other actions.

“The Northeast Gas Association, representing all the natural gas distribution companies operating in Massachusetts, wishes to convey to the Commonwealth that the natural gas distribution companies are committed to working continuously and actively to implement Pipeline Safety Management Systems (PSMS), the ANSI/API Recommended Practice 1173, or RP 1173,” said Northeast Gas Association President, Thomas Kiley.

The Northeast Gas Association is a regional trade association, of which all of Massachusetts’ natural gas companies (Berkshire Gas, Blackstone Gas, Columbia Gas, Eversource Energy, Liberty Utilities, National Grid, and Unitil) are members.  NGA focuses on education and training, technology research and development, operations, planning and increasing public awareness of natural gas in the Northeast United States.

In addition to Safety Management System adoption, the Baker-Polito Administration filed legislation that will ensure continued public safety by requiring natural gas work in the Commonwealth to be reviewed and approved a by a licensed professional engineer.

In an effort to promote public safety following the incident in the Merrimack Valley, the Department of Public Utilities ordered both Columbia Gas and National Grid to impose a moratorium on all work, except for emergency and compliance work, across the companies’ entire service territory. Additionally, the Department of Public Utilities recently announced the selection of Dynamic Risk Assessment Systems, Inc. to conduct an independent statewide examination of the safety of the natural gas distribution system and the operational and maintenance functions of natural gas companies in the Commonwealth. The review is intended to assess, out of an abundance of caution, the current safety of pipeline infrastructure throughout the Commonwealth.