Sport news

South Texas energy partner, CPL, plugs into family fun at the ballpark

CPL Retail Energy was welcomed as the newest member of the team by United League Baseball’s Harlingen WhiteWings, Edinburg Coyotes, and Laredo Broncos Friday, marking the South Texas energy partner’s League sponsorship this season.

Team jerseys were presented to CPL Retail Energy’s Vice President and General Manager, Jim Steffes, who visited Harlingen Field and Veterans Field to catch some of the teams’ Spring Training as the ULB gets ready to kick off the 2008 season next week.

“The ULB, and the Broncos, WhiteWings and Coyotes in particular, have a strong focus on bringing high-caliber, professional baseball to Laredo, Harlingen and Edinburg in a package that’s fan- and fun-friendly for residents and visitors to that community,” said Steffes. “It was an easy call for CPL to sign on as a supporter of that effort this season — that philosophy closely mirrors our focus on marrying the strength of our global presence and knowledge with our ongoing efforts on being a true community partner where our customers and employees live and work. We look forward to working with the ULB, a great organization that’s bringing family fun to South Texas this summer.”

As part of the agreement, CPL Retail Energy will host both customer appreciation and title nights with the three teams:

– Edinburg Coyotes — June 3rd title night; July 23rd CPL customer
appreciation night
– Harlingen WhiteWings — June 14th title night; July 23rd CPL customer
appreciation night
– Laredo Broncos — June 17th title night; August 2nd CPL customer
appreciation night
“The teams that make up the United League Baseball need the assistance of community-minded organizations to help sponsor and support our continued growth and fan base in South Texas,” said Craig Brasfield, ULB President and Executive General Manager. “CPL has been helping make community connections in South Texas for decades, and we’re proud to have them join our team as we get set to kick off the 2008 season next week.”

The ULB opens its 2008 schedule on May 13th when Harlingen visits the League’s defending champions in Alexandria, Louisiana, for a 2007 Championship Series rematch; both Laredo and Edinburg will host their home openers that evening as well. The 2008 regular season schedule will be 90 games, ending on August 17th, and new to this year’s format is an expanded post-season schedule, which includes two rounds of playoff action, allowing four teams to compete for the League crown.

Coinciding with Friday’s announcement, CPL Retail Energy has launched its new in-market campaign Connections, highlighting the company’s long-standing presence in the community and focus on making connections between itself and its customers, and between the many people and communities that make up the unique vibe of South Texas.

About United League Baseball

United League Baseball is an independent league of six professional baseball teams located in Texas and Louisiana. The United League is preparing for its third season this summer with teams located in Amarillo, Edinburg, Laredo, Harlingen, and San Angelo, Texas; and Alexandria, Louisiana. Opening Day for all of United League Baseball is May 13, 2008. Please visit http://www.unitedleague.org/ for further information.

About CPL Retail Energy, a Direct Energy company

CPL Retail Energy and Direct Energy are part of the Centrica group of companies, one of the largest multi-state providers of retail energy services in North America. The North American operations have grown to more than 5 million residential and commercial customer relationships. Through its Direct Energy, CPL Retail Energy, and WTU Retail Energy brands, the company is the third largest retail energy provider in Texas, and owns a series of energy-related services companies. The company also offers comprehensive energy solutions to more than 60,000 businesses across North America. Globally, the Centrica group of companies is a leading provider of energy and other essential services with approximately 32 million customer relationships. For more information, please visit http://www.cplretailenergy.com/.

Source: CPL Retail Energy

Web site: http://www.cplretailenergy.com/
http://www.unitedleague.org/

Utah Jazz All-Star Power Forward, Carlos Boozer, and on-line retailer, Overstock.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:OSTK) announced today that they have entered a four-year agreement that will remain active through April 2012 and includes Boozer making appearances on behalf of Overstock.com.

The collegiate and NBA basketball star and current U.S. Olympian, known for his affable personality, is also the co-founder, along with his wife, Cindy, of Boozer’s Buddies, a non-profit organization that supports the research and treatment of Sickle Cell Anemia, and provides information and a support system for the families who are affected by it. Partnering with Boozer on his charitable initiatives furthers Overstock.com’s longstanding record of funding charitable causes in Utah and throughout the nation. Other non-profit companies to which Overstock.com currently lends support to include the Girl Scouts, U.S. Armed Forces blood bank, Bringing Hope Foundation, and Operation Give.

“Carlos and Cindy share the same values and ideals as Overstock.com, and their commitment to these values is admirably demonstrated by their charitable organization. They are also both avid online shoppers, as they need to supply an ‘overstocked’ home with all the necessary products to raise three young boys. All of these factors make this relationship a great fit. It will highlight that Utah is home to Overstock.com, Carlos, and Boozer’s Buddies. Together we can help a lot of people in the years to come,” said Overstock.com chairman and CEO Patrick Byrne, who has been especially eager to further disease research since he cycled across the country in connection with the Pan Mass Challenge and helped raise record-breaking funds for cancer research.

“Overstock.com and Patrick Byrne have a track record of offering socially responsible products, and for reaching out to people who need help. I am really excited to work with such a great company. I look forward to building Overstock.com’s presence in the product and consumer marketplace, and building awareness and support for Boozer’s Buddies at the same time,” said Boozer.

About Overstock.com

Overstock.com, Inc. is an online retailer offering brand-name merchandise at discount prices. The company offers its customers an opportunity to shop for bargains conveniently, while offering its suppliers an alternative inventory distribution channel. Overstock.com, headquartered in Salt Lake City, is a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ Global Market System and can be found online at http://www.overstock.com/.

Overstock.com(R) is a registered trademark of Overstock.com, Inc.

Source: Overstock.com, Inc.

Web site: http://www.overstock.com/

Program Empowers and Educates Kidney Cancer Community to Effectively Manage Disease

In response to the increasing incidence of kidney cancer in the United States,(1) Major League Baseball (MLB) Hall-of-Fame pitcher and advanced kidney cancer survivor, Don Sutton, has teamed up with the Kidney Cancer Association, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals and Onyx Pharmaceuticals to launch the Stay In The Game(TM) kidney cancer awareness program. Stay In The Game is an educational program that empowers people affected by kidney cancer to seek support, resources and information that can help them build and stay with a treatment plan. Over the past few years, new therapies have transformed the treatment of kidney cancer, allowing patients to manage their disease more effectively.

Stay In The Game is inspired by Don Sutton’s personal quest to continue leading a productive life as an advanced kidney cancer survivor. Stay In The Game provides educational materials, an informational Web site (http://www.stayingame.com/) and personal appearances by Don to support and provide inspiration to patients and their loved ones. The program encourages kidney cancer patients to take a team approach by working closely with their healthcare professionals and loved ones to understand the latest treatment options and stick with a treatment plan to successfully fight their disease.

“Being diagnosed with cancer can be overwhelming and scary,” said Don. “As an advanced kidney cancer survivor, I’ve learned to stay positive, confident and persistent with my treatment plan, which has helped me manage my disease. Through Stay In The Game, I’m hoping to encourage other kidney cancer patients to take charge by finding the right support team and talking to their doctors about which treatment options are right for them.”

As an individual living with advanced kidney cancer, Don credits maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the knowledge of his healthcare team, cutting-edge medicine and the support of his family and friends for allowing him to continue to do the things he enjoys.

“Don’s story can inspire other kidney cancer patients and their loved ones to understand that today, more than ever, many people can stay in the game even with this diagnosis,” said Bill Bro, Chief Executive Officer, Kidney Cancer Association. “This program offers necessary and valuable support that helps families understand their treatment options and identify a team that can help them navigate the road ahead and stay on track with their individual treatment plan.”

There are approximately 208,000 people living with kidney cancer worldwide including 37,000 Americans. Each year more than 100,000 people globally, including 12,500 Americans, will die from the disease.(2) It is estimated that in 2008 there will be 54,390 new cases of kidney cancer in the United States.(3) Kidney cancer has been difficult to treat, however, new targeted cancer therapies have emerged that have changed the way physicians are able to manage advanced kidney cancer.

More information about the campaign — including resources on kidney cancer, details about Don and information about Don’s local appearances — can be found by visiting http://www.stayingame.com/.

About Stay In The Game(TM)

Stay In The Game(TM) is an awareness program designed to provide kidney cancer patients and their loved ones with information and resources to help them more effectively manage their disease. Major League Baseball Hall-of-Famer and advanced kidney cancer survivor, Don Sutton, serves as the national spokesperson for the program. Don and Keith Flaherty, M.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania, will kick off the program in New York. The program also includes appearances in Los Angeles and Atlanta, at MLB stadiums, where Don will speak about the campaign and honor kidney cancer patients and their families. For more information please visit http://www.stayingame.com/.

About Don Sutton

Don Sutton is a 63-year-old MLB Hall-of-Famer who is living with advanced kidney cancer. Don is sharing his story through the Stay In The Game program in order to provide inspiration and encouragement for others touched by the disease.

Don had a 23-year long MLB career and served as a pitcher for a number of teams, most notably for the Los Angeles Dodgers where he played for most of his career. He’s recognized for control, consistency and commitment — during his career, he never missed a game due to injury or illness. Don won a total of 324 games in his career and ranks eighth on baseball’s all-time strike out list. Don went to the World Series four times and is a four-time all-star player. He was elected into the Baseball Hall-of-Fame in 1998.

Don credits maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the support of his healthcare professionals and loved ones and cutting-edge medicine for allowing him to continue to lead a productive life. Don now works as a sports broadcaster for the Washington Nationals and lives in California with his wife and family.

About the Kidney Cancer Association

The Kidney Cancer Association is a global charitable organization supported by patients, family members, friends, physicians and other health professionals. It was founded in Chicago in 1990 by Eugene P. Schonfeld, PhD., a small group of patients, and their doctor. The Association funds, promotes, and collaborates with the National Cancer Institute, American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Urological Association, and other institutions and organizations on research projects. Its mission also includes patient and physician education and advocating on behalf of patient interests at the state and federal levels.

The American Cancer Society estimates there will be more than 54,000 new cases of kidney cancer in the United States and about 13,000 people will die from this disease. Kidney cancer is among the 10 most common cancers, affecting men more frequently than women. The incidence of kidney cancer has been rising slowly since the 1970s and death rates have remained fairly stable since the 1980s.

The Kidney Cancer Association has been designated as a tax exempt organization under Section 501(c) (3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service code. Donations to the Association are tax deductible. If you would like to learn more about this disease or to get involved please visit http://www.kidneycancer.org/ or call 1 (800) 516-8051.

About Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. is the U.S.-based pharmaceuticals unit of Bayer HealthCare LLC, a division of Bayer AG. One of the world’s leading, innovative companies in the healthcare and medical products industry, Bayer HealthCare combines the global activities of the Animal Health, Consumer Care, Diabetes Care, and Pharmaceuticals divisions. In the U.S., Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals comprises the following business units: Women’s Healthcare, Diagnostic Imaging, Specialized Therapeutics, Hematology/Cardiology and Oncology. The company’s aim is to discover and manufacture products that will improve human health worldwide by diagnosing, preventing and treating diseases.

About Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company committed to improving the lives of people with cancer by changing the way cancer is treated(TM). The company, in collaboration with Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is developing and marketing Nexavar(R), a small molecule drug. Nexavar is currently approved for the treatment of advanced kidney cancer and liver cancer. Additionally, Nexavar is being investigated in several ongoing trials in non-small cell lung, melanoma and breast cancers. For more information about Onyx, visit the company’s website at: http://www.onyx-pharm.com/.

Source: Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.; Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Web site: http://www.stayingame.com