Specialized Technology Resources Responsible Sourcing (STR RS), a leading global provider of ethical sourcing consulting services, is offering a series of training seminars to help companies manage the reporting rules set forth by the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act. Businesses will soon need to publish any efforts they have undertaken to eradicate Slavery and Human Trafficking - including disclosure on whether they provide relevant training support to direct supply chain staff.

STR RS' Road Show Seminar Series on SB 657 and Modern Day Slavery and Human Trafficking, which is being held across the U.S., is designed to help businesses prepare for the new training disclosure requirements. Attendees will receive pointers on how to evaluate the risk of slavery and trafficking in today's global supply chain, and take an in-depth look at best practices in mitigating these pervasive problems. The three-hour dynamic seminar will include pragmatic case studies and interactive exercises to help attendees better understand the key concerns, and begin implementing systems to address this serious issue.

"Companies need to be prepared to disclose their efforts to eradicate slavery and human trafficking from their supply chains," said Rachelle Jackson, Director of Research & Development for STR Responsible Sourcing. "This is a big job and companies that do business in California or sell to a buyer that the Act applies to need to begin preparing now."

The seminars will be offered:
New York - May 10, 2011
Boston - May 11, 2011
Chicago - May 20, 2011
Seattle - June 7, 2011
San Francisco - June 8, 2011
Los Angeles - June 14, 2011
Miami - TBD
Dallas - TBD

Visit www.STRQuality.com to view the specific time and location for each seminar and to register. The fee is $150 per person.

STR Responsible Sourcing's "Act Now" program offers services to companies in the five areas mandated by the Act related to slavery and human trafficking. This includes:

• Third Party Verification of Supply Chains - STR RS provides customized supply chain mapping and comprehensive risk services to identify existing risks related to human trafficking, slavery and other labor issues, such as child and migrant labor.
  
• Independent and Unannounced Audits of Suppliers - With nearly 20 years of social auditing experience, STR RS can help companies ensure that suppliers comply with local and international laws on slavery and human trafficking, including assessments of supplier recruitment processes.
  
• Supplier Certification of Legal Compliance - STR RS can help companies establish a certification mechanism for direct suppliers to ensure that components incorporated into a company's product comply with country laws on slavery and human trafficking.
  
• Internal Accountability Standards and Procedures for Employees and Contractors - To assess the robustness of internal policies and procedures related to human trafficking, STR RS conducts in-depth systems gap analysis and makes recommendations for compliance. STR RS also provides support in policy development.
  
• Training on Human Trafficking and Slavery for Company Employees and Management With Direct Responsibility for Supply Chain Management - STR RS offers comprehensive training on the risk of forced labor and human trafficking in supply chains, which can be delivered in person or via the web in over 30 languages.

About the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act
Under the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act, which goes into effect on January 1, 2012, retail sellers and manufacturers with annual worldwide gross receipts over $100 million who do business in California must publicly disclose their efforts to eradicate slavery and human trafficking from their direct supply chains. Over 3,000 companies will be affected by the Act, which includes mandated five areas be addressed: third-party supply chain verification, independent and unannounced supplier audits, supplier certification of legal compliance, internal accountability standards, staff training on forced labor and human trafficking.

About STR Responsible Sourcing
STR Responsible Sourcing is a leading provider of corporate responsibility auditing and consulting services, which include monitoring, training, research, and program development. STR RS is a business within Specialized Technology Resources' Quality Assurance Division, which was founded in 1944. STR RS has offices in over 30 countries across five continents, and the reach to provide audit services in over 140 countries around the world. Visit STR at www.STRQuality.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the Company's results of operation, financial position and long-term strategy. These forward-looking statements are based on current information and expectations, and are subject to risks and uncertainties discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from expected results. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement contained in this release, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

UL

UL

UL is a leading global provider of corporate responsibility auditing and ethical sourcing consulting services, which include monitoring, training, research, and program development. With offices in over 30 countries across five continents, UL Responsible Sourcing has the reach to provide audit services in over 140 countries around the world. UL is part of UL Verification Services, a business unit of UL (Underwriters Laboratories). Additional information about UL may be found at www.strquality.com

More from UL