AARP NY Calls on Governor Cuomo to Add Five-Point Nursing Home Reform Plan to NYS Budget Proposal

February 17, 2021

ALBANY, N.Y., Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — AARP New York today called on Governor Andrew Cuomo to include in his 2021-22 State Budget proposal a Five-Point Nursing Home Reform Plan to require minimum hours of direct care and increased staffing levels in nursing homes, ensure visitation and transparency, restore families’ legal recourse, and invest in cost-effective services that help New Yorkers remain at home.

AARP sent a letter to the Governor urging him to include the reforms in his 30-day Executive Budget amendments.

“The nursing home crisis is front and center in this State, as it should be; now, through the State Budget, is the time and way to end it,” said AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel. “We should not waste this golden opportunity to improve safety and conditions for our mothers, fathers, grandparents, spouses and other loved ones in New York’s nursing homes – and for the staff who care for them.”

The Five-Point Plan for nursing homes and other adult care facilities would address:

Quality Care, by requiring nursing homes to spend more on direct care and increase staffing levels; ensure strict compliance with infectious disease controls; and provide regular and ongoing testing, adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), and oversight through in-person access by formal advocates known as long-term care ombudsmen – including increasing staffing for the LTC Ombudsman program.
Retroactive Repeal of Legal Immunity, by no longer shielding long-term care facilities for any negligent care delivered earlier in pandemic. Pursuing legal action is not an easy thing to do, and no family member who has lost a loved one due to neglect or abuse pursues this course of action lightly. It is always an option of last resort and must remain an option for families.
Transparency, through requiring daily reporting of data on fatalities and infectious disease rates of staff and residents in all nursing homes and adult care facilities with a publicly available annual report to the Legislature.
Home-and Community-Based Services, by increasing State funding by $27 million to help New Yorkers remain in their own homes, as the vast majority want, and out of potentially unsafe nursing homes. This funding would help end waiting lists for over 10,000 people seeking these services, which support family caregivers in helping older loved ones avoid costlier, mostly taxpayer-funded nursing homes.
Visitation, by ensuring safe in-person and virtual visitation, including compassionate care visits, and thus addressing one of the biggest concerns AARP has heard from our members during the pandemic. Social interaction with family and friends is critical to the health and wellbeing of residents. In addition to the social connectivity and emotional support they provide, visitors are key members of the resident care team.

AARP New York also supports a package of nursing home reform legislation under consideration by the New York State Senate.

AARP New York recently joined with healthcare workers union 1199SEIU and nursing home consumer advocate The Long Term Care Community Coalition to urge minimum hours of care and other reforms in a letter to Governor Cuomo, State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.

“What has happened to our loved ones in nursing homes during the past 11 months is a tragedy,” added Finkel. “AARP New York stands ready to work with the Governor and Legislature to ensure it stops now and never happens again.”

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1440137/AARP_New_York_Logo.jpg

SOURCE AARP New York

Iconic Jalisco nature and culture inspire The Design Solution’s redesign of Guadalajara International Airport

February 17, 2021

LONDON and GUADALAJARA, Mexico, Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — With ambitions to create the ‘best airport in Mexico‘ at its home base in Guadalajara, Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico (GAP) plans to invest 10 billion Pesos (US$504m* see note) before 2026 in the development of Guadalajara Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport. The plan includes an additional runway and new terminal building as well as, in the short/mid-term, a radical new 6 billion Pesos (US$302m* see note) redesign of the commercial space in the existing building. The Design Solution has been appointed to deliver the redesign with the new space due to open on a phased basis over the next 2 years before being fully open in 2023.

The current terminal has benefited from numerous expansion projects since its opening in 1966 and today is a collection of airside zones, complex circulation patterns and architectural styles. The objective of the terminal redesign is to rationalise passenger flows, creating a series of engaging touchpoints along the passenger journey, from security to gate, with a visionary design that unifies the entire experience. The Design Solution has worked alongside the project’s commercial consultants, Pragma Consulting, in fulfilling the approved proposal.

The new plan optimises previously under-utilized space, creating a new vibrancy to the passenger experience with a significantly enlarged commercial zone. The two security areas are retained and passengers are now drawn towards the airside heart of the terminal, a newly revitalised area overlooking the apron, surrounded by a dynamic mix of retail, bars, restaurants, pop-up sites and other customer service facilities.

“Our first task was to rationalise the passenger flows through the terminal to create an intuitive route in the airside commercial area. With this approach, passengers have much more direct engagement with the greater exposure given to stores, restaurants, bars, pop-ups and seasonal event experiences” explains Graeme Johns, Director of the Design Solution. “It is always a challenge to transform older terminals that have evolved through piecemeal development, especially those that were predominantly assembled before commercial revenues became so important. These new designs will create a world class facility and passenger experience fitting for GAP’s ambitions to transform Guadalajara International Airport and to maximise its commercial potential.”

“Mexico is so rich in history, culture, craft and unique landscapes and so finding a special feature to tie the designs together was not difficult. Guadalajara is the heart of the Tequila and we were inspired by the shape of the harvested Agave plant used in the production of this iconic spirt, which is also one of the fastest growing categories in travel retail. Its unique form is evident throughout the decoration of the terminal, such as the decorative lighting grilles featured in the main walkways and in the food & beverage area.”

Raul Revuelta, Chief Executive Officer, Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico adds. “We first worked with The Design Solution at Sangster Montego Bay Airport in Jamaica, one of our other operated airports. Shortly after, we appointed them to work at Los Cabos airport in Mexico and now on to Guadalajara. We have worked together as a team over many months to create something we believe will transform the terminal, both in terms of bringing passengers the best travel experience as well as growing our commercial offer. In the core airside commercial area, we currently have 5,700 sq m and that will increase to 7,250 sq m. The pandemic inevitably means the implementation of our ambitious plans will likely take longer than originally hoped but we look forward to a phased approach to achieving this vision.”

A key area of the redesign is centred on a flat roof canopy, located outside the centre of the terminal building, over an expanded baggage area. The proposal is to transform this into a signature feature of the terminal, with an external garden terrace, surrounding an Agave-inspired architectural shade pod, offering casual seating, planting and a unique eating and drinking destination. The ambience of this garden has also inspired the character of the indoor food & beverage zone and is further reflected in the outside feel that is brought inside to the gate seating areas. Heavily planted areas include trees to complement the minimalistic concrete benches with low level under-lighting, combining to create a light, contemporary and natural landscape look and feel. The exterior aesthetic is further enhanced with the application of resin-bound aggregate floor finishes and warm natural materials.

A large rotunda space is introduced directly after the wall-through duty free store, enabling passengers to pause, orientate themselves, check flight information and then plan how to spend their time before heading to the gate. A large aura formation of pendant lights, made from Peltra, a Mexican porcelain enamel, designed by local contemporary design agency Bandido Studio in Puebla, is suspended within the space, creating a striking statement with a strongly local sense of place.

Beside agave cultivation, Tequila and Mezcal production, Guadalajara is home to Mexico’s thriving software industry, known worldwide as Mexico’s Silicon Valley. The airport is the country’s third largest airport, handling almost 15m passengers in 2019. The new development will increase capacity to 30m passengers per year, an increase of 60% more flights. Pre-pandemic passenger growth was double-digit and the airport anticipates a return to growth in due course. ENDS

Note: US$ amounts quoted in 1^st paragraph are approximate due to US dollar exchange rate on the date of publication and also according to the peso exchange rate on the date of investment approval.

NOTES TO EDITORS

About The Design Solution

The Design Solution is a London based retail architecture and design practice with a strong specialism in the $70bn+ travel retail industry. The practice has over 30 years’ experience in developing world-class retail solutions for airports, rail, motorways and other retail destinations all over the world together with compelling merchandising and experiential designs for brands.

About Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico

Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico, S.A.B. of C.V. (GAP) is a Mexican company that develops its activity in the airport sector. GAP operates 12 international airports in Mexico and two in Jamaica, serving more than 330 destinations, through 35 airlines. Its shares are listed on the stock exchanges of Mexico and New York.

In 2020, GAP served 27.3 million passengers, achieving a 56% recovery compared to those served in 2019 (48.7 million passengers).

The airports managed by Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico are located at:

Guadalajara and Tijuana, serving the main metropolitan areas.
Mexicali, Hermosillo, Los Mochis, Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, and Morelia, serving medium-sized developing cities.
La Paz, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo and Montego Bay, serving some of the most important tourist destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean.
On October 10, 2018, GAP signed the concession contract with the government of Jamaica to operate, modernize and expand the Norman Manley International Airport (“KIN”) located in the city of Kingston.

The airports managed by GAP in Mexico are owned by the Mexican government and have been allocated in a 50-year concession starting in 1998, as part of a domestic initiative to privatize and improve the quality and security of the country’s airport services.

In Jamaica, the government owns the Montego Bay Airport and the concession granted for its operation is for a 30-year period, which will conclude on April 2033. The Kingston Airport was granted for a 25-year concession. GAP took control of the operation and administration this past October 2019.

Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico believes in the value of each individual and seeks to trigger his or her potential through education. Better-educated Mexicans will raise their quality of life and contribute towards the country’s development. GAP, in line with its business model and through its Foundation, is committed to be a factor of change. We work on two strategic pillars: work with the community, through the GAP Schools, and on training the airport community, with Community Training Centers.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1440076/Renders.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1440075/GAP_logo.jpg

SOURCE Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico

Domino’s® Raises More Than $13 Million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® and The Domino’s Village

February 17, 2021

The Domino's Village at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is expected to open its doors to patient families in spring 2023.

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Domino’s Pizza, Inc. (NYSE: DPZ), the largest pizza company in the world based on global retail sales, is proud to announce that its corporate and franchise-owned stores across the country joined forces to raise a recording-breaking $13 million to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in 2020.

The campaign follows the commitment Domino’s made in September 2020 to raise $100 million by 2030. As customers and team members were raising funds for a strong first year of the new commitment, preparations began to start construction on The Domino’s Village, a brand new patient housing facility for St. Jude families to call home while their children receive lifesaving care for childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The Domino’s Village is expected to open its doors in spring 2023. To hear from patient families on the impact of housing at St. Jude, watch this brand-new video on The Domino’s Village: http://bit.ly/The-Dominos-Village.

More than $10.2 million of the funds came from generous donors during the annual St. Jude Thanks and Giving^® campaign. The campaign, which ran for 11 weeks starting on Oct. 19, 2020, through Jan. 3, 2021, was the 17th consecutive St. Jude Thanks and Giving. Domino’s has participated in the campaign since the inaugural year. Prior to the 2020 campaign, Domino’s offered the opportunity for customers to round up their order total and donate the change to benefit St. Jude. This year, the round up totaled more than $2.8 million.

“During a particularly challenging year, I am in awe of the generosity of our brand’s customers during the annual St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign,” said Ritch Allison, Domino’s CEO. “The record number of funds raised in stores this year speaks volumes about not only the dedication of Domino’s team members and customers, but also the groundbreaking work done by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.”

Domino’s $100 million pledge is the largest corporate commitment in the history of St. Jude. The Domino’s Village will be a home away from home for patient families who are referred to St. Jude from all over the world, offering them enjoyable living, dining and play spaces.

St. Jude treats children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases around the globe. Discoveries made at St. Jude are shared freely so every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists can use that knowledge to save thousands more children around the world. In addition to housing and food, St. Jude offers an on-site education and numerous other services for patients and their families, who never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a parent should worry about is helping their child live.

About Domino’s Pizza^®

Founded in 1960, Domino’s Pizza is the largest pizza company in the world based on retail sales. It ranks among the world’s top restaurant brands with a global enterprise of more than 17,200 stores in over 90 markets. Domino’s had global retail sales of more than $14.3 billion in 2019, with over $7.0 billion in the U.S. and nearly $7.3 billion internationally. In the third quarter of 2020, Domino’s had global retail sales of more than $3.7 billion, with over $1.9 billion in the U.S. and nearly $1.8 billion internationally. Its system is comprised of independent franchise owners who accounted for 98% of Domino’s stores as of the end of the third quarter of 2020. Emphasis on technology innovation helped Domino’s achieve more than half of all global retail sales in 2019 from digital channels. In the U.S., Domino’s generated more than 65% of sales in 2019 via digital channels and has developed several innovative ordering platforms, including those for Google Home, Facebook Messenger, Apple Watch, Amazon Echo, Twitter and more. In 2019, Domino’s announced a partnership with Nuro to further its exploration and testing of autonomous pizza delivery. In mid-2020, Domino’s launched a new way to order contactless carryout nationwide – via Domino’s Carside Delivery™, which customers can choose when placing a prepaid online order.

Order – dominos.com
Company Info – biz.dominos.com
Media Assets – media.dominos.com

Please visit our Investor Relations website at biz.dominos.com to view news, announcements, earnings releases, investor presentations and conference webcasts.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^®

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.^® It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to more than 80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude won’t stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude freely shares the discoveries it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and subscribing to its YouTube channel.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1439455/The_Domino_s_Village___Second_St.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/330435/dominos_pizza_new_logo.jpg

SOURCE Domino’s Pizza, Inc.

Nelson de los Santos’s new book Cuba 1940-2000: Reseña Histórica exposes the political machinations in Cuba that led to the rise of a dictatorial government

February 17, 2021

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla., Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The book Cuba 1940–2000: Reseña Histórica was created by Nelson de los Santos. Nelson de los Santos is an author who hails from Havana, Cuba. He worked for a security company; graduated from the Ana G. Méndez University System with an MBA; and currently lives in Deerfield, Beach Florida.

Nelson de los Santos said this about his book: “This book details the events in the period starting with the establishment of the Constitution of 1940. Free elections were held until 1948, continuing the democracy that began in 1902 that placed Cuba among the first countries in Latin America.

Fulgencio Batista’s coup on March 10, 1952 established a dictatorship that was fought by Fidel Castro, who developed an armed struggle to restore democracy, supported by the majority of the people.

On December 31, 1958, Batista fled to Santo Domingo as he had lost the war and left power to Castro, who in his first speeches promised freedom of the press and elections in eighteen months. But on February 7, he abolished constitutional rights and later nationalized the economy, establishing a Stalinist dictatorship to this day.”

Published by Page Publishing, Nelson de los Santos’s new book Cuba 1940–2000: Reseña Histórica presents a comprehensive account of the historical events transpiring within Cuba that greatly impacted the country’s politics, government, economy, and people.

Consumers who wish to learn about the intriguing power plays in Cuba that changed the nation’s state can purchase Cuba 1940–2000: Reseña Histórica in any bookstore or online at Apple iTunes, Amazon.com, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries, you can contact Page Publishing, through the following number: 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional full-service publishing house that handles all of the intricacies involved in publishing its authors’ books, including distribution in the world’s largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not bogged down with complicated business issues like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and the like. Its roster of authors can leave behind these tedious, complex, and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at www.pagepublishing.com.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1439317/Nelson_de_los_Santos.jpg

SOURCE Page Publishing

Gladys Vazquez’s New Book Calimba, A Riveting Tale Of A Team Of Astronauts’ Extraterrestrial Journey Hijacked By An Enigmatic Alien Host

February 17, 2021

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The book Calimba was created by Gladys Vazquez. Gladys is an author who was born in Loíza Aldea, Puerto Rico. She studied at the Andrés Flores López School and at the Catholic University of Guayama. She has two daughters.

Vazquez said this about her book: “In an attempt to bring electricity to another planet, astronauts did not realize that their ship was carrying a host that changed the lives of the inhabitants of the planet Borealis, becoming a rare adventure.”

Published by Page Publishing, Gladys Vazquez’s new book Calimba depicts a suspenseful adventure to outer space that takes an unprecedented turn involving a foreign host that impacts their expedition.

Consumers who wish to find excitement in space travel, action, and mystery can purchase Calimba online at Apple iTunes, Amazon.com, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries, you can contact Page Publishing, through the following number: 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1439338/Gladys_Vazquez.jpg

SOURCE Page Publishing

(Español) AméricaTeVé se une al pesar de familiares y televidentes por el deceso del popular presentador, actor y productor Fernando Hidalgo

February 16, 2021

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Fintech and NBWA Renew Industry-Leading Partnership

February 16, 2021

TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Financial Information Technologies, LLC (“Fintech”), the leading business solutions provider for the beverage alcohol industry, today announced a renewed strategic partnership with the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA), the leading voice for America’s 3,000 independent beer distributors. Together, Fintech and NBWA bring collaborative programs and resources to beer distributors across the country.

Since the relationship’s inception in 2014, Fintech and NBWA have significantly impacted the United States beer industry. In the last six and a half years, Fintech has welcomed nearly 150 NBWA members to its beverage alcohol management program and rebated hundreds of thousands of dollars to NBWA and its members. Fintech has also worked closely with Lester Jones, NBWA Chief Economist, to bring pivotal insights into beer industry data through Fintech’s InfoSource®, presenting the information through partnered content.

“For the last seven years Fintech has been an outstanding partner to NBWA, and I’m excited to see that relationship continue,” said NBWA President and CEO Craig Purser. “Fintech has been providing tremendous value to NBWA members for years, but that value was never more evident than during this past year. Their ability to help distributors execute safe, contactless commerce throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has been a huge help in keeping the supply chain moving forward.”

“We are honored to renew our partnership with NBWA. They’re a great organization, and they truly mirror our passion for providing cutting-edge resources to the beer industry,” said Tad Phelps, Chief Executive Officer of Fintech. “This relationship affords both Fintech and NBWA the opportunity to grow our networks and help distributors nationwide improve operational efficiencies and data insights.”

In addition to continued joint marketing efforts and participation in the NBWA Annual Convention, the new three-year agreement affords NBWA members a discount on annual Fintech support and maintenance fees. Additionally, this new contract doubles the existing growth rebate for eligible distributors as they grow their retailer network through Fintech.

About NBWA

The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) represents America’s 3,000 independent beer distributors who service every state, congressional district and media market across the country. Licensed at the federal and state levels, beer distributors get bottles, cans, cases and kegs from a brewer or importer to stores, restaurants and other licensed retail accounts through a transparent and accountable regulatory system. Distributors build brands of all sizes – from familiar domestic beers to new startup labels and imports from around the world – and generate enormous consumer choice while supporting more than 140,000 quality jobs in their home communities. Beer distributors work locally to keep communities safe by sponsoring programs to promote responsible consumption, combat drunk driving and reduce underage drinking.

About Fintech

Fintech is the leading business provider of affordable technology built to simplify beverage alcohol management for any business, of any size, that sells alcohol. We empower retailers, distributors, and suppliers by automating essential manual processes and data insights. With over 30 years of industry experience and unwavering dependability, Fintech delivers an immediate ROI to 635,000 business relationships nationwide by simplifying the day-to-day functions necessary to protect and grow alcohol margins. To learn more, visit www.fintech.com.

FINANCIAL-INFORMATION-TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. is the owner of the trademark FINTECH, the Stylized F Logo, and several other trademarks and service marks, many of which are registered at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The underlying software behind the services offered by FINANCIAL-INFORMATION-TECHNOLOGIES, LLC and content of this website are ©2020 FINANCIAL-INFORMATION-TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. All rights reserved.

Contact: Misha Hart, 800.572.0854 x 3827, [email protected]

Lauren Kane, 703.519.3097, [email protected]

Follow @Fintech & @NBWA on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/562037/Fintech_logo_with_tm_dk_bl.jpg

SOURCE Fintech

The Home Depot to Donate $1 Million to Support Campus Improvements at Historically Black Colleges and Universities

February 16, 2021

ATLANTA, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ – The Home Depot^® will contribute $1 million in grants to support campus improvements at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through its annual Retool Your School program, for which voting is now open. Established in 2009, the program has emphasized HBCUs’ vital role in the American higher education system. This year, the home improvement retailer is doubling its Retool Your School commitment to fund 30 projects, providing $20,000 to $75,000 grants per school.

HBCU students, alumni and advocates can vote for their favorite HBCUs through Twitter and Instagram using the school’s designated hashtag found at retoolyourschool.com or through the voting portal also on the website. There are three school clusters, based on student population, and the ten schools with the most votes per cluster will be awarded the campus improvement grants. Voting is unlimited and ends on March 15, 2021 at 11:59 a.m. EST.

“Since 2009, The Home Depot has continued to increase its investment in campus improvements for HBCUs,” said Derek Bottoms, chief diversity, equity & inclusion officer for The Home Depot. “In addition to other HBCU initiatives supported by The Home Depot over the years, we are doubling our Retool Your School commitment to $1 million for 2021. We are ensuring that, upon their return to campus, HBCU students have an upgraded environment that enhances their educational experience as they progress on their journey to become the next generation of leaders.”

Retool Your School has provided more than $3.1 million for 117 sustainable campus improvement projects for 87% of the nation’s HBCUs. In total, more than 36 million votes have been cast in support of participating schools.

Winners will be announced in April 2021. For more information on The Home Depot’s Retool Your School, visit retoolyourschool.com.

About The Home Depot
The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer, with 2,296 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. In fiscal 2019, The Home Depot had sales of $110.2 billion and earnings of $11.2 billion. The company employs more than 400,000 associates. The Home Depot’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor’s 500 index.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/118058/the_home_depot_logo.jpg

SOURCE The Home Depot

Industry Powerhouses Launch New U.S. Latino Podcast Company–Pitaya Entertainment

February 16, 2021

PITAYA ENTERTAINMENT - A NEW U.S. LATINO PODCAST COMPANY

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Five powerhouse executives from the entertainment, podcasting, and advertising industries have joined forces to create Pitaya Entertainment, a new company dedicated to producing podcasts for U.S. Latinos. Pitaya Entertainment launches with six podcast series featuring some of the most popular Latino personalities in entertainment–including television stars, award-winning comedians, and major YouTube influencers–with a combined social media following of more than 27.5 million. All six series were released in the last two weeks, all debuting on the Apple Podcast charts, with two becoming the #1 and #2 most popular Spanish-language podcasts on Apple’s Top 200 podcasts chart in the U.S.

“While podcasts are exploding in popularity in the U.S., the Latino podcast audience is underserved and underdeveloped, and Latino voices are seriously underrepresented in podcasting. Pitaya Entertainment aims to change that by bringing podcasts to the forefront of the Latino community,” said Zach Horowitz, Managing Partner and Co-Founder.

All of Pitaya Entertainment’s initial podcasts will be weekly series using an unscripted talk show format and hosted by well-known Latino personalities with a large and devoted fan base, both in traditional media and online.

Most of the series will be in Spanish, with some in English or Spanglish, but all are for and about Latinos. All will be free to listeners and available worldwide on multiple platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Pandora, and Pitaya Entertainment’s website, pitaya.fm.

Pitaya Entertainment’s podcast hosts are as diverse as the U.S. Latino community itself, with the debuting series featuring Mexican-Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cuban-Americans, and Venezuelan-Americans. What all the hosts have in common is a deep and powerful connection with their fans.

The six initial series are:

Giselle Blondet, the beloved Puerto Rican actress and T.V. host, and her daughter, Gabriella Pabón, a recent mother herself, co-host ¡Ay, Mamá!, a candid and heartfelt Spanish-language podcast series about the joys and challenges of motherhood. A star for over 30 years, Giselle’s popularity spans generations. ¡Ay, Mama! debuted at #3 on Apple Podcasts’ U.S. Parenting chart and as the highest-ranked podcast in Spanish on that list. (https://www.pitaya.fm/ay-mama)

José Eduardo Derbez hosts El Pedcast, a Spanish-language comedy series featuring humorous interviews with colorful guests. José Eduardo, son of actor/comedian Eugenio Derbez and telenovela star Victoria Ruffo, has appeared in numerous films and T.V. shows, including the Amazon Prime hit reality series De Viaje con los Derbez and Unicable’s Terapia de Shock. El Pedast debuted at #32 on the Apple Podcasts U.S. Comedy Interviews chart and at #27 on Apple’s top 100 most popular podcasts charts in Mexico. (https://www.pitaya.fm/el-pedcast)

Alejandra Espinoza, actress, model and T.V. host, and her sister Damaris Jimenez, a life coach, co-host Entre Hermanas, a Spanish language podcast series centered on self-improvement and female empowerment. The sisters draw upon their journeys, chronicling their paths to becoming inspirational role models. Entre Hermanas debuted as the second most popular Spanish language podcast in the U.S. on Apple’s Top 200 podcasts chart and the sixth most popular podcast in any language on Apple’s U.S. Education chart. (https://www.pitaya.fm/entre-hermanas)

Ana Patricia Gámez hosts Ana Patricia Sin Filtro, a revealing Spanish-language podcast series about the lessons learned during a remarkable life as a first-generation Mexican immigrant, beauty queen, T.V. star, businesswoman, wife, and mother. In its first week, the show debuted as the highest-ranked Spanish language podcast in the U.S. on Apple’s Top 200 podcasts chart and the #5 most popular podcast in any language on Apple’s U.S. Education chart. (https://www.pitaya.fm/sinfiltro)

Jomari Goyso, the renowned beauty and fashion expert and co-star of the popular T.V. show Sal y Pimienta, hosts Sin Rodeo, a Spanish language podcast of free-ranging conversations with celebrities, friends, and lifestyle experts. Every week, Jomari and his guests will motivate listeners to think outside the box and see life differently. Sin Rodeo debuted at #1 on the Apple Podcasts U.S. Entertainment News chart. (https://www.pitaya.fm/sinrodeo)

Joanna Hausmann, a Venezuelan-American, and Jenny Lorenzo, a Cuban-American, co-host the English language series Hyphenated, exploring what it means to live in the “hyphen” that connects American and Latino culture. The award-winning Latina millennial comedians are known for their humorous videos inspired by their Latino heritage. Hyphenated debuted at #46 on the highly competitive Apple Podcasts U.S. Comedy chart and was the highest-ranked podcast about Latinos and the Latino experience on that list. (https://www.pitaya.fm/hyphenated-1)

“Latinos want programming that speaks to their interests and authentically connects in-culture. Our podcasts give them just that—culturally relevant and popular hosts whose passionate fans will now be able to engage with them weekly through our shows,” said Diana Mejia-Jones, Co-Founder & Partner.

Pitaya Entertainment’s five principals are a virtual dream team with over 100 years of high-level experience in successfully developing and promoting talent and programming in the entertainment and podcasting industries, with a special focus on Latino entertainment.

Zach Horowitz is the former long-time President & Chief Operating Officer of Universal Music Group, the world’s largest music entertainment company. He started the U.S. Latin music division at Universal Music and championed its growth to become the industry market leader. He also co-wrote and co-produced the Latin Grammy-nominated Los Tigres del Norte at Folsom Prison, Netflix’s fourth most-watched documentary in Mexico in 2019. He is the Managing Partner of the company.

Guillermo Santiso is the former head of Fonovisa Records, one of the world’s leading Latin record companies. He developed such multi-platinum artists as Enrique Iglesias, Marco Antonio Solís, and Los Tigres del Norte. He is currently the Executive Vice President of Campanario Entertainment, the Latinx T.V. and digital content production company responsible for Netflix’s Selena: The Series.

Andy Bowers is a podcast pioneer who’s been called “the godfather of the podcasting industry” by the New York Times Magazine. He founded one of the first professional podcasting networks at Slate.com in 2005 and built it into a significant force. He then co-founded podcast industry giant Megaphone, which Spotify purchased in 2020. Bowers has created and developed dozens of successful podcasts and has overseen podcast partnerships with Malcolm Gladwell, The Wall Street Journal, Vox, Vanity Fair, Netflix, HBO, Politico, and Buzzfeed.

Diana Mejia-Jones is a top Latina marketing, advertising, and branded entertainment expert with almost 20 years in the field. She is currently the V.P. of Spanish Development and Integrated Marketing at Campanario Entertainment, where she develops and produces original T.V. series and films for the Latin market. She has secured tens of millions of dollars in brand marketing endorsements and licensing programs targeting U.S. Latinos.

Jordi Oliveres is an award-winning producer and media executive. He comes to Pitaya Entertainment from Univision Communications, where he developed digital video series at Fusion T.V., started the online music magazine TrackRecord, and negotiated important celebrity endorsement deals. He will serve as General Manager of the company.

“As a team, the principals of Pitaya Entertainment bring extraordinary insights into the Latin culture, unparalleled business and entrepreneurial skills, and a deep network of contacts in podcasting, entertainment, and advertising,” said Guillermo Santiso, Co-Founder & Partner.

Over 100 million people in the U.S. now listen to podcasts every month— double the number from five years earlier. U.S. podcast ad revenue has been consistently growing at double-digit rates, even in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. In 2021 U.S. ad revenue is expected to surpass $1 billion for the first time.

Latinos significantly lag in podcast awareness and consumption compared to the general market, with recent surveys finding that 55% have not yet tried a podcast and 39% have not yet heard of the term. This represents a fertile opportunity for growth.

Said Andy Bowers, Co-Founder & Partner, “The Latino podcast audience is a sleeping giant. The only things keeping it from awakening are a shortage of high-quality shows aimed at these listeners and a robust effort to raise awareness of the medium. Pitaya Entertainment intends to be a leader in both areas.”

Said Jordi Oliveres, Co-Founder & Partner, “U.S. Latinos represent over 18% of the U.S. population, with 1.7 trillion dollars in purchasing power. They are driving culture, entertainment, and commerce. Our podcasts will offer Latinos high-quality programs and provide marketers with fantastic opportunities to reach this important consumer group.”

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SOURCE Pitaya Entertainment

All-New 2022 Kia Carnival Multi-Purpose Vehicle Will Transcend the Mainstream on February 23

February 16, 2021

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The new Carnival MPV pushes the boundaries of design and innovation to become a multifaceted and unexpected companion. This three-row, seven- or eight-passenger adventurer takes on a bold and boxy appearance that follows the same visual language that defined the brand’s recent lineup of rugged utility vehicles, such as Telluride, Sorento, and Seltos. Highlights include best-in-class cargo volume, a class-leading 290-horsepower V6, and a wide array of ADAS features with segment-exclusive Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Carnival will be the first vehicle in the U.S. to proudly wear the new Kia badge and promote our new global brand identity.

Please join us HERE for the virtual reveal of the 2022 Carnival MPV at 11:00AM PST on Tuesday, February 23.

About Kia Motors America
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America continues to top quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of more than 750 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly assembled in West Point, Georgia.*

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

*The Telluride, Sorento and K5 are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1438050/Kia_Motors_America_2022_Carnival_Multi_Purpose_Vehicle.jpg

SOURCE Kia Motors America

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