Hennessy Establishes $3 Million Small Business Recovery Initiative

May 28, 2020

NEW YORK, May 28, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Hennessy today announced Unfinished Business, a new initiative committed to help small businesses power through the immediate financial challenges of COVID-19 and ensure they have the resources needed to get back on their feet. Several communities are bearing a disproportionate share of the health and/or economic consequences of this global crisis and these are the communities this initiative is aimed at supporting. Beginning in June, the platform will donate to support small business entrepreneurs, with a vision to continuously replenish funds so that this first donation is not the last. In addition to capital, the initiative will also provide access to information, educational content and other assets to help safeguard continuity during and after the COVID-19 crisis.

“Hennessy has always valued the spirit of resilience and this is what these small businesses represent. We do not want these pillars of community to succumb to the current global pandemic and are offering our support to help them continue pushing forward,” said Laurent Boillot, Chief Executive Officer, Hennessy.

In order to provide immediate relief, Hennessy has enlisted three national organizations already working to support businesses in their respective communities. Unfinished Business will provide funds to One Hundred Black Men, the Asian American Business Development Center, and the Hispanic Federation to ensure support is distributed directly at the community-level among those who need it the most.

“Built for community by community, Unfinished Business is an extension of our legacy supporting multicultural consumers and underscores our ‘Never stop. Never settle.’ ethos,” said Giles Woodyer, Senior Vice President, Hennessy US. “We want to do all that we can to help the small businesses survive the current crisis and pledge resources for the long term; as long as they have unfinished business to settle, so do we.”

“COVID-19 has had a devastating effect on the nation’s small business community, and in many cases Unfinished Business will provide much needed support and assistance. The Founding Chapter of One Hundred Black Men applauds Hennessy for recognizing that small businesses are the soul of America,” stated Michael J. Garner, President, Founding Chapter, One Hundred Black Men of New York.

“Small businesses represent the economic hope and promise of Latino neighborhoods. We are proud and grateful to join Hennessy in this groundbreaking effort to bring much-needed financial relief to businesses that are essential to restoring the economic well-being of our community,” said Frankie Miranda, President, Hispanic Federation.

There will always be Unfinished Business – long after the quarantine is over, informing Hennessy’s commitment to work with partners to sustain the initiative. In times of crisis and beyond, direct support won’t just reach small business: it will also strengthen surrounding communities through employment, positive role modeling, and an inflow of economic and cultural vibrancy.

“The Asian American Business Development Center, along with the Hispanic Federation and One Hundred Black Men, is honored to stand in solidarity with Hennessy to support small business,” said John Wang, President, AABDC.

As part of Unfinished Business, Hennessy will offset the impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry with a pledge of $750,000 to an organization in support of bartenders and hospitality workers.

The Unfinished Business initiative will launch in June; visit https://www.hennessy.com/en-us/unfinished-business for more information.

ABOUT HENNESSY
The leader in Cognac, the Maison Hennessy has shined around the world with its exceptional blends for more than 250 years. Built on founder Richard Hennessy’s spirit of conquest, the brand is present in more than 160 countries. Based in the heart of the Charente region, Hennessy is also a steadfast pillar of the regional economy, the standard-bearer for a sector rich in expertise. The House’s success and longevity are rooted in the excellence of its cognacs, each of which is born of a unique process of transmission from generation to generation.

The first wine and spirits house to be certified ISO 14001, Hennessy unites its capacity for innovation and the support of all of its partners to protect this exceptional area. As the crown jewel of the LVMH Group, Hennessy is a major contributor to French international trade, with 99% of production sold in export, and a worldwide ambassador for the French art de vivre.

Hennessy is imported and distributed in the U.S. by Moët Hennessy USA. Hennessy distills, ages and blends spanning a full range: Hennessy V.S, V.S.O.P Privilège, Hennessy Black, X.O, Privé, Paradis, Paradis Imperial and Richard Hennessy. Imported Cognac Hennessy® 40% Alc./Vol. (80º), ©2020 Imported by Moët Hennessy USA, Inc., New York, NY

ABOUT ONE HUNDRED BLACK MEN
OHBM was founded in 1963 (following an act of injustice against a Black woman) by Hon. Judge Robert Mangum, Hon. David N. Dinkins, Jackie Robinson and other prominent men of the civil rights era. One Hundred Black Men is the premier civic organization for Black Men and has grown to have over 100 chapters throughout the United States and abroad. OHBM supports communities by annually awarding $100,000 in college scholarships; conducting gun buyback programs that have removed 160 guns from our streets; championing the efforts of City and State government leaders to award 30% of contracts to MWBEs throughout New York State, COVID-19 Hunger Relief and other feeding programs; and annually mentoring over 200 students from throughout New York City through their Junior One Hundred Mentoring Program.

ABOUT THE HISPANIC FEDERATION
The mission of the Hispanic Federation is to empower and advance the Hispanic community. Hispanic Federation provides grants and services to a broad network of Latino non-profit agencies serving the most vulnerable members of the Hispanic community and advocates nationally on vital issues of education, health, immigration, civil rights, economic empowerment, civic engagement, and the environment.
For more information, please visit www.HispanicFederation.org

ABOUT THE ASIAN AMERICAN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
The Asian American Business Development Center, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization established in 1994. It assists Asian American businesses in strengthening their capacity to compete in the mainstream market, to expand business opportunities, and to promote recognition of Asian American businesses’ contributions to the general economy. AABDC: www.aabdc.com
Outstanding 50 Awards: www.outstanding50award.com
AABR: www.aabusinessroundtable.org

MEDIA CONTACTS
Kate Kenny, BCW Global
(908) 834-5563, [email protected]

Jacqueline Long, Hennessy
(917) 596-3871, [email protected]

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1174167/Hennessy_Unfinished_Business.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1174170/One_Hundred_Black_Men.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1174168/Asian_American_Business_Development_Center.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1174169/Hispanic_Federation.jpg

SOURCE Hennessy

Blue Shield of California Provides Additional $300,000 in Grants to Community Groups Supporting Youth Mental Health

May 28, 2020

0

Blue_Sheild_of_California_Beats_Rhymes_and_Lives

OAKLAND, California, May 28, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Blue Shield of California continues to show its commitment to youth resilience programs in California, announcing another $300,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations providing mental health supports in San Diego and Alameda counties. This builds on the company’s multi-year, $10 million investment in youth mental health.

The grants are part of Blue Shield’s ongoing BlueSky initiative, a multi-year effort to enhance awareness, advocacy and access to mental health support for middle and high school students in California. The initiative was launched last fall and provides behavioral health counseling services for students in Alameda and San Diego counties.

“Building on the success of our BlueSky program, we are adding additional support to reach youth who are unable to participate in school-based mental health services due to COVID-19,” said Kimberley Goode, senior vice president of External Affairs for Blue Shield. “We want to support as many nonprofit groups as we can to help them use innovative ways to increase youth resilience. This funding will help these organizations provide programming for more teens who are struggling with everyday stressors.”

The $300,000 will be divided into 18 different grants – nine each in Alameda and San Diego counties. These organizations were chosen because of their range of health interventions that include arts, sports, advocacy, music, leadership, multi-lingual/cultural, sexual and gender identity, and mental health tele-counseling. (See below for a list of all the grantees)

ALAMEDA COUNTY
La Clinica de la Raza, Inc.
East Bay Asian Youth Center (EBAYC)
Youth Uprising
ROOTS Community Health Clinic – Dream Youth Clinic
Asian Youth Promoting Advocacy and Leadership (AYPAL)
Beats Rhymes and Life, Inc
Refugee and Immigrant Transitions
Oakland LGBTQ Community Center – Youth Development Program
Bridges from School to Work

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Harmonium
Union of Pan Asian Communities
The San Diego LGBT Community Center
North County Lifeline
Casa Familiar
A Reason to Survive (ARTS)
The Aja Project
MANA de San Diego
Blue Star Families

“We applaud Blue Shield of California for their generosity, especially in these uncertain times,” said Rebecca Brown, Ph.D., senior director of Development and Data at Oakland-based Youth Uprising. “We are preparing to roll out provision of hot meals to those who we serve and are also continuously working to connect young people to peer counselors. This funding will go a long way towards making those program improvements happen.”

“When the pandemic struck, we had to fully transform our operations in a few days’ time to accommodate the influx of need in the community,” said Cara Dessert, Esq, chief executive officer of the San Diego LGBT Community Center. “We immediately shifted individual therapy sessions so they could safely and effectively be done via Zoom and opened an emergency help phone line to ensure people could get resources and referrals. Because of Blue Shield’s altruism, we will be able to continue with that good work and ultimately assist more people.”

BlueSky is a multi-year commitment by Blue Shield to support mental health for middle- and high school students in California by providing additional clinicians in schools, training teachers on the signs of mental health issues, and empowering students with in-person and online mental health support resources.

Since last fall, the BlueSky initiative has provided more than 3,000 counseling sessions in 19 schools in Alameda and San Diego counties. In addition, students across the nation have shared nearly 60,000 stress-reducing tips and suggestions for their peers as part of The New State of Mind campaign that began in April in collaboration with DoSomething.org, the largest organization for young people and social change in the nation.

About Blue Shield of California
Blue Shield of California strives to create a healthcare system worthy of our family and friends that is sustainably affordable. Blue Shield of California is a tax paying, nonprofit, independent member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association with over 4 million members, 6,800 employees and more than $20 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 in San Francisco and now headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare healthcare service plans in California. The company has contributed more than $500 million to Blue Shield of California Foundation since 2002 to have an impact on California communities.

For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit news.blueshieldca.com.

Or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.

CONTACT:	Mark Seelig
	Blue Shield of California
	510-607-2359
	[email protected]

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1174144/Blue_Sheild_of_California_Beats_Rhymes_and_Lives.jpg

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/810201/blue_jpg_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Blue Shield of California

Minted Notifies Users Of Data Security Incident

May 28, 2020

0

SAN FRANCISCO, May 28, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Minted recently became aware of a report that mentioned Minted as one of ten companies impacted by a potential cybersecurity incident. Minted promptly undertook an investigation, with the assistance of outside forensic experts. The investigation determined that, on May 6, 2020, unauthorized actors obtained information from the company’s user account database. Since determining this on May 15, the company worked expeditiously to assess what information was impacted and identify affected customers.

The information involved includes customers’ names and login credentials to their Minted accounts, consisting of their email address and password. The passwords were hashed and salted and not in plain text. Telephone number, billing address, shipping address(es), and, for fewer than one percent of affected customers, date of birth, also may have been impacted. The incident did not involve payment or credit card information.

Minted also promptly notified U.S. federal law enforcement authorities and is closely cooperating with their investigation. The company is reviewing its security protocols and has taken steps to further enhance security.

Minted is notifying affected individuals by email. Customers may find more information about the incident on the Minted website at www.minted.com/data-incident-notice.

Minted Contacts:
[email protected]

SOURCE Minted

Minted Notifies Users Of Data Security Incident

May 28, 2020

0

SAN FRANCISCO, May 28, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Minted recently became aware of a report that mentioned Minted as one of ten companies impacted by a potential cybersecurity incident. Minted promptly undertook an investigation, with the assistance of outside forensic experts. The investigation determined that, on May 6, 2020, unauthorized actors obtained information from the company’s user account database. Since determining this on May 15, the company worked expeditiously to assess what information was impacted and identify affected customers.

The information involved includes customers’ names and login credentials to their Minted accounts, consisting of their email address and password. The passwords were hashed and salted and not in plain text. Telephone number, billing address, shipping address(es), and, for fewer than one percent of affected customers, date of birth, also may have been impacted. The incident did not involve payment or credit card information.

Minted also promptly notified U.S. federal law enforcement authorities and is closely cooperating with their investigation. The company is reviewing its security protocols and has taken steps to further enhance security.

Minted is notifying affected individuals by email. Customers may find more information about the incident on the Minted website at www.minted.com/data-incident-notice.

Minted Contacts:
[email protected]

SOURCE Minted

If You Purchased Certain Roundup® Weed & Grass Killer Products, You May Be Entitled To Payment From A Proposed Class Action Settlement

May 28, 2020

0

KANSAS CITY, Missouri, May 28, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The following notice is being jointly issued by Richman Law Group, Baum, Hedlund, Aristei & Goldman, P.C. and Winston & Strawn, LLP and has been authorized by the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri, in Lisa Jones et al. v. Monsanto Company, et al. (No. 4:19-cv-00102-BP).

The parties have reached a Settlement that resolves a class action lawsuit, Lisa Jones et al. v. Monsanto Company, et al. (No. 4:19-cv-00102-BP), pending in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri (the “Court”) against Monsanto Company, the manufacturer of Roundup® Ready-to-Use Weed & Grass Killer III, Roundup® Ready-to-Use Weed & Grass Killer Plus, Roundup® Weed & Grass Killer Super Concentrate, and Roundup® Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate Plus (the “Roundup® Products”).

The lawsuit alleges that a statement that appears on the rear label of these Roundup® Products, “targets an enzyme found in plants but not in people or pets,” is false and misleading. Monsanto denies these allegations and any wrongdoing. The Settlement avoids costs and risks to Class Members from continuing the lawsuit, provides relief to purchasers of the Roundup® Products during the relevant time period, and releases Monsanto and others from liability for the related claims.

Who’s Included?

You may be a Class Member if you purchased: (1) Roundup® Ready-to-Use Weed & Grass Killer III; (2) Roundup® Ready-to-Use Weed & Grass Killer Plus; (3) Roundup® Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate Plus; or (4) Roundup® Weed & Grass Killer Super Concentrate in packaging with a label that contained the statement “targets an enzyme found in plants but not in people or pets” or a substantially similar statement.

The time period during which purchases are included in this Settlement differs from state to state, depending on each state’s statutes of limitations. Visit the Settlement Website at www.RoundupWGKSettlement.com to determine if your purchase is eligible for compensation.

What Does The Settlement Provide?

The proposed class action Settlement will provide the Class with $39,550,000 (thirty-nine million five hundred and fifty thousand dollars) of monetary relief to pay all aspects of the Settlement, including Class Members’ claims, notice costs, administration costs, service awards of up to $2,500 to named plaintiffs, legal expenses, and attorneys’ fees. If the Court approves the Settlement and you have not excluded yourself as described below, you will be bound by the Settlement and barred from suing Monsanto and related entities for the claims released in the Settlement. The Released Claims are described in detail at www.RoundupWGKSettlement.com.

What Are My Rights And Options?

Make a Claim. Class Members must submit a claim by going to www.RoundupWGKSettlement.com and submitting (or printing and mailing) a claim form. Class Members may make a claim by submitting either proof(s) of purchase or an affirmation under penalty of perjury of the identity and quantity purchased. Any person who received a full refund is excluded from the Class definition. The deadline to postmark or submit your claim online is September 11, 2020.

Other Options. The purpose of this Notice is to inform you of this lawsuit so you can make an informed decision as to whether you should remain in or opt out of this Settlement. Your legal rights are affected, and you have a choice to make now. If you do not want to be legally bound by the Settlement, you must exclude yourself by September 11, 2020. If you do not exclude yourself, you will release any claims you may have, as more fully described in the Settlement Agreement, available at the Settlement Website. You may remain a Settlement Class Member and object to the Settlement by November 5, 2020. You may choose to pay for and be represented by a lawyer who may send the objection for you. The website explains how to exclude yourself or object.

The Court will hold a Final Approval Hearing on November 9, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. in Courtroom 7A of the Charles Evans Whittaker U.S. Courthouse, 400 E. 9th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106 to consider whether to approve the Settlement, attorneys’ fees and expenses, and the Class Representative Service Award. You may ask the Court to appear at the Fairness Hearing, but you don’t have to do so.

How Can I Get More Information?

Visit the Settlement Website at www.RoundupWGKSettlement.com, contact the Claims Administrator at (833) 909-2007, or contact Class Counsel at (718) 705-4579.

PLEASE DO NOT CALL OR WRITE THE COURT FOR INFORMATION OR ADVICE.

SOURCE Richman Law Group, Baum, Hedlund, Aristei & Goldman, P.C. and Winston & Strawn, LLP

If You Purchased Certain Roundup® Weed & Grass Killer Products, You May Be Entitled To Payment From A Proposed Class Action Settlement

May 28, 2020

0

KANSAS CITY, Missouri, May 28, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The following notice is being jointly issued by Richman Law Group, Baum, Hedlund, Aristei & Goldman, P.C. and Winston & Strawn, LLP and has been authorized by the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri, in Lisa Jones et al. v. Monsanto Company, et al. (No. 4:19-cv-00102-BP).

The parties have reached a Settlement that resolves a class action lawsuit, Lisa Jones et al. v. Monsanto Company, et al. (No. 4:19-cv-00102-BP), pending in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri (the “Court”) against Monsanto Company, the manufacturer of Roundup® Ready-to-Use Weed & Grass Killer III, Roundup® Ready-to-Use Weed & Grass Killer Plus, Roundup® Weed & Grass Killer Super Concentrate, and Roundup® Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate Plus (the “Roundup® Products”).

The lawsuit alleges that a statement that appears on the rear label of these Roundup® Products, “targets an enzyme found in plants but not in people or pets,” is false and misleading. Monsanto denies these allegations and any wrongdoing. The Settlement avoids costs and risks to Class Members from continuing the lawsuit, provides relief to purchasers of the Roundup® Products during the relevant time period, and releases Monsanto and others from liability for the related claims.

Who’s Included?

You may be a Class Member if you purchased: (1) Roundup® Ready-to-Use Weed & Grass Killer III; (2) Roundup® Ready-to-Use Weed & Grass Killer Plus; (3) Roundup® Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate Plus; or (4) Roundup® Weed & Grass Killer Super Concentrate in packaging with a label that contained the statement “targets an enzyme found in plants but not in people or pets” or a substantially similar statement.

The time period during which purchases are included in this Settlement differs from state to state, depending on each state’s statutes of limitations. Visit the Settlement Website at www.RoundupWGKSettlement.com to determine if your purchase is eligible for compensation.

What Does The Settlement Provide?

The proposed class action Settlement will provide the Class with $39,550,000 (thirty-nine million five hundred and fifty thousand dollars) of monetary relief to pay all aspects of the Settlement, including Class Members’ claims, notice costs, administration costs, service awards of up to $2,500 to named plaintiffs, legal expenses, and attorneys’ fees. If the Court approves the Settlement and you have not excluded yourself as described below, you will be bound by the Settlement and barred from suing Monsanto and related entities for the claims released in the Settlement. The Released Claims are described in detail at www.RoundupWGKSettlement.com.

What Are My Rights And Options?

Make a Claim. Class Members must submit a claim by going to www.RoundupWGKSettlement.com and submitting (or printing and mailing) a claim form. Class Members may make a claim by submitting either proof(s) of purchase or an affirmation under penalty of perjury of the identity and quantity purchased. Any person who received a full refund is excluded from the Class definition. The deadline to postmark or submit your claim online is September 11, 2020.

Other Options. The purpose of this Notice is to inform you of this lawsuit so you can make an informed decision as to whether you should remain in or opt out of this Settlement. Your legal rights are affected, and you have a choice to make now. If you do not want to be legally bound by the Settlement, you must exclude yourself by September 11, 2020. If you do not exclude yourself, you will release any claims you may have, as more fully described in the Settlement Agreement, available at the Settlement Website. You may remain a Settlement Class Member and object to the Settlement by November 5, 2020. You may choose to pay for and be represented by a lawyer who may send the objection for you. The website explains how to exclude yourself or object.

The Court will hold a Final Approval Hearing on November 9, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. in Courtroom 7A of the Charles Evans Whittaker U.S. Courthouse, 400 E. 9th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106 to consider whether to approve the Settlement, attorneys’ fees and expenses, and the Class Representative Service Award. You may ask the Court to appear at the Fairness Hearing, but you don’t have to do so.

How Can I Get More Information?

Visit the Settlement Website at www.RoundupWGKSettlement.com, contact the Claims Administrator at (833) 909-2007, or contact Class Counsel at (718) 705-4579.

PLEASE DO NOT CALL OR WRITE THE COURT FOR INFORMATION OR ADVICE.

SOURCE Richman Law Group, Baum, Hedlund, Aristei & Goldman, P.C. and Winston & Strawn, LLP

World Economic Forum report recognizes key critical infrastructure innovations from Smart Wires, ABB and Siemens

May 28, 2020

0

Smart Wires power flow control technology installed at UK Power Networks

SAN FRANCISCO, May 27, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today’s report from the World Economic Forum’s International Energy Community in China has highlighted Smart Wires SmartValve^TM as one of the energy sector’s influential innovations during the last decade. Winners were chosen based on several criteria including their benefit to society and contribution to accelerating the energy transition.

“Smart Wires is honored that our solutions were included on a very short and prestigious list of technologies recognized as critical enablers of the energy transition,” said Gregg Rotenberg, Smart Wires CEO.

Suleman Alli, director of strategy at UK Power Networks, said: “As the first network operator in the UK to trial the Smart Wires’ power flow control technology, we are delighted to see it recognised by this World Economic Forum report. Trialling smart solutions like load balancing highlights our commitment to unlocking new capacity for renewable energy safely, cost effectively and quickly.”

Smart Wires was recognized for its ability to maximize the grid’s transfer capacity which is necessary to enable rapid, low-cost and large-scale connections of new renewables.

Rotenberg reflected, “It is remarkable how much spare capacity exists on today’s grids. We regularly find projects where we can release several gigawatts of capacity in under a year without disturbing communities or the environment.”

“SmartValve is our solution to maximize the grid’s transfer capacity. This technology is causing leading utilities across Europe, Australia and the Americas to change the way they think about future investments in critical infrastructure,” Rotenberg said.

Further Information

Submissions were evaluated by a panel of experts from the US, Europe, China and Africa. Selected submissions were grouped into six categories: Critical Infrastructure; Emission Reductions; Energy Efficiency; Systemic Efficiency; Renewables Integration; and Access to Electricity.

Smart Wires, ABB and Siemens were highlighted in the Critical Infrastructure category.

“Transmission and distribution grids are the backbone of the entire electricity network. Radical changes [from the supply and demand perspective] require our critical electricity infrastructure to be more flexible and agile than ever before, without compromising on power security, reliability, efficiency or affordability. Innovative grid technologies are playing a key role in addressing energy transition-related opportunities and challenges,” the report says.

ABB was recognized for advances in High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology, supporting the integration of large-scale renewables, off-shore wind farms and cross-border interconnections.

Siemens was recognized for its Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) technology, representing a technological breakthrough when connecting large offshore wind parks to the grid.

These innovations have proven themselves over the past decade and will continue to be pivotal to enable a successful, low-cost and low-impact energy transition.

About Smart Wires: Smart Wires develops and implements innovative technologies that advance the delivery of electricity. With our technology, electric utilities can maximize transfer capacity on their grids. This means more renewables, improved flexibility and stability, and less constraints, costs, community and environmental impact. With our next generation SmartValve™ technology, alongside our advanced analytics and consulting services, we are built to assist utilities solve problems and evolve the grid. (www.smartwires.com).

About UK Power Networks: UK Power Networks is the country’s biggest electricity distributor, making sure the lights stay on for more than eight million homes and businesses across London, the South East and the East of England. Network operators aren’t the same as energy suppliers; network operators manage local power lines and substations, while energy suppliers sell the electricity that runs through the power lines. UK Power Networks continues to be listed in the Sunday Times’ Top 25 Best Big Companies to Work For, and made industry history by becoming first company to win Utility of the Year two years running (2015 and 2016, also 2012). The company invests more than £600 million in its electricity networks every year, offers extra help to vulnerable customers at times of need, and is undertaking trials to ensure that electricity networks support the transition to a low carbon future. It also moves cables and connects new electricity supplies. If you have a power cut ring 105, see www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk or tweet us @UKPowerNetworks

[email protected]

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1173557/Smart_Wires_UK_Power_Networks.jpg

SOURCE Smart Wires

World Economic Forum report recognizes key critical infrastructure innovations from Smart Wires, ABB and Siemens

May 27, 2020

0

SAN FRANCISCO, May 27, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today’s report from the World Economic Forum’s International Energy Community in China has highlighted Smart Wires SmartValve^TM as one of the energy sector’s influential innovations during the last decade. Winners were chosen based on several criteria including their benefit to society and contribution to accelerating the energy transition.

“Smart Wires is honored that our solutions were included on a very short and prestigious list of technologies recognized as critical enablers of the energy transition,” said Gregg Rotenberg, Smart Wires CEO.

Suleman Alli, director of strategy at UK Power Networks, said: “As the first network operator in the UK to trial the Smart Wires’ power flow control technology, we are delighted to see it recognised by this World Economic Forum report. Trialling smart solutions like load balancing highlights our commitment to unlocking new capacity for renewable energy safely, cost effectively and quickly.”

Smart Wires was recognized for its ability to maximize the grid’s transfer capacity which is necessary to enable rapid, low-cost and large-scale connections of new renewables.

Rotenberg reflected, “It is remarkable how much spare capacity exists on today’s grids. We regularly find projects where we can release several gigawatts of capacity in under a year without disturbing communities or the environment.”

“SmartValve is our solution to maximize the grid’s transfer capacity. This technology is causing leading utilities across Europe, Australia and the Americas to change the way they think about future investments in critical infrastructure,” Rotenberg said.

Further Information

Submissions were evaluated by a panel of experts from the US, Europe, China and Africa. Selected submissions were grouped into six categories: Critical Infrastructure; Emission Reductions; Energy Efficiency; Systemic Efficiency; Renewables Integration; and Access to Electricity.

Smart Wires, ABB and Siemens were highlighted in the Critical Infrastructure category.

“Transmission and distribution grids are the backbone of the entire electricity network. Radical changes [from the supply and demand perspective] require our critical electricity infrastructure to be more flexible and agile than ever before, without compromising on power security, reliability, efficiency or affordability. Innovative grid technologies are playing a key role in addressing energy transition-related opportunities and challenges,” the report says.

ABB was recognized for advances in High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology, supporting the integration of large-scale renewables, off-shore wind farms and cross-border interconnections.

Siemens was recognized for its Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) technology, representing a technological breakthrough when connecting large offshore wind parks to the grid.

These innovations have proven themselves over the past decade and will continue to be pivotal to enable a successful, low-cost and low-impact energy transition.

About Smart Wires: Smart Wires develops and implements innovative technologies that advance the delivery of electricity. With our technology, electric utilities can maximize transfer capacity on their grids. This means more renewables, improved flexibility and stability, and less constraints, costs, community and environmental impact. With our next generation SmartValve™ technology, alongside our advanced analytics and consulting services, we are built to assist utilities solve problems and evolve the grid. (www.smartwires.com).

About UK Power Networks: UK Power Networks is the country’s biggest electricity distributor, making sure the lights stay on for more than eight million homes and businesses across London, the South East and the East of England. Network operators aren’t the same as energy suppliers; network operators manage local power lines and substations, while energy suppliers sell the electricity that runs through the power lines. UK Power Networks continues to be listed in the Sunday Times’ Top 25 Best Big Companies to Work For, and made industry history by becoming first company to win Utility of the Year two years running (2015 and 2016, also 2012). The company invests more than £600 million in its electricity networks every year, offers extra help to vulnerable customers at times of need, and is undertaking trials to ensure that electricity networks support the transition to a low carbon future. It also moves cables and connects new electricity supplies. If you have a power cut ring 105, see www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk or tweet us @UKPowerNetworks

[email protected]

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1173557/Smart_Wires_UK_Power_Networks.jpg

SOURCE Smart Wires

Now Introducing: FDA’s New Nutrition Facts Label

May 27, 2020

0

SILVER SPRING, Maryland, March 18, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Have you heard? The Nutrition Facts label has a fresh new look! The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated the Nutrition Facts label on packaged foods and drinks. This major update to the label, the first in over 20 years, is based on updated scientific information and input from the public. To help you understand how to use the updated label, FDA developed the education campaign, The New Nutrition Facts Label: What’s in it for You?, as part of FDA’s Nutrition Innovation Strategy. This information can make it easier for you to make informed food choices that contribute to lifelong healthy eating habits.

So, what’s new on the label?
The changes to the Nutrition Facts label make it easier for you to meet your nutrition goals and the recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Here’s what you need to know so you can make the most of the label the next time you go food shopping:

“Serving size” and “calories” are now in a larger, bolder font.
Serving sizes have been updated to better reflect the amount people typically eat and drink.
Daily Values for nutrients have been updated.
Added sugars, vitamin D, and potassium are now listed on the label.

What’s in it for you?
Using the Nutrition Facts label can help you make food choices that support a healthy diet. FDA’s Nutrition Facts label education campaign features a wealth of materials to help you understand and use the label and educate others on the changes. FDA’s website provides an overview of the campaign and links to materials for dietitians, physicians, health educators, and teachers. The social media toolkit contains newsletter text, social media messages, images, campaign videos, and fact sheets for social sharing. And the “What’s New” page can help you understand the label updates, and more.

FDA encourages you to use these campaign materials to help increase awareness, understanding, and use of the Nutrition Facts label. The next time you head to the store, look for the new Nutrition Facts label to help you make more informed food and beverage choices for you and your family.

To learn more about FDA’s refreshed Nutrition Facts label and Nutrition Facts Label Education Campaign, visit www.fda.gov/NewNutritionFactsLabel and watch this Q and A video with the Director of FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.

Contact: Media: 1-301-796-4540 Consumers: 1-888-SAFEFOOD (toll free)

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SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration

National Pork Board Launches “Sabor Season” in Time for Peak Grilling Months

May 27, 2020

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DES MOINES, Iowa, May 27, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — As summer, grills, and smokers heat up across the U.S., the National Pork Board is launching “Sabor Season,” a virtual social media campaign to bring Hispanic families and communities together nationwide.

Throughout Sabor Season, four Hispanic chefs and a pitmaster will take over the National Pork Board’s “Pork Es Sabor” Hispanic-focused Instagram account to teach LIVE virtual grilling classes.

“Pork continues to be the centerpiece protein in our Latin culture and traditions, which are usually celebrated at the family dinner table or at gatherings with close friends,” said Jose de Jesus, senior director of multicultural marketing at the National Pork Board. “That’s especially true during grilling season when pork chops and ribs are the meat of choice for Hispanics.”

According to Nielsen Research, which conducted a study for the National Pork Board, ribs and pork chops over-index – 114 and 112, respectively – with Latinos during grilling season. “Pork is just a staple in the Latino community,” de Jesus said.

Sabor Season LIVE is a series of free, interactive, virtual classes between chefs and consumers, where Latino families and communities can come together to celebrate, recreate dishes, and learn tips and hacks for grilling or smoking the perfect pork cut. Participants will be able to access the list of recipe ingredients for each upcoming class in advance via the National Pork Board’s Pork Es Sabor social media platforms.

The chefs, who will bring their expertise and favorite grilling and smoking tips to the Sabor Season virtual classes, include:

Jose Mendin, a five-time James Beard Award nominee and the chef and owner of Pubbelly Sushi and La Placita in Miami
Roberto Mezanava, a pitmaster from Nashville, Tennessee
Ana Quincoces, a celebrity chef, food entrepreneur, and cookbook author
Wesley Avila, a celebrated chef and founder of Guerrilla Tacos in Los Angeles, and author of the cookbook “Guerrilla Tacos: Recipes from the streets of LA”
Richard Sandoval, chef and global restaurateur, and owner of Maya Restaurant in New York City

Classes will be hosted on Thursdays during the summer, starting on June 4 at 6 p.m. ET, via the National Pork Board’s Pork Es Sabor Instagram Live. In celebration of National Grilling Day, the final class will go live on Wednesday, July 22, at 6 p.m. ET.

Sabor Season will culminate with the crowning of a chef’s recipe as “El Mejor Sabor del Verano,” (Summer’s Best Flavor), voted on by consumers. By voting, consumers will be entered to win a grand prize, a Kamado Big Joe III grill valued at $2,700.

Consumers will also be encouraged to put their grilling or smoking skills to the test by recreating the pork recipes from the class, or by sharing their own and posting photos or videos with the hashtag #SaborSeason for a chance to win one of five Kamado Joe Classic I grills valued at $805 each.

To stay connected on the latest Sabor Season updates, recipe ideas and more information, please visit PorkEsSabor.com/SaborSeason and follow along on social media at @PorkEsSabor on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Join the conversation using #SaborSeason.

About the National Pork Board 
The National Pork Board has responsibility for Pork Checkoff-funded research, promotion and consumer information projects and for communicating with pork producers and the public. The Pork Checkoff funds national and state programs in consumer education and marketing, retail and foodservice marketing, export market promotion, production improvement, science and technology, swine health, pork safety, and environmental management and sustainability. For the past half-century, the U.S. pork industry has delivered on its commitment to sustainable production and has made significant strides in reducing the environmental impact of pig farming. Through a legislative national Pork Checkoff, pork producers invest $0.40 for each $100 value of hogs sold. Importers of pork products contribute a like amount, based on a formula. For information on Checkoff-funded programs, pork producers can call the Pork Checkoff Service Center at (800) 456-7675 or visit www.pork.org.

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SOURCE National Pork Board