Acura Wins Third Consecutive Rolex 24 at Daytona

February 2, 2023

Acura Motorsports scored its third consecutive Rolex 24 endurance race victory, and first of the new Hybrid electrified era, Sunday at Daytona International Speedway with Meyer Shank Racing's Acura ARX-06.

Acura claims first victory in new, electrified IMSA GTP sports car racing era
Meyer Shank Racing, Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport repeat 2022’s 1-2 sweep of the 24-hour endurance racing classic
Acura ARX-06 wins in competition debut with hybrid powertrain

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Feb. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Defending Rolex 24 at Daytona and series champions – Acura and Meyer Shank Racing – combined to score their second consecutive Rolex 24 victory today at Daytona International Speedway, in the start of the GTP hybrid racing era in the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship.

The event marked the successful racing debut for the electrified Acura ARX-06 prototype sports car, the second successive win at Daytona for the Meyer Shank Racing team, and the third consecutive Rolex 24 win for Acura in the North American crown jewel of endurance sports car racing [see Fast Facts section below].

Starting from the pole, the MSR Acura driver lineup of Tom Blomqvist, Colin Braun, Helio Castroneves and Simon Pagenaud led the opening hour, and dominated early portions of the twice-around-the-clock contest; until a series of caution flags closed up the field for the final eight hours of the race.

However, the caution flags also enabled the Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport Acura ARX-06 recover from a series of minor earlier delays, moving into second place in the final hours. Together, the two Acura teams fought off the competition throughout the closing laps to score their second consecutive Acura 1-2 at Daytona.

Acura NSX GT3 Evo22

In the production-based GTD class, Acura NSX GT3 Evo22s from Gradient Racing and Racers Edge Motorsports with WTR both persevered to take home fourth and sixth place finishes respectively.

Gradient Racing, with a lineup comprised of veteran Acura NSX driver Katherine Legge, Mario Farnbacher and Marc Miller, partnered with rookie Sheena Monk on her IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship debut for the Rolex 24. The team overcame a late race fuel fire that set them off strategy, coupled with a massive fuel-saving effort at the finish, to bring their #66 Acura NSX GT3 Evo22 home fourth.

At Racers Edge Motorsports with WTR, Ashton Harrison, the reigning Fanatec GT World Challenge America presented by AWS champion for Acura, partnered with Wayne Taylor Racing Super Trofeo drivers Danny Formal and Kyle Marcelli, as well as NTT INDYCAR SERIES race-winner Ryan Briscoe to bring home a sixth-place finish to open their 2023 Michelin Endurance Cup campaign.

Rolex 24 Race Results

1^st overall – #60 Tom Blomqvist, Colin Braun, Helio Castroneves and Simon Pagenaug; Meyer Shank Racing Acura ARX-06
2^nd overall – #10 Filipe Albuquerque, Louis Deletraz, Brendon Hartley and Ricky Taylor; Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport Acura ARX-06
4^th GTD – #66 Mario Farnbacher, Katherine Legge, Marc Miller and Sheena Monk; Gradient Racing Acura NSX GT3 Evo22
6^th GTD – #93 Ryan Briscoe, Danny Formal, Ashton Harrison and Kyle Marcelli; Racers Edge Motorsports with WTR Acura NSX GT3 Evo22

DPi Manufacturers’ Championship		Teams’ Championship (after 1 of 9 rounds)
1. Acura	385	1. Meyer Shank Racing	378
2. Cadillac	350	2. Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport	355
3. BMW	328	3. Cadillac Racing with Chip Ganassi	332
4. BMW	312	4. Action Express Racing	304

Michelin Endurance Cup Manufacturers		Teams (after 1 of 4 endurance races)
1. Acura	15	1. Meyer Shank Racing	13
2. Cadillac	12	2. Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti	10
3. Porsche	8	3. Action Express	10
4. BMW	7	4. Cadillac Racing with Chip Ganassi	8

Fast Facts

Acura has now won the last three consecutive Rolex 24s at Daytona, and Meyer Shank Racing successfully defended its race win from 2022.
Meyer Shank Racing successfully defended its title with a repeat win today. In last year’s final race of the Daytona Prototype Interntional (DPi) era, the winning MSR Acura ARX-05 was driven by Tom Blomqvist, Oliver Jarvis, Helio Castroneves and Simon Pagenaud.
The Wayne Taylor Racing lineup of Filipe Albuquerque, Ricky Taylor, Helio Castroneves and Alexander Rossi claimed the win in 2021’s twice-around-the-clock contest, 20 years after Acura’s first Daytona class win in 1991.
This was Acura’s ninth Rolex 24 as a prototype manufacturer (1991-93, 2018-23). In addition to the overall wins in 2021 and 2022 – and in 2016 under the HPD/Honda banner – Acura won the Camel Lights class at Daytona in 1991 and again in 1992.

Quotes

Tom Blomqvist (#60 Meyer Shank Racing Acura ARX-06): Rolex 24 Race Winner, 2^nd consecutive Rolex victory for Meyer Shank Racig and third in a row for Acura: “It’s a team effort. What’s amazing here at MSR is that everyone is able to achieve and reach their potential and that’s really important. What Mike [Shank] and Jim [Meyer] have done to create a good atmosphere within the team, it’s such an open book and I think that allows everyone to work to the best of their abilities. Especially for me, I’m confident because they put a lot of trust and faith in me and I am so grateful for that. Last year I was on the stand watching at the end and this year I felt a lot better about being in the car because I was in control of our own destiny. The feeling I had when I exited the Le Mans Chicane on the last lap and of course seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces is incredible.”

Ricky Taylor (#10 Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport ARX-06) Finished second: “First of all, it was an amazing job by Acura and HPD for giving us two cars to fight for the win. I don’t think it can be overstated how amazing that accomplishment is when considering the likes of Porsche and BMW and the struggles they had. Our cars ran flawlessly. To our team, this accomplishment of consecutive top-two finishes is really unprecedented, especially considering it persists through different car manufacturers and specifications. This is our ninth top two since 2013, and I don’t think any other team in the world has that type of consistency in 24-hour races. Lastly, my teammates all drove like champions. It was inspiring to watch Filipe at the end, charging through the field like that. He always gives everything and leaves nothing on the table. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the pace for the win and ended up second.”

Sheena Monk (#66 Gradient Racing Acura NSX GT3 Evo22) finished fourth in her GTD debut: “I obviously ecstatic to finish fourth in my first IMSA GTD race. But, coming Monday morning, it will be ‘back to the drawing board’ to try to keep improving. I’m really looking forward to the rest of this season. My goals are still the same: try to finish on the podium at every race and be the top ‘Bronze’ [rated] driver. The start was daunting, but I was very aware role: maintain a strong pace and keep the car safe. I’m really happy with my effort. I’m just growing and learning; and incredibly grateful to be alongside a bunch of experienced people for it.”

Ashton Harrison (#93 Racers Edge Motorsports Acura NSX GT3 Evo22) finished sixth in GTD: “It feels pretty good. We put on one heck of a show at Acura, with the two GT3 NSXs alongside the GTP class. I’m really excited for the brand. I’m heartbroken about how ours ended [delayed by a mechanical issue in the final laps], but we did such a great job, the team did so well for our first-ever Rolex 24. It’s time to get back to work and hopefully finish on the podium or win. I’m so proud of [co-drivers] Kyle [Marcelli] and Danny [Formal]—and Ryan [Briscoe] slotted in like he had been driving this NSX for year. We had a great time, and I really enjoyed dicing it up with my buddy Mario out there. We’re looking forward to [the next race at] Sebring.

David Salters (President, Honda Performance Development) on Rolex 24 win by Acura and Meyer Shank Racing: “Winning today is unbelievable, to be honest. This program involves a lot of people, all of whom work really, really, really hard to do this. So the real privilege is to work with those people, and achieve days like today. And it doesn’t happen all the time. So when it does pay off, it’s all the more special. In the two years [it took to design, build and develop the Acura ARX-06], I think it’s the best thing I’ve been involved in. So well done everyone at Acura Motorsports, Honda Performance Development, ORECA, Meyer Shank Racing and Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport. If this weekend was not a demonstration of ‘Precision Crafted Performance’, I don’t know what is. This game is not rocket science, it’s getting the right people, in the right places, and letting them do their job. So, ‘is it worth it’? Oh, hell yes. And it’s because of the people you get to share it.”

Next

The 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship now moves to central Florida for the 71^st annual Mobil-1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, Saturday, March 18 in Sebring, Fla.

Acura Motorsports social media content and video links from the Rolex 24 at Daytona can be found on Instagram (www.instagram.com/hondaracing_hpd), Twitter (twitter.com/HondaRacing_HPD) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/HondaRacingHPD). Additional features and long-form videos can be found on the Honda Racing/HPD YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/HondaRacingHPDTV).

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SOURCE Acura Motorsports

The Return to the Office Brings New Expectations of Cleanliness

February 2, 2023

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Due to the increase in COVID-19 cases and other diseases such as influenza.

As many employees prepare to return to the office, the level of cleanliness becomes a priority for American workers.

MIAMI, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Five years ago, mopping the floors and cleaning the restrooms of corporate buildings used to be the standard of a “clean office space.” As pandemic protocols are left behind and employees begin to reimagine life at the office, many questions come to mind, including—how clean will my office space be? This is a question and concern for many today, but there are a few things Grupo EULEN invites you to take into consideration, especially as we continue to deal with Covid-19 cases and other viruses on a daily basis.

Covid-19 is not the only virus that haunts us. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the overall burden of influenza (flu) for the 2021-2022 season was an estimated 9 million flu illnesses, 4 million flu-related medical visits, 100,000 flu-related hospitalizations, and 5,000 flu deaths.

“As they contemplate returning to the office, the American worker’s expectations have shifted from visibly clean to microscopically safe,” says Dija Ziane, Head of Facility Services Division at Grupo EULEN. “We are living in a world where there is a war for talent and corporations are investing in amenitizing their office spaces and offering employees perks to lure them back into the office—a high level of cleanliness should be one of them.”

According to Harvard Business Review, with the U.S. turnover rate projected to jump nearly 20% in 2022 over the pre-pandemic average, according to Gartner, and 31% of American workers actively thinking about or looking to leave their organization, according to KPMG, companies that don’t adapt risk losing their employees to the competition.

“As we head into a recession, corporations need partners that will not cut costs but that will leverage innovations and deliver tailored solutions,” she added.

Clean does not mean pristine white anymore—the pandemic taught people much more. The industry of facility services is ramping up and gearing towards an awakening where employees expect the grade of cleanliness seen in hospitals. If employees do not feel comfortable at their workspace or coming into work five days a week because they don’t feel safe, chances are they will leave to another working environment.

The facility services industry offers technologies that will help make sure that the office and public spaces are safe and clean focusing on cleaning with process optimization. These processes usually include Sanitizing & Electrostatic Spraying technology and registered EPA Chemicals, providing clean, disinfected, and sanitized facilities in compliance with CDC and OSHA recommendations.

About Grupo EULEN
Founded in 1962 and with a presence in 14 countries, including the United States, Grupo EULEN is a leader in providing services and innovative solutions to companies. It specializes in aviation services, cleaning, security, auxiliary services (logistics, general, and telemarketing), FSM (Facility Services & Management), socio-health services, comprehensive maintenance, and global solutions for human resources, employment, and the environment.

Since its inception, Grupo EULEN has stood out for the excellent quality of the services it offers. With more than 14 years established in the local market, Grupo EULEN in the US currently has a staff of approximately 3,000 specialist professionals across Florida, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Washington DC.

https://eulen.com/us/

SOURCE EULEN Americas

The Home Depot and Ecolab Launch Ecolab® Scientific Clean

February 2, 2023

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For the First Time Ever, the Power of Ecolab’s Science-Backed Cleaning Products Now Available in Retail Stores

ATLANTA, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Home Depot® is growing its line of cleaning products by partnering with Ecolab Inc., a global leader in water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services, to launch Ecolab Scientific Clean. The new retail product line offers the cleaning solutions for commercial, industrial and residential use that Ecolab is known for, now available at The Home Depot. The latest line of products will give both Pro and DIY customers in-store access to innovative cleaning technology.

This exclusive home improvement partnership with The Home Depot marks the first of its kind in Ecolab’s 100-year history.

“We’re excited to welcome Ecolab, one of the most well-known and trusted brands in delivering high quality cleaning products in the industry, to The Home Depot and are proud to offer the latest in cleaning technology to both our Pro and DIY customers,” said Jeff Kinnaird, executive vice president of merchandising. “Having Ecolab Scientific Clean on our shelves not only enables our Pro customers to deliver a professional clean, but it allows our DIY customers to bring that cleaning power into their homes, as well.”

Ecolab Scientific Clean products are available in stores and online at The Home Depot and include the following categories of cleaning products:

Degreasers: This fast-acting, heavy-duty line of degreasers are designed to attack and dissolve tough grease and oil in industrial shops, kitchens, automobiles and even outdoor concrete and driveways, allowing doers to tackle the toughest cleaning projects.
Pressure Wash Concentrate: The Ecolab Scientific Clean Pressure Wash Concentrates provide customers with options for concrete and driveway, exterior house and siding, or an all-purpose premium product.
Bathroom Cleaners: Properly cleaning a bathroom takes a variety of products, and the Ecolab Scientific Clean line features Acidic Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Calcium Lime Rust Remover, Mold and Mildew Stain Remover and Foaming Shower Tub and Tile cleaner.
Floor Cleaners and Finishes: Whether for a Pro or a DIY customer, Ecolab Scientific Clean provides powerful floor cleaners and finishers like Fast-Action Stripper, Hardwood and Laminate Cleaner, and High Traffic Low Maintenance Finish.

“Every day, in countries all over the world, restaurants, hospitals and hotels put their trust in Ecolab products to keep their kitchens, operating rooms and guest rooms clean,” said Darrell Brown, president and chief operating officer at Ecolab. “For the very first time, our new Ecolab Scientific Clean products will bring 100 years of expertise and innovation to Home Depot customers.”

The Ecolab Scientific Clean product line is available now in all Home Depot stores and online. For additional information on this launch, visit www.homedepot.com/ecolab.

About The Home Depot
The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer. At the end of the third quarter of fiscal year 2022, the company operated a total of 2,319 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. The company employs approximately 500,000 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. The Home Depot is #17 on the 2022 Fortune 500.

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

SOURCE The Home Depot

The Home Depot and Ecolab Launch Ecolab® Scientific Clean

February 2, 2023

0

For the First Time Ever, the Power of Ecolab’s Science-Backed Cleaning Products Now Available in Retail Stores

ATLANTA, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Home Depot® is growing its line of cleaning products by partnering with Ecolab Inc., a global leader in water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services, to launch Ecolab Scientific Clean. The new retail product line offers the cleaning solutions for commercial, industrial and residential use that Ecolab is known for, now available at The Home Depot. The latest line of products will give both Pro and DIY customers in-store access to innovative cleaning technology.

This exclusive home improvement partnership with The Home Depot marks the first of its kind in Ecolab’s 100-year history.

“We’re excited to welcome Ecolab, one of the most well-known and trusted brands in delivering high quality cleaning products in the industry, to The Home Depot and are proud to offer the latest in cleaning technology to both our Pro and DIY customers,” said Jeff Kinnaird, executive vice president of merchandising. “Having Ecolab Scientific Clean on our shelves not only enables our Pro customers to deliver a professional clean, but it allows our DIY customers to bring that cleaning power into their homes, as well.”

Ecolab Scientific Clean products are available in stores and online at The Home Depot and include the following categories of cleaning products:

Degreasers: This fast-acting, heavy-duty line of degreasers are designed to attack and dissolve tough grease and oil in industrial shops, kitchens, automobiles and even outdoor concrete and driveways, allowing doers to tackle the toughest cleaning projects.
Pressure Wash Concentrate: The Ecolab Scientific Clean Pressure Wash Concentrates provide customers with options for concrete and driveway, exterior house and siding, or an all-purpose premium product.
Bathroom Cleaners: Properly cleaning a bathroom takes a variety of products, and the Ecolab Scientific Clean line features Acidic Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Calcium Lime Rust Remover, Mold and Mildew Stain Remover and Foaming Shower Tub and Tile cleaner.
Floor Cleaners and Finishes: Whether for a Pro or a DIY customer, Ecolab Scientific Clean provides powerful floor cleaners and finishers like Fast-Action Stripper, Hardwood and Laminate Cleaner, and High Traffic Low Maintenance Finish.

“Every day, in countries all over the world, restaurants, hospitals and hotels put their trust in Ecolab products to keep their kitchens, operating rooms and guest rooms clean,” said Darrell Brown, president and chief operating officer at Ecolab. “For the very first time, our new Ecolab Scientific Clean products will bring 100 years of expertise and innovation to Home Depot customers.”

The Ecolab Scientific Clean product line is available now in all Home Depot stores and online. For additional information on this launch, visit www.homedepot.com/ecolab.

About The Home Depot
The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer. At the end of the third quarter of fiscal year 2022, the company operated a total of 2,319 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. The company employs approximately 500,000 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. The Home Depot is #17 on the 2022 Fortune 500.

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

SOURCE The Home Depot

Kroger Delivery Expands to South Florida

February 1, 2023

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Grocer opens new spoke also serving Miami, Florida and surrounding areas — celebrates 90 new associates

MIAMI, Feb. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/– The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), America’s grocer, today announced the opening of a new spoke facility in South Florida. Joined by the local community, Kroger celebrated the expansion of the delivery service and welcomed 90 new associates. This facility opening means customers can access Kroger’s incredible selection of fresh items, unique Our Brands products and favorite national brands, as well as individualized offers for the groceries most important to their families – all delivered directly to their door by a friendly, professional Kroger associate.

“We are thrilled to connect more Floridians to the Kroger Delivery shopping experience, which brings thousands of digital coupons, valuable fuel points* and the freshest products directly to customers’ doors,” said Bill Bennett, Kroger Vice President, and Head of E-commerce. “Whether they are using the Kroger app or browsing our weekly ad at Kroger.com, customers can enjoy fresh, high-quality, affordable groceries delivered by best-in-class uniformed drivers.”

The 60,000-square-foot spoke facility will work in conjunction with the Groveland, Florida fulfillment center. All orders are picked at the products’ peak freshness within the Groveland facility. Associates carefully assemble orders and place them in climate-controlled vehicles to travel to Miami, serving communities between Port St. Lucie in the north to Homestead in the South, on both the east and west sides of I-95. Once the orders arrive, they are checked and placed on refrigerated delivery trucks that deliver directly to customers’ doors, ensuring cold and frozen products remain at the perfect temperature from the supplier to the customer’s refrigerator. Learn more about pursuing a career at Kroger here.

“We’ve been working closely with the Kroger team since they started looking to expand to South Florida and knew this was a geography that would offer significant growth potential,” said James Kohnstamm, EVP, Miami-Dade Beacon Council. “From a customer standpoint, we have over a million households and hundreds of new residents relocating to Miami each week. From a workforce standpoint, we have a deep bench of talent with expertise in cold chain and logistics management, as well as multiple startups dedicated to driving innovation in the trade and logistics space.”

Local customers can get more value when purchasing their favorite items using Boost by Kroger Plus, the annual grocery delivery membership that can save customers up to $1,000 per year on fuel and grocery delivery. Eligible customers can try the Boost membership with a free 30-day trial and subscribe for as little as $7.99 a month. Additionally, new customers can enjoy $15 off their first three orders.

Kroger Delivery Explained
The expansion to South Florida, including Miami represents an extension of a collaboration between Kroger and Ocado Group, a world leader in technology for grocery e-commerce. In 2018, the companies announced a collaboration to establish a delivery network that combines artificial intelligence, advanced robotics and automation in a bold new way, bringing first-of-its-kind technology to America.

The delivery network relies on highly automated fulfillment centers. At the hub sites, more than 1,000 bots move around giant 3D grids, orchestrated by proprietary control systems. The grid, known as The Hive, contains totes filled with products and ready-to-deliver customer orders. As customers’ orders near delivery times, bots retrieve products from The Hive and present them at pick stations for items to be sorted for delivery, a process governed by algorithms that ensure items are intelligently packed. For example, fragile items are placed on top, bags are evenly weighted, and each order is optimized to fit into the lowest number of bags, reducing plastic use. Bags are also recyclable, reflecting Kroger’s commitment to its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste commitment to rid its communities of hunger and waste.

Kroger’s end-to-end cold solutions keep groceries fresh once loaded into a customized refrigerated delivery van, which can store up to 20 orders. Powerful machine learning algorithms optimize delivery routes, considering factors such as road conditions and optimal fuel efficiency. Vans may travel up to 90 minutes with orders from the hub and spoke facilities to make deliveries. Associates at the spoke facility will deliver orders within their service area, adding ZIP codes as demand grows.

Kroger currently operates customer fulfillment centers in Monroe, OH, Groveland, FL, Forest Park, GA (Atlanta), Pleasant Prairie, WI, Dallas, TX, Romulus, MI (Detroit) and Aurora, CO with additional customer fulfillment centers slated for California, Frederick, MD, Phoenix, AZ, Cleveland, OH, Charlotte, NC, as well as South Florida and the Northeast.

*Customers in Jacksonville, Miami and Tampa can order fresh groceries for delivery at Kroger.com or on the Kroger app, set up a Kroger loyalty account, and earn points to save on fuel at participating Shell stations.

Media Assets
To download Kroger Delivery photography and video, visit here.

About Kroger
At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are Fresh for Everyone™ and dedicated to our Purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit®. We are, across our family of companies, nearly half a million associates who serve over 11 million customers daily through a seamless shopping experience under a variety of banner names. We are committed to creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025. To learn more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site.

About Ocado Group
Ocado Group is a UK based technology company admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange (Ticker OCDO). It provides end-to-end online grocery fulfillment solutions to some of the world’s largest grocery retailers and holds a 50% share of Ocado Retail Ltd in the UK in a Joint Venture with Marks & Spencer. Ocado has spent two decades innovating for grocery online, investing in a wide technology estate that includes robotics, AI & machine learning, simulation, forecasting, and edge intelligence.

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SOURCE The Kroger Co.

Mazda Reports January Sales Results

February 1, 2023

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Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com.

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported total January sales of 22,967 vehicles, an increase of 9.0 percent compared to January 2022. With 24 selling days in January, compared to the same the year prior, the company posted an increase of 9.0 percent on a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis.

CPO sales totaled 4,605 vehicles in January, an increase of 48 percent compared to January 2022.

Sales Highlights

Best-ever January sales of CX-30 with 5,065 vehicles sold.
Best-ever January sales of CX-9 with 3,170 vehicles sold.

Mazda Canada, Inc., (MCI) reported January sales of 3,142 vehicles, a decrease of 10.0 percent compared to January last year.

Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported January sales of 6,591 vehicles, an increase of 89.7 percent compared to last year.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts, and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Colombia through approximately 795 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc. in Richmond Hill, Ontario; operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and operations in Colombia are managed by Mazda de Colombia in Bogota, Colombia. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at News.MazdaUSA.com.

Follow MNAO’s social media channels through Twitter and Instagram at @MazdaUSA and Facebook at Facebook.com/MazdaUSA.



	Month-To-Date				Year-To-Date

	January	January	YOY %	% MTD	January	January	YOY %	% MTD
	2023	2022	Change	DSR	2023	2022	Change	DSR

Mazda3	1,577	3,470	(54.6) %	(54.6) %	1,577	3,470	(54.6) %	(54.6) %
Mazda 3 Sdn	1,012	1,430	(29.2) %	(29.2) %	1012	1,430	(29.2) %	(29.2) %
Mazda 3 HB	565	2,040	(72.3) %	(72.3) %	565	2,040	(72.3) %	(72.3) %

Mazda6	0	256	(100.0) %	(100.0) %	0	256	(100.0) %	(100.0) %

MX-5 Miata	724	386	87.6 %	87.6 %	724	386	87.6 %	87.6 %
MX-5	356	135	163.7 %	163.7 %	356	135	163.7 %	163.7 %
MXR	368	251	46.6 %	46.6 %	368	251	46.6 %	46.6 %

CX-3	–	0	–	–	–	0	–	–
CX-30	5,065	1,818	178.6 %	178.6 %	5065	1,818	178.6 %	178.6 %
CX-5	9,833	12,604	(22.0) %	(22.0) %	9833	12,604	(22.0) %	(22.0) %
CX-9	3,170	2,512	26.2 %	26.2 %	3170	2,512	26.2 %	26.2 %
CX-50	2,589	0	–	–	2589	0	–	–
MX-30	9	33	(72.7) %	(72.7) %	9	33	(72.7) %	(72.7) %

CARS	2,301	4,112	(44.0) %	(44.0) %	2,301	4,112	(44.0) %	(44.0) %
TRUCKS	20,666	16,967	21.8 %	21.8 %	20,666	16,967	21.8 %	21.8 %

TOTAL	22,967	21,079	9.0 %	9.0 %	22,967	21,079	9.0 %	9.0 %


*Selling Days	24	24			24	24

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SOURCE Mazda North American Operations

Health Net Helps Californians Keep Their Healthcare Coverage with ‘Review to Renew’ Campaign as Medi-Cal Redetermination Resumes April 1, 2023

February 1, 2023

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SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — As one of the state’s longest-serving and most experienced Medi-Cal partners, Health Net is committed to ensuring Californians have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare. In line with its mission, Health Net announced today the launch of its Review to Renew campaign, which will provide Medi-Cal members with information and resources to help them understand upcoming redetermination deadlines to maintain their current health coverage.

During the public health emergency, the federal government waived the annual requirement for states to annually verify eligibility for Medi-Cal – a process known as redetermination. Because of that flexibility, millions of Medi-Cal members maintained their coverage. Due to a provision in the recently enacted federal legislation – Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023 – states may resume Medicaid redeterminations and terminations of coverage for those no longer eligible as early as April 1, 2023. The Medi-Cal program, which provides no and low-cost healthcare coverage for 13 million Californians, will resume asking members to review and renew their eligibility information.

Through its Review to Renew campaign, Health Net wants to ensure millions of Medi-Cal members are aware of the upcoming deadline and resources to maintain their health coverage while encouraging all Medi-Cal members to review and update their household information. The campaign will use various print and digital communications including customized mailers, interactive voice response calls, text messages, social media, digital advertisements, posters and more. Health Net will emphasize local grassroots marketing at dozens of cultural and community events to educate Medi-Cal enrollees about the steps needed to maintain their Medi-Cal coverage.

“Maintaining health coverage helps Californians stay healthy and live their lives to the fullest,” said Dr. Ramiro Zúñiga, Vice President, Medical Director at Health Net. “Through our Review to Renew campaign, we are actively partnering with our local providers and community organizations to spread this important message, and we greatly appreciate the efforts of our state and local government partners who are working to ensure current Medi-Cal beneficiaries across the state are able to maintain their benefits or identify other appropriate means of coverage.”

If you are a current Medi-Cal member and wish to update your information, or if you would like to enroll in Medi-Cal, visit BenefitsCal.com.

To learn about Health Net, visit HealthNet.com.

About Health Net:

At Health Net, we believe every person deserves a safety net for their health, regardless of age, income, employment status or current state of health. Founded in California more than 40 years ago, we’re dedicated to transforming the health of our community, one person at a time. Today, 90,000 network providers serve 3 million members. That’s nearly 1 in 12 Californians. We provide health plans for individuals, families, businesses of every size and people who qualify for Medi-Cal or Medicare — Coverage for Every Stage of Life™. Health Net also offers access to substance abuse programs, behavioral health services, employee assistance programs and managed health care products related to prescription drugs. We offer these health plans and services through Health Net, LLC and its subsidiaries: Health Net of California, Inc., Health Net Life Insurance Company and Health Net Community Solutions, Inc. These entities are wholly owned subsidiaries of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), a Fortune 25 company that offers affordable and high-quality products to nearly 1 in 15 individuals across the nation. For more information, visit www.HealthNet.com.

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SOURCE Health Net

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROGRAM RELEASES OFFICIAL AP AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES FRAMEWORK

February 1, 2023

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NEW YORK, Feb. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, the first day of Black History Month, the Advanced Placement^® Program delivers its long-planned release of the official framework for the AP^® African American Studies course. The official framework has been under development for nearly a year. It replaces the preliminary pilot course framework under discussion to date, and defines what students will encounter on the AP Exam for college credit and placement.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9123951-the-college-board-announces-ap-african-american-studies-course-framework/

“This course is an unflinching encounter with the facts and evidence of African American history and culture,” said David Coleman, CEO of the College Board. “No one is excluded from this course: the Black artists and inventors whose achievements have come to light; the Black women and men, including gay Americans, who played pivotal roles in the civil rights movement; and people of faith from all backgrounds who contributed to the antislavery and civil rights causes. Everyone is seen.”

AP African American Studies is an interdisciplinary course that draws from a variety of fields—history, literature, the arts, geography, science—to explore the vital contributions and experiences of African Americans. As with all AP courses in the humanities, this is a course that offers direct engagement with evidence and events.

To develop this course framework, the AP Program consulted with more than 300 professors of African American Studies from more than 200 colleges nationwide, including dozens of historically Black colleges and universities, along with dedicated high school teachers across the country. The course focuses on the topics where professors shared a strong consensus on the essential events, experiences, and individuals crucial to a study of African American history and culture. This process was completed in December 2022.

No states or districts have seen the official framework that is released, much less provided feedback on it. This course has been shaped only by the input of experts and long-standing AP principles and practices.

“This moment is historic and builds on the labors of so many scholars from a wide variety of racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds who have built this field for over a century,” said Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr., Alphonse Fletcher University Professor and Director of the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University. “Never before have high school students had the opportunity to engage with African American history and culture in such depth and coherence. The course begins with ancient African kingdoms and traces a path from slavery to freedom. It focuses on key periods such as the American Revolution, the Civil War, Reconstruction, the rise and fall of Jim Crow segregation, and the civil rights movement. The course provides students with a firm foundation of facts and evidence about this extraordinarily rich saga of American history.”

Dr. Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham, Victor S. Thomas Professor of History and of African and African American Studies at Harvard University and past president of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, and an advisor on the course, said, “One of the breakthroughs of this course is that it is interdisciplinary. By drawing not only on history but also the arts and social sciences, the course explores how African American culture has shaped our country for centuries. It inspires students to see the complexity in history and to think analytically. High school students and their teachers as well as college faculty have long been looking forward to this course.”

Dr. Robert J. Patterson, Professor of African American Studies at Georgetown University, is co-chair of the committee of professors and teachers who developed this course for the AP Program. “The AP African American Studies course offers an unparalleled breadth of content and depth of skills that surpass what many introductory college-level African American Studies courses can accomplish within a semester or quarter, including the introductory courses that I have taught previously—and the one I will teach in fall 2023,” he said. “Since its inception, the development of the AP African American Studies course has been an on-going, iterative process that calls upon the expertise of teachers, professors, and experts who understand the key concepts, themes, and methodologies of African American Studies, and this refining process, which is a part of all AP courses, has operated independently from political pressure.”

The official framework is different from the preliminary pilot course framework in three important respects:

New topics added: Despite an overall reduction in the breadth of the course, the monthslong review by 300 African American Studies professors nationwide added a small number of topics to address important subjects that were not adequately represented in the pilot version.
Primary sources: The official course framework only requires the careful analysis of core historical, literary, and artistic works. As stated in the principles for AP courses published in March 2021: “AP courses ground such studies in primary sources so that students can evaluate experiences and evidence for themselves.” Hence, consistent now with every other AP course, there is no required list of secondary sources.
Student projects: The official course framework dedicates time for students to explore topics in greater depth through a research project at the end of the course that counts as part of their AP Exam score. Students pursue their own interests and choose their topic; they can return to areas they studied earlier in the course or address contemporary topics that are not part of the required course framework. These projects allow in-depth examination of contemporary issues rather than rapid, superficial coverage of them at the end of the course.

“I want to thank the remarkable community of educators who have contributed their expertise to this course,” said Dr. Brandi Waters, Senior Director and Program Manager of African American Studies in the Advanced Placement Program and lead author of the framework. “We’re thrilled to see this rich, inspiring course come to life for students across the country.”

About AP
The Advanced Placement^® Program (AP^®) enables willing and academically prepared students to pursue college-level studies—with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both—while still in high school. Through AP courses in 38 subjects, each culminating in a challenging exam, students learn to think critically, construct solid arguments, and see many sides of an issue—skills that prepare them for college and beyond.

SOURCE The Advanced Placement Program

BELNICK ANNOUNCES CORPORATE RE-BRANDING

February 1, 2023

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CANTON, Ga., Feb. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Belnick, LLC, is excited to announce the company has changed its name to Ubique Group effective immediately.

Ubique Group’s CEO, Joseph Rainone, commented, “The corporate name change reflects the evolution of our culture, organization and business over the past several years. The Ubique Group represents our team of talented and passionate associates who endeavor every day to create the future direction of our company.”

The word “ubique” stems from “ubiquitous” and translates from Latin to “everywhere.” Mary Harden, Vice President of Marketing explained that the name reflects the company’s growing reach within the furniture and home goods marketplace while also embracing a name that is unique and easily distinguishable. After more than 20 years in the furniture and furnishings industry, Ubique Group has evolved to provide products and services well beyond its initial offering of office chairs. Ubique Group now houses over a dozen brands and its products are sold worldwide to both commercial and residential customers. Popular brands include the Flash Furniture^® and Merrick Lane^® brands which offer a catalog of stylish, high-quality items at affordable prices.

Joseph commented, “As Ubique Group looks to the future, innovation and customer-focus will continue to drive our business to deliver the products and brands that exceed the expectations of our customers.”

The Ubique Group also unveiled a new logo featuring a clean, modern approach to signify evolution, forward thinking and optimism.

About Ubique Group:

Ubique Group is a category-leading, customer-focused merchandiser of furniture and décor for home, office, classroom, event and commercial spaces worldwide. Backed by over 20 years of world-class sales and service, Ubique Group delivers a broad assortment of high-quality furnishings at affordable prices. The company offers more than 4,000 unique, highly rated commercial and residential products with unparalleled marketplace distribution. Ubique Group is a portfolio company of Sterling Investment Partners. www.TheUbiqueGroup.com.

About Sterling Investment Partners:

Sterling Investment Partners is a private equity firm that has been investing in and building middle-market companies for over 30 years with a highly experienced, cohesive team of senior investment professionals. Based in Westport, Connecticut, Sterling focuses on value-added distribution and business services, acquiring businesses that the firm believes have strong, sustainable competitive advantages and significant opportunities for value creation. Over its history, Sterling has completed over 210 transactions, representing more than $25 billion in aggregate value. www.sterlinglp.com.

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SOURCE Ubique Group

GEORGIA LAWMAKERS COMMEND KIA FOR MANUFACTURING AND ITS IMPACT TO THE STATE

February 1, 2023

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Left to Right - Marty Kemp, First Lady of Georgia; Sean Yoon, president and CEO, Kia North America and Kia America; Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp; Stuart Countess, president and CEO of Kia Georgia; Pat Wilson, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Led by Governor Brian P. Kemp, Georgia lawmakers recognized January 31 as “Kia Day,” commending Kia’s vehicle manufacturing and its impact to the state since making one of the biggest single foreign investments in Georgia’s history in 2006 by establishing a state-of-the-art vehicle assembly facility in West Point.

Kia Georgia was Kia Corporation’s first manufacturing plant in North America and assembles nearly 40-percent of all Kia vehicles sold in the U.S. To date, Kia has invested more than $1.9 billion in the state and Kia Georgia is responsible for more than 14,000 plant and supplier jobs in the region.

“Kia chose Georgia because they saw something in us – our great workforce, quality of life, and pro-business approach. And we saw something in Kia – a shared vision for transformational growth and a commitment to the hardworking people of our state,” said Governor Brian P. Kemp.

Kia is a dynamic part of the world’s third-largest automaker and continues to invest in Georgia. In October, it was revealed that assembly of Kia electric vehicles (EVs) is expected to begin in the first half of 2025 at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA), which officially broke ground near Savannah, Georgia. HMGMA will create more than 8,100 jobs over the next few years.

“Kia was the first to open an auto manufacturing plant in Georgia because we saw the talented workforce, sense of community, respected pro-growth business climate and commitment to innovation that is prevalent here,” said Sean Yoon, president and CEO, Kia North America and Kia America. “Kia is focused on becoming a leader in sustainable mobility by popularizing EVs and we look forward to working with and bringing new opportunities to Georgia, the state we proudly call home.”

Kia Georgia is home to the K5 midsize sedan and various models of the Telluride, Sorento and Sportage SUVs* with more than 90-percent of the vehicles assembled destined for dealerships across America. Kia Georgia’s total production is anticipated to surpass 4 million vehicles in April of 2023. The West Point facility has provided over $20 million in support of Georgia communities since 2009, including over $6 million to support educational programs such as the THINC College & Career Academy in LaGrange and SAE’s “A World in Motion.”

“Georgia’s array of resources to promote economic growth and workforce development enabled Kia to focus on the key fundamentals of building a state-of-the-art facility and the necessary skill sets for hundreds of team members new to automotive manufacturing,” said Stuart Countess, president and CEO of Kia Georgia. “As Kia looks ahead with excitement, we are confident in our ability to adapt and lead the evolving automotive industry. Our experience in the state of Georgia is a huge part of building that confidence.”

Kia America – about us

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive 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 range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electrified vehicles sold through a network of over 750 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*.

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 K5, Sportage, Sorento, and Telluride (excludes HEV and PHEV models) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

Kia Georgia – about us

Kia Georgia, Inc. is the first manufacturing site in North America for Kia Corporation based in Seoul, Korea. With an annual capacity of 340,000 units, Kia Georgia is located on 2,200 acres in West Point, GA, and began mass vehicle assembly on Nov. 16, 2009. Kia Georgia is home to the Telluride SUV, Sorento SUV, Sportage SUV (excluding HEV and PHEV models) and the K5 mid-size sedan.

Georgia lawmakers commend Kia for manufacturing and its impact to the state.

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SOURCE Kia America