The Premiere School For Children With Autism In South Florida Celebrates New Campus With Autism Shoe Drive

April 6, 2021

HIALEAH, Fla., April 6, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The South Florida Autism Charter School, (SFACS) is excited to announce the completion and opening of its new state-of-the-art campus located in Hialeah. Now children on the Autism Spectrum will have the ability to attend a tuition-free school, dedicated to providing unapparelled education in an ABA based setting, within a campus unlike any other in the Sunshine State.

In conjunction with the opening of the campus, SFACS is holding its annual SFACS Walk Drive-by style on Saturday, April 10, 2021 starting at 10 am. With COVID restrictions still in effect, school officials have opted for a car parade. Vehicles will be lining up at the school’s original location by Slade Park. From there, the parade of cars will travel through town until they reach the school’s new location, just west of Interstate 75.

In addition to the walk drive-by style and the celebration of the new campus, SFACS is also collecting Shoes for Autism…an opportunity for the public to donate gently used shoes of all kinds, which will go to benefit families in need across the world. The collection begins April 3^rd and run through the month of April, in conjunction with Autism Awareness Month.

This event will be following all CDC guidelines.

About South Florida Autism Charter School:

South Florida Autism Charter Schools, Inc., (SFACS), is the first charter school in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, that exclusively serves students on the Autism Spectrum. The school was founded in 2008 and has demonstrated academic excellence in an underserved community through science-based, individualized curriculum and free bi-monthly community workshops for family members and caregivers. We are a non-profit organization.

Our new campus sits on 5 acres with 66,000 square feet for 300 students. The school features a full cafeteria, one-way viewing side rooms for therapists and parents to observe their children and sensory play areas inside and outside.

Plans are in the works for additional features, including a swimming pool, therapy center and future assisted living facility for student alumni.

Find us on social media:
Instagram: @sfacs_autism
Facebook: Facebook.com/southfloridaautismcharterschoolsinc

South Florida Autism Charter Schools, INC.
3751 West 108^th St, Hialeah, Florida 33018
(305) 823-2700 PH
(305) 823-2705 FX
www.sfacs.org
A Title I – Tuition Free Public Charter School

SOURCE South Florida Autism Charter School

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits and Lobos 1707 Tequila & Mezcal Join Forces to Build a Bigger Table

April 6, 2021

MIAMI and DALLAS, April 6, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (Southern Glazer’s)—the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol—today announced that it has signed a national alignment agreement with Lobos 1707, an independent premium spirits brand that leads the way for diverse brand ownership in spirits. Inspired by a centuries-old distillation process, Lobos 1707 offers four unique products including Extra Añejo, Reposado and Joven tequilas as well as a Mezcal Artesanal. Launched in November 2020, Lobos 1707 is named after the Spanish word for “wolf,” representing unity, inclusivity and community. Wolves move as a pack and value both the strength of the group and of the individual, which is the backbone of the brand. Lobos 1707 is led by Founder and Chief Creative Officer Diego Osorio and Chief Executive Officer Dia Simms, with early backing by sports and cultural icon, LeBron James.

This relationship represents the future of spirits, bringing together a diverse group of industry leaders to the table to make a difference in the larger cultural landscape by developing programming and opportunities for others. This strategic alignment will also help Lobos 1707 accelerate growth in the expanding tequila and mezcal category by leveraging Southern Glazer’s national scale, brand building expertise and industry-leading Proof™ e-commerce platform.

“In addition to having a great liquid, the Lobos 1707 vision to ‘build a bigger table’ aligns with our values around promoting and celebrating diversity,” comments Jennifer Chaplin Tolkin, Vice President, Supplier Management, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. “The Lobos 1707 team recognizes our Multicultural Center of Excellence as a commercial point of differentiation and how we are focused on enhancing diversity and inclusion, not just within our organization but through the suppliers we represent. We look forward to working together not only to introduce the Lobos 1707 portfolio of premium tequila and mezcal products to more consumers; but also, to find new and innovative ways to uplift the diverse communities where we do business.”

Southern Glazer’s commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion is reflected across various internal workplace, commercial and community programs. For example, the Company invests in recruiting and developing diverse talent from its partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund that gives the Company access to student interns from the organization’s member schools; to its C.H.E.E.R.S. to Diversity business resource groups that provide employee networking and professional development opportunities. The Company also hosts an annual Women in Leadership program conducted through Columbia University and the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America, designed to advance female leaders. From a commercial perspective, Southern Glazer’s Multicultural Center of Excellence has expanded its efforts to identify and support Black- and minority-owned wine and spirits suppliers in the Company’s portfolio, and its Corporate Procurement team launched a new vendor diversity program with the National Minority Supplier Development Council. The Company also extends its commitment to diversity through its philanthropic and community outreach programs, including a financial grant to the Equal Justice Initiative, as well as funding a program through leading social impact education innovator EVERFI to offer diversity-themed online education courses for high school students in Florida and Texas. Lobos 1707 plans to work in lockstep with Southern Glazer’s to identify ways to further amplify these types of meaningful initiatives.

“The Southern Glazer’s alignment is so important to us because of their commitment to diversity and inclusion,” explains Diego Osorio. “Lobos 1707 is about unity, and we want to stand for those who don’t have the resources to share their voice. We hope to inspire change, create unity, celebrate individuality and embrace the importance of the pack. Southern Glazer’s has strong family values and a commitment to match our own, and we are looking forward to working with them to make the spirits industry more inclusive. Everyone has a seat at our table, and if not, we will build a bigger table together.”

“For Lobos 1707, the commitment to building a bigger table where all are welcome applies to everything we do – from the leadership of our company to who we do business with and every phase in between,” said LeBron James. “We want to work with people and companies that share those same values and make diversity and inclusion a priority, particularly in this industry.”

Each marque in the Lobos 1707 portfolio reflects the traditional Mexican distillation and aging process and is finished in Pedro Ximénez (PX) wine barrels from Spain. The Lobos 1707 unique barrel aging process represents a modern approach to a practice that began 400 years ago. The proprietary formula and world-class product creations are led by Master Distillers from Mexico and Spain.

About Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is the world’s pre-eminent distributor of beverage alcohol, and proud to be a multi-generational, family-owned company. The Company has operations in 44 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. Southern Glazer’s urges all retail customers and adult consumers to market, sell, serve, and enjoy its products responsibly. For more information visit www.southernglazers.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @sgwinespirits and on Facebook at Facebook.com/SouthernGlazers.

About Lobos 1707
Lobos 1707 is an independent spirits producer that blends heritage and innovation. Inspired by his ancestor of the same name, Founder and Chief Creative Officer Diego Osorio launched Lobos 1707 in 2020 with CEO and brand-builder Dia Simms and legendary athlete and cultural icon LeBron James. James and Maverick Carter are part of Main Street Advisors’ (MSA) investment group, which co-led the investment in Lobos 1707 with Mezorio Spirits. Anthony Davis and Draymond Green are also investors through MSA along with Klutch Sports Group CEO and Founder, Rich Paul. Torch Capital rounds out the investment team. The portfolio includes Lobos 1707 Tequila, Extra Añejo, Lobos 1707 Tequila, Reposado, Lobos 1707 Tequila, Joven and Lobos 1707 Mezcal Artesanal, all premium products infused with history, culture and family legacy. Harvested, distilled and bottled in the Los Altos de Jalisco region of Mexico, Lobos 1707 Tequila and Mezcal feature unique and elevated flavor profiles influenced by both old and new world techniques. Lobos 1707 Tequila and Mezcal are cultivated from 100% blue weber agave and then finished in Pedro Ximénez (PX) wine barrels, using the solera method before bottling. Product design includes the Osorio Family Coat of Arms and the Agave Wind Rose Compass to represent the union of Spanish and Mexican cultures. A portion of proceeds will be donated to wolf sanctuaries in Mexico and the United States. Everyone has a seat at the table to stir, sip, savor and sin with Lobos 1707.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1337212/Lobos_1707_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Lobos 1707

Makita Leads Market Adoption Of Cordless Outdoor Power Equipment

April 6, 2021

LA MIRADA, Calif., April 6, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Makita U.S.A., Inc., the innovation leader in cordless technology, continues to gain market share in the cordless outdoor power equipment (OPE) category. Makita^® OPE share has increased year-over-year due to an expanding product range and the success of the “Rule the Outdoors” campaign. This spring, Makita will spend over three-times the investment in television and digital advertisements for cordless outdoor power equipment.

Market Trends

With gas prices, new home sales, and remote working on the rise, the demand for cordless outdoor power equipment has drastically increased. Other driving forces behind the shift from gas to cordless outdoor power equipment includes government municipalities, hospitals, universities, and homeowner associations (HOA) who ban gas equipment in an effort to reduce emissions or noise. Makita has recognized and is poised to accelerate the movement from gas to cordless.

The “Rule the Outdoors” marketing campaign promotes Makita LXT^® Cordless Outdoor Power Equipment and the benefits of battery-powered over gas-powered.

Investing for Today and the Future

The national “Rule the Outdoors” marketing campaign has successfully driven demand and product awareness for Makita LXT Cordless Outdoor Power Equipment. This spring, Makita will spend 3-times more in advertising to continue generating awareness and sales.

Makita commercials will air during prime-time spots on 20 networks, generating awareness to the targeted audience. The television commercial can also be viewed at www.youtube.com/makitatoolsusa

The campaign also includes a digital component that will generate 30-million commercial views this spring and increase web traffic to www.makitatools.com/RTO

World’s Largest Professional Cordless System with the Power of Gas

Makita has the world’s largest professional cordless outdoor power equipment system with nearly 50 products. The system continues to expand with a wide range of cordless lawn mowers, string trimmers, blowers, chain saws, hedge trimmers, pole saws and more.

“Professionals are able to get the power and performance of gas with battery technology today,” asserts Romique Talton, senior product manager, Makita U.S.A. “No one else in this space has this legacy in both gas outdoor power equipment and cordless technology. We have taken our gas ‘know-how’ and applied it to our cordless outdoor power equipment, resulting in equipment with power equivalent to that of gas equipment and making it possible for landscapers and tree-care workers to make the switch.”

The latest LXT Brushless 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower (XML08PT1) is one of the featured products of the campaign. This model cuts over 2/3 of an acre and gets up to 60 minutes of run time under load. It features a commercial-grade steel deck, 9″ rubber treaded wheels and has eight height adjustments. For a limited time, consumers receive $150 off retail pricing and two free 18V LXT 5.0Ah Batteries (a $219 value) for a total of 4 batteries.

For more information about Makita Outdoor Power Equipment, visit www.makitatools.com/RTO

About Makita

Makita is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial power tools, power equipment, and pneumatics and offers a wide range of industrial accessories. Makita U.S.A., Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network throughout the U.S.A. With 50 years in the United States and over 100 years worldwide, Makita utilizes experience and expertise to manufacture best-in-class solutions. For more information call Makita U.S.A. at (800)4-MAKITA or visit makitatools.com. Find Makita on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter @makitatools

MEDIA CONTACTS
Wayne Hart
(714) 522-8088 x4410
[email protected]

Jennifer Morse
(714) 522-8088 x 4401
[email protected]

Consumer Inquiries:
(800) 4-MAKITA
makitatools.com
@makitatools

SOURCE Makita U.S.A., Inc.

If you purchased or were enrolled in a Blue Cross or Blue Shield health insurance or administrative services plan between 2008 and 2020, a $2.67 billion Settlement may affect your rights

April 6, 2021

Para una notificación en español, visite www.BCBSsettlement.com/espanol

SEATTLE, April 6, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — On November 30, 2020, the Honorable R. David Proctor of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama granted preliminary approval of the class action Settlement in the In re: Blue Cross Blue Shield Antitrust Litigation MDL 2406, N.D. Ala. Master File No. 2:13-cv-20000-RDP.

Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8852851-blue-cross-blue-shield-class-action-settlement/

What is the lawsuit about?

Plaintiffs claim that the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and Settling Individual Blue Plans (collectively, “Settling Defendants”) violated antitrust laws by illegally entering into an agreement not to compete with each other and to restrict competition among themselves in selling health insurance and administrative services for health insurance. Settling Defendants deny all claims and have asserted that their conduct results in lower health care costs and greater access to care for its customers. The Court has not decided who is right.

Who is affected?

You may be eligible to receive payment if you are an Individual, Insured Group (and their employees) or Self-Funded Account (and their employees) that purchased or were enrolled in a Blue Cross or Blue Shield health insurance or administrative services plan during one of the two Settlement Class Periods. Government accounts are excluded from the Class.

The Settlement Class Period for Individuals and Insured Groups is from February 7, 2008 through October 16, 2020. The Settlement Class Period for Self-Funded Accounts is from September 1, 2015 through October 16, 2020. Dependents, beneficiaries (including minors), and non-employees are NOT eligible to receive payment.

All Individuals, Insured Groups, and Self-Funded Accounts that purchased or were enrolled in a Blue Cross or Blue Shield health insurance or administrative services plan from February 7, 2008 through October 16, 2020 will also benefit from the provisions of the Settlement requiring Settling Defendants to change certain of their practices that were alleged to be anticompetitive. Dependents, beneficiaries (including minors), and non-employees will benefit from this part of the Settlement.

For more details about who is affected visit www.BCBSsettlement.com.

What can you get from the Settlement?

Class Members who submit valid claims may receive cash benefits from the Net Settlement Fund. That Fund is estimated to be approximately $1.9 billion, after deducting attorneys’ fees, administration expenses and other costs from the $2.67 billion Settlement Fund. For more details on the Plan of Distribution, read the Long Form Notice available at www.BCBSsettlement.com. You can also call (888) 681-1142. Settling Defendants also agreed to changes in the way they do business to increase the opportunities for competition in the market for health insurance.

How do you get a payment?

You must submit a valid claim online at www.BCBSsettlement.com or postmarked by mail no later than November 5, 2021. Claim Forms are available at www.BCBSsettlement.com or may be requested by calling (888) 681-1142.

FILE A CLAIM

What are your other options?

If you do not want to be legally bound by the Settlement, you may send a request for exclusion (“opt out”). You will receive no money, but you will keep your right to sue Settling Defendants for the claims in this case. If you do not exclude yourself, you may object to the Settlement. You will still be bound by the Settlement if your objection is rejected. For details on how to opt out or object, read the Long Form Notice available at www.BCBSsettlement.com. You can also call (888) 681-1142.

Opt outs and objections must be postmarked by July 28, 2021. The Court will hold a Fairness Hearing on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. CT, to consider whether the Settlement is fair, reasonable, and adequate. The Court will also decide whether to approve attorneys’ fees and expenses up to $667.5 million and $101 million for additional costs and service awards, which will be deducted from the $2.67 billion Settlement Fund. You may ask to appear at the Fairness Hearing, on your own behalf or through counsel, but you don’t have to do so.

Please Do Not Contact The Court Regarding This Notice.

Questions?

Visit www.BCBSsettlement.com, email [email protected], call (888) 681-1142, or write Blue Cross Blue Shield Settlement c/o JND Legal Administration, P.O. Box 91390, Seattle, WA 98111.

SOURCE JND Legal Administration

HughesNet in Puerto Rico Expands to Serve Increased Demand for Broadband

April 6, 2021

HughesNet was named Best Satellite Internet Service Provider of 2021 by U.S. News & World Report.

GERMANTOWN, Md., April 6, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), an innovator in satellite technologies and networks for 50 years, today announced it has secured additional capacity over Puerto Rico for HughesNet^®, the leading satellite Internet service. The capacity increase – on the existing Hughes 63 West satellite payload – will enhance the customer experience for current HughesNet customers across Puerto Rico and enable Hughes to serve even more customers on the island with affordable, reliable Internet access.

“Due to the pandemic and recent natural disasters, the people of Puerto Rico understand the value of being connected,” said Peter Gulla, senior vice president, Hughes. “Across the island, HughesNet delivers internet access by satellite so people can work from home, attend school, and keep up with latest health and disaster information. HughesNet goes where other providers can’t reach. The need for connectivity has never been never greater and this is why we continue to optimize HughesNet to connect more people and better serve our existing customers.”

Recently named the Best Satellite Internet Provider of 2021 by U.S. News & World Report 360 Reviews, HughesNet connects more than 1,500,000 families and businesses across the Americas at broadband speeds in areas that cable and wire-line providers have largely bypassed. Available in rural and remote locations—even in the most difficult to reach places—HughesNet provides Puerto Ricans with fast and reliable Internet access so they can browse the web, access government and health information, watch videos, send and receive email, enjoy social media, conduct online banking and more. Hughes continuously innovates to better serve its customers and connect more people to the Internet, as evidenced by these latest capacity enhancements in Puerto Rico.

For more information about HughesNet in Puerto Rico, visit www.hughesnet.com/pr.

About Hughes Network Systems
Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), an innovator in satellite and multi-transport technologies and networks for 50 years, provides broadband equipment and services; managed services featuring smart, software-defined networking; and end-to-end network operation for millions of consumers, businesses, governments and communities worldwide. The Hughes flagship Internet service, HughesNet^®, connects more than 1.5 million subscribers across the Americas, and the Hughes JUPITER™ System powers Internet access for tens of millions more worldwide. Hughes supplies more than half the global satellite terminal market to leading satellite operators, in-flight service providers, mobile network operators and military customers. A managed network services provider, Hughes supports nearly 500,000 enterprise sites with its HughesON™ portfolio of wired and wireless solutions. Headquartered in Germantown, Maryland, USA, Hughes is owned by EchoStar. To learn more, visit www.hughes.com or follow HughesConnects on Twitter and LinkedIn.

About EchoStar
EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS) is a premier global provider of satellite communication solutions. Headquartered in Englewood, Colo., and conducting business around the globe, EchoStar is a pioneer in communications technologies through its Hughes Network Systems and EchoStar Satellite Services business segments. For more information, visit echostar.com. Follow @EchoStar on Twitter.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1477691/Hughes_Network_Systems_LLC_US_News_Banner.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/694618/HughesNet_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Hughes Network Systems, LLC

Avianca appoints CellPoint Digital for ambitious payment orchestration project

April 6, 2021

CellPoint Digital tasked with delivering game-changing payment orchestration solution across all channels in all markets for the leading Latin American airline.

MIAMI, March 31, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Avianca, the oldest commercial airline in the world, has partnered with CellPoint Digital to improve customer experience when purchasing services and optimising payments across their entire global operation. This payment orchestration project is one of the most ambitious undertaken by an airline to date and will also address the specific complexities of payment in Latin America.

Using its leading Velocity Payment Orchestration Platform (POP), CellPoint Digital will assemble and manage a unique payment eco-system for Avianca to ease our customers’ payment process and simplify internal processes. Over five Payment Service Providers, 40+ acquirers, and over 40+ payment methods will be fully integrated, allowing for frictionless payments worldwide. Velocity will enable Avianca to deploy 25+ new payment methods, including global e-wallets with Latin American-specific choices plus new European options to offer our customers a variety of options.

Velocity’s roll-out will replace several current payment solutions with a single platform, radically accelerating the time to market for new acquirers and payment methods and automating key back-end processes such as refund and reconciliation. All transactions are dynamically routed to save cost and ensure the lowest rejection rate. Failed or refused transactions are automatically retried through an alternative route to maximise acceptance rates.

Alvaro Rosales, Payment Methods Manager at Avianca Holdings, says: “Offering to our customers their preferred payment method in an appealing and agile manner is critical for an excellent purchasing experience and also having a significant impact on our costs. It’s a challenge for a global airline to develop the eco-system needed to optimise payments, especially with the variety of local requirements for Latin America. Therefore, we needed an independent and agnostic payment orchestrator to process, optimise and automate all our payments through all our channels. CellPoint Digital’s advanced Payment Orchestration Platform will enable us to improve the purchasing experience for our customers and execute our payment strategy, boost our payment acceptance rate and reduce our average payment costs.”

As the Payment Orchestration Platform will be deployed across all digital channels, including B2C (website, mobile app, chatbot), B2B, distributors and traditional channels (call centre, airport or city ticket offices), Avianca customers will benefit from a consistent and enhanced payment experience whichever channel they use. They will be invited to store their cards for future payments and enjoy a new level of flexibility: to pay in their currency of choice, to pay with vouchers or miles, to split payments between several methods, to pay in installments or to pay by simply clicking a weblink.

“We are delighted to partner with Avianca, a flagship airline that has achieved longevity through innovation and is now trailblazing in the area of payment orchestration. We share their vision that optimising payments will make a significant difference to faster recovery while delivering a unique advantage well into the foreseeable future,” says Kristian Gjerding, CEO of CellPoint Digital. “In such challenging times, an airline cannot afford to lose a customer because their payment did not go through or they didn’t find their preferred payment method. Reducing cross-border transactions provides a broad opportunity for global airlines to save costs. However, integrating multiple payment options brings much more complexity, and this is where Velocity will help Avianca: ultimately making it simpler to operate a much more complex payment eco-system.”

For more information about CellPoint Digital’s partnership with Avianca or to interview Kristian Gjerding, CEO of CellPoint Digital, please contact Becky Sales at [email protected].

About CellPoint Digital
We make payments easier™ for airlines, travel companies and other international merchants and their customers.

CellPoint Digital is both a fintech and a traveltech company. We provide powerful payment and digital commerce solutions that enable merchants to simplify their systems, unify their customer experience and boost their digital transactions across websites, mobile apps and other channels. CellPoint Digital offers two omni-channel modular platforms. Velocity is a unique Payment Orchestration Platform that optimises all digital payment transactions, from cards or alternative payment methods, and accelerates the deployment of new payment options. Voyage is a full digital platform that masters the entire customer sales cycle (Promote, Sell, Pay, Serve). CellPoint Digital has offices in Copenhagen, Dallas, Dubai, London, Miami, Pune and Singapore. Visit www.cellpointdigital.com to learn more.

About Avianca Airlines.
Avianca is the commercial brand regrouping freight, passenger and cargo airlines. Avianca has been flying uninterrupted for 100 years. With a fleet of 158 aircraft, Avianca serves 76 destinations in 27 countries within the Americas and Europe. Avianca transported 30 million passengers in 2019 and achieved US$4.6 billion revenues. Avianca is part of the Star Alliance network and offers a leading LifeMiles™ loyalty programme. Learn more on www.aviancaholdings.com

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/968672/CellPoint_Digital_Logo.jpg

SOURCE CellPoint Digital

Spanish Broadcasting System and Katz Radio Group Announce Multi-Year Partnership

April 5, 2021

MIAMI, April 5, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. (SBS) (OTCQX: SBSAA), the leading minority certified, Hispanic multimedia and entertainment company in the U.S., announced today that Katz Radio Group, the nation’s largest media sales organization, will now serve as SBS’s national sales representative under a multi-year agreement.

Under the new partnership, Katz divisions — Christal Radio and Katz Radio — will manage SBS’ national spot business along with the creation of dynamic multicultural audio marketing campaigns across SBS’s major markets: New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco and Puerto Rico.

Understanding the diversity and influence of the US Hispanic consumer, the new SBS-Katz partnership further amplifies their mutual commitment to increasing multicultural offerings for today’s brands as, more than ever before, advertisers are aware of the need to invest in targeting diverse audiences with cultural and inclusive messaging. Katz will also continue to lead audio advocacy efforts with advertisers and agencies to ensure diversity, equity and inclusion in media planning and buying.

“As the largest minority-owned and certified Hispanic multimedia company, we have been committed to culturally engaging, entertaining and uplifting Hispanics across the nation since our inception nearly four decades ago,” said Albert Rodriguez, COO, Spanish Broadcasting System. “Our partnership with Katz is a testament of our commitment and we couldn’t be more excited to work with them on developing innovative solutions for brands that are looking to engage with Hispanics through our unparalleled offerings.”

“Katz is exceptional at educating marketers on how best to reach multicultural consumers through audio campaigns,” said Elisa Torres, EVP, AIRE Radio Networks and SBS National. “We’re very excited to bring our diverse and broad audio footprint together in order to provide advertisers unique opportunities that engage our multicultural consumers in a meaningful way.”

“The new partnership with SBS further amplifies Katz’s commitment to providing Hispanic marketing solutions to our advertisers with unparalleled scale. We are thrilled to partner with Latino powerhouse SBS during this exciting time for multicultural marketing,” said Christine Travaglini, President of Katz Radio Group.

About Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc.:

Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. owns and operates radio stations located in the top U.S. Hispanic markets of New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco and Puerto Rico, airing the Spanish Tropical, Regional Mexican, Spanish Adult Contemporary, Top 40 and Latin Rhythmic format genres. SBS is also the home of the #1 radio station in the country regardless of language, WSKQ-FM 97.9. SBS also operates AIRE Radio Networks, a national radio platform which creates, distributes and markets leading Spanish-language radio programming to over 300+ affiliated stations reaching 95% of the U.S. Hispanic audience. SBS also owns MegaTV, a television operation with over-the-air, cable and satellite distribution and affiliates throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. SBS also produces live concerts and events and owns multiple bilingual websites, including LaMusica, a mobile app providing content related to Latin music, entertainment, news and culture. For more information, visit us online at www.spanishbroadcasting.com.

About Katz Media Group:

Katz Media Group is the leading media sales organization that provides advertisers with the power of local impact on a national scale. Katz seamlessly activates influential connections with over 200 million weekly consumers across the country through its two companies — Katz Radio Group and Katz Television Group — collectively representing more than 3,300 radio stations, 800 television stations, and their digital platforms. As a trusted sales partner, Katz is dedicated to using the latest technology, data, and strategic insights to create custom campaigns that target advertisers’ needs and deliver results in every market across the country. Katz is based in New York City, with a total of 14 regional offices nationwide. For more information, visit us online at www.katzmedia.com.

MEDIA CONTACT SBS-AIRE RADIO NETWORKS:

Vladimir Gomez
VP, Corporate Communications
[email protected]
(786) 805-2545

MEDIA CONTACT SBS EXTERNAL AGENCY:
Marlene Maseda
Fusion4Media
[email protected]

MEDIA CONTACT KATZ MEDIA GROUP:
Jennifer Savage
[email protected]
(419) 351-5145

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1481260/KATZ_RADIO_GROUP.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/460768/spanish_broadcasting_system_inc__logo.jpg

SOURCE Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. (SBS)

Crueger Dickinson LLC, Hudock Law Group, S.C., and Greg Coleman Law Announce the Certification of a Class Action Lawsuit for Consumers Who Purchased VIZIO LCD TVs in California

April 5, 2021

LOS ANGELES, April 5, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ —

Purchased a VIZIO LCD Television in the State of California?
A Class Action Lawsuit May Affect Your Rights.

Your rights may be affected by a class action lawsuit regarding VIZIO LCD televisions. The case name is Jeffrey Koenig, et al. v. Vizio, Inc., and the case number is Case No. BC702266. Plaintiff’s lawsuit claims that VIZIO labeled its LCD televisions as having a “Hz” rating twice as high as its actual refresh rate, causing damage to Class Members. VIZIO denies all of Plaintiff’s allegations and contends that it properly labeled each television with the correct “Hz” specification.

This is only a summary. The Court has not made any determination about who is right. There is no money available now, and no guarantee there will be. For additional details, please read the Long-Form Notice available to download at www.refreshrateclassaction.com.

Who is Included?

You are a member of the Class if:

You purchased one of the VIZIO LCD television models listed on www.refreshrateclassaction.com/Home/ModelsList between April 30, 2014 and the present in the state of California.

The following are NOT members of the Class:

VIZIO; any affiliate, parent, or subsidiary of VIZIO; any entity in which VIZIO has a controlling interest; any officer, director, or employee of VIZIO; any successor or assign of VIZIO; anyone employed by counsel in this action; any judge to whom this case is assigned; his or her spouse and immediate family members; and members of the judge’s staff.

A more detailed Notice, including the exact Class definition and exceptions to Class membership, is available at www.refreshrateclassaction.com.

Your Rights and Options

DO NOTHING: If you are a Class Member and do nothing, you are choosing to stay in the Class and you will be able to share in any money or benefits that may be recovered in this case. You will be bound by all orders and judgments of the Court, including any judgment in VIZIO’s favor, and you will give up your right to sue VIZIO as part of any other lawsuit for the claims made in this case.

EXCLUDE YOURSELF FROM THE CLASS: If you exclude yourself from the Class (i.e., opt out), you will not be entitled to money or benefits if they are awarded or recovered. You will not be bound by any orders or judgments of the Court and you will not give up your right to sue VIZIO as part of any other lawsuit for the claims made in this case. The deadline to exclude yourself from the Class is May 17, 2021. Specific instructions on how to request exclusion are included in the Long-Form Notice available to download at www.refreshrateclassaction.com.

The Trial

The Court has not yet determined whether a trial is required in this case and has not yet scheduled any trial in this matter. If a trial date is set in this matter, the date and location of the trial will be posted to the website www.refreshrateclassaction.com. The Plaintiff will have to prove his claims at trial. There is no guarantee that the Plaintiff will win or obtain money for the Class. You may hire your own lawyer at your own expense, but you do not have to.

Want More Information?

Go to www.refreshrateclassaction.com, call 877-933-3286, or write to Koenig v. VIZIO Class Action, c/o A.B. Data, Ltd., P.O. Box 170500, Milwaukee, WI 53217.

SOURCE Crueger Dickinson LLC, Hudock Law Group, S.C., and Greg Coleman Law

Many Americans unable to pay bills or cover unexpected expenses and lack critical financial knowledge, survey shows

April 5, 2021

NEW YORK, April 5, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Twenty-two percent of U.S. adults report they are unable to pay their bills in full and on time in a typical month, and 30 percent would not be able to cover an unexpected $2,000 expense, according to new data from the fifth annual Personal Finance Index (P-Fin Index) released by the TIAA Institute and the Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center (GFLEC) at the George Washington University School of Business.

Results from the P-Fin Index indicate that a significant portion of American adults still struggle with financial literacy. After four years of incremental growth in financial literacy, the percentage of P-Fin Index questions respondents answered correctly decreased by 2 percentage points in 2021, with respondents correctly answering only 50 percent of the questions. Comprehending risk continues to be the area in which financial literacy is lowest, with U.S. adults on average correctly answering only 37 percent of questions on this topic.

“This year’s Personal Finance Index reveals the precarious financial situations of many Americans, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said TIAA Institute Senior Economist Paul Yakoboski. “But we have also seen Americans become increasingly motivated since the onset of COVID to improve their personal finances. Now is the time to focus on enhancing financial literacy as we look forward to life post-COVID.”

Financial challenges and lower levels of financial literacy are significantly more prevalent among the Black and Hispanic communities who face structural inequities and longstanding institutional biases:

Thirty-two percent of individuals in these U.S. demographic groups find it difficult to make ends meet in a typical month, compared to 18 percent of white Americans.
Fifty-six percent of Black Americans and 53 percent of Hispanics do not have non-retirement savings sufficient to cover one month of living expenses, compared to 35 percent of white Americans.
Blacks and Hispanics correctly answered 37 percent and 41 percent, respectively, of the P-Fin Index questions, compared to white Americans, who correctly answered 55 percent.

“Our data shows a direct link between financial literacy and financial well-being, and demonstrates how knowledge can help better position Americans against adverse economic conditions,” said Annamaria Lusardi, University Professor and Academic Director of GFLEC. “Just as we need to address institutional barriers, we must also break down barriers to financial well-being as part of the recovery path from COVID-19, and that includes greater access to financial literacy.”

The P-Fin Index is unique in its capacity to produce a robust measure of overall personal finance knowledge as well as an analysis of knowledge across multiple areas of personal finance. It also identifies how financial literacy contributes to financial wellness. The index consists of 28 questions spanning eight functional areas:

Earning: determinants of wages and take-home pay.
Consuming: budgets and managing spending.
Saving: factors that maximize accumulations.
Investing: investment types, risk and return.
Borrowing/managing debt: relationship between loan features and repayments.
Insuring: types of coverage and how insurance works.
Comprehending risk: understanding uncertain financial outcomes.
Go-to information sources: recognizing appropriate sources and advice.

The full report can be found HERE.

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About the TIAA Institute
The TIAA Institute helps advance the ways individuals and institutions plan for financial security and organizational effectiveness. The institute conducts in-depth research, provides access to a network of thought leaders, and enables those it serves to anticipate trends, plan future strategies and maximize opportunities for success. For more information about the TIAA Institute, visit www.tiaainstitute.org.

About TIAA
With an award-winning¹ track record for consistent investment performance, TIAA (TIAA.org) is the leading provider of financial services in the academic, research, medical, cultural and government fields. TIAA has $1.3 trillion in assets under management (as of 12/31/2020²) and offers a wide range of financial solutions, including investing, banking, advice and education, and retirement services.

About GFLEC
The Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center (GFLEC) is dedicated to advancing research and solutions that open the door to universal financial literacy. In working toward that mission, GFLEC has positioned itself as the world’s leading incubator for financial literacy research, policy, and solutions. GFLEC launched in 2011 at the George Washington University School of Business in Washington, D.C. Since then, it has pioneered breakthrough tools to measure financial literacy, developed and advised on educational programs, and crafted policy guidelines aimed at advancing financial knowledge in the United States and around the world. For more information on GFLEC, visit www.gflec.org.

____________________

¹ The Refinitiv Lipper Fund Awards are based on the Lipper Leader for Consistent Return rating, which is a risk-adjusted performance measure calculated over 36, 60 and 120 months. Lipper Leaders fund ratings do not constitute and are not intended to constitute investment advice or an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security of any entity in any jurisdiction. For more information, see lipperfundawards.com. Lipper Fund Awards from Refinitiv, ©2020 Refinitiv. All rights reserved. Used under license. The Award is based on a review of risk-adjusted performance of 39 companies for 2016, 36 for 2017, 35 for 2018 & 2019, and 30 for 2020. The award pertains only to the TIAA-CREF mutual funds in the mixed-asset category. Without such waivers ratings could be lower. Past performance does not guarantee future results. For current performance, rankings and prospectuses, please visit TIAA.org.

² Based on approximately $1.3 trillion of assets under management across Nuveen affiliates and TIAA investment management teams as of 12/31/2020.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1480445/2021_P_Fin_Index.jpg

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1142121/TIAA_Logo.jpg

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1142120/GFLEC_Logo.jpg

SOURCE TIAA Institute

March 2021 Marks Best-Ever Month And First Quarter Sales For Kia In The U.S.

April 2, 2021

IRVINE, Calif., April 1, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced its best-ever month and an all-time high for first quarter sales. Through March, Kia sales are up 9-percent over the previous first quarter high set in 2016. Finishing in record-setting fashion, Kia delivered 66,523 vehicles in March, with best-ever monthly performances by the K5 and Seltos.

March also saw Telluride continue its historic run, posting best-ever March sales a full two years after the model’s introduction.

“After outpacing the industry last year, Kia is on the move again in 2021 and setting sales records as more new customers discover the world-class design and quality built into every one of our sporty sedans and capable SUVs,” said Sean Yoon, president and CEO of Kia Motors North America and Kia Motors America. “The successful launches of the all-new Sorento and Carnival have added to the momentum established by the Telluride and helped push the Kia brand to new heights with even greater potential for future growth.”

In addition to its record-setting sales performance, Kia took home a number of industry awards in March 2021, including:

Eight Kia vehicles – Soul, Forte, K5, Stinger, Seltos, Sportage, Sorento and Telluride – received the Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+) and Top Safety Pick (TSP) designations from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
U.S. News & World Report named Telluride the “Best 3-Row SUV for Families” for the second consecutive year
Car and Driver presented 2021 Editors’ Choice Awards to Rio, Soul, K5, Sorento, and Telluride
Kelley Blue Book named Telluride the Best Resale Value Award in the 3-Row, Midsize SUV category

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 nearly 750 dealers in the U.S., including 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.

	MONTH OF MARCH		YEAR-TO-DATE
Model	2021	2020	2021	2020
Rio	2,894	2,135	6,818	6,845
Forte	10,459	7,598	24,850	22,359
K5/Optima	8,717	8,408	20,394	20,345
Cadenza	54	96	155	485
Stinger	1,007	754	2,444	2,560
K900	22	16	56	65
Soul	6,899	5,367	17,191	16,713
Niro	1,753	1,454	4,311	4,975
Seltos	6,497	2,160	16,786	5,052
Sportage	9,471	5,382	22,417	20,057
Sorento	8,692	5,710	19,724	18,055
Telluride	8,591	5,153	21,854	16,826
Sedona/Carnival	1,467	1,180	2,550	3,608
Total	66,523	45,413	159,550	137,945

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

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1442697/Kia_New_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Kia Motors America

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