If you were exposed to water from the Flint Water Treatment Plant between April 25, 2014 and November 16, 2020, your rights may be affected by a $641 million settlement

February 26, 2021

FLINT, Mich., Feb. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ —

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT EASTERN DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN

The deadline to register for the Settlement is March 29, 2021.
To learn more, visit www.OfficialFlintWaterSettlement.com

This notice explains a class action settlement in the Flint Water Cases. The notice applies to you if at any time during the period April 25, 2014 to November 16, 2020 (“Exposure Period”):

(1)   you were exposed to water from the Flint Water Treatment Plant (“FWTP”) and you were 18 years or older at any time when you were exposed; or
(2)   you were 18 years or older at any time when you owned, rented, or lived in residential property served by the FWTP, or were legally liable for the payment for such water, during that time; or
(3)   you owned or operated a business served by the FWTP, or were legally liable for the payment for such water, during that time.

What is the lawsuit about? The lawsuits assert that residents of Flint and others who used or were exposed to water from the FWTP between April 25, 2014 and November 16, 2020, suffered personal injury, property damage, economic loss, or any other type of damage or injury as a result of exposure to, use of, or being obligated to pay for, the contaminated water. The lawsuits claim that when the City of Flint switched to the Flint River as the source of water in 2014, the water was not treated correctly and that it caused pipes to corrode and release lead and other contaminants into the water. Plaintiffs allege that exposure to contaminated water received from the Flint Water Treatment Plant (located at 4500 Dort Highway, Flint, Michigan 48506), during the period April 25, 2014 to November 16, 2020, has caused a public health crisis.

Settling Defendants deny any and all alleged liability, wrongdoing, violations, and/or damages. The Court has not decided who is right.

Who is included? The Settlement Class includes all persons or entities who are or could be claiming personal injury, property damage, business economic loss, unjust enrichment, breach of contract, or seeking any other type of damage or relief. Specific details on the Settlement Class and Subclasses are available at www.OfficialFlintWaterSettlement.com.

What does the Settlement provide? The value of the entire Settlement Program is approximately $641.25 million. The Settlement Fund is allocated among different categories. Please visit www.OfficialFlintWaterSettlement.com to see how the Settlement Fund is allocated by category. If the settlement becomes final, Settlement Class Members who participate in the settlement or do nothing at all will release all their claims against the Settling Defendants. They will not be allowed to bring any lawsuit against the Settling Defendants related to Flint water or the Flint Water Cases.

What are your options? To make a claim for money from the class action Settlement Fund, you must first submit a valid Registration Form. You may file your Registration Form online or my mail. The deadline to file a Registration Form online is 11:59 pm PST on March 29, 2021. The postmark deadline to file a Registration Form by mail is March 29, 2021. Visit www.OfficialFlintWaterSettlement.com now to file your online Registration Form or print one out to file by mail. Those that validly file a Registration Form will later be sent a Claim Form along with instructions about how to complete the Claim Form.

If you do not want to participate in this proposed class settlement and you want to keep the right to sue the Settling Defendants about the legal issues in this case, then you must take steps to get out of the settlement. This is called “opting out” of the Settlement Class. To opt out of the Settlement Class and not participate in the settlement, you must send a written request using the Opt Out Form provided at www.OfficialFlintWaterSettlement.com. You must mail your completed Opt Out Form, postmarked by March 29, 2021. If you are a member of the Settlement Class and do not opt out, you give up the right to sue the Settling Defendants for any of the claims released by the settlement. If you are a Settlement Class Member (and do not exclude yourself from the Settlement Class), you can object to any part of the Settlement. The deadline to file an objection is March 29, 2021. For more information on how to Opt Out or Object, please visit www.OfficialFlintWaterSettlement.com.

The Court will hold a Fairness Hearing, currently scheduled for July 12, 2021, to determine whether the Settlement Class can be certified and whether the settlement is fair, adequate, and reasonable and should be finally approved, with judgment entered accordingly. The Court will also consider the application for an award of attorneys’ fees and expense reimbursement. You are welcome to attend the hearing at your own expense, but you are not required to attend. You may also hire your own attorney, at your own expense, to appear or speak for you at the hearing. For more information, call 1-800-493-1754 or visit www.OfficialFlintWaterSettlement.com.

SOURCE United States District Court Eastern District of Michigan

The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Condemns Congresswoman Lesko’s Racist Remarks Restricting COVID-19 Vaccine Access

February 26, 2021

WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), America’s largest Hispanic business organization, condemns the racist remarks by U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (R-AZ) about Hispanic Americans at the recent Energy & Commerce hearing on Thursday February 11, 2021. Hispanic Americans contribute $2.6 trillion to the U.S. economy each year and collectively are the world’s seventh largest economy.

“We condemn all racism, including remarks that cast negative stereotypes on the Hispanic community and imply Hispanic Americans do not belong in our country. To date, Hispanic Americans have been disproportionately impacted by this pandemic, with higher infection and mortality rates. This is due to the number of essential Hispanic workers providing healthcare, food service, and logistics in every American community. It is important that everyone has access to COVID-19 vaccines and we encourage Congress to promote equitable distribution of vaccines for all,” said Ramiro A. Cavazos, USHCC President & CEO. “We hope for a sincere apology from Congresswoman Lesko for her remarks so that we can get back to the important work of ending this pandemic and economic recovery.”

“We denounce Representative Lesko’s statement and any language that negatively portrays our Latino community and belies our substantial contributions to this country,” said Alice Rodriguez, Chair of the USHCC Board of Directors. “The data trends show that Latinos are the most represented among our frontline essential workers as well as our national economic growth and recovery process. These statements are unacceptable.”

Lesko made this statement on a proposed amendment to prioritize citizens for vaccines:

“Arizona is a border state. We are compassionate people too. We have a lot of different varieties of people that live here. It’s very diverse. I worked with people that are Hispanic. I mean they’re very good workers. We’re compassionate people, but for goodness sakes, we have to take care of American citizens, or people that are here legally, first. I’m just not going to be able to explain to my senior citizens that we’re giving away the vaccines to people that [are] here illegally. I just think that’s totally wrong.”

The abhorrent comments came days before the United States reached the sad milestone of 500,000 deaths from the COVID-19 virus, affecting so many families from all walks of life.

“We agree with the Department of Homeland Security that ‘equal access to the COVID-19 vaccines… for undocumented immigrants… is a moral and public health imperative.’ Further, we invite Congresswoman Lesko to engage in a discussion about how to best protect all lives in Arizona, regardless of age or status,” said Monica Villalobos, President & CEO, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

“Arizona and our entire country have experienced great loss due to the pandemic. The statements made by Congresswoman Lesko regarding Hispanic Arizonans with the second highest impacted community at 30% infection rate and 29% in deaths, is both inhumane and ill-informed. These types of comments by a leader of our state only serve to disenfranchise and create distrust at a time when we must work together. This is not the language of someone who is working for all their constituents during a time of true life and death circumstances,” added Isabel Georgelos, President & CEO, Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

About the USHCC The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) actively promotes the economic growth, development, and interests of more than 4.7 million Hispanic-owned businesses, that combined, contribute over $800 billion to the American economy every year. It advocates on behalf of its network of more than 250 local chambers and business associations nationwide. For more information, please visit ushcc.com. Follow us on Twitter @USHCC.

SOURCE United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC)

Toyota Mobility Foundation Designates First Mobility Pilot Technologies and Collaborators for Indiana Future Mobility District Initiative

February 26, 2021

INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, the Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) and Energy Systems Network (ESN) designates May Mobility and Udelv as the first two deployments of the Future Mobility District initiative. The Future Mobility District initiative, established in collaboration with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), aims to foster innovation through industry partnerships and propel research and development in advanced mobility technologies in Indiana. TMF has established the Future Mobility District initiative in support of Toyota’s mission of Mobility for All and commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, in this case to the Goal # 11 of Sustainable Cities and Communities.

The Future Mobility District will support deployments focused on improving overall movement of people and goods to validate their role in the changing mobility ecosystem. Designed with local community input, this human-centered framework will facilitate implementation activities and commercialization of an array of cooperative options.

May Mobility, a leader in autonomous vehicle (AV) technology and shuttle operations, will begin operating two 6-month non-concurrent AV shuttle services for passengers in the cities of Indianapolis and Fishers. The Indianapolis deployment is designed to increase mobility options by providing a connection from the nearby Vermont Station – along IndyGO’s Red Line – to areas west of downtown. The fixed-route service will be open to the general public when operations begin in May 2021 and will include five Lexus RX450h vehicles equipped with May Mobility’s autonomous technology alongside one wheelchair-accessible Polaris GEM shuttle.

“The May Mobility team is thrilled to be partnering with the Toyota Mobility Foundation and Energy Systems Network to bring this new AV shuttle service to Indianapolis and Fishers,” said Edwin Olson, co-founder and CEO of May Mobility. “Our mission is to offer safe, reliable and accessible transportation options that can seamlessly integrate with the available public and private services. And with every new deployment, we are able to expand our capabilities to better serve the riders and communities.”

Prior to launching its operations, May Mobility will establish its regional headquarters at the Indiana Internet of Things (IoT) Lab in Fishers. Founded in 2017, the Indiana IoT Lab is one of the nation’s first to bring together various players in the growing IoT sector and contributes to making central Indiana a thriving hub of innovation, education, and networking opportunities. May Mobility will subsequently commence autonomous vehicle operations in Fishers in November 2021.

We’ve built our community to be smart and entrepreneurial in both business and lifestyle to make way for opportunities such as this,” said Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness. “The partnership with ESN, Toyota Mobility Foundation, and May Mobility allows Fishers to be at the forefront of personal mobility in Indiana.”

Udelv, the world’s leading autonomous delivery platform for last and middle mile delivery, improves living quality in cities by reducing overall traffic and carbon footprint through their highly effective and innovative Delivery Management System (DMS), comprised of an automated cargo pod (the uPod®) and a cloud-based operating system, the UdelvOS. Udelv’s DMS is the only true contactless delivery system in the world. Through Udelv’s uPod, goods are retrieved from an individual compartment by consumers without direct contact with the vehicle’s driver. Udelv will begin operations of their program in 2021 in Indianapolis with one Toyota Sienna equipped with their innovative DMS technology.

“We are excited to now also deploy our platform on a Toyota Sienna in Indianapolis and allow for true contactless delivery and improved customer service levels while lowering cost and pollution in the process”, says Daniel Laury, CEO of Udelv.

“As we actively pursue Mobility for All through our Future Mobility District initiative, we want to continue to partner with like-minded organizations like Udelv and May Mobility who understand the importance of advancing innovation in mobility through community engagement,” shared Ryan Klem, Director of Programs for the Toyota Mobility Foundation. “We are confident they are key players in helping to build the future of sustainable cities and communities.

“The introduction of the Indiana Future Mobility District’s first two mobility services are major steps forward for defining the initiative and validating its model for cost-effective and cooperative mobility technologies,” said Matt Peak, managing director, ESN. “The integration of additive technologies into the region’s existing transportation resources will continue to push central Indiana to the cutting edge of innovation and help inform deployment strategies in other regions.”

Additional details about the Future Mobility District initiative deployments and how to get involved will be made available in the coming months leading up to the launch of these pilots.

About Toyota Mobility Foundation
The Toyota Mobility Foundation was established in August 2014 to support the development of a more mobile society. The Foundation aims to support strong and equitable mobility systems. It utilizes Toyota’s expertise in technology, safety, and the environment, working in collaboration with universities, government, non-profit organizations, research institutions and other organizations to address mobility issues around the world. Solutions till date have aimed at resolving urban transportation problems, expanding the utilization of multi-modal mobility and developing solutions for future generations.

About Energy Systems Network
ESN is an Indianapolis-based nonprofit initiative focused on the development of the advanced energy technology and transportation sectors. Over the last decade, ESN has collaborated with a range of industry, academia, and government partners to deliver sustainable energy and mobility solutions, including electric car sharing, vehicle-to-smart grid communications, mobility-as-a-service, and others. ESN’s mission is to leverage its network of global thought leaders to develop integrated energy solutions to increase quality of life for today and tomorrow. The company’s focus is to: reduce costs, emissions and waste; influence policy; and advance technological innovation. For more information, and to download Emerging Mobility Technologies and Trends, visit www.energysystemsnetwork.com.

About IEDC
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) leads the state of Indiana’s economic development efforts, helping businesses launch, grow and locate in the state. Governed by a 15-member board chaired by Governor Eric J. Holcomb, the IEDC manages many initiatives, including performance-based tax credits, workforce training grants, innovation and entrepreneurship resources, public infrastructure assistance, and talent attraction and retention efforts. For more information about the IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov.

About May Mobility
May Mobility is a leader in autonomous vehicle technology development and deployment. With more than 270,000 autonomous rides to date, May Mobility is committed to delivering safe, efficient and sustainable shuttle solutions designed to complement today’s public transportation options. The company’s ultimate goal is to realize a world where self-driving systems make transportation more accessible and reliable, the roads safer, and encourage better land use in order to foster more green, vibrant, and livable spaces. For more information, visit maymobility.com.

About Udelv
On a mission to improve people’s lives, road safety and deliver a sustainable industry, Udelv is revolutionizing the logistics space with its Autonomous Delivery Vans (ADV), built specifically for last and middle mile delivery on public roads. Founded in California in late 2017 by Daniel Laury and Akshat Patel, Udelv’s mission is to revolutionize delivery and shape the future of autonomous deliveries. In January 2018, Udelv successfully accomplished the first ever autonomous delivery on public roads. Udelv has since completed nearly 30,000 deliveries for multiple merchants in CA, AZ and TX and is preparing for expansion in many other states. Udelv is the leader in the last and middle mile logistics space through its proprietary delivery & access platform. Udelv’s focus on autonomous vehicles paired with its uPod delivery technology enable long-range and high-capacity deliveries that are eco, business and customer friendly. For more information, visit www.udelv.com.

About City of Fishers
The City of Fishers is a suburb of Indianapolis, Indiana, located in Hamilton County and was named #1 Place to Live in the US by Money Magazine in 2017. Under the leadership of Mayor Scott Fadness, Fishers is known as a smart, vibrant, and entrepreneurial city through its neighborhood development, dedication to supporting high-growth companies, and innovative city processes. With a population of 91,832 (2017), Fishers is one of the fastest growing communities in Indiana and has received national accolades for entrepreneurship, livability, and safety. City branding guidelines and logos can be downloaded here.

Media Contacts:
Julie Ann Burandt (TMF) – [email protected]
Drew Tharp (ESN) – [email protected]
Erin Sweitzer (IEDC) – 317-296-2556 or [email protected]
Afaf Farah (May Mobility) – 248-346-0407 or [email protected]
Tobias Wessels (Udelv) – [email protected]
Ashley Elrod (City of Fishers, IN) – 317-903-9825 or [email protected]

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SOURCE Toyota Mobility Foundation

Colgate-Palmolive Launches New Colgate Renewal Focused on Improving Overall Gum Health

February 26, 2021

NEW YORK, Feb. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, Colgate-Palmolive announced an exciting new product innovation – New Colgate Renewal toothpaste, designed by gum care experts to reverse early gum damage for a beautiful, revitalized smile. With technology backed by clinical research, Colgate Renewal targets and repairs early gum issues to help keep smiles healthy into the future.

Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8856451-new-colgate-renewal-toothpaste-launches-with-brooke-shields-ana-de-la-reguera/

Every day, people take steps to help reduce and prevent the signs of aging – but many forget that gums also age. Gum care is often perceived as a specialized need, when in fact the gums are the foundation to a healthy, beautiful smile. Adding Colgate Renewal to your daily routine is a simple step to help prevent gum issues that arise over time and keep smiles healthy into the future.

To celebrate this new launch, Colgate is partnering with longtime actress and model, Brooke Shields and actress, producer, and activist Ana de la Reguera to spread awareness on the importance of proactive gum care. Both celebrities know how important a healthy, beautiful smile is to feeling confident in front of the camera and in their everyday lives – and gums are the foundation to that.

“This is my third partnership with Colgate, and I couldn’t be more excited to be back representing a brand I have used my entire life,” said Colgate Ambassador, Brooke Shield. “Their products have helped me to feel confident in front of the camera with a healthy, revitalized smile, and I’m thrilled to continue that story with their latest innovation, Colgate Renewal toothpaste.”

With a new premium look and feel, Colgate is bringing attention to gum health with wow-worthy packaging and beautiful translucent gel aesthetics that are reflective of a brilliant and healthy smile.

“In this profession, and really in life, it’s just as important to proactively take care of my smile the same way I take care of my skin… And taking care of my smile includes taking care of my gums … they’re half of my smile!” said Colgate Ambassador, Ana de la Reguera. “By adding Colgate Renewal toothpaste to my daily routine, I am able to help keep my smile healthy today and into the future.”

Colgate Renewal comes in three variants — Whitening Restoration, Enamel Fortifying and Sensitivity Repair to address your unique smile needs while protecting the health of your gums. Available starting now, Colgate Renewal toothpaste ($6.99 – $9.99 per 3 oz. tube) can be found at most major retailers. Ready to revitalize your smile? Visit www.colgate.com for more information.

About Colgate-Palmolive

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for all people, their pets and our planet. Focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition, the Company sells its products in more than 200 countries and territories under brands such as Colgate, Palmolive, elmex, hello, meridol, Sorriso, Tom’s of Maine, eltaMD, Filorga, Irish Spring, PCA Skin, Protex, Sanex, Softsoap, Speed Stick, Ajax, Axion, Fabuloso, Soupline and Suavitel, as well as Hill’s Science Diet and Hill’s Prescription Diet. The Company is recognized for its leadership and innovation in promoting environmental sustainability and community wellbeing, including its achievements in saving water, reducing waste, promoting recyclability and improving children’s oral health through its Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program, which has reached more than one billion children since 1991. For more information about Colgate’s global business and how the Company is building a future to smile about, visit www.colgatepalmolive.com. CL-C

Media Contact:
Claudia Garcia
bcw | burson cohn & wolfe
[email protected]

SOURCE Colgate-Palmolive

The Home Depot Foundation Commits up to $500,000 in Response to Recent Winter Storms

February 26, 2021

ATLANTA, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In response to the recent winter storms devastating the nation, The Home Depot Foundation announced today that it is committing up to $500,000 to aid with immediate relief efforts and short- and long-term recovery for communities impacted by historic winter storms, Uri and Viola. This incremental commitment is in addition to the Foundation’s annual grants of $3.6 million to disaster relief national nonprofit partners, bringing the current total commitment for 2021 to $4.1 million.

Although the extent of the recovery need is still being determined, this commitment will bolster immediate efforts, including distribution of water and kits containing additional critical supplies. Short-term recovery, including mold remediation and emergency home repairs, will take place as damage is assessed and conditions become secure.

In partnership with experienced national nonprofit organizations, including Convoy of Hope, Operation Blessing, American Red Cross and Semper Fi & America’s Fund, the Foundation has been safely deploying essential supplies to the areas stricken with power outages, water shortages, freezing temperatures and plumbing damage. The Home Depot Foundation works with these and other national and local nonprofit partners on an ongoing basis to proactively position emergency supplies and promote timely distribution to communities in need.

The Foundation has long-established connections with local nonprofits in Texas, and its associate volunteer force, Team Depot, has been partnering with Meals on Wheels Central Texas, Rebuilding Together Houston and the City of Dallas to assess damage and need. For example, last week, the Foundation partnered with the City of Dallas to provide seniors and families with much-needed generators, products, and cleaning supplies.

“The Home Depot supplies generously donated to the City of Dallas will support our most vulnerable populations, including seniors and families, during the 2021 winter weather conditions,” said Carrie Rogers, director, Dallas Mayor and City Council Office.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to our associates and the communities suffering from the effects of these catastrophic winter storms,” expresses Shannon Gerber, executive director of The Home Depot Foundation. “We’re working with heightened intentionality to mobilize critical supplies and provide emergency repairs, once safe to proceed.”

The company engaged its Emergency Response Team to respond to the immediate needs of its stores, associates and communities, flowing supplies into the impacted areas throughout the crisis. The Home Depot’s merchandising and supply chain teams are working around the clock to replenish in-demand items like plumbing materials, wet/dry vacuums, generators, and cleaning supplies.

In addition to numerous stores in the impacted areas, The Home Depot operates several technology centers in Texas, including one in Dallas and two in Austin, where cross-functional teams of engineers worked throughout the storms to maintain networks, platforms and applications supporting stores and other business operations.

The Home Depot’s employee assistance program, The Homer Fund, processed more than 1,300 grants for associates affected by the storms and has already provided more than $500,000 in emergency support.

In 2020, The Home Depot Foundation committed more than $4 million to natural disaster relief efforts.

About The Home Depot Foundation
The Home Depot Foundation works to improve the homes and lives of U.S. veterans, train skilled tradespeople to fill the labor gap and support communities impacted by natural disasters. To date, the Foundation has invested more than $350 million in support of veterans in need and improved more than 48,000 veteran homes and facilities in more than 4,500 cities. The Foundation has pledged to invest half of a billion dollars in veteran causes by 2025.

To learn more about The Home Depot Foundation, visit HomeDepotFoundation.org and follow us on Twitter @HomeDepotFound and on Facebook + Instagram @HomeDepotFoundation.

About The Home Depot
The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer. At the end of fiscal 2020, the Company operated a total of 2,296 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. In fiscal 2020, The Home Depot had sales of $132.1 billion and earnings of $12.9 billion. 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.

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SOURCE The Home Depot Foundation

(Español) Broxel y Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez llaman a impulsar la inclusión financiera en USA

February 25, 2021

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

CitizensNYC Honors Five Remarkable Women: Launches “The New Yorkers for New York” Campaign

February 25, 2021

NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Citizens Committee for New York City (CitizensNYC) announced today the launch of its 2021 virtual fundraising campaign The New Yorkers for New York. The organization kicks off Women’s History Month by honoring five extraordinary women who are working to rethink, rebuild, and reimagine New York City.

The five-month-long fundraising campaign will lift up the contributions women have made throughout New York’s history as well as their commitment to the city’s future. Each gift will be matched one-to-one, up to $150,000. CitizensNYC aims to raise $1.5 million dollars this year. This year’s honorees represent the breadth of culture, neighborhoods, and industries that New York City has to offer. Each month the campaign will highlight one of the five honorees who have committed to rolling up their sleeves to help the city recover from the pandemic. The showcase event is set to take place on Tuesday, June 22, 2021.

One of the nation’s oldest micro-funding organizations, CitizensNYC has a longstanding history of celebrating and supporting civic leaders. They have provided residents in the city’s most underserved neighborhoods with community, education, and small business improvement grants for the past 45 years. In 2020, CitizensNYC provided 402 projects with nearly $1.2M in direct cash grants, impacting more than 87,685 residents in 122 neighborhoods across all five boroughs.

This year’s honorees include:

Susan R. Cullman, The Activist, became the volunteer director of the Republican Coalition for Choice in 1991 and spent her days on the Hill and across the country, working with lawyers and consultants, raising money and supporting pro-choice Republican candidates. Susan, whose family established roots in NYC centuries ago, serves as a board member with several NYC nonprofits including Citizens Committee for New York City, The New York Women’s Foundation, The Avon and Mount Sinai Health System.

Nicole Lee, The Future, is a community advocate, entrepreneur, and candidate for The New York City Council, representing the 31st district. She is a CitizensNYC grantee partner with more than a decade of experience managing small businesses, serving as the founder of MotherGoose Daycare, Wink Beauty Parlour, and Journey Through Seth’s Eyes, which provides a safe environment and resources for children with special needs, all in her neighborhood of Jamaica Beach, Queens.

Frida Polli PhD, The Entrepreneur, is an award-winning Harvard and MIT neuroscientist turned CEO. She was named one of Inc.’s Top 100 Female Founders in 2019, one of Entrepreneur’s Top 100 Powerful Women in 2020 and has received the MIT 100K, and HBS Life Science Award, a NARSAD Young Investigator Award. Frida is the CEO and co-founder of Pymetrics, a company leveraging soft skill science and AI to make workforce decisions more accurate and fair. Frida, along with her husband Conor Bastable, Partner at Davidson Kempner Capital Management, further demonstrate their love for NYC as active supporters of Robin Hood, The Urban League, Prep for Prep, and The Bowery Mission.

Sue Suh, The Optimist, is the Chief People Officer at TIME. She has spent most of the past decade at one of the world’s largest private philanthropies, the Rockefeller Foundation. Prior to Rockefeller, Sue spent five years in a variety of roles at the U.S. Departments of State and Defense in Washington, New York, and Tripoli, Libya, including a two-year stint at the U.S. Mission to the UN. A native New Yorker, Sue serves on the board of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, the Classical Theatre of Harlem and Special Olympics Asia-Pacific. She was a Fulbright Scholar in South Korea and a Presidential Management Fellow.

Rhina Valentin, The Creative, is a leading figure in New York City’s entertainment industry as the founder of La Reina del Barrio, Inc., a media and television production company. Born and bred in New York City, Rhina is the talk show host of Colors of Rhina and has been the host of BronxNet’s OPEN Friday since 2006, and is a recipient of the 25 Bronx Influential Women of 2015 Award. She’s also a practitioner of Transcendental Meditation, is an advocate for domestic violence awareness and is currently Raising Money for S.T.E.A.M. programs in support of Puerto Rico, Colombia, and West Africa.

“We felt it was important this year to not only launch this campaign alongside Women’s History Month, and to ensure that our New Yorkers for New York honorees were reflective of the vast diversity of New York City — in a way that is reminiscent of the culture that we all know, love, and hold dear. Our distinguished honorees will play a key role in helping to shine a light on the New Yorkers that are most in need at this time,” said Dr. Rahsaan Harris, CEO of Citizens Committee for New York City.

CitizensNYC is seeking donations throughout The New Yorkers for New York campaign. To support the work of the organization and its grantee partners as they work to rebuild New York City, donate HERE.

About Citizen Committee for New York City:
Citizens Committee for New York City’s mission is to help New Yorkers – especially those in low-income areas – come together and improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods. Residents are uniquely situated to define and act on the issues affecting their communities. When provided with modest support, neighborhood and school groups can effectively mobilize with the assistance of grants, skills-building workshops, project planning assistance and an equipment share library. In 2020, CitizensNYC provided 402 projects with nearly $1.2M in direct cash grants, impacting more than 87,685 residents in 122 neighborhoods across all five boroughs. Since 1975, we have promoted the spirit of volunteerism, local engagement, and social justice that drives our work. Go to citizensnyc.org to learn more.

Additional Information:
Webpage: https://www.citizensnyc.org
Social Media: Twitter @citizensnyc | Instagram @citizenscommittee | Facebook.com/citizensnyc

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SOURCE Citizens Committee For New York City

MoneyGram Digital Business Continues Rapid Ascent with 30% of Company Transactions Now Digital

February 25, 2021

MoneyGram Online (MGO), the Company’s direct-to-consumer digital business, delivered 137% year-over-year cross-border transaction growth in January, its 13^th consecutive month of triple-digit growth

Growth has also been led by the Company’s leading app as app transactions increased 161% year-over-year

DALLAS, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — MoneyGram International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MGI), a global leader in cross-border P2P payments and money transfers, today announced the Company delivered 137% year-over-year cross-border transaction growth for January in its direct-to-consumer digital business, MoneyGram Online (MGO), marking the thirteenth consecutive month of triple-digit year-over-year cross-border transaction growth in the channel. The Company’s consumer-centric app helped drive MGO growth as app transactions increased 161% year-over-year in January. Additionally, the Company announced another important milestone on its digital transformation journey as digital transactions accounted for a record 30% of all money transfer transactions in January.

“We’re pleased to report a strong start to the year, which demonstrates sustained momentum in consumer demand for our leading app and continued market share gains,” said Alex Holmes, MoneyGram Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “This has also brought our digital business to 30% of all money transfer transactions, resulting in a size and scale that has redefined MoneyGram’s business.”

The Company’s strong January results come on the heels of strong fourth quarter and full-year 2020 financial results. Earlier this week, MoneyGram reported a record number of digital customers in the fourth quarter of last year and 152% year-over-year cross-border transaction growth in MGO for the full-year. These results continue to be led by record digital growth and successful expense control measures.

“As MoneyGram leads the evolution of digital cross-border P2P payments and money transfers, we continue to execute our strategy to deliver the industry’s best customer experience,” said Kamila Chytil, MoneyGram Chief Operating Officer. “Our January results are yet another example of how our customer-centric app is delivering industry leading returns on investment and driving strong customer lifetime value.”

About MoneyGram International, Inc.
MoneyGram is a global leader in cross-border P2P payments and money transfers. Its consumer-centric capabilities enable family and friends to quickly and affordably send money in more than 200 countries and territories, with 90 now digitally enabled.

MoneyGram leverages its modern, mobile, and API-driven platform and collaborates with the world’s leading brands to serve millions of people each year through both its walk-in business and its direct-to-consumer digital business.

With a strong culture of innovation and a relentless focus on utilizing technology to deliver the world’s best customer experience, MoneyGram is leading the evolution of digital P2P payments.

For more information, please visit MoneyGram.com and follow @MoneyGram.

Media Contact
Stephen Reiff
[email protected]

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Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/600838/MoneyGram_International_Logo.jpg

SOURCE MoneyGram

Ardent Mills Announces Intent To Acquire Hinrichs Trading Company Operations

February 25, 2021

DENVER, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Ardent Mills, the premier flour-milling and ingredient company, today announced its intention to purchase substantially all of the business operations of Hinrichs Trading Company, the North American leader in chickpea sourcing, cleaning, and packing. The move comes as part of Ardent Mills’ strategic growth plan to further invest in specialty ingredient capabilities and diversify its portfolio of solutions, building upon its existing wheat flour business. The parties are continuing with due diligence and expect the deal to close in April 2021.

Headquartered in Pullman, Washington, Hinrichs Trading Company currently operates across five locations in Washington and Montana. Family-owned, Hinrichs Trading Company has over 30 years of chickpea experience, having been involved in the production of the ingredient since it was first introduced into the U.S.

“Ardent Mills and Hinrichs Trading Company share a strong commitment to our growers, customers, team members, communities, and to growth and innovation,” said Dan Dye, CEO of Ardent Mills. “There is a strong cultural alignment and shared values across both organizations. We look forward to welcoming the talented Hinrichs Trading Company team to the Ardent Mills family.”

The parties expect the deal will help customers bring innovative products to market to meet growing consumer demand for plant-based and specialty ingredients.

“We were looking for a partner that had the expertise to take the chickpea market to the next level and provide new opportunities for our team members and our growers,” said Phil Hinrichs, CEO of Hinrichs Trading Company. “Ardent Mills is that partner. They bring operational and technical expertise, access to new markets, and the ability to scale quickly and sustainably. Hinrichs Trading Company complements that with our extensive chickpea sourcing knowledge and extremely close grower connections. We’re excited about the opportunity to partner with Ardent Mills as we share a similar values-based culture and a solid vision for growth.”

Upon closing, this will be another step in Ardent Mills’ commitment to the future of specialty ingredients and plant genetics, which supports growth for its customers through The Annex by Ardent Mills. Highlights include:

Acquisition of Andean Naturals’ quinoa operations in February 2020.
Acquisition of an organic grain elevator in Klamath Falls, Oregon.
Added capabilities in its Denver RiNo community mill to clean and pack specialty grains.

“The plant-based food and beverage market shows no sign of slowing down. In fact, we continue to see significant growth as consumers look to foods that align with their individual values – both personal and planetary,” said Shrene White, general manager of The Annex by Ardent Mills. “Ardent Mills has made proactive investments to meet this demand. This potential venture will enable us to offer diverse chickpea solutions to our customers from day one.”

To learn more about how Ardent Mills is nourishing what’s next, please visit www.ardentmills.com.

About Ardent Mills
Ardent Mills is the premier flour-milling and ingredient company whose vision is to be the trusted partner in nurturing its customers, consumers, and communities through innovative and nutritious grain-based solutions. Ardent Mills’ operations and services are supported by more than 35 flour mills, a specialty bakery, two mix facilities, a gluten-free facility, and The Annex by Ardent Mills (The Annex), a dedicated team committed to cultivating the future of specialty grains and plant-based ingredients. The Annex has a broad portfolio that includes quinoa, ancient and heirloom grains, gluten-free, organic grains and flours, chickpeas, as well as innovations such as Sustagrain^® High-Fiber Barley, White Sonora, and heirloom wheat. Deeply rooted in communities throughout North America, Ardent Mills’ operations are located in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico and the company is headquartered in Denver, Colorado. Ardent Mills employs more than 100 certified millers, supporting thousands of local jobs and contributing billions of dollars to local economies. To learn more about Ardent Mills, visit ardentmills.com.

About Hinrichs Trading Company
Hinrichs Trading Company (HTC) is a full-service pulse origination and processing company specializing in the production and processing of high-quality garbanzo bean (chickpea) products. HTC contracts production of garbanzo beans with trusted, long-term growers, across the US production areas. Learn more about Hinrichs Trading Company, visit https://hinrichstrading.com/.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1444469/Ardent_Mills_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Ardent Mills

Public Health Focuses on Dangers of Menthol Cigarettes Reaching Those Most Impacted by Menthol Use – Black Communities, LGBTQ and Young Adults

February 25, 2021

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) launches its first quit menthol cigarette campaign to address the risks and harms of menthol tobacco use within communities most exposed to menthol – Black communities, LGBTQ, and young adults. Menthol and other flavors in tobacco hides the harsh taste of tobacco with a cool or minty flavor which can result in smokers inhaling deeper into the lungs resulting in greater exposure to the harmful and addictive chemicals. Black communities are among the highest groups of menthol smokers in LA County. Also, according to the 2018 California Youth Tobacco Survey, all high school students in LA County who reported smoking cigarettes only smoked menthol/mint cigarettes.

“The tobacco industry has disproportionately marketed menthol cigarettes in Black communities as well as towards LGBTQ and youth. Over 12 percent of African American smokers in LA County reported smoking menthol cigarettes compared to just over 3% of white smokers,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “Public Health continues the efforts towards reversing the harmful effects tobacco has done in these communities.”

The Black community uses menthol tobacco products at a higher rate than other smokers. For decades, the tobacco industry has used aggressive advertising tactics to attract Black, LGBTQ, and young people to use and become addicted to menthol cigarettes. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids has just released a new report titled, Stopping Menthol, Saving Lives, documenting the tobacco industry’s heavy and deliberate marketing in Black communities, especially towards Black youth, for more than 60 years and as a result the impact the Black community has unfairly suffered from tobacco use.

This media and public education campaign satirizes cigarette ads, acknowledging the impact of glamour and style, using these attributes to help inform about the health risks of smoking menthol cigarettes. The campaign will work with Los Angeles based Black-owned media and Spanish media networks for in-language messaging and to reach the audiences most impacted by the tobacco industry’s marketing tactics. The campaign efforts will include radio, online and social media advertisements, as well as place-based and outdoor advertisements such as posters at convenience store locations.

The campaign encourages people to call 1-800-NO-BUTTS (1-800-45-NO-FUME in Spanish) for free counseling and help to start a quit plan. People can also visit LAQuits.com/menthol for resources to help quit.

The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of over 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health comprises nearly 4,100 employees and has an annual budget of $1 billion. To learn more about Los Angeles County Public Health, visit PublicHealth.LACounty.gov, and follow LA County Public Health on social media at twitter.com/LAPublicHealth, facebook.com/LAPublicHealth, instagram.com/LApublichealth and youtube.com/LAPublicHealth.

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health works to protect health, prevent disease, and promote health and well-being.

For more information contact:
Sibongile West
o: 310—487-8289
[email protected]

SOURCE The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

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