JINS Eyewear Will Open its 3rd Bay Area Store at Hillsdale Shopping Center in San Mateo on March 1st

February 25, 2021

Grand Opening Special: For every customer in the first 2 weeks, with any purchase of glasses or sunglasses, get 1 free JINS SCREEN Boxed blue light glasses (ready-made as non-prescription). Available in Adult and Kids sizes (regular retail $50 for Adults and $30 for Kids). Limited time offer until March 14th, 2021.

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — JINS Eyewear, Japan’s largest eyewear brand by volume, officially announces its 6th store in the United States will open on March 1st, 2021, located at Hillsdale Shopping Center. JINS, a 5-star rated eyewear brand in Silicon Valley, will open its 3rd location in the Bay Area at 60 31st Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403 on the upper level close to Pandora. Despite these tough times during the pandemic, JINS wants to expand their services to more communities in the Bay Area and are happy to be a part of the San Mateo community. Visit JINS Hillsdale by booking an appointment to secure your spot, or walk-ins welcome if available. Open daily 11:00am to 7:00pm.

Over 430 Eyewear Styles and All-In-One Pricing
The brand new store houses over 430 styles of eyeglasses, ranging from Airframe lightweight glasses, to Alternative Fit frames, suited for low nose bridges, and more. Adult and Kids sizes are available. The store will continue to feature signature 30-minute prescription glasses (depending on lens availability). Glasses start at $60, with premium quality lenses included: high index up to 1.74, aspheric, UV cut, anti-glare, and hard coatings — all at no extra charge. Customers can continue to use their out-of-network vision insurance benefits for reimbursement. JINS has two other stores in the Bay Area: San Francisco’s Union Square (flagship) and Santa Clara’s Westfield Valley Fair.

Customers’ health and safety is JINS’ number one priority, they have COVID-19 safety measures in place, and details can be found here. Eye exams for now will not be available at opening.

Grand Opening Special: Free Blue Light Glasses until 3/14
JINS at Hillsdale Shopping Center kicks off their grand opening with a special promotion to welcome the surrounding community. For every customer in the first 2 weeks: With any purchase of glasses or sunglasses, get 1 free JINS SCREEN Boxed blue light glasses (ready-made as non-prescription). Available in Adult and Kids sizes (regular retail $50 for Adults and $30 for Kids). Limited time offer until March 14th, 2021.

Limited Time Offer: ~~$60~~ $0 Blue Light Lenses
With more working from home or distance learning, many are spending alarming longer hours looking at digital devices each day. JINS wants to help in these times. They have a limited time offer for free blue light lens upgrades ($60 regular retail). Available online and in stores. Their blue light lenses called JINS SCREEN block blue light and reduce digital eye strain, as proven in the clinical study conducted by Keio University. JINS has already sold over 12 million pairs of blue light glasses in the US and Japan.

About JINS
JINS believes in Eyewear Fit for All. With stylish, innovative eyewear and thoughtful design, they encourage customers to explore their personal style, without having to worry about budget. Not only are they here to help you see the world better, but they also want our world to be a better place to see. Their Cases for Causes program collaborates with local nonprofits, with beautifully designed cases to support their missions. 100% of case sales goes back to the nonprofits. The brand has 640 retail stores globally in Japan, China, Taiwan, Philippines, and Hong Kong, including 6 U.S. stores, in the San Francisco Bay Area: Union Square, San Jose, San Mateo, and in Los Angeles: Sherman Oaks, Arcadia, and Torrance.

Find JINS on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
For additional information, visit: https://www.jins.com/us

JINS Press Contact
JINS US Marketing
[email protected]

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SOURCE JINS Eyewear

Ismael Cala has opened the “Cala Center” in Miami, a unique comprehensive training space for leaders

February 25, 2021

MIAMI, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The author, communicator and strategist Ismael Cala has opened the CALA CENTER in Miami, a multipurpose space to host his main events as well as to welcome other happenings to the region.

“The Cala Center is a comprehensive training space for activating the five senses, but also that sixth sense that connects us with nature, with what we are beyond our bodies and with that high-consciousness vibration, of the leaders we want to train,” Cala explained.

Located in the southern part of downtown Miami, the Cala Center will be the setting for courses, seminars, and workshops on positive psychology, exponential mindful leadership, epigenetics, neurosciences, emotional intelligence, assertive communication and other activities requested by both the corporate sector and the people.

“After the pandemic, now more than ever, the world needs places where they can disconnect and create peace in the midst of so much uncertainty,” Cala added.

The center’s opening coincides with some events postponed by the Covid-19 pandemic being resumed, all with increased health safety precautions.

The first in-person workshop given was “Reprogram your Brain: Build Your New Version,” which will be followed by “The Science of Forgiving: the Antidote to Anxiety and Depression” (Saturday, February 27) and “Five Pillars for Creating Personal Strength” (with Jacques Giraud, Saturday, March 13).

“Safety is our top priority. Health and safety norms and protocols established by Miami-Dade County will be respected on the date of each activity,” the company Cala Enterprises clarified.

The Cala Center will also be open to community, social, cultural and family events.

The Cala Center:

19091 SW 160th St. Miami, FL 33187
www.ismaelcala.com/calacenter/
WhatsApp: +1 305 360 9940

SOURCE Cala Enterprises

Toyota Pledges $1 Million To Support Texans Impacted By Historic Winter Storm

February 25, 2021

PLANO, Texas, Feb. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — With Winter Storm Uri leaving millions of Texans without power or water last week, North Texas-based Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) has pledged $1 million in relief for storm victims. The aid will serve both customers and a variety of Texas-based non-profit organizations.

“We take our role as community leaders seriously, so when winter storms affected millions right in our backyard, our top priority became helping Texas get back on its feet after this ordeal,” said Sean Suggs, group vice president of Social Innovation, TMNA. “Texans have supported our company in myriad ways, and we want to help our neighbors emerge from this storm stronger than ever.”

The $1 million relief effort includes:

North Texas/DFW Metroplex

United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, in support of North Texas Cares and West Dallas nonprofits to quickly distribute funds to grassroots organizations: $450,000
North Texas Food Bank: $100,000
The Family Place and Genesis Women’s Shelter to fund hotel rooms, food, and transportation for their clients: $30,000
Toyota employees will be able to support the needs of four North Texas community partners significantly impacted by the storms by purchasing items from their Amazon Wish Lists.

San Antonio

SAWS Community Pipe Repair Fund, through the San Antonio Area Foundation to assist individuals and families stay in their homes safely with funds for plumbing repairs: $100,000
Let’s Help SA Fund to provide food, water and shelter: $200,000

Houston

United Way of Greater Houston to support the Greater Houston 2021 Winter Storm Relief Fund that supports local home repairs: $50,000
Houston Food Bank: $50,000
CrowdSource Rescue to provide food, water and fuel: $20,000

Toyota offers support to all U.S.-based employees with their personal recovery efforts from unexpected catastrophic events. Additionally, Toyota will match up to $10,000 in individual employee contributions to nonprofit organizations recovering from the storm.

Toyota Financial Services (TFS) announced it is offering payment relief options to customers affected by the storms. This broad outreach includes any TFS or Lexus Financial Services customer in the designated disaster areas. Impacted lease and finance customers residing in affected areas may be eligible to take advantage of several payment relief options, some of which include:

extensions and lease deferred payments
redirecting billing statements
arranging phone or online payments

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.

Toyota has created a tremendous value chain and directly employs more than 36,000 in the U.S. The company has contributed world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 30 million cars and trucks at our 9 manufacturing plants, 10 including our joint venture in Alabama that begins production in 2021.

To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and chance to visit many of our U.S. manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips and more. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.

Contact:
Victor Vanov
[email protected]; 469.292.1318

SOURCE Toyota Motor North America

March Of Dimes Announces 2021 March For Babies: A Mother Of A Movement™

February 25, 2021

ARLINGTON, Virginia, Feb. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — March of Dimes, the leading nonprofit organization fighting for the health of all moms and babies, is pleased to announce March for Babies: A Mother of a Movement™, a virtual awareness and fundraising campaign kicking off now to address the ongoing maternal and health crisis by engaging the public to raise critical funds in support of life-saving research, programs and educational initiatives. As the country enters the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, March for Babies is now much more than a walk to primarily end preventable preterm birth, but a rally cry to inspire and unite communities everywhere to achieve health equity for moms and babies alike.

“We’ve long said that in order to provide the best possible start for babies, we must take care of moms, too. A woman dies every 12 hours from pregnancy-related causes, and 1 in 10 babies is born too soon, which is why we’re also fighting to end preventable maternal health risks and deaths which are particularly devastating to underserved families of color,” said Stacey D. Stewart, President and CEO of March of Dimes. “The health of moms and babies are intertwined and we welcome everyone to join this movement for change that will help us achieve real, measurable improvements. We embrace anyone who wants to do more for moms and babies—and not just today, but every day.”

The March of Dimes 2020 Report Card found that for the fifth year in a row, the U.S. preterm birth rate increased to 10.2 percent of births, earning the nation a “C-” grade. The statistics are worse for moms and babies of color—with the Report Card showing significant racial disparities that cut across maternal and infant health. Women of color are up to 50 percent more likely to give birth preterm and their children face up to a 130 percent higher infant death rate. Additionally, Black and American Indian/Alaskan Native women are up to three times more likely to die from pregnancy related complications compared to White women.

March for Babies will bring communities together virtually for a variety of team building activities and fundraising challenges. Together, participants will unite to honor motherhood, babies and families in addition to supporting the March of Dimes mission. Throughout the country, participants can donate individually or work as a team with their colleagues, family or friends to raise much-needed funds to make America a more equitable place and ensure that every mom and baby is healthy for generations to come.

“After more than 50 years as the largest fundraiser for March of Dimes and the nation’s oldest charitable walk, we’re excited to see March for Babies elevate mothers – who are at the center of our mission – and grow into an even bigger movement that unites and connects us to fight for families who need us the most,” added Stewart.

Take the following steps today to support all moms and babies though March for Babies:

Sign up to be part of the movement
Sign up as a team captain, team member or individual.
Take action to connect, fundraise and spread the word
Rally with millions of Americans in the collective effort to transform the health of all moms and babies.
Continue to check back for updates at marchforbabies.org

Check out our latest PSA, “Seen”, which shares moments of the collective experience of motherhood and urges viewers to take action on behalf of moms and babies. Our social media press kit also provides information on March for Babies to help rally public support. For more information on March for Babies, including how to sign up and start a team, download the March for Babies app or visit marchforbabies.org.

ABOUT MARCH OF DIMES
March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every mom and baby can have the best possible start. Building on a successful 80-year legacy of impact and innovation, we’re there for every family—those who had first-hand hardships, those celebrating their health and those just trying to start their families. For more information go to marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org, and visit shareyourstory.org for comfort and support. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1444049/MoD_MarchforBabies_Logo.jpg

SOURCE March of Dimes Inc.

Al Aire Con El Terrible Syndicated Morning Show With Alberto “El Terri” Cortez Expands To New Key Hispanic Markets

February 24, 2021

MIAMI, Feb. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — AIRE Radio Networks, the largest minority certified Spanish Language radio network in the country and the official radio network of Spanish Broadcasting System, announced today that its highly rated syndicated morning show, Al Aire Con El Terrible, expands its coverage and can now be heard across 15 top Hispanic markets.

Al Aire con El Terrible was launched through AIRE Radio Networks/Spanish Broadcasting System back in August 2018 and is hosted by one of the most influential Latin radio personalities, Alberto “El Terri” Cortez. A listener favorite, Al Aire Con El Terrible, is becoming widely recognized for uplifting and empowering the Hispanic community through music and laughter.

The program includes a variety of engaging segments that connect with Hispanic consumers such as community highlights, stories and words of empowerment, interviews with Latin artists and celebrities, international news, celebrity gossip, jokes, as well as tentpole segments like Mini Terry, El Pesado de Sinaloa, Citripio Perez, Segmento Deportivo, El Anónimo, El Detective, El Doctor J, Sexologa Eugenia Flores. Each break of the show includes a mix of the biggest Regional Mexican music hits.

“El Terri is a unique influencer who has consistently driven ratings on our owned-and-operated audio stations in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago. His success comes through his hard work in developing engaging, cultural and empowering content that speaks to the Hispanic community,” said Elisa Torres, EVP, AIRE Radio Networks and Spanish Broadcasting System National Sales. “The response to his show since we launched has been exceptional and the demand to carry and advertise within the program continues to surge. We’re very excited to witness the growth of Al Aire con El Terrible.”

“The partnership with AIRE Radio Networks and Spanish Broadcasting System has been remarkable. I’m so grateful to have a robust platform where I can empower Hispanic listeners across the nation every day,” said Alberto Cortez, the host of Al Aire con El Terrible. “We’re living through challenging times and the biggest reward is knowing that I have played a role helping our people start their day with laughter and positivity.”

Al AIRE con El Terrible also has a variety of digital and social extensions such as his self-titled podcast on the LaMusica App, the #1 Hispanic Streaming App and El Terrible’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.

For all syndication inquiries and details, contact Blanca Navas, Vice President, Affiliate Sales at [email protected].

About Spanish Broadcasting System and AIRE Radio Networks
Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. is a leading Hispanic media company that owns and operates 17 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 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 www.LaMusica.com, an online destination and mobile app providing content related to Latin music, entertainment, news and culture. For more information, visit us online at www.spanishbroadcasting.com.

About Terry “El Terrible” Cortez
Alberto “El Terrible” Cortez has been in the entertainment business for years inspiring the U.S. Hispanic community to grow personally and professionally. Well known for speaking about topics that matter the most, even when nobody wants to talk about them, El Terrible thrives on bringing out the best of in his listeners. Cortez is innovating, funny and is also known for his originality. When El Terrible is not busy being hosting Al Aire con El Terrible, he enjoys spending time with his family, soccer and local wrestling.

Contact: Vladimir Gomez, 786-805-2545, [email protected]

SOURCE Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc.

Florida Housing Coalition Announces Major New Initiative: Center for Racial Equity

February 24, 2021

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Feb. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Florida Housing Coalition, the state’s leading nonprofit provider of training and technical assistance dedicated to affordable housing from ending homelessness to first-time homeownership, today announced the creation of new Center for Racial Equity: www.centerforracialequity.org

The Florida Housing Coalition Center for Racial Equity will serve as a composite platform for the Coalition’s efforts focused on race and equity in public and private investments, regulations, and legal and policy frameworks that shape Florida’s neighborhoods, cities, and regions.

“We know two things: Florida—like every other state in the nation—has a housing problem intricately linked with race; and Florida’s cities often look to the Coalition to help them solve housing problems,” Coalition’s President and CEO Jaimie Ross said. “What is the right approach for local communities to take? There are no obvious benchmarks and little to no statewide policy guidance to indicate a single working approach. This is how the Coalition can help,” she added.

The idea for the Center came from discussions among Coalition staff in response to the protests for Black Lives Matter that occurred nationally throughout 2020. “Each of us felt a need to respond to the urgency of the moment in a way that was thoughtful and deliberate and that would move the dial long term,” Coalition Chief Programs Officer Ashon Nesbitt said.

Closing the Racial Disparity Gap in Homeownership
Central to its early efforts is the seminal program Closing the Gap – a matching grant program for municipalities. With funding in place from major underwriters Bank of America and Wells Fargo, the program provides a 3:1 match in technical assistance and resources to close the gap in the homeownership rate between Black and white households.

“Bank of America is helping advance racial equality and economic opportunity, with a particular focus on helping create opportunity for people and communities of color,” said Gene Schaefer, Miami market president for Bank of America. “We are committed to helping multicultural families and communities begin to build personal wealth and family legacy through the power of homeownership.”

The Florida Housing Coalition Center for Racial Equity is being launched with funding by the Wells Fargo Foundation, which is focused on advancing racial equity and creating pathways to safe, affordable homes.

“Having a safe and affordable place to call home is essential to help lay the foundation for wellness, dignity, and economic opportunity,” said Eileen Fitzgerald, head of housing affordability philanthropy with Wells Fargo. “With our support for the Coalition’s Center for Racial Equity, we hope to inspire meaningful change to a long history of systemic inequality, injustice, loss of wealth, and housing instability experienced by people of color, particularly during times of economic distress. We aim to build a more inclusive, sustainable future where everyone can have a quality and affordable place to call home.”

Other Programs the Center is launching with include:

Leading with Equity Online Course
Funders Collaborative & Allies
Glossary of Shared Language
HBCU Internship Program

SOURCE Florida Housing Coalition

Saavedra Law Firm, PLC Attorney Named To Super Lawyers For 3rd Consecutive Year

February 24, 2021

Civil Litigation and Personal Injury Attorney Freddy Saavedra founder of Saavedra Law Firm, PLC. Legal.Better.

PHOENIX, Feb. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Freddy Saavedra, founding attorney at Saavedra Law Firm, PLC, a personal injury and civil litigation law firm based in Phoenix, Arizona, was selected as a 2021 Super Lawyers Rising Star in the area of Personal Injury by Thomson Reuters. This is his third consecutive recognition.

Though Super Lawyer recognition in each state is limited to only five percent of lawyers, no more than 2.5 percent may be named to the Rising Star list. The selection for both, Rising Star and Super Lawyers is the same with one exception: the lawyers eligible for inclusion in Rising Stars must be either 40 years old or younger or in practice for 10 years or less.

Saavedra Law Firm, PLC is a civil litigation law firm representing businesses and consumers in business disputes, breach of contract claims, and personal injury claims. While their office is located in Phoenix, Arizona, Saavedra Law Firm provides services to clients throughout Arizona. The firm provides legal representation to clients in both English and Spanish.

Freddy Saavedra practices in the areas of civil litigation, personal injury, and social security disability. He is a graduate of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. Mr. Saavedra is also a U.S. Army Veteran, having served 11 years in the Army with deployments to Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iraq. Mr. Saavedra is a Martindale-Hubbell AV rated attorney as well as a fellow of the American Bar Foundation. He is a lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans.

Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys.

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Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1443442/Saavedra_Law_Firm_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Saavedra Law Firm, PLC

Every 2021MY Mazda Vehicle Tested Earns 2021 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ Award

February 24, 2021

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

WASHINGTON, Feb. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) today announced the winners of its highest award in safety, the 2021 TOP SAFETY PICK+. All tested Mazda vehicles made the list for the second year in a row. These vehicles include the Mazda3 Sedan and Mazda3 Hatchback, Mazda6, CX-3, CX-30 (built after September 2020), CX-5 and CX-9.

To qualify for the 2021 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, Mazda vehicles earned good ratings in each of the Institute’s six crashworthiness evaluations: moderate overlap front, driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests. Mazda vehicles also earned advanced or superior ratings for front crash prevention in both vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations and good or acceptable headlight ratings.

“With safety a top priority for Mazda, we are proud to have every Mazda vehicle tested earn the coveted 2021 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award. This accomplishment stems from our committment to our owners,” said Mazda North American Operations President Jeff Guyton. “Our customers have come to expect Mazda’s dedication to providing advanced safety technologies paired with dynamic styling, which give them a confident and more enjoyable driving experience.”

Mazda’s i-Activsense is an umbrella term covering a series of advanced safety technologies which make use of detection devices such as milliwave radars and cameras. They include active safety technologies that support safer driving by helping the driver to recognize potential hazards, and pre-crash safety technologies which help to avert collisions or reduce their severity in situations where they cannot be avoided. Mazda’s i-Activsense advanced safety technologies include Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection, Smart Brake Support with Collision Warning, Smart Brake Support, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go Function, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning System with Lane-Keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert, High Beam Control, Adaptive Front-Lighting System, and Traffic Sign Recognition.

To learn more about Mazda’s i-Activsense advanced safety technology, please visit the MazdaUSA.com website – https://www.mazdausa.com/why-mazda/safety.

The IIHS is an independent, non-governmental safety-testing organization, funded by the insurance industry. For more information, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/top-safety-picks.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through approximately 620 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom.

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

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/53154/mazda_north_american_operations_logo.jpg

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations

Texas Realtors announces 2020 Texas real estate award winners

February 24, 2021

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Texas Realtors recognized outstanding members and local Realtor associations during its annual Texas Realtors Winter Meeting, which took place virtually Feb. 16-18.

“Last year was an unprecedented year in Texas real estate,” said Marvin Jolly, chairman of Texas Realtors. “This past year, Realtors in the Lone Star State went above and beyond to support their communities, elevate our industry and impact the lives of their clients. These awards are a testament to the resiliency of Realtors, particularly during these challenging times.”

The 2020 Texas Realtor of the Year, the most prestigious honor awarded annually to a member who has made outstanding contributions to the industry throughout their career, was presented to Shad Bogany of Houston. Bogany has volunteered for decades and served in many leadership roles to benefit Realtors, the real estate industry, and Texas real estate consumers. He previously served as chairman of Texas Realtors in 2013 and chairman of the Houston Association of Realtors in 2002.

The Tom D. Morton Association Executive of the Year award—given to Realtor association executives with a long track record of service to their local association—was presented to Connie Coots, CEO of the Odessa Board of Realtors. Coots worked with local leaders during the pandemic to ensure that real estate transactions could still proceed safely and led an initiative to make over 200 masks for the city’s fire and rescue workers. Coots was also honored with the Tom D. Morton Association Executive of the Year award in 2005.

Sydney Ealy of Houston received the Texas Realtor Good Neighbor Award, which honors a Realtor who has demonstrated outstanding community involvement and volunteerism. Ealy was specifically recognized for her charity, Twist for Girls, a nonprofit established for youths age 11 to 17, to discover and achieve their goals through one-to-one mentorship, life skills development, career exposure and cultural experiences at no cost to the children who participate.

Candace (Candy) Cooke of Round Rock was named the 2020 Educator of the Year. Cooke is a senior instructor for Real Property Counselors and teaches Texas Realtors and National Association of Realtors certification and designation courses. She has paved the way for how education now operates in Texas in the COVID-19 pandemic, having taught over 300 classes virtually with more than 6,800 students in 2020.

Alison Blalock of WestMark Commercial/TNC Worldwide received the 2020 William C. Jennings Award for the outstanding commercial real estate transaction of the year. The award is based on the transaction’s contribution to the community, merit and creativity, and application of commercial principles. The winning transaction transformed unusable office space into 89 affordable housing units in one of Lubbock’s most historic buildings, Metro Tower. The tower had been mostly uninhabited since a devasting tornado damaged the building in 1970.

The Austin Board of Realtors received the 2020 Mark Lehman Governmental Affairs Achievement Award. The honor recognizes a local Realtor association that has demonstrated excellence in fundraising, grassroots involvement and other local initiatives for the year.

The Texas Realtors Grassroots Advocate of the Year award was presented to Lee Overstreet of the Granbury Association of Realtors for his support on two successful campaigns for Realtor-supported candidates including state Rep. Glenn Rogers in Texas House District 60 and U.S. Rep. August Pfluger. The Texas Realtors Grassroots Advocate of the Year award honors one individual from the year’s full list of Texas Realtors Strike Force Award winners.

Finally, Texas Realtors honored two local associations that launched innovative programs and educational courses that kept Realtors up to date with legal, marketing and industry trends. The Education Program of the Year awards were given to:

MetroTex Association of Realtors in the legal category
MetroTex Association of Realtors in the series or short program category
Houston Association of Realtors in the marketing category
Houston Association of Realtors in the innovation category

About Texas REALTORS®
With more than 140,000 members, Texas REALTORS® is a professional membership organization that represents all aspects of real estate in Texas. We are the advocates for REALTORS® and private property rights in Texas. Visit texasrealestate.com to learn more.

CONTACT: Morgan Moritz, [email protected]

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SOURCE Texas Realtors

2021 Acura RDX and TLX Earn Highest Possible Safety Award from IIHS

February 24, 2021

TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The 2021 Acura RDX and TLX have earned the highest possible safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both Acura models qualified for TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) by earning a top rating of “GOOD” in all crashworthiness tests, a “SUPERIOR” rating for the Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), part of the standard AcuraWatch™ safety and driver-assistive technology and standard “GOOD” rated headlights. Not yet tested by the Institute, the all-new 2022 Acura MDX, the brand’s flagship model, is similarly expected to achieve a 2021 TSP+ rating when it is evaluated later this year.

All Acura sedans and SUVs feature the AcuraWatch™ suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies as standard equipment, including Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and Road Departure Mitigation. The 2021 Acura RDX and TLX feature Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, designed to enhance occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions with a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle and reducing the forces transferred to the passenger compartment. Acura JewelEye™ LED headlights help both models achieve its best-in-class ratings.

To earn the 2021 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, a vehicle must earn good crashworthiness ratings in all test modes, including the challenging passenger-side small overlap test. It also needs available front crash prevention (standard on RDX and TLX) that earns an advanced or superior rating in both vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian testing and standard good- or acceptable- rated headlights.

About Acura

Acura is a leading automotive nameplate that delivers Precision Crafted Performance – a commitment to expressive styling, high performance and innovative engineering, all built on a foundation of quality and reliability. The Acura lineup features five distinctive models – the ILX and TLX sport sedans, the RDX and MDX sport-utility vehicles and the next-generation, electrified NSX supercar. All Acura models sold in North America for 2021 and 2022 model years are made in the U.S., using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Additional media information including pricing, features & specifications and high-resolution photography is available at AcuraNews.com. Consumer information is available at Acura.com. Follow Acura on social media at Acura.us/SocialChannels.

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SOURCE Acura

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