Ozarka® Brand 100% Natural Spring Water Creates Drive-in Film Festival to Celebrate the Beauty of Texas

October 16, 2020

DALLAS, Oct. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Ozarka^® Brand 100% Natural Spring Water, a natural spring water brand from Texas, announces the first-ever Ozarka^® Brand Drive-In Film Festival, a unique experience celebrating the beauty of Texas and offering good old-fashioned fun for the community.

Along with Dallas Film, Ozarka^® will host the festival including local high school student films and a feature film presentation. Events will take place on select Fridays and Saturdays in October and November in Dallas (10/23 & 10/24), Austin (11/6 & 11/7) and Houston (11/13 & 11/14). During special “Frontline Friday” screenings happening ahead of the public Saturday events, Ozarka^® will be honoring frontline and essential workers from all over Texas.

“At Ozarka, we value the spirit of community and are so happy to bring back the nostalgia of drive-in theaters where people can gather safely,” said EVP and Chief Marketing Officer Yumi Clevenger-Lee. “By showcasing famous Texas films in a fun community environment, we are excited for Texans to enjoy this long-standing pastime once again.”

To continue their efforts to support recycling in Texas, Ozarka^® will donate $25,000 to Keep Texas Beautiful. Recycling not only helps to keep plastic out of landfills and waterways, but it also can help transform existing materials into something new—like an Ozarka^® bottle. In fact, Ozarka^® recently announced that it will use recycled plastic across its still water portfolio, including a line of 100% recycled & recyclable bottles. It’s all part of the brand’s efforts to celebrate, and help protect, the beauty of Texas.

Dallas Film, the event organizer, selected Texas students from their Mercury One High School Film Labs program to create short films that will premiere ahead of the feature film at each drive-in festival. These films will focus on the beauty of Texas as well as the importance of recycling in Texas.

“I am truly honored, blessed and thankful to have been chosen by Dallas Film to be a part of this special film project to showcase the rich beauty and culture of Texas,” said Meredith Smith, Dallas Film high school filmmaker. “I am grateful for the opportunity to make all Texans aware of the Ozarka^® commitment to our great state.”

“Dallas Film’s goal is to educate, train and empower the next generation of digital storytellers while creating opportunities for employment and exhibition of their work,” said Johnathan Brownlee, CEO and President of Dallas Film and Executive Director of The Dallas International Film Festival. “The support of Ozarka^® helps us achieve our core goals and together we are educating the community on the importance of recycling.”

In conjunction with Wakefield Research, Ozarka^® conducted a survey of more than 1,000 Texans, asking them to choose the movies that best exemplify the true spirit of Texas. The top results which will be shown at the drive-ins are Friday Night Lights on Fridays and The Rookie on Saturdays.

Attendees will have a chance to receive a premium Ozarka^® goodie bag when they bring 10 empty plastic bottles to recycle on-site. Each goodie bag will include sought after movie concessions like popcorn and candy from local Texas companies. Fans can attend the event for free on a first come, first park basis at the following locations:

Dallas
Frontline Friday– October 23^rd
Movie Selection: Friday Night Lights (PG-13)

Public Event – Saturday, October 24^th
Movie Selection: The Rookie (G)

Gates open at 6 p.m., presentation begins at 7:15 p.m.
Four Corners Brewery
1311 S Ervay St, Dallas, TX 75215

Austin
Frontline Friday– November 6^th
Movie Selection: Friday Night Lights (PG-13)

Public Event – Saturday, November 7^th
Movie Selection: The Rookie (G)

Gates open at 6 p.m., presentation begins at 7 p.m.
Spiderwood Studios
140 Utley Road, Elgin, TX 78621

Houston
Frontline Friday – November 13^th
Movie Selection: Friday Night Lights (PG-13)

Public Event – Saturday, November 14^th
Movie Selection: The Rookie (G)

Gates open at 6 p.m., presentation begins at 7 p.m.
DeLUXE Theatre
3303 Lyons Ave, Houston, TX 77020

To learn more about the Ozarka^®commitment to recycling in Texas as well as the drive-in film festival, please visit http://www.ozarkawater.com/journey-from-the-source

To learn more about the Ozarka^® Drive-in Film Festival, please visit http://www.ozarkawater.com/drive-in-film-festival

About Nestlé Waters North America

Nestlé Waters North America offers an unrivaled portfolio of bottled water brands for healthy hydration, including Ozarka^® Brand 100% Natural Spring Water, Deer Park^® 100% Brand Natural Spring Water, Zephyrhills^® Brand 100% Natural Spring Water, Nestlé^® Pure Life^®, Perrier^®, S. Pellegrino^® and Acqua Panna^® Natural Spring Water. The company also owns and operates ReadyRefresh^® by Nestlé^®, a customizable water and beverage delivery service. Just Click and Quench^®.

Based in Stamford, Connecticut with approximately 7,000 associates in the United States, we manage natural resources for long-term sustainability, and we conserve more than 18,000 acres of natural watershed area. We currently source water for our six regional spring water brands from 38 active springs throughout the United States. We are also committed to creating shared value and being a good neighbor in the more than 120 communities where we operate in the U.S. For more information, visit us at https://www.nestle-watersna.com/en and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook: @NestleWatersNA.

About Dallas Film
Dallas Film (www.dallasfilm.org), established as Dallas Film Society in 2006, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that exists to celebrate the past, present and future of film in our community. The organization provides leadership in screen education and the recognition and celebration of excellence in the art of film, television, and digital media. Through a variety of screenings and festivals, and educational programs such as Veterans Institute for Film & Media (VIFM) and Mercury One High School Film Labs, Dallas Film raises awareness of the world’s most approachable and inclusive art form. For more information about Dallas Film and ongoing events, visit www.dallasfilm.org or call (214) 720-0555.

About Keep Texas Beautiful

Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) is a non-profit organization dedicated to making Texas the best place to live, work, and play by deploying resources for community improvement projects, clean-ups, and youth engagement efforts across the state. Through our Keep Texas Recycling program, we provide assistance and education to support recycling in rural and underserved communities.

Everything we do is focused on mobilizing volunteers to take action by providing them with tools, resources, and training. Our fieldwork includes research on best practices for litter reduction along with the development of community programs to prevent the flow of litter to the Gulf.

Founded in 1967, Keep Texas Beautiful’s work is driven by its network of nearly 300 affiliate member communities, volunteers, and supporters that reach 17 million Texans annually. For more information and to find your closest affiliate, visit www.ktb.org. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1313017/Thank_You_Texas.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1313018/OZ_Revised_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Ozarka Brand 100% Natural Spring Water

EPM Announces the Addition of Industry Technologist, Suha Zehl

October 16, 2020

ATLANTA, Oct., 15, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Equity Prime Mortgage recently announced that industry influencer and leader, Suha Zehl has joined the EPM team as Chief Analytics Officer. Zehl will be using her vast technology and digital expertise to architect EPM’s business intelligence initiatives that will be a core pillar of EPM’s modern platform.

“I couldn’t imagine a more exciting time to join the EPM team and lead the BI program to further the success and growth of the organization. EPM is a leader and innovator, providing mortgage brokers best-in-class tools while delighting its customers with the best customer experience,” said Zehl. “EPM is poised for even greater success. What I found most compelling about EPM and what attracted me to the organization is its culture, its undisputed leadership, and its vision to move our industry forward. The addition of the new role of Chief Analytics Officer clearly reinforces the importance of data as a differentiator in EPM’s long term strategy and I am delighted to be leading this program.”

Suha Zehl, MBA, CPM as the Chief Analytics Officer at EPM brings more than eighteen years of experience in the mortgage and real estate industry, and over 34 years of global business and analytics experience. Suha thrives on leveraging innovation, new technologies, and business intelligence to drive digital transformation and create actionable insights to support the business vision and strategy. Her focus is on developing data strategies to make the dream of home ownership a reality for everyone. Suha is a respected speaker and contributor to numerous publications. She is the winner of several prestigious industry awards, including HousingWire’s Tech Trendsetter, Progress in Lending’s Most Powerful Women in FinTech, and Mortgage Women Magazine’s Women with Vision.

“Having an innovative leader, like Suha, join EPM speaks to the focus we have on building a modern platform. Suha is an award-winning business leader who will champion all of our digital growth and I couldn’t be more excited to welcome her to the growing EPM family”, said Eddy Perez, President & CEO of EPM.

Beginnings

Founded at the height of the mortgage crisis in 2008, EPM has grown to become one of the leading mortgage lenders in the U.S., operating 18 office locations across the nation. EPM’s new mission, which was launched in the beginning of 2020 states: “We are a resource, and voice, for financial empowerment.” With that said the vision of the organization is clear. EPM strives “to continue to offer top financial service, communication and assistance to the communities we serve.”

Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, EPM is licensed in 49 states and provides an array of lending resources such as Conventional, FHA, VA, 203K, Reverse and USDA loans, as well as a, trusted Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac & Ginnie Mae Seller/Servicer.

With a dedicated staff of highly experienced professionals, EPM provides exceptional pricing for thousands of clients annually, without compromising follow-through and customer service.

For more information about EPM visit us online at Equityprime.com or call us toll-free at (877) 255-3554.

Contact:
Equity Prime Mortgage – NMLS #21116
nmlsconsumeraccess.org
Eric Skates
[email protected]
www.epm.net

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1311023/Equity_Prime_Mortgage.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/879835/Equity_Prime_Mortgage_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Equity Prime Mortgage

Fintech Selected as Smart & Final’s Exclusive Solution for Beverage Alcohol Management

October 16, 2020

TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Financial Information Technologies, LLC (“Fintech”), the leading business solutions provider for the beverage alcohol industry, today announced that Smart & Final, the smaller, faster grocery warehouse store for household and business customers, has selected them as an exclusive provider of electronic alcohol invoice payments and advanced data reporting. This partnership provides Smart & Final with beverage alcohol management technology that enhances operations over the enterprise’s alcohol purchasing and data reconciliation procedures. Fintech’s industry-leading solution has been implemented in all of Smart & Final’s 256 grocery and foodservice stores in California, Arizona, and Nevada.

“We are incredibly proud to have been chosen as a valued business partner of Smart & Final, and we look forward to delivering true strategic solutions that benefit not just their beverage alcohol category, but their business as a whole. Smart & Final joins our network of over 150,000 alcohol retailers nationwide, and we are honored to provide them with enhanced technology designed specifically to aid in their continued business development,” said Tad Phelps, CEO, Fintech.

“Fintech’s intuitive technology will be beneficial in increasing visibility, improving our alcohol purchase data quality, and reducing time and potential errors,” said Bob Wagner, Director Non-Foods & Beverages, Smart & Final. “Fintech has made navigating distributor consolidation and regulatory compliance simple.”

The selection of Fintech comes from a desire to streamline and enhance manual operations for Smart & Final. Fintech’s dedicated payment solution and seamless invoice data integration into Smart & Final’s back-office system, SAP, presents the company with electronic payments and an end-to-end view of their alcoholic beverage purchasing and reconciliation process. The partnership with Fintech alleviates the challenges Smart & Final previously faced and provides a smart solution that will scale with the company as it continues to grow.

About Fintech

Fintech is the leading business solutions provider for the beverage alcohol industry, empowering alcohol suppliers, distributors, and retailers with smart solutions that simplify beverage alcohol management. From product ordering and invoice payments, to sales strategy, business intelligence, and industry insights, Fintech continues to lead the development of technologies that increase margins and maximize operating efficiencies for anyone who sells alcohol. With decades of industry experience and unwavering dependability, Fintech automates over 625,000 business relationships nationwide. To learn more, visit www.fintech.com.

FINANCIAL-INFORMATION-TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. is the owner of the trademark FINTECH, the Stylized F Logo, and several other trademarks and service marks, many of which are registered at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The underlying software behind the services offered by FINANCIAL-INFORMATION-TECHNOLOGIES, LLC and content of this website are ©2020 FINANCIAL-INFORMATION-TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. All rights reserved.

About Smart & Final

Smart & Final is the smaller, faster grocery warehouse store, headquartered near Los Angeles in Commerce, California. Smart & Final’s 256 store locations offer quality products in a variety of sizes, saving customers time and money without a membership fee. Its larger format stores, Smart & Final Extra!, combine the warehouse store with traditional grocery offerings like farm-fresh produce and natural and organic options, to provide a one-stop shop for all. In business since 1871, Smart & Final remains committed to giving back to its communities through employee volunteer opportunities and donations to local nonprofits.

Contact: Misha Hart, 800.572.0854 x 3827, [email protected]

Follow @Fintech on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/562037/Fintech_logo_with_tm_dk_bl.jpg

SOURCE Fintech

If you bought Ginkgold® ginkgo biloba extract, you could get money from a class action settlement

October 15, 2020

SEATTLE, Oct. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — A settlement has been proposed in a class action called Sonner v. Schwabe North America, Inc. et al., No. 5:15-cv-01358 VAP (SP) in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. This lawsuit alleges false advertising of ginkgo biloba products Ginkgold® Advanced Ginkgo Extract (“Ginkgold”) and Ginkgold® Max Advanced Ginkgo Extract Max 120 mg (“Ginkgold Max”). Defendants vigorously deny the allegations and deny that any of their advertising relating to ginkgo biloba is false. The Court did not decide who is right. Instead, the parties reached a settlement to avoid the cost of continued litigation, its associated burden, and potential risks for both sides.

If you purchased Ginkgold or Ginkgold Max in the United States, you may be a Settlement Class member. The Settlement Class includes all consumers who purchased Ginkgold or Ginkgold Max in California from July 7, 2011 to October 1, 2020, or anywhere else in the United States from January 1, 2016 to October 1, 2020.

Settlement Class Members may receive reimbursement of up to $18 or $33 per qualifying Ginkgold or Ginkgold Max purchased. To qualify for payment, you must submit a Claim Form by February 24, 2021 either online at www.GinkgoldSettlement.com or by mail. Your Claim Form will be reviewed, and a determination will be made as to whether you are entitled to payment.

If you are a Settlement Class Member, your legal rights are affected whether you act or not. If you do not wish to submit a claim, you can exclude yourself from the settlement. Settlement Class Members who do not opt out will release certain legal rights against the Defendants and the Released Parties. Settlement Class Members who wish to opt out must mail a “Request for Exclusion” postmarked by December 28, 2020 to the Ginkgold Settlement Administrator at P.O. Box 91231, Seattle, WA 98111. Request for Exclusion forms and more information about opting out can be obtained at www.GinkgoldSettlement.com.

Settlement Class Members who do not opt out may object to any part of the proposed settlement. To do so, you must file your objection with the Court and mail separate copies to Class Counsel and Defendants’ counsel by first-class mail, no later than December 28, 2020. More information about how to file a valid objection can be obtained at www.GinkgoldSettlement.com.

The Court will hold a hearing on January 25, 2021, at 2:00 p.m., to consider whether to approve the proposed settlement, and Class Counsel’s application for an award of attorneys’ fees, expenses, and incentive award to the Class Plaintiff. Settlement Class Members or their lawyers may ask to appear and speak at the hearing at their own expense, but do not have to.

For more information, visit www.GinkgoldSettlement.com or www.bholaw.com, call 1-833-900-1646, or write to Ginkgold Settlement, c/o JND Legal Administration, PO Box 91231, Seattle, WA 98111.

SOURCE JND Legal Administration

Euisun Chung Inaugurated as Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, Opening a New Chapter in History

October 15, 2020

SEOUL, Oct. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ —

Chairman Mong-Koo Chung inaugurated as Honorary Chairman of the Group
Inauguration unanimously endorsed by board members of Hyundai Motor, Kia Motors and Hyundai Mobis
Euisun Chung has been recognized for successful leadership as Executive Vice Chairman of the Group over past two years
Group’s future direction will focus on ‘customers,’ ‘humanity,’ ‘future’ and ‘social contribution’
…all activities must be customer-centric and enable customers to focus on lives
…contribute to humanity’s dream of safe and free movement and a peaceful life
…realize a future of our imagination to offer a higher plane of life experiences
…become a company appreciated for sharing its fruits with customers
Group will build a healthier corporate culture through employee empowerment and horizontal communication
Euisun Chung to continue legacies of Founding Chairman Juyung Chung and Honorary Chairman Mong-Koo Chung

Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) announced today that Euisun Chung, Executive Vice Chairman, was inaugurated to the position of Chairman of the Group. Chairman Mong-Koo Chung was inaugurated to the position of Honorary Chairman.

Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation and Hyundai Mobis Co. each held extraordinary board meetings today to discuss the inauguration. All members of the boards unanimously endorsed the inauguration of Euisun Chung as the new Chairman of the Group.

Hyundai Motor Group will open a new chapter in its history under Euisun Chung’s leadership. Embracing the vision ‘Together for a Better Future,’ the Group will develop and acquire key technologies and capabilities to overcome market uncertainties, including COVID-19.

In his inauguration remarks, Euisun Chung presented the future direction of the Group as one focused on ‘customers,’ ‘humanity,’ ‘future,’ and ‘social contribution.’

“All of our goals and efforts must be customer-centric. The first step to customer happiness is to enable them to focus on their own lives through perfect quality of our products and services,” said the newly inaugurated Chairman Chung.

Over the years, Chung has stressed the customer-centric approach and customer satisfaction, and applied the concept more broadly to all of humanity.

“For the free movement and prosperity of humanity, we will develop the world’s most innovative and reliable autonomous driving technology, offering entirely new mobility experiences,” said the Chairman. Chung is spearheading the Group’s transformation from an automaker into a future mobility solution provider.

The Group will offer mobility solutions tailored to customer lifestyles and continue to grow its market leadership in various fields, including autonomous driving, electrification, hydrogen fuel cell, robotics and Urban Air Mobility (UAM).

The Group recently formed a venture Motional Inc. with Aptiv to develop and deploy industry-leading full autonomous driving technology. It is collaborating with partners around the globe to provide mobility services that meet the varying needs of different regions.

Furthermore, Chung foresaw the powerful possibilities of hydrogen energy and championed the growth of hydrogen ecosystem, with broad implementation of fuel cell technology beyond automobiles.

“Our world-class hydrogen fuel cell technology will be used not only in automobiles, but also in various fields, as an eco-friendly energy solution for the future of humanity,” said Chung. “We will also realize the future of our imagination through Robotics, Urban Air Mobility (UAM), Smart City and other innovations. These groundbreaking advancements will offer a higher plane of life experiences for humanity.”

In his remarks, he also stressed the importance of social contribution to the communities in which the Group operates, reflecting on his long-time commitment to communities and the future generation.

“Hyundai Motor Group aims to become a company cherished for realizing humanity’s dream of safe and free movement and a peaceful life, as well as sharing its fruits with customers around the world.”

The Group’s transformation under Chung is also taking place internally, with an emphasis on flexibility and agility like that of tech companies. Under his leadership, the Group is accelerating its efforts toward a healthier corporate culture by empowering its employees and encouraging horizontal communication.

“If each and every employee thinks of oneself as a pioneer, and channel that positive energy into our growth and that of our future generations, I am certain we will seize fresh opportunities out of crises,” said Chung. “I will foster a company culture that respects communication and autonomy. I will help cultivate a creative work environment, where talents are respected and realized to the fullest.”

The Group will also streamline its decision-making processes to make them more timely and transparent, and strengthen communication with the market to boost shareholder value.

Chung has been recognized for his innovative vision and for leading the Group’s key businesses successfully over the past two years as the Executive Vice Chairman.

He steered the turnaround of Kia Motors’ business during his tenure as President, and led the growth of Hyundai Motor amid the global financial crisis and successfully launched the luxury brand Genesis as Vice Chairman.

Mong-Koo Chung, new Honorary Chairman of the Group, recently expressed his wish to move on and asked Euisun Chung to lead the Group’s future growth and innovation beyond the current challenges.

Honorary Chairman Chung is widely acknowledged for his contribution to the advancement of global auto industry, and he was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in 2020.

He brought Kia Motors into the Group during the Asian financial crisis in the 1990s and turned the company into a successful global automaker. He also grew Hyundai and Kia into global automotive companies and advanced Korea as a leading nation in the automotive industry.

His key to the success of Hyundai Motor Group was making quality the number one priority. Honorary Chairman Chung established a standardized plant construction system to assure consistent high-quality production for Hyundai and Kia vehicles around the world, and built one of the world’s largest research and development centers to strengthen the Group’s competitiveness.

Honorary Chairman Chung also introduced a new paradigm in sustainable management with the construction of the integrated steel mill Hyundai Steel Co., which helped maximize synergy within the Group with the world’s first resource circulation business structure.

Euisun Chung affirmed that he will continue and build upon the legacies of Founding Chairman Juyung Chung and Honorary Chairman Mong-Koo Chung.

“Carrying on their legacies, I would like to usher in a bold new future of Hyundai Motor Group with every single one of you,” said Chairman Chung. “There may be hurdles in our journey of entering a new future. But the spirit of Hyundai Motor Group has always made the impossible possible by encouraging optimism and team spirit.”

Chairman Euisun Chung Profile

Education
BA, Korea University
MBA, University of San Francisco

Experience
2018 Executive Vice Chairman, Hyundai Motor Group
2009 Vice Chairman, Hyundai Motor Company
2005 President, Kia Motors Corporation
2003 Head of Business Strategy Planning, Kia Motors Corporation
Executive Vice President, Business Planning Division at Hyundai Motor Company
2002 Senior Vice President, Domestic Sales Division at Hyundai Motor Company
1999 Director, Procurement / Sales Support Division at Hyundai Motor Company

About Hyundai Motor Group
Hyundai Motor Group is a global corporation that has created a value chain based on automobiles, steel, and construction and includes logistics, finance, IT and service. With about 250,000 employees worldwide, the Group’s automobile brands include Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motors Corp and Genesis. Armed with creative thinking, cooperative communication and the will to take on all challenges, we are working to create a better future for all.

More information about Hyundai Motor Group, please see: www.hyundaimotorgroup.com

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1312355/Kia_Motors_America_Euisun_Chung.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/812837/Kia_Motors_America_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Kia Motors America

Solis Health Plans Launches Digital Agent Appointment Scheduler

October 15, 2020

Solis Health Plans logo (PRNewsfoto/Solis Health Plans, Inc.)

MIAMI, Oct. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Choosing the best Solis Health Plans Medicare Advantage plan is now possible by booking an appointment online, thanks to Solis’ new “Book an Agent Appointment” platform. This online booking option makes connecting with a Solis Medicare Advantage plan agent simple and easy.

The Book an Agent Appointment platform provides a straightforward way to begin the enrollment process. To schedule an appointment, interested enrollees may visit the website and select Enroll Now under the Our Plans menu, or visit the direct link at https://solishealthplans.com/enrollment/book-agent-appointment. Appointments can be conducted in Spanish, English, or Creole with an option to choose one’s preferred available agent.

Solis will also be launching a self-enrollment portal, coming soon. The portal will allow users to sign up for a Solis Medicare Advantage Plan in a matter of minutes.

“We want to ensure our members – both existing and new – are able to easily select a plan that best serves their health care needs,” said Solis CEO Daniel Hernandez. “It is important that Florida seniors know what options are available to them. We continue to be fully available for phone and in-person enrollment; however, we know there are those who prefer to book their appointment online. We are pleased to be able to accommodate that need for the upcoming 2021 open enrollment period.”

Registration for a Solis Medicare Advantage plan begins today, October 15, 2020.

About Solis Health Plans
Solis Health Plans is a community-focused Florida Medicare Advantage health plan that delivers outstanding member experience and exceptional service to its members, providers, and brokers and offers competitive plans with expanded benefits in multiple counties. The company is locally based and self-identifies as the Un-Corporate Plan: personal as opposed to bureaucratic, innovative instead of risk-averse, and accountable rather than ambiguous. Solis Health Plans is committed to exceeding expectations and to being the plan of choice for the communities served, with the goal of achieving better healthcare outcomes.

For more information on Solis Health Plans, please visit www.solishealthplans.com.

Solis Health Plans is an HMO with a Medicare contract and a contract with the Florida Medicaid Program for dually-eligible beneficiaries. Enrollment in Solis Health Plans depends on contract renewal.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1033320/Solis_Logo_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Solis Health Plans, Inc.

(Español) La historia de Ed: Todas las personas con ELA cuentan

October 15, 2020

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

2020 Latino Media Fest To Go Virtually Today!

October 15, 2020

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 14, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Coming off the success of the first Virtual NALIP Media Summit, The National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) has moved the remainder of its 2020 programmatic offerings online, including the Latino Media Fest.

Latino Media Fest is the unique presenter of the best U.S based Latinx content across all media platforms: narrative short films, TV/streaming pilots, digital content, and documentary shorts. NALIP will host all sessions of its 2020 event virtually at LatinoMediaFest.com from October 14th – 16th.

Celebrating the very best of Latinx content and content creators, the Latino Media Fest will feature over 30 sessions, including an Official Selection showcase, conversations with industry experts, panels with creative professionals from across multiple verticals, such as Isabela Merced, Alice Braga and a special screening of Charm City Kings followed by a conversation with the director Angel Manuel Soto. The event will also include an awards ceremony hosted by comedian Al Madrigal. The virtual ceremony will honor Best Latinx Film, Best Latinx Director, Best Latinx TV show, and The Excellence in Entertainment Journalism Award. Placing special emphasis on building the next generation of industry decision-makers, the Latino Media Fest will also offer scholarships and financial assistance to ensure the event is made available to emerging creatives and professionals. All the programming can be streamed on the Latino Media Fest platform starting today and up to two weeks after the event.

Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo is onboard as the event’s Presenting Sponsor, continuing their ongoing support of NALIP’s programs and mission. Additional sponsors have also backed the event, including, but not limited to Sony Pictures, Warner Media, The Walt Disney Company, Netflix, Starz, Univision, Facebook and A&E Networks.

NALIP will continue to provide programming and resources to creatives and industry professionals impacted by the current circumstances.

“NALIP is the pioneer and the bridge between Latinx creators and the entertainment industry. The organization aims to discover, inspire, uplift and nurture creatives and their voices in diverse media platforms,” Benjamin Lopez, Executive Director of NALIP stated. “NALIP is producing a pipeline of conscious Latinx creators that will definitely impact future generations in the entertainment industry and their first works are screened within our organization.”

More information will be announced in the coming weeks on the organization’s website nalip.org and social media platforms: Twitter (@nalip_org), Instagram (@nalip_org), and Facebook (Nalip Org).

ABOUT NALIP: The National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) is a national membership organization that addresses the professional needs of Latinx content creators. NALIP stands as the premiere Latino media organization, addressing for close to 20 years the most underrepresented and the largest ethnic minority in the country. NALIP’s mission is to discover, promote and inspire Latino content creators and diverse voices across all media platforms. NALIP serves the needs of diverse content creators including, producers, performers, writers, directors, and industry professionals. For more information, visit www.NALIP.org.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1313032/nalip_Logo.jpg

SOURCE NALIP

FIBA on FinCEN leaks: Banks say something, when they see something

October 15, 2020

MIAMI, Oct. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — On September 20, 2020, a report by Buzzfeed News leaked confidential files from U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FINCEN) and revealed a list of banks that had informed suspicious activity to FinCEN through Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs). Because the regulatory reporting standards obligating banks to file SARs as well as the interplay between banks and law enforcement as a result of the filings is not widely understood and susceptible to misinterpretation, the Florida International Bankers Association (FIBA) believes it can well serve the South Florida and international banking communities by providing education on the SAR process.

FIBA– whose membership includes the largest financial institutions from the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe— brought together a taskforce to review the report and dispel its possible misinterpretation. FIBA strongly urges that by reporting “suspicious” activity as the law requires, banks are dutifully meeting, and at times exceeding, their legal requirements. In short, rather than an implied finding of criminality or unlawfulness, the bank’s obligations are that when they have any suspicion, they report it to the authorities for appropriate consideration.

Because of their understandably sensitive nature, SARs are confidential documents that should be protected as they pose a security threat to legal investigations, the safety of the bank personnel and can cause serious damage to persons named in the SAR who have not engaged in illegal activity.

David Schwartz, President and CEO of FIBA explains: “No bank would file a SAR if they knew it was going to be disclosed (to the public). It may well be treated (incorrectly, but nonetheless powerfully) as an accusation. And what’s worse, if a criminal or criminal organization obtained the name of the bank employee who filed the SAR, he or she could be subjected to harassment or physical harm,” Schwartz said.

Overall, banks, whether large, small, community banks, or local branches of international banks are involved in a comprehensive partnership and collaboration, with both regulation agencies and law enforcement through what is known as the Bank Secrecy Act.

The BSA requires financial institutions to keep records of cash purchases of negotiable instruments, file reports of cash transactions exceeding $10,000 (daily aggregate amount), and to report suspicious activity that might signify money laundering, tax evasion, or other illegal activities. BSA is a system developed by law enforcement and regulators who are charged with enforcement and only requires banks to report suspicious activity through SARs.

SARs are required to be filed with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) by financial institutions when they detect suspicious activities. SARs are unproven suspicions based on facts collected by BSA compliance investigators working for banks. SARs are not evidence of a crime but are meant to elicit further investigation by law enforcement, if warranted.

By law, banks are not required to suspend, limit, or prevent further activities with those customers they report (although many do on a facts and circumstances basis) , rather their regulatory role is to aid in detecting and notifying the proper authorities of their suspicions.

The success of the system is predicated on the confidentiality of the reports. In addition, banks do not have access to a complete record on customers, or SARs filed by other banks, and therefore are only aware of the activity within their own system.

“As non-government entities, banks help detect suspicious activity, but aren’t law enforcement or government officials to enforce or investigate these individuals,” said Daniel Gutierrez, Director for FIBA. “Each bank has their determination of risk, and many have implemented comprehensive systems to collect as much information and monitor accounts for money laundering, terrorist financing and fraud. Banks also have account closure and concerning activity committees where these matters are discussed at Management levels.”

All major financial institutions are regulated and must follow protocol and regulations that include actions such as developing risk-based anti-money laundering programs, establishing effective customer due diligence systems, file reports of cash transactions exceeding $10,000, run data against Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and other government lists and invest in the education and training of compliance personnel in specific AML certifications.

After a SAR is filed the financial institution has little to no feedback or information on what actions were taken. The Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network has to investigate all filed reports they receive and subsequently delegate to the relevant law enforcement authority for instance the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or the local police department. Because of the secret nature of these reports there is no available information regarding the outcome of investigations that initiated from a bank issued SAR.

It is in all financial institutions’ best interest to cooperate and not endanger their organizations and/or themselves as there is growing enforcement of personal liability. Alcides Avila, founding partner of ARHMF and an attorney in its Corporate and Financial Services practice and member of the FIBA taskforce to analyze the FinCEN files leak explains: “This breach not only compromises the collaboration between law enforcement and financial institutions, it is illegal to disseminate this information. Also, the misreading of these technical documents might lead to slandering of innocent individuals and/or organizations that did nothing wrong.”

The Florida International Bankers Association, FIBA, endorses thousands of professionals a year throughout the world in certifications including Anti-Money Laundering Certified Associate (AMLCA), Certified Professional in Anti-Money Laundering (CPAML), AML Responsibilities for Managers, CEOs & Directors, Correspondent Banking AML and OFAC Sanctions among others.

To help combat money laundering, and other illicit activity, many banks have instituted internal policies that limit interactions with individuals or corporations who have more than a certain number of SARs on their records. However, it’s important to recognize that the role of financial institutions is to spot and report, much like the famous “if you see something, say something” in the travel industry.

Every year, more than 2 million SARs are filed with FinCEN by financial institutions and regulators and law enforcement do their part in the fight to bring those who are engaged in illicit activity to justice.

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SOURCE FIBA Bankers

New Flagship: MDX Prototype Previews Most Premium and Performance-Focused SUV in Acura History

October 15, 2020

TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 14, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today’s unveiling of the Acura MDX Prototype previews the fourth-generation of the class-defining Acura MDX, America’s all-time best-selling three-row luxury SUV¹. On sale early next year, the new MDX will assume the flagship role in the Acura lineup as the most premium, performance-focused and technologically sophisticated SUV in Acura history. Twenty years after the launch of the first-generation model, the bold new design and sumptuously appointed interior of the new MDX will be bolstered by an arsenal of new Acura technologies, an all-new performance-focused platform with MDX’s first-ever double wishbone front suspension, and the first application of the Type S high performance moniker to an Acura SUV.

“The new MDX marks a turning point for Acura as our new flagship and the most far-reaching effort yet to deliver on our Precision Crafted Performance brand promise,” said Jon Ikeda, vice president and Acura brand officer. “We knew we needed to deliver something more emotional and premium with performance at its core. This new MDX builds on the past 20 years of success and elevates the model to an even stronger position in the market.”

Exterior Design

Enveloped in striking matte finish, the MDX Prototype, shown in both Liquid Carbon and Performance Red, makes a bold statement with its more dynamic and muscular design. The upright grille and long, sculpted hood convey power and presence and are anchored to an even lower and wider body with bulging shoulders and a greenhouse set further back, enabling a 6-inch increase in dash-to-axle dimension.

Signature elements of Acura’s next-generation design language are elegantly integrated with the new more premium and athletic form of MDX, including a three-dimensional Diamond Pentagon grille flanked by four-element JewelEye® LED headlights, underscored by Chicane™ LED daytime running lights, inspired by the Acura ARX-05 race car. The front fascia has been sculpted to highlight the wide grille, integrating fog light housings under side vents that further emphasize the new MDX’s wider track.

In profile view, the 21-inch wheels have been pushed to the corners, giving the MDX Prototype a nearly 3-inch longer wheelbase, aiding both ride quality and more spacious seating in all three rows, as well as a larger and more versatile cargo hold. A sharply sculpted beltline connects the front and rear, where the wide-set Chicane™ LED taillights echo the headlight treatment in front.

Next Level Interior

Befitting its new flagship status, the MDX Prototype presages the production model’s more premium and sophisticated cabin design, with a cleaner, more upright instrument panel taking on a wide structural motif. High-grade, authentic materials trim the interior including open-pore wood with infused metallic flake, polished aluminum and soft-touch Milano leather. An elegant mix of Ebony and Light Orchid leather graces the instrument panel and steering wheel with French stitched detailing. Next-generation Acura sport seats offer a more sculpted form with curvilinear quilting in all three rows, gradient perforation, and high-contrast stitching and piping.

The MDX’s wider body design enables first-class seating with more legroom in all three rows, and notably more headroom for front and third-row occupants. An ultra-wide panoramic moonroof opens the cabin up to provide natural light to all three rows.

Optimally bolstered Acura sport seats offer 16-way power adjustment and integrated massage functionality with a class-leading nine massage modes to relax the driver and front passenger after an exhilarating drive. Acura’s Iconic Drive™ LED illuminates the entire MDX cabin with 27 different lighting schemes tied to driving modes and representative of various locations, such as iconic roads and race circuits around the world.

Advanced Technology

Featuring a myriad of leading-edge Acura technologies, the MDX Prototype debuts Acura’s all-digital Precision Cockpit™, replacing physical gauges with a customizable 12.3-inch driver’s meter. The new MDX also gains the latest generation of Acura’s intuitive and driver-focused True Touchpad Interface™, featuring an ultra-wide, 12.3-inch, full-HD center display (Acura’s largest implementation yet), Acura-exclusive touchpad with “absolute positioning” and a new CPU for improved performance.

The “Signature Edition” ELS STUDIO 3D® premium audio system in the MDX Prototype sets a new standard for concert-quality in-vehicle audio with more than 1000 watts of power, 22 discrete channels and 25 speakers. This elevated tier of ELS system features six ceiling-mounted Highline™ speakers and six carbon fiber coned mid-range woofers including two positioned innovatively in the front console to create a “Center of the Studio” experience with perfect left to right balance. Tuned and perfected by eight-time Grammy® award-winning music producer and sound engineer, Elliot Scheiner, this is the most advanced and powerful audio system ever offered in an Acura vehicle.

Elevated safety technologies include the latest generation of Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure, with enhanced occupant and pedestrian collision protection capabilities, bolstered by an expanded suite of AcuraWatch™ safety and driver-assistive technologies, including enhanced Road Departure Mitigation, new Traffic Jam Assist and new Low Speed Braking Control. Acura’s next-generation front passenger airbag technology, first seen on the new 2021 TLX and offering improved occupant protection in a wider variety of frontal collision scenarios, will be standard on all new MDX models.

Performance at its Core

The fourth-generation MDX debuts an all-new light truck platform built for athletic handling, refined ride comfort and exceptional cabin quietness. The most rigid Acura SUV body to date, the new MDX is engineered to support Type S-levels of performance as well as advanced collision and pedestrian safety. Anchored to the ultra-rigid new body is a new performance-focused chassis featuring MDX’s first-ever double wishbone front suspension, delivering sharp and sporty handling with improved road holding and ride comfort.

Further aiding handling and all-weather performance is Acura’s available fourth-generation Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®), the only dynamic torque vectoring technology in MDX’s competitive class, extracting maximum grip and cornering precision from the all-new chassis. Superior stopping performance is enabled with Brembo® four-piston brake calipers, finished in a striking Ivory paint, at all four corners.

Drivers can customize the ride, handling, steering, suspension and powertrain performance characteristics using the MDX’s Intelligent Dynamics System (IDS). The IDS unlocks a wider range of personalized driving experiences through pre-set modes as well as giving drivers the ability to customize an Individual dynamic driving mode via the NSX-inspired Drive Mode dial, positioned prominently on the center console.

Powering the fourth-generation MDX will be one of two new powertrains. Standard power will come from Acura’s 3.5-liter V6 with i-VTEC® valvetrain, connected to an incredibly responsive and refined 10-speed automatic transmission. The upcoming MDX Type S will feature a Type S-exclusive 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 producing an estimated 355 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of torque, the most powerful engine ever offered in an Acura SUV. All MDX Type S models will put power to the ground through Acura’s fourth-generation SH-AWD® system.

Twenty Years of MDX

Debuting in 2000 as the North American Truck of the Year, the original 2001 Acura MDX was the industry’s first three-row crossover SUV, defining an entirely new category of vehicles that now dominate the segment. Over the past 20 years, across three generations of development, MDX has established itself as America’s all-time best-selling three-row luxury SUV and one of only a handful of luxury models to earn more than 1 million U.S. customers in the past two decades². MDX also recently surpassed the TL as the best-selling Acura model of all-time.

The fourth-generation MDX will join its three predecessors as designed, developed and produced in North America. The all-new MDX will be built at the company’s East Liberty, Ohio, auto plant, while both the 3.5-liter V6 and new Type S-exclusive 3.0-liter Turbo V6 engines will be produced at the company’s Anna, Ohio, engine plant, which also manufactures the NSX supercar’s twin-turbocharged hybrid V6 power unit. Acura’s 10-speed automatic transmission is built exclusively at the company’s Tallapoosa, Georgia, transmission plant.

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 the 2021 model year 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.


¹ Based MotorIntelligence cumulative total sales among all 3-row luxury SUVs and CUVs, Jan. 1980 – Aug. 2020.
² Based on MotorIntelligence cumulative total sales of all luxury models, Jan. 2000 – Aug. 2020

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SOURCE Acura

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