Bingo in Watsonville – Aquamaids Bingo is Back at a New Location in Wattsonville, CA, Starting on September 30, 2020

September 29, 2020

WATTSONVILLE, California, Sept. 28, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Aquamaids Bingo is pleased to announce the return of fun and exciting bingo games—with a safe and contactless twist.

Starting Wednesday, September 30, bingo fans can gather at the Santa Cruz Fairgrounds at 2601 East Lake Avenue in Watsonville, California for Hot Rod Bingo. The parking lot will open at 5 p.m., and people can play their favorite fun and exciting bingo games all from the safety of their vehicle.

To learn more about Aquamaids Bingo new location and to download the app please visit https://aquamaidsbingo.org/sessions/bingo-santa-cruz-fair-grounds-in-watsonville

As a spokesperson noted, like many other local businesses, Aquamaids Bingo had to shut down due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. While bingo fans have been patient and understanding about the situation, the founders of Aquamaids Bingo were also determined to bring back bingo as soon as they possibly could.

Now, thanks to the upcoming launch of Hot Rod Bingo, bingo fans can once again gather together and enjoy an evening of bingo. Hot Rod Bingo will offer the following games: 10 strips paying $750 each, two Double Action games paying $500 each, a Wonder Woman Strip that pays $2,000 on Pink and a $1,000 Consolation and $2,389 and $1,199 Strip flash.

Purchases may be made online via the Aquamaids Bingo App; the app will be available at the App Store or on Google Play prior to Hot Rod Bingo. People may also access the link at the main Aquamaids Bingo website or on their Facebook page.

People who are looking up Aquamaids Bingo new location online will find them by searching:

Watsonville bingo

Santa Cruz bingo

Monterey bingo

Salinas bingo

Gilroy bingo

About Aquamaids Bingo:

For those who crave the excitement, fun and social interaction of live-action bingo, Aquamaids Bingo is the destination people are looking for. They offer traditional classic bingo games as well as many of the hottest and latest strip bingo sessions and biggest daily payouts in the Bay Area. For more information, please visit https://aquamaidsbingo.org/

Aquamaids Bingo

Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Watsonville
Watsonville, Ca. 95076
(408) 988-9936

SOURCE Aquamaids Bingo

(Español) El Hospital de Niños de Filadelfia se une a 38 sistemas de salud de los Estados Unidos y declara: “Es innegable que el racismo es una crisis de salud pública”

September 29, 2020

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Users Demand Alternatives to Gas and Makita Delivers with World’s Largest Professional Cordless Outdoor Power Equipment System

September 29, 2020

LA MIRADA, California, Sept. 29, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Makita U.S.A., Inc., the innovation leader in cordless technology, has the world’s largest professional cordless outdoor power equipment system. The expanding range of Makita cordless lawn mowers, trimmers, blowers, and chain saws is meeting growing demand as users seek alternatives to traditional gas-powered equipment. Makita is positioned to meet the demand for cordless outdoor power equipment this fall with the “Rule the Outdoors” digital campaign to direct awareness to its wide offering of equipment.

“We are seeing more and more demand for cordless outdoor power equipment from all users, from pro landscapers to homeowners,” said Romique Talton, senior product manager, Makita U.S.A. “The Makita LXT System delivers maximum performance with battery-powered lawn mowers, trimmers, blowers and chain saws, so users get all they need for efficient landscaping and clean-ups.”

The World’s Largest Professional Cordless OPE System

Over the past year, Makita has expanded its cordless outdoor power equipment offering. Makita^® LXT^® Cordless Outdoor Power Equipment is the world’s largest professional cordless outdoor power equipment system, offering more solutions in more categories. Makita’s LXT Outdoor Power Equipment is part of the world’s largest cordless system of over 275 products (in 2021). All these products use the same LXT battery.

Benefits of Cordless Outdoor Power Equipment

Makita’s cordless outdoor power equipment is engineered for maximum performance, without the hassles of gas. The “Rule the Outdoors” campaign promotes Makita LXT Cordless Outdoor Power Equipment, which is powered by Makita purpose-built motors and a fast-charging LXT lithium-ion battery. Benefits of cordless outdoor power equipment include instant starts, lower noise, reduced maintenance, and zero emissions.

“No one knows cordless like us,” asserts Talton. “We have over 90 years of chain saw and gas expertise and over 40 years of cordless expertise. This knowledge and experience have been invested into product development and has resulted in the largest offering of cordless outdoor power equipment on the market.”

For more information, visit www.makitatools.com/RTO

Digital Campaign

“The digital portion of the campaign has exceeded everyone’s expectations so far,” states Brent Withey, vice president of brand marketing, Makita U.S.A., Inc. “With the overall success of the “Rule the Outdoors” campaign, Makita is investing in digital and social media advertising for the remainder of 2020. By focusing on digital marketing this Fall, we will continue to drive demand by reaching new audiences.”

Videos can be found at www.youtube.com/user/MakitaPowerTools/

About Makita

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

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

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

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

SOURCE Makita U.S.A., Inc.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Joins 38 U.S. Health Systems to Declare: It is Undeniable, Racism is a Public Health Crisis

September 28, 2020

CHOP and 38 other health systems in 45 states and Washington, DC have committed to addressing racism and the public health disparities caused by racism

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 28, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is a member of the Healthcare Anchor Network, a national collaboration of leading healthcare systems, which published the “Racism is a Public Health Crisis” statement. Our health institutions employ over half-million employees across 45 states and Washington, DC and are committed to taking concrete action to address the impact of structural racism in our communities.

Moved by the unconscionable, unjust deaths of George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and too many others, our health systems stand together with all those who have lifted their voices with a call to action.

“We, along with these prestigious hospitals, are committed to combating racism, inequality and discrimination,” said Gilbert Davis, Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “No one individual or institution can do this alone, and we are committed to listening to our neighbors of color and implementing initiatives that will help to eradicate all forms of discrimination. CHOP is committed to being intentional and we will partner with others in the community to address the social injustice and systemic racism that contribute to disparity of care across our region.”

“Racism is a public health crisis. In Black and Indigenous communities and communities of color, we see higher rates of illness and death as a result of systemic racism. We need to harness our collective strength to invest in our communities and to more intentionally hire and buy from local BIPOC communities so that all people can be healthy and thrive,” said Healthcare Anchor Network Director David Zuckerman. “We all must better understand and act to change the impacts of systemic racism on social and economic conditions and health outcomes,” added Zuckerman.

Investment in Black and Indigenous communities and communities of color is critical to overcoming health disparities. At CHOP, we are committed to implementing policy changes that promote equity and opportunity; improving primary and specialty care; helping our communities overcome chronic diseases; advocating for investments in improvements to health access, quality, and outcomes; promoting and retaining leaders of color; providing anti-racism and implicit bias training for all staff and administrators; and advocating for funding for programming for social needs, social services, and social justice.

From the statement: “Our society only truly thrives when everyone has an opportunity to succeed and live a healthy life. We are committed to moving forward together. By harnessing the collective strengths of our organizations, we will help serve our communities as agents of change.”

About CHOP
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 as the nation’s first pediatric hospital. Through its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals and pioneering major research initiatives, Children’s Hospital has fostered many discoveries that have benefited children worldwide. Its pediatric research program is among the largest in the country. In addition, its unique family-centered care and public service programs have brought the 564-bed hospital recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents. For more information, visit http://www.chop.edu

Contact: Joey McCool Ryan
(267) 426-6070
[email protected]

SOURCE Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Blue Shield of California Elects Kristina Leslie As First Woman to Chair Its Board of Directors

September 28, 2020

Diversity and inclusion at Blue Shield of California

OAKLAND, California, Sept. 28, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Blue Shield of California, a leader in diversity and gender equity, today announced Kristina (Kris) Leslie has been elected to be chair of the nonprofit health plan’s board of directors, effective Oct. 1, 2020. Leslie is the first woman to lead the board in the company’s 81-year history.

The company also announced today two new appointments to the board of directors to fill pending vacancies on Oct. 1 that will result in the 12-person board achieving gender balance. Additionally, women will now lead four of the board’s five standing committees. The tax-paying nonprofit, which has nearly 7,000 employees and $22 billion in annual revenues, is one of the largest companies in California to achieve gender balance on its board.

Blue Shield achieved pay equity for its employees across gender and ethnicity in 2018. It has a balanced representation of women and men in leadership roles (Director and above), and it was recently selected as one of America’s Best Companies for Women to Advance by Parity.org.

“We are committed to making Blue Shield a place where people of all genders, races, and backgrounds feel comfortable making it their professional home,” said Paul Markovich, president and CEO, Blue Shield of California. “I look forward to working with Kris in her new role as we strive to create a health care system worthy of our family and friends, and sustainably affordable. I want to thank Doug Busch, our outgoing chair, for his incredible support for more than a decade.”

Leslie has served on Blue Shield’s board since 2013. She has a distinguished professional career, including serving as chief financial officer of DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc., which has produced some of America’s best known computer-generated, animated feature films. Leslie also serves on the board of directors for CVB Financial Corp. and Justworks, Inc., and she has served on the boards of several other public and private companies including Glassdoor Inc., Orbitz Worldwide, Inc., Pico Holdings Inc., Obagi Medical Products, and Methodist Hospital of Southern California.

She succeeds Busch, a Sacramento-based business executive who has served four, three-year terms on the board, the maximum allowed under company bylaws.

“We deeply appreciate Doug’s service to Blue Shield’s 4.4 million members, to his fellow board members and to Blue Shield’s senior team. We will continue to build on his contributions and push for affordable, high quality and accessible health care for all residents of California,” Leslie said. “I am inspired to serve as chair of the board of a company so committed to lead change, champion diversity, equity and inclusion and stand for what’s right.”

Two New Board Members

Busch and fellow board member Mohammad Qayoumi, Ph.D., a chief adviser to the President of Afghanistan and President Emeritus from San Jose State University, will complete their service on the board of directors on Sept. 30.

Colleen Johnston and Guillermo Diaz, Jr. will join the board of directors on Oct. 1.

Johnston is a retired senior executive from TD Bank Group, where she served for 10 years as chief financial officer. Diaz has served as chief information officer at Cisco and is now the CEO of Kloudspot, Inc., an artificial intelligence supported analytics platform provider.

Blue Shield has received several important, recent recognitions for its diversity and inclusion efforts that include:

Ranked #1 on the 2020 Diversity Inc. Top Regional Companies List for Diversity, with more than 40% of the employee base participating in employee resource groups
Scored 100 out of 100 on the 2020 Disability Equality Index

Blue Shield was also recognized this month as a certified Great Place to Work, with 92% of employees rating the company a great place to work overall – a nearly 10% increase from last year.

About Blue Shield of California
Blue Shield of California strives to create a healthcare system worthy of its family and friends that is sustainably affordable. Blue Shield of California is a tax paying, nonprofit, independent member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association with over 4 million members, 6,800 employees and more than $20 billion in annual revenues. Founded in 1939 in San Francisco and now headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare healthcare service plans in California. The company has contributed more than $500 million to the Blue Shield of California Foundation since 2002 to have an impact on California communities.

For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit news.blueshieldca.com.

Or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.

CONTACT:	Matthew Yi
	Blue Shield of California
	510-607-2359
	[email protected]

Kristina Leslie, Blue Shield of California Board Chair

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1281943/Board_of_Directors_Infographic_FINAL.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1281944/Kristina_Leslie.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/810201/blue_jpg_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Blue Shield of California

New Report Shows Largest National Reduction in Beverage Calorie Consumption Since Launch of Landmark Beverage Agreement

September 28, 2020

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Independent evaluator Keybridge LLC released its annual report today on progress toward a nationwide goal, set by the beverage industry and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, to reduce the calories and sugar Americans get from beverages. The report noted that 2019 saw the largest single-year reduction in calorie consumption and the third consecutive year of declines since the launch of the initiative.

In 2014, the American Beverage Association (ABA), The Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo, Keurig Dr Pepper (formerly Dr Pepper Snapple Group) and Healthier Generation announced the Beverage Calories Initiative (BCI), a commitment to reduce per-capita consumption of beverage calories by 20% nationally by 2025.

According to the report, consumption of calories and sugar from beverages fell by 2.4% in 2019, even as sales volumes grew. Most of the progress toward the calorie goal came from reduced consumption of full-calorie sodas. Calories from juices and sports drinks also declined in 2019. Per person volumes of of no- and low-calorie sodas held steady, representing a change from previous years when declining volumes of no- and low-calorie soft drinks had been a headwind to calorie reduction progress. Meanwhile, sales of waters grew in 2019.

Since the start of BCI, beverage calories per person have decreased 5.6% from 203.0 calories per person per day in 2014 to 191.8 in 2019. Annual reductions have accelerated over each of the last three years.

“We are pleased to see continued progress toward the 2025 beverage calorie reduction target,” said Kathy Higgins, chief executive officer at Healthier Generation. “Though we have much to learn in the coming year about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on beverage consumption patterns, Healthier Generation remains committed to its long-term work of ensuring that families across the nation have more access to beverages with little or no sugar.”

This progress, which predates the COVID epidemic, comes as the beverage industry has been driving product innovations and marketing toward lower-calorie options. In 2018, more than two-thirds of all new beverage brands introduced were either no-, low- or mid-calorie options. In 2019, more than 55% of beverages purchased were zero-calorie.

“America’s beverage companies are introducing more choices with less sugar and smaller portion sizes than ever before – you can see these changes in the beverage aisle and it’s encouraging consumers to reduce sugar in their diets,” said Katherine Lugar, president and CEO of the American Beverage Association. “These results show the power of public-private partnerships working together to help support family efforts to balance their lives.”

For 15 years, Healthier Generation has convened and facilitated industry-wide and community-based solutions in support of whole child health. In 2006, Healthier Generation, ABA, and America’s leading beverage companies entered into an agreement that reduced beverage calories shipped to the nation’s K-12 schools by more than 90%. The Beverage Calories Initiative builds upon this effort to decrease consumption of calories from beverages at both a national and local level.

Later this year, Healthier Generation and ABA will release a complementary report on the BCI Communities Initiative, which evaluates progress toward the 20% beverage calorie reduction goal in five select communities across the country.

The 2019 national report is available on the Healthier Generation website at www.healthiergeneration.org/bci and the American Beverage Association website at www.ameribev.org.

About the Alliance for a Healthier Generation
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation believes every child deserves a healthy future. For 15 years, Healthier Generation has empowered kids to develop lifelong healthy habits by ensuring the environments that surround them support their physical, social and emotional health. Driven by our passion that all young people will live healthier lives, our work has reached more than 29 million kids across the country. To learn more and help make a difference, visit HealthierGeneration.org and join us on Facebook and Twitter.

About American Beverage Association
The American Beverage Association is the national trade organization representing the broad spectrum of companies that manufacture and distribute non-alcoholic beverages in the United States. For more information, please visit www.balanceus.org and www.ameribev.org.

SOURCE Alliance for a Healthier Generation and American Beverage Association

First Alert and Actor Taylor Kinney Encourage Preparedness this Fire Prevention Month

September 28, 2020

AURORA, Illinois, Sept. 28, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — With Americans spending more time at home than ever before, it’s even more important to help ensure you are prepared in the event of a home fire. For Fire Prevention Month this October, First Alert, the most trusted brand in fire safety*, and actor Taylor Kinney share important safety reminders to help ensure your family and home are protected from the threats of smoke and fire. Together, First Alert and Kinney continue efforts to educate Americans with a series of PSAs to remind viewers to talk to their families about fire safety and take key steps to help protect what matters most.

Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here:

“I’m excited to continue partnering with First Alert in our efforts to increase fire safety awareness,” said Kinney. “With everyone spending more time at home, it’s important to make sure everyone is prepared – and there’s no better time than Fire Prevention Month.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), three out of five fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms. Even if you have smoke alarms in your home, you and your family may not be sufficiently protected.

“Now is the perfect time to enhance your home’s safety by having working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms on every level and in every bedroom, and to take additional safety measures to help ensure you are prepared,” said Tarsila Wey, director of marketing for First Alert.

First Alert and Kinney encourage you to be ready for the unexpected this Fire Prevention Month and protect your home with the following safety reminders:

Every level, every bedroom: For protection and peace of mind, install smoke alarms on each level of the home, including the basement, and in every bedroom, and install CO alarms on every level and near all sleeping areas.
Test and maintain: Once alarms are installed, it is important to maintain your alarms by testing them regularly. Even though testing alarms is as simple as pressing a button and waiting for the beep, a consumer survey showed that more than 60% of consumers do not test their smoke alarms monthly**. Test alarms regularly and change the batteries every six months if you have battery-powered alarms. For convenient protection and to eliminate battery replacements and late-night battery chirps for a decade, upgrade to First Alert 10-Year Sealed Battery Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms.
Alarms don’t last forever: Replace outdated units. If you cannot remember the last time you installed an alarm, chances are, it’s time to replace it. Alarms are on duty 24/7 and need to be replaced at least every 10 years.
Don’t forget about CO: In the fall and into the colder months of the year, the risk of CO poisoning increases dramatically. CO is an invisible, odorless gas produced by fuel-burning devices such as stoves, generators and fireplaces, and can only be detected with a CO alarm. Make sure to install CO alarms in your home.
P.A.S.S. the fire extinguishers: Beyond alarms, having fire extinguishers – and knowing how to use them – is an important part of maintaining a safe home for you and your family. According to the NFPA, the number one cause of home fires in the U.S. is unattended cooking. Place fire extinguishers in convenient locations such as the kitchen and garage, and on every level of the home. Adults in the household should learn how to properly operate a fire extinguisher using the acronym P.A.S.S. Simply pull the pin, aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, squeeze the trigger and sweep from side to side.

“With more people cooking, it’s even more important to include fire extinguishers as part of a home safety plan. They should be within reach of the kitchen area,” said Wey.

Once alarms and fire extinguishers are properly installed in your home, don’t forget about your escape plan. “Alarms provide early warning in case of emergency, but it is equally important to have an escape plan in place and know what to do if an alarm sounds,” added Wey.

According to the NFPA, only 32% of American households actually developed and practiced an emergency escape plan. Involve everyone in your household when developing an emergency escape plan. Identify two exits out of each room, including windows and doors, and set a dedicated meeting spot outside. Once outside, stay outside and call 911. Be sure to practice your escape plan with the entire family at least twice a year.

Opportunity to Learn by Doing

To kick-off Fire Prevention Month, First Alert and Lowe’s stores nationwide are joining forces to educate the public about how to protect their families and homes from the threats of fire and CO. As part of Lowe’s DIY kids’ workshops, families can pick up a free, take home activity to learn about fire safety and build a wooden fire truck kit on Saturday, Oct. 10 while supplies last.

To learn more about how to be prepared to keep your family and home safe from smoke and fire, visit FirstAlert.com/firepreventionmonth. For more information on Lowe’s DIY fire truck kits, visit www.lowesdiy.com.

*First Alert Brand Trust Survey, February 2020 – Results are based on the responses of 1,000 adults, ages 25 and older, living in the United States who completed an online survey. Results are statistically significant at a 95 percent confidence level and can be generalized to the entire adult population in the United States within those statistical parameters. For more information or a copy of the complete survey results, contact Tim Young at LCWA: 312/565-4628 or [email protected].

**First Alert Fire Prevention Research Report, May 2019 – Results are based on the responses of 1,000 adult homeowners, ages 18 and older, living in the United States who completed an online survey, May 13-16, 2019.

About BRK Brands, Inc.
BRK Brands, Inc. (Aurora, IL), is a fully owned subsidiary of Newell Brands. For more than 60 years, BRK Brands, Inc. has been the manufacturer of First Alert^®-branded home-safety products, the most trusted and recognized safety brand in America. BRK^® Brands designs and develops innovative safety solutions including a comprehensive line of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers and escape ladders to protect what matters most. Such products are also marketed under the BRK Electronics^®brand, The Professional Standard for the builder and contractor audiences. BRK Brands, Inc. products are found in more than 30 countries worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.firstalert.com, http://www.brkelectronics.com or http://www.newellbrands.com.

About Newell Brands

Newell Brands (NASDAQ: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Paper Mate®, Sharpie®, Dymo®, EXPO®, Parker®, Elmer’s®, Coleman®, Marmot®, Oster®, Sunbeam®, FoodSaver®, Mr. Coffee®, Rubbermaid Commercial Products®, Graco®, Baby Jogger®, NUK®, Calphalon®, Rubbermaid®, Contigo®, First Alert®, Mapa®, Spontex® and Yankee Candle®. For hundreds of millions of consumers, Newell Brands makes life better every day, where they live, learn, work and play.

Additional information about Newell Brands is available on the company’s website, www.newellbrands.com.

©2020 BRK Brands, Inc., Aurora, IL 60504. All rights reserved.
BRK Electronics^® is a registered trademark of BRK Brands, Inc., Aurora, IL 60504.
Nasdaq^® is a registered trademark of The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc.

Contacts: Abigail Cox or Sara Tatay
L.C. Williams & Associates
P: 312-565-3900 or 800-837-7123
[email protected] or [email protected]

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1143002/First_Alert_Logo.jpg

SOURCE First Alert

Mazda Foundation (USA), Inc. Awards Grants To Nine Food Banks Across The U.S. To Help With COVID Response

September 28, 2020

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

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 28, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Board of Trustees of the Mazda Foundation (USA) Inc., has awarded $215,000 in grants to nine food banks operating in six major metropolitan areas across the United States. The grants will enable the awardees to serve an estimated 730,000 meals in the next 12 months.

These most recent grants are in addition to donations made earlier in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, the Mazda Foundation has donated $429,000 to purchase shelf-stable food items for those most vulnerable in our communities.

“The pandemic has created enormous need in communities across the country,” said Jeff Guyton, president of Mazda North American Operations and chairman of the Mazda Foundation (USA), Inc. “Addressing a fundamental need like food security is a clear expression of the Mazda Foundation’s guiding principle that what matters most is one another.”

Food banks across the country have been stretched thin by the impact of the pandemic, with demand up 60% since March. Feeding America estimates that 1 in 6 Americans are at risk of facing hunger this year.

The Mazda Foundation awarded grants to the following organizations: Bracken’s Kitchen (Garden Grove, CA); Second Harvest Food Bank (Irvine, CA); Houston Food Bank (Houston, TX); North Texas Food Bank (Plano, TX); Central Texas Food Bank (Austin, TX); Northern Illinois Food Bank (Geneva, IL); Greater Chicago Food Depository (Chicago, IL); Food Bank of North Alabama (Huntsville, AL); and Flemington Area Food Pantry (Flemington, N.J.).

About Mazda Foundation (USA), Inc.
As the corporate foundation of Mazda North American Operations (MNAO), the Mazda Foundation has donated more than $13 million to children’s organizations, educational scholarships, food banks, environmental programs, and disaster relief efforts since 1992. To learn more about the Mazda Foundation, please visit www.mazdafoundation.org.

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

SOURCE Mazda Foundation (USA), Inc.

Amid Pandemic, Small Business Owners Respond With Meaningful Transformation; Remain Resilient, PNC Survey Shows

September 28, 2020

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 28, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Amid this year’s historic coronavirus pandemic, businesses are adapting by making major changes to their operations including increased use of technology, according to the latest PNC semi-annual survey of small and mid-size business owners and executives, which concluded Sept. 8.

Eight in 10 (79%) reported that they have made adaptations to their business in response to COVID-19, including safety changes (69%) in the form of new policies and procedures (62%) or physical modifications (57%), while others have adopted work from home policies (33%).

“Business owners have learned that the previous status quo won’t work now. The majority of businesses have reconfigured their operations and for many, these changes will be permanent,” said PNC Chief Economist Gus Faucher. “Their confidence may be shaken, but we know through the history of this survey that business owners are resilient and they know how to adapt to change.”

According to the survey, half (51%) of businesses report increased use of technology since the outbreak began. A third (33%) have increased technology to improve workforce productivity. Nearly three in 10 (29%) have added or increased the use of electronic or touchless payment systems, electronic /website-enabled sales (23%) or electronic banking/cash flow management services (21%); nearly 19% increased use of fraud/identity protection tools.

The pandemic has forced many to shake up their product lineups to better align with consumers’ new habits. A third (33%) of business owners report making product-related changes, either in the way they sell or deliver their products and services (31%) or to the types of products and services they offer (13%).

The drop in business activity over recent months forced many to take drastic measures through workforce reductions; nearly four in 10 businesses have cut workers since the start of the pandemic, although for 87% of those, the decrease is considered temporary or a furlough. In fact, a majority (58%) of the businesses who had temporary layoffs or furloughs have already begun re-hiring.

Faucher said the worst may be over and economic activity is on the rebound, but the “new normal” doesn’t mean a return to robust job and business growth that existed early in 2020.

“After job losses of more than 22 million between February and April, by far the steepest employment downturn in history, the labor market has started to recover. The economy has added back nearly one-half of those lost jobs, but job growth will slow going forward. Unemployment will remain elevated for years to come as business owners continue to deal with the impacts of the pandemic,” said Faucher.

He added that technology may be the key to business survival, and the PNC survey showed that many owners are making the necessary investments.

Other key survey findings include:

PPP a Much Needed Lifeline: Nearly all who applied for a Paycheck Protection Program loan consider the funding important (97%), and nearly seven in 10 say it is extremely important. Of those who applied, nearly 90% were approved. A majority (55%) say additional government stimulus funding is important for their business, with a third (32%) indicating it is extremely important.
Economic Hopes Dim: Business leader reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic conditions caused the steepest six-month decline in optimism in the 17-year history of the survey, dropping by half from Spring 2020, to just 21% reporting optimism about the national economy. While the drop is one of the sharpest in survey history, optimism remains higher than it was during the Great Recession between 2008 and 2013, when it was in the single digits.
Election Edification: Among those business owners expressing a partisan preference in the upcoming presidential election, Donald Trump supporters believe more strongly than Joe Biden supporters (76% vs. 49%) that their candidate of choice would have a positive impact on their own business if elected to the office.

A digital package containing national and Pennsylvania regional survey results is available at http://pnc.mediaroom.com/digital-packages.

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC) is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.

Methodology
The PNC Economic Outlook survey was conducted by telephone from 8/1/2020 to 9/8/2020, among small and mid-sized businesses with self-reported revenue of $100,000 to $250 million. 500 interviews were conducted nationally. Sampling error for the nationwide results is +/- 4.4% at the 95% confidence level. The survey was conducted by Artemis Strategy Group (www.ArtemisSG.com), a communications strategy research firm specializing in brand positioning and policy issues. The firm, headquartered in Washington D.C., provides communications research and consulting to a range of public and private sector clients.

DISCLAIMER: This report was prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as specific advice or recommendations. Any reliance upon this information is solely and exclusively at your own risk. NOTE: The sum of percentages may not add to the total due to rounding.

CONTACT:

Alan Aldinger
(412) 370-3887
[email protected]

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/364550/PNC_Logo.jpg

SOURCE PNC Financial Services Group

Celebrity Nitzia Chama Will Host Launch Event For KUL CBD Luxury Skincare At Curacao Department Stores

September 26, 2020

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — KUL CBD is excited to be coming to the highly successful department stores, Curacao with their luxury CBD skincare line. They are planning multiple in-store and online special promotions and fun events (all following social distancing healthy guidelines) to allow the customers of Curacao to get to know KUL CBD and experience the products. Curacao and KUL CBD’s exclusive collaboration will be giving $10,000 in KUL gift giving over the next 100 days to launch the “New Store, New Season and New Mystery Gifts!” campaign. To celebrate the reopening of Curacao’s South Gate luxury department store during this Friday-Sunday, KUL CBD will be gifting a QUL Wellness products with each registered customer’s in-store purchase.

Since they released earlier this year, KUL CBD has been extremely popular and has received many positive reviews from media in US Weekly, OK Weekly, to DailyMail and Bella Magazine, gushing about the power packed luxury product. Using minimal ingredients, with higher doses, the products give you the same results with less product and skincare steps required, saving time and money! The KUL CBD product line contains full-spectrum CBD (hemp extract) with probiotics along with potent antioxidants, vitamins, micro-algae, exfoliants and nourishing oils that provide instant results. They have proven themselves as the next generation of revolutionary skincare. The brand combines natural health and beauty alongside the highest quality ingredients and advanced technology. Their innovative formula has brought the brand into the spotlight, classifying them as a cosmeceutical line for its power-packed active ingredients. At KUL, the philosophy is simple: Never compromise on the creation of superior, luxury products.

Celebrity and TV Personality Nitzia Chama shared: “KUL CBD has proven to be the best luxury skincare line on the market! I am so happy to be working with them and support the brand at Curacao South Gate this Saturday and Sunday. I look forward to seeing fans and sharing my love for the KUL CBD beauty and wellness products, and also to give some of the luxury products away! I will be there sharing my amazing results and love for their luxury products. I am so excited to see my fans and giveaway products to some lucky winners! KUL CBD is changing the game in skincare and I couldn’t be happier to be onboard with them!”

Nitzia Chama, the actress and producer best known for her part in American Crime, will be attending the South Gate reopening this Saturday and Sunday from 3pm-6pm and she will be participating in KUL CBD luxury product giveaways.

Now, KUL CBD is excited to be introducing their products into the Latinx community by teaming up with the West Coast-based luxury department store chain, Curacao, for a very special collaboration. Curacao is the perfect place to find KUL CBD, as the luxury store will help bring the product to a new audience of beauty and wellness followers.

Curacao’s 100,000+ square foot retail stores offer a large selection of the latest electronics, fashion and home products. KUL CBD will be sold in 5 stores in Los Angeles including; Panorama, South Gate, Huntington Park, Santa Ana, and soon will be branching into the 7 stores in Nevada and Arizona. Curacao has built a unique relationship with its customers and their communities throughout the years, bringing them quality products. Per year sales of Curacao reach $350 million with over 1000 employees.

This partnership together is the first of its kind that gives direct access to Skincare and CBD Experts. KUL has certified each specialist to understand the ingredients and technology that their product has to offer, giving each customer the absolute best satisfaction of their needs and a luxury experience. These specialists are tested to understand ingredients, technology, and CBD to give the highest quality and luxury experience.

The anticipated collaboration of KUL CBD and Curacao will be the perfect match as they bring the skincare game to the next level. If you are interested in coming to enjoy an express facial, subscribe to our mailing list on our website.

Link to the press kit including images, fact sheets can be found, here.

Be sure to Connect with KULCBD and Curacao online to stay up-to-date with the latest news.

KUL Beauty Products:
Glow Kit – $399
Exfoliating Cleanser – $45
Glo Face Serum – $110
Anti-Aging Moisturizer – $90
Night Repair Moisturizer – $95

QUL Wellness Products:
Muscle & Joint Body Cream – $75
Citrus, Green Tea, Mint, Natural Hemp, or Vanilla Tincture – $69

ABOUT KUL CBD:
KUL CBD represents the next generation of skincare, natural health and beauty by combining the highest quality ingredients with the most advanced technology. Their unique formulas have created the most innovative luxury CBD health and beauty line in the market. Unlike other skincare brands, KUL CBD is classified as a cosmeceutical line because of its power-packed active ingredients. Using minimal ingredients, with higher doses, the products give you the same results with less product and skincare steps required, saving time and money! The whole product line contains full-spectrum CBD (hemp extract) with probiotics along with potent antioxidants, vitamins, micro-algae, exfoliants and nourishing oils that provide instant results. This is the first CBD skincare brand to use a combination of CBD and probiotics topically – making it a super unique and newsworthy product on the market at the moment.

Contact:
Miller PR
[email protected]
(323) 761-7220

SOURCE KUL CBD

1...1,9791,9801,981...3,090 Page 1,980 of 3,090