NIH to test one-dose antibiotic for the prevention of maternal and infant sepsis

June 3, 2020

BETHESDA, Maryland, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Researchers supported by the National Institutes of Health and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will assess whether a single oral dose of the antibiotic azithromycin during labor reduces the risk of maternal and infant bacterial infection and death in seven low- and middle-income countries.

“We urgently need effective interventions to reduce the death toll of pregnancy-related infections worldwide,” said Diana W. Bianchi, M.D., NICHD Director. “This study allows us to test a low-cost intervention that has shown promise in a smaller study.”

The clinical trial is funded by NIH’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) and the Gates Foundation. The trial will be conducted by researchers in NICHD’s Global Network for Women’s and Children’s Health Research, or NICHD Global Network.

Maternal death from sepsis—a system-wide reaction to bacterial and other infections—is higher in many low- and middle-income countries, compared to wealthy countries. This higher death rate results from a combination of factors, including a longer time to diagnosis, lack of access to timely drug treatment and chronic malnourishment. Infection during pregnancy and in the weeks after birth account for roughly 10% of maternal deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Infection accounts for 16% of newborn deaths worldwide.

Azithromycin, an antibiotic effective against a broad range of bacteria, has been shown to protect against infection resulting from cesarean delivery. The drug is low-cost and can be kept at room temperature, which makes it suitable for parts of the world where refrigeration isn’t always available. An earlier study of more than 800 women in The Gambia found that administering azithromycin to pregnant women at the beginning of labor reduced maternal and infant infections, compared to a group that received a placebo. Azithromycin and other antibiotics are not effective against COVID-19 and other diseases caused by viruses.

The current study plans to enroll up to 34,000 women at NICHD Global Network sites in Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guatemala, India, Kenya, Pakistan and Zambia. Half of the women will receive a single 2-gram dose of oral azithromycin, and the other half will receive a placebo. The women and their infants will be monitored for fever and other signs of infection during their hospital stay and again at one week and six weeks after giving birth. The study will also include records of unscheduled visits to health facilities outside of the network sites.

“The NICHD Global Network provides the expertise and infrastructure needed to carry out this essential clinical trial,” said lead investigator Waldemar Carlo, M.D., of the Neonatology Division of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “We anticipate that this study will provide important data to help us improve the standard of maternal care in low- and middle-income countries.”

The Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, a not-for-profit organization that manages alliances with public and private institutions in support of the NIH mission, provided funding for the study with a grant from the Gates Foundation.

Reference

Azithromycin-Prevention in Labor Use Study (A-PLUS). NICHD Global Network for Women’s and Children’s Health. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03871491

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About the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD): NICHD leads research and training to understand human development, improve reproductive health, enhance the lives of children and adolescents, and optimize abilities for all. For more information, visit http://www.nichd.nih.gov.

About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit http://www.nih.gov

SOURCE National Institutes of Health (NIH); Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Roy Maas Youth Alternatives (RMYA) Achieves National COA Accreditation

June 2, 2020

High School Graduation at RMYA Meadowland Charter District

SAN ANTONIO, June 2, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Roy Maas Youth Alternatives (RMYA) has achieved national accreditation through the New York-based Council on Accreditation (COA). Since 1976, the San Antonio, TX based RMYA programs have served over 83,000 abused, neglected, and high-risk youth and families through residential and counseling services. Youth in RMYA programs receive expert therapeutic intervention and specialized educational instruction through a continuum of care from birth to age 24. RMYA programs include two specialized emergency shelters, a long-term residential campus, a transitional living program for youth who have aged out of foster care and homeless youth, a family counseling and resource center and RMYA Centro Seguro Drop-In Center for Sex Trafficked Youth, the first 24/7 specialized center in the nation to achieve national accreditation from COA. Centro Seguro was created in 2017 and established initially as a joint project of RMYA, Bexar County Juvenile Probation, the Kronkosky Charitable Foundation and the Texas Office of the Governor.

RMYA achieved accreditation following eighteen months of rigorous self-examination and documentation of its agency-wide processes. Organizations pursue accreditation to demonstrate the implementation of best practice standards in the field of human services. COA evaluated all aspects of RMYA’s programs, services, management, and administration. In all, 899 individual standards were examined during the process. Based on their findings, COA’s Accreditation Commission voted that Roy Maas Youth Alternatives had successfully met the criteria for accreditation.

“The COA accreditation process provides a unique view of RMYA as seen through the eyes of highly experienced professionals,” said Jody Levison-Johnson, President and CEO of COA. “This achievement represents the fulfillment of countless hours of hard work and the dedication of many people–most notably RMYA staff and the members of its board and executive leadership team.

RMYA CEO Bill Wilkinson remarked, “COA accreditation validates who we are and what we value as an organization serving children and youth in crisis. We are proud to be counted among the fewer than 25% of child-serving residential providers in Texas that have received accreditation, which is a critical component of RMYA’s path to being certified as a Qualified Residential Treatment Provider under the federal Family First Prevention Services Act.”

COA accreditation is an objective, independent, and reliable validation of an agency’s performance. COA accreditation demonstrates accountability in the management of resources, sets standardized best practice thresholds for service and administration, and increases organizational capacity and accountability by creating a framework for ongoing quality improvement. An endorsement of COA and the value of its accreditation process is reflected in it being the only national accreditor designated by the U.S. Department of Defense to develop accreditation standards and processes for human service programs provided to military personnel and their families.

About Council on Accreditation
Founded in 1977, COA is an independent, not-for-profit accreditor of the full continuum of community-based behavioral health care and social service organizations in the United States and Canada. Over 2,000 organizations — voluntary, public, and proprietary; local and statewide; large and small — have either successfully achieved COA accreditation or are currently engaged in the process. Presently, COA has 47 service standards that are applicable to over 125 different types of programs. To learn more about COA, please visit www.coanet.org.

About Roy Maas Youth Alternatives (RMYA)
Roy Maas Youth Alternatives helps children and families in crisis become healthy, happy, productive members of our community and works to end the cycle of trauma and abuse. The programs are designed to help children navigate through the trauma of physical and sexual abuse, abandonment, violence and neglect they have experienced. RMYA provides a safe, supervised setting, on-campus accredited schools, medical care, cultural and recreational enrichment programs, individual, family and group counseling services, life skills, and parenting classes. Since 1976, RMYA programs have served over 83,000 abused, neglected, and high-risk youth through a nutritious diet, residential and counseling services. RMYA COA-accredited programs include The RMYA Bridge and La Puerta Emergency Shelters, RMYA Meadowland long-term residential campus, RMYA TurningPoint Transitional Living Program, RMYA Centro Seguro Drop-In Center, the RMYA Meadowland Charter District and the RMYA Family Counseling and Resource Center. www.rmya.org

Contacts:

Gail Ribalta
210-340-8077

Gina Eisenberg
210-254-5661

Roy Maas Youth Alternatives (RMYA)
3103 West Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78213
[email protected]

RMYA "We are Family" Summer Fun on Campus

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1175949/RMYA_Meadowland_Charter_School_Graduation.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1175951/RMYA_We_Are_Family_Summer_Fun.jpg

SOURCE Roy Maas Youth Alternatives (RMYA)

Statement Against Racism and Violence in the United States

June 2, 2020

WASHINGTON, June 2, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) and its partners – Hispanic Dental Association (H.D.A.), Latino Physicians of California, Medical Organization for Latino Advancement, Sacramento Latino Medical Association, Texas Doctors for Social Responsibility, American Society of Hispanic Psychiatry, Hispanic-Serving Health Professions Schools, Latino Caucus for Public Health, Latino Social Workers Organization, National Hispanic Pharmacists Association, National Latinx Psychological Association, National Latino Behavioral Health Association, Society of Behavioral Medicine and Ethnic Minority & Multicultural Health – are outraged by the lack of common sense, unprofessional, biased and unAmerican conduct of public safety officials in the state of Minnesota that led to the death of George Floyd.

We are witness, and have empathy, to the nationwide anger that needs to be redirected to change our country’s institutional unequal application of justice and the law. We also believe injury to peaceful protestors should not be tolerated.

Bias, racism and violence have historically destroyed our African American, Latino, Native American and other disadvantaged minority communities causing emotional distress and vulnerability to more illness and diseases that has led to toxic stress, poor health and quality of life, and ultimately, the unacceptable health and wealth disparities in the United States.

We represent Latino physicians, dentists and oral health professionals, hospital executives, public health administrators and practitioners, nurses, psychologists, social workers, physician assistants, pharmacists, dietitians as well as medical societies and community organizations who are all committed to increasing health equity by health education, managing diseases and by motivating our patients in culturally competent communication. We are also committed to being change agents in our communities, especially in our healthcare system, with leadership development, mentoring and recruiting more Latinos to serve our communities through our organizations.

We stand together and call for the leadership of Federal, State, and local governments, and corporations and foundations as well as the health care private sector to work with us and other minority healthcare leaders to build social justice and health equity in our nation. Our nation, the United States of America, cannot wait one more day. NOW is the time.

National Hispanic Medical Association is a nonprofit in Washington, DC with the mission to improve the health of Hispanics and other underserved. For more information: www.NHMAmd.org

SOURCE National Hispanic Medical Association

(Español) Declaración de los Teamsters sobre el asesinato de George Floyd

June 2, 2020

International Brotherhood Of Teamsters Logo

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Riviana Foods Donates Over 22,000 Bags of Rice to COVID-19 Frontline Firefighters in the Bronx

June 2, 2020

NEW YORK, June 2, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Riviana Foods Inc., America’s largest processor, marketer and distributor of branded and private label rice products, announced today they donated over 22,000 bags of rice to benefit frontline Bronx firefighters and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic including 4,500 cases of Carolina Rice and Grains Blends.

The “Carolina Rice Unites” initiative shines a light on the heroic work of 200 firefighters from 15 firehouses in the Bronx. In addition to the product donations, Riviana created and presented each firehouse a gift basket featuring cooking supplies, recipe cards, and thank you notes to show the company’s gratitude.

“Riviana has always been committed and dedicated to our first responders on the frontlines. As COVID-19 continues to impact us every day, we remain incredibly thankful for our firefighters’ tireless efforts as they are often the first to arrive,” said Sandra Kim, Riviana Senior Vice President, Marketing. “Our hope is to bring them, and their families, nutritious and convenient meals with homemade flavor. With so much time away from home, firefighters deserve less time in the kitchen and more time at the table with the ones they love.”

“On behalf of the Uniformed Firefighters Association, we want to thank Riviana Foods and Carolina Rice for their support of NYC firefighters and our families,” said Bobby Eustace, Vice President, Uniformed Firefighters Association. “In these unprecedented times, our members continue to battle NYC’s everyday emergencies along with the increased dangers of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our firefighters appreciate the donation–the thoughts, prayers and actions of so many do not go unnoticed.”

About Riviana Foods Inc.

Riviana Foods Inc. is North America’s largest processor, marketer and distributor of branded and private label rice products and its second largest pasta manufacturer. The Riviana family of well-known brands includes Minute®, Mahatma®, Success®, Carolina®, Comet®, Adolphus®, Blue Ribbon®, RiceSelect®, Gourmet House®, Ronzoni®, Creamette®, Skinner®, San Giorgio®, Prince®, Catelli®, American Beauty®, No Yolks®, Wacky Mac® and Light & Fluffy®. Learn more at Riviana.com, or follow Carolina on Facebook and Instagram @carolinariceusa.

Phone: 1.800.226.9522

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: https://www.riviana.com/

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1175892/Riviana_Foods_Bronx_Donation.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1175893/Riviana_Foods_Bronx_Firefighters.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1175894/Riviana_Foods_Donates_Food_Bronx.jpg

SOURCE Riviana Foods Inc.

Mazda Reports May Sales Results

June 2, 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., June 2, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported total May sales of 24,933 vehicles, a decrease of 1.0 percent compared to May 2019. Year-to-date sales totaled 103,543 vehicles, a decrease of 10.5 percent. With 26 selling days in May, compared to 26 the year prior, the company posted a decrease of 1.0 percent on a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis.

Sales Highlights

Sales of the CX-9 increased 20.8 percent with 2,421 vehicles sold.
Sales of the MX-5 Miata increased 30.7 percent with 1,102 vehicles sold.
CPO sales totaled 6,223 vehicles in May, an increase of 12.6 percent compared to May 2019. Year-to-date CPO sales decreased 10 percent, with 22,134 vehicles sold.

Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported May sales of 2,324 vehicles, a decrease of 50.0 percent compared to May last year. Year-to-date sales decreased 31.6 percent, with 17,166 vehicles sold.

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

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


	Month-To-Date				Year-To-Date

	May	May	YOY %	% MTD	May	May	YOY %	% MTD
	2020	2019	Change	DSR	2020	2019	Change	DSR

Mazda3	3,368	4,967	(32.2)%	(32.2)%	12,978	24,533	(47.1)%	(47.5)%
Mazda6	1,477	2,133	(30.8)%	(30.8)%	6,729	11,394	(40.9)%	(41.4)%
MX-5 Miata	1,102	843	30.7%	30.7%	3,354	3,155	6.3%	5.5%
CX-3	842	1,188	(29.1)%	(29.1)%	3,757	5,460	(31.2)%	(31.7)%
CX-30	3,583	0			13,430	0
CX-5	12,140	14,057	(13.6)%	(13.6)%	52,571	61,145	(14.0)%	(14.7)%
CX-9	2,421	2,004	20.8%	20.8%	10,724	10,040	6.8%	6.0%


CARS	5,947	7,943	(25.1)%	(25.1)%	23,061	39,082	(41.0)%	(41.5)%
TRUCKS	18,986	17,249	10.1%	10.1%	80,482	76,645	5.0%	4.2%

TOTAL	24,933	25,192	(1.0)%	(1.0)%	103,543	115,727	(10.5)%	(11.2)%


*Selling Days	26	26			128	127

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

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations

Atrium Health Increases Ongoing Commitment to Charlotte’s Hispanic Community Amid COVID-19

June 2, 2020

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 2, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Throughout the greater Charlotte region, there has been an increase in positive coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases directly affecting the Hispanic population. The latest data indicates the pandemic is largely affecting young Hispanic people ages 20 to 40, including several clusters at construction sites in Charlotte. As part of its mission to improve health, elevate hope and advance healing – for all, Atrium Health is focusing its commitment by launching a new initiative, “Para Tu Salud” – simply translated to “For Your Health” – to further educate and inform Hispanic communities on how to stay safe and healthy.

“We are incredibly proud to be a national leader in how we’re improving access to coronavirus testing and have eliminated the testing disparity among African American and Hispanic patient populations in the communities we serve, but our commitment doesn’t stop there,” said Kinneil Coltman, DHA, senior vice president, chief community and external affairs officer at Atrium Health. “We’re opening our hearts in new, innovative and thoughtful ways to ensure all members of all our communities receive the care and support they need to stay safe and healthy during these uncertain times.”

Committed to caring for all, Atrium Health understands where one lives, works and plays can have a meaningful impact on health outcomes. Since the initial COVID-19 cases were confirmed in Mecklenburg County and surrounding areas, Atrium Health is protecting the health and well-being of all our minority and underserved communities through existing and new efforts:

Initiated a nationally-leading innovative mobile COVID-19 testing model designed to accommodate schedules for essential workers, ensure the ability to pay is not an inhibiting factor for those who need to be screened and tested, and eliminate barriers to care by not requiring an appointment or referral.
Started a grassroots communication outreach to trusted community leaders, organizations and clergy to help share critical COVID-19-related health information, care, and testing options.
Convened roundtable discussions with service providers to bridge services and resources to meet the needs of our Hispanic community.
Introduced virtual technology support to connect our patients with their families and loved ones as part of their care.
Continued language assistance in over 200 languages to communicate in a way our patients are most comfortable.
Established a dedicated Spanish-translated coronavirus webpage with information, resources and a free risk-assessment.
Continued protecting our patients’ information, including immigration status, to ensure nothing prevents our patients from getting the care they need to get better and stay safe.
Built a robust data infrastructure to track and monitor for health disparities among the underserved and communities of color.
Formed a Multicultural Communications Taskforce to provide culturally responsive communications and a Disparities Work Group comprised of teammates across the system to identify ways to further address disparities and access to testing.

“As representatives and supporters of the Latino business community in our region, we are incredibly thankful to have our partners at Atrium Health so deeply involved in the safety and health of our community,” said Rocio Gonzalez-Zornosa, executive director of the Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Charlotte. “We applaud that they are not waiting for individuals to come to them, but they are going out into the communities they serve and offering their services ‘for all.’ We appreciate having access to Atrium Health’s in-language information, their 24/7 hotline, website resources, and their constant involvement in the many community groups. It is clear that Atrium Health truly wants to ensure they are meeting the needs of our businesses, workforce and families.”

Experts believe there are several prominent reasons why the Hispanic community may be at greater risk for contracting COVID-19, including the fact that many are still working in essential jobs. Additionally, these communities face obstacles to care including socioeconomic challenges, language barriers, cultural differences and concerns seeking timely healthcare due to underlying fears based on their immigration status.

In the wake of even the most difficult times, quality care should never discriminate – and at Atrium Health, it doesn’t. No matter one’s age, race or socioeconomic status – regardless of where someone comes from or their personal history – Atrium Health is the leader throughout the region providing compassionate care now and always.

About Atrium Health
Atrium Health is a nationally recognized leader in shaping health outcomes through innovative research, education and compassionate patient care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Atrium Health is an integrated network not-for-profit healthcare system with over 70,000 teammates at nearly 40 hospitals and 900 care locations. With locations throughout the Carolinas as well as Georgia, Atrium Health is a leading-edge innovator in virtual care and mobile medicine. It provides top-ranked pediatric, cancer and heart care to patients, as well as specialized musculoskeletal programs and organ transplants. Ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals in seven different specialties, it has also received the American Hospital Association’s Quest for Quality Prize. Its flagship hospital, Atrium Health’s Carolinas Medical Center, is the region’s only Level I trauma center and is consistently rated among the nation’s best. With a commitment to every community it serves, Atrium Health seeks to improve health, elevate hope and advance healing – for all. Last year alone, Atrium Health provided more than $2.07 billion in free and uncompensated care and other community benefits.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/640034/Atrium_Health_logo.jpg

SOURCE Atrium Health

Libre by Nexus To Stop Using Body Affixed GPS Devices And Will Reapportion GPS Costs To Provide Free Healthcare To All Libre Clients

June 2, 2020

LIBRE’S INITIATIVE WILL FREE OVER 7,000 PEOPLE FROM ELECTRONIC TETHERS, REPRESENTING THE SINGLE LARGEST RELEASE EVENT IN THE HISTORY OF ELECTRONIC MONITORING IN THE UNITED STATES.

VERONA, Virginia, June 2, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Libre by Nexus announced today the launch of an innovative mobile app that will revolutionize the way the company provides assistance and relief for its clients nationwide.

In May, Libre lost a valued member of its client community in Florida to COVID-19. Libre was not authorized to enter the hospital to remove the client’s GPS device because of the pandemic.

Libre by Nexus originally planned to make the switch away from monitoring bracelets by the end of 2020, but after its client lost their battle with COVID-19 while still wearing its GPS bracelet, the company knew it had to expedite the process.

“I can’t accept that our family member, someone we advocated for, died without their family and with a piece of plastic strapped to them,” said Mike Donovan, Nexus President and CEO. “On that day, I decided we would immediately begin our transition fully away from body affixed GPS devices. The new app technology will hasten the complete and total removal of all body affixed GPS devices from Libre clients. The fact that we are reapportioning our budget for GPS devices to provide free healthcare for our participants is an incredible testament to the memory of our recently deceased client.”

This month, over 7,000 program participants will have the opportunity to have their electronic monitors removed — marking the single largest known liberation event in the history of electronic monitoring in the United States. The monitoring devices will be replaced by a simple mobile phone app. The new app technology will allow Libre clients to access transportation or translation services at their fingertips. The app will even permit Libre clients to file requests for legal assistance and schedule free appointments with health care providers through telemedicine.

Libre by Nexus currently serves nearly 30,000 clients. The company’s core function is to offer a host of services to the immigrant community that increase societal participation while reducing burdens to U.S. taxpayers, including helping release people from immigration custody and reunite with their families with the use of a monitoring program. Through the Libre by Nexus program, participants need not endure the unnecessary and painful separation from their children and loved ones while their case is before the Immigration courts.

Libre by Nexus will begin transitioning to this new system starting Tuesday, June 2, 2020. The company will begin to set up appointments for clients in all Libre offices to remove GPS bracelets. Clients are encouraged to call 1-877-718-3411 or to visit https://www.librebynexusapp.com/ to pre-register and schedule appointments for the removal of their tracking device. Clients who cannot visit an office can request a self-removal kit that will include the tool needed to safely remove their GPS device, an instructional video, new system enrollment information and a return envelope. Libre by Nexus’ goal is that by July 4th, 2020, all current clients will be using the new mobile-based app rather than a GPS bracelet.

Libre by Nexus’ success has been built on the compliance of the vast majority of our clients to the terms of their release conditions. Our success comes from advocating for our clients.

“I want to thank attorneys for our clients, and regulators from several states, for helping us critically analyze how we could speed up efforts to provide relief from body affixed GPS devices to our program participants. Bringing people back to full participation in society is the one way to cure behavioral problems or societal disconnectedness, not mass incarceration,” Donovan said. “I hope the federal government and the individual states will likewise reduce reliance on electronic monitoring. Placing a tracking device on someone simply isn’t effective in actually solving problems associated with immigrants in detention or pretrial criminal defendants in U.S. jails. These GPS devices are often unreliable and largely unhelpful in assuring compliance as compared to effective support and advocacy, which has always been the secret to Libre’s success. Ending the use of body affixed GPS technology is a goal all governments should be committed to achieving.”

Libre by Nexus is a leading provider of comprehensive and life-sustaining services to detained immigrants and their families. The organization funds legal services through NDH LLC., and the Caridades Immigrant Legal Defense Project, as a part of its corporate giving to increase access to justice for disadvantaged people across the United States. http://www.librebynexus.com/

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1175668/Libre_By_Nexus_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Libre by Nexus

Leclanché announces strategic company reorganization along with an Industrial Partnership Agreement with Eneris Group aiming at creating a leading European battery partnership

June 2, 2020

Eneris Group to make direct investments totaling up to CHF 95 million in two manufacturing JVs and a Technology License Agreement

Eneris to provide up to CHF 42 million in working capital loans and make investments in excess of CHF 53 million in a major capacity expansion programme in newly established Joint Ventures with majority ownership;
Leclanché grants a license to Eneris for further development and access to larger scale industrialization;
Material reduction for Leclanché in cash intensity of the business: reduced Operating and Capital expenses;
Worldwide business wins with combined order book exceeding CHF 90 million for delivery over years 2020 to 2021- excluding the St. Kitts project;
Establishing a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) projects business line for selected stationary projects with a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and/or Offtake Agreement with local customers;
Leclanché shall retain all customer contracts unchanged;
New Leclanché pivots to a green tech software and systems integration company using the competitive products manufactured at giga-scale in partnership with Eneris group

YVERDON-LES-BAINS, Switzerland, June 2, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Leclanché SA (SIX: LECN), one of the world’s leading energy storage companies, today announced a strategic reorganization which will convert the company into a market oriented, research-driven, software and systems integration company with expanded production and R&D capabilities based on a partnership agreement with Eneris Group, a leading European cleantech player operating out of Poland, “the factory of Europe” and a key participant in the EU “Important Project for Common European Interest on batteries” programme.

Stefan Mueller, Chairman of the Board, said: “We are pleased with the comprehensive Strategic partnership agreements signed with Eneris Group. This can be a truly transformational partnership to create a market leader. We thank all our shareholders for their significant and patient investments since late 2006 in developing our Energy Storage Business based on in-house Lithium Cells and Systems. Our time has now come.

We are embarking on a strategic reorganization while recognizing the challenging current economic conditions due to COVID-19. The Board of Directors of the Company has decided to reorganize Leclanché’s operating model as the current Business Units have reached a critical size in terms of personnel, revenue and customer contracts. The Board is of the firm view that the Company has solid fundamentals to deliver profitable growth based on a strong global order book, advances in proprietary high capacity cells and the adoption of a highly profitable build-own-operate model for our Stationary Business Unit.

The Board believes that the partnership with Eneris Group enables the Company to secure the funding and resources that will help the Company achieve its goal of becoming one of the full value chain energy storage market leaders.

On behalf of the Board, I would like to sincerely thank Mr. Artur Dela, Founder and CEO of Eneris Group, for his trust in Leclanché. We are looking forward to his entrepreneurial leadership and drive to support the success of both Companies.

I would also like to thank and congratulate Anil Srivastava, CEO of Leclanché, for securing the industrial investment partnership with Eneris Group. We are confident that he and his management team will expeditiously implement the strategic reorganization.”

Artur Dela, Chairman of Eneris Group, said: “The mission of Eneris is ‘clean air, soil and water, innovation protecting the environment.’ The challenge of this century is to protect the planet. To protect the environment, we need to change our energy paradigm. The European “Green Deal” confirms this clear direction to our industries, scientists and financiers. Energy transition is our focus and energy storage is key to it, as demonstrated by our participation in EUs ICPEI program and now partnership with Leclanché.

The market needs adequate batteries for stationary energy storage to be associated with renewable energy sources and, in association with fuel cells, for eTransportation: buses, trucks, vessels, locomotives, heavy-duty machines, etc.

Leclanché has them. A 111-year old start-up, Leclanché is a pioneer in new generation batteries and a visionary focus on cleaner and more performant systems with no harmful liquids, higher energy density and more charging cycles. It has an important growth potential. The market demand for its products far exceeds its current manufacturing capacity, while its current advanced know-how needs to be further financed.

I am persuaded that various cooperation models and integration are key to succeeding in any new industry, and in particular, in sectors like energy storage which is highly competitive and capital intensive for R&D, large scale industrialisation and commercialization. Eneris’s industrial base and its participation in the IPCEI consortium, together with Leclanché’s know-how, will accelerate and reinforce our common development.

I am pleased Leclanché has accepted our proposal to join forces and I would like to personally thank the Board for its confidence and the management team led by Anil Srivastava for the hard work in completing a complex and far-reaching transaction in record time during this turbulent period.”

A Shareholder Letter, dated 2^nd of June, 2020, provides additional information from the company and is available here.

Strategic Reorganization: New Capital-Light Operating Model for Production

Anil Srivastava, CEO of Leclanché, said: “The transformational partnership agreement with Eneris will lift a tremendous capital burden off Leclanché’s shoulders while guaranteeing production capacity. The JVs to be created will produce Leclanché technologies and Leclanché-branded products. They will be majority owned by Eneris with a minority stake held by Leclanché with key reserve matters and approval rights. The Joint Ventures with Eneris shall manufacture products based on Leclanché technologies with capacity reservation for Leclanché based on mutually agreed-upon business plans with Eneris.”

Industrial Partnership Agreement with Eneris Group

The Company’s Board has negotiated and accepted an investment offer from Eneris. Eneris is a company of the Eneris Group, a leading European Cleantech player. On this basis, the Company and Eneris have signed three interrelated agreements (“Agreements”): a Loan Agreement and a Technology License Agreement – both in force since 28^th of May 2020, and an Industrial Cooperation Agreement to be effective as soon as the JVs will be formed. Through the agreements, the Company shall secure funding and resources to ensure long-term profitable growth.

Key features of this agreement include:

Eneris will provide Leclanché with working capital financing of up to CHF 42 million to fully fund the business plan through June 2021;
Licensing of Leclanché’s technology to Eneris against payment of a royalty fee of up to CHF 32 million, according to an agreed-upon payment schedule. This licensing is non-exclusive on a right to use basis, with the freedom to carry out future developments. The licensing is applicable worldwide excluding the Republic of India;
Creation of two manufacturing Joint Ventures (“JV“) in which Eneris will hold the majority of the share capital thanks to an investment in excess of CHF 53 million for a major capacity expansion programme: one in Germany for the production of cells and the other in Switzerland and Poland for the assembly of modules. A third is being considered for France. We expect these JVs to be formed over a period of time, in consultation with the relevant workers council and in accordance with applicable laws. About 135 production employees will be transferred to the JVs;
Leclanché will sign a production offtake agreement with Eneris in which Eneris will reserve the required production capacity for Leclanché in the coming years;
Leclanché will retain full ownership of its technology and will continue to invest in Research & Development (R&D) activities for cells, modules and Battery Management Systems (BMS).

Anil Srivastava, CEO of Leclanché, said: “This transaction provides a number of critical benefits for Leclanché including avoiding Capex investments of up to CHF 53 million in 2020, and a further CHF 60 million in 2022 for increased cell production. The Company will realize a reduction of approximately 20% in Operating Expenses. Additionally, the transfer of production activities to the JVs will result in substantial reduction of working capital needs related to production. The agreement enables the Company to maintain access to the large production capacity, nearly 1 GWh by Q1 2022 and up to 2.4 GWh by end 2024, needed to deliver contractual commitments for large eTransport customers with multi-year Master Supply Agreements such as Kongsberg Maritime and Bombardier. This shall super-charge our ability to win new customers who require access to large-volume deliveries.
Lastly, and most importantly, the strategic partnership with Eneris is materially non-dilutive to current shareholders.”

Phased implementation and funding plan by Eneris Group

Prior to the signing of the agreements with Eneris, the full Board made a determination to ensure that the agreement was in the best interest of the Company and all its shareholders. A Valuation Analysis of the new Leclanché resulting from the transaction with Eneris Group was conducted by an Independent Director of the Board. The full Board reviewed this analysis and arrived at a very clear and unanimous view that the agreement with Eneris is highly value accretive for the Company and is in the best interest of all its shareholders. On this basis, the Board of Directors approved all three agreements underpinning the overall transaction with Eneris Group.

The Board has sought and secured reasonable proof-of-funds from Eneris Group that underpins its confidence that the Group has the means to make the investments delineated under the agreements between the Companies. A phased implementation plan in line with Eneris’ funding schedule gives the Company the ability to manage the risk prudently.

Build-Own-Operate Model Impacts Company’s Revenue in 2019-2020 and EBITDA Positive Timeline

To launch the highly profitable and selective Build-Own-Operate (BOO) business line, the St. Kitts project has been moved from a traditional turnkey EPC contract to a BOO contract. While Leclanché will still build the project as an EPC contractor, IFRS accounting rules prevent any revenue recognition as an EPC contractor under the BOO model. This accounting requirement shall lead to a reduction of more than CHF 40 million revenue in 2019- although not lost revenue. This technical shift shall be more than offset with a revenue recognition of circa CHF 9 million average revenue per year and a positive EBITDA of more than CHF 5 million per year for a period of 20 years under the signed Power Purchase Agreement with SKELEC, the St. Kitts Electrical Utility. In addition, future projects will add their own recurring EBITDA.

The Company has already secured a Construction Loan of CHF 46 million for the St. Kitts project from a large Infrastructure Fund in New York and aims to start the Construction of this project at the earliest possible point after COVID-19 related travel restrictions are eased.

The Company plans to create a separate holding company, the “BOO HoldCo,” where Leclanché S.A. shall retain a controlling majority stake. The shift to the BOO model underpins long-term profitability for the Company, the shift of the revenue due to technical accounting rules mentioned above shall also move EBITDA positive results to the year 2022. It is important to reiterate that the addition of the BOO model will add profitable growth for 20 years and further strengthen the assets in the balance sheet of the Company and make it less dependent on annual fluctuations of project revenues.

Path to Becoming a Global Market Leader

Anil Srivastava, CEO of Leclanché, said: “We are excited about the comprehensive Industrial Cooperation Agreement signed with Eneris Group. Though the agreements shall be implemented progressively, upon meeting certain conditions, the Company remains confident to successfully implement all the agreements. Nevertheless, the Company has put in place reasonable safeguards to mitigate the risks resulting from any unlikely event of major variations to the agreement. This can truly be a transformational partnership to create a global market leader. We reiterate that the strategic reorganization underway shall:

Set the Company on course to deliver sustainable and profitable growth for years to come;
The new Leclanché shall pivot increasingly towards more software and systems integration using the competitive products manufactured-at-scale in partnership with Eneris Group;
We have secured substantial fresh capital and access to large production capacity with minimal dilution for all shareholders of Leclanché S.A.;
With all of the above, we have increased our ability to serve all our customers better; and win new ones at an accelerated pace to become a market leader.”

About Eneris Group
Eneris Group is a private company dedicated to Innovation protecting the environment: “clean air, soil and water” promoting circular economy, a holistic approach and a vertical integration in the field of waste, water, energy and energy storage. It is primarily operating and developing utilities in Poland and participating in the energy transition, while its cleantech scope is pan-European. Together with its affiliates (Eneris Polbatt, Eneris Batteries & Recycling, etc.), Eneris is implementing a series of ventures and projects focusing on batteries. Its batteries portfolio is supported by European authorities and the Polish government in the framework of the European Battery Alliance and “Important Project for Common European Interest on Batteries” (IPCEI) programs, including strategic projects in terms of R&D and industrialization of the whole value chain inclusive of advanced materials, cells with improved performance and new types of cells, battery pack and module configuration, repurposing and recycling, etc. Eneris’ strategy includes R&D and manufacturing plants in Poland, Germany and France.

About Leclanché
Headquartered in Switzerland, Leclanché SA is a leading provider of high-quality energy storage solutions designed to accelerate our progress towards a clean energy future. Leclanché’s history and heritage is rooted in over 100 years of battery and energy storage innovation and the Company is a trusted provider of energy storage solutions globally. This coupled with the Company’s culture of German engineering and Swiss precision and quality, continues to make Leclanché the partner of choice for both disruptors, established companies and governments who are pioneering positive changes in how energy is produced, distributed and consumed around the world. The energy transition is being driven primarily by changes in the management of our electricity networks and the electrification of transport, and these two end markets form the backbone of our strategy and business model. Leclanché is at the heart of the convergence of the electrification of transport and the changes in the distribution network. Leclanché is the only listed pure play energy storage company in the world, organised along three business units: stationary storage solutions, e-Transport solutions and specialty batteries systems. Leclanché is listed on the Swiss Stock Exchange (SIX: LECN).

SIX Swiss Exchange: ticker symbol LECN | ISIN CH 011 030 311 9

Disclaimer

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements relating to Leclanché’s business, which can be identified by terminology such as “strategic”, “proposes”, “to introduce”, “will”, “planned”, “expected”, “commitment”, “expects”, “set”, “preparing”, “plans”, “estimates”, “aims”, “would”, “potential”, “awaiting”, “estimated”, “proposal”, or similar expressions, or by expressed or implied discussions regarding the ramp up of Leclanché’s production capacity, potential applications for existing products, or regarding potential future revenues from any such products, or potential future sales or earnings of Leclanché or any of its business units. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements reflect the current views of Leclanché regarding future events, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. There can be no guarantee that Leclanché’s products will achieve any particular revenue levels. Nor can there be any guarantee that Leclanché, or any of the business units, will achieve any particular financial results.

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SOURCE Leclanche

2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Special Edition Makes Red the New Color of Envy

June 2, 2020

PLANO, Texas, June 2, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Toyota has something special in store for sport hatchback fans who like their cars with expressive styling and bold colors. Dressed out with an exclusive body kit and striking Supersonic Red paint, the 2021 Corolla Hatchback Special Edition looks like it just rolled out of a Southern California custom shop. And, because enthusiasts who buy factory customs don’t like to see themselves coming and going on the road, Toyota will offer just 1,500 of these red-hot hatches for the 2021 model year.

The Special Edition, which arrives in late summer, makes a powerful style statement while adding the safety and convenience upgrades common to the rest of the 2021 Corolla Hatchback line. All 2021 Corolla Hatchback models add rear seat mounted side airbags, bringing the car’s total airbag count to 10. In addition, the 2021 Corolla Hatchback makes Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Blind Spot Monitor standard on the XSE grade and optional for the SE grade with the SE Preferred package.

As on the 2020 versions, all 2021 Corolla Hatchback models come standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of driver-assist technologies:

Pre-Collision System with Daytime/Low-Light Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection, plus Daytime Bicyclist Detection
Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (CVT only)
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
Automatic High Beams
Lane Tracing Assist (CVT only)
Road Sign Assist

Hatchbacks are about versatility, of course, and the 2021 Corolla Hatchback offers more of it with the Enhanced Cargo Space option, available at no extra cost for all models excluding SE Nightshade. The new feature lowers the cargo floor, adding 6 cu. ft. of total capacity (to 23 cu. ft.) behind the rear seats. This option replaces the spare tire with a tire repair kit.

A bold design deserves bold, expressive colors, and the 2021 Corolla Hatchback adds two new ones: Magnetic Gray Metallic and Wind Chill Pearl. Both are available with the Black Roof option, as well. The rest of the color roster for 2021 includes Classic Silver Metallic, Midnight Black Metallic, Galactic Aqua Mica and Blue Flame.

2021 Corolla Hatchback Special Edition Really is Special

For the 2021 model year, Toyota puts the spotlight on fun in the Corolla family, with special models in both hatchback and sedan body styles. On the hatchback side, the new Special Edition, based on the SE CVT grade, grabs attention with its Supersonic Red paint job, black-painted 18-in. alloy wheels and a bold body kit that beats the aftermarket in style and value. The body kit adds a sporty front splitter, side skirts, black rear roof spoiler, a rear bumper garnish and a unique Special Edition badge.

The aggressive body kit styling is well matched to the Corolla Hatchback’s design, which is anchored by a curvy, muscular physique accented by chiseled character lines and simple, condensed three-dimensional highlights. The Special Edition pushes the style meter to 11 and is not for people who want to blend into the crowd.

Slim, J-shaped Bi-Beam LED headlamps wrap deeply into the front fenders and give Corolla Hatchback a distinct expression. It’s functional, of course, with precise illumination. The all-LED taillamps feature a diffusing inner lens designed to highlight the Corolla Hatchback’s stout stance.

The 2021 Hatchback Special Edition foreshadows even more excitement still to come in the hatchback segment …

The Nightshade Returns

The Special Edition isn’t the only style-enhanced Corolla Hatchback for 2021. The SE Nightshade Edition returns, adding blackout trim and blacked-out 18-inch alloy wheels to the customer’s choice of Classic Silver Metallic, Midnight Black Metallic or Super White exterior color. The blackout look covers the lower rocker panels, front valance, door handles, mirror caps, shark fin antenna, rear roof spoiler and headlight inner frames. The SE Nightshade Edition comes with the CVT as standard.

High-Rev Personality

Like all Corolla Hatchbacks, the Special Edition combines the athleticism of the robust TNGA-C platform, responsive multi-link rear suspension, and the 168-horsepower 2.0-liter Dynamic Force Engine. Combining high-revving energy with high efficiency, the 2.0-liter derives its gutsy personality and fuel-sipping behavior from a combination of a high compression ratio (13:1); Toyota D4-S fuel injection combining direct injection and secondary port injectors; high-speed combustion; VVT-iE intelligent variable valve-timing on the intake side, and VVT-i on the exhaust. VVT-iE uses an electric motor instead of oil pressure to control the variable valve timing.

A two-discharge port oil pump and a variable cooling system with electric water pump help maximize engine performance and efficiency. The more efficient cooling system also ensures quicker cabin heating on cold days and quicker cool-down when the air conditioner is used. All of these technologies, along with ultra-low internal friction, give the Dynamic Force 2.0-liter engine a maximum thermal efficiency of 40 percent.

The Dynamic Shift CVT (continuously variable transmission) that is standard on the SE Special Edition includes simulated 10-speed Sequential Shiftmatic steps, Sport Mode, and paddle shifters. Unique among transmissions of this type, the key to the Dynamic Shift CVT’s distinct performance feel is a gearset used as a launch gear for start-off acceleration, before seamlessly handing off to the CVT’s pulley system.

And the Beat Drops

The standard multimedia continues to impress in Corolla Hatchback. For SE, including the Special Edition, standard Toyota Audio includes the 8-in. touchscreen; six speakers; Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility; Safety Connect trial; Wi-Fi Connect; Siri Eyes Free; Auxiliary audio jack and USB 2.0 port with iPod connectivity and control; AM/FM; MP3/WMA playback capability; SiriusXM All Access satellite radio with three-month trial; hands-free phone capability; voice recognition and music streaming via Bluetooth.

Toyota Audio Plus, standard on XSE and optional on SE (with CVT), adds HD Radio and Weather/Traffic info; Connected Services; Service Connect and Remote Connect trials.

Topping the range, available Premium Audio for the XSE grade (with CVT) delivers a sonic knockout punch. The JBL 8-speaker, 800-watt system includes Clari-Fi™ which analyzes and restores audio signals that were degraded by digital compression, making these formats sound more “open.” This system also includes JBL Dynamic Voice Recognition, Dynamic Navigation trial, Dynamic POI Search and Destination Assist Connect trial.

Highlights of the 8-speaker array include free-standing horn tweeters in the A-pillars, 6.7-in. door subwoofers and sealed inner door panels to promote cleaner, more powerful bass response. Rounding off connectivity are two USB ports (located inside the center console and instrument panel) and one AUX port (located on the instrument panel).

Creature Comforts

The Corolla Hatchback upholds the brand’s penchant for high value. The Corolla Hatchback SE grade comes standard with single-zone automatic climate control, leather-wrapped shift knob and, with the optional CVT, paddle shifters located behind the steering wheel. An electronic parking brake, three-door SmartKey system, automatic up/down windows and two front USB ports are standard as well.

The XSE grade builds on the SE with dual-zone climate control, combination leather-trimmed seating, unique stitching on the instrument panel and doors, heated front seats, and an eight-way power driver’s seat.

Limited Warranty and ToyotaCare

Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. The Corolla Hatchback also comes standard with ToyotaCare, a no additional cost plan that covers normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years, unlimited mileage.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. and North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands. During that time, Toyota has created a tremendous value chain as our teams have contributed to world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 40 million cars and trucks in North America, where we have 14 manufacturing plants, 15 including our joint venture in Alabama (10 in the U.S.), and directly employ more than 47,000 people (over 36,000 in the U.S.). Our 1,800 North American dealerships (nearly 1,500 in the U.S.) sold nearly 2.8 million cars and trucks (nearly 2.4 million in the U.S.) in 2019.

Through the Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.

Media Contacts:

Zachary Reed
469-292-3499
[email protected]

Note to Editors: Photos and b-roll can be found on ToyotaNewsroom.com

For customer inquiries, please call: 800-331-4331

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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America

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