National Pork Board Launches “Sabor Season” in Time for Peak Grilling Months
DES MOINES, Iowa, May 27, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — As summer, grills, and smokers heat up across the U.S., the National Pork Board is launching “Sabor Season,” a virtual social media campaign to bring Hispanic families and communities together nationwide.
Throughout Sabor Season, four Hispanic chefs and a pitmaster will take over the National Pork Board’s “Pork Es Sabor” Hispanic-focused Instagram account to teach LIVE virtual grilling classes.
“Pork continues to be the centerpiece protein in our Latin culture and traditions, which are usually celebrated at the family dinner table or at gatherings with close friends,” said Jose de Jesus, senior director of multicultural marketing at the National Pork Board. “That’s especially true during grilling season when pork chops and ribs are the meat of choice for Hispanics.”
According to Nielsen Research, which conducted a study for the National Pork Board, ribs and pork chops over-index – 114 and 112, respectively – with Latinos during grilling season. “Pork is just a staple in the Latino community,” de Jesus said.
Sabor Season LIVE is a series of free, interactive, virtual classes between chefs and consumers, where Latino families and communities can come together to celebrate, recreate dishes, and learn tips and hacks for grilling or smoking the perfect pork cut. Participants will be able to access the list of recipe ingredients for each upcoming class in advance via the National Pork Board’s Pork Es Sabor social media platforms.
The chefs, who will bring their expertise and favorite grilling and smoking tips to the Sabor Season virtual classes, include:
- Jose Mendin, a five-time James Beard Award nominee and the chef and owner of Pubbelly Sushi and La Placita in Miami
- Roberto Mezanava, a pitmaster from Nashville, Tennessee
- Ana Quincoces, a celebrity chef, food entrepreneur, and cookbook author
- Wesley Avila, a celebrated chef and founder of Guerrilla Tacos in Los Angeles, and author of the cookbook “Guerrilla Tacos: Recipes from the streets of LA”
- Richard Sandoval, chef and global restaurateur, and owner of Maya Restaurant in New York City
Classes will be hosted on Thursdays during the summer, starting on June 4 at 6 p.m. ET, via the National Pork Board’s Pork Es Sabor Instagram Live. In celebration of National Grilling Day, the final class will go live on Wednesday, July 22, at 6 p.m. ET.
Sabor Season will culminate with the crowning of a chef’s recipe as “El Mejor Sabor del Verano,” (Summer’s Best Flavor), voted on by consumers. By voting, consumers will be entered to win a grand prize, a Kamado Big Joe III grill valued at $2,700.
Consumers will also be encouraged to put their grilling or smoking skills to the test by recreating the pork recipes from the class, or by sharing their own and posting photos or videos with the hashtag #SaborSeason for a chance to win one of five Kamado Joe Classic I grills valued at $805 each.
To stay connected on the latest Sabor Season updates, recipe ideas and more information, please visit PorkEsSabor.com/SaborSeason and follow along on social media at @PorkEsSabor on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Join the conversation using #SaborSeason.
About the National Pork Board
The National Pork Board has responsibility for Pork Checkoff-funded research, promotion and consumer information projects and for communicating with pork producers and the public. The Pork Checkoff funds national and state programs in consumer education and marketing, retail and foodservice marketing, export market promotion, production improvement, science and technology, swine health, pork safety, and environmental management and sustainability. For the past half-century, the U.S. pork industry has delivered on its commitment to sustainable production and has made significant strides in reducing the environmental impact of pig farming. Through a legislative national Pork Checkoff, pork producers invest $0.40 for each $100 value of hogs sold. Importers of pork products contribute a like amount, based on a formula. For information on Checkoff-funded programs, pork producers can call the Pork Checkoff Service Center at (800) 456-7675 or visit www.pork.org.
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1173480/Natl_Pork_Board_5_chefs_RGB__Digital.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/332733/logo.jpg
SOURCE National Pork Board
Don’t Transmit– Wear A Mask
WASHINGTON, May 27, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — “Enjoy the summer and the warm weather. Just don’t transmit— wear a mask,” emphasized Jane L. Delgado, PhD, MS, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health (the Alliance). She added, “In a recent outing in my neighborhood, I was surprised when I saw that only 1 out 5 people walking around were wearing masks.”
The new COVID-19 “Wear a Mask Save a Life Campaign” is the latest resource from the National Alliance for Hispanic Health and can be downloaded for free (www.healthyamericas.org). “In these times of social distancing and isolation inside our homes, it’s important to remind everyone to wear a mask when you go outside. This way you can still enjoy your outdoor activities and protect yourself and others,” said Jane L. Delgado, PhD, MS, President and CEO of the Alliance.
The wear a mask message was developed when Edgar Gil Rico, Senior Director for Innovation and Program Development at the Alliance was out for his daily run and noticed that most people did not use masks. “I run at 5am so as to allow for social distancing but I also use a mask. It was amazing to me how many people were not wearing a mask.” The importance of a mask has many dimensions. “You cannot tell by looking at someone whether or not they are carrying COVID19. Wearing a mask is what we do to protect each other,” emphasized Dr. Delgado.
To download the free messages and other COVID-19 information, go to healthyamericas.org or for the Spanish language version go to nuestrasalud.org.
About the National Alliance for Hispanic Health (The Alliance) — The Alliance is the nation’s foremost science-based source of information and trusted advocate for the health of Hispanics in the United States with a mission to achieve the best health for all. For more information visit us www.healthyamericas.org
Video – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1173139/FACEMASK_ENGLISHv2.mp4
SOURCE National Alliance for Hispanic Health
Don’t Transmit– Wear A Mask
WASHINGTON, May 27, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — “Enjoy the summer and the warm weather. Just don’t transmit— wear a mask,” emphasized Jane L. Delgado, PhD, MS, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health (the Alliance). She added, “In a recent outing in my neighborhood, I was surprised when I saw that only 1 out 5 people walking around were wearing masks.”
The new COVID-19 “Wear a Mask Save a Life Campaign” is the latest resource from the National Alliance for Hispanic Health and can be downloaded for free (www.healthyamericas.org). “In these times of social distancing and isolation inside our homes, it’s important to remind everyone to wear a mask when you go outside. This way you can still enjoy your outdoor activities and protect yourself and others,” said Jane L. Delgado, PhD, MS, President and CEO of the Alliance.
The wear a mask message was developed when Edgar Gil Rico, Senior Director for Innovation and Program Development at the Alliance was out for his daily run and noticed that most people did not use masks. “I run at 5am so as to allow for social distancing but I also use a mask. It was amazing to me how many people were not wearing a mask.” The importance of a mask has many dimensions. “You cannot tell by looking at someone whether or not they are carrying COVID19. Wearing a mask is what we do to protect each other,” emphasized Dr. Delgado.
To download the free messages and other COVID-19 information, go to healthyamericas.org or for the Spanish language version go to nuestrasalud.org.
About the National Alliance for Hispanic Health (The Alliance) — The Alliance is the nation’s foremost science-based source of information and trusted advocate for the health of Hispanics in the United States with a mission to achieve the best health for all. For more information visit us www.healthyamericas.org
Video – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1173139/FACEMASK_ENGLISHv2.mp4
SOURCE National Alliance for Hispanic Health
Julián Castro, Former HUD Secretary and Presidential Candidate, Joins Forces with Voto Latino; Voto Latino Commits to Registering over 1 Million Voters
WASHINGTON, May 26, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, Voto Latino announced that former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and recent Presidential Candidate Julián Castro, will join forces with the organization as an advisor, supporting their efforts to engage the Latinx vote ahead of the November election. Castro’s experience and dedication to the social welfare and political organization of the Latinx community will be critical to accelerating Voto Latino’s work to uplift Latinx political power heading into the general election. Castro will add to the organization’s capacity to reach and influence the nation’s second-largest voting bloc.
“As I said during my campaign for president, the Latinx community will determine the outcome of November’s election,” said Secretary Castro. “At a time when Latinos are routinely targeted by the Trump administration and disproportionately hurt by the impact of COVID-19, Voto Latino is doing critical work to register and empower the 32 million eligible Latinx voters across the country. Their fifteen-year proven track record of registering Latinx voters using the most sophisticated, digital native campaigns has cultivated the trust of our community and has resulted in 79% of Voto Latino-registered voter turnout at the polls. I’m proud to partner with Maria Teresa and her team at Voto Latino in this effort, and look forward to Latinx voters saying ‘adios’ to Donald Trump in November.”
“Secretary Castro has been a champion of our community for years and Voto Latino is excited to welcome him,” said María Teresa Kumar, Founding President and CEO of Voto Latino. “This particular moment in history is one in which his unique perspective and counsel will be crucial to registering Latinx voters, protecting the health and safety of all voters across the country, and defeating Donald Trump. As we accelerate our proven systems and technology to register 1 million voters, Julián will hit the ground running to amplify Voto Latino’s mission in the halls of power.”
Secretary Castro joins the organization as Voto Latino launched the Immigrant Neighbor Fund, led a lawsuit in Texas against unconstitutional voting restrictions, and made its first-ever political endorsement.
Voto Latino is the nation’s largest political organization focused on registering and activating Latinx voters. Its grassroots efforts are focused on educating and empowering a new generation of Latinx voters, in addition to creating a more robust and inclusive democracy. Through innovative digital campaigns, culturally relevant programs, and authentic voices, we shepherd the Latinx community towards the full realization of its political power. Voto Latino is committed to registering 1 million voters for the 2020 political cycle.
Julián Castro served as U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Barack Obama. Before that, he was Mayor of his native city San Antonio, Texas — the youngest mayor of a Top 50 American city at the time. In 2012 he gave a rousing keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention, during which he described the American Dream as a relay to be passed from generation to generation. Secretary Castro launched a campaign for president in 2020 grounded in the belief that every American should count, and that Washington should put people—not big, special interests—first.
For more information, please contact Danny Turkel, [email protected].
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1172785/Voto_Latino_Logo.jpg
SOURCE Voto Latino
2021 Acura TLX Built on Dedicated Sport Sedan Architecture with Double Wishbone Front Suspension
TORRANCE, Calif., May 26, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The 2021 Acura TLX, to be digitally revealed on Thursday, May 28, is built on an all-new, Acura-exclusive sport sedan platform. The new TLX’s dedicated architecture is designed for Type S levels of performance and includes a highly rigid body and a performance-focused chassis highlighted by the return of double wishbone front suspension.
The new TLX’s front suspension uses two wishbone-shaped control arms, in place of the more common Macpherson strut setup in many competing sport sedans, to deliver more precise control of wheel camber, caster and toe angles, and to maximize tire-to-ground contact for exceptional handling precision and cornering grip. Due to its inherent performance-enhancing attributes, double wishbone suspension underpins the second-generation NSX supercar and was a staple of Acura performance products of the past, including the Legend (1986-1995), Integra (1990-2001), TL and TL Type S (1996-2014), and first-generation NSX (1991-2005).
The new TLX will make its public debut in a short film viewable at acura.com/2021-TLX on Thursday, May 28 at 10:00 a.m. PDT.
About Acura
Acura is a leading automotive nameplate that delivers Precision Crafted Performance – a commitment to evocative styling, high performance and innovative engineering, all built on a foundation of quality and reliability. The Acura lineup features five distinctive models –the TLX performance luxury sedan, the ILX sport sedan, the five-passenger RDX luxury crossover SUV, the seven-passenger Acura MDX, America’s all-time best-selling three-row luxury SUV, and the next-generation, electrified NSX supercar. All Acura models sold in North America for the 2021 model year are made in the U.S., using domestic and globally sourced parts.
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1172473/Acura_Chassis_Teaser_Final.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/458749/acura_logo.jpg
SOURCE Acura
2021 Acura TLX Built on Dedicated Sport Sedan Architecture with Double Wishbone Front Suspension
TORRANCE, Calif., May 26, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The 2021 Acura TLX, to be digitally revealed on Thursday, May 28, is built on an all-new, Acura-exclusive sport sedan platform. The new TLX’s dedicated architecture is designed for Type S levels of performance and includes a highly rigid body and a performance-focused chassis highlighted by the return of double wishbone front suspension.
The new TLX’s front suspension uses two wishbone-shaped control arms, in place of the more common Macpherson strut setup in many competing sport sedans, to deliver more precise control of wheel camber, caster and toe angles, and to maximize tire-to-ground contact for exceptional handling precision and cornering grip. Due to its inherent performance-enhancing attributes, double wishbone suspension underpins the second-generation NSX supercar and was a staple of Acura performance products of the past, including the Legend (1986-1995), Integra (1990-2001), TL and TL Type S (1996-2014), and first-generation NSX (1991-2005).
The new TLX will make its public debut in a short film viewable at acura.com/2021-TLX on Thursday, May 28 at 10:00 a.m. PDT.
About Acura
Acura is a leading automotive nameplate that delivers Precision Crafted Performance – a commitment to evocative styling, high performance and innovative engineering, all built on a foundation of quality and reliability. The Acura lineup features five distinctive models –the TLX performance luxury sedan, the ILX sport sedan, the five-passenger RDX luxury crossover SUV, the seven-passenger Acura MDX, America’s all-time best-selling three-row luxury SUV, and the next-generation, electrified NSX supercar. All Acura models sold in North America for the 2021 model year are made in the U.S., using domestic and globally sourced parts.
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1172473/Acura_Chassis_Teaser_Final.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/458749/acura_logo.jpg
SOURCE Acura
Montefiore and Einstein Test a New Drug Combination to Conquer COVID-19
BRONX, N.Y., May 26, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/– Montefiore Health System and Albert Einstein College of Medicine have begun the next stage of the Adaptive COVID-19 Treatment Trial (ACTT), to evaluate treatment options for people hospitalized with severe COVID-19 infection. The new iteration of the trial, known as ACTT 2, is sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health.
In March, Montefiore was the first New York location to join the multicenter trial, which evaluated remdesivir, a broad-spectrum antiviral drug given intravenously. Preliminary results from the trial, announced last month, show that patients with COVID-19 who received remdesivir recovered in 11 days on average compared to 15 days for patients in the placebo group—a statistically significant improvement. Of the 1,063 clinical trial participants, 91 of them, nearly 10%, were from Montefiore and Einstein.
Following up on remdesivir’s promising results, the trial is now studying remdesivir in combination with baricitinib or placebo in a double-blind, randomized trial. Baricitinib is marketed for reducing inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers want to know if baricitinib combined with remdesivir can prevent or reduce the hyper-inflammatory “cytokine storm” that can fatally overwhelm the lungs and other parts of the body in people with COVID-19 when their immune system reacts to coronavirus infection.
“What concerns us is that in some people the immune response to coronavirus can be more deadly than the infection itself, and there is no known treatment for this yet,” said Barry Zingman, M.D., professor of medicine at Einstein and clinical director, infectious diseases, at the Moses division of Montefiore Health System. “Including baricitinib in our trial may reduce COVID-19-related inflammation and combining baricitinib with remdesivir may yield an even more effective treatment option for people most severely affected by this illness.” Dr. Zingman oversaw the original remdesivir study at Montefiore and is directing ACTT 2.
Patients enrolled in ACTT 2 are hospitalized with a laboratory-confirmed coronavirus infection and lung complications, including rattling sounds when breathing, a need for supplemental oxygen, abnormal chest X-rays showing pneumonia, or the need for a mechanical ventilator. All patients will receive remdesivir intravenously for up to 10 days. Half of the patients will also be given baricitinib by mouth, with the remaining half receiving an identical placebo, both for up to 14 days.
Remdesivir was developed by Gilead Sciences, Inc. Baricitinib was developed by Eli Lilly and Company.
About Montefiore Health System
Montefiore Health System is one of New York’s premier academic health systems and is a recognized leader in providing exceptional quality and personalized, accountable care to approximately three million people in communities across the Bronx, Westchester and the Hudson Valley. It is comprised of 11 hospitals, including the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital and more than 200 outpatient ambulatory care sites. The advanced clinical and translational research at its medical school, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, directly informs patient care and improves outcomes. From the Montefiore-Einstein Centers of Excellence in cancer, cardiology and vascular care, pediatrics, and transplantation, to its preeminent school-based health program, Montefiore is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system providing coordinated, comprehensive care to patients and their families. For more information please visit www.montefiore.org. Follow us on Twitter and view us on Facebook and YouTube.
About Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Albert Einstein College of Medicine is one of the nation’s premier centers for research, medical education and clinical investigation. During the 2019-20 academic year, Einstein is home to 724 M.D. students, 158 Ph.D. students, 106 students in the combined M.D./Ph.D. program, and 265 postdoctoral research fellows. The College of Medicine has more than 1,800 full-time faculty members located on the main campus and at its clinical affiliates. In 2019, Einstein received more than $178 million in awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This includes the funding of major research centers at Einstein in aging, intellectual development disorders, diabetes, cancer, clinical and translational research, liver disease, and AIDS. Other areas where the College of Medicine is concentrating its efforts include developmental brain research, neuroscience, cardiac disease, and initiatives to reduce and eliminate ethnic and racial health disparities. Its partnership with Montefiore, the University Hospital and academic medical center for Einstein, advances clinical and translational research to accelerate the pace at which new discoveries become the treatments and therapies that benefit patients. Einstein runs one of the largest residency and fellowship training programs in the medical and dental professions in the United States through Montefiore and an affiliation network involving hospitals and medical centers in the Bronx, Brooklyn and on Long Island. For more information, please visit www.einstein.yu.edu, read our blog, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and view us on YouTube.
Click here to view a video of Dr. Zingman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLhOsg8LCSU&feature=youtu.be
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/675671/Montefiore_Logo.jpg
SOURCE Montefiore Health System; Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Montefiore and Einstein Test a New Drug Combination to Conquer COVID-19
BRONX, N.Y., May 26, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/– Montefiore Health System and Albert Einstein College of Medicine have begun the next stage of the Adaptive COVID-19 Treatment Trial (ACTT), to evaluate treatment options for people hospitalized with severe COVID-19 infection. The new iteration of the trial, known as ACTT 2, is sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health.
In March, Montefiore was the first New York location to join the multicenter trial, which evaluated remdesivir, a broad-spectrum antiviral drug given intravenously. Preliminary results from the trial, announced last month, show that patients with COVID-19 who received remdesivir recovered in 11 days on average compared to 15 days for patients in the placebo group—a statistically significant improvement. Of the 1,063 clinical trial participants, 91 of them, nearly 10%, were from Montefiore and Einstein.
Following up on remdesivir’s promising results, the trial is now studying remdesivir in combination with baricitinib or placebo in a double-blind, randomized trial. Baricitinib is marketed for reducing inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers want to know if baricitinib combined with remdesivir can prevent or reduce the hyper-inflammatory “cytokine storm” that can fatally overwhelm the lungs and other parts of the body in people with COVID-19 when their immune system reacts to coronavirus infection.
“What concerns us is that in some people the immune response to coronavirus can be more deadly than the infection itself, and there is no known treatment for this yet,” said Barry Zingman, M.D., professor of medicine at Einstein and clinical director, infectious diseases, at the Moses division of Montefiore Health System. “Including baricitinib in our trial may reduce COVID-19-related inflammation and combining baricitinib with remdesivir may yield an even more effective treatment option for people most severely affected by this illness.” Dr. Zingman oversaw the original remdesivir study at Montefiore and is directing ACTT 2.
Patients enrolled in ACTT 2 are hospitalized with a laboratory-confirmed coronavirus infection and lung complications, including rattling sounds when breathing, a need for supplemental oxygen, abnormal chest X-rays showing pneumonia, or the need for a mechanical ventilator. All patients will receive remdesivir intravenously for up to 10 days. Half of the patients will also be given baricitinib by mouth, with the remaining half receiving an identical placebo, both for up to 14 days.
Remdesivir was developed by Gilead Sciences, Inc. Baricitinib was developed by Eli Lilly and Company.
About Montefiore Health System
Montefiore Health System is one of New York’s premier academic health systems and is a recognized leader in providing exceptional quality and personalized, accountable care to approximately three million people in communities across the Bronx, Westchester and the Hudson Valley. It is comprised of 11 hospitals, including the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital and more than 200 outpatient ambulatory care sites. The advanced clinical and translational research at its medical school, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, directly informs patient care and improves outcomes. From the Montefiore-Einstein Centers of Excellence in cancer, cardiology and vascular care, pediatrics, and transplantation, to its preeminent school-based health program, Montefiore is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system providing coordinated, comprehensive care to patients and their families. For more information please visit www.montefiore.org. Follow us on Twitter and view us on Facebook and YouTube.
About Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Albert Einstein College of Medicine is one of the nation’s premier centers for research, medical education and clinical investigation. During the 2019-20 academic year, Einstein is home to 724 M.D. students, 158 Ph.D. students, 106 students in the combined M.D./Ph.D. program, and 265 postdoctoral research fellows. The College of Medicine has more than 1,800 full-time faculty members located on the main campus and at its clinical affiliates. In 2019, Einstein received more than $178 million in awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This includes the funding of major research centers at Einstein in aging, intellectual development disorders, diabetes, cancer, clinical and translational research, liver disease, and AIDS. Other areas where the College of Medicine is concentrating its efforts include developmental brain research, neuroscience, cardiac disease, and initiatives to reduce and eliminate ethnic and racial health disparities. Its partnership with Montefiore, the University Hospital and academic medical center for Einstein, advances clinical and translational research to accelerate the pace at which new discoveries become the treatments and therapies that benefit patients. Einstein runs one of the largest residency and fellowship training programs in the medical and dental professions in the United States through Montefiore and an affiliation network involving hospitals and medical centers in the Bronx, Brooklyn and on Long Island. For more information, please visit www.einstein.yu.edu, read our blog, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and view us on YouTube.
Click here to view a video of Dr. Zingman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLhOsg8LCSU&feature=youtu.be
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/675671/Montefiore_Logo.jpg
SOURCE Montefiore Health System; Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Choose Chicago Announces Tourism & Hospitality Forward To Responsibly Welcome Visitors Back To Chicago
CHICAGO, May 21, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — At the Choose Chicago Annual Meeting today, the organization announced Tourism & Hospitality Forward, a new initiative to accelerate and spur Chicago’s tourism industry post-coronavirus and help expedite the City’s economic recovery. To date, a coalition of more than 250 local tourism, hospitality, meeting and event-related organizations and businesses have signed on to the pledge promising alignment, collaboration and socially responsible tourism and hospitality that will instill confidence in residents and visitors as they return to Chicago.
“This current crisis has been simply devastating to so many, including the tourism and hospitality industry, and we recognize that these unprecedented challenges require unprecedented and swift actions in order to restore this economic driver for the City,” said Glenn Eden, Chair of the Choose Chicago Board of Directors. “Our first priority is to promote socially responsible tourism. We will demonstrate to our guests that through the operational changes and precautions taken, it is safe to enjoy Chicago again.”
Chicago’s tourism, hospitality, meetings, and events industries were amongst the hardest hit by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. As the City transitions through a phased reopening, this alliance of industry partners will work together to establish best practices and safety measures for the health and safety of residents and visitors alike when cultural institutions, hotels, attractions and restaurants return to regular business and welcome guests.
“I applaud Choose Chicago’s commitment to developing safe, collaborative solutions to the profound impact COVID-19 has had on our city’s vital tourism and hospitality industry,” said Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. “Despite the challenges we face, the strength of our recovery is being built on forward-looking partnerships like these which are mutually supportive and rooted in the data of this disease, allowing us to build and grow more resilient, inclusive, and powerful than we’ve ever been.”
There are four components to the pledge:
- SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE PLANNING: We will put the safety of our patrons and employees first by adhering to public health guidance and direction and become leaders in socially responsible tourism and hospitality.
- DEDICATED AND STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT: We will recognize the importance of taking a strategic and collaborative approach by dedicating the time to align across sectors and develop the phased plans we need to thrive in this challenging environment.
- AUTHENTIC AND INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE: We will work together to spur the traffic of Chicago visitors and guests by enhancing our efforts to create unique ways to leverage all of the city’s dynamic neighborhoods and authentic assets.
- UNPARALLELED CHICAGO ADVOCACY: We advocate for all that Chicago has to offer by cross-promoting offerings and collaborating on shared offers to create a mutually beneficial environment for the industry and ultimately a stronger economy for the city.
Additionally, Tourism & Hospitality Forward announced an outreach and engagement framework that participants can leverage to bring visitors back to Chicago when the time is right. The framework includes:
- Promoting Chicago’s reopening in a calibrated manner with programs and promotions, such as staycations, designed to engage local audiences.
- Launching seasonal initiatives to bring leisure travelers to Chicago with an emphasis on neighboring states.
- Reinforcing that Chicago will continue to be the best place to do business as the City competes for meetings and events.
- Maximizing all Chicago has to offer through a unifying marketing campaign.
Planning has been underway with several working groups aligned by sector, including accommodations, museums and attractions, arts & culture, festivals, and special events including sports and a dedicated focus on unique and diverse neighborhoods.
“These groups initially began meeting to focus on initial and almost immediate reopening strategies,” said Eden. “They have now evolved and have been rolled up to collaborate with and support Mayor Lightfoot’s longer-term Reopening and Recovery Task Force, including marketing and economic development for the City as a whole.”
“The traditional visitor and convention delegate will remain our ultimate goal in the recovery process,” said David Whitaker, President & CEO of Choose Chicago. “In the early phases of reopening we are going to have to focus and rely on our local residents, nearby suburban and regional visitors and the drive market as a whole. While they will be the first to easily return to their favorite spots and activities, they can also be ambassadors as we welcome guests and visitors back to Chicago.”
For more information about Tourism & Hospitality Forward or to sign up, visit here.
What Others Are Saying About Tourism & Hospitality Forward
“We understand that re-opening businesses is not a one-size-fits-all approach. We will have to be strategic with gradually opening and monitoring cases at the same time, ensuring businesses adhere to all safety precautions according to City and State standards,” said Blanca Soto, Executive Director of Little Village Chamber of Commerce. “We and our members plan to partner with Tourism & Hospitality Forward, the City and the State to keep businesses constantly informed on the safest and most viable approaches to keep their workforce and our customers confident and safe.”
“The Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association has worked with our member companies in recent weeks to ensure that our team members and guests not only feel safe when they return to our hotels but are safe,” said Michael Jacobson, President and CEO of the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association. “We have released specific guidance to hotels related to increased cleanliness and safety standards and continue to work with the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois to define what reopening our tourism economy will look like to help revitalize Chicago’s economy. For our members, the day cannot come soon enough to rehire their employees and welcome visitors into our hotels once again, but we must ensure that it is done in a safe way. We are taking the steps to ensure that we do just that.”
“I’m honored to have been appointed to Choose Chicago’s Board of Directors and to continue to partner with Mayor Lightfoot on broadening the impact and reach of Chicago’s cultural institutions. We look forward to reopening the Art Institute— and the City of Chicago— in a way that feels comfortable and safe for our staff and visitors from our community and around the world,” said James Rondeau, President, Art Institute of Chicago.
“I’m honored to have been appointed to Choose Chicago’s Board of Directors,” said Ayesha Jaco, Executive Director of West Side United. “Now more than ever our entire community needs to collaborate on, not only a safe and responsible way to reopen our businesses, but an inclusive way as all of Chicago faces this moment together.”
“The cornerstone of Chicago’s 77 communities, restaurants have been devastated by the COVID-19 crisis,” said Sam Toia, President and CEO, Illinois Restaurant Association. “By mid-April, 321,000 of the state’s 594,900 industry employees had been laid off or furloughed; fifty five percent of operators had temporarily closed their businesses; and sales were down 80 percent. But when we talk about reopening responsibly, restaurants have a distinct advantage. Our teams are already accustomed to operating at the highest of standards when it comes to sanitation. Managers, chefs, servers, and bartenders complete mandatory certification courses equipping them with knowledge and best practices designed to protect the well-being of their employees and guests on a daily basis. As we set our sights on reopening, our already health-focused industry has a strong foundation for implementing clear guidelines that will allow their businesses to safely resume dining room service while prioritizing public health.”
About Choose Chicago
Choose Chicago is the official sales and marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global visitor destination leveraging the city’s unmatched assets to ensure the economic vitality of the city and its member business community. For more information, visit choosechicago.com. Follow @ChooseChicago on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1171596/Choose_Chicago_Logo.jpg
SOURCE Choose Chicago