Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter: 2020 Habitat for Humanity work project to take place in Dominican Republic

October 11, 2019

Former President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter mark the announcement of the 2020 Carter Work Project by passing a ceremonial trowel to Cesarina Fabián and Celso Marranzini representing Habitat for Humanity Dominican Republic.

NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Oct. 11, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Dominican Republic will become the 15^th country to host Habitat for Humanity’s Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, the former U.S. president announced today. The announcement of the November 2020 build came at the conclusion of the 36^th Carter Work Project in Nashville.

Since beginning their work with Habitat for Humanity in 1984, President and Mrs. Carter have helped to build, renovate and repair 4,390 homes in 14 countries alongside more than 104,000 volunteers through their annual work project. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has served more than 22 million people around the world.

“We are honored to host the 2020 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project in the Dominican Republic,” said Cesarina Fabián, national director of Habitat for Humanity Dominican Republic. “President and Mrs. Carter are shining examples of service. We are so grateful to their commitment to building a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live.”

The 2020 build will mark the third time the project has been hosted in the Caribbean. The former president and first lady traveled to Haiti to build alongside homeowners and hundreds of other volunteers in 2011 and 2012.

According to the Dominican Republic’s National Statistics Office, the country faces a deficit of more than 2.1 million housing units, which increases by 50,000-60,000 every year. About 60 percent of the housing deficit is due to the quality and safety of the housing available, and about 40 percent is due to the lack of available homes.

This week in Nashville, the Carters joined hundreds of other volunteers to build 21 new Habitat for Humanity homes. An additional 12 new single-family homes and 26 new townhomes will be constructed by 2021 with support of funding raised for the project. In total, funds raised through the 2019 Carter Work Project will have served 59 Nashville families.

Photos of the Carter Work Project in Nashville and previous projects are available at habitat.ngo/CWPphotos.

About Habitat for Humanity

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.

About Habitat for Humanity Dominican Republic

With the vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity Dominican Republic empowers families to build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. Since its creation in 1986, Habitat for Humanity Dominican Republic has made more than 26,000 housing solutions and impacted around 135,000 people. Habitat Dominican Republic contributes to its country by improving the living conditions of the families that do not have access to a decent place to live, either because they do not own a house or because their housing is not adequate. This goal is achieved through the execution of various programs such as construction of new homes, financial education, response and disaster risk reduction activities, capacity building on construction for families and masons, promoting access to microfinance products for house repair and improvements to low income families with technical construction assistance and the helping hands of volunteers. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitatdominicana.org.

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SOURCE Habitat for Humanity International

National Domestic Violence Hotline Launches New Branding During Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October 11, 2019

National Domestic Violence Hotline logo -- Operating around the clock, seven days a week, 24/7, confidential and free of cost, the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) provides lifesaving tools and immediate support to enable victims to find safety and live lives free of abuse.

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 11, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The National Domestic Violence Hotline is celebrating the official launch of its new brand that organization leaders believe will convey hope to the millions of Americans who are affected by relationship abuse. During an open house for local leaders, elected officials, donors, board members, and staff, Chief Executive Officer Katie Ray-Jones unveiled a new logo that reflects the wide breadth of services and resources that the organization offers today. Additionally, viewers of The Hotline’s YouTube channel have the opportunity to see the new branding in a recently released series of videos featuring powerful stories from survivors of domestic violence.

“A recent reputation survey revealed that while we have a strong reputation as a national service provider, we had an opportunity to expand people’s understanding of our full spectrum of work, which includes crisis intervention, prevention and education, and data-informed policy work,” Ray-Jones said. “Many people may not think about hope when they think about abuse, but sharing hope and a vision for what life can be after abuse is one of the most important things we do. Our new brand communicates that.”

According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, about 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men has experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner at some point in their lifetime. In addition to launching the new brand during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, The Hotline is inviting the public to participate in a special campaign by sharing what they’re doing or what they plan to do to end the epidemic of domestic violence.

To join, participants are asked to tape a short message, 30-60 seconds on their phone, to answer the question “What is the one thing you plan to do to end domestic violence?” and then share their video on social media using the hashtags #1Thing and #DVAM. Just imagine if each of us committed to doing one thing – this collective action could create real social transformation.

The Hotline’s recently released 2018 Impact Report shows the organization received 573,670 contacts from people affected by domestic violence, an increase of 36% from 2017. Additionally, the report revealed the following:

THE 2018 IMPACT REPORT BY THE NUMBERS:

22% (similar to 2017) reported that their abusive situation involved children
13,625 victims experienced stalking
7,482 cited suicidal threats from their abusive partners
4.7% (up 1.1% from 2017) of victims disclosed the use or threat of firearms
4,565 victims experienced threats related to immigration status

For more information on the 2018 Impact Report and The National Domestic Violence Hotline, please visit www.thehotline.org. Follow The Hotline on Facebook, on Twitter @ndvh, and on Instagram @ndvhofficial. Visit www.loveisrespect.org and follow loveisrespect on Facebook, on Twitter @loveisrespect, and on Instagram @loveisrespectofficial.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE

For nearly twenty-five years, the National Domestic Violence Hotline has answered the call – over 5 million calls, chats and texts to date – from those affected by relationship abuse. As the only 24/7/365 national service provider offering services via call, chat, and text, we work to shine a light on domestic violence by supporting and advocating for survivors, providing hope in times of crisis, and promoting healthy relationships for all.

From our crisis and intervention hotline, to our unprecedented data on the state of domestic violence, to prevention programs like loveisrespect, The Hotline works at every level to ensure a future where all relationships are positive, healthy, and free from violence. Advocates provide support through online chat at loveisrespect.org and TheHotline.org, via text by sending loveis to 22522*, and by phone at 1-800-799-SAFE for The Hotline or 1-866-331-9474 for loveisrespect.

*Msg&Data Rates apply on text for help services. Read our privacy policy and Terms & Conditions. Text STOP to 22522 to unsubscribe. Text HELP to 22522 for tech support.

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SOURCE The National Domestic Violence Hotline

Coupe-Inspired Design Modernizes All-New 2021 Toyota Mirai Sedan Concept

October 11, 2019

Elegant New Mirai Concept Based on Premium RWD Platform

PLANO, Texas, Oct. 10, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Toyota put the auto industry on the road to electrification in 1997 with the first Prius hybrid. Then, in 2015, it debuted the Mirai, the first production hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) offered for sale to retail customers in North America (Mirai means “future” in Japanese). Now, Toyota has revealed the second-generation Mirai, rebooted as a premium sedan with cutting-edge design, technology and driving performance.

The Mirai is based on Toyota’s premium rear-wheel drive platform and debuts a dramatic yet refined coupe-inspired design with improved passenger room and comfort. The second-gen Mirai will go on sale in late 2020 and will deliver a significant evolution of Toyota’s hydrogen FCEV powertrain technology and offer a critical look into the future of Toyota’s lineup.

The dramatic change in design also signals a new driving experience from Mirai. A targeted 30-percent increase in range is achieved by an improvement in fuel cell system performance and increased hydrogen storage capacity. Additionally, the new Mirai will offer a more powerful, engaging and even quieter driving experience than its pioneering forerunner.

“We have pursued making a car that customers feel like driving all the time, a car that has emotional and attractive design appeal, as well as dynamic and responsive driving performance that can bring a smile to the faces of drivers,” said Yoshikazu Tanaka, Chief Engineer of the Mirai. “I want customers to say, ‘I chose the Mirai not because it’s an FCEV, but because I really wanted this car, and it just happened to be an FCEV.'”

At its core, the Mirai is an electric vehicle, but it never needs to be plugged in to recharge. An FCEV generates its own electricity onboard from hydrogen & oxygen, with water as the only tailpipe emission. A fill-up takes just about five minutes at an SAE-conforming hydrogen fueling station in California or Hawaii (with stations also planned for the Northeast and other areas).

Toyota is working to develop a line of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and includes FCEVs in its electrification roadmap. Toyota projects that fuel cell electric technology will one day be as common as the company’s hybrid electric technology.

Electrifying Style

The second-generation Mirai is built on a rear-wheel drive platform, a major departure from the original front-wheel drive version in terms of design. The new platform allows for a highly rigid body that is lower, longer, and wider, with its bolder stance accentuated by available 20-inch alloy wheels. The design is more aerodynamic, yet also emotionally evocative without being aggressive; zero-emissions doesn’t have to mean dull.

The new Mirai’s clean, modern profile was inspired by coupes, yet the new design is also more approachable than before. By taking advantage of the new platform, there’s more interior space which allows for five passenger seating for more family flexibility.

Accentuating the new Mirai’s smoother, more sculptural form is a brand-new blue color never before featured on a Toyota which achieves its brightness and deepness through a multiple-layer painting process.

The new Mirai’s interior matches the refined tone of the exterior, its clean and modern layout infused with a hint of futurism without appearing off-putting. Drivers of current conventional luxury models will feel immediately familiar behind the wheel of the new Mirai. To that end, Toyota made the cabin even quieter, enhancing the luxurious ambience.

The simple, flowing lines of the dash neatly integrate a higher level of user tech in the new Mirai, including a standard 8-inch digital combination meter and available digital rearview mirror that displays images from a rear camera. The standard Toyota Premium Multimedia system, which uses a 12.3-inch high-resolution TFT touchscreen, includes navigation and a 14-speaker JBL sound system.

Toyota’s Fuel Cell Future

Toyota remains committed to hydrogen fuel cell technology as a powertrain with tremendous potential. It’s a scalable technology, which means it can be made small enough to power a phone or large enough to power a building, or anything in between. For example, Toyota installed fuel cell powertrains into a test fleet of Kenworth class-8 semi-trucks that can pull a maximum 80,000-lb. load. These powerful, zero-emission big rigs are currently used for moving freight in and around the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, California.

More FCEVs are planned to enter the market over the next few years, as the cost, size and weight of fuel cell systems continue to decrease and the fueling infrastructure grows. Among the advantages of FCEV technology is a quick refueling time (about the same as conventional gasoline-fueled vehicles).

What’s an FCEV?

Even motorists familiar with EVs may still be unacquainted with FCEVs. The easiest way to understand an FCEV is that it is a “plug-less” electric vehicle. There’s no need to charge the battery, which can take several hours in an EV, even with fast charging. Instead, the FCEV driver simply fills the tank in about five minutes, not much longer than millions do every day with conventional vehicles.

With an FCEV, however, the fuel is compressed hydrogen rather than gasoline. A fuel cell system combines the stored hydrogen with oxygen from the air, and the result is (1) electric current, (2) heat, and (3) water.

Fuel cell technology predates the automobile by more than half a century. In 1839, a Welsh physicist combined hydrogen and oxygen in the presence of an electrolyte and produced an electric current. By the 1960s, the technology was being used in America’s Gemini and Apollo spacecraft, where it provided crews with both electricity and water from stored hydrogen and oxygen. It is used widely in a variety of industries and applications around the world. Hydrogen can be produced locally and sustainably.

Fuel cells had been studied for the automotive sector, but the technology only recently became practical and cost-effective. Toyota began its fuel cell development around the same time as the original Prius 20+ years ago, and the Mirai shares some of the technology & components from the company’s hybrid program. Toyota developed the solid-polymer electrolyte fuel cells used in the first- and second-generation Mirai models, and, to help foster FCEV proliferation, the company has released its patents, royalty-free.

The fuel cell is composed of an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane. Hydrogen is passed through the anode, and oxygen through the cathode. The hydrogen molecules are split into electrons and protons. As protons pass through the electrolyte membrane, electrons travel along a circuit, generating an electric current and heat. At the cathode, the protons, electrons, and oxygen combine to produce water molecules. There are no other byproducts, just pure water.

Vehicle name

Length

(in.)

Width

(in.)

Height

(in.)

Wheelbase (in.)

Driving system

Passengers

(people)

Range

MIRAI Concept

195.8

74.2

57.8

114.9

Rear Wheel Drive

A target of a 30% increase from the current generation

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 38 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 2.8 million cars and trucks (2.4 million in the U.S.) in 2018.

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 ToyotaNewsroom.com.

Media Contacts:

Nicky Hamila
469-292-3596
[email protected]

Nancy Hubbell
469-292-4954
[email protected]

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

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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and Sanitas Medical Center Unveil New Medical Center to Advance Primary and Value-Based Care

October 11, 2019

RICHARDSON, Texas, Oct. 11, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Sanitas Medical Center (Sanitas) and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) today unveiled the first of 10 new medical centers that will be opened over the next several months in the Dallas and Houston regions. The medical centers feature an advanced primary care model that takes an integrated, holistic approach to patients’ health by providing multiple healthcare services – under one roof.

Earlier this year, Sanitas and BCBSTX announced a collaboration to open the medical centers to serve as one-stop shops for BCBSTX members by delivering primary care, urgent care, lab and diagnostic imaging services, care coordination, and wellness and disease management programs in one place.

“To address the gaps and fragmentation in care that create barriers to good health, our goal with this collaboration is to provide value-based primary care to increase the opportunities for coordinated, high-quality health outcomes for our members,” said Dr. Dan McCoy, president of BCBSTX. “Primary care physicians are the cornerstone of optimal health care outcomes. They, in combination with their team of other healthcare professionals, help members and their families deal with the majority of their healthcare needs, navigate the healthcare system and coordinate care with the right specialists when care is needed outside a primary care setting.

“The idea is to make flexible and affordable healthcare options more accessible for our members and their families. We are optimistic that this collaboration will help advance value-based care, and in the process, have an impact on the cost of care for our members.”

The centers will reflect the culture and diversity of Dallas and Houston with bilingual doctors and staff providing all clinical services, while BCBSTX customer service representatives will also be on the premises to help members coordinate non-clinical aspects of their care such as answering questions in English and Spanish about enrollment, Medicare and other questions related to health insurance. The medical centers will service BCBSTX card holders and accept self-pay patients and seniors with traditional Medicare coverage.

“We’re excited to collaborate with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas to bring our high-value, patient-centered care to Texas,” said Sergio Martinez, Global CEO, Keralty Group, the parent company of Sanitas USA. “We believe patients will appreciate the convenience our centers provide through expanded services, extended hours including weekends and mobile access to our doctors.”

Dr. Adriana Higuera, Regional Medical Director for Sanitas, added: “Patients of all ages can expect friendly doctors and care teams who will spend extra time with them to meet their healthcare needs. Our emphasis on preventive care, wellness and chronic disease management programs and community engagement will help our patients stay healthy and have peace of mind.”

While most of the medical centers will open in the coming weeks, the official opening is January 1, 2020. As the centers open in the coming weeks, BCBSTX members and patients are welcome to visit locations near their homes for enrollment and community awareness events. Most locations will be open 365 days a year, but every location will have extended weekday and weekend hours for the convenience of members.

Centers in the Dallas region are:

Richardson – 350 S Plano Rd., 75081
Irving – 3917 W Airport Fwy, 75062
Las Colinas – 6500 N MacArthur Blvd., 75039
Mesquite – 2021 N Town East Blvd., Suite 500, 75150

In the Houston region the Center locations are:

Katy – 2610 N Mason Rd., 77449
Meyerland – 10101 S Post Oak Rd., 77096
Willowbrook – 12302 Jones Rd., 77070
Southbelt – 12823 Gulf Fwy., 77034
Spring – 18532 Kuykendahl Rd., 77379
Briarforest – 12586 Westheimer Rd., 77077

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) – the only statewide, customer-owned health insurer in Texas – is the largest provider of health benefits in the state, working with nearly 80,000 physicians and healthcare practitioners, and 500 hospitals to serve more than 5 million members in all 254 counties.
BCBSTX is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) (which operates Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in Texas, Illinois, Montana, Oklahoma and New Mexico), the country’s largest customer- owned health insurer, and fourth largest health insurer overall. Health Care Service Corporation is a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

BCBSTX.com | Twitter.com/BCBSTX | Facebook.com/BlueCrossBlueShieldOfTexas | YouTube.com/BCBSTX

About Sanitas
Sanitas is a subsidiary of Keralty, a leading multinational health organization serving more than 4 million people with presence in Spain, United States, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Sanitas also includes educational and socially-focused organizations that complement its world of health mission. In the United States, Sanitas has 29 medical centers in Florida, Connecticut and New Jersey in close collaboration with local leading health insurance organizations. Sanitas brings a unique integrated care model that improves access to quality and culturally relevant primary and urgent care while reducing the total cost of care. For more information visit mysanitas.com.

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SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas

Gateway to the Brand – 2020 Acura ILX Arrives in Dealerships

October 11, 2019

ILX is a critical gateway to the Acura brand, capturing the most first-time, millennial and multicultural buyers of any model in the Acura lineup.

TORRANCE, California, Oct. 11, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Arriving today in Acura showrooms, the 2020 ILX looks to continue its success as the retail best-selling model in segment. ILX is a critical gateway to the Acura brand, capturing the most first-time, millennial and multicultural buyers of any model in the Acura lineup. Receiving major upgrades for the 2019 model year, ILX became the fastest growing model in its segment and earned its best sales month in more than three years this August. The 2020 Acura ILX will be offered at a starting price³ of $25,900 (excluding $995 destination and handling), unchanged from the previous model year.

Just a year ago, Acura completed a design transformation of its lineup – introducing a significantly updated ILX with sportier styling, standard AcuraWatch™ technology as well as updated cabin tech, including available Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto™ integration. In the first eight months of 2019, ILX has picked up more than nine points of retail segment share¹ and captures the largest percentage of sales from under-35 buyers of any model in the premium compact sedan segment.

Additionally, for the past two years, ILX has earned the top spot in Kelly Blue Book’s 5-Year Cost to Own rankings among entry-luxury cars, indicative of the Acura brand’s strong reputation for high quality and strong value retention.

2020 ILX

The 2020 Acura ILX is available with three distinct packages: Premium, Technology and the popular A-Spec sport appearance package – each powered by a 201-horsepower (SAE net), 2.4-liter, DOHC i-VTEC™ engine and quick-shifting 8-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (8DCT) with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Every 2020 ILX receives an EPA fuel economy rating of 24/34/28 mpg (city/highway/combined)⁴.

Additionally, all 2020 ILX models come equipped with the AcuraWatch™ suite of active safety and driver-assistive technologies, which includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

2020 ILX Key Features Include:

2.4-liter direct-injected 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC™ engine
8-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (8DCT) with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters
Standard AcuraWatch™ suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies
Available On-Demand Multi-Use Display™ (ODMD™ 2.0) interface with 7-inch lower touchscreen and Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto™ integration
Driver 2-way power lumbar control
Front and rear sport seats (with available high-contrast piping and stitching)
Silver-finished dash trim with chrome insert
Machine-finished ignition button
Premium interior including available Milano leather-wrapped steering wheel with Euro-style stitching and Milano leather seats with high-contrast piping and stitching
Acura 7-element Acura Jewel Eye™ LED headlights and LED taillights
17-inch split 5-spoke alloy wheels with trim-specific finishes
7 exterior color options: Premium colors include: Majestic Black Pearl, Performance Red Pearl, Canyon Bronze Metallic and A-Spec-exclusive Apex Blue Pearl. Additional exterior colors include: Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic and Modern Steel Metallic.
Interior color options: Espresso, along with Graystone and Ebony. Exclusive A-Spec interior colors include Ebony and Red, both with black Ultrasuede™ inserts

2020 ILX A-Spec Features:

A-Spec exclusive 18-inch wheel with aggressive design and Shark Grey finish
Front grille and lower fascia with dark chrome trim
LED fog lights
Dark treatment headlights and taillights
Gloss-black decklid spoiler
Graphite-silver dash accent with chrome insert
A-Spec badged steering wheel with contrast stitching and aluminum sport pedals
Sport seats finished in A-Spec exclusive Ebony or Red leather with black Ultrasuede® center panels and high-contrast stitching
Exclusive A-Spec exterior color: Apex Blue Pearl; Interior colors include Ebony and Red, both with black Ultrasuede™ insert

Pricing and EPA Fuel Economy Ratings

Trim	MSRP¹	MSRP Including $995 Destination Charge	EPA MPG Rating (city/highway/ combined)²
ILX	$25,900	$26,995	24/34/28
ILX with Premium Package	$27,750	$28,745	24/34/28
ILX with Technology Package	$29,650	$30,645	24/34/28
ILX A-Spec with Premium Package	$29,750	$30,745	24/34/28
ILX A-Spec with Technology Package	$31,650	$32,645	24/34/28

About Acura

Acura is a leading automotive luxury 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 six distinctive models – the RLX premium luxury sedan, 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.

Five of the six Acura models sold in North America are made in central Ohio, using domestic and globally-sourced parts, including the ILX and TLX luxury sports sedans (Marysville Auto Plant), the RDX and MDX luxury SUVs (East Liberty Auto Plant) and the Acura NSX supercar, which is built to order at the Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio.

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

¹ Based on Urban Science DataHub™ retail sales in premium compact car segment 2019CYTD Aug.
² Based on Strategic Vision New Vehicle Owner Survey 2018 Wave 1-4
³ Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) excluding tax, license, registration, $995 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.
⁴ Based on 2020 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, and other factors.

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SOURCE Acura

2021 RAV4 Plug-in Powers Up for 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show

October 10, 2019

Toyota teases what will become the most powerful RAV4 yet - the 2021 RAV4 plug-in.

PLANO, Texas, Oct. 10, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Toyota teased today what will become the most powerful RAV4 yet – the 2021 RAV4 plug-in. Bringing with it a new color, Supersonic Red, the teaser image of the RAV4 plug-in highlights the new PHV’s surprising performance capabilities. Unlike any other, the new RAV4 Plug-in will be celebrated by its spirited acceleration, nimble handling and impeccable style.

Toyota will debut the Toyota RAV4-plugin during the Los Angeles Auto Show media days, on November 20, 2019 at the Toyota booth in South Hall at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Unable to make it to the show? Join us for the livestream of the press conference at https://livestream.com/Toyota/2019LAAS.

Media Contact:
Nicky Hamila
469-292-3596
[email protected]

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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America

Key Los Angeles Economic, Government, Business Organizations Form Unprecedented Partnership To Promote The Economic Benefits Of Seismic Resiliency To Ensure Sustainability

October 10, 2019

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 10, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Four key Los Angeles organizations working together to promote the economic benefits of seismic resiliency will hold a press conference to announce their new partnership. This unprecedented alliance of economic, government and business is joining forces to help area businesses ensure economic sustainability in the case of a major seismic event.

Experts will also discuss key findings in a just-released white paper: “Economic Benefits of Earthquake-Resistant Buildings.”

Leadership from Optimum Seismic, Inc., The Los Angeles Business Federation (BizFed), Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), and Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) will gather at 2:15 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, at SCAG offices, 900 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 1700, Los Angeles, 90017.

In advance of the 12^th annual Great California ShakeOut, these leaders will announce their alliance to educate and encourage businesses to retrofit and undertake other risk management activities to ensure the economic health of their enterprise and the entire community.

“Protecting our existing business community and growing new, high-quality jobs in our area is a vital part of the mission of the Southern California Association of Governments,” says SCAG Executive Director Kome Ajise.

The timely “Economic Benefits of Earthquake-Resistant Buildings” white paper, just released from Optimum Seismic, Inc. and U.S. Resiliency Council, explores research and case studies from varied sources to demonstrate that earthquake resistant buildings are a sound economic investment for business and government entities, particularly those that serve or employ large numbers of people.

“Building owners invest a lot in sustainability, but resiliency is the foundation of every building,” says Ali Sahabi, a leader in Southern California sustainability and COO of Optimum Seismic, Inc. “Even if a structure has the latest green-building materials and energy-efficient systems, if it can’t survive a major seismic event, it’s not truly sustainable.”

The press conference will also include comments from Tracy Hernandez, BizFed founding CEO; Stephen Cheung, executive vice president, LAEDC; and Kome Ajise, executive director, Southern California Association of Governments.

“I saw firsthand the devastation to the business community after the Northridge Earthquake, as many businesses never reopened and thousands of jobs were lost in the immediate aftermath,” says Bill Allen, CEO of LAEDC. “Through our participation in Bizfed’s event series, and through our guide, Preparing for Business after an Earthquake, we are encouraging business owners to take steps toward preparedness every week, which will help them recover after an earthquake.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates 40 percent of businesses that close their doors as a result of disasters will never reopen. When a building collapses, an owner or lessee is left with no operating business and communities can be extensively damaged as workers lose their livelihoods. Governments can go bankrupt through loss of revenue streams such as property taxes. California’s economy will take a severe blow if small businesses cannot reestablish themselves and larger companies relocate to other states or countries.

USC researchers estimate the eight-county region of Southern California could suffer property damage of $113 billion in a major earthquake, with additional business-related impacts of $68 billion or more. Evan Reis, co-founder of the US Resiliency Council and a structural engineer, estimates that more than 90 percent of buildings in Los Angeles don’t comply with modern building codes.

The press conference immediately follows the third in a series of earthquake preparedness seminars for businesses focused on creating a safer Los Angeles County, sponsored by BizFed, LAEDC, Optimum Seismic, Inc., and SCAG. The seminars titled “Creating a Safer Los Angeles County,” were organized in the aftermath of this summer’s 7.1 earthquake in Ridgecrest and widespread destruction caused by wildfires in surrounding areas to help local business leaders prepare for imminent natural disaster in Los Angeles County. The first seminars were held during September in Culver City and Torrance. Additional seminar dates and locations are:

Wed., Oct. 23 – Los Angeles Valley College, Monarch Hall, 5800 Fulton Avenue, Valley Glen
Wed., Nov. 6 – South Pasadena Library, 1100 Oxley St, South Pasadena

The programs begin at noon and conclude at 2 p.m. The public can register at https://bizfedlacounty.org/resiliency.

“These seminars will present timely and relevant information on how to protect your business, property, employees and tenants,” says Hernandez of BizFed. “We encourage local businesses and organizations to learn how they can prepare for and respond to the natural hazards facing all communities in Los Angeles County.”

About Optimum Seismic, Inc.
The Optimum Seismic team has been making California cities safer since 1984 by providing full-service earthquake engineering and building design services on multifamily residential, commercial and industrial buildings throughout the state. Optimum Seismic’s licensed, bonded and insured engineering and construction experts have completed more than 3,000 projects. Optimum Seismic’s earthquake retrofit services include work on soft-story multifamily apartment buildings, unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings and tilt-up, non-ductile concrete and steel moment frame commercial buildings. For more information, contact Optimum Seismic at (833)-978-7664 or visit www.optimumseismic.com.

About Los Angeles County Business Federation
With more than 180 business organizations representing 400,000 employers with 3.5 million employees throughout L.A. County, BizFed is a massive, diverse grassroots alliance that advocates for policies and projects that strengthen the regional economy. Leveraging power in numbers, BizFed explores all sides of critical issues and takes action to make a difference for business growth, job creation, and economic vitality in Southern California. More information can be found at https://bizfedlacounty.org/.

About Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation
Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) is advancing opportunity and prosperity for all. This is achieved via collaborative economic development leadership, objective economic research and analysis, strategic assistance to business, education and government partners, and targeted public policy. LAEDC was established in 1981 as a private, non-profit, public benefit corporation. More info at https://laedc.org/.

About Southern California Association of Governments
Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is the nation’s largest metropolitan planning organization, representing six counties, 191 cities and nearly 19 million residents. SCAG undertakes a variety of planning and policy initiatives to plan for a livable and sustainable Southern California now and in the future. For more information about SCAG’s regional efforts, visit www.scag.ca.gov.

MEDIA CONTACT: Emanuela Cariolagian, 323-644-2111 or Paola Flores, 323-204-2803

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1008481/Optimum_Seismic.jpg

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1008684/Los_Angeles_Businesss.jpg

SOURCE Optimum Seismic, Inc.; The Los Angeles Business Federation (BizFed)

Global Girls’ Bill Of Rights Unveiled For International Day Of The Girl

October 10, 2019

NEW YORK, Oct. 10, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — All girls have rights, but not all girls get to experience them.

More than 130 million girls are out of school worldwide.¹
One girl under the age of 15 gets married every 7 seconds.²
Girls spend 40% more time on housework than boys do.³

Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8624951-global-girls-bill-of-rights/

These statistics are what the Global Girls’ Bill of Rights – a declaration of the rights all girls are entitled to – is setting out to change. Written by girls, for girls, it is unveiled today, October 10, at the United Nations to the UN Women Executive Director. Tomorrow, October 11, International Day of the Girl, the girls will present the bill to the Deputy Secretary General, where they will ask how their voices will be incorporated into the greater UN agenda moving forward.

“For too long, the world has talked about what girls need and want, without ever asking them,” says Christen Brandt, She’s the First co-founder and Chief Programs Officer, and Tammy Tibbetts, She’s the First co-founder and CEO. “The Global Girls’ Bill of Rights not only outlines girls’ priorities, it also serves as a declaration that girls demand to be part of the conversations impacting them most.”

The Global Girls’ Bill of Rights was organized by a consortium of girls’ organizations from around the globe. The lead organizer She’s the First (STF), teamed up with Akili Dada and MAIA, local organizations in Kenya and Guatemala, respectively, to mobilize girls and girl-led organizations behind the Bill.

More than 1,000 girls ages 13-22, representing nearly 40 countries and five languages, submitted the rights most important to them via GirlsBillofRights.org and grassroots organizations helped reach girls in communities without Internet access.

Get Involved with the Global Girls’ Bill of Rights
Co-sign the Global Girls’ Bill of Rights using the hashtag #GirlsBillofRights on social media.

As an adult, make a public pledge: “I pledge to support girls on the decisions that affect their lives. #GirlsBillofRights”
As a girl, co-sign the Bill by sharing: “Girls just want to have fundamental rights. These are mine; read them, respect them. #GirlsBillofRights”

¹World Bank, July 2018
²UNICEF, October 2016
³UNICEF, October 2016

Media Contact:
Stephanie Florence
[email protected]
(646) 671-6473

Katie Riley
[email protected]
(646) 459-3684

SOURCE She’s the First

AIRE Radio Networks and LaMusica Introduce “Artistas 360”

October 10, 2019

MIAMI, Oct. 10, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — AIRE Radio Networks, the largest minority certified audio network and LaMusica announced today that the queen of reggaeton, Ivy Queen, has joined its newly created Latin-artist based marketing platform, Artistas360. Artistas360 is designed to connect Latin artists, of all music genres, with brands for the development and execution of culturally relevant audio, digital and live music campaigns.

“As champions for Latin music, we are proud to announce the launch of Artistas360, a marketing platform that allows us to take our artist relationships to the next level by connecting them to brands that are looking to engage with US Hispanics through their music passion point,” said Elisa Torres, EVP, AIRE Radio Networks and SBS National. “We are especially ecstatic and honored to announce that the legendary Ivy Queen has joined our Artistas360 artist portfolio.”

“I am thrilled to be working with AIRE Radio Networks on their Artistas360 platform, said Ivy Queen. “This platform is another example of the many opportunities SBS has created for myself and other Latin music artists to share our story and music with our fans and brands who are looking to be a part of the Latin music movement.”

AIRE Radio Networks and LaMusica will lead the collaboration between artists and brands who seek to connect with the coveted US Hispanic community. Artistas360 will also develop and manage all aspects of the marketing strategies across Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS) radio stations, AIRE Radio Networks, LaMusica digital platform and SBS Entertainment. More artists are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

“Latin music is making a resounding global impact and we take tremendous pride in the fact that SBS and LaMusica has helped establish the careers of some of the biggest names in Latin music,” said Torres. “We are the home of many “first” experiences for Latin artists; from hearing their songs on our radio stations for the first time, launching their video premieres on LaMusica, to their first live interview and first arena-scale live music performance. This is now the first time AIRE and LaMusica create a dedicated full-service marketing platform within SBS that supplies the demand for more Latin music content and experiences.”

For more information or to join, Artistas360, please contact Elisa Torres at [email protected]

MEDIA CONTACT SBS:
Vladimir Gomez
[email protected]
(786) 470-1644

About Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc.
Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. owns and operates 17 radio stations located in the top U.S. Hispanic markets of New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco and Puerto Rico, airing the Spanish Tropical, Regional Mexican, Spanish Adult Contemporary, Top 40 and Latin Rhythmic format genres. SBS also operates AIRE Radio Networks, a national radio platform which creates, distributes and markets leading Spanish-language radio programming to over 250 affiliated stations reaching 95% of the U.S. Hispanic audience. SBS also owns MegaTV, a television operation with over-the-air, cable and satellite distribution and affiliates throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. SBS also produces live concerts and events and owns multiple bilingual websites, including LaMusica, a mobile app providing content related to Latin music, entertainment, news and culture. For more information, visit us online at www.spanishbroadcasting.com.

About Ivy Queen
The undisputed queen of reggaeton and a pioneer for women in a genre that is often
dominated by men; the Puerto Rican singer and composer, Ivy Queen, has been one of the strongest and most important figures of the urban genre for more than 20 years. Her road to stardom began when she was 18 years old, since then she was forced to mark a space for her voice to be heard within the genre. His lyrics condemn violence against women, demand respect and empower anyone who has felt oppressed. Songs like “Quiero Bailar”, “Que Lloren” and “Cuéntale” have become hymns for a whole generation of young women who found an idol in the intrepid artist. Ivy Queen has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards such as the Latin Billboards, BMI Awards, People’s Choice Reggaetón and Urban Awards and has been a Latin GRAMMY nominee.

SOURCE Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc.

HITEC Recognizes Microsoft as Corporation of the Year During the HITEC Awards Gala

October 10, 2019

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 10, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Microsoft to receive prestigious Corporation of the Year Award for their exemplary leadership and commitment to the Hispanic Information Technology Executive Council (HITEC) and the Hispanic community.

Microsoft has been a committed HITEC partner and champion since 2017, hosting HITEC’s 2018 Summer Leadership Summit at their Redmond headquarters. Microsoft embodies the spirit of the HITEC Familia. Their leadership in technology and inclusion serve as an example as we collectively work to build the next generation of Hispanic technology leaders.

Every year, HITEC recognizes an organization that contributes to the advancement of technology while demonstrating proactive leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion. HITEC is proud to recognize Microsoft as Corporation of the Year for 2019.

“For Microsoft to fulfill its mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more, we must strive for a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture,” said Andy Erlandson, Microsoft General Manager. “We are fostering diversity and inclusion through our partnership with HITEC by supporting and promoting the personal and professional growth of our Hispanic and Latinx professionals. We are extremely proud to be recognized by HITEC as the 2019 Corporation of the Year.”

“Microsoft’s level of commitment to and engagement with HITEC epitomizes the values they stand for, seamlessly aligning with HITEC’s core mission to equip Latinx leaders with the resources and community that are essential to their advancement and growth, ” stated Guillermo Diaz, Jr. HITEC Chairman and Senior Vice President, Customer Transformation, Cisco Systems, Inc. “HITEC is fortunate and honored to have Microsoft as its partner and ally.”

HITEC is the premier global executive leadership organization of senior business and technology executives. Part of the organization’s mission is to celebrate and increase Hispanic representation, building stronger technology and executive leaders in the diversity-challenged technology industry.

The HITEC Awardees will be recognized during the HITEC Awards Gala benefiting the HITEC Foundation on October 24, 2019 held at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront.

About HITEC

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/726204/HITEC_logo_color_01_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Hispanic Information Technology Executive Council

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