Leclanché and Government of St. Kitts Agree to Build Largest Solar Generation Plus Storage Project in Caribbean

August 7, 2019

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BASSETERRE, St. Kitts and Nevis, DALLAS and YVERDON LES BAINS, Switzerland, Aug. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The largest solar generation plus energy storage project ever to be built in the Caribbean has been announced by the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, the state-owned St. Kitts Electric Company (SKELEC) and Leclanché SA (SIX: LECN), one of the world’s leading energy storage companies.

The Honorable Ian Patches Liburd, St. Kitts and Nevis Minister of Public Infrastructure, Post, Urban Development and Transport, said: “We are set to embark on this vital solar+storage project as a key part of our renewable energy thrust that is critical to the future development of our country.”

The 35.6 MW solar energy plant and 44.2 MWh battery storage facility will be built on government provided land in the Basseterre Valley, adjacent to the City of Basseterre and the current SKELEC PowerStation on the island of St. Kitts. It will provide the residents of this Caribbean twin-island Federation with a reliable and renewable clean energy source with fixed cost savings compared to the current diesel-generated power system. The system will provide between 25-30% of the nation’s current power generation needs, while displacing the same amount of diesel-generated capacity.

“The solar storage project will help solidify the financial strength of SKELEC over the next 20+ years, while substantially reducing the islands’ fuel cost over that period,” said Liburd. “The expected fuel avoidance cost from the installation of the solar farm will not only be beneficial to the energy demand of the Federation but represents that most viable option for securing SKELEC’s financial future.”

Leclanché will serve as the prime engineering, procurement and construction contractor for the installation of both the solar photovoltaic (PV) system and battery energy storage system (BESS).

“We want to thank Prime Minister Timothy Harris, Public Infrastructure Minister Liburd, the Government of St. Kitts–Nevis, and the SKELEC Board and Executive Team for their tremendous vision, cooperation and efforts in support of this exciting project,” said Anil Srivastava, CEO of Leclanché. “This project marks the first time a megawatt-scale solar energy system, stabilized by a state-of-the art lithium battery energy storage system, can be utilized to provide true ‘base load’ power for a utility on a Caribbean island. It sends a strong signal to other Caribbean countries, and those around the world, that there is a cleaner, more cost-efficient and viable alternative to diesel power.”

Minister Liburd said, “We are pleased to partner with Leclanché, one of the world’s leading energy storage solution providers, in this milestone project for the citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis. The solar and battery storage project represents a giant step forward in the government’s efforts to ensure a clean, safe and affordable energy future for our country. This project offers many benefits for our residents, businesses and the millions of tourists who visit St. Kitts and Nevis each year.”

The government recently approved an allocation of land for the project site which will be provided under a lease between the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis and the project company. SKELEC and Leclanché have already entered into a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) which ensures the system will supply essential power capacity for St. Kitts for many years to come.

Leclanché has established a St. Kitts special purpose vehicle (SPV) along with local partner Solrid, to fund, own and operate the facility. Once the energy generation and storage project is completed and delivered, Leclanché will be responsible for the management of all project operations, maintenance and equipment warranties.

“SKELEC’s leadership in this solar generation and storage project is commendable on many levels,” said St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Timothy Sylvester Harris. “This project is an example of the bold thinking and actions being undertaken by our electric utility to ensure a reliable power supply and a cleaner, more sustainable environment for our citizens and tourists.”

“The cost of this project to St. Kitts and Nevis citizens is zero,” said Bryan Urban, Executive Vice President and Head of Leclanché Stationary Business Unit. “It is being fully paid-for over 20 years through the savings created by the switch to clean and reliable solar energy.”

Ground-breaking for the solar and energy storage project is scheduled for mid-October 2019 with an anticipated completion date of September 2020.

For more information, write to [email protected] or visit www.leclanche.com.

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 Leclanché

UniVista Insurance Unveils West Coast Expansion Strategy

August 7, 2019

MIAMI, Aug. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — As part of its expansion strategy to the west coast, UniVista Insurance has opened offices in California and will soon launch its highly successful franchise program, the company announced today.

Miami-based UniVista, which Insurance Journal ranked nationally as a Top 31 Property and Casualty Insurance Provider in 2019, has opened three offices in California, with plans to open another three and hire dozens more licensed agents by year’s end. Additionally, its franchise program, a key to its success in Florida, is launching in 90 days on the west coast.

“In 2019, UniVista Insurance is projecting gross revenue of more than $100 million by providing excellent insurance products to our Spanish-language customers on both the east and west coast of the U.S. The response from the public to our philosophy of offering excellent insurance and customer service at an affordable price has generated a lot of demand for our products and franchises in California,” said Ivan Herrera, UniVista CEO. “We will soon be serving great communities in Texas, Arizona and other states, as well.”

Launched in 2009 under the leadership of Ivan Herrera, the company generated $76 million in gross revenue in 2018, up from $64 million in gross in 2017. Today, the company has 122 locations in Florida including more than 15 corporate offices, 107 franchises and three call centers. UniVista employs 1,114 men and women including 220 licensed agents. In 2019, South Florida Business Journal ranked UniVista Insurance in the Top 42 of its Top Private Companies. UniVista Insurance was also named No. 64 in Growjo’s “100 Fastest Growing Companies in Miami” Awards for 2019.

UniVista’s focus has been on a market niche that was largely ignored by insurance companies, made up of hardworking, Spanish-speaking immigrants in communities like Hialeah, who could pay for insurance if the policies were priced right, Herrera said. The company also spent time training employees, with agents taking classes every day on everything from UniVista culture to how to avoid customer fraud.

UniVista was again an industry innovator with the recent launch of UniVista.TV, an Internet network online that features original programming including Jose Carlucho and his Show. UniVista.TV also announced new programming for the digital platform with the addition of the great figures Omar Moynelo, of “De Todo con Moynelo”, and Tony Pinelli, of “Un Café con Pinelli”, as well as the launch of a new drama titled, “Miami Task Force.”

Additionally, UniVista has brought on social media sensation Marco Perez, known as “Marko”, to be its ambassador to the Spanish-speaking community across the country.

About UniVista Insurance
UniVista Insurance is a family-owned and operated, independent insurance agency that has been protecting Florida for over 10 years. UniVista Insurance has become a trusted leader among Florida insurance agencies and companies by providing quality protection, superior customer service, and the lowest insurance rates in the state. Whether it is auto, home, commercial, life, health or annuity products, UniVista educates and guides clients on making the right decision for their insurance needs. Its unprecedented success throughout Florida as a leader within the insurance community has led to its expansion to California, positioning the company to offer the best insurance coverage on both the West and East coasts. In 2019, Insurance Journal ranked UniVista Insurance nationally as a Top 31 Property and Casualty Insurance Provider. South Florida Business Journal ranked UniVista Insurance in the Top 42 of its Top Private Companies in 2019. UniVista Insurance was also named No. 64 in Growjo’s “100 Fastest Growing Companies in Miami” Awards for 2019.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/957087/UniVista_Insurance.jpg

SOURCE UniVista Insurance

Honda Invests $46 Million to Expand Power Equipment Plant in North Carolina

August 6, 2019

Exterior of the Honda Power Equipment Mfg. entrance in Swepsonville, NC

SWEPSONVILLE, North Carolina, Aug. 6, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Associates at Honda Power Equipment Mfg., Inc. (HPE) today marked 35 years of producing power equipment products in America by announcing a $46.4 million investment to expand the Swepsonville, N.C. plant’s manufacturing capabilities. HPE also announced plans to begin production in September of an all-new Honda HRN lawn mower.

The new investment strengthens HPE’s production technologies in the North Carolina plant and includes a production line for the new Honda GCV general-purpose engine and a 135,000 sq. feet plant expansion for parts storage. The plant has the capacity to produce 2 million general-purpose engines per year, including the GCV engine, which is designed specifically for premium, residential power equipment applications.

“For more than 35 years, Honda associates in North Carolina have made high quality power equipment products that help make people’s lives better,” said Shane McCoy, senior vice president at HPE. “Our decision to invest in Honda’s Swepsonville plant fulfills Honda’s longstanding approach to build products close to the customer and demonstrates our strong commitment to North Carolina.”

In addition to the investment and expansion announced today, HPE invested $10.5 million in a 116,000 sq. feet plant expansion announced in February 2018, which now supports assembly and parts storage operations. Once all renovation is completed, this area will house the new engine line. Honda has invested a total of $350 million in the North Carolina facility.

HPE is one of Honda’s highest producing plants in the world with the annual capacity to produce more than two million Honda general-purpose engines and 500,000 finished products, including Honda lawn mowers, snow throwers, string trimmers, mini-tillers and generators.

HPE began production of lawn mowers in 1984, as the third Honda manufacturing plant in America, with cumulative production now topping 38 million products for Honda customers in the U.S. and around the world.

Many Honda Power Equipment products, including the new HRN lawn mower, are developed by the Honda R&D Americas, Inc. Power Equipment Division at its North Carolina Center, located adjacent to Honda Power Equipment Manufacturing in Haw River, N.C.

To commemorate the 35th anniversary milestone, HPE made contributions to local community organizations, demonstrating its continued commitment to Alamance County. HPE donated $2,500 to the Alamance-Burlington School System and provided Honda EG2800i OFI generators to fire departments in Swepsonville, Mebane and Haw River and the Piedmont Triad chapter of the American Red Cross.

About Honda Power Equipment

Honda markets a complete range of outdoor power equipment, including outboard marine engines, general-purpose engines, generators, lawn mowers, pumps, snow blowers, tillers and trimmers for commercial, rental and residential applications. Learn more at: https://powerequipment.honda.com.

Honda Manufacturing in the U.S.

Honda has one of the largest and most diverse U.S. manufacturing footprints of any international company operating in America. Honda has been producing automobiles in America for more than 35 years and currently operates 12 major U.S. manufacturing facilities, employing more than 20,000 associates in the production of Honda and Acura automobiles, Honda power equipment products, Honda Powersports products, the HondaJet advanced light jet and GE Honda HF120 turbofan engines.

In 2018, Honda produced more than 1.2 million automobiles in the United States, and 65 percent of all Honda and Acura automobiles sold in the U.S. were made locally, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Cumulatively, Honda has invested more than $20 billion in its U.S. sales, manufacturing and R&D operations, including more than $5.9 billion in new investment over the past five years.

A Honda Power Equipment associate performs a quality check on a Honda lawnmower at the Swepsonville, NC plant

A Honda Power Equipment associate performs a quality check on a Honda snow thrower at the Swepsonville, NC plant

A Honda Power Equipment associate makes adjustments to a transmission for a Honda Power Equipment product

A Honda Power Equipment associate makes adjustments to a lawnmower in final assembly at the Swepsonville, NC plant

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Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/956997/HPE_Lawn_Mower.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/956998/HPE_Snow_Thrower.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/957000/HPE_Transmission.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/957001/HPE_Lawn_Mower.jpg
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SOURCE Honda North America

Kimberly-Clark and UNICEF partner to help 2 million babies and young children in Latin America and the Caribbean

August 6, 2019

Kimberly-Clark and UNICEF are partnering to help 2 million babies and young children in Latin America and the Caribbean.

DALLAS, Aug. 6, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Kimberly-Clark and UNICEF have joined together to improve the lives of nearly 2 million babies and young children across 16 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Over the next three years, Kimberly-Clark’s contribution through Huggies^® global ‘No Baby Unhugged’ program will be used to support and grow UNICEF’s current Early Childhood Development (ECD) initiatives in Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Paraguay and Uruguay.

In Latin America, where one child dies every three minutes of preventable diseases and 52 percent die in the first 28 days of life, access to essential services such as health, education, protection programs, and more baby-friendly environments is a critical life-saving need.

“At Kimberly-Clark, we are deeply committed to keeping babies healthy, loved and safe during those first critical moments in their lives,” said Sergio Cruz, President for Kimberly-Clark Latin America. “By partnering with UNICEF to bring ‘No Baby Unhugged’ to Latin America, we are able to strengthen its Early Childhood Development programs that are vital to saving and improving babies’ lives.”

Through the partnership, UNICEF’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs will be able to continue growing to improve children’s lives and ensure that parents are supported and engaged in nurturing care and positive parenting with their children, including:

Ensuring babies receive quality services, including neonatal care
Creating baby-friendly environments at area hospitals and clinics
Training frontline workers to provide essential services for young children and their families to address children’s needs and ensure that parents are supported
Ensuring that families have the support needed to take care of their children and provide an enriched and safe environment for child development

“The development of children, especially during their early years, is influenced by the support of the family and surrounding environment, along with the accessibility and quality of integrated early childhood development systems,” says Maria Cristina Perceval, UNICEF Regional Director. “Nevertheless, million of children in our region are deprived of the protection, stimulation, nutrition, and care they need to fully develop. We appreciate the confidence that Kimberly Clark has placed in UNICEF to continue working together to ensure that every child not only survive but also reach his or her full potential.”

The contribution of $7.2 million is the company’s largest to UNICEF to date and represents its ongoing commitment to help babies thrive.

“UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and families around the world,” said Juanita Pelaez Zambrano, General Manager, Baby and Child Care, Kimberly-Clark. “We know more babies and mothers will have access to essential health services, counselling and the support they need from the start thanks to the partnership with UNICEF.”

About Huggies^® No Baby Unhugged

No Baby Unhugged is one of the largest global social impact programs established by Kimberly-Clark through its Huggies^® brand. The program began in 2010 and aims to help the most vulnerable babies in society get the hugs and care they need. This care comes in many forms including hospital partnerships that support volunteer hugging programs, partnerships with NGOs who are focused on improving newborn and maternal health care, and diaper and wipe donations. Over the past five years, nearly 3 million babies in Canada, the United States, Israel, Australia, Vietnam, China, and India have benefited from the program.

About Kimberly-Clark

Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) and its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Fueled by ingenuity, creativity, and an understanding of people’s most essential needs, we create products that help individuals experience more of what’s important to them. Our portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Intimus, Snow, Plenitud, Viva and WypAll, hold the No. 1 or No. 2 share position in 80 countries. We use sustainable practices that support a healthy planet, build stronger communities, and ensure our business thrives for decades to come. To keep up with the latest news and to learn more about the company’s 147-year history of innovation, visit kimberly-clark.com or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, to defend their rights, and to help them fulfil their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit http://www.unicef.org/lac and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

[KMB-C]

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SOURCE Kimberly-Clark

The Home Depot to Host Second Quarter 2019 Earnings Conference Call on August 20

August 6, 2019

ATLANTA, Aug. 6, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Home Depot^®, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, announced today that it will hold its Second Quarter 2019 Earnings Conference Call on Tuesday, August 20, at 9 a.m. ET.

A webcast will be available by logging onto http://ir.homedepot.com/events-and-presentations and selecting the Second Quarter Earnings Conference Call icon. The webcast will be archived and available beginning at approximately noon on August 20.

The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer, with 2,291 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. In fiscal 2018, The Home Depot had sales of $108.2 billion and earnings of $11.1 billion. The Company employs more than 400,000 associates. The Home Depot’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor’s 500 index.

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SOURCE The Home Depot

Budget for Back to School: Consolidated Credit Offers Resources to Help Families

August 6, 2019

Spending expectations are high. We help you set a better budget! The back to school shopping season is the second most expensive time of the year after the winter holidays for families and spending expectations this year are even higher than last year. The infographic shows where parents plan to spend along with tips to help you save.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Aug. 6, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The back-to-school shopping season is the second most expensive time of year for families with children. To help households stick to a budget, Consolidated Credit has created a free interactive back-to-school budget planner. They will also host a free webinar on August 14 to help families identify practical ways to save.

With roughly 78 percent of American households living paycheck-to-paycheck, according to a 2019 Forbes report, back-to-school expenses can stress consumers’ budgets and lead to increased debt. This year, the National Retail Federation estimates that families with K-12 children will spend nearly $700, while families with college-bound students will spend almost $1,000.

“Periods of increased spending can be tough when you’re just making ends meet,” explains April Lewis-Parks, Education Director for Consolidated Credit. “It often leads to increased credit card spending and higher bills, which only stresses budget more.’

Lewis-Parks says that was the idea behind the free back-to-school spending planner. It’s one of a series of spending planners the organization created to help families avoid overspending during expensive times of the year. It allows parents to set a budget based on how much they make annually and then plan accordingly for all the expenses they need to cover.

Consolidated Credit recommends these following money saving strategies for back to school shopping:

Get your kids involved and talk to them about what items they need.
Make a list to help you stay on target while shopping.
Cut spending day-to-day to increase cash flow.
Use social media to get exclusive offers and receive updates on sales.
Generate extra money by selling unneeded items online or at a yard sale.

Consolidated Credit will a Smart Back to School Savings webinar on Wednesday, August 14, at 1:00 P.M. (ET). Participants will learn ten smart ways to save on expenses, how to coupon without going crazy, and how to include children in setting a budget to turn shopping into a money management teaching moment.

About: In 26 years, Consolidated Credit has helped over 6.5 million people overcome debt and financial challenges. Their mission is to assist families throughout the United States to end financial crises and solve money management issues through education and counseling.

Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDnCJiFsfks
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SOURCE Consolidated Credit

EWTN’s 2019 Family Celebration in Denver To Include a Spanish Track

August 6, 2019

EWTN will feature a Spanish track at the Network’s annual Family Celebration. Head to the Magness Arena in Denver, Colo. Sept. 21. (Please go to http://bit.ly/EWTNEspanol to register.

IRONDALE, Alabama, Aug. 6, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — (EWTN) — For the second year in a row, EWTN will feature a Spanish track at the Network’s annual Family Celebration. Head to the Magness Arena in Denver, Colo. Sept. 21 for a celebration that could only be produced by your EWTN family. (Please go to http://bit.ly/EWTNEspanol for more information and to register for this free event.)

“This is the first time that Father Pedro, Pepe Alonso, Father Agustíno, and Alejandro Bermúdez will be together at one event,” said EWTN Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael P. Warsaw. “We are all looking forward to the conversation!”

As the EWTN Español audience is aware, Father Pedro Núñez of the Archdiocese of New Orleans is host of “Conozca Primero Su Fe Católica” and an author and speaker, who travels extensively throughout Latin America and the United States. Alejandro Bermúdez, host of “Cara A Cara,” is director of Catholic News Agency (English) and ACI Prensa (Spanish).

Jose “Pepe” Alonso, host of “Nuestra Fe En Vivo,” is an international speaker who works in the area of vocational training, while Father Agustino Torres, C.F.R., is host of “Clic Con Corazon Puro” and co-host of “ICONS.” Father Augustino works with youth and the poor, and speaks extensively on Church teaching on human sexuality, vocations, and missionary discipleship.

Enrique Duprat, Vice President of Spanish Programming and Production, calls this group “the world heavyweights of Spanish Catholic television.”

As previously announced, speakers on the English language side include Dr. David Anders, Fr. Mitch Pacwa, Johnnette Williams, Fr. Joseph, Fr. Mark, and Fathers Innocent and Angelus Montgomery.

All guests will have the opportunity to be part of the studio audience for a taping of a special “EWTN Live Show” hosted by Fr. Mitch Pacwa, meet EWTN hosts and authors, browse the EWTN Religious Catalogue shop, and, of course, celebrate the Vigil Mass with their EWTN family.

Plus, there will be plenty of opportunity for Adoration and Confession, and children will be thrilled to meet some of their favorite characters from “EWTN Faith Factory.” EWTN Radio will broadcast live on-site throughout the weekend and staff from the National Catholic Register will be on hand to answer questions. Guests will even have an opportunity to join EWTN in its mission of evangelization by becoming an EWTN Media Missionary!

It’s an event you won’t want to miss. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.ewtn.com/familycelebration/espanol.

We look forward to seeing you there!

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 38th year, is the largest religious media network in the world. EWTN’s 11 global TV channels are broadcast in multiple languages 24 hours a day, seven days a week to over 300 million television households in more than 145 countries and territories. EWTN platforms also include radio services transmitted through SIRIUS/XM, iHeart Radio, and over 500 domestic and international AM & FM radio affiliates; a worldwide shortwave radio service; one of the largest Catholic websites in the U.S.; electronic and print news services, including Catholic News Agency, “The National Catholic Register” newspaper, and several global news wire services; as well as EWTN Publishing, its book publishing division.

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SOURCE EWTN Global Catholic Network

All Acura Front Row at Road America

August 5, 2019

Dane Cameron captured his first pole of the season, and the third for Acura, as he and Acura Team Penske teammate Helio Castroneves qualified 1-2 today at Road America for Sunday’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race.

ELKHART LAKE, Wisconsin, Aug. 3, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ Acura Team Penske swept the front row in qualifying today for Sunday’s Road America Road Race Showcase, with Dane Cameron claiming the pole with a new lap record time of 1:48.715 in his Acura ARX-05 prototype, and teammate Helio Castroneves claiming the outside of the front row with second-fastest qualifying run.

Acura Team Penske ARX-05
Cameron and co-driver Juan Pablo Montoya paced all three practice sessions prior to qualifying, and Cameron went to the top of the time charts in his first flying lap of the 15-minute session, remaining there for duration to take his first pole of the season, and the third of the year for Acura.

Teammate Helio Castroneves turned in a late-lap flyer to qualify second with a lap of 1:48.731, just 16 thousandths of a second off Cameron’s best lap time. Cameron and Montoya currently hold a three-point lead in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship drivers’ title chase, with Castroneves and Ricky Taylor ranked third.

Meyer Shank Racing Acura NSX GT3 Evo
In GTD, championship leader Trent Hindman took his MSR Acura to fifth in qualifying for Sunday’s two-hour, 40-minute contest. Hindman and co-driver Mario Farnbacher lead the GTD Drivers’ Championship by 30 points after six of 10 rounds, with results including a class win at the Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen and three second-place finishes in the last four rounds.

Making her first appearance at the challenging Road America circuit, Bia Figueiredo will start eighth in the #57 MSR/Heinricher Racing Caterpillar NSX GT3 she shares with four-time Acura GTD race-winner Katherine Legge, as the pairing look for another strong result following their fourth-place finish at Watkins Glen.

Where to watch
Same-day television coverage from Road America begins at 7 p.m. EDT on Sunday, August 4, on the NBC Sports Network. Complete, live race coverage also will be available on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports App with NBCSN authentication.

Quotes
Dane Cameron (#6 Acura Team Penske ARX-05) pole qualifier: “Super excited to be on pole! We’ve led every single session so far this weekend so I’m really proud for everyone at Team Penske, Acura and HPD, and thankful for all their hard work to get us here. We felt like we struggled here last year, so we put a lot of effort into getting better [at Road America]. Acura Team Penske qualifying 1-2 is a good statement to make and, hopefully, finishing 1-2 as well will seal the deal to [demonstrate] the improvement we’ve made from last year here to this weekend.”

Trent Hindman (#86 Meyer Shank Racing Acura NSX GT3 Evo) qualified fifth in GTD: “I really wanted to bring home a little bit better result for the team. These guys were here so late last night trying to squeeze every last ounce of performance out of the #86 Acura NSX GT3. It’s so competitive in GTD, we’re looking for hundredths [of a second] right now. We’re in a great position for [the race] tomorrow, compared to our championship competitors. We’re going to aggressive, and push for as many positions as we can. But ultimately, we have to be smart in this scenario and know what needs to be done to leave here still leading the championship.”

SOURCE Acura Motorsports

Gruma Consolidates its Position Abroad, Where it Generated 75% of its EBITDA and 73% of its Sales

August 4, 2019

MEXICO CITY, Aug. 4, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Gruma continues to maintain its position as the global leader in wraps, tortillas, and corn flour production by offering healthy and high-quality products that satisfy the tastes and requirements of customers in different international markets.

Over the past year, the net sales of operations outside of Mexico represented 73% of the Company’s consolidated figures. The United States accounted for 55%, followed by Europe, with 7%; Central America, with 6%; and Asia and Oceania, with 5%.

Foreign transactions provided 75% of the Company’s total operating cash flow (EBITDA), where the United States accounted for 64%, followed by Europe, with 4%; Central America, with 4%; and Asia and Oceania, with 3%.

In the United States, the Company’s primary market, the Mexican multinational has achieved significant sales growth after launching healthier products, such as low-carb and gluten-free tortillas, the growth of Mexican food restaurants and tortilla-producing companies. Gruma expects to continue increasing its sales in this market based on the introduction of new products.

It is worth mentioning that, during 2Q19, the net sales of the subsidiary in the U.S. totaled MXN 10,592 million, for a 4% increase over the figures reported in the same quarter in 2018, while the EBITDA was up 10% compared to the same period in 2018, to stand at MXN 2.022 billion.

In Europe, the company has reported significant growth in the sale of grits for snacks by attracting new customers in Italy, Israel, and Turkey.

The tortilla segment has grown with the launch of new products, the loyalty of new customers in the retail channel in Germany, Italy, and the U.K. in addition to exports from Europe to northern Africa, and an increase in the consumption of wraps driven by global fast-food chains and traditional Middle Eastern dishes sold in local restaurants.

In 2Q19, the net sales of Gruma Europe totaled MXN 1.42 billion, for a 2% growth over 2Q18, while the operating cash flow of this division stood at MXN 131 million.

It is important to note that Gruma sales in Russia have grown by more than 15% each year, thanks to the acceptance of the Company’s products, in both the restaurant and self-service channels served by the Gruma plant equipped with state-of-the-art ecological technology with capacity to produce more than 50,000 tons of wheat tortillas and corn fritters per year with raw material and grains grown in Russia.

The products produced in this plant are distributed throughout Russia and exported to the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) for sale in retail chains and fast food and regular restaurants.

In Asia, and after more than ten years of hard work and dedication in China, Gruma products under the global Mission brand are sold throughout the Chinese territory, countries of the Asia-Pacific region, and in the Middle East, where they have become popular among consumers due to their quality and taste. The Gruma plant in Shanghai serves this market with its installed capacity to produce 38,000 tons of corn tortillas, wheat tortillas, flatbreads such as wraps, and fried foods per year.

The Gruma plant in Malaysia can produce 38,000 tons of tortillas, fried, and flatbreads per year to meet the demand of local customers and consumers in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

In Oceania, the plant located in Melbourne, Australia that produces tortillas, flatbreads, and fried foods, not only meets the needs of its customers in that country but also the needs of its customers in 30 other countries in the region.

In this context of growing international demand for Gruma products, investments have been relevant since, in 2018 alone, the Company invested USD 209 million (MXN 4.404 billion) and in the first half of 2019, investments totaled USD 50 million. Most of these investments were made to increase the production capacity of the Company’s plants in Asia, Europe, Oceania, and the United States.

Net Sales

DURING 2Q19, FOREIGN TRANSACTIONS REPRESENTED 73% OF NET SALES

EBITDA

FOREIGN TRANSACTIONS CONTRIBUTED 75% OF THE EBITDA GENERATED IN 2Q19

Info – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/956146/GRUMA_Net_Sales_Infographic.jpg
Info – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/956147/GRUMA_EBITDA_Infographic.jpg

SOURCE Gruma

Blackberry Mountain and Lexus Introduce Lexus Off-Road Adventure

August 2, 2019

Lexus Off-Road Adventure at the Relais & Châteaux-designated resort

PLANO, Texas, Aug. 2, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Blackberry Mountain Proprietor Mary Celeste Beall and Lexus are proud to unveil the Lexus Off-Road Adventure at the Relais & Châteaux-designated resort, as it becomes the newest addition to the Lexus Hotel Partner Program. One of the only courses of its kind in the U.S., the 90-minute Lexus Off-Road Adventure offers guests the opportunity to navigate a custom-designed course through the rugged terrain of the Great Smoky Mountains of Eastern Tennessee.

The Lexus Off-Road Adventure places Blackberry Mountain guests in the driver’s seat of the latest Lexus GX with a course designed to hone off-road driving skills and showcase the beautiful natural surroundings of the 5,200-acre property. A personal Blackberry Mountain Adventure Guide shows drivers the way, providing expert driving instruction for navigating the six off-road challenges—Rock Crawl, Side Tilt, Hill Climb and Descent, Balance Beams, Log Crawl and Axle Twist. Throughout the Lexus Off-Road Adventure, guests experience the many innovative technology systems of the Lexus GX as they’re shown landmarks and majestic waypoints to take in the stunning views of the Smoky Mountains and Tennessee Valley.

“I love that partnering with Lexus has allowed us to offer our guests the opportunity to explore the beautiful region we live in,” said Mary Celeste Beall, Proprietor of Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain. “We always enjoy the opportunity to work with a company that shares our commitment to quality and creating memorable experiences. With the addition of the off-road course, Lexus is creating another layer of adventure for guests to immerse themselves in exploration of the Mountain.”

Blackberry Mountain is the newest addition to the Lexus Hotel Partner Program, which gives Lexus owners exclusive benefits and experiences at hotels and resorts across the country. Sister resort Blackberry Farm has been a part of the program for many years. Blackberry Farm is a luxurious resort of breathtaking vistas, epicurean wonder, outdoor adventure and tranquil pastimes.

“Lexus and Blackberry Mountain are a terrific fit as we’re both passionate about delivering amazing experiences for our guests,” said Lisa Materazzo, vice president of Lexus marketing. “Our GX 460 has off-road capabilities that few luxury SUVs can match, and there’s no better way to experience them than a drive on this rugged and scenic trail.”

In addition to the Lexus Off-Road Adventure, Blackberry Mountain offers a courtesy fleet of the latest Lexus vehicles as part of the Hotel Partner Program. As at Blackberry Farm, Lexus vehicles are available for a complimentary two-hour test-drive for all guests of the resort.

Nestled among 5,200 acres of protected land in the Great Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Mountain offers guests an adventurous retreat with modern-day luxuries in an unencumbered natural environment. The property balances a romantic, peaceful and relaxing environment with immersive outdoor and wellness activities, including aerial yoga, progressive fitness classes, mountain biking, hiking, trail running, forest bathing, and much more. From restorative treatments in the spa to outdoor exploration, Blackberry Mountain fosters wellness with its own adventurous spirit and style, celebrating its home adjacent to one of America’s most beloved national parks.

Blackberry Mountain is located in Walland, Tennessee, seven miles from Blackberry Farm and about 30 minutes from Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport. For more information on Blackberry Mountain or to make a reservation, please visit: www.blackberrymountain.com.

About Lexus
Lexus’ passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 241 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With seven models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers eight F SPORT models and two F performance models. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.

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www.twitter.com/lexus
www.youtube.com/LexusVehicles
www.instagram.com/lexususa
https://www.pinterest.com/lexususa

About Blackberry Mountain
Spanning 5,200 acres in the Great Smoky Mountains, with 2,800 acres dedicated to land conservation, Blackberry Mountain continues the legacy of Blackberry Farm and the Beall family’s world-renowned hospitality as well as unwavering dedication and appreciation for the land. Blackberry Mountain, a Relais & Châteaux-designated resort, is a perfect adventurous retreat for family, friends or business, offering modern-day luxuries in an unencumbered natural environment. Seasonal menus pay homage to locally sourced, fresh ingredients and the bounty of the Great Smoky Mountains. From relaxing spa treatments and naturopathic consultations to outdoor adventures and complimentary fitness classes, activities are vast on the Mountain and include hiking, tree climbing, foraging, fly fishing, mountain biking, aerial yoga and more. Transportation around Blackberry Mountain is provided exclusively by Lexus.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Alissa Moceri	Erin Schneider
469-292-2903	310-469-4901
mailto:[email protected]	[email protected]

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/955553/Lexus_Off_Road_Adventure.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/626836/Lexus_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Lexus

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