The Cruise Industry Is Open for Business with Destinations and Stakeholders: Registration Open for FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show
MIRAMAR, Florida, June 19, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), the trade association that represents the mutual interests of Caribbean and Latin American destinations and stakeholders along with Member Lines that operate 95 percent of the global cruising capacity, is pleased to announce that registration is open for the 26th annual FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show, the largest and only official cruise tourism conference and trade show in the region. Taking place in San Juan, Puerto Rico from October 21-25, it will link participants with more than 100 high-level executives expected from Member Lines for a series of meetings, workshops and networking opportunities focused on developing mutual understanding and success.
“Last year’s record attendance of more than 150 Member Line representatives – including 11 presidents and above – again displayed the cruise industry’s interest in not only working directly with destinations and stakeholders, but also listening to their needs and understanding how to develop long-term mutual success,” said Michele Paige, President, FCCA. “We look forward to again presenting those opportunities, while enhancing them with new features to further optimize Conference participants’ and Trade Show exhibitors’ invaluable interactions with Member Line representatives.”
All Conference participants will have access to workshops led by cruise executives and successful stakeholders concentrated on topics ranging from attracting and fulfilling diverse cruise guests and cruise lines, to filling ships with supplies and employees – and participants’ needs taking center stage through most workshops encouraging input.
All participants will also have unique opportunities to meet with cruise executives during networking functions throughout the event.
Plus, pre-registered Delegates will have a host of cruise executives to select for one-on-one meetings where they can give a pitch and receive everything from individualized input to potential deals – with nearly 100 cruise executives scheduling one-on-one meetings in 2018. Delegates will also enjoy premium features including the VIP Lounge, where cruise executives often lounge, and event transfers.
The Trade Show will expand the target on the influential audience. Any booth will display a product, company or destination, and Pavilion options are available to increase the impact with grand sizes, prime locations and the ability to showcase a destination or company as a team. Additionally, Trade Show Pavilions will again include space for private meetings coordinated by FCCA, with this year’s event launching new ways to maximize the popular initiative introduced last year.
PRINCETON, N.J., June 19, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The GRE® Program is making three exciting changes to its GRE® Fee Reduction Program beginning July 1, 2019. ETS provides the GRE Fee Reduction Program to help ensure that the cost of taking a GRE test is not a barrier to graduate study.
GRE Fee Reduction Vouchers are available for individuals who can demonstrate financial need, for those who are unemployed and receiving unemployment compensation, and for national programs that work with underrepresented groups and low-income or first-generation college students. Voucher users pay 50 percent of the regular test fee.
“Since 2013, nonprofit ETS has provided more than 28,000 vouchers to eligible test takers as part of our mission to advance equity in education,” said David Payne, ETS Vice President and COO of Global Education. “These newest changes make fee reduction vouchers available through more organizations that serve underrepresented groups and to international students with financial need. And now, all test takers who receive a voucher will also receive free access to our test prep products that best simulate the actual test-day experience.”
Changes to the fee reduction program include free access — for test takers who receive a voucher for the GRE® General Test — to two POWERPREP PLUS® Online practice tests and the ScoreItNow!™ Online Writing Practice (valued at $100). The two POWERPREP PLUS Online practice tests (valued at $40 each) provide test takers the experience of taking the real, computer-delivered GRE General Test. The practice tests are timed and enable users to try out features and tools that will be available during the actual test. Furthermore, test takers with disabilities and health-related needs can familiarize themselves with the same industry-leading accommodations that are offered in the actual test. The ScoreItNow! Online Writing Practice (valued at $20) is a web-based service through which test takers can submit responses on up to eight essay topics and get immediate scores and feedback.
In addition, ETS is providing vouchers to the Institute for Recruitment of Teachers (IRT), the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) and the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS®). This brings the total number of national programs that receive GRE Fee Reduction Vouchers to 10. To see the full list of participating national programs, visit www.ets.org/gre/grefeereduction.
Lastly, ETS is providing GRE Fee Reduction Vouchers to the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program for distribution to eligible test takers outside of the United States who have financial need. This program assists qualified students in the EducationUSA network who are likely to be awarded full financial aid from U.S. colleges and universities, but who lack financial resources to cover the up-front costs to apply, such as testing, application fees or airfare.
At ETS, we advance quality and equity in education for people worldwide by creating assessments based on rigorous research. ETS serves individuals, educational institutions and government agencies by providing customized solutions for teacher certification, English language learning, and elementary, secondary and postsecondary education, and by conducting education research, analysis and policy studies. Founded as a nonprofit in 1947, ETS develops, administers and scores more than 50 million tests annually — including the TOEFL® and TOEIC ® tests, the GRE ® tests and The Praxis Series ® assessments — in more than 180 countries, at over 9,000 locations worldwide. www.ets.org
State of California Department of Industrial Relations
OAKLAND, California, June 19, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Cal/OSHA is urging all employers to protect outdoor workers from heat illness as temperatures in parts of California will remain over 90 and 100 degrees for the next two weeks. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for a period of hot weather this week in the north including parts of Shasta, Butte, Lake and Sacramento counties. In Central and Southern California, including Fresno, Kern, San Bernardino and Riverside counties, temperatures are forecasted to reach and remain at 100 and the high 90s this week and next.
California’sheat illness prevention standard applies to all outdoor workers, including those in agriculture, construction and landscaping. Other workers protected by the standard include those that spend a significant amount of time working outdoors such as security guards and groundskeepers, or in non-air conditioned vehicles such as transportation and delivery drivers.
It is important for employers to assess the risk of heat illness based on a worker’s duties and take appropriate steps to prevent them from getting sick. For example, the risk of heat illness is less for an installation worker who arrives in an air-conditioned vehicle and spends one hour working outdoors than for a driver who makes deliveries in a non-air conditioned vehicle. Regardless of the level of risk, all outdoor workers must be protected equally and employers with outdoor workers must maintain an effective heat illness prevention plan year-round.
Employers with outdoor workers must take the following steps to prevent heat illness:
Plan – Develop and implement an effective written heat illness prevention plan that includes emergency response procedures.
Training – Train all employees and supervisors on heat illness prevention.
Water – Provide drinking water that is fresh, pure, suitably cool and free of charge so that each worker can drink at least 1 quart per hour, and encourage workers to do so.
Shade – Provide shade when workers request it or when temperatures exceed 80 degrees. Encourage workers to take a cool-down rest in the shade for at least five minutes. They should not wait until they feel sick to cool down.
Cal/OSHA urges workers experiencing possible overheating to take a preventative cool-down rest in the shade until symptoms are gone. Workers who have existing health problems or medical conditions that reduce tolerance to heat, such as diabetes, need to be extra vigilant. Some high blood pressure and anti-inflammatory medications can also increase a worker’s risk for heat illness.
To prevent heat illness, it is crucial that supervisors are effectively trained on emergency procedures in case a worker gets sick. This helps ensure sick employees receive treatment immediately and that the symptoms do not develop into a serious illness or death.
Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention special emphasis program, the first of its kind in the nation, includes enforcement of heat regulations as well as multilingual outreach and training programs for California’s employers and workers. Detail on heat illness prevention requirements and training materials are available online on Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention web page and the 99calor.org informational website. A Heat Illness Prevention online tool is also available on Cal/OSHA’s website.
Cal/OSHA helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Employers and workers who have questions or need assistance with workplace health and safety programs can call Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch at 800-963-9424.
Complaints about workplace safety and health hazards can be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices. Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR’s Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734).
Members of the press may contact Erika Monterroza or Frank Polizzi at (510) 286-1161, and are encouraged to subscribe to get email alerts on DIR’s press releases or other departmental updates.
The California Department of Industrial Relations, established in 1927, protects and improves the health, safety, and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. DIR is housed within the Labor & Workforce Development Agency. For general inquiries, contact DIR’s Call Center at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734) for help in locating the appropriate division or program in our department.
LAS VEGAS, June 19, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The “Entertainment Capital of the World” invites visitors from around the world to celebrate Mexican Independence Day with a lineup of exciting events and entertainment, during the holiday weekend in September. Throughout Las Vegas, revelers can enjoy performances by unforgettable headliners and hilarious comedians during the 2019 El Grito festivities.
World-class Latin performers taking over iconic Vegas venues include:
Iconic Mexican group BANDA MS will wow audiences at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Sept. 13.
Mexico’s leading alternative rock band Café Tacvba will bring its unique sound to Mandalay Bay Beach at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Sept. 13.
The “fluffy” comedian Gabriel Iglesias brings the laughs at the Terry Fator Theatre at the Mirage Hotel & Casino. Sept. 13-14.
Multi award-winning Mexican icon Luis Miguel brings is talents to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for a four-night limited engagement, Sept 12, 13, 15 &16.
Mexican singer/songwriter Pancho Barraza performs at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Sept. 14.
Top selling Latin artist Enrique Iglesias returns for Mexican Independence Day to perform at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Sept. 14.
The queen of Spanish music Gloria Trevi takes over Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Sept. 14.
Rising Latin music star MALUMA makes a stop in Las Vegas during the holiday weekend at Mandalay Bay Events Center at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Sept. 14.
Mexican rock band MANÁ takes over the MGM Grand Garden Arena inside MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Sept. 14.
Two-time Latin GRAMMY-Award winning Mariachi singer Alejandro Fernández performs at Mandalay Bay Events Center at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Sept. 15.
Internationally celebrated Latin artist Marc Anthony will kick off his latest tour at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Sept. 15.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is charged with marketing Southern Nevada as a tourism and convention destination worldwide and also with operating the Las Vegas Convention Center and Cashman Center. With nearly 150,000 hotel rooms in Las Vegas alone and more than 11 million square feet of meeting and exhibit space citywide, the LVCVA’s mission centers on attracting ever increasing numbers of leisure and business visitors to the area. Download the virtual reality app, Vegas VR, to experience Las Vegas from your iPhone or Android by visiting http://www.vrtv.vegas/. For more information, go to www.lvcva.com or www.visitlasvegas.com.
Lexus Safety System+ now standard equipment across the 2020 Model Year lineup
PLANO, Texas, June 19, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) there were nearly 6.5 million reported crashes in 2017 (the most recent available data) many of which were avoidable. Collisions that result in injury can often be caused by a delay in a driver’s recognition of the situation and his or her ability to react accordingly.
In a move to help prevent such accidents before they happen, the Lexus Safety System+ will be a standard feature in all US Lexus vehicles starting with the 2020 model year. “We are working toward preventing crashes before they happen,” said David Christ, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division. “That’s why we have developed some of the most advanced safety features on the road today, and now those systems will be standard equipment on every model we sell.”
Designed to help protect drivers, passengers and pedestrians, the Lexus Safety System+ is an integrated suite of four advanced active safety packages anchored by automated pre-collision warning and braking. They include:
Pre-Collison System with Pedestrian Detection This system is engineered to help detect a preceding vehicle or a pedestrian in front of the Lexus under certain conditions. Should the system detect a pedestrian or a potential frontal collision, it’s designed to activate an audible and visual alert while automatically preparing Brake Assist for increased braking response. If the driver does not brake in time, the system is designed to automatically begin braking before impact and, in some cases, can even bring the vehicle to a stop.
Lane Departure Alert This system utilizes a high-resolution camera to monitor visible lane markings and determine the vehicle’s position within a lane. If an inadvertent lane departure or potential departure due to swaying is detected at speeds above 32 mph, the system attempts to alert the driver with audio and visual warnings and steering wheel vibrations.
Intelligent High Beams To help provide added visibility for the Lexus driver as well as other motorists, Intelligent High Beams offer added illumination to help keep the driver focused on the road. When the road ahead is clear, the system defaults to high-beam mode, then temporarily switches to low beams when it detects the headlamps or taillamps of vehicles ahead.
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control This system uses radar and camera technology to help maintain a preset speed and following distance from the vehicle ahead. If driving at highway speeds and the road ahead clears, the vehicle returns to its preset speed.
A Future-Focused History of Commitment to Safety Offering Lexus Safety System+ standard in the entire Lexus lineup, all its vehicles represent the latest milestone in the brand’s 30-year history of creating and providing advancements and innovations in safety – designed to help prevent crashes and protect people. “A world without crashes is what we envision,” notes Christ. “It’s an ambitious goal, but one we’re committed to achieve.”
Additional groundbreaking Lexus safety innovations include crash testing ingenuity and real-world safety.
Total Human Model for Safety The development of many Lexus vehicle safety features benefits from the Total Human Model for Safety, or THuMS, virtual crash dummy software. Unlike typical dummy models which provide 119 data points, THuMS provides millions of data points and represents actual humans in detail, including the outer shape as well as bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and internal organs—enough to detect even a scrape or bruise. This means crash tests can be conducted to determine the impact on—and solutions for—an unprecedented number of potential collisions on a nearly endless variety of humans, from large to small, young to old, and even gender differences. THuMS technology represents such a breakthrough in human safety, that it has been shared with a dozen other automakers and research labs around the world.
Advanced Driving Simulator Developed to better understand driver behavior, Lexus designed and built one of the world’s most advanced driving simulators. A massive, multidimensional structure covering a space the size of a football field, this futuristic simulator can travel the equivalent of 186 miles per hour, tilt up to 30 degrees, and move in six directions at once. Inside, ordinary drivers—in an actual Lexus vehicle—navigate their way through a 360-degree virtual world. This allows their reactions to be analyzed in real-world situations without real-world consequences.
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 six 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.
TORRANCE, California, June 19, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Acura will campaign the largest collection of competitive entries in the brand’s history in the 97th running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 30. Acura is distinct from its competition in taking on the “Race to the Clouds” with hand-built, homegrown cars crewed exclusively by in-house engineers. Four production-based Acura models will challenge the field across multiple race classes, piloted by four full-time engineers who work in Acura product development in Ohio. Completing the lineup is the RealTime Racing Acura TLX GT all-wheel drive race car, driven by two-time class winner and SCCA Hall of Famer Peter Cunningham.
In addition to fulfilling the company’s “racing spirit”, the Acura Pikes Peak race team utilizes the treacherous hill climb event to grow the skills of young engineers within the company and serve as a test bed for future performance technologies in production vehicles. Led by Acura R&D engineers Justin Lumbard and Steven Olona, the team is responsible for all aspects of the program including the proposal of vehicles, buildout, crew support and navigating race cars to the finish line.
Acura has reached the 14,115-foot summit each of the last eight years, scoring numerous records and podium finishes. Most recently, in 2018, Acura achieved its second-consecutive Open Class Pikes Peak win and an overall third place finish with Peter Cunningham in the RealTime Racing TLX GT (9:27.352). Additional record setting runs include a Hybrid-production car record for the Acura NSX driven by James Robinson (10:02.448) and a front-wheel drive record for the Acura TLX driven by Nick Robinson (10:48.04), both in 2018.
The Race Entries
MDX Sport Hybrid
Acura will debut a race-prepared 2019 MDX Sport Hybrid built specifically for the hill climb. The Pikes Peak MDX utilizes the standard MDX (non-hybrid) 3.5-liter V6 VTEC® engine, bored out to 3.7-liters. The larger displacement engine operates in tandem with Acura’s unique three-motor electric hybrid system and 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT). The Pikes Peak MDX Sport Hybrid produces a combined 400 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque through the use of special tuning to both the engine and the electric motors.
The MDX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® system and race-tuned active-damper suspension have been optimized to improve dynamic balance and maximize performance. A custom roll-cage, designed in-house, increases structural rigidity (and adds safety) while extensive weight reduction was accomplished by removing much of the vehicle’s interior, including the passenger and second and third row seats.
Driving the MDX Sport Hybrid will be Jordan Guitar of Acura R&D’s Chassis Development Group. Guitar made his Pikes Peak debut in 2018, piloting the 2019 RDX. Foul weather hampered Guitar’s run, limiting him to just the lower two thirds of the mountain. He finished third in class.
2019 RDX A-Spec
The 2019 RDX A-Spec returns to the mountain following its Pikes Peak debut in 2018, featuring a production-derived 2.0L VTEC® Turbo engine, sport tuned 10-speed automatic transmission and 4th-generation of Acura Super Handling All‐Wheel Drive™ (SH‐AWD®). The RDX’s engine has been optimized for the hill climb with a larger turbocharger, short-path intercooler and electric supercharger fed by a 48-volt micro-hybrid system. Total output is 350 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque. Software calibrations to the RDX’s production SH-AWD® system allow for more rear-wheel torque bias, while still enabling 100-percent of rear-wheel torque to be transferred individually to the left or right rear wheels.
The Pikes Peak RDX’s interior has been stripped for reduced weight. Chassis enhancements include a roll-cage, race-tuned suspension, lightweight 19-inch HRE forged race wheels and Pirelli racing tires. Braking performance has been upgraded with Brembo front brake calipers and racing pads.
Driving the 2019 RDX A-Spec will be Steven Olona, an engineer with Acura R&D’s Chassis Development Group. An accomplished rally driver, Olona joined Acura’s Pikes Peak associate race team in 2017 serving as a fabricator and crew chief. This will mark Olona’s first time driving in the historic hill climb.
“Time Attack” NSX
One of two NSXs campaigning in this year’s hill climb, the “Time Attack” NSX distinguishes itself with a larger rear wing and aggressive front splitter adding significant downforce for better lateral grip at speed, and larger turbochargers to help recover horsepower losses at altitude. Total system output is an estimated 625 HP. Through various weight reduction measures including a stripped interior, the “Time Attack” NSX loses more than 200 lbs. compared to a production NSX. Additional enhancements include custom software for the twin-turbo V6, three-motor Sport Hybrid and SH-AWD® systems to optimize performance during the hill climb. Finally, lightweight HRE forged wheels are wrapped in high-grip Pirelli R-compound tires.
A 9-time Pikes Peak veteran, James Robinson will again serve as the lead of Acura’s Pikes Peak race team. Robinson’s past successes at Pikes Peak include a Hybrid production car record set in 2018 (10:02.448) as well as podium finishes in the Exhibition, Open and Time Attack 1 classes.
Production-Spec NSX
The second of two NSXs competing this year is a near-production NSX with only safety-related modifications, including an internal roll cage, racing seat with harness and fire suppression system. Utilizing the second-generation NSX’s factory twin-turbo V6 engine and three motor electric Sport Hybrid system, the NSX produces a combined 573 horsepower and 476 lb-ft. of torque. Power is channeled to the rear wheels through the world’s only 9-speed DCT in a production automobile, while twin electric motors independently vector torque between the front wheels to enhance the NSX’s acceleration, braking and cornering abilities.
The production-spec NSX will be driven by Nick Robinson, brother of James Robinson, and an accomplished engineer with Acura R&D’s Chassis Development Group. A Pikes Peak veteran himself, Nick Robinson established a new front-wheel-drive record for Pikes Peak in 2018 and achieved a Class Win in Time Attack 2 with a second-gen NSX in 2016. The year prior, he won the PP250 class on a Honda motorcycle. In addition, Nick Robinson serves as a driving safety expert and helps mentor new drivers throughout their careers at Honda R&D Americas.
RealTime Racing TLX GT
The RealTime Racing TLX GT all-wheel drive race car returns to Pikes Peak in 2019 following a commanding 2018 Open Class Record and overall podium finish. Featuring an Acura twin-turbocharged J35 V6 motor used in past Pirelli World Challenge series competitions, the TLX GT’s powertrain has been tuned for the unique elevation changes of Pikes Peak. The software mapping developed by Honda Performance Development (HPD) optimizes turbo operation and boost pressures for the decreasing levels of oxygen on the way up to the 14,115-foot summit. RealTime has developed the TLX GT’s suspension specifically for the hill climb, and geared the transmission for faster acceleration when exiting the course’s many tight hairpin turns. Additional enhancements for 2019 include increased downforce via a new rear diffuser configuration.
The TLX GT will again be piloted by Peter Cunningham of RealTime Racing, which has campaigned Acura race cars dating back to 1992. A distinguished member of the SCCA Hall Of Fame, Cunningham made his Pikes Peak debut in 2017 earning an Open Class win (2nd Overall) and being named ‘Rookie of the Year’. In 2018, Cunningham repeated the success with another Open Class win and 3rd overall finish. Cunningham has claimed more than 90 professional race wins across 12 different North American road racing series and holds numerous World Challenge race records.
Acura’s 2019 Competition Field:
Vehicle
Driver
Class
2018 Result
TLX GT
Peter Cunningham
Open Class
1st in Class, 3rd Overall
“Time Attack” NSX
James Robinson
Time Attack 1
Hybrid Production Car Record
RDX A-Spec
Steve Olona
Exhibition Class
3rd in Class
(Driver = Jordan Guitar, Shortened Course)
Production-Spec NSX
Nick Robinson
Time Attack 1
New Vehicle Entry
MDX Sport Hybrid
Jordan Guitar
Exhibition Class
About Acura
Acura delivers Precision Crafted Performance – a commitment to evocative styling, high performance and innovative engineering, all built on a foundation of exceptional 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.
MEXICO CITY, June 19, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Viacom International Media Networks Americas announced today that Mexico City will be the first city in Latin America to host VidCon, the world’s largest celebration of online video.
The inaugural VidCon Mexico will be held at the Citibanamex Center in Mexico City starting April 30. The four-day event will feature the most-popular digital celebrities from Latin America and the rest of the world, including Calle y Poche and Nickelodeon Latin America’s newest digital star, Isabella de la Torre “La Bala”.
VidCon is the world’s largest immersive experience for fans, content creators, executives and brands who build, belong to, and celebrate diverse online communities. The event also serves as the meeting point for brands and executives who are passionate about digital creators, online video and social-first content. VidCon offers an opportunity for fans and industry leaders to meet the most influential content creators of the region while experiencing the future of video consumption and online storytelling.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2019, VidCon has hosted events in the US, UK and Australia, welcoming more than 100,000 attendees in the past year with a variety of interactive experiences, live music performances, panels with experts and content creators, one-on-one chats, meet and greets between fans and creators, innovative brand activations, selfie moments and much more. This July, VidCon US will assemble the most popular global digital stars and content creators and key senior executives from the most prominent digital platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, Twitch, Snapchat, Tik-Tok and more.
“We are excited to be the first country in Latin America to host VidCon,” said Eduardo Lebrija, Senior Vice President and General Manager Latin America North and Regional Sales for Viacom International Media Networks Americas. “Mexico is an important creative hub content creators, brands and platform launches, and the first VidCon Mexico will be an incredible opportunity to unite and celebrate creators and fans and inspire the next generation of leaders and brands that will shape the future of the digital world.“
“Mexico is one of the most vibrant, creative centers in the world for influencers, brands and content creators to build audiences and grow their brand,” said Jim Louderback, General Manager of VidCon. “Many of the top global creators have emerged from Mexico in the last few years, and brands and marketers here have led the way in welcoming creators and influencers into their marketing mix. We couldn’t be more excited to bring VidCon’s unique mix of insight, expertise and community to Mexico in partnership with the amazing Viacom team.”
VidCon will celebrate its 10th annual US convention July 10-13, 2019 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA. VidCon’s 10th anniversary follows a rapid global expansion across events in Australia and The Netherlands in addition to the first ever VidCon London in February 2019.
About VidCon VidCon US, VidCon Australia and VidCon London are the world’s largest events for fans, creators, executives, and brands who are passionate about online video and building diverse communities. Across the three events, VidCon will host more than 90,000 attendees, in aggregate, via a variety of live on-stage performances, panels, fireside chats, interactive experiences, fan and creator meet & greets, innovative brand activations and more. VidCon’s flagship show, VidCon US, celebrates its 10th Anniversary in 2019. VidCon was founded by veteran YouTube creator Hank Green and was acquired by Viacom in 2018.
PLANO, Texas, June 18, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Toyota Financial Services (TFS) was once again honored to be named one of the most community-minded companies in the nation by Points of Light Foundation. This is the fifth consecutive year that TFS earned a spot on the Civic 50 list. The company continued its longstanding run as a leader in corporate social responsibility by consistently expanding its initiatives to support and empower communities.
The Civic 50 sets the standard for corporate community engagement nationwide and creates a roadmap for companies seeking to best use their time, talent, and resources to improve the quality of life in the communities where they do business. Winners are selected based on four dimensions of their national community engagement programs: Integration, Investment, Impact and Institutionalization.
TFS was recognized for its unwavering commitment to developing opportunities for young people and promoting financial empowerment. The company implemented an array of successful community initiatives which included funding and administering an extensive merit-based college scholarship program. TFS continued to maintain strong partnerships with Girl Scouts of the USA, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and Junior Achievement. A common theme in all these partnerships was the company’s focus on mentoring young people to help them build crucial life skills. This was supported in large part by TFS’ Community Ambassador program which provides opportunities for employees to volunteer while developing competencies in leadership, communication, and project management that will help them in the workplace. In 2018, a record 59% of TFS employees recorded over 20,000 volunteer hours.
“I’ve always been inspired by TFS team members and their dedication to getting involved and helping build a better world,” said Mark Templin, president & CEO of TFS. “Giving back to our communities is part of our Toyota DNA, and we’re honored and humbled that Points of Light Foundation has recognized our efforts.”
For more information on The Civic 50 and the latest trends on community engagement, view the report at www.civic50.org. For more information on TFS’ community involvement and the partnerships the company supports, please visit: http://tfsinthecommunity.com.
About Toyota Financial Services Toyota Financial Services (TFS) is the finance and insurance brand for Toyota in the United States, offering retail auto financing and leasing through Toyota Motor Credit Corporation (TMCC) and Toyota Lease Trust. TFS also offers extended service contracts through Toyota Motor Insurance Services (TMIS). The company services Lexus dealers and customers using the Lexus Financial Services brand. TFS currently employs approximately 3,200 team members nationwide, and has assets totaling over $115 billion. It is part of a worldwide network of comprehensive financial services offered by Toyota Financial Services Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation. We announce material financial information using the investor relations section of our website (www.toyotafinancial.com) and SEC filings. We use these channels, press releases, and social media to communicate about our company, our services and other issues. While not all information we post on social media is of a material nature, some information could be material. Therefore, we encourage those interested in our company to review our posts on Twitter at www.twitter.com/toyotafinancial.
About Points of Light Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, mobilizes millions of people to take action that is changing the world. Through affiliates in more than 200 cities and partnerships with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages four million volunteers in 20 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people where it’s needed most. For more information, visit www.pointsoflight.org.
The home page of Univision’s new marketplace, www.gangasanddeals.com
Univision’s Gangas & Deals Marketplace Debuts Thursday, June 20 as Part of Weekly Segment in Univision’s Popular Morning Show “Despierta America”
NEW YORK, June 18, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Knocking, an innovative content and commerce company, announced a strategic partnership with Univision Communications Inc., the leading media company serving Hispanic America, to deliver exclusive e-commerce offerings to Univision audiences across television, radio, digital, social media, and experiential channels. Gangas and Deals (www.gangasanddeals.com) will introduce an interactive and engaging element of shopping to Univision’s audience with curated offers for products ranging from fashion and beauty, to home and tech, and everything in between. The marketplace will be officially unveiled Thursday, June 20 during “Despierta America” with deals from coveted brands Mellie Blanco, Hudson + Bleeker, Hampton Forge and many more.
“We are enthusiastic to bring meaningful products to our audience’s everyday routines, as well as connect top brands to the country’s fastest growing consumer base,” said John Buergler, SVP of Growth Initiatives, Univision Local Media.
“Equipping Univision with retail capabilities is a big deal,” said Markus Reinmund, CEO of Knocking Inc. “Hispanics represent more than $60 billion in online retail spending annually, a significant monetization opportunity for media companies like Univision who can now unlock new value from their existing relationships with millions of consumers.”
Knocking’s team has worked with leading U.S. and Canadian media companies to incubate commerce businesses and turn passive audiences into active consumers. With a proprietary viewer impression model that ties shoppable content to revenue, Knocking is able to demonstrate what continuous or repeat airtime actually means to a transaction, assigning a sale per impression and predicting the potential for scale.
“We help media companies turn audiences into transaction-based buyers,” said Brian Meehan, COO of Knocking. “Consumers love hearing about exclusive deals from trusted talent who are sharing genuine stories. By selecting only the best products, we generate a win for our media partner, a win for brands, and a win for viewers.”
About Knocking Inc. Knocking Inc. is a direct-to-consumer content and commerce company, offering a full suite of e-commerce, production, engagement analytics and communications capabilities for media companies. The unique Knocking system seamlessly integrates with existing programming to monetize audiences and enable media outlets to use commerce as a new, incremental revenue stream.
About Univision Communications Inc. As the leading Hispanic media company in the U.S., Univision Communications Inc. entertains, informs and empowers U.S. Hispanics with news, sports and entertainment content across broadcast and cable television, audio and digital platforms. The company’s top-rated media portfolio includes the Univision and UniMás broadcast networks, as well as cable networks Univision Deportes Network (UDN) and Galavisión. Locally, Univision owns or operates 65 television stations in major U.S. Hispanic markets and Puerto Rico. Additionally, Uforia, the Home of Latin Music, encompasses 58 owned or operated radio stations, a live event series and a robust digital audio footprint. The company’s prominent digital assets include Univision.com, streaming service Univision Now, the largest Hispanic influencer network and several top-rated apps. For more information, visit corporate.univision.com.
HOUSTON, June 18, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Harmony Public Schools teachers across its 57 campuses in Texas will receive a significant salary increase of between 7% and 17.5% starting next school year, officials with the public charter system announced today.
“We are very happy to continue to reward our staff for their dedication to excellence,” said Fatih Ay, CEO of Harmony Public Schools. “Every year our 35,000 plus students consistently exceed state education standards. Our teacher’s hard work is recognized annually by major publications, such as US News Best High Schools, and noted children’s advocacy groups.”
In addition to a base salary increase of between $3,500 & $5,000, teachers will be awarded a stipend of $1,000 if they have between 5 and 9 years classroom experience. Those with more than 10 years’ experience will receive $2,000. Instructors in the system’s core STEM curricula will receive an additional $3,000 stipend.
“We see this as an investment not only in our teachers, but in our students as well,” Ay said.
The new salary schedule follows Governor Greg Abbott’s signing of the $11.5 Billion school finance reform package. Harmony chose to target additional funding into pay & benefits for teachers and staff
About HarmonyPublic Schools Harmony Public Schools are 57 high performing PreK-12 college preparatory charter schools throughout Texas. Harmony blends the highest standards and expectations, with a rigorous math- and science-centered curriculum and dedicated and engaged teachers and families to cultivate excellence and prepare students to succeed in college, careers and life. At Harmony Public Schools, we believe every child can succeed, and we are committed to helping them realize their full potential. To learn more about Harmony Public Schools and our 57 campuses across Texas, please visit: www.harmonytx.org, and follow us on Twitter at @HarmonyEdu and ‘Like’ us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HarmonyTexas.
