Holistica, a new joint venture, innovates destination development for evolving world

June 24, 2019

Holistica_logo

MIAMI, June 24, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Two respected leaders in the travel and tourism industry, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) and privately-held ITM Group, are teaming to form a new destination company, to be called Holistica.

Holistica will create an inclusive model for destination development that works holistically – thus the name – to meet the needs of coastal communities, local governments, and land, sea, and air travelers.

“The continuing growth and rising popularity of cruise vacations make it clear that the sustainable development of coastal destinations, including the thoughtful evolution of existing ones, is in the travel industry’s best interest,” said Michael Bayley of RCL. “We have spent five decades learning what works and what doesn’t, and we know the potential of strategic development to deliver extraordinary guest experiences and meet the needs of local communities.”

Mauricio Hamui of ITM Group said: “A well-designed destination brings economic benefits to communities and cultural enrichment to travelers, while creating the least possible disruption to the human and natural environment. There is a way to do these projects inclusively, collaboratively, and sustainably – and those are the characteristics this new partnership is meant to embody.”

Holistica Destinations, Ltd. will be a 50-50 partnership between RCL and ITM Group. The partners have commenced a search for a CEO for the new company, which will be headquartered in Miami.

Holistica’s first project: a $275 million development in Freeport, The Bahamas, was originated by RCL and ITM and is currently under review by the Bahamian government. Centered on the regeneration of the Grand Lucayan resort, the project includes ambitious plans for local ownership, employment, job training, community investment and sustainable construction practices.

In addition to the Freeport project, the companies said the new venture will own and operate destinations in Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; and Kumamoto, Japan. These projects, among others, will serve 8 million visitors annually, and be accessible to all travelers, including land and air vacationers and guests of multiple cruise lines. Holistica is also engaged in discussions regarding multiple existing and proposed destinations around the world.

“The timing is right for a venture of this type,” said Hamui. “A collaborative development approach, paired with meaningful private financial resources, gives local destinations the opportunity to grow the right way.”

Added Bayley: “Having more destinations, and developing them in a responsible manner, gives travelers greater vacation quality, and expands the landscape of available travel options as the tourism industry grows.”

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) is a global cruise vacation company that controls and operates four global brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises and Silversea Cruises. We are also a 50 percent joint venture owner of the German brand TUI Cruises and a 49 percent shareholder in the Spanish brand Pullmantur Cruceros. Together, these brands operate a combined total of 61 ships with an additional 15 on order as of March 31, 2019. They operate diverse itineraries around the world that call on all seven continents. Additional information can be found on www.rclcorporate.com.

Based in Cancun, ITM GROUP is a private Mexican company with more than 30 years experience developing high quality tourism and entertainment infrastructure, as well as real estate. It has built and operated more than six cruise ports in Mexico and the Caribbean, using the tailor-made sustainable technology needed to create, develop and consolidate integrated tourism destinations.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/927191/Holistica_logo.jpg

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/927192/Logo_ITM_Group.jpg

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/677715/RCL_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

Applications Open for Colgate-Palmolive’s Annual Haz la U™ Educational Grant Program

June 24, 2019

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NEW YORK, June 24, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Colgate-Palmolive is now accepting applications for its annual Haz la U™ (“Make the U”) educational grant program, which will provide $100,000 to Hispanic high school students in partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF). A total of 31 grants, ranging from $2,000 to $15,000, will be awarded to community-minded students across the U.S. who have demonstrated excellence in academics, volunteerism and leadership. Applications will be accepted through October 15, 2019.

For the last 10 years, the Haz la U™ program has supported the pursuit of higher education among the Latinx community through this grant program. “Colgate strongly believes that everyone deserves a future they can smile about, and we applaud the young leaders who celebrate their heritage and also give back to their communities,” said Greg Ross, General Manager of North America Oral Care at Colgate-Palmolive. “We’re honored to continue the Haz la U™ program with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and support its mission to empower Latinx communities and create leaders in the classroom and beyond.”

Released in tandem with the open-application period, Colgate shared an English– and Spanish-language documentary short of former Haz la U™ winner and recent college graduate Emanuel Cruz, highlighting his journey to educational success.

“We’re incredibly proud to continue our partnership with Colgate for the Haz la U™ program, which will provide educational assistance and encouragement to young Latinx students in America,” said Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO, Hispanic Heritage Foundation. “This program, and the Youth Awards as a whole, underline the importance of educational advancement within the Latinx culture and allow for young students to explore previously unavailable opportunities.”

For more information about Haz la U™ and application guidelines, visit Colgate.com/HazLaU or HHFYouthAwards.com

About Colgate-Palmolive
Colgate-Palmolive is a leading global consumer products company, tightly focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition. Colgate sells its products in over 200 countries and territories around the world under such internationally recognized brand names as Colgate, Palmolive, elmex, Tom’s of Maine, Sorriso, Speed Stick, Lady Speed Stick, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sanex, Elta MD, PCA Skin, Ajax, Axion, Fabuloso, Soupline and Suavitel, as well as Hill’s Science Diet and Hill’s Prescription Diet. For more information about Colgate’s global business, visit the Company’s web site at http://www.colgatepalmolive.com. To learn more about Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® oral health education program, please visit http://www.colgatebsbf.com. CL-C

About HHF and LOFT
The Hispanic Heritage Foundation, a nonprofit originally established by the White House in 1988, inspires, prepares, positions and connects minority leaders in the classroom, community and workforce to meet America’s priorities. HHF also promotes cultural pride, accomplishment, and the great promise of the community through public awareness campaigns seen by millions. HHF is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has offices in Los Angeles, New York and the LOFT Institute is housed at Michigan State University. Follow Hispanic Heritage Foundation on Facebook and @HHFoundation on Twitter.

HHF’s award-winning LOFT leadership and workforce development program is divided into 10 “Tracks,” or industries including: Technology, Science, Healthcare, Engineering, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Education, Public Service, Media & Entertainment, and Latinas. Tens of thousands of students and young professionals are tracked and connected to each other as well as to mentors and resources; attend over 50 trainings, workshops, and Charlas hosted across the country; participate in creative initiatives; and placed into internships, mentorships, fellowships and full-time positions with Fortune 500 companies and government agencies. Visit www.loftinnovation.org or follow @LOFTinstitute on Twitter.

Video – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/926916/Colgate_HazLaU.mp4

SOURCE Colgate-Palmolive

Herta, Rossi Sweep Front Row for Honda in Road America Qualifying

June 24, 2019

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Nineteen-year-old Colton Herta became the youngest IndyCar Series pole qualifier in the history of the sport on Saturday, and will lead the field to the green tomorrow in his Harding Steinbrenner Racing Honda for the REV Group Grand Prix at Road America in Wisconsin.

ELKHART LAKE, Wisconsin, June 23, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Nineteen-year-old Colton Herta became the youngest pole qualifier in IndyCar Series history today at Road America, and will lead the field to the green flag in Sunday’s REV Group Grand Prix in his Harding Steinbrenner Racing Honda.

Already Indy car’s youngest race winner – a mark he set in March at the Circuit of the Americas – Herta edged fellow Honda driver Alexander Rossi by just 0.1773 seconds around the four-mile Road America circuit in Saturday’s Firestone “Fast Six” final round of NTT IndyCar Series “knockout” qualifying to secure his historic pole.

Graham Rahal, the former holder of both youngest race and pole winner records prior to Herta, will start his Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda from fifth, with teammate Takuma Sato alongside in sixth as Honda driver’s claimed four of the top-six qualifying positions.

Although failing to advance to Fast Six final qualifying, Sebastien Bourdais will start his Dale Coyne Racing with Vasser-Sullivan Honda from seventh. James Hinchcliffe and Marco Andretti also advanced to the second qualifying round, and will start ninth and tenth, respectively. Although he advanced out of first-round qualifying, mechanical issues prevented defending series champion Scott Dixon from running in the second round, and he will start his Chip Ganassi Racing Honda from 12^th.

Live network television coverage of Sunday’s 55-lap REV Group Grand Prix, the 10^th round of the 2019 NTT IndyCar Series season, begins at 12 p.m. EDT Sunday on NBC.

Colton Herta (Harding Steinbrenner Racing Honda) Pole qualifier, first career IndyCar Series pole, youngest pole qualifier in Indy car history: “I’m so happy with how the day went. The #88 GESS Capstone Honda guys are all working so hard and so well together. The car was fast. This is the first time that we’ve had that edge in qualifying to go for pole, and I loved it. We really took advantage of it and got the best starting position for tomorrow. Now we’ll keep checking the weather [the possibility of rain is in the local forecast] and make changes accordingly so we can have a great race!”

Alexander Rossi (Andretti Autosport Honda) Qualified second: “It came down to the [final lap], but that’s the NTT IndyCar Series. It’s what we have week in and week out, and requires perfection from both the team and the driver. It was a good day, I think in general for the #27 NAPA Andretti boys – and congratulations to [pole qualifier] Colton [Herta], he did a good job. It’s unfortunate to miss out on the [championship] point [awarded to the pole winner] that we need. But that’s the way it is. We’re ahead of [main championship rival] Josef [Newgarden, on the starting grid] and we’ll try to keep it that way.”

NTT IndyCar Series REV Group Grand Prix

Circuit:	Road America (4.0-mile road course) Elkhart Lake, Wis.
2018 Winner:	Josef Newgarden (Team Penske) 132.101 mph average
Weather:	Sunny, mild, breezy, 73 degrees F

Top-12 Qualifying Results:

Ps.	Driver	Team	Manufacturer	Best Time	Notes
1.	Colton Herta-R	Harding Steinbrenner Racing	Honda	1:42.9920	140.306 mph average
2.	Alexander Rossi	Andretti Autosport	Honda	1:43.1693	+ 0.773 seconds
3.	Will Power	Team Penske	Chevrolet	1:43.3749	Fast Six final qualifier
4.	Josef Newgarden	Team Penske	Chevrolet	1:43.6036	Fast Six final qualifier
5.	Graham Rahal	Rahal Letterma n Lanigan	Honda	1:43.8077	Fast Six final qualifier
6.	Takuma Sato	Rahal Letterman Lanigan	Honda	1:43.8790	Fast Six final qualifier
7.	Sebastien Bourdais	DCR with Vasser-Sullivan	Honda	1:43.2989	2^nd round qualifying
8.	Spencer Pigot	Ed Carpenter Racing	Chevrolet	1:43.3083	2^nd round qualifying
9.	James Hinchcliffe	Arrow Schmidt Peterson	Honda	1:43.3814	2^nd round qualifying
10.	Marco Andretti	Andretti Autosport	Honda	1:43.3945	2^nd round qualifying
11.	Ed Jones	Ed Carpenter Racing	Chevrolet	1:43.5162	2^nd round qualifying
12.	Scott Dixon	Chip Ganassi Racing	Honda	No time	Mechanical issue Q2
Other Honda Results
14.	Zach Veach	Andretti Autosport	Honda	1:43.4488	1^st round, Group 2
15.	Ryan Hunter-Reay	Andretti Autosport	Honda	1:43.6980	1^st round, Group 1
17.	Marcus Ericsson-R	Arrow Schmidt Peterson	Honda	1:43.8913	1^st round, Group 1
18.	Felix Rosenqvist-R	Chip Ganassi Racing	Honda	1:43.5038	1^st round, Group 2
19.	Jack Harvey	Meyer Shank Racing	Honda	1:44.6179	1^st round, Group 1
21.	Santino Ferrucci-R	Dale Coyne Racing	Honda	1:49.3060	1^st round, Group 1

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/927204/Honda_Racing_HPD_Colton_Herta.jpg

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/83597/honda_performance_development__inc__honda_racing_logo.jpg

SOURCE Honda Racing/HPD

Letter Carriers’ Annual Food Drive a Resounding Success

June 22, 2019

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WASHINGTON, June 21, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The annual food drive of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), which took place on Saturday, May 11, collected more than 76.1 million pounds of food—third-highest total in the drive’s 27 years.

The NALC branch in San Juan, Puerto Rico, collected about 2.3 million pounds of food, leading all branches nationwide in the amount of food collected. The food donations stay in each community, going to help local residents.

The Stamp Out Hunger^® Food Drive is the country’s largest single-day food drive, relying on the generosity of residents, who leave donations of non-perishable food items next to their mailbox before the delivery of the mail on the day of the food drive. Letter carriers collect these food donations on that day as they deliver mail along their postal routes, and distribute them to local food banks, pantries, shelters and churches.

The Letter Carriers’ food drive is held annually on the second Saturday in May in 10,000 cities and towns in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam. It remains as important as ever, with many people facing economic struggles. Hunger affects tens of millions of people around the country, including millions of children, senior citizens and veterans.

Letter carriers see these struggles in the communities they serve, and believe that it is important to do what they can to help.

“This is a labor of love for letter carriers, and we are proud to see how it has grown in impact over the years,” NALC President Fredric Rolando said. “It’s an honor to be able to help people in need all across the country—and to do so in a way that brings out the best in so many Americans.”

The timing is important, with food banks, pantries and shelters running low on donations from the winter holidays and with summer approaching, when most school meal programs are suspended.

This year’s figure brings the total collected since NALC’s food drive began in 1993 to about 1.75 billion pounds.

Several national partners assisted NALC in the recent drive: the U.S. Postal Service, the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association, United Way Worldwide, the AFL-CIO, Valpak and Valassis. We are also very pleased to have had the participation of two new national partners this year: the Kellogg Co. and CVS Health.

This year’s effort included a public service announcement with actor and director Edward James Olmos.

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The 284,000-member National Association of Letter Carriers represents letter carriers across the country employed by the U.S. Postal Service, along with retired letter carriers. Founded by Civil War veterans in 1889, NALC is among the country’s oldest labor unions.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/353615/national_association_of_letter_carriers_logo.jpg

SOURCE National Association of Letter Carriers

(Español) La realidad virtual puede cambiar la vida de las personas con demencia

June 21, 2019

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(Español) No hablar de salud mental esta matando a los hombres

June 21, 2019

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Colin Jones Named Top 40 under 40 President-Elect 2020

June 21, 2019

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LOS ANGELES, June 21, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Wilshire Law Firm is thrilled to announce that Lead Trial Attorney and Partner Colin Jones, Esq. has been honored as the 2020 President-Elect of The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 under 40 civil plaintiff lawyers. Past Presidents of the organization include Wilshire Law Firm Founding President and Managing Attorney Bobby Saadian, Esq., who served in the role in 2017. Jones, a 5-time Super Lawyers Southern California Rising Star honoree, will begin his term on January 1^st, 2020.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead an amazing group of nationally-recognized attorneys as we develop new ideas, educate the public on the importance of court access, and protect the right to trial by jury,” said Jones.

A highly-sought after trial attorney and Wilshire Law Firm’s first partner, Jones has recovered more than $90,000,000 in exceptional verdicts and settlements on behalf of his clients, presenting their cases with a creativity and passion that wins. He frequently presents to other attorneys at continuing legal education events, lecturing on topics ranging from opening arguments to voir dire.

Composed of the top trial attorneys under 40 from each state or region, The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 under 40 members “demonstrate superior qualifications of leadership, reputation, influence, stature and public profile measured by objective and uniformly applied standards.” Invitations to join the Top 40 under 40 are extended to the most qualified attorneys from each state following a multi-phase objective process which includes peer nominations combined with third-party research.

Founded in 2007 by Bobby Saadian, Esq., Wilshire Law Firm is an award-winning personal injury, employment law, and class action law firm. To date, our team of over 100 legal professionals has recovered more than $380,000,000 for our deserving clients, providing exceptional service every step of the way.

To find out more about Wilshire Law Firm, visit: https://www.WilshireLawFirm.com.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/537344/Wilshire_Law_Firm_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Wilshire Law Firm

(Español) Disfrute un verano más seguro para su familia

June 21, 2019

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1973 and charged with protecting the American public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call the CPSC hotline at 1-800-638-2772, or visit http://www.saferproducts.gov. Further recall information is available at http://www.cpsc.gov.

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Kia Motors Ranked Highest Mass Market Brand For Fifth Consecutive Year In J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study

June 21, 2019

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Kia Motors ranked highest mass market brand for fifth consecutive year in J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study

IRVINE, California, June 19, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — For the fifth consecutive year, Kia was named the number one non-luxury automotive brand today by J.D. Power in the 2019 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), with a reported 70 problems per 100 vehicles, a two-point improvement over last year’s results. Kia’s continued success in IQS was led by having four models – Rio, Forte, Sportage and Soul — included among the top 10 vehicles in the industry, the most of any brand. In addition, Kia had segment-topping performances from Rio (Small Car), Forte (Compact Car), Sportage (Small SUV) and Sedona (Minivan).

“Being ranked at the top of J.D. Power’s U.S. Initial Quality Study among all mass market brands once is a tremendous honor, but capturing this leadership position for five consecutive years unequivocally affirms Kia’s commitment to quality and the ownership experience,” said Michael Cole, chief operating officer and EVP, Kia Motors America. “With four segment winners – and three additional models ranking among the top three in their respective segments – Kia’s ‘Give It Everything’ brand philosophy has clearly yielded a world-class model lineup.”

The annual report analyzed responses from 76,256 respondents with regards to 257 vehicle models across 26 segments. Vehicles were evaluated on driving experience, engine and transmission performance and a broad range of quality issues reported by vehicle owners.

About Kia Motors America

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America continues to top quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands and 50 Best Global Green Brands by Interbrand. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly assembled in West Point, Georgia.*

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

*The Telluride, Sorento and Optima (excluding Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/925672/Kia_Motors_ranked_highest.jpg

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/812837/Kia_Motors_America_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Kia Motors America

National Director Henry Childs and Assistant Secretary Tom Gilman Attend Detroit Opportunity Zone Summit

June 20, 2019

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WASHINGTON, June 20, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — This week, National Director of the Minority Business Development Agency, Henry Childs and Tom Gilman, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary of Administration for the U.S. Department of Commerce brought together local businesses and government leaders in Detroit, Michigan for the Detroit Opportunity Zone Summit.

Opportunity Zones were created under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to stimulate job creation by incentivizing long-term investments in low-income neighborhoods. These incentives offer capital gains tax relief to investors for new investment in designated Opportunity Zones. They are anticipated to spur $100 billion in private capital investment.

During the Summit, CEOs, investors, fund managers, and minority entrepreneurs joined Director Childs and Assistant Secretary Gilman in a VIP panel to discuss how to further invest in Opportunity Zones.

“It is essential that there is inclusive economic growth in our communities. Minority-owned businesses have a personal stake in the revitalization of Opportunity Zones, of which a vast majority are in minority communities,” said National Director Henry Childs. “MBDA wants to make sure minority business enterprises (MBEs) are developed. I can’t think of a better use of Opportunity Zone funds than to invest in MBEs.”

“In a region that is home to some of the country’s largest minority-operated businesses, it was exciting to see a distinguished group of leaders across industry and government come together to advance this important initiative,” said Assistant Secretary Gilman. “The panel discussion was a terrific example of how government and the private sector can work hand-in-hand on solutions that grow economic opportunity for cities like Detroit.”

The Opportunity Zone Summit brought together minority business enterprises, corporate and institutional investors, and local experts to facilitate connections and investment in both rural and urban Opportunity Zones. Key topics discussed at the VIP panel included how the government can better assist Detroit organizations participate in Opportunity Zones.

About the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
MBDA is the only Federal agency dedicated to the growth and global competitiveness of U.S. minority business enterprises through the mobilization and advancement of public and private sector programs, policy, and research. Our services better equip minority-owned firms to create jobs, build scale and capacity, increase revenues and expand regionally, nationally and internationally. In 2019, MBDA commemorates 50 years of economic empowerment through entrepreneurship and recommits to Winning the Future for all U.S. minority-owned businesses. For more information visit www.mbda.gov.

MBDA Media Contact Information:
Velicia D. Woods
[email protected]
www.MBDA.gov

SOURCE Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)