March of Dimes Urges States To Accurately Identify Babies Affected By Opioids

February 21, 2019

March of Dimes Foundation Logo (PRNewsfoto/March of Dimes Foundation)

ARLINGTON, Va., Feb. 21, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The United States has no national tracking system for babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), just a patchwork quilt of state systems that are not always accurately counting the number of babies born affected by opioids, March of Dimes says.

In 2017, March of Dimes and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) awarded grants to three states — Illinois, New Mexico, and Vermont — to obtain state-level, population-based estimates of babies born with NAS. A study that will be published Feb. 22 in CDC’s journal Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report found that the three states’ estimates of the number of babies born with NAS varied widely.

March of Dimes and the authors of the study note that these three states are building on existing methods from state birth defects surveillance programs to count babies affected by NAS. March of Dimes officials urged other states across the country to create or improve NAS tracking efforts.

“It’s very difficult to treat moms and newborns affected by opioid use, and to allocate the resources needed for them, without knowing the exact frequency of the problem in your state,” says Rahul Gupta, MD, MPH, MBA, Chief Medical & Health Officer for March of Dimes. “We urge all states to adapt birth defects surveillance programs to measure NAS incidence so that all moms and babies can get the health care they need, no matter which state they are born in.”

Dr. Gupta also noted that March of Dimes has made it a priority to help and support pregnant women and babies affected by opioid use and keep them safe. This includes policy initiatives aimed at providing care for mother and baby, such as access to comprehensive services; priority access to drug treatment programs and flexible treatment; immunity during prenatal visits; and more provider education.

NAS is a drug withdrawal syndrome that can occur in newborns exposed to opioids and other addictive substances during pregnancy. Recent U.S. estimates indicate that, from 2004–2014, NAS incidence increased from 1.5 to 8.0 per 1,000 hospital births. The authors of Feb. 22’s paper note that these estimates were based on diagnostic codes identified in hospital discharge data (HDD), and little is known about how well these codes identify NAS.

The MMWR study utilized methodology developed in state birth defects surveillance programs and verified potential cases using a consistent definition and medical chart review. The study found that Illinois’s NAS incidence rates (3.0 per 1,000 births in 2015 and 2016) were higher than previous estimates determined using passive surveillance methods. NAS incidence rates for New Mexico and Vermont were 7.5, and 30.8 per 1,000 births, respectively, in 2015 — slightly lower than previously reported HDD-based estimates for these states (8.5 and 33.3 per 1,000 births).

“Leveraging Existing Birth Defects Surveillance Infrastructure to Build Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Surveillance Systems — Illinois, New Mexico, and Vermont, 2015–2016,” by Jennifer N. Lind, PharmD and team including Caroline C. Alter, MS, formerly of March of Dimes, appears in Feb. 22’s issue of MMWR.

March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every baby can have the best possible start. Building on a successful 80-year legacy of impact and innovation, we empower every mom and every family. Visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org for more information. Visit shareyourstory.org for comfort and support. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

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SOURCE March of Dimes

Errol Spence Jr. and Mikey Garcia Square Off in Welterweight World Championship Broadcast Live in Movie Theaters Nationwide on Saturday, March 16

February 21, 2019

Fathom Events, FOX Sports, and Premier Boxing Champions Present ‘Spence vs. Garcia’ Live from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas

DENVER, Feb. 21, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — On March 16, IBF Welterweight Champion Errol Spence Jr. will defend his title against unbeaten four-division world champion Mikey Garcia. For the highly-anticipated bout, broadcast live from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX, Garcia will move up to try and capture a title in a fifth-weight class against Spence. “Spence Jr. vs. Garcia,” and its co-featured fights, will be shown on big screens across the nation.

Tickets for “Spence Jr. vs. Garcia” can be purchased online at www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices now.

The live broadcast of “Spence Jr. vs. Garcia” presented by Fathom Events, FOX Sports, and Premier Boxing Champions, is set for Saturday, March 16 beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 8:00 p.m. CT / 7:00 p.m. MT / 6:00 p.m. PT / 5:00 p.m. AK / 4:00 p.m. HI. Boxing fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in more than 300 select movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network (DBN). A complete list of theater locations is available on the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

Spence (24-0, 21 KOs) is no stranger to big stadium events, as he won the IBF title by traveling to England to take on then-champion Kell on May 27, 2017. In front of a raucous crowd of over 27,000 loyal Brook supporters, the 28-year-old Spence stopped Brook in round 11 to wrest away the title.

This will be Spence’s third defense of the title. After beating Brook, he successfully defended it with an eighth-round stoppage of two-division champion Lamont Peterson and then knocked out mandatory challenger Carlos Ocampo in the first round in his last fight at The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Tex., near his hometown of Desoto, Tex. on June 16. Spence turned pro shortly after representing the U.S. at the 2012 London Olympics with much promise and rose to the championship ranks with wins over former champion Chris Algieri and veteran contenders Leonard Bundu, Alejandro Barrera and Chris van Heerden.

Garcia (39-0, 30 KOs) is striving to put together a legendary career and is aggressively pursuing that goal. He has won world championships at featherweight, junior lightweight, lightweight and junior welterweight. He now eyes a welterweight title against the consensus class of the division in Spence. Fighting out of Moreno Valley, Calif., Garcia unified the IBF and WBC Lightweight World Championships in his last bout by scoring unanimous decision victory over Robert Easter, Jr. on July 28.

The 31-year-old first reached the championship ranks by blitzing through the featherweight and junior lightweight division, defeating Orlando Salido, Juan Manuel Lopez, Roman Martinez, and Juan Carlos Burgos to establish himself as a star in the sport. Garcia has been on a fast track since ending a nearly 2.5-year hiatus with a knockout victory over Elios Rojas in 2016. After the victory over Rojas, Garcia scored a KO victory over Dejan Zlaticanin for the WBC lightweight championship in January 2017, before defeating four-division champion Adrien Broner in July, and then captured a title at 140 lbs. by dropping down and defeating Sergey Lipinets last March.

“Boxing fans won’t want to miss this chance to find out who is the best pound-for-pound fighter when ‘Spence Jr. vs. Garcia’ comes to local cinemas across the country,” Fathom Events CEO Ray Nutt said. “As a tradition for fight fans, there’s nothing better than watching bouts live on the big screen from AT&T Stadium.”

About Fathom Events
Fathom Events is the leading event cinema distributor with theater locations in all top 100 DMAs® (Designated Market Areas) and ranks as one of the largest overall theater content distributors. Owned by AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC); Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK); and Regal, a subsidiary of the Cineworld Group (LSE: CINE.L), Fathom Events offers a variety of unique entertainment events in movie theaters such as live performances of the Metropolitan Opera, top Broadway stage productions, major sporting events, epic concerts, the yearlong TCM Big Screen Classics series, inspirational events and popular anime franchises. Fathom Events takes audiences behind the scenes for unique extras including audience Q&As, backstage footage and interviews with cast and crew, creating the ultimate VIP experience. Fathom Events’ live Digital Broadcast Network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live and pre-recorded events to 975 locations and 1,578 screens in 181 DMAs. The company also provides corporations a compelling national footprint for hosting employee meetings, customer rewards events and new product launches. For more information, visit www.FathomEvents.com.

About FOX Sports
FOX Sports is the umbrella entity representing 21st Century Fox’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets. Built with brands capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, FOX Sports includes ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing relationships. FOX Sports includes the sports television arm of the FOX Broadcasting Company; FS1, FS2; FOX Sports Regional Networks, their affiliated regional web sites and national programming; FOX Soccer Plus; FOX Deportes and FOX College Sports. FOX Sports also encompasses FOX Sports Digital, which includes FOXSports.com, FOX Sports App and FOX Sports GO. Also included in the Group are FOX’s interests in joint-venture businesses Big Ten Network and BTN 2Go, as well as a licensing agreement that establish the FOX Sports Radio Network.

About Premier Boxing Champions
The Premier Boxing Champions series was created and is produced by Haymon Sports, LLC. It features the most accomplished and decorated array of international professional boxing talent across the most popular weight divisions.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/825163/Spence_Jr_vs_Garcia.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/626689/Fathom_Events_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Fathom Events

PDSI opens 6th office location in San Juan, Puerto Rico

February 21, 2019

ATLANTA, Feb. 21, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — PDSI, a premier third-party development company for the hotel industry, is pleased to announce the opening of their 6^th office location in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Adding to their existing five national locations, PDSI has strategically positioned itself to address client needs as growth of the hospitality industry continues to accelerate. The San Juan office complements PDSI’s existing 5 locations in Seattle, Phoenix, Orlando, Baltimore, and Atlanta. PDSI’s presence in San Juan strengthens its reach in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, offering its clients unparalleled support.

PDSI and its staff have been managing projects in the Caribbean for more than 30 years and have completed over $5 billion in asset management and placement. Among other projects in the Caribbean, PDSI is managing the hurricane recovery renovation of the El San Juan Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, the renovations of the InterContinental San Juan, and the Caribe Hilton. PDSI has an experienced and talented Puerto Rico based team leading these efforts.

“PDSI has a long history of working in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, and we are thrilled to reinforce our commitment to this area with a permanent physical presence,” says Ralph C. Engelberger, President of PDSI. “Our team takes great pride in this newest addition to our portfolio and our continuing relationship with clients managing asset placement in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.”

About PDSI

PDSI is a privately-held, client-focused hotel project management firm that assists its clients in the development and renovation of hospitality projects worldwide. Since our September 2001 inception, PDSI has managed all types and scales of projects: limited service to luxury, minor renovations to large scale, ground-up developments. Our team of dedicated professionals have been entrusted with managing over $4 Billion of hospitality projects, for a wide range of clients including hotel companies, REITs, financial institutions, private equity funds, management companies, and individual owners. Our work has encompassed most hotel brand owners as Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Starwood, and InterContinental.

Contact:
Julie Robbins
[email protected]

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/824667/PDSI_Logo.jpg

SOURCE PDSI

Purchasers of Aveeno® Baby Calming Comfort Bath or Aveeno® Baby Wash and Shampoo May Be Entitled to Participate in a Class Action Settlement

February 21, 2019

SEATTLE, Feb. 21, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — JND Legal Administration

A settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit entitled Langan v. Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc., No. 13-cv-01471 (JAM). The lawsuit alleges that Aveeno® Baby Wash and Shampoo and Aveeno® Baby Calming Comfort Bath (collectively, the “Products”) labels were false or misleading before they were changed (in November of 2012 for the Wash and Shampoo Product, and in November of 2013 for the Calming Comfort Bath Product), by claiming that the Products were a “Natural Oat Formula.” Defendant Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. (“J&JCC” or “Defendant”) denies all the plaintiff’s allegations.

You are a member of the Settlement Class if you purchased at least one of the Products primarily for personal, family or household purposes in Alaska, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, The District Of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington or Wisconsin during the Class Period anytime between 2003-2013, depending upon the product, the purchase state, and the purchase date.

J&JCC will create a fund of $2.4 million to pay Class Members’ claims, attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses and certain administrative costs.

Class Members may file a claim to receive a cash payment, opt-out, object, or do nothing. Claim Forms are available at www.aveenowashsettlement.com or by calling 1-833-291-1650. Mailed Claim Forms must be postmarked and Online Claims Forms submitted no later than June 17, 2019.

If you wish to opt-out of the settlement, you must send a letter that includes your email and mailing address, and a statement that you desire to be excluded from the Settlement Class. The letter must be personally signed and mailed to: Aveeno Wash Settlement, c/o JND Legal Administration, PO Box 91248, Seattle WA 98111, and postmarked no later than June 17, 2019. If you opt-out, you will receive no money and you cannot object to the settlement, but you may sue (or continue to sue) J&JCC about the legal claims in this case.

If you are a Class Member, you can object to the settlement if you do not like any part of it. You must file an objection in writing with the Court. For more details and information on how to file an objection, call 1-833-291-1650, or visit the settlement website at www.aveenowashsettlement.com. Your objection must be filed no later than June 17, 2019.

The Judge will hold a Final Approval Hearing on July 1, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. (Eastern) in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut, Richard C. Lee United States Courthouse 141 Church Street, New Haven, CT, 06510 to consider whether the settlement is fair, reasonable and adequate, and to consider any objections.

For more information call 1-833-291-1650, visit www.aveenowashsettlement.com, or write to the Settlement Administrator at: Aveeno Wash Settlement, c/o JND Legal Administration, PO Box 91248, Seattle WA 98111.

SOURCE JND Legal Administration

Honda CR-V Earns Top Pedestrian Detection and Crash Prevention Ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

February 21, 2019

Honda CR-V Pedestrian Detection and Crash Prevention Testing by IIHS. Photo courtesy of IIHS.

TORRANCE, California, Feb. 21, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Honda CR-V for the 2018 and 2019 model years has earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest pedestrian detection and crash prevention rating of “Superior” based on new testing of CR-V’s available Honda Sensing^® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, which includes the award-winning Collision Mitigation Braking SystemTM (CMBSTM). In previous tests by the IIHS, the CR-V’s CMBS was also rated “Superior” for Crash Avoidance and Mitigation.

“IIHS’ pedestrian crash avoidance tests can be unnerving to watch, since they are set up to look like an impending collision with a pedestrian. The tests highlight the need to consider the safety of all road users when designing advanced safety systems like those included in Honda Sensing^®,” said Jay Joseph, assistant vice president of product planning for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “We have sold nearly 1.8 million Honda vehicles equipped with Honda Sensing in the United States, underscoring our leadership and commitment to the widespread application of these important technologies.”

Beyond crash avoidance, the 2019 CR-V was engineered for top collision safety ratings, earning a “TOP SAFETY PICK” rating from the IIHS, when equipped with LED headlights and Honda Sensing^®, and is expected to earn a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in its New Car Assessment Program (NCAP)¹.

The Honda Sensing^® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies is standard equipment on EX and above trims of CR-V, accounting for 81% of U.S. CR-V sales in 2018. Honda Sensing^® helps provide the driver with greater awareness of conditions around the vehicle, and in some cases can help drivers maintain lane position and, under certain conditions, is capable of slowing or even stopping the vehicle if a potential frontal collision has been detected. Comprising the Honda Sensing^® suite of safety and driver assistive technologies in the 2019 CR-V are Collision Mitigation Braking SystemTM (CMBSTM) with Forward Collision Warning; Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) incorporating Lane Departure Warning; Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS); and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

The CR-V has been America’s best-selling crossover over the course of two decades, since its launch in 1997, with cumulative sales of 4.7 million units. The CR-V was the very first Honda model to feature Honda Sensing^® technology, in 2014. Since then, Honda Sensing^® has been expanded to all U.S. Honda models. For model year 2019, more than 80 percent of Honda vehicles purchased in America are equipped with Honda Sensing^® technology.

About Honda
Honda offers a full line of reliable, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive vehicles with advanced safety technologies sold through more than 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. The Honda lineup includes the Fit, Civic, Insight, Accord and Clarity series passenger cars, along with the HR-V, CR-V, Passport and Pilot sport/utility vehicles, the Ridgeline pickup and the Odyssey minivan. Honda has been producing automobiles in America for more than 35 years and currently operates 19 major manufacturing facilities in North America. In 2018, about 65 percent of all Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. were made in America, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

About Honda Safety Leadership
Honda has a long history of leadership in the development and application of advanced technologies designed to enhance the safety of all road users, including automobile occupants, motorcycle riders and pedestrians. The company operates two of the world’s most sophisticated crash test facilities, in Ohio and Japan, and is responsible for numerous pioneering efforts in the areas of crashworthiness, airbag technology, collision compatibility and pedestrian safety.

¹ Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov)

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Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/451598/Honda_Logo.jpg

SOURCE American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Mark Ledher’s new book, “Federico La Tragedia del Bullying”, is a real and demonstrative story of what bullying in this world means

February 21, 2019

BALTIMORE, Feb. 21, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Recent Release “Federico La Tragedia del Bullying”, written by Publishing Page author, Mark Ledher, is a story that shows the true face of school bullying, reflecting its harsh reality and its disastrous consequences.

Mark Ledher brings his new book with a theme that reflects the current reality in the lives of young people, a raw but moving story that seeks to leave a lesson about the ugly world of bullying.

Mark writes, “Federico is a wealthy, innocent and shy 15-year-old boy who does not know the love of his parents because they are more concerned with material things than giving love to their children and what they do not know is that Federico is a victim of harassment of his classmates from his school. Especially Fabrizzio, better known as Lucifer, who has a dark past that torments him by pouring out all his hatred on Federico and making his life impossible, without mercy, without caring about the consequences. At some point Federico makes a new friend, Lucas, who becomes his protector and defends him from everyone who wants to bully him and from all the evils of Fabrizio, but he will do everything possible to get Lucas and Federico out of the way. Federico’s life will become even more of an inferno from which he will not be able to leave easily and he will have to make a drastic decision, in order to end this pain that he lives day by day.”

Published by Page Publishing, Mark Ledher’s book, “Federico La Tragedia del Bullying”, is a story full of lessons that open the eyes of the reader to the range of feelings that can be reflected in a situation like school bullying; feelings that range from self-contempt to courage and the fear of dying.

Readers who wish to live a moving and very real experience can purchase “Federico La Tragedia del Bullying”, in any book store, or online from Apple iTunes, Amazon, Google Play or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or any questions, please contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:
Page Publishing is a traditional New York based full-service publishing house that handles all of the intricacies involved in publishing its authors’ books, including distribution in the world’s largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create – not bogged down with complicated business issues like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes and the like. Its roster of authors can leave behind these tedious, complex and time-consuming issues, and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at www.pagepublishing.com.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/824519/Mark_Ledher.jpg

SOURCE Page Publishing

Princess Cruises Launches First Advertising Campaign for Asia and Emerging International Markets

February 20, 2019

Princess Cruises Logo (PRNewsFoto/Princess Cruises)

SANTA CLARITA, California, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Princess Cruises today launched its first advertising campaign written and produced specifically for its international markets, titled “Princessa.” It showcases the most popular worldwide cruise destinations offered by Princess Cruises through a beautiful storytelling moment of a multi-generational family onboard.

Campaign elements include a 2 1/2 minute short film, 30-second TV and OTV spots, and a dynamically-translated microsite where site visitors can participate in a short quiz to learn their travel personality and view itineraries for recommended travel destinations.

This year is a perfect time for international guests and first-time cruisers to cruise to Alaska with Princess Cruises. The leading cruise line in Alaska is celebrating 50 years of sailing to the Great Land by introducing new entertainment, shore excursions and culinary offerings to mark this significant milestone.

“We’re proud to have homeported in Asia since 2013, growing to be the number one cruise line in markets like Japan, Taiwan, and China,” said Ryan Barton, Princess Cruises International Marketing Director. “‘Princessa’ marks the first campaign created uniquely for our international and emerging markets, highlighting our global fly-and-cruise destinations. Princess Cruises is a global destination leader, and through this touching multi-generational story, we see destinations come to life through the eyes of a little girl.”

Through a heartwarming narrative, the “Princessa” film centers on a storytelling moment between a family’s granddaughter and grandfather as they journey from Australia, to Europe, to Alaska and ultimately fall in love with the world onboard a Princess Cruises cruise ship. Widely considered one of the best vacation options for multigenerational families, Princess Cruises is celebrating its fourth year of an exclusive partnership with Discovery™, offering immersive Discovery at SEA experiences.

Filmmaker James Seale shot and directed the commercial, which was written and produced at Princess Cruises. Jordan Critz — an American award-winning composer and songwriter — wrote the film’s original score. The campaign’s print images were shot by French photographer Nico Therin.

The “Princessa” film can be viewed at www.ExploreTheWorldWithPrincessCruises.com.

General information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS or by visiting the company’s website at http://www.princess.com/.

About Princess Cruises
One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is the fastest growing international premium cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of 17 modern cruise ships, carrying two million guests each year to 380 destinations around the globe, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica and World Cruises. A team of professional destination experts have curated 170 itineraries, ranging in length from three to 111 days and Princess Cruises is continuously recognized as “Best Cruise Line for Itineraries.”

In 2017 Princess Cruises, with parent company Carnival Corporation, introduced MedallionClass Vacations enabled by the OceanMedallion, the vacation industry’s most advanced wearable device, provided free to each guest sailing on a MedallionClass ship. The award-winning innovation offers the fastest way to a hassle-free, personalized vacation giving guests more time to do the things they love most. MedallionClass Vacations will be activated on five ships by the end of 2019. An activation plan will continue across the global fleet in 2020 and beyond.

Princess Cruises continues its multi-year, “Come Back New Promise” – a $450 million-dollar product innovation and cruise ship renovation campaign that will continue to enhance the line’s onboard guest experience. These enhancements result in more moments of awe, lifetime memories and meaningful stories for guests to share from their cruise vacation. The product innovations include partnerships with award-winning Chef Curtis Stone; engaging entertainment inspired shows with Broadway-legend Stephen Schwartz; immersive activities for the whole family from Discovery and Animal Planet that include exclusive shore excursions to onboard activities; the ultimate sleep at sea with the award-winning Princess Luxury Bed and more.

Three new Royal-class ships are currently on order with the next new ship under construction, Sky Princess, scheduled for delivery in October 2019, followed by Enchanted Princess in June 2020. Princess previously announced that two new (LNG) ships which will be the largest ships in the Princess fleet, accommodating approximately 4,300 guests are planned for delivery in 2023 and 2025. Princess now has five ships arriving over the next six years between 2019 and 2025. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK).

Newsroom:
Additional media information is available at princess.com/news.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/347893/princess_cruises_logo.jpg

SOURCE Princess Cruises

Cal/OSHA Cites Contractors for Serious Safety Violations in San Francisco Twin Peaks Tunnel Fatality

February 20, 2019

State of California Department of Industrial Relations

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Cal/OSHA has cited a joint venture formed between two contractors $65,300 for multiple serious safety violations after a worker was fatally struck by a steel beam last August while working on a light rail tunnel project in San Francisco.

“Hazards in tunnel construction work can include cave-ins, falling objects and breathable airborne contaminants,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Juliann Sum. “Employers must identify and evaluate the particular hazards in their workplace and train employees on safe work practices to avoid injury, illness or even death.”

Shimmick Construction Co., Inc. of Oakland and Con-Quest Contractors Inc. of San Francisco formed a joint venture to work on the Twin Peaks Tunnel Rehabilitation & Rail Replacement project, which included refurbishing infrastructure, replacing rails and upgrading signal systems and other parts of the over 100-year-old tunnel.

On August 10, 2018, employees were using heavy equipment and tools to work in and around the tunnel. One worker was operating a rail crane to push two flat railcars loaded with equipment into the tunnel. The crane’s boom was in an upward vertical position when it struck an overhead steel beam. The beam was dislodged from its support brackets and fell approximately 13 feet, fatally crushing an employee walking nearby.

Cal/OSHA investigators learned the two employers did not identify the potential hazards presented by pushing two loaded flat railcars into the tunnel and did not control the crane’s travel to avoid collisions. Investigators discovered the crane operators had not been trained to safely operate the equipment, and workers had not been trained on safe procedures when the crane was being operated near them.

Cal/OSHA cited the joint venture $65,300 in proposed penalties for two serious and two serious accident-related violations. The serious accident-related violations were cited for the employer’s failure to implement an effective injury and illness prevention plan and failure to control the crane while it was moving. The serious citations were issued for violations related to the employer’s failure to safely transport workers while in the tunnel.

A violation is classified as serious when there is a realistic possibility that death or serious harm could result from the actual hazard created by the violation. Violations are classified as accident-related when the injury, illness or fatality is caused by the violation.

Cal/OSHA’s Mining and Tunneling Unit investigates complaints of hazards and reports of accidents in mines and tunnels, and issues citations when violations are found. It also conducts pre-job safety conferences, issues permits prior to any initial underground mining or tunneling operation, performs periodic inspections of tunnels, mines and quarries, and offers safety training.

Cal/OSHA helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch provides free and voluntary assistance to employers to improve their health and safety programs. Employers should call (800) 963-9424 for assistance from Cal/OSHA Consultation Services.

Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR’s Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734). The California Workers’ Information line at 866-924-9757 provides recorded information in English and Spanish on a variety of work-related topics. Complaints can also be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices.

Members of the press may contact Peter Melton or Lucas Brown at (510) 286-1161, and are encouraged to subscribe to get email alerts on DIR’s press releases or other departmental updates.

https://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaDIR
https://twitter.com/CA_DIR
http://www.youtube.com/CaliforniaDIR
http://www.dir.ca.gov/email/listsub.asp?choice=1

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.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/818968/DIR_Logo.jpg

SOURCE California Department of Industrial Relations; Cal/OSHA

Bill Young, Jr. Joins Fintech’s Board of Directors

February 20, 2019

TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Financial Information Technologies, LLC (“Fintech”), the leading business solutions provider for the beverage alcohol industry, announced today that Bill Young, Jr. has joined the company’s Board of Directors. As a member of Fintech’s board, Mr. Young will contribute his extensive experience as an industry leader to work alongside the company’s corporate leadership team, further developing Fintech’s mission and impact.

As a partner of the family-owned alcohol beverage distributor General Wholesale Company (est. 1942), Mr. Young will leverage his industry-specific skills and experience to further develop Fintech’s mission of communication, guidance, and client growth for the alcohol industry. Mr. Young’s vast knowledge is illustrated by his standing as a member of the Board of Directors for the Wine and Spirit Wholesalers of America, as well as by his past tenure as President and member of the Board for the Wine and Spirit Wholesalers of Georgia.

“We are pleased to welcome Bill as an independent director to the Fintech board,” said Tad Phelps, President of Fintech. “He joins Fintech at an exciting time as we continue to expand our presence and product offerings across the alcohol industry. The addition of Bill complements the skills and experiences of our Board of Directors, while adding valuable insights from the distributor’s viewpoint. We believe his lifelong experience at General Wholesale will be extremely valuable as we shape our company to further service alcohol distributors.”

“It is a tremendous honor to join Fintech’s Board of Directors,” said Mr. Young. “Fintech’s commitment to excellence in both its business practices and client experience is a mission of which I am proud to be a part. I look forward to being an active member of the Board as Fintech seeks to scale the business in a strategic and efficient manner.”

Mr. Young earned a B.B.A. in Management from the Terry College of Business at The University of Georgia, and his professional accomplishments earned him the prestigious Terry College Distinguished Alumni Award. His robust contributions to his alma mater include having served as a Chairman of the Building Campaign for the New Terry College of Business at The University of Georgia, and as an emeritus member of the Terry Dean’s Advisory Council. Mr. Young currently serves as a member of the University of Georgia Athletic Board, and is an emeritus trustee and past chairman of the University of Georgia Foundation.

Mr. Young and his wife, Margaret Chambers, have two sons: Bill (26) and Brandon (24). Fintech is proud to welcome him to the company and are confident that with his demonstrated commitment, strategic prowess, and long-standing expertise he will be a valuable addition to the Board.

About Fintech

Fintech, the leading solutions provider for beverage alcohol management, and regulatory information resource, offers a OneSource® solution with a suite of profit-building products and services for alcohol distributors and retailers.

With decades of industry experience offering unwavering dependability and trust, Fintech empowers users with information to increase margins and maximize operating efficiencies within their beverage alcohol category. By anticipating client needs, nurturing relationships, and growing partnerships within the industry, Fintech continues to deliver cutting-edge, strategic solutions that range from purchase order management, reconciliation, and data reporting, to pricing and promotion communication, payment compliance adherence, and regulatory resource connectivity.

Working with thousands of alcohol distributors nationwide, Fintech links distributors to alcohol retailers, and manages data transformation for over half a million relationships, adding thousands of connections every month. For more information on how Fintech can better your business, visit our website and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Contact: Anne Marie Pollitt, 800.572.0854 x 3907, a [email protected]

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/562037/Fintech_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Fintech

Hispanic Public Relations Association Announces National Board Leadership

February 20, 2019

Andy Checo Named President of The Nation’s Only Non-profit Organization for Hispanic Public Relations & Marketing Professionals

NEW YORK, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA) voted to elect Andy Checo of Havas FORMULATIN, president of the HPRA Executive Board. Checo, who has been part of the organization for almost a decade and has served as president of the organization’s New York chapter as well as president of the Executive board in 2015, will serve in the role through the end of 2020. Sonia V. Diaz of Miami-based Balsera Communications will serve as president-elect for 2021.

“As the only non-profit association dedicated to Hispanic marketing & communications professionals, it is important for HPRA to be a leader in the continued growth and development of our industry,” said Checo. “I am honored to be a part of the new leadership team. Together we will work to create opportunities via strategic partnerships with industry partners to address important issues including diversity & inclusion, professional development and opportunities that foster future leaders and bring value to current and future HPRA members.”

In addition to Checo and Diaz, the HPRA 2019 Executive Board includes:

Treasurer: Lourdes Rodriguez, Saban Community Clinic
Secretary: Jennifer Morales, Entercom Communications
Social Media: Mario Flores, Sportivo
Membership: Mayra Ramos-Miro, Red Heels PR
Programming: Daisy Cabrera, PR & Social Media Consultant; Esther-Mireya Tejeda, Entercom Communications
Strategic Partnerships: Sabrina Macias, DraftKings
Directors at large: Rosemary Ravinal, Univision Communications, Brenda Mendoza, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, Maria Amor, Havas FORMULATIN, Stephen Chavez, Chavez PR, Maggie Hernandez, Cision/PR Newswire
Past Presidents – at large: Veronica Salcedo, NBC Universal, Yvonne Lorie, ReFresh PR

HPRA’s professional development and leadership opportunities, including presence at key industry conferences, are also supported by the organization’s local chapters, which offer in-market professional development initiatives and exclusive networking activities with top journalists and industry thought leaders.

Local HPRA Chapter Presidents are: Los Angeles – Stephen Chavez, Chavez PR, Miami – Maggie Hernandez, Cision/PR Newswire, New York – Erika Sanchez, Braid Communications and The Carolinas – Natalia Flores, APR, AC&M Group.

Additionally, HPRA’s Annual ¡BRAVO! Awards recognize the most innovative, creative, and cultural campaigns across several categories including technology, food & beverage, healthcare & nutrition, sports, automotive, digital, non-profit and integrated marketing and highlights pioneers across the industry and agency landscape. For the fifth consecutive year, ¡BRAVO! will be held in New York City in October.

For more information on HPRA, local chapters, ¡BRAVO! Awards and/or the organization’s scholarship program, please visit www.hpra-usa.org.

About the Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA)
Founded in 1984, the Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA) is the foremost organization of Hispanic public relations practitioners in the U.S. HPRA is a resource for communications professionals and for individuals seeking Hispanic market expertise. It is dedicated to the recognition and advancement of Hispanics in public relations through year-round programs, professional development seminars and networking. HPRA hosts one of the most anticipated annual events and industry awards: the HPRA Bravo Awards, recognizing the most outstanding campaigns in the marketplace. The national organization aims to meet the professional needs of the growing number of Hispanic PR practitioners, independents and agencies throughout the U.S. HPRA National, its Chapters and those Chapters in formation are paving the way for the next phase of growth and evolution in the PR industry, especially in the Hispanic market space. For more information please visit www.hpra-usa.org.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/824215/Andy_Checo.jpg

SOURCE Hispanic Public Relations Association

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