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

HITN Relaunches “VidaySalud.com” With A Wealth Of Medical Videos And Articles

February 20, 2019

HITN RELAUNCHES THE WEBSITE “VIDAYSALUD.COM”

BROOKLYN, N.Y., Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — HITN, the leading Spanish-language network that offers educational and entertainment content to families in more than 44 million households across the United States, announced the relaunch of its Spanish-language health website www.VidaySalud.com. The online resource, which currently has more than 8 million visitors a year and sends out more than 2 million newsletters a month, has been redesigned to incorporate more digital content in dynamic and entertaining ways. The new site now features more than 1,000 videos and 5,000 articles about health, wellbeing and medical topics.

“Since HITN took control of www.VidaySalud.com last year, we have worked hard to completely redesign the site to make it easier to navigate, add new functions and services, and significantly increase its video offering,” explained Maximiliano Vaccaro, HITN’s Director of Digital Services. “Nowadays most Internet traffic occurs on mobile devices, and in recognition of that fact we have taken care to offer the best possible experience on smaller screens.”

To improve search capabilities and visuals on mobile devices, the redesigned site implements a new and advanced video platform. It also features new sections and hundreds of larger-format images, as well as live interviews and a directory of health services in the United States and Latin America. In addition, one whole section is designed to complement HITN’s weekly television show, Vida y Salud.

The editorial director of www.VidaySalud.com is health expert Aliza A. Lifshitz, who also hosts the successful Vida y Salud television block that airs weekly on HITN. “Doctora Aliza” is a consultant for HealthDay en Español, a health news service that appears on more than a dozen websites, including a number of US government sites.

“I am excited to join HITN in supporting the evolution and modernization of the Vida y Salud website. I have dedicated many years to this resource, and seeing it grow and become an online tool for reliable and practical health information at the service of Spanish-speaking families gives me great personal and professional satisfaction,” Doctora Aliza commented.

Coming soon to www.VidaySalud.com are more than 1,000 original videos about health topics and even more new functions, such as a support service and live chats. The site will also add a section on prenatal and newborn care.

HITN-TV is a leading Spanish-language media company that offers educational and cultural programming for the whole family. It reaches more than 44 million viewers in the US and Puerto Rico via DIRECTV, DIRECTV NOW, DISH Network, AT&T U-verse TV, Verizon FiOS TV, Comcast, Charter Spectrum, Mediacom, CenturyLink Prism and Altice. For more information, please visit www.hitn.org.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/824540/VIDA_Y_SALUD_com_Logo.jpg

SOURCE HITN

(Español) Isabel, Reina de España, la apasioanante serie de la lucha de una mujer por llegar a ser reina, llega a America TeVé este viernes, 22 de febrero a las 10:30 PM

February 20, 2019

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

BUCHANAN’S Blended Scotch Whisky Releases Limited Edition Design by Global Latin Artist J Balvin

February 20, 2019

BUCHANAN’S DeLuxe Blended Scotch Whisky x J Balvin Limited Edition Design

NEW YORK, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — BUCHANAN’S Blended Scotch Whisky is proud to announce the release of BUCHANAN’S DeLuxe Blended Scotch Whisky x J Balvin Limited Edition Design. The custom design of the award-winning 12-year-old blend was created by global Latin music artist J Balvin, who has partnered with the brand for its Es Nuestro Momento campaign since 2016. The exclusive release marks the brand’s first-ever product collaboration and represents its commitment to celebrating the greatness of the Latin community.

Much like the brand’s founder James Buchanan, a Scotch Whisky pioneer and one of the most celebrated businessmen of his era, J Balvin has pursued his dreams and pushed boundaries in music, making significant contributions to mass culture while staying true to his roots. Through the J Balvin limited edition design, the brand toasts the impact of Latin culture on art, music, fashion and beyond, and all those leaving their mark on the world.

“When we began our partnership with J Balvin in 2016 to launch our Es Nuestro Momento campaign, we aimed to empower a new generation of Latinos with the belief that their cultural pride is key to unlocking true greatness, ” commented Tara King, BUCHANAN’S Blended Scotch Whisky Senior Brand Manager at Diageo North America. “We hope the BUCHANAN’S DeLuxe Blended Scotch Whisky x J Balvin Limited Edition Design is a source of pride and inspiration to this unstoppable community doing incredible things.”

During the multi-year partnership, the brand and J Balvin have worked to bring the Es Nuestro Momento spirit to life. Together, they have celebrated rising music talent, giving producers and creators a chance to feature J Balvin on a track. BUCHANAN’s Blended Scotch Whisky has also sponsored Balvin’s last two U.S. tours, encouraging fans of legal drinking age to “leave their mark” at the brand’s Casa Buchanan’s tour experience. Most recently, they have spotlighted artistic talent with a national pack design contest.

“I am so proud to have had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a special pack design with BUCHANAN’S Blended Scotch Whisky – a brand that has supported my career and the Latin community for years, and an iconic whisky enjoyed by so many,” said J Balvin. “I drew inspiration from the colors and vibrancy of Latin culture for the design, and I hope it makes people proud of everything we continue to accomplish and contribute.”

BUCHANAN’S DeLuxe Blended Scotch Whisky can be enjoyed responsibly in J Balvin’s signature ‘La Familia’ cocktail, with guava juice, lemon juice, simple syrup and topped off with soda. The BUCHANAN’S DeLuxe Blended Scotch Whisky x J Balvin Limited Edition Design will be available until supplies last in CA, TX, FL, NJ, NY, IL, AZ and CO wherever fine spirits are sold with a suggested retail price of $31 (750 ml/bottle, 40% ABV).

For additional information on BUCHANAN’S Blended Scotch Whisky, please visit www.BuchanansWhisky.com. Stay up to date with the brand by following @BuchanansUS on Facebook, @BuchanansWhisky on Instagram and @BuchanansUSA on Twitter.

CONTACTS:

DIAGEO North America
Daniel Mazier
[email protected]
646-223-2108

Hunter Public Relations
[email protected]
212-679-6600

About BUCHANAN’S Blended Scotch Whisky
BUCHANAN’S Blended Scotch Whisky is the ultimate choice for those who are working hard to follow their dreams and who enjoy sharing their success with others. BUCHANAN’S Blended Scotch Whisky is a proud champion of Hispanic culture and believes Es Nuestro Momento to celebrate the new generation of leaders and their contributions to American culture. The BUCHANAN’S Blended Scotch Whisky brand has more than 130 years of authentic heritage, and every bottle represents James Buchanan’s commitment to creating the finest blended Scotch Whiskies. The BUCHANAN’S Blended Scotch Whisky Portfolio features five award-winning marques, including: BUCHANAN’S DeLuxe Blended Scotch Whisky, BUCHANAN’S MASTER Blended Scotch Whisky,, BUCHANAN’S Select Blended Scotch Whisky, BUCHANAN’S Special Reserve Blended Scotch Whisky, and BUCHANAN’S RED SEAL Blended Scotch Whisky,. All of these marques have been recognized in the most prestigious international spirits competitions. For more information, visit www.BuchanansWhisky.com or connect with us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BuchanansUS, Instagram: www.instagram.com/BuchanansWhisky, and Twitter: www.twitter.com/BuchanansUSA.

About Diageo
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan’s whiskies; Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas; Captain Morgan; Baileys; Don Julio; Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

J Balvin with his BUCHANAN’S DeLuxe Blended Scotch Whisky Limited Edition Design Courtesy of Orli Arias

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/824488/BUCHANAN_DeLuxe_Blended_Scotch_Whisky.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/824489/BUCHANAN_J_Balvin.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/824500/BUCHANAN___limited_design_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Diageo North America

True Heroic Rescues And Impactful Stories In New Drama-Packed Series HÉROES EN UNIFORME

February 20, 2019

TRUE HEROIC RESCUES AND IMPACTFUL STORIES IN DISCOVERY EN ESPAÑOL'S NEW DRAMA-PACKED SERIES "HÉROES EN UNIFORME"

MIAMI, Feb. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Discovery en Español follows the daily lives of firefighters and paramedics as they jump from one harrowing life-or-death situation to another in its new documentary series HÉROES EN UNIFORME. Chrysler’s Ram Truck will be the only brand featured in its premiere limited-commercial episode, which will air on Discovery en Español March 3 at 9pm E/P.

The original series will include four half hour episodes in season one. In its premiere, Chrysler’s Ram Truck will be the only sponsor featured in an extended version.

“This is the first Discovery en Español series to kick off a new show with limited commercial interruption, and we are excited about the opportunities that this kind of offering provides our clients,” said David Tardio, Vice President of Advertising Sales, Discovery U.S. Hispanic. “We are always exploring new ways to create meaningful brand experiences that help clients cut through the clutter, while giving our viewers an enjoyable experience.”

Centered around one fire station in Brownsville, Texas, HÉROES EN UNIFORME provides a raw and up-close account of real life at the station, as told through the its principal characters – the extremely demanding Chief with the kind heart, the newbie that is getting used to the job, the paramedic whose father gave his life in service, and the engine driver whose job is to make every second count. Each drama-packed episode will feature true heroic rescues and impactful cases with testimonies from the perspective of the victim, their family and/or witnesses, other members of the fire station, paramedics, and the police.

As the series evolves, viewers will also get to know the individual background stories and personalities of its central characters, and the commonalities that bond them. All episodes end with a heartfelt reunion at the station between those affected in each case and their forever heroes.

Viewers can take a closer look into HÉROES EN UNIFORME with exclusive content available on Discovery en Español’s social media platforms. The series will also be available on the Discovery en Español GO app: Android: http://bit.ly/2w6Spod iOS: http://apple.co/2fiMNE3. For more information, please follow the series on Facebook at facebook.com/discoveryenespanol, and Instagram @discoveryenespanol.

About Discovery en Español
Discovery en Español connects Spanish-speaking viewers in the U.S. to the world and all its wonder and possibilities. It provides quality programming focusing on bold storytelling across core genres including adventure, ingenuity, natural history, investigation and current affairs. Created by Discovery Communications, Discovery en Español is widely distributed on Hispanic tier packages throughout the country. Discovery reaches audiences across screens through digital first programming from Discovery VR, over the top offerings Eurosport Player and Dplay, as well as TV Everywhere products comprising the GO portfolio of TVE apps and Discovery K!ds Play. It also reaches audiences across screens on the ”Discovery en Español GO”TV Everywhere app Everywhere (Android: http://bit.ly/2w6Spod iOS: http://apple.co/2fiMNE3). For more information, please follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/discoveryenespanol, Twitter @DiscoveryenESP and Instagram @discoveryenespanol.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/823819/DISCOVERY_EN_ESPANOL.jpg

SOURCE Discovery en Español

Lopez Negrete Communications Celebrates its Sweet Sixteenth Best of Show at American Advertising Federation-Houston Chapter Awards

February 20, 2019

HOUSTON, Feb. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Lopez Negrete Communications, Inc., one of the nation’s largest Hispanic independently owned and operated, full-service agencies, walked away with 21 American Advertising Federation–Houston Chapter awards, including “Best of Show” in the Broadcast category. This marks the 16^th consecutive year the agency has earned a “Best of Show” award.

The piece that won “Best of Show” honors was titled “A Unifying Beat,” created for long-standing client Walmart. The goal of the campaign was to promote awareness of Walmart’s new free Online Grocery Pickup app during the world’s largest soccer event. The agency undertook a modular approach to recreate culturally accurate get-togethers for each participating Latin country and edited each spot depending on which teams were represented in matchups. The world-renowned Rocky theme song “Gonna Fly Now” was produced and recorded in each country’s traditional musical style and genre. The winning work can be found here: https://bit.ly/2Gw9HUN.

“This was a simple, beautiful, and most importantly, powerful campaign that drew upon actionable customer insights, upon Latinos’ passionate love for soccer and also upon the enormous connective opportunity that the World Cup offered,” says Lopez Negrete Communications President and CEO, Alex López Negrete. He adds: “Rare are the opportunities to create a campaign that allows a marketer to showcase such a practical service as Online Grocery Pickup during a month-long sporting event, while catering specifically to such a diverse segment in such a tailor-made manner. We’re thankful for our client for giving us the freedom to so vividly and accurately reflect our consumer’s passion for soccer – and food!”

Lopez Negrete Communications also received the following honors:

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

Two Gold, one Silver

Walmart Inc.

Best of Show, four Gold, six Bronze

Bank of America

One Bronze

McDonald’s

One Gold, two Silver, two Bronze

Lone Star College

One Bronze

Lopez Negrete Communications, Inc.

One Silver

The American Advertising Awards is the advertising industry’s largest and most representative competition, attracting over 40,000 entries every year in local AAF Club competitions. The mission of the American Advertising Awards competition is to recognize and reward the creative spirit of excellence in the art of advertising.

ABOUT LOPEZ NEGRETE COMMUNICATIONS, INC. Lopez Negrete Communications stands as one of the largest independent, Hispanic owned and operated, full-service agencies in the United States, specializing in providing marketing services to corporations wishing to reach and engage with America’s increasingly diverse consumers. Founded in 1985 by Alex and Cathy López Negrete, the agency offers thought leadership and a full range of marketing, advertising and communications services, including strategic planning, research and consumer insights, media planning and buying, creative, brand strategy, digital/social/mobile marketing services, public relations, and promotions. With national headquarters in Houston, Texas, Lopez Negrete employs over 130 employees who keep clients at the forefront of a burgeoning Omnicultural^® America.

SOURCE Lopez Negrete Communications, Inc.

Forbes Travel Guide Unveils 2019 Star Rating Awards

February 20, 2019

– 210 Hotels Across the Globe Achieve Coveted Five-Star Award; 21 New Hotels Receive Top Honors for First Time

– The Peninsula Hotels Becomes the World’s First All Five-Star Hotel Company

– Awards Launch in 11 New Destinations; Malaysia, Portugal, South Korea, Turkey,
Vietnam Earn First Five-Star Ratings

– Middle East Expansion Continues with New Five-Star Hotel in Abu Dhabi,
New Four-Star Properties in Bahrain, Oman

ATLANTA, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Forbes Travel Guide today debuted its 61st annual list of Star Rating winners, recognizing the world’s finest properties and rewarding gracious, intuitive service.

The 2019 award recipients include 21 new Five-Star hotels, 49 new Four-Star hotels and 62 new hotels in the Recommended category. Other first-time recipients include six Five-Star restaurants, eight Five-Star spas and 21 Four-Star spas. See the complete list of winners here.

A standout was The Peninsula Hotels, which made Forbes Travel Guide history by becoming the world’s first all Five-Star hotel company. The Peninsula Manila earned its fifth star this year, which pushed the Hong Kong-based brand’s tally to 10 Five-Star hotels.

Forbes Travel Guide rates properties in 76 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. Newly added destinations for 2019 include: Anguilla, Bahrain, Belize, Danang, Doha, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Istanbul, Oman, Perth, the Swiss Alps, Tel Aviv and Uruguay.

Several countries captured their first Five-Star hotel: Malaysia (Crockfords at Resorts World Genting), Portugal (Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon), South Korea (The Shilla Seoul), Turkey (Raffles Istanbul) and Vietnam (Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An).

London unseated Macau as the city with the most Five-Star hotels, thanks to four new additions (Bulgari Hotel & Residences, London; The Langham, London; Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park, London; Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London). London finished with 13 top-ranking hotels, with Macau at a close 12.

The U.S. added two Five-Star hotels (Hawaii’s Four Seasons Resort Lanai and the D.C. area’s Salamander Resort & Spa). These countries gained one new Five-Star hotel: Canada (Fairmont Pacific Rim), China (Bulgari Hotel Beijing), France (Hotel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel), Indonesia (Bulgari Resort Bali), Mexico (Rosewood San Miguel de Allende), the Philippines (The Peninsula Manila) and United Arab Emirates (Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island).

“At Forbes Travel Guide, we verify luxury. Our independent inspection process is the gold standard in the hospitality industry,” said Filip Boyen, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide. “Discerning travelers can trust that each winner is the best of the best. We are pleased to honor the 2019 Star Rating recipients, an exceptional collection of hotels, restaurants and spas dedicated to guest service.”

The company will honor winners at Verified, The Forbes Travel Guide Luxury Summit at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills on February 26 and 27.

For highlights and trends from our 2019 Star Awards, click here.

For details on how FTG compiles its Star Ratings, click here. For the complete list of 2019 winners, click here.

SOURCE Forbes Travel Guide

Café La Llave Unlocks New Way to Enjoy ‘Cafecito’ With Launch of Nespresso® Compatible Espresso Capsules

February 19, 2019

LOS ANGELES and MIAMI, Feb. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — F. Gaviña & Sons,Inc. makers of the popular Latin-style espresso Café La Llave, and a wide variety of other family-crafted coffees, today announced the launch of Café La Llave espresso capsules, compatible with Nespresso® OriginalLine machines. The new line comes in 10-count packs (SRP $5.99) and is available on Amazon.com, with plans to roll out across South Florida supermarkets later this year.

Café La Llave has an authentic coffee legacy, which dates back almost 150 years to the Gaviña family’s humble beginnings in the rich coffee-bearing soil of Cuba. Today, it is one of the few Hispanic-owned coffee brands in the U.S., and is still made by the same family who created it 47 years ago.

“Café La Llave is the ‘cafecito’ and ‘cafe con leche’ that several generations of my family grew up on, and it’s one of the first products we created after founding our company in the U.S., so this next evolution of the brand is extra special for us,” said Leonor Gaviña-Valls, vice president of Marketing, F. Gaviña & Sons, Inc. “We are excited to introduce a new modern way to enjoy our traditional taste and share it with new generations, as well as die-hard fans.”

The Café La Llave espresso capsules offer the same signature dark roast with its traditionally bold taste and intensely aromatic flavor, but adapted for an easy-to make single-serve format. The capsules come in an 11 intensity, which indicates the strength of the coffee flavor determined by the darkness of the roast and complexity of the blend. The line is also Kosher certified, and a decaf version is set to launch soon.

According to a National Coffee Association (NCA) 2018 online survey*, 64 percent of Americans drink a cup of coffee every day, and even with the rise of consumption at cafes (36 percent), 79 percent of coffee is consumed at home. In addition, 41 percent of those consumers own a single-cup coffee brewing system, which is the second most popular brewing method in the U.S.**

“Consumers’ love for coffee only continues to grow, and what’s more exciting is that there are now so many ways to make it and enjoy it – from pour over, to cold brew and now espresso capsules,” added Gaviña-Valls. At F. Gaviña & Sons, Inc. “We employ the latest state-of-the-art technologies to lead the way in quality and continue to make great-tasting coffee of all types. And, with this new launch we are proud to have created an ‘abuela-approved’ espresso that will delight all ‘cafecito’ lovers.”

As part of Café La Llave’s espresso capsule launch, the company has enlisted celebrity chef Ana Quincoces to serve as brand ambassador during its first-ever appearance at the star-studded South Beach Wine and Food Festival (SOBEWFF), which draws foodies from all over the country and takes place in Miami from February 20-24. Quincoces, who is of Cuban heritage herself, will be on hand at the Grand Tasting Village in Miami Beach on Saturday, February 23 providing ‘cafecitos’ and ‘cortaditos’ made with the new Café La Llave capsules and sharing a sweet tasting of her very own family recipe for “Tarta Dobos,” a no-bake cookie cake made with Café La Llave espresso. See recipe here.

F. Gaviña & Sons, Inc. will be rolling out a variety of other Nespresso® Compatible capsule coffees this year, including several varieties for their Don Francisco’s Coffee flagship brand. All F. Gaviña & Sons, Inc. coffees are blended, roasted and packed in the U.S., right from the company’s state-of-the art facility in Vernon, California. The company also has distribution centers in Florida.

For more information on Café La Llave capsule coffees follow @Cafelallave on Facebook or Instagram or visit www.cafelallave.com.

Nespresso® is a trademark of a third party, not connected to F. Gaviña & Sons, Inc.

About Café La Llave
With over a century of tradition in every cup, Café La Llave is a favorite among espresso drinkers who enjoy a dark-roasted and intensely aromatic, rich, strong Latin-style espresso. Café La Llave made its debut in 1972, and was among the first new products to be developed by the Gaviña Family for F. Gaviña & Sons, Inc.

*Online survey conducted by the National Coffee Association (NCA) from January 9 to January 23, 2018.

** National Coffee Drinking Trends 2011 report

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/823887/Cafe_La_Llave.jpg

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/823886/Ana_Quincoces.jpg

SOURCE F. Gavina & Sons, Inc.

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