Labor Commissioner’s Office Secures $1.7 Million in Unpaid Wages for 56 Bay Area Restaurant Workers

January 10, 2019

OAKLAND, California, Jan. 9, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The California Labor and Workforce Development Agency today announced that the Labor Commissioner’s Office has secured $1.7 million in assets from the owners of Bay Area restaurant chain Mango Garden to pay 56 workers who were victims of wage theft. Seizure of the assets occurred after the owners fraudulently transferred the restaurant’s ownership to avoid paying workers the wages owed.

The owners operated the chain of Malaysian-Chinese restaurants in Fremont, San Jose and San Mateo. In late 2015, the Labor Commissioner’s Office launched an investigation as part of a joint-enforcement effort with the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. Investigators found the restaurant employees worked 10 or more hours a day while being paid less than the minimum wage and did not receive required meal and rest breaks, overtime pay or split shift premiums. The employers paid the workers in cash and kept 15 percent for themselves, telling the workers the deduction went toward taxes. The Labor Commissioner’s Office issued wage and civil penalty citations totaling more than $1.8 million.

Prior to the investigation, the owners became aware that one or more workers intended to file wage claims. The employers then dissolved two of their three corporate entities, created new entities and listed different management to avoid liability. Upon appeal, a hearing officer ruled the individual owners and operators of the business were individually and jointly liable because they caused or failed to prevent the violations. The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office seized and is liquidating their assets to pay the wage theft victims.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Asian Law Caucus (AAAJ-ALC) referred this case to the Labor Commissioner’s Office and represented workers who cooperated in the investigation and testified at the hearing.

Following the appeal hearing in 2017-2018, the citations were amended to $2,115,187 including prejudgment interest of $365,541. Prejudgment interest is calculated at 10 percent per year from the date the unpaid wages should have been paid to the workers. In addition to minimum wage, overtime, meal period premiums and rest period premiums, the workers are entitled to liquidated damages and waiting time penalties. Payments owed to the 56 workers range from $2,603 to $150,523, with an average of $37,246 awarded to each worker.

Enforcement investigations typically include a payroll audit of the previous three years to determine minimum wage, overtime and other labor law violations, and calculate payments owed and penalties due. Civil penalties collected are transferred to the State’s General Fund as required by law.

The Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, or the California Labor Commissioner’s Office, combats wage theft and conducts on-site inspections to investigate and enforce compliance with minimum wage and other California labor laws. Its wide-ranging responsibilities include public works enforcement, retaliation complaint investigations, licensing and registration, as well as multilingual labor law education and outreach for workers and employers.

In 2014, the Labor Commissioner’s Office under Julie A. Su’s leadership launched the Wage Theft is a Crime multilingual public awareness campaign. The campaign defines wage theft and informs workers of their rights and the resources available to them to recover unpaid wages or report other labor law violations.

Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR’s Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734).

Members of the press may contact Erika Monterroza or Jeanne-Mairie Duval 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.

SOURCE California Department of Industrial Relations; California Labor Commissioner’s Office

Acura Reveals Heritage Liveries for 2019 ARX-05 Prototypes

January 10, 2019

Unveiled today, the Acura Team Penske livery for the 2019 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship will feature the distinctive white, orange and black colors utilized by Acura’s three-time consecutive championship-winning program in IMSA prototype competition from 1991-93.

TORRANCE, California, Jan. 10, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Unveiled today, the Acura Team Penske livery for the 2019 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship will feature the distinctive white, orange and black colors utilized by Acura’s three-time consecutive championship-winning program in IMSA prototype competition from 1991-93.

The work of Acura Executive Creative Director Dave Marek – who has been responsible for the striking liveries on numerous Acura racing machines – the 2019 IMSA Acura Team Penske ARX-05 prototypes are an updated take on the iconic design first seen on the 1991-93 Camel Lights champion Comptech Racing Spice Acura NSXs.

The design also incorporates Acura Team Penske’s new partnership with ELS STUDIO 3D®, the award-winning premium audio system available in the 2019 Acura RDX. The race cars will make their on-track debut at the Jan. 26-27 Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway with a stellar driver lineup including Dane Cameron, Juan Pablo Montoya and Simon Pagenaud in the #6 Acura Team Penske ARX-05; and Helio Castroneves, Ricky Taylor and Alexander Rossi in the #7 Acura ARX-05.

“This is a natural look for Acura prototypes, and a salute to our heritage as a performance brand,” said Marek. “The Acura brand was founded in 1986, and its debut in motorsports soon followed. Today, we’re proud to unveil a livery that accurately reflects our long, successful history in North American racing – and look forward to adding new chapters to the story of Acura Precision Crafted Performance.”

Race-prepared Acura Integras won two consecutive International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) International Sedan Manufacturers’ Championships and three consecutive IMSA International Sedan Drivers’ Championships from 1988-90.

The famous Comptech Racing Acura-Spice GTP Lights race cars, powered by a modified first-generation NSX engine, carried driver Parker Johnstone to three consecutive Drivers’ Championships and Acura to three consecutive Manufacturers’ Championships in the prestigious IMSA Camel GTP Lights series from 1991-93. The Comptech Acura also captured the prestigious 12 Hours of Sebring in 1993.

In addition to Johnstone, the Comptech Acura driver lineup included Wayne Taylor, father of current Acura Team Penske driver Ricky Taylor, and Steve Cameron, uncle to ATP driver Dane Cameron.

Acura has a strong presence in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with Acura Team Penske’s pair of ARX-05 prototypes, and a brace of Acura NSX GT3 Evo’s run by Meyer Shank Racing in the GT Daytona (GTD) class.

The 2019 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship opens January 26-27 with the twice-around-the-clock Rolex 24 endurance contest at Daytona International Speedway.

About Acura

Acura is a leading automotive luxury nameplate that delivers Precision Crafted Performance – a commitment to evocative styling, high performance and innovative engineering, all built on a foundation of quality and reliability. The Acura lineup features six distinctive models – the RLX premium luxury sedan, the TLX performance luxury sedan, the ILX sport sedan, the five-passenger RDX luxury crossover SUV, the seven-passenger Acura MDX, America’s all-time best-selling three-row luxury SUV, and the next-generation, electrified NSX supercar.

Five of the six models in the Acura lineup are made in central Ohio, using domestic and globally-sourced parts, including the ILX and TLX luxury sports sedans (Marysville Auto Plant), the RDX and MDX luxury SUVs (East Liberty Auto Plant) and the Acura NSX supercar, which is built to order at the Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio.

Additional media information including pricing, features & specifications and high-resolution photography is available at AcuraNews.com. Consumer information is available at Acura.com. Follow Acura on social media at Acura.us/SocialChannels.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/806514/Acura_ARX_05_2019_001.jpg

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/806515/Acura_ARX_05_2019_003.jpg

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/806517/Acura_ARX_05_2019_006.jpg

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/458749/acura_logo.jpg

SOURCE Acura

/R E P E A T — Canopy LATAM starting the year strong – opening new markets, supporting education, and achieving newly licensed production capacity/

January 10, 2019

Pictured are: Luiz Orlando Novaes - Country Managing Director, Spectrum Cannabis Peru; Dr. Mark Ware - Chief Medical Officer, Canopy Growth; Antonio Droghetti - Managing Director, Canopy LATAM

LIMA, Peru and SMITHS FALLS, Ontario, Jan. 9, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Canopy Growth Corporation (TSX: WEED) (NYSE: CGC) (the “Company” or “Canopy Growth”), through its Latin American-focused subsidiary, Canopy LATAM Corporation (“Canopy LATAM”), is proud to introduce Spectrum Cannabis Peru S.A.C. (“Spectrum Cannabis Peru”), the newest member of the growing global Spectrum Cannabis family.

Spectrum Cannabis Peru will operate as part of the Canopy LATAM network and with Peru poised to introduce new regulations for the use of medical cannabis, this new in-market entity is uniquely positioned to support the opening of the Peruvian market while leveraging Canopy Growth’s global expertise in patient and physician education, as well as in medical cannabis production.

This announcement directly supports Canopy Growth’s strategy of securing first mover advantage to realize the opportunities generated by evolving cannabis regulations across the region and the world. Until regulations are published supporting patient access to medical cannabis, Spectrum Cannabis Peru will focus on advancing education activities, including working closely with the medical community to foster greater understanding of the potential uses of medical cannabis while reducing stigma.

Supporting education, regulation, and patient access for medical cannabis across Latin America

While in Lima to participate in the launch of Spectrum Cannabis Peru, Dr. Mark Ware, Canopy Growth’s Chief Medical Officer, is advancing the Company’s commitment to education through participation in a range of medical cannabis-focused events for physicians, healthcare professionals, and cannabis-focused patient groups.

This includes addressing healthcare professionals currently attending an introductory course on cannabis held by the medical college of Peru (“Colegio Medico del Peru“), as well as delivering an address and participating in the First Meeting of American Professional Experts working with Phytocannabinoids (“1° Encuentro Americano De Professionales Expertos En Fitocannabioides”) held in Lima from January 10 to 11.

The conference will also see Dr. Ware, in his capacity as a family physician focused on pain management, participate in the signing of the Lima Declaration on the medical use of cannabis. This physician-led declaration encourages governments, regulators, and health authorities throughout the region to ensure patient access and scientific research are the cornerstones of all Latin America medical cannabis laws.

Further, the declaration promotes collaboration across the region, and calls on healthcare professionals to contribute to informed access for cannabis-based medicines while asking patients to advocate and defend their right to such treatments.

A leap forward for sustainable regional production through Spectrum Cannabis Colombia

As previously announced, production operations are advancing at the Company’s farm in Colombia, with initial cultivation having started in late 2018. In line with the plan for sustainable regional production based in the country, the Company is pleased to report that licenses have now been received for the production of cannabis in all 126 hectares (13.6 million sq. ft.) of suitable growing area at the farm.

This is an increase from the previously licensed 42 hectares (4.5 million sq. ft.) of production area and to the Company’s knowledge, the wholly owned farm now represents one of the largest fully licensed cannabis production facilities in the world. This also positions Canopy Growth to meet the emerging regional supply demands as a number of countries across Latin America update their regulations and in so doing, open their markets for the import and sale of Spectrum Cannabis’ high-quality cannabis-based medical products.

Continued development of Canopy LATAM and local in-market entities

As regulations across the region continue to evolve at a rapid pace, Canopy Growth is well positioned to seize these new opportunities through its subsidiary Canopy LATAM, and the in-market entities that work collectively as part of the Company’s LATAM structure. A full leadership team is now in place at both the regional and local level to guide these activities and draws on extensive experience from leading organizations in the pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and consulting industries.

With a fully licensed production site in Colombia, newly launched operations in Peru, a rapidly evolving landscape in Mexico, and clinical trials underway in Chile, Canopy LATAM and Canopy Growth are uniquely positioned to realize the significant opportunities across Latin America with the ultimate goal of serving patients through education and high quality, reliable, medical cannabis products.

Quotes from leadership

“We’re proud to welcome Peru to the growing family of Spectrum Cannabis countries and to have the chance to serve Peruvian patients and healthcare professionals in the future,” said Mark Zekulin, President and Co-CEO, Canopy Growth. “Canopy Growth is a global leader in providing safe, regulated, medical cannabis and by leveraging our experience together with local expertise, we look forward to helping build a responsible Peruvian cannabis industry today and into the future.”

“The landscape for medical cannabis continues to evolve rapidly in Latin America and Peru is poised to take a leading role with the introduction of new regulations which we hope will prioritize patient access”, said Antonio Droghetti, Managing Director, Canopy LATAM. “Launching Peruvian operations enhances our ability to engage with regulators, healthcare professionals, and patients to ensure they have the information they need while also preparing for the future sale of medical cannabis products across the country.”

“With the full licensing of our 126-hectare farm, Spectrum Cannabis Colombia and Canopy Growth have demonstrated yet again our ability to execute and prepare for the rapidly rising demand that exists for medical cannabis”, said Bibiana Rojas, Country Managing Director, Spectrum Cannabis Colombia. “Our ambitious goal of sustainable regional production for medical cannabis is one step closer in Latin America and we’re proud to play a role in increasing the total potential production of Canopy Growth as it builds markets internationally.”

About Canopy Growth Corporation
Canopy Growth is a world-leading diversified cannabis and hemp company, offering distinct brands and curated cannabis varieties in dried, oil and Softgel capsule forms. Canopy Growth offers the world’s only medically approved vaporizers through the Company’s subsidiary, Storz & Bickel GMbH & Co. KG. From product and process innovation to market execution, Canopy Growth is driven by a passion for leadership and a commitment to building a world-class cannabis company one product, site and country at a time. The Company has operations in 13 countries across five continents. The Company is proudly dedicated to educating healthcare practitioners, conducting robust clinical research, and furthering the public’s understanding of cannabis, and through its wholly owned subsidiary, Canopy Health Innovations (“Canopy Health”), has devoted millions of dollars toward cutting edge, commercializable research and IP development. Canopy Growth works with the Beckley Foundation and has launched Beckley Canopy Therapeutics to research and develop clinically validated cannabis-based medicines, with a strong focus on intellectual property protection. Canopy Growth acquired assets of leading hemp research company, ebbu, Inc. (“ebbu”). Intellectual Property (“IP”) and R&D advancements achieved by ebbu’s team apply directly to Canopy Growth’s hemp and THC-rich cannabis genetic breeding program and its cannabis-infused beverage capabilities. Through partly owned subsidiary Canopy Rivers Corporation, the Company is providing resources and investment to new market entrants and building a portfolio of stable investments in the sector. From our historic public listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange to our continued international expansion, pride in advancing shareholder value through leadership is engrained in all we do at Canopy Growth. Canopy Growth has established partnerships with leading sector names including cannabis icon Snoop Dogg, breeding legends DNA Genetics and Green House seeds, Battelle, the world’s largest nonprofit research and development organization, and Fortune 500 alcohol leader Constellation Brands, to name but a few. Canopy Growth operates ten licensed cannabis production sites with over 4.3 million square feet of production capacity, including over 500,000 square feet of GMP certified production space. The Company operates Tweed retail stores in Newfoundland and Manitoba and has entered into supply agreements with every Canadian province and territory. For more information visit www.canopygrowth.com.

Notice Regarding Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Canopy Growth or its subsidiaries to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release. Examples of such statements include statements with respect to international operations in the LATAM region. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including the Company’s ability to satisfy provincial sales contracts or provinces purchasing all cannabis allocated to them, and such risks contained in the Company’s annual information form dated June 27, 2018 and filed with Canadian securities regulators available on the Company’s issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information or forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake an obligation to publicly update such forward-looking information or forward-looking information to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities laws.

https://www.facebook.com/canopygrowth/
https://twitter.com/CanopyGrowth

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/806400/Canopy_Growth.jpg

Contact: Caitlin O’Hara, Media Relations, [email protected], 613-291-3239; Investor Relations, Tyler Burns, [email protected], 855-558-9333 ext. 122; Director: Bruce Linton, [email protected]

SOURCE Canopy Growth Corporation

FIBRA Prologis to Host Fourth Quarter 2018 Earnings Conference Call January 25

January 9, 2019

MEXICO CITY, Jan. 9, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — FIBRA Prologis (BMV: FIBRAPL 14), a leading owner and operator of Class-A logistics real estate in Mexico, will host a webcast and conference call with senior management to discuss fourth quarter results, current market conditions and future outlook on Friday, January 25, at 9:00 a.m. CT/10:00 a.m. ET.

To access a live broadcast of the call, dial +1 877 256 7020 (toll-free from the United States and Canada), 01 800 926 9146 (toll-free from Mexico) or +1 973 409 9692 from all other countries and enter conference code 93296074. A live webcast can be accessed at www.fibraprologis.com in the Investor Relations section January 25.

A telephonic replay will be available January 25 – February 1 at +1 855 859 2056 from the U.S. and Canada or at +1 404 537 3406 from all other countries using conference code 93296074. The replay will be posted in the Investor Relations section of the FIBRA Prologis website.

ABOUT FIBRA PROLOGIS

FIBRA Prologis is a leading owner and operator of Class-A logistics real estate in Mexico. As of September 30, 2018, FIBRA Prologis comprised 197 logistics and manufacturing facilities in six industrial markets in Mexico totaling 34.9 million square feet (3.2 million square meters) of gross leasable area.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The statements in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the industry and markets in which FIBRA Prologis operates, management’s beliefs and assumptions made by management. Such statements involve uncertainties that could significantly impact FIBRA Prologis financial results. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, which generally are not historical in nature. All statements that address operating performance, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future — including statements relating to rent and occupancy growth, acquisition activity, development activity, disposition activity, general conditions in the geographic areas where we operate, our debt and financial position, are forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Although we believe the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that our expectations will be attained and therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that may affect outcomes and results include, but are not limited to: (i) national, international, regional and local economic climates, (ii) changes in financial markets, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, (iii) increased or unanticipated competition for our properties, (iv) risks associated with acquisitions, dispositions and development of properties, (v) maintenance of real estate investment trust (“FIBRA”) status and tax structuring, (vi) availability of financing and capital, the levels of debt that we maintain and our credit ratings, (vii) risks related to our investments (viii) environmental uncertainties, including risks of natural disasters, and (ix) those additional factors discussed in reports filed with the “Comisión Nacional Bancaria y de Valores” and the Mexican Stock Exchange by FIBRA Prologis under the heading “Risk Factors.” FIBRA Prologis undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements appearing in this release.

Non-Solicitation – Any securities discussed herein or in the accompanying presentations, if any, have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or the securities laws of any state and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements under the Securities Act and any applicable state securities laws. Any such announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities discussed herein or in the presentations, if and as applicable.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/528012/FIBRA__Logo.jpg

SOURCE FIBRA Prologis

2019 Florida Homebuying Fair Goes Low-Tech on Purpose

January 9, 2019

When Debt is the Problem, We are the Solution...

FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida, Jan. 9, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Some things are better in person than online. Perhaps the biggest is learning how to buy a house. That’s why hundreds of South Floridians will attend the second annual Florida Homebuying Fair at Consolidated Credit on Saturday, January 19.

The free event gives prospective, but often-overwhelmed homebuyers the chance to meet Realtors®, mortgage brokers, title companies, appraisers, and HUD-certified housing counselors. It’s an informative and no-pressure environment.

“This event gives homebuyers a chance to kick tires and compare services. Best of all, they can do it in person, and look people right in the eye,” says Maria Gaitan, Consolidated Credit’s Director of Housing Counseling and Community Outreach.

Gaitan says one of the biggest problems many homebuyers face is finding the right professionals at the right time and price. At the Homebuying Fair, dozens of professionals will be available for informal conversations.

“While buying a home is often the most amount of money you’ll ever spend, we’ve found that conversations with experts are the best way to start the process,” Gaitan says. “Attendees call the shots, they ask the questions, and if they don’t like the answers, they can move onto the next expert.”

The Homebuying Fair has also earned a reputation as the go-to location for free one-on-one HUD-approved counseling. This coaching – available in English, Spanish and Creole – lets Floridians with weak credit devise a plan that can get them into a home while still sticking to a budget. There are similar services for veterans and current military service members.

Sponsored by major financial institutions, the Homebuying Fair has grown into the must-attend event for Florida homebuyers. Adds Gaitan: “While I feel good at the end of the day, I feel even better when I hear from attendees that they found their dream home at a dream price because of us.”

WHEN: Saturday, January 19th, 2019 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

WHERE: 5701 W. Sunrise Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33313 (View Map)

To information call 800-435-2261 or email [email protected]

About: In over 25 years, Consolidated Credit has helped over 6.5 million people overcome challenges with debt and financial issues. Their mission is to assist families throughout the United States to end financial crises and solve money management issues through education and professional counseling.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/528613/Consolidated_Credit_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Consolidated Credit

Disneyland Resort Celebrates Lunar New Year with a Touch of Disney Magic, Jan. 25 to Feb. 17, 2019

January 9, 2019

Disneyland Resort guests may ring in the Year of the Pig with 24 days of Lunar New Year celebrations at Disney California Adventure Park, Jan. 25 to Feb. 17, 2019. A joyous celebration of Asian cultures, Lunar New Year welcomes guests of all ages to commemorate traditions with beloved Disney characters and welcome another year of good fortune.

ANAHEIM, California, Jan. 9, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Disneyland Resort rings in the Year of the Pig this Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure Park, Friday, Jan. 25 to Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. During the 24 days of this multicultural celebration, guests will experience exciting live entertainment and musical performances, including an enhanced “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession,” fun-filled arts and crafts, beautiful décor, delicious cuisine and themed merchandise for the whole family to enjoy. Even the Three Little Pigs join in the fun with a rare appearance.

Guests at the Lunar New Year celebration will discover a touch of Disney magic as they experience Asian culture through inspired food, music and entertainment with their family and friends, all to welcome another year of good fortune. Lunar New Year, traditionally celebrated within Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures, commemorates the moment when both the sun and the moon begin their journey for another year. Highlights of the Lunar New Year celebration at Disney California Adventure include:

“Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession,” a bright and bold parade hosted by Mulan and her faithful dragon, Mushu, that honors Lunar New Year and celebrates family and friendship. As a special treat for the Year of the Pig, the Three Little Pigs (Fiddler, Fifer and Practical) join the procession in their full holiday garb, along with Goofy in his “god of Good Fortune” attire and Chip ‘n’ Dale in their red vests. “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession” is enhanced this year with a longer processional route, from Pixar Pier to Paradise Gardens Park, where guests will gather to watch the festivities. A troupe of Chinese performers bring additional dancers, martial artists and drummers to add extra excitement to the beautiful and colorful procession.
Beloved characters Mulan, Mushu, Pluto, Mickey and Minnie donning their Lunar New Year attire and greeting guests at Paradise Gardens Park.
Four Asian marketplaces offering delightful foods inspired by Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures, all with a Disney twist. New this year is the Sip and Savor pass, available for any guest to purchase if they wish to get the best value as they taste their way through the festive Asian marketplaces.

Longevity Noodle Co.
Lucky 8 Lantern
Prosperity Bao & Buns
Red Dragon Spice Traders

A special Lunar New Year menu at Paradise Garden Grill that offers items inspired by traditional Asian fare, plus a new Festival Food and Beverage Cart inside Paradise Gardens.
Live, daily performances with authentic musicians.

New this year, the Melody of China ensemble entertains guests with Chinese classical, folk and contemporary music, with a trio of artists that play the yangqin (Chinese dulcimer), pipa (Chinese lute) and Erhu (Chinese fiddle).
Vietnamese artist Dat Nguyen plays traditional and original compositions on classical guitar, lute, flute and melodica at Paradise Garden Bandstand.

An area for guests to try complimentary arts and crafts with local artisans, including Chinese calligraphy, paper lantern making and face painting.
A Lucky Wishing Wall, where guests may add their own wishes for a wonderful future.
Beautiful Lunar New Year décor, including ornamental lanterns and banners wishing guests a Happy Lunar New Year in English, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese.
New Lunar New Year merchandise inspired by different cultures of East Asia.

Special items all the way from Shanghai Disney Resort, including traditional red envelopes for gift-giving, Minnie Mouse ear headbands, lantern glow wands and more.
Commemorative items with Lunar New Year designs, including a limited-edition pin, adult hoody and tees.

In addition, the Disneyland Resort is offering special, limited-time ticket and hotel offers during the Lunar New Year celebration, making this an ideal time for guests to visit Disney California Adventure. Guests may find more information at Disneyland.com.

About the Disneyland Resort
The Disneyland Resort features two spectacular theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and Disney California Adventure Park – plus three hotels and the Downtown Disney District, comprising unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. The Resort’s hotels are the luxurious, 948-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, which also features 50 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club units; the magical, 973-room Disneyland Hotel – both AAA Four Diamond properties – and the 481-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel with its “day-at-the-beach” theme. For information on attractions and vacations at the Disneyland Resort, visit Disneyland.com, call (866) 43-DISNEY or contact local travel agents. Located in Anaheim, Calif., the Disneyland Resort opened July 17, 1955. Open daily, year-round.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/806030/1_2018_DCA_0838b.jpg

SOURCE Disneyland Resort

The U.S. Minority Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Excellence in Leadership Gala Awards 2018, Honoring Leaders from the Public and Private Sector in South Florida

January 9, 2019

MIAMI, Jan. 9, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Minority Chamber of Commerce will host the XXII edition of the Excellence in Leadership Gala Awards Miami this coming Saturday, January 12, at the world class Renaissance Banquet Hall in Coral Gables, located at 2340 SW 32nd Ave., Miami, Florida 33145. The signature high-level Gala Awards provides an excellent networking opportunity for local companies and professionals. The event will begin at 6:30 pm and conclude at 10 pm.

The XXII Excellence in Leadership Gala Awards Miami promises to be an impressive affair, hosting up to 50 distinguished and high-profile guests including Mayors, entrepreneurs, corporate executives, federal government public officials, educators and diplomats, as well as prominent business and community leaders. This gala honors individual who have worked tirelessly to strengthen and grow diversity in the local and international business sector. The Honorees are as follow:

The Mayor of the Year 2018 – Hon. Mr. Francis Suarez, Mayor City of Miami
The Best Law Firm of the Year 2018 – Mr. Patrick Cordero P.A
The Citizen of the Year 2018 – Mr. Max Alvarez– CEO Sunshine Distributors, Inc.
The Personage of the Year 2018 – Mr. Sean Lee – CEO of Data Stream
The Leader of the Year 2018 – Ron DeSantis, Governor State of Florida
The Woman of the Year 2018 – Ms. Donna Shalala – U.S. Congresswoman, 27th District Florida
The Community Leader of the Year 2018 – Rev. Guillermo Escalona, Pastor Baptist Church
The Hispanic Woman in Leadership and Power of the Year 2018 – Lt. Governor, Jeannette Nunez
The Public Official of the Year 2018 – Mr. Roberto Martell, Mayor of the City of Medley
The CEO of the Year 2018 – Mr. Raul Alarcon– CEO – Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc
The Investor of the Year 2018 – Jorge Mas / CEO Mastec
The Minority Business of the Year 2018 – DD Repro/ Mr. Jose Garcia
The Journalist of the Year 2018 – Mr. Mario Andres Moreno – Mega News
The TV News Anchor of the Year 2018 – Mr. Mario Vallejo
The Female Entrepreneurs of the Year 2018 – Ms. Martha Garcia – CEO – MG Bus Services
The Insurance Agent of the Year 2018 – Mrs. Blanca Lacayo– CEO – Hadas Insurance
The Digital Educator of the Year 2018 – Mr. Vicente Pimienta– Google

“Recognizing Mayor Suarez is a great honor for the U.S. Minority Chamber of Commerce; he is an incredible leader with a world class mentality, extraordinary ability and ambition to serve as Mayor for all citizens, regardless of their cultural, racial, social background or political beliefs,” said Mr. Doug Mayorga, CEO of the U.S. Minority Chamber of Commerce.

Mayor Suarez stated, “I congratulate the U.S. Minority Chamber of Commerce for its continuous growth in 2019, while building a strong presence in Miami, and throughout our nation. I also want to congratulate the Chamber members, for being innovators, job creators, and the lifeblood of our business community, this is an opportunity for us to celebrate those entrepreneurs and thank them for their hard work.”

About the XXII Excellence in Leadership Gala Awards: Considered as one of the top events of the Chamber, dedicated to honoring public officials, global leaders, community organizers, corporate executives and minority business owns, we celebrate the Leadership in Excellence, innovation, dedication and community spirit of those who live and work for a better Miami as well as highlighting the difficulties which are often faced to thrive.

About U.S. MCC: An independent international business association with over 25,000 members and partners worldwide, founded in the year 2000. The Chamber has continually promoted U.S. entrepreneurship education, resources, and economic development while serving the needs of minority businesses and other allied associations internationally. U.S. MCC engages in business research needs and fosters a spirit of mutual assistance and good fellowship among entrepreneurs around the globe. For more information: www.minoritychamber.net

For information, contact Maria Loaisiga, [email protected] or call (786)406-2190)

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/722000/1_LOGO_CHAMBER_Logo.jpg

SOURCE U.S. Minority Chamber of Commerce

Daniel Habif, Ismael Triviño, Ingrid Hoffman and Aymée Nuviola Will Be the Special Guests in January of Ismael Cala Podcast

January 8, 2019

The podcast dMENTE Positivo is available free of charge each week on the platform http://www.revolverpodcasts.com/shows/dmente-positivo-con-ismael-cala/

MIAMI, Jan. 8, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Ismael Cala, life and business strategist, lecturer and author of eight bestsellers on themes of leadership and emotional intelligence, will be presenting four new programs in January in his podcast dMENTE Positivo. This space is dedicated to awakening of conscience and personal growth.

The following is January’s lineup of guests and topics:

Tuesday, January 8: Guest: Daniel Habif, leader of the movement #INQUEBRANTABLES. Starting off 2019 in a big way, Cala will be talking to one of the greatest motivators and speakers of our time. Habif talks about his beginnings in the world of communication media and also offers his opinion on concepts such as God, religion and spirituality.

Tuesday, January 15: Guest: Ismael Triviño, Colombian journalist, former producer of Oppenheimer Presenta on CNN en Español. He tells Cala about the important team work that has been The Millenial Way Show, a quality show showcasing various local and world leaders with the strength and determination to empower our youngsters.

Tuesday, January 22: Guest: Ingrid Hoffman, chef and celebrity of U.S. and Hispanic-American media. Author of the book Latin comfort foods made healthy. She talks about the traits she shares with the CEOs of world-renowned companies and brands and how she came to embrace the conflict that has helped her gain the most experience. She also explains the importance of healthy eating.

Tuesday, January 29: Guest: Aymée Nuviola, Cuban singer and star of the series on the life of Celia Cruz. This past November, she took home her first Latin Grammy. Nuviola talks with Cala about the importance of having a strong team on and off stage, as well as the integrity between the artist and his or her image, life and behavior, something that can only be achieved through greater spirituality.

Ismael Cala – together with Lorena Susso and Moe Morales – will be offering four programs this first month of 2019 filled with information and recommendations in the podcast dMENTE Positivo, distributed free of charge by the platform reVolver: http://www.revolverpodcasts.com/shows/dmente-positivo-con-ismael-cala/

The podcast is available for simultaneous downloading in Apple, Podcast, Google Play, and Spotify.

ABOUT ISMAEL CALA

A life and business strategist, for five and a half years Ismael Cala was the host of the CNN en Espanol primetime program CALA. A businessman and social entrepreneur, he is the author of eight bestsellers on themes of leadership, entrepreneurship and personal growth, including “El poder de escuchar” (The power of listening) and “Despierta con Cala” (Wake up with Cala). Cala was born in Santiago de Cuba in 1969 and holds a degree in Art History from Oriente University. He coauthored “Beat the Curve” with Brian Tracy. He graduated from the School of Communication at York University in Toronto and has a diploma from Seneca College in Television Production. He is the President and founder of Cala Enterprises Corporation and the Ismael Cala Foundation.

SOURCE Cala Enterprises

Kia Motors America Announces December Sales

January 8, 2019

IRVINE, California, Jan. 3, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced December sales of 47,428 vehicles, representing a 10.2-percent increase over the same period last year. Highlights of Kia’s 2018 sales total of 589,673 units include:

Best-ever annual sales for the Sportage CUV
A 37-percent increase in sales of the Rio Subcompact
Forte, Optima and Soul surpassing the 100,000-unit mark for the third consecutive year

“2018 was a year where the Kia brand continued to defy consumer and industry expectations by once again outranking all other non-luxury brands in initial quality and taking the number two spot in dependability, according to J.D. Power,” said Bill Peffer, vice president, sales operations, KMA. “In addition, the Sorento was the top selling model and the Sportage saw a double-digit sales increase setting the stage for the highly anticipated Telluride, which is slated to debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit later this month. With a host of new and refreshed product introductions scheduled throughout 2019, Kia’s world-class model line-up will continue to lead the industry in design, quality, advanced technology and value.”

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 LPGA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly built 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 Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

	MONTH OF DECEMBER		YEAR-TO-DATE
Model	2018	2017	2018	2017
Rio	1,608	1,618	22,975	16,760
Forte	7,709	7,922	101,890	117,596
Optima	7,809	7,081	101,603	107,493
Cadenza	198	896	4,507	7,249
Stinger	1,289	826	16,806	843
K900	55	35	354	455
Niro	2,006	2,397	28,232	27,237
Sportage	6,998	5,585	82,823	72,824
Sorento	8,502	7,740	107,846	99,684
Sedona	1,126	1,329	17,928	23,815
Soul	10,128	7,610	104,709	115,712
Total	47,428	43,039	589,673	589,668

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/803992/Kia_Motors_Announces_December_Sales.jpg

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/536166/Kia_Motors_America_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Kia Motors America

TBWAWorldwide Launches OneSandbox

January 8, 2019

NEW YORK, Jan. 8, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — TBWAWorldwide today announced the launch of OneSandbox, a curated search platform built to showcase diverse makers and vendors in the creative space, and connect them with brands and agencies looking to develop a more inclusive supply chain.

The TBWA collective of U.S. ad agencies and creative companies have invested over $165 million with more than 200 women and multicultural-owned and operated creative businesses (MWBEs) in the past five years on behalf of its clients. Through OneSandbox, TBWA looks to connect these thriving creators with more agencies and brand partners in an effort to close the opportunity gap for minority suppliers across the advertising and marketing industry.

The platform seeks to make progress in helping diverse entrepreneurs achieve economic equity. Of the 30 million businesses in America, 52% are owned, operated and controlled by a woman or person of color. Yet they get only 6% of domestic business revenues.¹

“Today, almost 50% of the country is multicultural, and to say ‘I don’t know’ or ‘I can’t help’ is not acceptable,” said Doug Melville, Chief Diversity Officer for TBWA North America. “We created OneSandbox to better inform and better equip our industry peers to do their part to shift the D&I conversation, and make real strides to overcome the disparities for diverse makers and creators. We hope that by making this information easily and readily available, we can eliminate some of the barriers and make some real change.”

To date, no centralized, unified resource has existed to help producers and creatives locate and explore noteworthy diverse and women-owned creative vendors to bid on projects. OneSandbox works to simplify this process by identifying, evaluating and listing qualified MWBEs. This includes businesses that are either classified or certified by one of several major diversity councils: Women (WBENC), Multicultural (NMSDC), Hispanic (USHCC), LGBT (NGLCC) and Veteran (NaVOBA).

“What’s so powerful about OneSandbox is that brands and agencies will finally have one centralized resource to explore, experience and hire fresh voices and fresh visions that can create work that truly reflects a more diverse and inclusive American audience,” said Rob Schwartz, CEO of TBWAChiatDay New York.

Beyond creative vendors, One Sandbox includes information on more than 40 Diversity & Inclusion themed conferences, 20 D&I award shows, and a real-time aggregated newsfeed highlighting must-read stories from around the web on Diversity & Inclusion, with over 5,000 articles at launch. All of these features are available for public consumption at no cost.

Access to vendor listings is available via subscription to member agencies. Current OneSandbox member agencies include TBWAChiatDay, The Integer Group, GMR Marketing, Eventive, TBWAMedia Arts Lab, The Collective, TBWAWorldHealth, Nissan United, 180LA, Designory and Engage. The system is also in beta testing across other agencies within the Omnicom People Engagement Network (OPEN), with plans to extend full membership offers across additional Omnicom agencies, followed by the industry at large in the coming year.

Omnicom SVP and Chief Diversity Officer Tiffany R. Warren commented: “As more and more agencies and clients are looking to increase their spend with women and diverse creative vendors, I’m excited that so many diversity champions within Omnicom could be part of OneSandbox upon launch. It’s important we continue to champion disruptive thinking in this space—and we are excited to have this resource available for our agencies.”

“As a creative who has worked on Madison Avenue and brought that experience and entrepreneurship to start my own shop, Bravely, working alongside TBWA to create OneSandbox was an incredible project,” said Shane Santiago, President and Chief Experience Officer at Bravely. “There is no shortage of incredibly talented and diverse partners out there who rely on partnerships with agencies to grow, yet at the same time, agencies can create really amazing work by partnering as well. So being able to create a community that thrives on that partnership was incredibly meaningful for me personally, having been on both sides of that relationship.”

About TBWAWorldwide
TBWA is The Disruption® Company: the cultural engine for 21st century business. Named Adweek’s 2018 Global Agency of the Year, we create disruptive ideas that locate and involve brands in culture, giving them a larger share of the future. Our collective has 11,300 creative minds across 275 offices in 95 countries and also includes brands such as AUDITOIRE, Digital Arts Network (DAN), eg+ worldwide, GMR, The Integer Group®, TBWAMedia Arts Lab, TBWAWorldHealth and TRO. Global clients include adidas, Apple, Gatorade, Henkel, Hilton Hotels, McDonald’s, Michelin, Nissan, and Singapore Airlines. Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

About Omnicom Group Inc.
Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com) is a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom’s branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, digital and interactive marketing, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.

¹ Source: American Express 2017 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report, combined with data from MBDA U.S. Business Fact Sheet

SOURCE TBWAWorldwide

1...2,2202,2212,222...3,061 Page 2,221 of 3,061