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How can you be more focused and clear; double your productivity and generate a greater impact

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MIAMI, July 23, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 322 million people are victims of depression and another 264 million suffer from anxiety. While our societies are immersed in chaos; deteriorating mental health statistics are alarming. The collateral economic costs of such afflictions are estimated by the WHO to be a billion dollars a year.

In a brave attempt to help society beat this statistics, the strategist, communicator and bestselling author Ismael Cala presented this week a set of guided meditations entitled “The Map of Dreams,” designed to address our lack of strategies for communicating our goals or ambitions, and sharpening our focus and clarity to project on a personal and professional level.  

“Drawing the map to your dreams, listing your desires and objectives and visualizing what we want; are powerful tools that give us a clear and definite idea of what we really need to do in order to keep the focus on dreams,” explained Cala as he presented the series of four meditations, consisting of:

1 – Introduction – The map to our dreams

2 – Meditation to detox mentally and spiritually

3 – Meditation to empower self-esteem

4 – Meditation to achieve overall good health

5 – Meditation to envision prosperity

According to scientific studies, meditation has been proven as a magnificent healing technique, alleviating depression, reducing chronic pain and stress, increasing concentration and improving memory, among other benefits.

As a recent fact, it was confirmed that meditation was key to help the Thai children and coach be safe and alive while trapped in the cave. By focusing and being calm inside, they could tolerate those days of confinement, cold and hunger until they could be rescued.

“It doesn’t matter if you’ve never meditated or if you are an expert , these meditations take into account our individual path and experience,” said Ismael. He suggested three tips for beginners:

  1. The earlier, the better. The time of day most recommended for meditating is starting your day in the morning.
  2. If you feel like you are falling asleep, change position. If the early hour is still making you sleepy, do not meditate lying down; sit in the lotus position or any comfortable position that will keep you awake.
  3. Receive thoughts as passing. Do not stress yourself when your mind is bombarded with them coming through. Meditating does not leave the mind in blank; it is technically impossible. don’t get hanged up on these thoughts, let them be like waves coming in and out.

“The map of dreams” can be downloaded online at: https://ismaelcala.com/productos/audio/retos-de-meditacion/mapa/

ABOUT ISMAEL CALA

Life and business strategist, businessman and social entrepreneur, journalist, author of eight best-sellers on the topics of leadership, entrepreneurship and personal development, including “The Power of Listening” and “Wake Up with Cala,” and ambassador of the concept of corporate happiness in Latin America, 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 Communications 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 y and the Ismael Cala Foundation.

 

SOURCE Cala Enterprises Corporation

Enterprise Rent-A-Car Now Operating in Dominican Republic

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From L to R: Analie Prieto, general manager of Enterprise franchisee Motor Plan; José Muñiz, Enterprise sales manager; and Michelle Geara, Enterprise marketing manager. (PRNewsfoto/Enterprise Holdings Inc.)

ST. LOUIS, July 20, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — As part of its ongoing expansion in Latin America and the Caribbean, the world’s largest car rental company has opened four new Enterprise Rent-A-Car locations at the Dominican Republic’s largest airports: 

Enterprise Holdings Inc. owns the Enterprise Rent-A-Car brand, as well as National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car. The National brand has been operating in the Dominican Republic since 1974.

From L to R: Analie Prieto, general manager of Enterprise franchisee Motor Plan; José Muñiz, Enterprise sales manager; and Michelle Geara, Enterprise marketing manager. (PRNewsfoto/Enterprise Holdings Inc.)

The Enterprise Rent-A-Car brand made its debut in the Caribbean in 2014 through franchisees in Guadeloupe and Martinique. It expanded into Latin America in 2015, and announced the opening of 22 new locations throughout Belize, Honduras, Mexico, Tortola, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos and Uruguay in 2016.

Enterprise Holdings ranks near the top of the global travel industry in terms of revenue, ahead of many airlines and most cruise lines, hotels, tour operators and online travel agencies. Today, the Enterprise, National and Alamo brands operate in more than 90 countries, including 31 in Latin America and the Caribbean.

“The Dominican Republic is an important piece of our planned growth in the region,” said Peter A. Smith, vice president of global franchising at Enterprise Holdings. “And this expansion allows travelers even more access to our world-renowned customer service and convenient rental process.”

Loyalty Program Expansion

Customers traveling to the Dominican Republic – one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean – also can enjoy more perks and rewards with the expansion of two loyalty programs: Enterprise Plus through the Enterprise Rent-A-Car brand, and the award-winning Emerald Club, through the National Car Rental brand.

“Our brands are continuing to grow internationally, largely due to the continued loyalty of customers,” said Smith. “Increasing the availability of Enterprise Plus and Emerald Club with our new locations in the Dominican Republic is a natural way to thank our customers for their business and further our mission to serve them no matter where they decide to travel.”

This expansion follows both loyalty programs’ introduction in Colombia, Honduras, Jamaica, Peru and Suriname in 2017. The same year, Enterprise Plus was also introduced in Turks & Caicos, Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Tortola, Trinidad & Tobago and Uruguay.

Emerald Club

Through the Emerald Club, members earn vehicle upgrades according to membership level. All Emerald Club members are guaranteed a midsize or above vehicle at the reserved midsize rate. Emerald Club members at the Executive level and above are guaranteed a full-size or larger vehicle at the reserved midsize rate. Members can also choose to earn either free rental days or frequent-traveler miles or points with one of National’s airline or hotel partners.

In addition, Emerald Club members renting in Latin America and the Caribbean can take advantage of Emerald Club Priority Service, which expedites the rental process by offering a dedicated line at the service counter exclusively for Emerald Club members.  Membership is complimentary for all National customers, and individual travelers can easily enroll themselves in the program by clicking the Emerald Club “Join Now” link at www.nationalcar.com.

Enterprise Plus

With every qualifying rental, Enterprise Plus members earn points they can redeem anytime for free rental days in any available vehicle at thousands of participating Enterprise locations worldwide. Points don’t expire as long as the member has one qualifying Enterprise rental in a three-year period. Free rental day awards apply to time and mileage (base rate) only and do not cover taxes, surcharges and concession fees.

Once enrolled, Enterprise Plus members simply use their membership number to book a reservation online at www.enterprise.com, via the Enterprise mobile app or over the phone to receive all member benefits.  As Enterprise Plus members rent more frequently, they can quickly rise to Silver, Gold or Platinum status to gain access to even more reward options until the end of the next program year. Each status level has its own unique set of benefits, such as bonus points and vehicle upgrades. Membership in Enterprise Plus is free, and the loyalty program is open to anyone at least 21 years old.

Enterprise Holdings Corporate Brands Logo. (PRNewsFoto/Enterprise Holdings) (PRNewsfoto/Enterprise Holdings)

 

Photo –https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/721136/Enterprise_Rent_A_Car_Dominican_Republic.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/557711/Enterprise_Holdings_Corporate_Brands_Logo.jpg  

SOURCE Enterprise Holdings Inc.

Celebrate Mexican Independence Day In Las Vegas With World-Renowned Entertainers

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Las Vegas Logo (PRNewsFoto/Las Vegas Convention...)

LAS VEGAS, July 19, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Every September, the “Entertainment Capital of the World” invites visitors from around the world to celebrate Mexican Independence Day with a lineup of exciting events and entertainment. Throughout Las Vegas, revelers can enjoy performances by unforgettable headliners, championship boxing and hilarious comedians during the 2018 El Grito festivities.

Las Vegas Logo (PRNewsFoto/Las Vegas Convention...)

World-class Latin performers taking over iconic Vegas venues include:

  • Singer, dancer and actress Jennifer Lopez will bring the heat to her residency at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Sept. 12, 14 & 15.
  • Latin music superstar Luis Miguel will perform at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Sept. 13-14.
  • Latin heartthrob Enrique Iglesias returns to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Sept. 15-16.
  • Mexican group Banda MS and Caifanes will perform at MGM Grand Garden Arena, at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Sept. 14.
  • Carlos Santana will take over the House of Blues inside Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Sept. 12 and 14-16 and Sept. 19.
  • The “fluffy” comedian Gabriel Iglesias brings the laughs to The Mirage Hotel & Casino, Sept. 15-16.
  • Chayanne will perform his pop hits at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Sept. 14.
  • Felipe Esparza will bring his hilarious standup to The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, Sept. 14.
  • Middleweight boxers Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin will face off again in the ring at T-Mobile Arena, Sept. 15.
  • Romeo Santos will perform at MGM Grand Garden Arena inside the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Sept. 15.
  • Mexican mariachi singer Alejandro Fernández will wow audiences at Mandalay Bay Events Center inside Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Sept. 15.      

To plan your unforgettable trip to Las Vegas visit www.VisitLasVegas.com.
Images available at press.lvcva.com

About the LVCVA

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is charged with marketing Southern Nevada as a tourism and convention destination worldwide and also with operating the Las Vegas Convention Center and Cashman Center. With nearly 150,000 hotel rooms in Las Vegas alone and more than 11 million square feet of meeting and exhibit space citywide, the LVCVA’s mission centers on attracting ever increasing numbers of leisure and business visitors to the area. Download the virtual reality app, Vegas VR, to experience Las Vegas from your iPhone or Android by visiting http://www.vrtv.vegas/. For more information, go to www.lvcva.com or www.visitlasvegas.com.

Press Contact:
Erin McCleskey, R&R Partners
T: 702.228.0222
[email protected]

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/353474/lasvegas_150_rgb_dkblue_Logo.jpg  

SOURCE Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority

FIBRA Prologis Announces Second Quarter 2018 Earnings Results

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FIBRA__Logo

MEXICO CITY, July 19, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — FIBRA Prologis (BMV:FIBRAPL 14), a leading owner and operator of Class-A industrial real estate in Mexico, today reported results for the second quarter of 2018.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE QUARTER:

  • Net effective rents on rollover increased 15.1 percent
  • Weighted average customer retention was 87.1 percent
  • Same store cash NOI grew 2.5 percent

Net earnings per CBFI in the second quarter was Ps. 1.3285 (US$0.0709) compared with Ps. 0.6729 (US$0.0352) for the same period in 2017.

Funds from operations (FFO) per CBFI was Ps. 0.4620 (US$0.0263) for the second quarter compared with Ps. 0.5800 (US$0.0303) for the same period in 2017. The current period included an incentive fee paid to FIBRA Prologis’ sponsor of Ps. 0.3215 (US$0.0162) per CBFI. Excluding the incentive fee, FFO per CBFI was Ps. 0.7835 (US$0.0425).

PORTFOLIO LOCATION DRIVES OUTPERFORMANCE

“The operating environment for industrial real estate in Mexico remains healthy and is led by the consumption and manufacturing sectors,” said Luis Gutierrez, CEO, Prologis Property Mexico. “FIBRA Prologis’ focused investment strategy translated into record rent change at lease expiration, and our well-located portfolio is positioned to capture future growth. We expect to build on this momentum as we move in to the second half of the year.”

Operating Portfolio

2Q18

2Q17

Notes

Period End Occupancy 

95.9%

97.3%

Driven by declines in Guadalajara and Tijuana, partially offset by increases in Monterrey and Reynosa

Leases Commenced

2.3 MSF

1.3 MSF

82% of leasing activity is related to renewals mainly in Mexico City and Reynosa markets

Customer Retention

87.1%

89.0%

Net Effective Rent Change

15.1%

13.2%

Led by Mexico City at 18.0%

Cash Same Store NOI

2.5%

3.6%

Lower occupancy and expense recoveries partly offset by higher rents

Same Store NOI

3.9%

1.7%

SOLID FINANCIAL POSITION

At June 30, 2018, FIBRA Prologis’ leverage was 32.8 percent and liquidity was Ps. 6.3 billion (US$318.7 million), which included Ps. 6.1 billion (US$305.0 million) of available capacity on its unsecured credit facility and Ps. 271.9 million (US$13.7 million) of unrestricted cash.

“Our balance sheet is in excellent shape with no near-term maturities and a healthy level of liquidity, which is a result of our risk management strategy,” said Jorge Girault, senior vice president, Finance, Prologis Mexico. “In line with this strategy, the option contract we entered into earlier this year effectively removes any impact from the peso weakening beyond 20MXN per USD for the remainder of the year. With the near-term addressed, we are actively working on addressing our medium- and long-term maturities.”

WEBCAST & CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION

FIBRA Prologis will host a live webcast/conference call to discuss quarterly results, current market conditions and future outlook. Here are the event details:

  • Friday, July 20, 2018, at 9 a.m. CT/10 a.m. ET
  • Live webcast at www.fibraprologis.com, in the Investor Relations section, by clicking Events
  • Dial in: +1 877 256 7020 or +1 973 409 9692 and enter Passcode 93296072.

A telephonic replay will be available July 20– July 27 at +1 855 859 2056 from the U.S. and Canada or at +1 404 537 3406 from all other countries using conference code 93296072 and security code 31833. 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 industrial real estate in Mexico. As of June 30, 2018, FIBRA Prologis was comprised of 196 logistics and manufacturing facilities in six industrial markets in Mexico totaling 34.6 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

FIBRA Prologis Declares Quarterly Distribution

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(PRNewsfoto/FIBRA Prologis)

MEXICO CITY, July 19, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — FIBRA Prologis (BMV: FIBRAPL 14), one of the leading owners of Class-A logistics real estate in Mexico, today declared a cash distribution of Ps. 374.0 million (US$ 19.8 million), or Ps. 0.5854 per Certificado Bursátil Fiduciario Inmobiliario (“CBFI”) (US$ 0.0310 per CBFI) related to the results of the quarter ending June 30, 2018.

The distribution is payable July 27, 2018, to CBFI holders with an ex-dividend date of July 25, 2018, and a record date of July 26, 2018.

ABOUT FIBRA PROLOGIS

FIBRA Prologis is one of the leading owners and operator of Class-A industrial real estate in Mexico. As of June 30, 2018, FIBRA Prologis comprised 196 logistics and manufacturing facilities in six industrial markets in Mexico totaling 34.6 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.

(PRNewsfoto/FIBRA Prologis)

 

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

SOURCE FIBRA Prologis

National Park Foundation Invests More Than $500,000 in America’s National Trails and Wild & Scenic Rivers

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National Park Foundation.

WASHINGTON, July 19, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the National Trails and National Wild & Scenic Rivers systems in 2018, the National Park Foundation today announced 20 grants that will enhance the country’s national trails and wild and scenic rivers and provide increased public access.

Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/7588559-national-park-foundation-trails-wild-scenic-rivers-investment/

“Trails and rivers bring people together for shared experiences that last a lifetime,” said Will Shafroth, president of the National Park Foundation. “The National Park Foundation’s grants help maintain these treasured resources and enable more people to connect with them and each other.”

These grants demonstrate the impact of the National Park Foundation’s Centennial Campaign for America’s National Parks. To date, this comprehensive fundraising campaign to strengthen and enhance the future of America’s treasured national parks has raised more than $500 million in private donations from individuals, foundations, and companies.

“With the National Park Foundation’s support for these projects, the 50th anniversary will have a lasting impact for our nation’s wild and scenic rivers and national trails,” said National Park Service Deputy Director P. Daniel Smith. “This is a wonderful legacy that will last well beyond this celebratory year, ensuring that more Americans can enjoy these exceptional places for years to come.”

The projects align with and advance the Department of the Interior priorities related to creating a conservation and stewardship legacy, modernizing infrastructure, increasing access to recreational opportunities, and working with local communities. Examples include:

Eightmile River Wild & Scenic Watershed (Connecticut)
Create an interactive, user-friendly map that identifies river access and other recreation access for fishing, wading, kayaking, and scenic overlooks. The map will also include numerous local preserves and scenic roads for other outdoor activities including hiking, birdwatching, overnight camping, cross-country skiing, and biking.

Musconetcong Wild and Scenic River (New Jersey)
Enable safe and permanent public access to an island for recreational purposes such as fishing, boating, and swimming. In addition, it will provide funding for the interpretation of cultural and historic resources of the Asbury Historic District.

Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail (Mississippi)
Replace two 30-foot-long bridges to equestrian standards along the Yockanookany section of the trail. Volunteers and youth crews will help with this project.

New River Gorge National River (West Virginia)
Connect local communities to recreational opportunities along trails and waterways through Get Active in the Park, a partnership between local nonprofit Active Southern West Virginia and the National Parks of Southern West Virginia including New River Gorge National River, Bluestone National Scenic River, and Gauley River National Recreation Area. All programs are free of charge, beginner-level, and designed to show people how capable they really are of being active outdoors.

North Country National Scenic Trail (Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin)
Develop, improve, and implement training materials and programs for volunteer leaders and partners, in partnership with the North Country Trail Association. The focus will be on three primary areas:  implement training sessions for the North Country trail crew leader program; establish a more comprehensive chainsaw training program for North Country Trail volunteers and partner groups; and revise the National Park Service handbook for trail design, construction and maintenance, including updated information on accessibility.

Redwood National and State Parks (California)
Improve public access, enhance recreation opportunities, and raise awareness about water safety at the Wild & Scenic Smith River. Purchase necessary equipment to continue the free Smith River Kayak Tours program and provide free access to personal floatation devices at the Jedediah Smith day use area.

Santa Fe National Historic Trail (Kansas)
Enable public access to a historic site at the Della Orton trailhead at Rock Creek Crossing. This access will promote recreation, education, and conservation of a section of tallgrass prairie in the Flint Hills of Kansas.

Collaborations with local philanthropic organizations and trail, river, and park partners make each grantee’s project possible.  All project descriptions can be viewed on the Rivers and Trails 50th Anniversary Grants Map.

National Park Foundation Find Your Park/Encuentra Tu Parque partners The Coca-Cola Company and Nature Valley are proud to support this effort. Additional support comes from partners Niantic and Bandit Wines.

Beyond funding much-needed site-specific projects, the National Park Foundation is also inspiring more people to #FindYourWay along trails and rivers across the country.

#FindYourWay aligns with the #FindYourPark/#EncuentraTuParque movement and invites the public to discover their own personal connections to thousands of trails across the National Trails System and more than 12,000 miles of rivers protected by the Wild & Scenic Rivers System.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION
Celebrating 50 years, the National Park Foundation is the official charity of America’s national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service. Chartered by Congress in 1967, the National Park Foundation raises private funds to help PROTECT more than 84 million acres of national parks through critical conservation and preservation efforts, CONNECT all Americans with their incomparable natural landscapes, vibrant culture and rich history, and ENGAGE the next generation of park stewards.  In 2016, commemorating the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary, the Foundation launched The Centennial Campaign for America’s National Parks, a comprehensive fundraising campaign to strengthen and enhance the future of these national treasures for the next hundred years.  Find out more and become a part of the national park community at www.nationalparks.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Alanna Sobel
202-796-2538
[email protected]

National Park Foundation.

 

SOURCE National Park Foundation

Raw Produce and Fresh-Squeezed Juices: Handle Them Safely!

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US_FDA_Food_Poisoning

SILVER SPRING, Maryland, July 19, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Fresh fruits and vegetables are highlights of summertime. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reminds you that safe handling of produce and fresh-squeezed juice is especially important because these foods are often consumed raw. Some foodborne-disease-causing germs multiply faster in warm weather – making food safety more important as temperatures rise.

Learn more:
http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm114299.htm
http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm110526.htm

To prevent food poisoning (also called foodborne illness) and keep nutritious produce and fresh-squeezed juices safe, follow these food safety tips:

Buy Right

  • Purchase produce that is not bruised or damaged.
  • When selecting pre-cut or fresh-cut produce (such as a half a watermelon or bagged salad greens that have been cut), choose items that are refrigerated or on ice.
  • Keep bagged produce separate from raw meat, poultry, and seafood in your cart and shopping bags.

Wash Thoroughly

  • Wash produce under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking, and dry with a clean cloth towel or paper towel to further reduce disease-causing germs that may be present.
  • Even if you plan to peel a fruit or vegetable, it’s often beneficial to wash it first so dirt and disease-causing germs aren’t transferred from the outside to the inside.
  • Scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
  • For pre-packaged produce, read the label – if it says pre-washed and ready-to-eat, you can use it without further washing.

Prevent Cross Contamination

  • Always wash hands before and after preparing food!
  • Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and countertops with soap and hot water between the preparation of raw meat, poultry, and seafood and the preparation of produce that won’t be cooked.
  • When using plastic or non-porous cutting boards, wash them in the dishwasher after use.

Prepare Safely

  • Cut away damaged or bruised areas on fresh fruits and vegetables before preparing and/or eating.
  • Discard produce if it looks rotten.

Store Properly

  • Keep perishable fresh-cut produce in a clean refrigerator at 40° F or below.
  • Store raw meat, poultry, and seafood separately from produce in the refrigerator.
  • Always refrigerate produce that is purchased pre-cut or peeled.

Check Your Juice

  • Young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems (such as transplant patients and individuals with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or diabetes) risk serious illnesses or even death from drinking juices that haven’t been pasteurized or otherwise treated to control disease-causing germs.
  • Look for pasteurized or otherwise treated products in your grocers’ refrigerated sections, frozen food cases, or in non-refrigerated containers, such as juice boxes, bottles, or cans.
  • Untreated juices sold in refrigerated cases of grocery or health food stores, cider mills, and farmers’ markets must contain a warning label indicating that the product has not been pasteurized. Warning labels are not required for juice or cider that is fresh-squeezed and sold by the glass. If you are unsure if a juice product is pasteurized – be sure to ask!

Contact: Media: 1-301-796-4540 Consumers: 1-888-SAFEFOOD (toll free)

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/719053/US_FDA_Food_Poisoning.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/585467/US_Food_and_Drug_Administration_Logo.jpg

 

SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Olives From Spain Introduces New Recipes for Summer to Promote the “Have an Olive Day” Campaign

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NEW YORK, July 19, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Manzanilla, Hojiblanca, with Pimiento or Queen olives are some of the suggestions given by Olives from Spain, as they set out to promote their Have an Olive Day campaign.

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click: https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8368151-olives-from-spain-new-recipes-for-summer/ 

Olives from Spain offers American consumers great recipes with this millenary ingredient from the Mediterranean, during their Have an Olive Day campaign. Ideal in high temperature weather, olives are a key component of the Mediterranean Diet which is part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The supply of olives is extensive with numerous formats and more than eighty types of fillings.

The versatility of European olives means they can be used in any recipe as they combine four classic flavours; sour, bitter, sweet and savoury. The antioxidants maintain cell integrity furthermore; olives are a natural source of antioxidant Vitamin E. The Have an Olive Day campaign, promotes olive consumption in the US with recipes that embrace the Mediterranean diet.

Recipes to “lick your fingers”:

A refreshing green beans saladegg and Hojiblanca olives; and the famous “ajoblanco”, with coconut and Manzanilla olives.

Many more ideas for a “Mediterranean” summer at www.haveanoliveday.eu

Have a Sunny Day. Have an Olive Day

About INTERACEITUNA and Olives from Spain 

INTERACEITUNA is the Interprofessional Organization of Table Olive recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and Environment that represents the whole sector producing, processing and marketing table olives. Created to implement different programs and activities of general interest, INTERACEITUNA promotes knowledge of Spanish table olives and carries out research and development related to production and production techniques. INTERACEITUNA has partnered with the European Union to promote this product.

@HaveanOliveDay
haveanoliveday
www.haveanoliveday.eu

More information: 
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SOURCE Olives from Spain