Celebrating Safe Choices In Construction – Safety Week 2018

April 25, 2018

Kickoff events planned in five locations May 7-11

CHICAGO and DALLAS and WASHINGTON and TAMPA, Florida and LOS ANGELES and TORONTO, April 25, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The choices we make — big or small — can have a huge impact on our safety and the safety of those around us. This is especially true in the construction industry, where thousands of men and women rely on each other every day to stay safe. On May 7-11, we are celebrating the shared commitment to safety on the jobsite and beyond as part of an industry-wide education and awareness event, Safety Week.

During Safety Week, construction companies will take the opportunity to thank their employees for their commitment to safety. The week also is a chance to educate, inspire and share best practices on safety. Many companies will conduct safety awareness training activities and demonstrations on jobsites throughout the U.S. and Canada.

“Everyone who comes to work on a construction jobsite makes choices that keeps them and their fellow workers safe,” said Matt Walsh co-chairman, The Walsh Group and 2018 Safety Week co-chair. “We want to recognize workers who make the right choice, even when nobody is watching, because it’s the right thing to do.” Walsh’s thoughts are echoed by his co-chair, Chris Traylor, co-president, Traylor Bros., Inc.

“The need to consistently make safe choices permeates every part of our lives. This must become a value that we live both at home and at work. That’s why individual choice is the focus of this year’s Safety Week,” said Traylor. “The choices we make have a tremendous impact on each other and the communities we serve.”

To symbolize this year’s theme, construction workers, industry leaders and other stakeholders will share why and how they make safe choices on social media. The individual pledges will be aggregated to form a mosaic image, providing a compelling visual demonstration of the collective impact of the workers’ commitment to safety on the entire industry.

“We’re interested in collecting stories from people across the industry – we want to demonstrate how the shared commitment to safety can help build a stronger safety culture,” Traylor said.

Safety Week events are planned for:

Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (L.A. Metro): Regional Connector project, Los Angeles. Monday, May 7, 11 a.m. PDT, Regional Connector Field Office 432 E Temple St. Los Angeles. L.A. Metro serves as transportation planner and coordinator, designer, builder and operator for one of the country’s largest, most populous counties.
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT): Midtown Express project, Dallas. Monday, May 7, 9 a.m. CDT. TxDOT is responsible for maintaining 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, rail, and public transportation across the state.
Infrastructure Ontario: Etobicoke General Hospital, Toronto. Monday, May 7 at 9 a.m. EDT. Etobicoke General Hospital 101 Humber College Blvd, Etobicoke, ON. Infrastructure Ontario is a Crown agency owned by the Province of Ontario that provides a wide range of services to support the Ontario government’s initiatives to modernize and maximize the value of public infrastructure and real estate.
District Department of Transportation: South Capitol Street Corridor project, Washington. Wednesday, May 9, 10 a.m. EDT. The mission of the District of Columbia government’s Department of Transportation (DDOT) is to enhance the quality of life for District residents and visitors by ensuring that people, goods, and information move efficiently and safely with minimal adverse impact on residents and the environment.
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT): Gateway Expressway project, Tampa. Thursday, May 10, 10 a.m. EDT. FDOT manages more than 122,000 highway miles, 20 airports, 31 urban transit systems, 15 seaports, a 2,895-mile railway corridor and two spaceports.

At these events, guest speakers, local dignitaries and executives will speak about the status of their projects and the unifying nature of safety. Other Safety Week activations will be held at many job sites across the country. Additional details on all events, including instructions for media who would like to cover the events, is available at www.constructionsafetyweek.com.

About Safety Week
Safety Week is dedicated to raising the awareness of the construction industry’s continuing commitment to eliminating worker injury, and to clearly communicate its dedication to a shared culture of care and concern and the belief that every week must be Safety Week.

Safety Week is sponsored by members of The Construction Industry Safety Initiative (CISI) and the Incident & Injury Free Executive Forum (IIF). Additional support comes from the Alliance Partners, many of which are non-profit associations. For more information, visit www.constructionsafetyweek.com

Media Contacts:
Craig Atkinson
Chair, Safety Week Communications Committee
312.492.1555 | [email protected]

Rob Pasquinucci
PR Consultant, Intrinzic, (on behalf of Safety Week)
513.604.3556 | [email protected]

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SOURCE Construction Safety Week

Bocalista unveils Botsy, an innovative new chatbot powered by artificial intelligence that provides you with the news and entertainment you want, when you want it.

April 25, 2018

Bocalista affirms its position as a pioneer of digital media distribution in Latin America with the creation of one of the most ingenious chatbots ever engineered in the region.
The creation of Botsy marks a radical change in the way content is consumed by users.
With Botsy, Bocalista’s subscribers will receive a daily summary of the top trending stories directly within the Messenger application.

BOGOTÁ, Colombia, April 25, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Bocalista unveils its latest creation, Botsy the Chatbot, which will deliver the latest news and entertainment directly to subscribers within Facebook Messenger. Botsy utilizes the latest advancements in Artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver an entertaining and engaging user experience.

Chatbots are the latest evolution in AI capable of maintaining a conversation with anyone. Chatbots are one of the fastest growing technologies, being used by some of the largest media companies such as CNN or Techcrunch. “The popularity of chatbots is driving a paradigm shift in the way readers consume content.” said Emmanuel Boros, founder of Bocalista.

Botsy by Bocalista represents a revolution in the rapid emergence of chatbots in Latin America. Bocalista’s Botsy offers users a unique way to engage directly with the content they want, at the exact moment they want it. “We are offering our users a more personalized way to consume news and entertainment.” says Boros.

The implementation of this innovative chatbot represents the essence of Bocalista and the DNA of the company; to be at the forefront of changes and advancements in digital media. “Every decade or so, the user experience changes. Starting from desktop computers in the 1980s, to the Internet in the 1990s, to smartphones in the mid-2000s. Now we are on the verge of major paradigm shift in the user experience, artificial intelligence and chatbots. In the near future, Chatbots will be the key way users receive information and view content.” Boros added.

Users interact with Botsy directly through Facebook Messenger, but rather than churning out generic predetermined responses Botsy actually interprets what users are saying and actively engages with them thanks to its creative AI. Furthermore, Botsy is capable of learning and improving with each new conversation thanks to its powerful machine-learning algorithm.

“Botsy will help our readers access the news they are interested in and actually want in a more natural, conversational way. It will also continually offer entertaining and engaging experiences thanks to the latest advancements in Artificial Intelligence.” added Bocalista’s founder.

Interacting with Botsy is very intuitive and is as straightforward as having a conversation. To get started, you can either message Bocalista directly on Facebook or visit the following link, http://m.me/bocalista. Click ‘Start’ to launch the chat and from there simply begin chatting with Botsy, it will feel as natural as talking to an old friend.

Users can directly select the type of content they want to read through Botsy. The options are “Latest News”, showcasing the latest content published by Bocalista, and “Hot Topics”, which highlight the latest topics that are trending among users. Unlike other methods of getting content, Botsy doesn’t simply display a hotlink, but will instead explain the topic in rich detail. On top of that, Botsy allows users to ask about the topics that are relevant to them will actively seek out additional content.

Botsy may recommend TV series based on the user’s tastes and preferences, or can tell you what song was at #1 on the charts the year they were born. It can reveal the meaning of the users name or read them their daily horoscope, users can even participate in surveys and contests through Botsy. Botsy by Bocalista offers a truly dynamic and engaging experience for users thanks to advanced Artificial Intelligence and powerful machine learning.

About Bocalista:

Bocalista was founded by Emmanuel Boros, an entrepreneur and expert in digital media, artificial intelligence, and technology with an MBA from MIT. Bocalista is one of the leading Spanish-language news and entertainment sites, with a focus on millennials across Latin America and the Spanish speaking public within the United States. Every month, Bocalista.com receives more than 2 million unique users and engages with over 500,000 followers across social media. Bocalista.com is a proud content provider for Google News.

For more information please visit www.bocalista.com
If you would like to chat with Botsy: http://m.me/bocalista
You can find out more about our group at: http://media.bocalista.com

Contact: Emmanuel Boros
[email protected]

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/680402/Botsy_1.jpg
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SOURCE BOCALISTA.COM

CVS Health Releases 11th Annual Corporate Social Responsibility Report

April 25, 2018

WOONSOCKET, Rhode Island, April 25, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) today released its 11^th annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report, detailing its latest efforts to shape the future of health care, reduce environmental impacts and exemplify corporate leadership in fulfilling the company’s purpose of helping people on their path to better health.

Among the company’s key CSR initiatives in 2017 were an enterprise response to combatting the opioid crisis, the development of a carbon emissions reduction target in line with climate science, and a rapid and robust response to a series of natural disasters that impacted CVS Health operations, colleagues and communities. The company also made new commitments to increase access to health care for veterans and military families, as well as to address the nation’s skills gap through its Registered Apprenticeship program. To further align enterprise goals and values with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, CVS Health became the first U.S. pharmacy chain to join the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative.

“At CVS Health, we serve as the front door to health care – touching the lives of one in three Americans, with a presence in thousands of communities across the country. We are playing an active role in providing more affordable, accessible, and effective care, and our corporate social responsibility strategy supports these efforts,” said Larry Merlo, President and Chief Executive Officer for CVS Health. “Looking ahead, we will continue to align our CSR goals with CVS Health’s leading position at the heart of health care delivery in the United States.”

CVS Health’s CSR framework, Prescription for a Better World, spans efforts across three strategic pillars: Health in Action, Planet in Balance and Leader in Growth. Within each pillar, the company has established goals and measurable, time-bound targets to ensure accountability. The company also reports on progress made against each target in this year’s Report.

“In 2017, we established new leadership positions across a range of CSR issues. We were thoughtful and determined in how we generated impact by leveraging our size, scale and expertise,” said Eileen Howard Boone, Senior Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility and Philanthropy. “Collaboration with our many internal and external partners drove us forward. Their partnership and support will continue to be central to the advancement of our CSR strategy.”

Notable accomplishments in 2017 include:

Health in Action

An enhanced utilization management program to ensure that opioids are being prescribed and used appropriately, consistent with guidelines set by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Launch of in-store medication disposal units to safely collect medication that could otherwise be diverted, misused or abused
Significant progress against 2020 targets to help deliver the first tobacco-free generation, including 4.4 million youth reached with tobacco-free messaging and 128 new tobacco-free educational institutions
An expanded partnership between MinuteClinic and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide access to affordable health services for more than 120,000 veterans
Delivery of more than $6.4 million in services through the Project Health free health screening campaign, which since 2006, has resulted in more than $122 million in services provided

Planet in Balance

Submission of a science-based emissions reduction target for approval from the Science Based Targets initiative
The removal of chemicals of consumer concern across nearly 600 store brand beauty and personal care products
Progress toward the company’s 2020 target of sustainably sourced palm oil in all store brand products containing this ingredient
The diversion of 48 percent of company-generated waste to recycling and reuse through ongoing, data-driven improvement projects

Leader in Growth

Record spending with diverse and women-owned suppliers, and the establishment of new spending targets for 2020
Inclusion on DiversityInc’s Top 50 Companies for Diversity list for the first time, a result of a greater focus on diverse supplier spending and management-level recruitment
The opening of a Talent Connect Center in Fort Bragg, NC to connect service members and their spouses with career training and employment opportunities as they transition from military to civilian life

CVS Health’s 2017 CSR Report was developed in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Sustainability Reporting Standards, a global framework widely used by organizations to report on CSR and sustainability performance. The company completed a materiality assessment in 2017 and focused its reporting on topics that reflect its most significant economic, environmental, and social impacts, or that substantively influence the assessments and decisions of stakeholders.

The Report is available online at cvshealth.com/social-responsibility.

About CVS Health
CVS Health is a pharmacy innovation company helping people on their path to better health. Through its more than 9,800 retail locations, more than 1,100 walk-in medical clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with more than 94 million plan members, a dedicated senior pharmacy care business serving more than one million patients per year, expanding specialty pharmacy services, and a leading stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, the company enables people, businesses and communities to manage health in more affordable and effective ways. This unique integrated model increases access to quality care, delivers better health outcomes and lowers overall health care costs. Find more information about how CVS Health is shaping the future of health at https://www.cvshealth.com.

Contacts:
Media Contacts:
Joe Goode, 401-770-9820
[email protected]

Mary Gattuso, 401-770-9811
[email protected]

Investor Relations:
Mike McGuire, 401-770-4050
[email protected]

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SOURCE CVS Health

A New Level Of Performance And Sophistication — The Next Generation Lexus ES

April 24, 2018

The redesigned 2019 Lexus ES builds on its strengths with an all-new chassis that allows for a more dynamic exterior design and the introduction of the first ES F SPORT. (PRNewsFoto/Lexus International)

BEIJING, April 24, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — After six generations of unprecedented success in the entry-luxury sedan category, the next-generation Lexus ES is forging a new, more ambitious path. Long known for its unparalleled comfort, refinement and luxury appointments, the seventh-generation ES builds on its strengths with an all-new chassis that allows for a more dynamic exterior design and the introduction of the first ES F SPORT.

Representing the third vehicle in the Future Chapter of Lexus that started with the LC coupe and LS sedan, the new ES expands that vision of the brand’s future to a broader audience. Traditional buyers will find the new ES more spacious, quieter and safer than ever before while a new generation of customers will be introduced to a sedan with sharpened performance, class-leading active safety technology and a level of craftsmanship rarely found in this segment.

The New Dimension of ES Design
Built on the all-new Global Architecture – K (GA-K) platform, the new ES pushes the limits of design in the luxury sedan class. This ES is longer (+2.6 in), lower (-.2 in) and wider (+1.8 in.) than before with wheels that have been pushed closer to the corners thanks to a two-inch longer wheelbase and wider tracks front (+.4 in) and rear (+1.5 in). Its stance and proportions reflect its newfound performance capabilities and give the ES the kind of eye-catching appearance that will make owners take a second look as they walk away.

Project Chief Designer, Yasuo Kajino, describes the look of the ES as “provocative elegance”.

“The ES has always been an elegant luxury sedan. For this generation, we have added daring design elements that challenge the traditional expectations of buyers.”

To create a dynamic yet fluid shape, Kaijino’s team used the low hood enabled by the new ES platform to produce a distinctive silhouette emphasized by an aggressive downward slant. Up front, the ES offers two dramatically different grille designs. The standard ES 350 and the ES 300h use elegant vertical bars that radiate out from the center while the ES 350 F SPORT model adopts a blacked out pattern consisting of “L”-shaped clusters with corresponding cut outs at each corner of the fascia.

In a break with ES models of the past, the seventh-generation design uses a fast roofline that emphasizes its lower stance and slippery aerodynamics. The rear end is clean and sharply chiseled, with LED taillamps that wrap around the quarter panels to provide a continuous styling line from any angle. F SPORT models add a rear spoiler, additional rear badging and a dark lower valance to further refine the look. There are three different wheel designs (standard 17-inch, two 18-inch) for the ES 350 and ES 300h while the ES 350 F SPORT gets standard 19-inch wheels with a design similar to that found on the LC coupe.

A dozen colors make up the exterior paint palette including two new shades, one green and one beige, that are anything but typical. Moonbeam Beige Metallic was designed to mimic light reflecting off fresh snow, while Sunlit Green replicates the color of ocean water brightened by the sun. F SPORT models get an exclusive Ultra Sonic Blue Mica 2.0 color that complements its high-energy design.

The Future of Lexus Interiors
When designing the look and feel of the ES’s interior, Kajino’s team started with the Lexus Future Interior concept which blends a driver-centric cockpit with a spacious and comfortable area for the front passenger. In the ES, the driver’s focus is kept on the road ahead by placing the center display screen, instrument panel and available heads up display in a tight cluster in the driver’s field of view. Front passengers, on the other hand, get a more open and spacious environment that promotes relaxation.

Rear seat passenger comfort has long been a hallmark of the ES and the seventh-generation model still prioritizes rear package capability despite the sleeker exterior roofline. A lower hip point and a carefully configured headliner preserve headroom while the longer wheelbase delivers generous legroom.

To create an entirely different appearance for the inside of new F SPORT model, an all-new kind of metallic cabin trim was developed that is unlike anything else Lexus has done before. Inspired by the making of a traditional Japanese sword, Hadori aluminum trim features fluctuating wave patterns that give it a three-dimensional appearance that varies depending on the viewing angle. The effect is subtle yet indicative of the level of detail and craftsmanship that Kajino’s team put into giving the F SPORT a unique place in the lineup. The standard ES 350 and ES 300h will continue to offer traditional materials like Matte Bamboo, Linear Dark Mocha and Linear Espresso wood which give the ES a hand-crafted appearance that luxury buyers expect in this category.

A New Era of Performance
The engineering team led by Yasuhiro Sakakibara had one clear goal when it came to the ES: transform the image of the ES. That meant turning a sedan known primarily for comfort and quietness into one that is equally capable of delivering class-leading handling and power that you can feel and hear.

According to Sakakibara, this ES was built to deliver a fundamentally higher level of performance than any of its predecessors. “We knew that this ES had to feel responsive and easy to drive, no matter what kind of road it was on and that can only be achieved with a solid foundation.”

The starting point was the newly developed GA-K chassis. It’s an exceptionally rigid front-wheel drive chassis, rivalling the GA-L rear-wheel drive platform used for the LC coupe and LS sedan in terms of torsional stiffness. Various grades of high-tensile steel reduce weight versus previous platforms while additional enhancements like an all-new multi-link rear suspension design, rack-mounted electric power steering and a V-brace mounted behind the rear seat gave the engineers the flexibility to tune the ES with a newfound level of precision.

All of the upgrades to the chassis were designed to deliver a sense of comforting predictability coupled with a feeling of quick response to every movement. Yoshiaki Ito, chief test driver for Lexus, describes the ES’s heightened level and refined definition of comfort by saying: “We want every kind of driver to feel a sense of complete control when they are behind the wheel of the ES. It’s a level of comfort that goes beyond merely delivering a smooth ride.”

For an enhanced level of dynamic performance, F SPORT models offer an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) similar to that found on the LC coupe. AVS adds adjustable dampers at each corner that feature 650 levels of damping force for the ultimate in control over any surface. Another F SPORT exclusive is a Sport+ mode for the Drive Mode Select system that selects the most aggressive engine, transmission and suspension settings for maximum performance. A new Engine Sound Enhancement feature is also activated in Sport+ mode that adds an additional layer of engine noise that enhances the natural rhythms of the spirited driving.

Standard V6 Power and a New 8-Speed Direct-Shift Automatic Transmission
All ES 350s are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that is designed to deliver commanding acceleration along with an invigorating sound. With an update to D4-S fuel injection, the impressively smooth engine now develops 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Both of those numbers are up significantly (+34 hp, +19 lb-ft) compared to the previous generation V6.

In addition to the boost in power, the ES 350 also benefits from a new eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. It uses an ultra-thin torque converter and a multi-plate lock up clutch to more efficiently transfer power to the front wheels, and has been tuned to deliver crisp, precisely timed shifts with quick responses. With a wider spread of ratios, the new eight speed is able to utilize high torque gears on the low end for quick starts and tall gearing on the high end for optimum efficiency.

Fourth Generation Hybrid Drive System
Not to be outdone by its gasoline siblings, the ES 300h is capable of delivering exceptional fuel efficiency, responsive performance and minimal emissions for an entry-level luxury sedan. A new, fourth-generation Hybrid Drive System couples an ultra-efficient, Atkinson cycle 2.5-liter, four-cylinder gas engine with a lighter, more compact, more power dense electric motor and self-charging hybrid system. Together they deliver a combined 215 total system horsepower and a preliminary estimate of 44 mpg in combined driving.

An all-new engine, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder incorporates fast-burn combustion technology that makes it one of the most thermally efficient engines ever offered in a Lexus. The result is more power without increasing emissions or fuel consumption. Various methods were used to achieve such impressive results including straight intake ports, increased valve angles and laser-clad valve seats. A variable capacity oil pump, multihole injectors, VVTi-E on the intake valves and a variable cooling system also contribute to the engine’s impressive heat and combustion management.

Overall drivability of the ES 300h has been improved thanks to a more sophisticated hybrid system control computer that is better able to mimic the feel and power delivery of a standard gas engine. An all-new nickel metal hydride battery is smaller than before which allows it to be mounted underneath the back seat so it doesn’t infringe on trunk space.

Unparalleled Safety Comes Standard
One element of the ES that hasn’t been radically transformed is its dedication to safety. All versions of the seventh-generation ES feature the new Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 as standard equipment. Already one of the most sophisticated systems of its kind, LSS+ 2.0 adds new features that further expand its capabilities.

One such feature is daytime bicyclist detection which is part of the comprehensive Pre-Collision System (PCS). Already designed to detect an oncoming vehicle or pedestrian, the PCS system’s ability to potentially detect a bicyclist addresses a common accident scenario. PCS has also been enhanced to help better detect a pedestrian at night by increasing the radar’s sensitivity and dynamic range.

Technology That Connects and Simplifies
Staying connected has never been so important to ES owners, so there are now multiple ways to engage with technology in a safe and convenient manner. For example, the seventh-generation ES is the first Lexus product to offer Apple CarPlay™ phone functionality, enabling drivers to control their iPhones® through the dashboard display screen or with Siri Eyes Free® voice control.

The ES is also Amazon Alexa®-enabled, so drivers can use natural language commands to control a variety of functions. That functionality includes car-to-home and home-to-car commands, so owners who have Alexa enabled devices in their home can interact with their ES before they ever get behind the wheel.

On board Wi-fi powered by Verizon is also available on the ES as part of an optional navigation system that includes an easy-to-read 12.3-inch wide dashboard display. Along with its on-board data set, the navigation system is also capable of receiving over-the-air updates for improved routing and the latest Points of Interest (POIs). Models without navigation will use an 8-inch display and all interactions will be controlled through the Remote Touch Interface (RTI) trackpad.

The Next Chapter of ES
When it goes on sale in September, the 2019 Lexus ES will usher in a new era for one of the brand’s most popular models. Much like the flagship LS, the new ES sedan addresses the need to engage a broader range of customers. It delivers everything that traditional Lexus buyers expect along with elements that will draw in those who haven’t considered the brand before. Bolder styling, more dynamic performance, unique cabin materials and the latest technology add a chapter to the ES story that hasn’t been told, but that all changes in 2018.

	ES 350	ES 300h
Engine	3.5-liter V6	2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid
Layout	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Transmission	8-speed automatic	Hybrid
Max engine output (hp)	302
Max engine torque (lb-ft)	267
Total system output (hp)		215
Battery Type		Nickel Metal Hydride
Length	195.9	195.9
Wheelbase	113.0	113.0
Width	73.4	73.4
Height	56.9	56.9

Lexus’ passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 240 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With six models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers six F SPORT models and two F performance models. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.

www.facebook.com/lexus
www.twitter.com/lexus
www.youtube.com/LexusVehicles
https://plus.google.com/+Lexus/posts
www.instagram.com/lexususa
https://www.pinterest.com/lexususa

MEDIA CONTACT:
Nancy Hubbell	Ed Hellwig
469.292.4954	469.292.1165
[email protected]	[email protected]

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SOURCE Lexus International

interCaribbean cancels St Thomas and St Croix planned operations

April 24, 2018

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos, April 24, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — interCaribbean Airways with a heavy heart must advise the Caribbean traveling public that services to St Thomas and to St Croix are canceled. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this causes those customers with planned travel arrangements on these flights.

interCaribbean has been working for some months to have the USVI filings process completed, for which it is not possible to manage simultaneously with the setup of all other operations in parallel. Such has been the process, that other requirements to setup at the airports are unable to be advanced without this completed.

interCaribbean over a month ago deployed an additional aircraft to Tortola in readiness for these flights but given the unusually lengthy processes to get to a starting point, it has become clear that the approval process and our priorities are not aligned. interCaribbean will now redeploy the aircraft into other operations and growth opportunities. We operate in 13 countries and have not faced the prolonged or protracted challenges of setting up an operation timely in any country. We wish to acknowledge we have seen the full cooperation from the CPB (Customs and Border Protection) and the TSA (Transport Security Administration) Agencies in receiving their early and timely approvals for both St Thomas and St Croix.

A key element at any new city served is selecting a partner handling company. In the case of the USVI, we are confronted with handling costs that are three to four times the norm across our entire network of cities. We simply will not pay such outrageous prices. We cannot expect to have to double our everyday affordable low airfares to compensate, for we will not see support from the traveling public.

Given the work necessary to make these cities a viable destination with airfares for which we have become known, we have elected to postpone until the winter season of this year 2018 and give time and opportunity to consider other options to create effective partner handling, and for all authorities to take all the time needed. Should we find a satisfactory point. We will update the traveling public as we move forward and keep you appraised.

Visit interCaribbean.com to learn more about the company and its operations.

About interCaribbean

interCaribbean operates EMB 120, Twin Otter and shortly ERJ145 aircraft connecting the Turks & Caicos Islands, Antigua, the British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Dominica, St Lucia and St. Maarten and shortly new services to Aruba and Curacao. Domestic flights are operated in the Turks & Caicos Islands, as well as in Jamaica between Kingston and Montego Bay.

SOURCE interCaribbean Airways

March of Dimes Commends New Postpartum Care Guidelines From ACOG

April 24, 2018

WHITE PLAINS, New York, April 24, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — March of Dimes commends our partners at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) for issuing new guidelines, Optimizing Postpartum Care, to ensure the proper care of women after giving birth. Too many mothers are suffering or dying from preventable causes during the postpartum period. These new guidelines, which recommend earlier and more frequent post-natal visits to a doctor, could help identify many dangerous conditions and ensure women get the care they need.

Women may be vulnerable to a range of health risks in the days and weeks after giving birth. These include not only physical conditions like high blood pressure but also postpartum depression and relapse of substance use. In recent months, media reports have highlighted numerous tragic cases in which new mothers died of preventable and treatable conditions after childbirth. March of Dimes applauds the new ACOG recommendations for urging postpartum care to begin very soon after birth and to continue as frequently as needed, replacing the current recommendation for a single postpartum visit sometime within 60 days after giving birth.

March of Dimes looks forward to working with ACOG and other partners to ensure the rapid adoption and implementation of these guidelines by providers, insurers, quality measurement programs, and many others. If followed widely, these guidelines have the potential to dramatically improve women’s health.

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

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SOURCE March of Dimes

(Español) Ingrid Macher publica su segundo libro: Irresistible y sana

April 24, 2018

Irresistible y sana

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

HITN Expands Its Distribution Opportunities Through The National Cable Television Cooperation (NCTC)

April 24, 2018

BROOKLYN, N.Y., April 24, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — HITN, the leading Spanish-language network that offers educational and entertainment content to more than 44 million households across the United States, announced an agreement with the National Cable Television Cooperation (NCTC), an organization comprised of more than 800 cable operators in the United States, to enhance the network’s expansion in the US Hispanic market.

The partnership allows NCTC member operators – which together provide service to millions of subscribers – to offer their customers unlimited access to HITN’s educational and entertainment content through their linear services, TV everywhere services and digital platforms.

“This agreement demonstrates the interest our programming strategy has generated in the market, while at the same time allowing hundreds of operators the opportunity to offer their Pay TV subscribers in the United States a fresh and different alternative to traditional Hispanic networks,” remarked Eric Turpin, General Manager of HITN-TV.

HITN‘s offering includes titles in such genres as lifestyle and health, nature and technology, children’s programming, and analytical content designed to inform Hispanic audiences and help them enjoy a better quality of life in the United States.

ABOUT HITN
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, DISH Network, AT&T U-verse TV, Verizon FiOS TV, Comcast, Charter Spectrum, Frontier, Mediacom, CenturyLink Prism and Cablevision. For more information, please visit www.hitn.org.

ABOUT NCTC
NCTC is a Kansas not-for-profit corporation that operates as a programming and hardware purchasing organization for its member companies who own and operate cable systems throughout the U.S. and its territories. NCTC seeks to maximize current and future opportunities to ensure the profitability, competitive stature and long-term sustainability of its member companies. For more information, visit www.nctconline.org

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/613816/HITN_Logo.jpg

SOURCE HITN

BioTrackTHC Deploys Puerto Rico Traceability System, Expands Presence

April 24, 2018

BioTrackTHC is an extensively used seed-to-sale cannabis tracking solution deployed by businesses and governments in the U.S. and abroad. (PRNewsFoto/BIOTRACKTHC)

FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida, April 24, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in coordination with the Department of Health’s seed-to-sale traceability provider, BioTrackTHC, has officially deployed its government seed-to-sale Traceability System to oversee the island’s medical cannabis industry. The system will enable the government to track and regulate the medical cannabis supply chain, product safety, and sales.

Puerto Rico originally announced BioTrackTHC as the winner apparent of the contract in late 2016. However, there was a series of protests from competing vendors that were ultimately dismissed. The contract was then officially executed by the Puerto Rico Department of Health and BioTrackTHC in February of 2018. The Traceability System is being deployed in phases, with the first phase going live today, Tuesday, April 24, 2018.

“Our goal is to provide safe access to medical cannabis for all of our patients in Puerto Rico. The Traceability System empowers us to provide them with access in a way that is both transparent and responsible,” said Antonio Quilichini, Executive Director of the Regulatory Board for Medical Cannabis. “Additionally, it will enable the medical cannabis board to properly track the island’s supply chain in real time, with complete visibility and accountability.”

Because of the unique nature of Puerto Rico’s medical cannabis program, as well as the fact that a large number of licensees and their employees are Spanish-speaking, BioTrackTHC recently opened an office on the island and currently employs two staff members locally who are exclusively focused on supporting the Department of Health, the Puerto Rico licensees, the company’s Spanish-speaking customers, and the Puerto Rico Traceability program at-large.

“It is an honor to be in a position to help launch the island’s medical cannabis program and assist the licensees in getting up and running on the Traceability System,” said James Tolentino, Director of Puerto Rico Operations for BioTrackTHC.

There are currently over 60 licensed cannabis businesses who are approved by the State to distribute medical cannabis to approved patients in Puerto Rico. The launch of the Traceability System provides these patients with an accessible program as well as safe, lab-tested medical cannabis.

As previously announced in March of this year, BioTrackTHC and Helix TCS Inc. (OTCQB: HLIX) have signed a definitive merger agreement. The signing of this contract helps to further establish BioTrackTHC as a leader in government traceability as they now hold nine (9) executed seed-to-sale contracts.

About BioTrackTHC
Bio-Tech Medical Software, Inc., through its BioTrackTHC division, develops and provides effective, cutting-edge technology solutions for the emerging medical and recreational cannabis industry. Visit www.biotrack.com for more information, email [email protected] or call 1-800-797-4711 to order software. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for important updates and relevant industry news. BioTrackTHC currently holds 9 government contracts and operates in over 2000 locations across 28 states, D.C., and 4 countries. Bio-Tech Medical Software, Inc. is a privately-held company based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

CONTACT:
Jeff Gonring
BioTrackTHC
(303) 324-1022
[email protected]
https://www.biotrack.com

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SOURCE BioTrackTHC

AFGE Endorses Rep. Ruben Gallego of Arizona for Re-election

April 23, 2018

The largest federal employee union, the American Federation of Government Employees, is endorsing Rep. Ruben Gallego for re-election this November to the U.S. House representing the 7th district of Arizona.

WASHINGTON, April 20, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The American Federation of Government Employees today announced its endorsement of Rep. Ruben Gallego for another term representing the 7^th district of Arizona.

“Congressman Gallego stands with AFGE in supporting the federal workers who keep our government running, including the doctors and nurses caring for veterans like himself at VA hospitals and medical centers in Arizona and across the country,” said American Federation of Government Employees District 12 National Vice President George McCubbin III.

Rep. Gallego has introduced legislation to help veterans struggling with student loan debt and promoted legislation to ensure veterans have access to well-paying jobs. He has led the fight against efforts to privatize the Department of Veterans Affairs and has stood with AFGE members fighting to fully fund and staff the VA.

“Congressman Gallego is a combat veteran who has been fighting to ensure veterans have access to all the benefits they’ve earned, including having their health care delivered by VA doctors and nurses – many of whom are veterans themselves,” McCubbin said.

In February, Rep. Gallego joined with AFGE members and fellow union advocates in calling for filling the VA’s 49,000 vacant positions in a rally outside the AFL-CIO that culminated in a march to the VA headquarters. The congressman recalled how it was an AFGE member at the VA who held his hand when he first returned from Iraq.

“It wasn’t some private soulless corporation,” Gallego said. “It was a dedicated government employee who said, ‘I understand what you’re going through because I’m a veteran myself and I’m here to help you.’ There are thousands, thousands of veterans like me every day who have that relationship with that VA employee, and only that VA employee. That can’t be replaced with some thinktank, Koch brothers, wannabe organization.”

More than 56,000 federal employees live in Arizona – caring for veterans, supporting the military, guarding our borders, and keeping dangerous criminals safely behind bars.

AFGE is the largest federal employee union in the country, representing 700,000 federal and D.C. government workers in all functions of government. District 12 has more than 40,000 dues-paying members in Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Nevada.

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union, representing 700,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia.

For the latest AFGE news and information, visit the AFGE Media Center. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/680178/AFGE_Ruben_Gallego_VA_Rally.jpg

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/329549/american_federation_of_government_employees_logo.jpg

SOURCE American Federation of Government Employees

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