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.

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www.youtube.com/LexusVehicles
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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

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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.

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SOURCE American Federation of Government Employees

Ian Somerhalder and Energy Upgrade California Have Some Good “Clean” Fun Promoting Energy Efficiency

April 23, 2018

Energy Upgrade California #BetterOff Cold Wash Party

SACRAMENTO, California, April 23, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — On Earth Day, April 22, Energy Upgrade California (EUC), a statewide initiative committed to helping Californians take action to save energy, teamed up with environmentalist and actor Ian Somerhalder to host a Cold Wash Party at a Los Angeles-area laundromat. The Earth Day event is a part of EUC’s “Do Your Thing” campaign and was designed to raise awareness about small behaviors Californians can take to save energy and reduce demand on the energy grid. According to EUC, the demand for energy reaches its peak between the hours of 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. Shifting the time in which energy is used will help save electricity and also reduce the demand on the grid.

The Cold Wash Parties were held in three locations in California – Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Francisco, where attendees were invited to wash their clothes in cold water between the hours of 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. By shifting the time of day when they washed clothes and changing the washing machine’s setting to “cold,” attendees demonstrated one example of a smart energy management choice Californians can make in their everyday lives. Attendees received a night of music, cold drinks, swag and a free cold wash.

“Saving energy can’t just be something we do on Earth Day. Our state (and world) would be better off if we focused on energy efficiency every day,” said Ian Somerhalder. “Washing clothes in cold water, effectively using 90 percent less energy, is just one way we can commit to a more sustainable future in California.”

“Energy Upgrade California hosted these cold wash parties, not only to help bring an awareness to this direct call to action, but to help bring awareness to the overall issue of energy usage,” stated Commissioner Carla J. Peterman of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). “By encouraging people to take this small step (washing clothes in cold water not during peak energy use), we are hopefully encouraging other energy saving behaviors that will not only benefit residents themselves, but help other businesses and the state overall.”

“I am excited I was able to participate in this Cold Wash Party, as well as represent this movement. However, there are other steps residents can take to be efficient in their energy use other than just washing clothes in cold water – such as turning off appliances when not in use or limiting all energy usage throughout the day,” stated Somerhalder.

Energy Upgrade California supports California in its mission to double energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030. With the second lowest per capita electricity consumption rates in the country, California is known for “doing its thing” when it comes to energy efficiency. Sustainable energy practices benefit all California residents and businesses in a variety of ways, from reducing pollution, to slowing climate change, and creating a more prosperous state overall.

Somerhalder participated in the Los Angeles Cold Wash Party, as part of the Energy Upgrade California “Do Your Thing” movement. This “Do Your Thing,” statewide movement taps into the pride, diversity and innovative spirit that makes California so special. It empowers every Californian with the tools and information to benefit themselves and the state through energy efficiency.

More photos from the Energy Upgrade California Cold Wash Parties are available here. For more information about Energy Upgrade California, the “Do Your Thing” movement, its mission and partners, please visit: www.EnergyUpgradeCA.org

About Energy Upgrade California
Created by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) in 2011 and funded through the landmark “Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act of 2015,” Energy Upgrade California is a statewide marketing, education, and outreach (ME&O) initiative to promote energy management concepts, energy efficiency actions, and clean energy opportunities for the state’s residents and businesses.

About the California Public Utilities Commission
The CPUC regulates services and utilities, safeguards the environment, and assures Californians’ access to safe and reliable utility infrastructure and services. For more information on the CPUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.

About Ian Somerhalder
Ian Somerhalder is an actor, director, environmentalist and humanitarian who is best known for his starring role as Damon Salvatore on CW’s hit television series THE VAMPIRE DIARIES and can next be seen in Netflix’s V-WARS. Somerhalder is also the Founder/President of the Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ISF) which was established in November 2010. The purpose of the Foundation is to advance science; promote the conservation of natural resources for the benefit of the entire community; provide relief to the poor, distressed, and underprivileged; and support other organizations conducting activities under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/680470/Energy_Upgrade_California___Cold_Wash_Party.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/680149/EUC_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Energy Upgrade California

Powerful: Beyond High Protein Foods

April 23, 2018

MIAMI, April 23, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Powerful Foods, a high-protein food company based in Miami, FL announced today the launch of a new social media campaign with a strong emotional message. The campaign further accentuates the company’s evolution since its 2013 launching campaign “Find your inner abs”.

In tune with the new consumer values of meaning and purpose, Powerful deepens its meaning beyond high-protein products with inspirational quotes. The Powerful People campaign, features several profiles of everyday heroes from all walks of life who have meaningfully contributed to their communities and society at large. All these Powerful People leverage a mind-body connection to empower others.

“We launched Powerful, to fill the market void of great tasting, high-protein products made with natural ingredients that consumers with active lifestyles were seeking,” says Carlos Ramirez, Powerful CEO and founder. “Now we add inspiration to get active and become a better version of your already-strong self.”

For Ramirez, who leads a multimillion dollar business with triple digits year-on-year growth, branding is personal. “Powerful People inspire us, me, to push ourselves and give our best to society.”

Although he is reluctant to admit it, Ramirez himself might embody a Powerful People. He came from his native Venezuela to transform his physical and mental strength into tough entrepreneurial spirit and devoted love for his wife and two boys. “We are proud of him as a business leader, as an immigrant…that’s Powerful,” said Alejo Chouela, one of the company’s angel investors.

The Powerful People includes videos, bios and content from bullied overweight teens turned onto elite athletes, non-profit leaders such as Crossfit Garfield PD and Miami is Kind, and immigrants who paved unconventional roads to meaningful lives.

Check their stories at https://powerful.co/

SOURCE Powerful Foods

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