eMerge Americas 2018 Closes Out With A Surprise Blockchain Announcement From Armando Christian Perez, AKA Pitbull

April 26, 2018

MIAMI, April 26, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — eMerge Americas, the premier technology event connecting Latin America, North America and Europe, has come to a close for 2018. World-class speakers had the eMerge Expo floor buzzing far and wide, from Dr. Dennis Hong and his robots to Vicente Fox, as they tapped into the hottest conversations in our society today—blockchain, AI, and cybersecurity. Grammy-winning artist, entrepreneur and investor, Armando Christian Perez, aka Pitbull, even dropped a surprise blockchain announcement to close the event.

“It’s been a whirlwind fifth edition of eMerge Americas, with over 15,000 attendees and more than 400 participating companies,” said Xavier Gonzalez, CEO of eMerge Americas. “We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Miami in 2019.”

A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM PITBULL
Pitbull, eMerge Americas, and Zeppelin have teamed up for a 1-month coding competition that kicked off on Tuesday. The competition is designed for teams who can use the Ethereum platform to disrupt the current state of the music industry, bringing blockchain and music together. Full details at www.smackathon.co

AND NOW FOR THE WINNERS…
The winner of the Startup Showcase, sponsored by Visa in partnership with Venture Hive, was Xendoo. The winner of the startup showcase fan favorite award, was TidBit. VendyFlo took home the prize from the eMerge Americas Hackathon, a partnership with Wyncode sponsored by Cloudinary, KAIROS, and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., and VendyFlo was also crowned the winner in the Visa Developer Challenge.

eMerge Americas returns to Miami next year April 29-30. For the latest news, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn (@eMergeAmericas) and Instagram (@emergeamericas).

About eMerge Americas
eMerge Americas serves as the preeminent innovative thought exchange transforming Miami into the technological hub of the Americas. By connecting global industry leaders and investors with America’s top business executives, technology decisionmakers, and entrepreneurs, partnerships are forged that spur visionary innovation and technological advancements for the betterment of business and society. The eMerge Americas founding partners include: Medina Capital, A Rod Corporation, Greenberg Traurig, Knight Foundation, Miami-Dade County, and the Miami Herald. For more information about eMerge Americas, please visit: emergeamericas.com.

SOURCE eMerge Americas

Century 21 Real Estate, Hispanic Heritage Foundation And Miami Dade College Present The 70 Newly-Licensed Real Estate Agents Of The “Empowering Latinas” Scholarship Program

April 26, 2018

MADISON, New Jersey, April 26, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Century 21 Real Estate LLC, franchisor of the iconic CENTURY 21® brand, along with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and Miami Dade College, presented today the 70 newly-licensed real estate agents of the “Empowering Latinas” program, which awarded 70 scholarships to help Latinas in South Florida earn a real estate license. The winners from South Florida were selected from more than 140 Latinas who applied for the “Empowering Latinas” scholarships. Among the new licensees are teachers, interior designers, nurses, architects, researchers, housewives, and legal assistants.

“We set out to find the relentless and this class of Latina real estate entrepreneurs reflect the go-getters and the midnight oil burners we are looking for to join our brand,” said Nick Bailey, president and chief executive officer of Century 21 Real Estate. “Through this program, these 70 scholarship recipients are now better equipped to give 121% and deliver extraordinary experiences to home buyers and sellers throughout South Florida.”

The awardees of the “Empowering Latinas” program received a scholarship that offset the cost to obtain a real estate license in Florida. Subsequently, CENTURY 21 affiliate brokers in the South Florida region provided mentorships to the awardees and offered them the opportunity to hone their craft with a local franchise affiliate.

“I decided to pursue the scholarship program because I was looking for an opportunity that would fill me after the loss of my husband and the departure of my daughters to college,” said Alicia Calvo, one of the 70 selected Latinas. “I like sales and this opportunity that Century 21 Real Estate gives me to study and get my license is amazing.”

To view the names of the 70 “Empowering Latinas” scholarship and mentorship program winners, please visit www.C21empoweringlatinas.com.

About Century 21 Real Estate LLC
The approximately 118,000 independent sales professionals in approximately 8,000 offices spanning 80 countries and territories in the CENTURY 21 System live their mission everyday: to defy mediocrity and deliver extraordinary experiences. By consistently chasing excellence, giving 121% and being obsessed with better, the CENTURY 21 brand is helping its affiliated brokers/agents to be the first choice for real estate consumers and industry professionals worldwide. Century 21 Real Estate has numerous websites to help answer specific consumer needs.
They are century21.com, century21global.com, commercial.century21.com,
century21.com/finehomes, and century21espanol.com.

©2018 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. CENTURY 21^® and the CENTURY 21 Logo are registered service marks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. Century 21 Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.

Contact:
Peter Mosca
Century 21 Real Estate LLC
Phone: 973.407.5180
Email: [email protected]

Polvora Advertising
Aleyso Bridger
Email: [email protected]

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/649227/Century_21_Real_Estate_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Century 21 Real Estate LLC

New Campaign Connects Hispanic Families with National Forests

April 26, 2018

WASHINGTON, April 26, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In an effort to motivate Hispanic families to explore our public lands and national forests, and to reconnect with nature through outdoor activities, Hispanic Communications Network (HCN), in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service (USDA Forest Service), this week launches the third year of their successful Spanish-language multimedia campaign “Descubre El Bosque” (Discover the Forest).

The initiative coincides with the celebration of Earth Day, as well as a series of emblematic events for the protection of nature: National Park Rx Day on April 29, National Environmental Education Week, from April 23 to 29, National Park Week from April 21 to 29 and the City Nature Challenge from April 27 to 30.

The public service campaign features messages on radio, digital and social media to enhance understanding of the direct connection between the health of Latino families and the health of trees and forests.

A USDA Forest Service investigation shows that 80% of the country’s underground freshwater originates from national forest lands; and, almost 20% of all freshwater originates from the National Forest Land System, which is the largest source of drinking water in the United States.

In contrast, neglected and unhealthy forests negatively affect the quality of our water supply. Vulnerable communities, including Latino communities, are more likely to suffer from poor water quality.

“We are excited to deepen this collaboration with USDA Forest Service, as it is critical for Latino communities we serve — who suffer disproportionately higher rates of health problems like asthma due to poor environmental quality — to understand the health of trees and forests impacts the quality of water we drink and air we breathe, which directly affect the health of our population. We are committed to continue the promotion of this message, which is not only positive, but also proactive: we can do something about this,” said Alison Rodden, CEO at HCN.

The core Descubre el Bosque / Discover the Forest national campaign dates are April 21 and May 6. Multimedia elements will reach Spanish-speaking communities via HCN’s daily educational radio mini-programas and call-in shows to help the Spanish-speaking community, such as Dra Isabel, “the Angel of Radio” and Bienvenidos a América (Welcome to America), as well as through HCN’s social media channels like Facebook. All campaign materials can be found on-demand at LaRedHispana.org.

Increasing visitations to public lands, forests and parks among Spanish-speakers can have positive impacts on the wellbeing of US Hispanic communities. “The campaign also highlights the important and valuable role Latino parents can play in instilling positive values of respect and care for nature in their children, making visits to our forests part of a family tradition.”

“Scientific studies have shown that the time spent in contact with nature increases cognitive performance, decreases the rates of anxiety, depression and alleviates the symptoms of other diseases such as attention deficit disorder and Alzheimer’s,” says Helen Cortés, a Program Analyst at USDA Forest Service.

Through the interactive portal, DescubreElBosque.org, the public can search by zip code for outdoor activities that will take place in one’s area and find events open for the entire Latino community. The website also includes a search engine for national forests, national parks, state parks, public parks, beaches, recreational areas, wildlife refuges, museums and visitors center.

Hispanic Communications Network & La Red Hispana
Hispanic Communications Network (HCN) is the leading communication service dedicated to the production and distribution of educational and informative content for the Hispanic community in the United States. HCN is positioned to provide its government and non-profit partners with effective solutions when producing and distributing media campaigns focused on the service and generation of well-being within Hispanic communities. To learn more visit: LaRedHispana.org and / or HCNmedia.com.

SOURCE Hispanic Communications Network

Former Head of the New York Global Equity Sales Desk at Barclays Joins Strategic Advisory Firm Rose & Company

April 26, 2018

NEW YORK, April 26, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Rose & Company announced today that Blair Mutschler has joined the firm as Managing Director in the New York office.

Mr. Mutschler joins Rose & Company from Barclays, where he served as Head of the Global Equity Sales Desk. He held broad responsibilities at Barclays, including building and managing a sales team that delivered the firm’s platform and marketed corporate issuers to institutional investors globally. Prior to joining Barclays in 2009, Mr. Mutschler worked in the institutional Equity Research Sales group at Morgan Stanley for 10 years. At Morgan Stanley, he managed institutional relationships with mutual fund and hedge fund investors and created sales products to better leverage the firm’s global resources for its client base.

“Blair is an important addition to our growing team,” said Simon Rose, Chief Executive Officer of Rose & Company. “He brings to the firm an intimate knowledge of the rapidly evolving equity sell-side and buy-side ecosystem developed over two decades at bulge-bracket institutions. His global perspective, strong industry relationships, and deep understanding of the capital markets will be tremendous assets to our firm and our clients.”

Mr. Mutschler commented: “I am pleased to join a growing firm with a unique and thoughtful approach to delivering value-added services to high-quality corporate issuers. The experience of the firm’s principals combined with the breadth of its service offering will greatly benefit companies as they navigate evolving and increasingly complex capital markets.”

About Rose & Company

Rose & Company is a strategic advisory firm dedicated to helping clients successfully navigate the global capital markets. We work with our clients to evaluate, define and execute strategies to enhance their presence in increasingly globalized and complex capital markets. For more information, please visit www.roseandco.com.

SOURCE Rose & Company

Nestlé, Sprint And Target Kick Off Each Day At The 2018 CMC Annual Conference

April 26, 2018

FAIRFAX, Virginia, April 26, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Culture Marketing Council: The Voice of Hispanic Marketing (CMC) will start each day of its 2018 Annual Conference with powerful sessions from top leaders of brands that keep creativity, community and culture central to their marketing strategies. CMOs and high-ranking executives from Nestlé, Sprint and Target will open each day of the CMC Annual Conference, taking place at the Loews Hotel in Los Angeles from June 4-6.

Rick Gomez, CMO of Target, will deliver the opening keynote speech on Monday, June 4, with Alicia Enciso, CMO of Nestlé, leading the morning on Tuesday, June 5 and Alberto Lorente, director of multicultural marketing of Sprint, ending the final morning on Wednesday, June 6. “This year, we have an unprecedented number of clients presenting in a non-‘pay-for-play’ environment, and we felt it was important to start off each day of our conference with C-suite leaders from top brands,” said CMC Chair Isaac Mizrahi, co-president and COO of Alma. “Nestlé, Sprint and Target have proven track records of customer engagement, creative execution and community fandom with culture at the heart.”

The content doesn’t stop there. Whether it’s rhetoric, the attempted repeal of DACA or building a wall as an immigration strategy, Trump and his proposed policies have influenced the fabric of society not only in increased political activism but also in the way we communicate, especially on Twitter. The CMC is bringing together a panel of A-list journalists to discuss the power of the multicultural vote, predictions for mid-term elections, the effect DACA has on our education system and hiring practices and brand commitment to Hispanic efforts. Moderated by Roberto Orci, CEO of Acento, The Hispanic Brand in the Trump Era features broadcast journalist, news anchor and author Maria Elena Salinas and Co-Founder & CEO of CIEN+, Lilly Gil Valleta.

The term influencer has become one of the industry’s most over-used buzzwords, but what do influencers really do and what tangible value do they bring? Influence of Influencers isn’t your typical influencer session. As moderator, President & CEO of Pinta, Mike Valdes-Fauli will ask expert panelists Gaby Natale, president and co-founder of AGANAR Media, and Marla Skiko, executive vice president and director of digital innovation at Starcom MediaVest Group’s multicultural division, about measuring engagement, ROI, pay-to-play, celebrities vs. thought leaders and the ethical boundaries of payment disclosure.

With record ratings, revenue and merchandise sales coming from the Latin market, no sports enterprise can afford to ignore this demographic. In Pasión for Sports: How Hispanics Are Driving the Future of Sports Marketing, experts including Antonio Briceño, managing director at beIN SPORTS, Juan Pablo Convers, VP of business development at Univision Digital, and Marissa Fernandez, senior director of marketing strategy and fan development for the National Football League, will examine the importance of live television in a DVR-era, nuanced marketing campaigns to draw Hispanic ratings and the emergence of “American” sports competing with soccer for viewer attention.

Other topics include The Multicultural Marketing Journey with Comcast, Domino’s Pizza & Pepsi, Culture is the New Mainstream, Corporate America & the State of Latino Representation, Fireside Chat with Danny Trejo: Hispanic Representation on Screens, The Future of Advertising Agencies, Multicultural Structure: The Good, The Bad, They Ugly, Fact or Fiction: The Current State of the Hispanic Market, among others.

For more information, visit culturemarketingcouncil.org and follow the CMC on Facebook and Twitter at @cmchispanic using the conference hashtag #CMCpowerof3.

About CMC

Founded in 1996 as the Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies, the Culture Marketing Council: The Voice of Hispanic Marketing is the national trade organization of all marketing, communications and media firms with trusted Hispanic expertise.

SOURCE Culture Marketing Council: The Voice of Hispanic Marketing

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]

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/681792/Construction_Safety_Week_Logo.jpg

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
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/680403/Botsy_2.jpg

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]

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/142305/cvs_health_logo.jpg

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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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

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