California Adopts New Workplace Safety Regulation to Protect Hotel Housekeepers from Injury

March 13, 2018

OAKLAND, Calif., March 13, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — California has adopted a new workplace safety and health regulation to prevent and reduce work-related injuries to housekeepers in the hotel and hospitality industry. This is the first ergonomic standard in the nation written specifically to protect hotel housekeepers. The new standard, which will be enforced by Cal/OSHA, was approved March 9 by the Office of Administrative Law and will become effective July 1.

“Hotel housekeepers have higher rates of acute and cumulative injuries compared to workers in other industries, and data shows those injuries have steadily increased,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Juliann Sum. “This regulation requires employers to identify, evaluate and correct housekeeping-related hazards with the involvement of housekeepers and their union representative.”

The new regulation requires employers in the hotel and lodging industry to establish, implement and maintain an effective Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention Program (MIPP). Hotel housekeepers frequently suffer musculoskeletal injuries from lifting mattresses, pulling linens, pushing heavy carts, and slipping, tripping or falling while cleaning bathrooms.

The MIPP must include the following:

Procedures to identify and evaluate housekeeping hazards through worksite evaluations that include housekeeper input
Procedures to investigate musculoskeletal injuries to housekeepers
Methods to correct identified hazards
Training of employees and supervisors on safe practices and controls, and a process for early reporting of injuries to the employer

In 2012, hotel worker representatives presented a petition to the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (OSHSB) requesting a new standard to regulate the specific hazards faced by hotel housekeepers. Cal/OSHA convened open advisory meetings over a three-year period to gather information, and determined that existing regulations did not adequately address the hazards faced by housekeepers. Dozens of workers spoke at the meetings, sharing their experiences and discussing how their injuries impacted their lives at work and at home.

Musculoskeletal injuries, which are injuries of a muscle, tendon, ligament, bursa, peripheral nerve, joint, bone or spinal disc can prevent workers from returning to their jobs, and can impose high financial costs on the injured workers and their families, employers and insurers.

OSHSB adopted the proposed standard on January 18 after six years of staff research and analysis and participation by the public through meetings, hearings and submission of comments. The standard will be added to Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations as section 3345, Hotel Housekeeping Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention.

The mission of the Occupational Safety & Health Standards Board is to promote, adopt, and maintain reasonable and enforceable standards that will ensure a safe and healthful workplace for California workers.

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, or Cal/OSHA, is the division within the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) that helps protect California’s workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace. Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch provides free and voluntary assistance to employers to improve their safety and health programs. Employers should call (800) 963-9424 for assistance from Cal/OSHA Consultation Services.

Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR’s Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734). Complaints can also be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices.

Members of the press may contact Peter Melton or Paola Laverde at 510-286-1161, and are encouraged to subscribe to get email alerts on DIR’s press releases or other departmental updates.

The California Department of Industrial Relations, established in 1927, protects and improves the health, safety, and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. DIR is housed within the Labor & Workforce Development Agency. For general inquiries, contact DIR’s Call Center at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734) for help in locating the appropriate division or program in our department.

https://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaDIR
https://twitter.com/CA_DIR
http://www.youtube.com/CaliforniaDIR
http://www.dir.ca.gov/email/listsub.asp?choice=1

SOURCE Cal/OSHA

Pamela Anderson Continues Support of the National Domestic Violence Hotline

March 13, 2018

AUSTIN, Texas and LOS ANGELES, March 13, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ – Actress, author and philanthropist Pamela Anderson announced today, the donation of $30,000 to the National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline) on behalf of the Pamela Anderson Foundation. This marks the fourth year of the Pamela Anderson Foundation’s generous support of The Hotline. Anderson, who now spends most of her time raising funds for non-profit organizations worldwide, visited The Hotline’s headquarters in 2015 to present a $60,000 donation and hear firsthand how advocates are making a difference in the lives of those affected by abuse.

Anderson’s donation will support The Hotline’s work in educating and providing resources to family members affected by abusive relationships in the home, by providing emotional support, safety planning and local resources, such as legal advice and counseling.

Advocates from The Hotline often hear from victims and survivors whose abusive partners exploit their children as a tactic for control in the relationship. They work with victims and survivors to assess tactics that are used when there are young people in the home and provide safety-planning tips. They also coach families on how to communicate when alcohol and drug abuse are factors.

Every day, advocates at The Hotline receive nearly 1,300 calls, chats and texts from victims, survivors and their friends and family seeking information about domestic violence. With one in four women, one in seven men and one in three teens experiencing physical, emotional or verbal abuse by an intimate partner in their lifetime, the need to provide resources and support for victims is critical.

“It’s a privilege to continue to support the important work of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, whose advocates I’ve had an opportunity to meet and hear from directly,” said Pamela Anderson, founder of the Pamela Anderson Foundation. “As a mother of two, I am particularly delighted to know that our donation will help ensure that families in need of both compassion and information will continue to find a 24/7, trusted resource in The Hotline.”

“Our everyday work is made possible by supporters like Pamela Anderson, and we are tremendously grateful for her partnership and generous contributions over the past four years,” said Katie Ray-Jones, chief executive officer of The Hotline. “The Foundation’s support significantly and positively impacts our ability to offer services and provide resources for parents who are experiencing abuse, which is critical to our mission.”

About the Pamela Anderson Foundation (PAF)
The Pamela Anderson Foundation supports organizations and individuals that stand on the front lines in the protection of human, animal, and environmental rights. By funding the efforts of those who inform and defend the planet and all who live within it, the Pamela Anderson Foundation is an agent of change, love and an advocate for justice. For more information, please visit https://www.pamelaandersonfoundation.org/paf/.

Connect with Pamela

Like Pamela on Facebook
Follow Pamela on Twitter
Engage with Pamela on Instagram

About the National Domestic Violence Hotline
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is a non-profit organization established in 1996 as a component of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Operating around the clock, confidential and free of cost, The Hotline provides victims and survivors with life-saving tools and immediate support. Callers to The Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) can expect highly trained advocates to offer compassionate support, crisis intervention information and referral services in more than 200 languages. Visitors to TheHotline.org can chat live with advocates and they can find information about domestic violence, safety planning, local resources, and ways to support the organization.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline relies on the generous support of individuals, private gifts from corporations and foundations and federal grants. It is funded in part by Grant Number 90EV0426 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)/Administration for Children and Families. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Administration for Children and Families or the U.S. Department of HHS.

Supporting Resources

Become a fan of The Hotline on Facebook
Follow The Hotline on Twitter
Engage with The Hotline on Instagram

Press Contact:
Kyrsten Aspegren, Edelman for the National Domestic Violence Hotline
[email protected] / (512) 770-8036

SOURCE The National Domestic Violence Hotline

Pitbull Joins STX’s UGLYDOLLS Franchise

March 13, 2018

BURBANK, Calif., March 13, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Robert Simonds’ STX Entertainment announced today that GRAMMY® Award-winning, multi-platinum international music superstar and business entrepreneur Pitbull is joining its UglyDolls franchise based on the ubiquitous pop culture Uglydoll characters. UglyDolls will be the first film for which Pitbull will write and perform an original song, as well as lend his voice talent to one of the film’s key characters. STX is also eyeing involvement from the multi-talented entertainer for the studio’s expansive franchise plans across its other platforms where spinoff UglyDoll projects are in development at STXtv, STXdigital and STXsurreal VR.

Said Adam Fogelson, Chairman of STXfilms: “Pitbull’s amazing musical creativity and magnetic personality have captivated millions of adoring fans around the world. We’re thrilled to collaborate with him, and look forward to showcasing his singular talent as we build the UglyDolls franchise.”

“It’s truly an honor to have the opportunity to work alongside the STX team and be involved with UglyDolls,” said Armando Christian Perez, (Pitbull). “The brand takes a fun approach to universal messages no matter color, culture or creed. These are themes I am passionate about, and our team is very excited about this partnership.”

Pitbull will voice one of the key characters in the animated UglyDolls movie, where our UglyDolls confront what it means to be different, struggle with their desire to be loved, and ultimately discover that you don’t have to be perfect to be amazing because who you truly are is what matters most. STXfilms will release UglyDolls in 2019 as a launch vehicle for the franchise.

ABOUT PITBULL
From Mr. 305 to Mr. Worldwide, Armando Christian Perez, aka Pitbull, rose from the streets of Miami to exemplify the American Dream and achieve international success. His relentless work ethic transformed him into a GRAMMY®-winning global superstar and business entrepreneur.

Landing # 1 hits in over 15 countries, 10 billion YouTube/VEVO views, 70 million single sales and 6 million album sales, Pitbull does not stop. In addition to the United States, his sold-out world concert tours have taken him to North and South America, Europe and the Far East. He has also completed headlining tours in China and Japan.

Pitbull ushered in 2018 with his fourth annual New Year’s Eve event at Bayfront Park in Miami and capped off another stellar year that included the release of his tenth full-length album, Climate Change [Mr. 305, Polo Grounds, RCA Records], a second co-headlining U.S. tour with Enrique Iglesias, the release of his first-ever Greatest Hits [Mr. 305, Polo Grounds, RCA Records] and a new Spanish single.

His social networking channels include 56 million likes on Facebook (@Pitbull), 27 million followers on Twitter (@Pitbull) and 6 million followers on Instagram (@Pitbull), plus more than 9 million subscribers on YouTube (PitbullVEVO and PitbullMusic).

Whether it’s his Voli 305 Vodka or fragrance line “Pitbull,” his influence has catapulted. His Las Vegas residency, “Time of Our Lives” at the AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, has now accomplished multiple consecutive runs and includes new dates in 2018. Norwegian Cruise Line handpicked him as Godfather to Norwegian Escape, one of the most innovative cruise ships ever built. He completed his Second Annual Pitbull Cruise in March 2018. Globalization, his 24/7 commercial-free channel on Sirius XM (Ch.4), has become one of the platform’s fastest-growing channels following its 2015 launch.

ABOUT STX Entertainment
STX Entertainment is a global, next-generation media company whose mission is to unlock the value of the direct connection stars have with their fans through the development, financing, production, marketing and distribution of film, television, VR, digital video, music and live entertainment content. It is the industry leader in transforming beyond traditional platform-driven content to creating talent-driven enterprises.

The company is led by accomplished businessman Robert Simonds and was co-founded by Bill McGlashan, managing partner of the leading global private investment firm TPG. Other investors include Hony Capital, a leading private equity firm in China; PCCW, Southeast Asia’s largest Internet and cable services provider; Tencent Holdings, China’s leading provider of online products and services; Liberty Global, the world’s largest distribution platform; Dominic Ng, Chairman of East West Bank; DNS Capital (representing the business interests of Gigi Pritzker and her immediate family); and Beau Wrigley, former Chairman and CEO of the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, among others. With these strategic relationships, the company is uniquely positioned to maximize the impact of content worldwide, with direct passage into the China market.

For more information, please visit http://www.stxentertainment.com.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/646675/STX_Entertainment_Logo.jpg

SOURCE STX Entertainment

Globofran report on Latin American immigrants in the USA: Where do they come from, what do they invest in, and where do they prefer to live?

March 13, 2018

Costo mínimo de vida en las principales ciudades estadounidenses seleccionadas por los latinoamericanos según Reporte Globofran sobre "Inversiones Migratorias"

MIAMI, March 13, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — According to the first report on Immigration Investments by Globofran (download at www.globofran.com/report), with information that explains where Latin Americans in the USA come from, what they invest in, and where they prefer to live, Mexico is the country that has had the largest number of residency permits granted, accounting for 39% of the Latin American total, as well as “non-immigrant” investor visas issued, with more than 3,700 issued in 2016.

But it is not only Mexico with the largest number of “green cards” among Latin Americans; people from the Dominican Republic and Cuba have also obtained large numbers of green cards.

Regarding investment visas granted under the EB-5 program, in 2016 Brazil was in first place, followed by Venezuela. The EB-5 program requires an investor to provide at least US$ 500,000 to a project certified by the UCSIS in order to obtain legal residence.

“This is the first report with reliable data that shows Latin American behavior in terms of investment and migration. It also shows the importance of this community in the growth of the United States economy,” said Jorge Partidas, CEO of Globofran.

In what do Latinos invest in the US?

According to the Globofran study, Latinos prefer to invest and work in:

Residential and corporate maintenance (20%)
Restaurants (18%)
Vehicle repair and maintenance (16%)

Where do they prefer to live?

The data analyzed confirm that more than 50% of Latin Americans residing in the USA live in:

California (27.1%)
Texas (18.8%)
Florida (8.7%)

In terms of cities with the most favorable cost of living, Houston is most accessible with its annual average of US$ 47,000. New York has the highest average cost of living, at more than US$ 61,000 per year.

The minimum cost of living in the major United States cities chosen by Latin Americans, according to the Globofran report on Immigration Investments.

The “Reporte Globofran sobre Inversiones Migratorias” is published quarterly, and is a research effort by Globofran.

About Globofran:
A United States company specializing in Immigration Investments. Every year it helps hundreds of Latin American investors obtain legal status in the United States through investments in businesses and franchises. For more information:

www.globofran.com
www.facebook.com/globofran
www.instagram.com/globofran
www.twitter.com/globofran1

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/653468/Globofran_EN_Infographic.jpg

SOURCE Globofran

Lexus Draws a New (Black) Line for its RC F SPORT Models

March 13, 2018

NEW YORK, March 13, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — One of the most dynamic cars in the Lexus lineup, the RC coupe, has pushed the limits of design and performance since its introduction in 2014. This month, that tradition continues as Lexus rolls out the RC F SPORT Black Line Special Edition at the 2018 New York Auto Show.

Available on all RC 300/350 F SPORT models, the Black Line coupes feature two exterior paint colors: Caviar and Atomic Silver. A limited run of 650 units will be available this Spring at dealerships nationwide.

The gloss exterior paint contrasts with the standard matte black wheels and orange or black brake calipers that make the wheels pop. In place of the standard chrome trim, the Black Line edition features black chrome accents around the grille and windows.

Inside, these special models showcase tasteful orange stitching throughout the interior. Everything from the seats to the dash and doors feature the eye-catching hint of color that defines the car as a Black Line edition. Additionally, an exclusive wood-trimmed steering wheel features distinctive shades of black that were created by a Japanese calligraphy shop dedicated to perfecting ink for more than 200 years.

All RC F SPORT Black Line coupes come equipped with the Navigation + Mark Levinson Audio Package, Intuitive Parking Assist, Moonroof and Triple Beam LED headlamps.

The Black Line special edition is available on all four versions of the RC coupe. The base RC 300 comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine. The RC 300 AWD, RC 350 and RC 350 AWD come with a 3.5-liter V6.

The RC 300/350 F SPORT Black Line models will have a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the following:

RC 300 – $51,730 RC 300AWD – $53,755
RC 350 – $54,660 RC 350 AWD – $56,120

The 2018 RC F SPORT Black Line Edition will be joined at the 2018 New York Auto Show by the 2019 Lexus UX compact crossover, which will be making its North American debut.

About Lexus
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:
Ed Hellwig	Audrey Lundy
469.292.1165	469.292.5103
[email protected]	[email protected]

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/652458/Lexus_RC_300_350_F_SPORT_Black_Line.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/626836/Lexus_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Lexus

2018 Amway Global Entrepreneurship Report Reveals Americans Continue to be More Bullish Towards Entrepreneurship Compared to Other Countries

March 13, 2018

ADA, Michigan, March 13, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — As Americans continue to demonstrate positive attitudes towards entrepreneurship, Amway’s new report reveals that more men are interested in becoming entrepreneurs than women and that as individuals get older, their desire to start a business lessens. The report dives into the key drivers behind the entrepreneurial spirit and the impact internal and external factors have on attitudes and perceptions about entrepreneurship.

Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8289451-amway-global-entrepreneurship-report-2018/

The eighth annual Amway Global Entrepreneurship Report (AGER), published today, measures the state of entrepreneurship worldwide. The 2018 study finds that more U.S. respondents (57 percent) have the desire to start their own business compared to global respondents (49 percent). While the desire to become an entrepreneur in the U.S. is down slightly from the previous year (61 percent), there is a strong sense of continued optimism among respondents. Age, gender and education levels also can potentially impact attitudes towards entrepreneurship. Most surprisingly, in the U.S., the education gap is significantly shrinking when it comes to desirability of starting a business. The report explains that having a university degree does not play a significant role in shaping entrepreneurial spirit – those with and without university degrees exhibited similar sentiments.

“Across the United States, the spirit of entrepreneurship is alive and thriving, from coast to coast,” said Dr. David B. Audretsch, professor and director of the Institute for Development Strategies at the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs. “This year’s AGER confirms Americans continue to view entrepreneurship in a positive light and are open to the idea of starting their own business. Compared to the global average, attitudes towards entrepreneurship in America are sustaining momentum from previous years and are on track to experience continued growth.”

“The time is ripe for cultivating entrepreneurs, as evidenced by this year’s AGER results” said Jim Ayres, Managing Director, Amway North America. “Over the past five years, we have seen how age, education levels and gender influence attitudes towards entrepreneurship. Through this research, we realized the importance of understanding what motivates individuals to start their own businesses. This year’s AGER reveals a growing number of Americans continue to express a desire to start their own business. This desire is shared among the many independent business owners we work with year-round.”

AMWAY ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT INDEX

Similar to previous years, the Amway Global Entrepreneurship Report features the Amway Entrepreneurial Spirit Index (AESI). Introduced in 2015, the AESI measures three dimensions that influence a person’s intention to start a business: desire, feasibility and stability against social pressure. The average for all countries slightly declined from 50 to 47. In the U.S., AESI score was 54, similar to recent years (2016: 56 and 2015: 53). Additionally:

57 percent of U.S. respondents expressed the desire to become an entrepreneur – desire
60 percent of U.S. respondents felt prepared for entrepreneurship – feasibility
46 percent of U.S. respondents would not dismiss their dream of starting a business if their family or friends stood in the way – stability

2018 KEY U.S. FINDINGS

This year’s report examined how age, gender and education levels impact attitudes towards entrepreneurship. It also examined various aspects that either hinder or help entrepreneurs – internal factors (such as commitment, willingness to take risks, knowledge of how to earn money) and external factors (such as their country’s operating environment, technology availability and entrepreneurially forward education system).

AGE ISN’T JUST A NUMBER

This year’s report confirmed the desirability of starting a business falls with age. While the AESI is the same (58) for respondents under 35 years of age and those between the ages of 35 and 49, it is considerably lower (51) for respondents over 50 years old. The youngest age group surveyed demonstrated the strongest desire (68 percent) to start a business. This falls to 60 percent for the middle age group and 48 percent for the oldest group of respondents. Most interestingly, the feasibility of becoming an entrepreneur follows a different demographic pattern with respect to age. It is the lowest for the youngest respondents (58 percent) and highest for the middle-aged respondents (64 percent).

EDUCATION HAS LITTLE IMPACT ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP DESIRABILITY

Education, in terms of having a university degree, has a minimal impact on shaping entrepreneurial spirit. Respondents with and without university degrees exhibited a similar AESI. Previously, those without a university degree exhibited a greater desirability for entrepreneurship compared to their counterparts with a university degree, however this gap has disappeared.

GENDER GAPS CONTINUE TO TAKE SHAPE

Gender plays a clear role in shaping the entrepreneurial spirit of Americans. While 67 percent of U.S. males reported starting a business would be desirable, only 47 percent of U.S. females reported the same. Similarly, 69 percent of U.S. male respondents felt they have the requisite capabilities to become an entrepreneur compared to 52 percent of U.S. females. In general, men also had higher AESI scores (62 percent) compared to women (48 percent), roughly similar to previous years.

IMPACT OF INTERNAL VS. EXTERNAL FACTORS

In looking at U.S. respondents’ abilities and attitudes regarding starting and running a business, the majority (88 percent) perceive themselves as socially supported (compared to 64 percent globally). When it comes to taking risks, 74 percent of U.S. respondents consider themselves to be risk-takers, compared to 47 percent of respondents globally.

Furthermore, when asked to evaluate how entrepreneurially friendly the U.S. business environment is, respondents revealed:

79 percent of U.S. respondents believe their country has the technology available to make entrepreneurship easier (compared to 48 percent of respondents globally)
43 percent of U.S. respondents believe the education system in their country teaches the skills they need to start a business (compared to 40 percent globally)
57 percent of U.S. respondents believe the economic situation in their country is beneficial (compared to 36 percent globally).

Full results and more information about AGER can be found here.

ABOUT THE AMWAY GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP REPORT (AGER)

The first iteration of AGER launched in 2010 as the Amway European Entrepreneurship Report, then expanded worldwide with the 2013 AGER, encompassing 24 countries. This year’s report spans 44 countries, with in-person and telephone interviews conducted with nearly 49,000 men and women aged 14-99.

The 2018 AGER was conducted by Amway, in partnership with Prof. Dr. Isabell M. Welpe from the Chair of Strategy and Organization of the School of Management, Technical University of Munich, Germany. Fieldwork was completed by the Gesellschaft fuer Konsumforschung, Nuremberg, from April through June 2017. Results are shared with the scientific community, including the 44 AGER academic advisors and all interested think tanks and academic and public institutions.

ABOUT AMWAY

Amway is an $8.6 billion direct selling business based in Ada, Michigan, USA. Top-selling brands for Amway are Nutrilite™ vitamin, mineral and dietary supplements, Artistry™ skincare and color cosmetics, eSpring™ water treatment systems and XS™ energy drinks – all sold exclusively by Amway Business Owners. Global sales in 2016 made Amway the No. 1 direct selling business in the world, according to the 2017 Direct Selling News Global 100. The company’s annual sales figure includes revenue from direct selling operations and other business holdings.

For company news, visit amwayglobal.com/newsroom.

Kate Washburn
United States of America

T: 616-787-7100
E: [email protected]

SOURCE Amway

A 5-Star Stay Doesn’t Have To Break The Bank

March 13, 2018

Skyscanner data identifies the top domestic and international cities with the cheapest 5-star hotels

MIAMI, March 13, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Skyscanner, the global travel search engine, is making travel even more attainable for travelers with its latest hotel data findings. While the idea of choosing a 5-star hotel seems off-limits to most, Skyscanner analyzed its data to debunk some myths and prove to travelers that the option is more reasonable than they would be led to believe. Skyscanner has found that some of the most widely searched domestic and international destinations boast the most affordable 5-star hotels, giving travelers a lot more to consider when planning their travel this year.

As if travelers needed even more of an incentive to get packing, there are plenty of options when it comes to 5-star hotels in major (and highly coveted) destinations. Skyscanner has pulled an extensive list of results, and below are some highlights that show the variety of pricing available, with all well under the $1,000/night mark and most international destinations’ 5-star hotels coming in below $500/night.

CHEAPEST 5-STAR HOTELS: U.S.
Destination	Average cost per night
Orlando	$322
Miami/Miami Beach	$332/$464
Chicago	$512
San Francisco	$519
Oahu	$555
Los Angeles	$715
New York	$1,094

CHEAPEST 5-STAR HOTELS: INTERNATIONAL
Destination	Average cost per night
Manila	$172
Phuket	$248
Athens	$254
Madrid	$272
Bali	$301
Sydney	$355
Cancun	$528
Rome	$679
Milan	$817
Maldives Islands	$969

*Data Methodology: Top 100 hotel destinations (cities) were selected based on Skyscanner historical data (all markets combined) throughout 2017. All destinations were sorted by average price of 5-star hotel. All prices are in USD and calculated per room per night.

About Skyscanner

Skyscanner is a leading global travel search company providing free search of flights, hotels and car rental. Founded in 2003 Skyscanner helps to meet the travel planning needs of over 60 million people each month. Skyscanner is available in over 30 languages. Skyscanner’s highly-rated free mobile app has been downloaded over 70 million times. The privately-owned company employs over 900 staff and has ten global offices in Edinburgh, Singapore, Beijing, Shenzhen, Miami, Barcelona, Glasgow, Sofia, Budapest and London. For more information, please visit http://www.skyscanner.com and our news site.

SOURCE Skyscanner

Toyota Creates New Digital Transformation & Mobility Pillar

March 12, 2018

With an eye on enabling agility and scale, TMNA is creating a new Digital Transformation & Mobility pillar, which will be led by newly appointed Chief Digital Officer Zack Hicks. Hicks will report directly to TMNA CEO Jim Lentz. Hicks also will continue in his role as President and CEO of Toyota Connected.

PLANO, Texas, March 12, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Vehicle connectivity, electrification, new forms of mobility and mobility services, and autonomous driving technologies are driving new opportunities for Toyota Motor North America (TMNA).

With an eye on enabling agility and scale, TMNA is creating a new Digital Transformation & Mobility pillar, which will be led by newly appointed Chief Digital Officer Zack Hicks. Hicks will report directly to TMNA CEO Jim Lentz. Hicks also will continue in his role as President and CEO of Toyota Connected.

Effective April 2, functions reporting to Digital Transformation & Mobility will include:

Information Services, led in the interim by TMNA Chief Information Officer Zack Hicks
Connected Technologies, led by Vice President Steve Basra
Future Mobility Business Group, led by Group Vice President Chris Tinto

The teams will focus on areas such as shared mobility, connectivity services and over-the-air feature upgrades to identify new business models and future opportunities.

“Digital Transformation & Mobility brings together three integrated teams who can focus on new business innovation, voice of customer excellence and digital product development,” Hicks said.

“As Toyota transitions from a traditional car company into a global mobility company, we are focused on how we can better suit our customers’ needs now and in the future,” said TMNA CEO Jim Lentz. “Bringing these mobility functions together under Zack’s leadership gives us the ability to collaborate in unprecedented new ways.”

About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. and North America for 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands. During that time, Toyota has created a tremendous value chain as our teams have contributed to world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 36 million cars and trucks in North America, where we operate 14 manufacturing plants (10 in the U.S.) and directly employ more than 47,000 people (more than 37,000 in the U.S.). Our 1,800 North American dealerships (nearly 1,500 in the U.S.) sold more than 2.7 million cars and trucks (2.4 million in the U.S.) in 2017 – and about 87 percent of all Toyota vehicles sold over the past 15 years are still on the road today.

Toyota partners with community, civic, academic, and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We share company resources and extensive know-how to support non-profits to help expand their ability to assist more people move more places. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.

About Toyota Connected, Inc.
Based in Plano, Texas, Toyota Connected North America (TCNA) was established in 2016 to drive Toyota’s global efforts for an intelligent mobile society. With big data collected from vehicles and analyzed on a cloud platform, TCNA humanizes the driving experience by freeing customers from the tyranny of technology via secure, seamless and contextual services, elevating the customer experience while benefitting dealers, distributors, and partners. Analyzing traffic patterns, driver behavior and connecting drivers with infrastructure and other information is only part of TCNA’s work that will open new services and products to keep the car as a beloved companion.

Media Contacts:
Eric Booth
469-292-5290
[email protected]

Karen Nielsen
469-865-2659
[email protected]

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/651247/Toyota_Motor_North_America_CDO_Zach_Hicks.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/439685/Toyota_Corp_Red_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Toyota Motor North America

Discovery En Español Premieres Original Series EMPRENDEDORES, Where Hispanic Entrepreneurs Prove Anything Is Possible With Passion And Determination

March 12, 2018

MIAMI, March 12, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Discovery en Español presents EMPRENDEDORES, a new original series that explores family, heritage, hard work, and heartbreak of a group of Hispanic entrepreneurs in Los Angeles, as they fight against the odds to achieve success in one of the most competitive cities in the world. Hosted by renowned presenter Angélica Atondo, EMPRENDEDORES premieres Sunday, March 25 at 7pm ET/ 8pm PT.

EMPRENDEDORES explores family, heritage and hard work of a group of Hispanic entrepreneurs as they fight against the odds to achieve success in their businesses.

Shot on location in Los Angeles, the inaugural season of EMPRENDEDORES will follow six diverse and dynamic businesses as they confront issues ranging from business planning and marketing to staffing and employee relations. Businesses profiled include a family-owned boxing gym, a coffee shop and a scooter sales business.

Host, entrepreneur, former news anchor and published author Angelica Atondo works with each of the business owners and their families to assess their unique situation. The hopeful entrepreneurs are then mentored by brothers Sean and Kenny Salas, two successful Hispanic businessmen and consultants, who delve into the family dynamics, their business operations, and provide much needed guidance to help put them on the path to profitability.

“EMPRENDEDORES features real-life stories of Latino families who have given everything to pursue their dreams of having their own business and forge a future for their families in the United States“, says Angélica Atondo. “Personally, this project touches on 3 of my greatest joys: help others, provide support for small business owners, and do it on television, my greatest passion. I am proud to connect with these stories and desires to thrive and succeed in life.”

Viewers can take a deeper dive into the world of EMPRENDEDORES with additional features and content on Discovery en Español’s social media platforms including behind the scenes and in-depth videos, business tips from the host and mentors, and interviews with talent. For more information, please follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/discoveryenespanol, Twitter @DiscoveryenESP and Instagram @discoveryenespanol.

About Discovery en Español
Discovery en Español connects Spanish-speaking viewers in the U.S. to the world and all its wonder and possibilities. It provides quality programming focusing on bold storytelling across core genres including adventure, ingenuity, natural history, investigation and current affairs. Created by Discovery Communications, Discovery en Español is widely distributed on Hispanic tier packages throughout the country. Discovery reaches audiences across screens through digital first programming from Discovery VR, over the top offerings Eurosport Player and Dplay, as well as TV Everywhere products comprising the GO portfolio of TVE apps and Discovery K!ds Play. It also reaches audiences across screens on the “Discovery en Español GO” TV Everywhere app. For more information, please follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/discoveryenespanol, Twitter @DiscoveryenESP and Instagram @discoveryenespanol.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/653148/Emprendedores_Discovery_en_Espanol.jpg

SOURCE Discovery en Espanol

Turbocharged, Tech-Forward and Torque Vectoring: All-New 2019 Acura RDX to Debut in New York

March 12, 2018

NEW YORK, March 12, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Acura will hold the world debut of the all-new 2019 Acura RDX and RDX A-Spec, in production form, at the 2018 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) and via live-stream on March 28 at 12:15 p.m. ET. The third-generation RDX, launching mid-2018, is the first in a new generation of Acura products featuring the brand’s new design language, Precision Cockpit inspired premium cabin and groundbreaking True Touchpad Interface™.

The reveal will feature the 2019 Acura RDX along with the new RDX A-Spec, the first application of the sport appearance variant to an Acura SUV. This third-generation Acura RDX marks the return of Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD^®) to the RDX lineup, and pairs it with a powerful new 2.0L VTEC^® Turbo engine, segment-first 10-speed transmission and NSX-inspired Integrated Dynamics System, making it the quickest and best-handling RDX ever.

The 2019 Acura RDX was designed and developed in America for the first time, styled by the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles, California and developed by engineers in Raymond, Ohio. The new RDX will be produced at the company’s East Liberty, Ohio plant, while its new VTEC Turbo engine will be manufactured in Anna, Ohio¹. The Acura RDX has sold more than 50,000 units each year since 2015², maintaining its position in the premium-entry SUV segment as a perennial top-seller.

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

About Acura
Acura is a leading automotive luxury nameplate that delivers Precision Crafted Performance, representing the original values of the Acura brand – a commitment to evocative styling, high performance and innovative engineering, all built on a foundation of quality and reliability.

The Acura lineup features six distinctive models – the RLX premium, luxury sedan, the TLX performance luxury sedan, the ILX sport sedan, the 5-passenger RDX luxury crossover SUV, the seven-passenger Acura MDX, America’s all-time best-selling three-row luxury SUV and the next-generation, electrified NSX supercar as a new and pinnacle expression of Acura Precision Crafted Performance

¹ Using globally and domestically sourced parts

² Based on Autodata sales for the Entry Premuim CUV segment for individual calendar years 2015-2017.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/652923/All_New_2019_Acura_RDX.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/592658/Acura_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Acura

1...2,3482,3492,350...3,059 Page 2,349 of 3,059