Game Changer: 2019 Toyota TRD Pros Typify Ultimate Off-Road Performance

February 8, 2018

The pulse-pounding, heart-racing TRD Pro Series from Toyota returns for its next generation of off-road dominance. For 2019, Tundra, 4Runner and Tacoma will all feature Fox shocks and a host of impressive off-road equipment tuned and designed by the engineers at Toyota Racing Development (TRD).

CHICAGO, Feb. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The pulse-pounding, heart-racing TRD Pro Series from Toyota returns for its next generation of off-road dominance. For 2019, Tundra, 4Runner and Tacoma will all feature Fox shocks and a host of impressive off-road equipment tuned and designed by the engineers at Toyota Racing Development (TRD).

First unveiled in 2014, the TRD Pro lineup was born from Toyota’s rich racing and off-road heritage. All TRD Pro vehicles offer unique styling, as well as highly capable, tried and tested performance off-road equipment, specifically tailored for when the pavement runs out.

The 2019 TRD Pro series will be available in fall of 2018, and each vehicle will be offered in three colors that include Super White, Midnight Black Metallic or Voodoo Blue (a TRD Pro exclusive color).

Wanna go places? TRD Pro is the ultimate tool to get you there and back.

Only as Good as Your Suspension

As any seasoned adventurer knows, a true off-road vehicle is only as good as its suspension. For 2019, the entire TRD Pro family rides on 2.5-inch TRD Pro-exclusive Fox Internal Bypass shocks. Tuned specifically for each vehicle by the engineers at TRD, the aluminum-bodied Fox shocks offer impressive performance and supreme damping for a wide variety of driving situations. High-speed desert running, slow-speed rock crawling, or simply driving to and from work – drivers and passengers will be as comfortable as they are confident.

Whereas off-road race vehicles traditionally have external bypass tubes on their shock bodies to fine-tune damping pressure, each high-tech Fox shock compactly incorporates bypass zones inside of the shock. These multiple bypass zones offer a cushioned, plush ride during typical operation but get progressively stiffer through the shock stroke to provide excellent bottoming resistance.

The front shocks are paired with specially-tuned TRD springs designed for excellent ride comfort and to also produce additional lift, giving each TRD Pro an aggressive, heightened stance for improved trail-conquering capability. A combination of high-temperature shock fluid and nitrogen gas pressure are employed inside each Fox shock to improve bump compliance and to help maximize seal life.

Every TRD Pro model features rear 2.5-inch Fox shocks that utilize a piggyback reservoir to house additional oil volume, which assists in maintaining peak damping performance during extreme use. Tundra relies on the beefy rear leaf springs also equipped on the TRD Off-Road grade, 4Runner utilizes the TRD Off-Road grade rear coil springs, while Tacoma features progressive-rate off-road leaf springs out back to allow more compression suspension travel to aid performance over rough terrain. TRD dust boots are utilized front and rear to offer added protection to help keep dust and dirt out, and 4Runner utilizes unique roost shields to help protect the inverted rear shock.

Tacoma TRD Pro: Civilized Commuter or Trail-Tackling Specialist

Based on the very trail-capable TRD Off-Road grade, Tacoma TRD Pro ups the ante with enhanced 2.5-inch Fox front shocks that use large 46mm pistons and feature 8 bypass zones (5 compression, 3 rebound). They are paired with TRD-tuned springs that provide an additional 1 inch of front lift. A larger front sway bar is employed to retain crisp steering and refined road manners. The Tacoma also features 2.5-inch rear shocks that use 11 bypass zones (7 compression, 4 rebound) and are paired with 2-inch piggyback reservoirs.

A host of additional TRD equipment finds its way onto the new Tacoma TRD Pro, including an updated front skid plate with TRD red lettering, while the cat-back TRD exhaust is accented with a new Black Chrome tip.

Inside, passengers are treated to standard Entune Premium JBL Audio with subwoofer amplifier and Integrated Navigation and App Suite. Tacoma is equipped with TRD Pro-branded floor mats and leather-trimmed seats with TRD Pro emblems on the front headrests. Distinguishing the exterior are unique TRD Pro badges, projector-beam headlights with black sport bezels and LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), Rigid Industries LED fog lights, taillights with black sport bezels, and a black TOYOTA grille.

Thanks to the offset of the 16-inch TRD Pro black alloy wheels, Tacoma has a 1-inch wider track both front and rear for added stability. Trail and pavement traction comes in the form of P265/70R16 Goodyear Wrangler Kevlar All-Terrain tires.

TRD Desert Air Intake: Clearing Tacoma’s Sinuses, No Prescription Needed

The most eye-catching of the Tacoma upgrades, no doubt, is the available all-new TRD Desert Air Intake. Designed to sustain consistent off-road performance no matter how silty or dirty the terrain gets, the TRD Desert Air Intake takes the 278-horsepower 3.5L V6 engine’s air intake away from dust that hovers inside the wheel well (where traditional air intakes are located) during off-road operation. This allows for air ingestion to occur in a cleaner space above the windshield, therefore, helping to benefit filter longevity and, ultimately, engine health.

Tundra TRD Pro: Boastful New Additions

Tundra TRD Pro also gets its fair share of new features for 2019. Of course, Tundra is equipped with new Fox 2.5-inch front shocks that boast beefy 46 mm pistons. The TRD-tuned springs provide an additional 2 inches of front lift, and front wheel travel is increased more than 1.5 inches. The front shocks feature 11 bypass zones (7 compression, 4 bypass) to fine-tune damping performance for off-road romps while retaining composed on-road manners. The Tundra also employs 2.5-inch rear Fox shocks that feature an impressive 12 bypass zones (8 compression, 4 bypass). The rear shocks feature 2.5-inch piggyback reservoirs, and wheel travel is increased by more than 2 inches in the rear.

Taking a cue from little brother, big bro Tundra gets new Rigid Industries LED fog lights for improved visibility on and off the highway, in a variety of weather conditions. Tundra also features LED headlights with LED accent lights and a unique black treatment. A new TOYOTA grille plus new hood scoop add style to Tundra’s brawny front end. Out back, TRD Pro stamping is found on the bed’s rear quarter panels.

New 18-inch BBS forged-aluminum, five-spoke satin black wheels are featured on Tundra, which reduce un-sprung mass 3.35 lbs. per wheel (13.4 lbs. total) to improve cornering response and overall ride quality. The new wheels are wrapped in Michelin P275/65R18 all-terrain tires to provide a sure footing in dirt and on pavement.

Inside, TRD Pro logos garnish the driver and front passenger leather-trimmed seats, while red stitching accents the dash, seats and armrests. TRD Pro floor mats, shift knob and a center-console emblem help complete the distinctive look. Providing added growl on the highway and the trail is a dual TRD Pro exhaust, which is fitted with new Black Chrome exhaust tips. A TRD Pro 1/4-inch skid plate sporting signature red Toyota lettering is found underneath the front end. Tundra TRD Pro will offer an available moonroof.

4Runner TRD Pro: The Legend Grows

4Runner needs no introduction. The iconic SUV is one of the most legendary off-road vehicles in Toyota’s history. For 2019, TRD Pro takes 4Runner’s world-renowned trail capability to the next level.

4Runner’s Fox shocks not only enhance its off-road performance but, paired with the TRD-tuned front springs, the package lifts its front 1 inch compared to other grades, while also providing nearly 1 inch of additional wheel travel. The 2.5-inch front shocks employ 46 mm pistons and include 7 bypass zones (4 compression, 3 rebound). In the rear, the 2.5-inch Fox shocks feature 11 bypass zones (7 compression, 4 rebound) to fine-tune the low- and high-speed compression, and 2-inch piggyback reservoirs house additional oil to retain damping performance when it’s needed most. A unique TRD roost shield offers additional protection for the inverted shock design in the rear.

4Runner adds a new roof rack for stashing additional gear outside of the cabin (say, dirty gear or laundry after a weekend camping trip). The 1/4-inch-thick front skid plate also sports new red TRD lettering. 4Runner features 17-inch matte-black TRD alloy wheels with an offset change to provide it with nearly a 1-inch wider track front and rear for added stability. Nitto Terra Grappler P265/70R17 A/T tires provide all-terrain performance for whatever the situation demands.

Like Tacoma, 4Runner TRD Pro passengers can jam to tunes from a new-for-2019 standard Entune Premium JBL Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite. Other interior appointments include TRD Pro floor mats, TRD shift knob, and red-stitched Softex seats with red TRD logos on the front headrests. Additional TRD Pro exterior features include LED fog lights, blacked-out TOYOTA grille, and projector-beam headlights with smoked trim.

Even on the Most Capable, Safety is Paramount

Even though capability and toughness are at the core of the TRD Pro Series, safety is still the utmost priority. All three TRD Pro models feature the Star Safety System, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology (SST).

Tundra and Tacoma come standard with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which features Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Sway Warning System (SWS), Automatic High Beams (AHB) and high-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC).

Championship TRD Pedigree

Dating back to 1979, Toyota Racing Development (TRD) has developed chassis, engines and parts design for nearly 40 years. TRD supported off-road legend Ivan “Ironman” Stewart for 30 years on his path to multiple championships and race victories in Baja, U.S. off-road desert and short-course off-road races. TRD most recently celebrated CJ Greave’s 2017 Pro 4 Championship in The Off-Road Championship Series (TORC) and Martin Truex Jr.’s win of the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR® Cup Series Championship. The 2019 TRD Pro suspension was tested and designed by TRD engineers at our corporate headquarters in Plano, Texas. TRD also develops motorsport-derived accessories for Toyota and Lexus cars and trucks. Its U.S. operations were first established in 1979 and are headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., with an additional facility in Salisbury, N.C.

Limited Warranty and ToyotaCare

Toyota’s 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. Each TRD Pro also comes standard with ToyotaCare, a complementary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. Two years of roadside assistance coverage is also provided with each new purchase.

Tundra pickup is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (TMMTX), in San Antonio, Texas, and Tacoma pickup is assembled at TMMTX and Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Baja California (TMMBC) in Baja California, Mexico. 4Runner is assembled at TMC Tahara Plant in Japan.

For more information, visit www.Toyota.com/TRDpro.

NASCAR® is a registered trademark of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc.

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 33 million cars and trucks in North America, where we operate 14 manufacturing plants (10 in the U.S.) and directly employ more than 46,000 people (more than 36,000 in the U.S.). Our 1,800 North American dealerships (nearly 1,500 in the U.S.) sold more than 2.6 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.

Media Contacts

Josh Burns
+1 (469) 292-6449
[email protected]

Nate Martinez
+1 (310) 468-5134
[email protected]

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/638986/Toyota_2019_TRD_Pro_Series.jpg

SOURCE Toyota Motor North America

MoneyGram and GCash Drive Financial Inclusion in the Philippines

February 7, 2018

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New partnership strengthens MoneyGram’s digital business in the region

MANILA, Philippines, Feb. 7, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — MoneyGram (NASDAQ:MGI) and GCash, the mobile wallet and micropayment arm of Mynt, announced today a new partnership to drive financial inclusion in the Philippines. Millions of GCash users can now receive money from over 200 countries and territories on their mobile wallet and use the funds instantly for purchasing goods and services online.

This collaboration allows MoneyGram and Mynt to combine their capabilities in remittance and digital payments to provide their customers with user-friendly, rapid-response and low-cost money transfer services.

With over 30 million active smartphone users and growing internet penetration in the Philippines, the collaboration aligns with MoneyGram’s strategy to offer consumers more digital money transfer options.

“As part of MoneyGram’s strategic goal to drive financial inclusion worldwide, we continue to expand our online and mobile services making money transfer easier. The partnership with GCash provides a great opportunity to our customers, especially from remote, unbanked and underbanked Filipino communities to receive money conveniently,” said Grant Lines, MoneyGram’s Global Chief Revenue Officer.

“We’re excited about our strategic partnership with MoneyGram. Now GCash customers can enjoy the convenience of receiving money from their families abroad directly into their GCash mobile wallet for free. With these funds they can buy load, pay bills, scan-to-pay using QR codes at the mall and much more. Plus, customers can enjoy exclusive incentives the more funds they receive in their GCash wallet,” said Anthony Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of Mynt.

According to the World Bank, the Philippines is the world’s third largest remittances recipient with $32.8 billion inflows in 2017, accounting for 9.9% of the country’s GDP. Key sending countries are the U.S. ($10.5 billion), United Arab Emirates ($3.9 billion) and Saudi Arabia ($3.5 billion).

For more information about the service, please visit moneygram.ph.

#moneygramnews

About MoneyGram International
MoneyGram is a global provider of innovative money transfer and payment services and is recognized worldwide as a financial connection to friends and family. Whether online, or through a mobile device, at a kiosk or in a local store, we connect consumers any way that is convenient for them. We also provide bill payment services, issue money orders and process official checks in select markets. More information about MoneyGram International, Inc. is available at moneygram.com.

About GCash
GCash is an internationally-acclaimed micropayment service that transforms the mobile phone into a virtual wallet for secure, fast, and convenient money transfer. GCash can be used to buy prepaid load, pay bills, send money, make donations, shop online, and even purchase goods without the need to bring any cash. For more information, please visit https://www.globe.com.ph/gcash

About Mynt
Mynt is a partnership between Globe Telecom, the Ayala Corporation, and Ant Financial, that provides innovative and first-in-world fintech solutions to consumers, merchants, and organizations. Its vision is to enable financial access for consumers and merchants by disrupting traditional channels through digital financial technology services. It operates two fintech companies: GCash, a micropayment service that transforms the mobile phone into a virtual wallet for secure, fast, and convenient money transfer, and Fuse, a tech-based lending company that enables Filipinos to get microloans to business loans without the traditional requirements set by banks and other lending institutions. For more information, visit mynt.xyz.

Media Contact:

Maria Bankiet-Kamińska
MoneyGram
Tel: + 48 (0) 22 377 2185
Mob: + 48 (0) 885 889 696
Mail: [email protected]

Yoly C. Crisanto
Head, Corporate Communications
Globe Telecom, Inc.
Email Address: [email protected]
Globe Press Room: newsroom.globe.com.ph/
Twitter: @talk2GLOBE │ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/globeph

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/600838/MoneyGram_International_Logo.jpg

SOURCE MoneyGram

Lin-Manuel Miranda To Release New Salsa-Remix Of “Almost Like Praying,” His All-Star Benefit Single Recorded To Benefit Hurricane Relief Efforts In Puerto Rico, With All Proceeds Benefiting The Hispanic Federation’s Unidos Disaster Relief Fund

February 7, 2018

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LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA TO RELEASE NEW SALSA-REMIX OF “ALMOST LIKE PRAYING,” HIS ALL-STAR BENEFIT SINGLE RECORDED TO BENEFIT HURRICANE RELIEF EFFORTS IN PUERTO RICO, WITH ALL PROCEEDS BENEFITING THE HISPANIC FEDERATION’S UNIDOS DISASTER RELIEF FUND

MIAMI, Feb. 7, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Award winning actor, writer, composer and humanitarian Lin-Manuel Miranda will unveil a new Salsa-music remix of “Almost Like Praying,” his all-star benefit single recorded last Fall to benefit the Hispanic Federation’s “Unidos” Disaster Relief Fund, for hurricane recovery and rebuilding initiatives in Puerto Rico. Spanish Broadcasting System (the “Company” or “SBS”) (OTCQX: SBSAA), has teamed up with Lin-Manuel Miranda to world premiere a one-of-a-kind, historic radio launch the Salsa-remix “Almost Like Praying” on Thursday, February 8, 2018 at 10:30 AM EST, in New York (Mega 97.9FM), Miami (El Nuevo Zol 106.7FM) and Puerto Rico (Estereotempo 96.5FM). Miranda himself will introduce the single followed by an interview, live from the SBS studios in New York City. Miranda himself will introduce the single followed by an interview, live from the SBS studios in New York City.

Who: Lin-Manuel Miranda

What: New Salsa-Remix, “Almost Like Praying”, Roadblock on SBS Radio Stations

When: 10:30 a.m. ET, February 8, 2018

Where: Fans can listen to the new Lin-Manuel Miranda Salsa-Remix on SBS radio stations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

U.S. radio listeners can tune in to one of SBS’s radio stations: WSKQ-FM MEGA 97.9FM IN NEW YORK, WXDJ-FM EL NUEVO ZOL 106.7FM IN MIAMI, and ESTEREOTEMPO 96.5FM WRXD in Puerto Rico for a chance to hear the historic Roadblock.

“The benefit single ‘Almost Like Praying’ has had tremendous success with audiences worldwide,” said Lin-Manuel Miranda. “As we now continue to help establish long-term self-sustainable initiatives to rebuild Puerto Rico, we are thrilled to bring this new version to Salsa-music fans. Although it has been over four months since Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, the island still needs much help to get its most basic infrastructure up and running – including electricity, roads and bridges, healthcare and other vital programs.”

The original “Almost Like Praying” was released for download and streaming on October 6, 2017. Within its first week, it hit number one in digital sales in 17 countries. 100% of the proceeds have gone to the Hispanic Federation’s “Unidos” Disaster Relief Fund, which has sponsored hundreds of initiatives to assist in the relief, recovery and now rebuilding of Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory since 1898.

“Lin-Manuel Miranda fans couldn’t be more excited about the release of ‘Almost Like Praying,’ and we’re incredibly thrilled that LaMusica’s App partnership gives our subscribers early access to this long-awaited Salsa-Remix,” said Raúl Alarcón, Chairman, President, CEO of SBS. “Together, SBS and LaMusica App are connecting people who are passionate about music with the world’s most iconic artists through unique experiences like this – and there are many more to come.”

“We have a long history of collaborating with Lin-Manuel Miranda in innovative ways over the years,” said Jesus Salas, EVP of Programming of SBS & Multiplatform Coordinator. “He’s once again proved that he’s a true innovator, and we are honored to partner with him on the historic launch of his new Salsa-Remix. Our nationwide world premiere of ‘Almost Like Praying’ will reach millions of Lin-Manuel’s fans across the country – while creating millions of new ones.”

Both the original (dancehall beat) and the new Salsa-remix of “Almost Like Praying” are distributed by Atlantic Records.

The lyrics of “Almost Like Praying” are a rhyming arrangement of all 78 municipalities of Puerto Rico….78 hometowns, 78 communities, 78 sets of individuals who together make up the Puerto Rican culture. The track also samples “Maria” from WEST SIDE STORY in order to reclaim the name of the hurricane which destroyed everything Puerto Ricans know and love on their island. 

To download and streaming “Almost Like Praying,” please visit http://www.almostlikepraying.com. The Salsa Remix will be available on Friday, February 9, 2018 at 12:01 PM EST, after one day of exclusive air time on SBS radio stations.

For more information about the Hispanic Federation’s “Unidos” Hurricane Disaster Relief Fund, please visit https://www.hispanicfederationunidos.org

About Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc.

Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. owns and operates 17 radio stations located in the top U.S. Hispanic markets of New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco and Puerto Rico, airing the Spanish Tropical, Regional Mexican, Spanish Adult Contemporary, Top 40 and Latin Rhythmic format genres. SBS also operates AIRE Radio Networks, a national radio platform which creates, distributes and markets leading Spanish-language radio programming to over 300 affiliated stations reaching 94% of the U.S. Hispanic audience. SBS also owns MegaTV, a television operation with over-the-air, cable and satellite distribution and affiliates throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. SBS also produces live concerts and events and owns multiple bilingual websites, including www.LaMusica.com, an online destination and mobile app providing content related to Latin music, entertainment, news and culture. For more information, visit us online at www.spanishbroadcasting.com.

Press Contacts:

Atlantic Records:
Sheila Richman // [email protected]
Jason Davis // [email protected]

Lin-Manuel Miranda:
Charlie Guadano // [email protected]
Jason Lee // [email protected]
Javier E. Gómez // [email protected]

Spanish Broadcasting System:
Vladimir Gomez // [email protected]

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/639754/Spanish_Broadcasting_System_Lin_Manuel_Miranda.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/639761/Spanish_Broadcasting_System_ALP.jpg

SOURCE Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. (SBS)

Spanish Broadcasting System’s Raul Alarcon Jr. named on Billboard’s 2018 Power 100

February 7, 2018

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MIAMI, Feb. 7, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Billboard, the leading global destination for charts, news, business, lifestyle and innovations in music, today announced that Raúl Alarcόn Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. (the “Company” or “SBS”) (OTCQX: SBSAA), tops Billboard’s annual “Power 100”.

Spanish Broadcasting System's Raul Alarcon Jr. named on Billboard's 2018 Power 100 (PRNewsfoto/Spanish Broadcasting System, In)

Opening its citation for Raúl Alarcόn Jr., Billboard says: “CLEAR SIGNAL OF POWER: Under the SBS chief’s leadership, WSKQ-FM (Mega 97.9FM) New York remained the top Spanish-language station in the United States. He also expanded LaMusica, a free multimedia streaming service. Mr. Alarcón helms the company founded by his father, who fled the Cuban Revolution in 1960. The son has focused on expanding SBS’ digital footprint and live business. In 2017, SBS’ signature urban live show, Calibash, once again sold out the 21,000-seat Staples Center in Los Angeles.”

As the visionary Chairman and CEO of SBS, Mr. Alarcón has grown SBS from an influential radio network with stations in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco and Puerto Rico;, to a multi-media empire built upon music. The company includes the 250+ affiliate AIRE Radio Networks; MegaTV, a network television owner/operator with over-the-air, cable and satellite distribution; SBS Entertainment, the largest independent producer/promoter of Hispanic concerts and events; and LaMusica, a music and video streaming app catering to Hispanic millennials. For over three decades, Mr. Alarcón has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering and promoting Latino talent and artistry.

About Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc.

Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. owns and operates 17 radio stations located in the top U.S. Hispanic markets of New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco and Puerto Rico, airing the Spanish Tropical, Regional Mexican, Spanish Adult Contemporary, Top 40 and Latin Rhythmic format genres. SBS also operates AIRE Radio Networks, a national radio platform which creates, distributes and markets leading Spanish-language radio programming to over 300 affiliated stations reaching 94% of the U.S. Hispanic audience. SBS also owns MegaTV, a television operation with over-the-air, cable and satellite distribution and affiliates throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. SBS also produces live concerts and events and owns multiple bilingual websites, including www.LaMusica.com, an online destination and mobile app providing content related to Latin music, entertainment, news and culture. For more information, visit us online at www.spanishbroadcasting.com.

www.spanishbroadcasting.com
www.lamusica.com

Media Contact SBS:
Vladimir Gomez
[email protected]
(786) 470-1644

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/639714/Spanish_Broadcasting_System_Raul_Alarcon.jpg

SOURCE Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. (SBS)

(Español) Combined Insurance Busca Aumentar su Fuerza de Ventas

February 7, 2018

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Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Geraldo Arriaga appointed as Vice President of Digital Media Sales for Spanish Broadcasting System, LaMusica App

February 7, 2018

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Geraldo Arriaga appointed as Vice President of Digital Media Sales for Spanish Broadcasting System, LaMusica App

MIAMI, Feb. 7, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. (the “Company” or “SBS”) (OTCQX: SBSAA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Geraldo Arriaga as Vice President, Digital Media Sales of SBS, LaMusica App. In this role, Geraldo will spearhead all of the Company’s digital revenue efforts at the national scale, while working directly with all Digital Sales Managers, sales management and divisions in each one of our markets. Mr. Arriaga will ensure SBS’s Digital Media programs are fully integrated into the network’s growing “Original Content Strategy.” Mr. Arriaga will be based out of Miami, Florida and will report to Albert Rodriguez, COO of SBS.

Prior to joining the SBS family, Mr. Arriaga served as Online Sales Manager for Clear Channel Online Music & Radio where he was responsible for digital sales at the interactive division for seventeen years. Mr. Arriaga also served as Digital/Local Sales Manager for SBS in the Miami market for four years.

Mr. Arriaga has a dynamic sales management strategy with a record of achievement and demonstrated success driving multi-media sales growth while providing sales leadership in highly competitive markets.

“Geraldo is a great addition to our strong Digital Media team,” commented Albert Rodriguez, COO of SBS. “His extensive experience and knowledge of the U.S. Hispanic market will help generate additional growth for SBS’s expanding digital community and deliver the best applications, services and programs for our valued audience, clients and brand partners.”

“It’s an honor to be tasked with driving our digital sales transformation and help further posture SBS as the leader in developing and delivering customizable Hispanic content to the marketplace. LaMusica’s innovative digital platform is in constant evolution providing our clients and ever growing audience with unique omni-channel experiences. I am extremely confident on our team’s collective commitment towards relentless growth across our entire digital platform will continue and I feel blessed to be a part of this stellar group,” stated, Geraldo Arriaga.

Mr. Arriaga has been recognized by and received awards from many organizations for his leadership. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications from Carson-Newman University in Tennessee.

About Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc.

Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. owns and operates 17 radio stations located in the top U.S. Hispanic markets of New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco and Puerto Rico, airing the Spanish Tropical, Regional Mexican, Spanish Adult Contemporary, Top 40 and Latin Rhythmic format genres. SBS also operates AIRE Radio Networks, a national radio platform which creates, distributes and markets leading Spanish-language radio programming to over 300 affiliated stations reaching 94% of the U.S. Hispanic audience. SBS also owns MegaTV, a television operation with over-the-air, cable and satellite distribution and affiliates throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. SBS also produces live concerts and events and owns multiple bilingual websites, including www.LaMusica.com, an online destination and mobile app providing content related to Latin music, entertainment, news and culture. For more information, visit us online at www.spanishbroadcasting.com.

www.spanishbroadcasting.com
www.lamusica.com

Media Contact SBS:
Vladimir Gomez
[email protected]
(786) 470-1644

Foto – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/639626/Geraldo_Arriaga_SBS.jpg

SOURCE Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. (SBS)

NAIC Commends Wilshire Consulting on New Manager Diversity Initiative

February 7, 2018

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WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The National Association of Investment Companies applauds Wilshire Consulting for its recently announced inclusivity initiative that will result in institutional investors gaining greater access to the talent within diverse-owned firms.

Wilshire Consulting, the Santa Monica, Calif.-based institutional investment advisory and outsourced-CIO business unit of Wilshire Associates, will now include at least one diverse-owned firm in every public securities manager search it conducts for advisory clients, where products are available that fit the client mandate. Wilshire also tied senior consultant compensation to the quality and level of interaction with diverse-owned firms and plans to broaden its diverse-owned manager outreach and create a series of educational seminars.

The NAIC has long taken the position that institutional investors looking to generate greater returns should consider allocating capital with diverse-owned private equity firms. Our report, Examining the Returns: The Financial Returns of Diverse Private Equity Firms, quantifies the degree to which these diverse-owned firms consistently outperform their respective benchmarks and generate alpha to limited partners.

Robert L. Greene, President & CEO of the NAIC, commended the initiative. “The NAIC applauds Wilshire’s efforts to identify the broadest talent pool available and believes Wilshire’s steps to become more inclusive will greatly benefit their clients.”

About the NAIC: The National Association of Investment Companies (www.naicpe.com) was founded in 1971. Comprised of nearly 50 member firms representing over $90 billion in assets under management, it is now the largest network of diverse-owned private equity firms and hedge funds in the United States.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Hughes
917-993-3842
[email protected]

SOURCE National Association of Investment Companies

Lexus Announces Pricing for the New Three-Row RX Hybrid

February 7, 2018

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Set to go on sale at dealers in April, the new three-row crossover once again raises the bar for design and innovation in the hybrid segment.

CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Luxury buyers can now enjoy the confidence of all-wheel drive with the performance and efficiency of the RX 450hL. Set to go on sale at dealers in April, the new three-row crossover once again raises the bar for design and innovation in the hybrid segment.

The RX 450hL (AWD) will have a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $50,620* — just $1,550 more than the RX 350L AWD model.

Most notably, the new RX 450hL comes standard with second-row captain’s chairs in addition to leather-trimmed seats, driver seat, side mirror and steering wheel memory, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect and Service Connect complimentary for the first 10 years of vehicle ownership.

Always Charged and Always Ready
Lexus’ history of hybrid innovation goes back to the launch of the world’s first luxury hybrid, the RX 400h, in 2005. It’s this experience that allows the new RX 450hL to blend fuel efficiency, instantaneous power and luxury.

The RX 450hL delivers the same uncompromised styling and instant torque you would expect from an RX hybrid, now with even more space for the unexpected. In addition, the RX 450hL Drive Mode Select system has an EV mode that enables the vehicle to drive under electric power at lower speeds for short distances.

Performance and Design
The RX 450hL combines the 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with two high-torque electric drive motor-generators, producing 308 combined system horsepower for strong acceleration and passing performance.

With the new RXhL model, Lexus extended the body length 4.3 inches (110 mm) at the rear and used a steeper tailgate window angle than on the two-row models to ensure more headroom for third-row passengers. Access to the third row is made easy with the touch of a lever that slides and folds the second-row seats forward.

Lexus designed the third row of the RXL models to offer the same comfort and luxury as in the middle row. The positioning of the second row is slightly higher than the third row, creating more foot room for rear passengers. A tri-zone climate control system gives third-row passengers separate heating and air conditioning vents, and for convenience, a power-folding third-row seat and power tailgate are both standard.

Lexus Safety
The standard Lexus Safety System+ includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keep Assist, Intelligent High Beams and All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Blind Spot Monitor with Intuitive Parking Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Braking are also available. Panoramic View Monitor is an optional feature.

Luxury Package
The available Luxury package offers comfort for Lexus drivers and passengers adding semi-aniline trimmed seats, interior LED ambient illumination, manual rear door sunshades, laser-cut Gray Sapele wood trim with aluminum, 20-inch alloy wheels with machined finish and selectable color inserts, heated wood steering wheel and more.

Hybrid	RX 450hL AWD	RX 450hL Luxury AWD
MSRP*	$50,620	$54,555
Gas	RX 350L FWD/AWD	RX 350L Luxury FWD/AWD
MSRP*	$47,670/$49,070	$52,685/$54,085

*MSRP does not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $995.

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 five 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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MEDIA CONTACT:
Ed Hellwig	Audrey Lundy
469.292.1165	469.292.5103
[email protected]	[email protected]

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SOURCE Lexus

Cal/OSHA Cites Tree Trimming Company after Brush Chipper Fatality

February 6, 2018

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AMERICAN CANYON, California, Feb. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Cal/OSHA has cited Gorilla Tree Service for serious and accident-related workplace safety violations following an investigation of a brush chipper accident that killed a 24-year-old worker in Napa.

On August 15, 2017, the employee was working on the ground as part of a two-person crew removing limbs from a liquidambar tree when a rope used to lower limbs from an aerial bucket was caught and pulled into the chipper, strangling him.

Cal/OSHA’s investigation found that Gorilla Tree Service was unable to certify it had properly trained the worker, who had been employed at the company for about six months.

“Tree work is a high-risk industry, and safety requirements are in place to protect workers from known hazards,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Juliann Sum. “Employers must ensure that workers are effectively trained to use brush chippers and other dangerous machinery safely.”

Cal/OSHA cited Gorilla Tree Service $23,200 for seven violations including one serious accident-related, one serious and five general violations for the employer’s failure to:

Provide documented training records for workers to certify that they had completed the required tree work and CPR training.
Brief workers before starting the job, including a description of hazards, work procedures and appropriate protective equipment.
Ensure the chipper was equipped, maintained and operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Cal/OSHA found the chipper’s moving parts of belt and pulley drives were not guarded as required.
Prevent entanglement hazards and unwanted material from entering the point of operation on the chipper.

Tree workers are 56 times more likely to suffer a fatal occupational injury than workers in all industries combined. The major causes of tree worker injuries and fatalities include falls, electrical shock, being struck by a tree branch, chainsaw lacerations, palm tree skirt collapses and ladder accidents.

Over the past six years, brush chipper-related incidents in California resulted in one fatality and four serious injuries:

A worker was killed in 2012 while feeding brush into a chipper in Nevada City when a rope binding the brush became entangled in the chipper drum and looped around the worker’s neck. The force on the rope was so great that the worker was decapitated.
In Los Angeles County in 2012, a worker was hospitalized from injuries caused by a chipper. Two workers were removing a tree using rope and a brush chipper. One of the workers was attached to a rope that abruptly went into the chipper pulling him toward the feeder. He was taken to the hospital with a punctured lung and fractures to his ribs, left arm, thumb and wrist.
In 2013, a Solano County worker lost his left ring finger when his wedding band suddenly became caught between the side frame of the feeding bay and the branch he was pushing into the brush chipper.
While operating a brush chipper in 2013, a worker in Concord was hospitalized. A truck rolled down a hill and jackknifed toward him while he was feeding brush into the chipper. Both of his legs became pinned between the truck’s side door and the frame of the chipper’s in-feed table. Both of his legs were fractured.

Cal/OSHA launched a tree work safety campaign in 2016 to help employees and employers prevent accidents, and made available a Tree Work Safety webpage, Tree Work Safety Guide, fact sheet and checklist.

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).

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

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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 Communications Call Center at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734) for help in locating the appropriate division or program in our department.

SOURCE Cal/OSHA

America’s Promise Alliance and AT&T Announce GradNation Acceleration Grant Recipients in Five States

February 6, 2018

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WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — America’s Promise Alliance, with generous support from AT&T, announced today the selection of five GradNation Acceleration Grant recipients, as part of the GradNation campaign to raise the high school graduation rate to 90 percent by 2020. The selected grantees represent two state and three community efforts poised to accelerate progress for more young people to high school graduation and post-secondary success.

Totaling $800,000 over the two-year grant period, each of the two state grantees will receive $250,000 and each of the three community grantees will receive $100,000. Roughly 5,000 young people are estimated to be impacted across all five grantees.

This work of the GradNation campaign is a continuation of a decade-long undertaking. During that time, the national graduation rate has increased from 73 percent to its current all-time high of 84.1 percent. That increase represents more than 2 million additional young people who were able to graduate from high school with their class over the past decade. But while the nation’s young people have made great progress, there remains more work to be done. GradNation Acceleration Grants will provide the support that communities need to further their efforts.

“We know that the most significant improvements of the national high school graduation rate will happen on the local level – in districts and communities working each day to meet the individual needs of young people,” said John Gomperts, president and CEO of America’s Promise. “The final grantees were selected because they demonstrated a deep understanding of the specific student populations needing additional support and have a track record for maximizing the resources and partnerships to meet those student needs.”

“The GradNation campaign continues to demonstrate progress at increasing our nation’s high school graduation rate while also helping students pursue high quality, post-secondary degrees. Both of which are critical steps to creating a skilled and diverse workforce,” said Nicole Anderson, assistant vice president of corporate social responsibility and president of the AT&T Foundation. “It is important that we continue to invest in work that helps move students across the high school graduation stage and gets them ready for the next phase of life.”

Applications were submitted from 10 priority states that would have a measurable impact on improving the national graduation rate and closing equity gaps. In total, there were more than 100 applicants – all committed to improving graduation rate outcomes for a specific group of students using strategies aligned to the GradNation Action Platform. The platform identifies six areas that every community should act on to accelerate their high school graduation rate.

GradNation Acceleration Grantees are as follows:

States

GEORGIA – Georgia Division of Family and Children Services – Project Graduate 2.0: Unlocking the Power and Potential of Georgia’s Foster Youth: The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services uses high-quality data to identify, implement, and sustain best practices to support foster youth in Fulton and DeKalb Counties. While the state averages a 79 percent graduation rate, only 11 percent of foster students earn diplomas— an issue compounded by the growth of youth in foster care by 80 percent in the last four years. Foster youth face disruptions to their education that lead to academic underperformance and increase the likelihood of their leaving school prior to graduating. In response, the program intends to strengthen the system’s capacity to address the needs of foster youth through advisory workgroups, research on program impact, and cross-agency collaborative learning.
MICHIGAN – Youth Solutions Inc. – Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates: Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) will expand its model into low-graduation rate high schools across the state. Michigan’s graduation rate is 79.7 percent and large graduation rate gaps by race and income persist. Dropout Prevention and Recovery efforts will include career mentoring, career advising and exposure, training, and competency-based curriculum, as well as 12 months of follow up after high school graduation. With support from over 50 local and national partners, and a strong relationship with the state employment agency, JMG’s approach connects students with learning beyond the classroom that prepares them to succeed through high school and into the workforce.

Communities

ALBUQUERQUE – United Way of Central New Mexico – Mission: Graduate: Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) is a majority Hispanic district serving high rates of students living in poverty and learning English. In 2016, the district’s 4-year graduation rate was 66 percent. In response, United Way of Central New Mexico’s collective impact initiative Mission: Graduate will partner with APS’s Rio Grande High School to expand use of the school’s early warning system program to support off-track juniors and seniors and work to re-engage youth who have already left school. These students will gain access to college and career exploration opportunities in addition to mentors and counselors.
GREELEY–EVANS – Greeley-Evans District 6 – Every Student Matters: Accelerating Graduation Rates and Decreasing Dropout Rates: Greeley-Evans School District 6 in northeastern Colorado has a graduation rate of 77.1 percent and will focus its efforts on students at the Greeley Alternative Program (GAP) in partnership with Zero Dropouts. GAP enrolls students at risk of dropping out of high school or who face barriers to success in traditional high schools by providing an innovative instructional program combined with wraparound services. With support from partners, the district provides these students with supports including childcare and housing assistance, in addition to career pathway options like a paid internship or access to personalized tutoring.
BOYLE HEIGHTS – Proyecto Pastoral – Boyle Heights English Learner Acceleration Project: A collaborative in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, Promesa Boyle Heights has been actively working to improve graduation rates in the community since 2012. Together with the community, Promesa Boyle Heights has been able to improve graduation rates in the region to 82 percent, however, EL students only have a 52 percent graduation rate. Promesa Boyle Heights will expand these efforts to the alternative campus, Boyle Heights High School, thus allowing for a deeper focus on Long-Term English Learners (LTELs) and Newcomer ELs. Promesa Boyle Heights also aims to increase school capacity to address EL needs and develop student and parent skills to advocate for policies and practices that directly support EL students.

America’s Promise sought to support local efforts poised to impact high school completion and the national graduation rate. Proposals were expected to describe a state or community effort that demonstrated (1) an understanding of school-level and community-level graduation rates and related data, (2) a collaborative relationship with high school(s) and/or the district, and (3) a commitment to meet the needs of students most at-risk of not graduating: low-income students, Black and Hispanic/Latino students, students with disabilities, English learners, and those served by low-graduation rate high schools.

The intended outcomes for this work include: an increase to the graduation rate, shared learning for adoption and replication in other states and communities, and strengthened local capacity to improve outcomes for young people based on their needs and strengths.

To learn more, visit http://gradnation.americaspromise.org/gradnation-acceleration-grant.

About America’s Promise Alliance

America’s Promise Alliance leads an alliance of organizations, communities and individuals dedicated to making the promise of America real for every child. As its signature effort, the GradNation campaign mobilizes Americans to increase the on-time high school graduation rate to 90 percent by 2020 and prepare young people for postsecondary enrollment and the 21st century workforce. For more information, visit www.AmericasPromise.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Tonya Williams
[email protected]
202-657-0644

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SOURCE America’s Promise Alliance