Top 10 Most Common Vehicle Repairs

January 29, 2018

BETHESDA, Maryland, Jan. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Changing the oil and oil filter, replacing wiper blades and air filters, and scheduled maintenance top the list of the 10 most common vehicle repairs of 2017, according to the Car Care Council.

According to research conducted by IMR Inc., an industry leader in automotive research, the top 10 most common vehicle repairs performed by vehicle owners and their trusted repair shops are:

Oil/oil filter changed
Wiper blades replacement
Replace air filter
Scheduled maintenance
New tires
Battery replacement
Brake work
Antifreeze added
Engine tune-up
Wheels aligned/balanced

“We thank IMR for sharing this important and informative data with the Car Care Council,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “With scheduled maintenance toward the top of the list, these findings are a sign that more motorists understand the importance of routine vehicle maintenance and are taking steps to ensure the safety and dependability of their vehicles.”

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a copy of the council’s Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539428/Car_Care_Council_Be_Car_Care_Aware_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Car Care Council

Governor Brown Fails to Endorse Ban of Gas-Powered Cars

January 26, 2018

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Jan. 26, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Ryan Hanretty, Executive Director of the California Independent Oil Marketers Association (CIOMA) issued the following statement on the heels of the Governor’s State of the State address in opposition to Assembly Bill 1745. As introduced by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D – San Francisco), AB 1745 would ban the registration of vehicles with internal combustion engines starting in the year 2040.

“California’s fuel marketers and convenience store industries are leaders in clean fuel innovations through ethanol, biofuels, and renewable diesel; and, are in fact responsible for introducing the first biodiesel fuel into California. In addition, convenience and fuel businesses have implemented the most technologically advanced vapor recovery and underground storage technologies that continue to improve and prioritize clean water and clean air in every community in California.

“In yesterday’s State of the State address, the Governor prophesized numbers well beyond his own agency’s (CARB) projections for zero-emission vehicles by the year 2030, yet he chose not to endorse AB 1745. The Governor clearly sent a message that he does not want this bill – as evident by his release of Executive Order B-48-18 just today, and neither do the people of California.

“Banning gas-powered cars would impose a tremendous financial burden on California’s middle-class and force hundreds of convenience stores to shut their doors and lay off thousands of employees. AB 1745 ignores the positive impact of cleaner fuels in favor of forcing millions of Californians to purchase cars they may or may not want.

“The discounting of today’s fueling improvements and the impacts to small, family- and minority-owned businesses highlight just some of the major problems contained in AB 1745.”

CIOMA is the industry’s statewide trade association representing the needs of independent wholesale and retail marketers of gasoline, diesel, lubricating oils and other petroleum products; transporters of those products; and retail convenience store operators.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/482907/CIOMA_Logo.jpg

SOURCE California Independent Oil Marketers Association (CIOMA)

Cirque Du Soleil’s Soda Stereo Sep7imo Día – No descansaré is set to debut a U.S. tour in Miami and Los Angeles with C&T MOBS joining as its commercial partner.

January 25, 2018

MIAMI, Jan. 25, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Cirque Du Soleil’s Soda Stereo Sep7imo Día – No descansaré successful acrobatic show brought by event promoter PopArt will debut a U.S. tour with performances in Miami and Los Angeles. It will have international Miami based content and talent agency C&T MOBS joining as its commercial partner.

Sep7imo Día – No descansaré is a spectacular acrobatic production inspired by the history and music of the most influential and significant Latin rock band of all times, Soda Stereo. The show is set to debut in Miami April 18th-22nd at The Watsco Center and soon after it will head to Los Angeles from May 3rd-6th to perform at The Forum.

C&T MOBS is proud to provide commercial support to Argentina’s most prestigious concert and event promoter PopArt as they take over the U.S. with Sep7imo Día – No descansaré. C&T MOBS will focus on business development, advertisement sales, content creation and activations.

“It is not only a one of a kind interpretation of the Soda Stereo legacy and what they aimed for, but we love the overall universal message of Sep7imo’s show which is that music is stronger than death, so we are excited to be a part of it” said Sergio Pizzolante, Managing Partner at C&T MOBS.

Last year’s shows sold more than 1.5 million tickets in over eight cities; including Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Lima, Santiago de Chile, Bogotá, Monterrey, Guadalajara and Mexico City. Other countries in their 2018 tour include Panama, Guatemala & Costa Rica. Brand activations will be present at both locations Miami and LA shows by a number of brands targeting Cirque Du Soleil and Soda Stereo fans.

About C&T MOBS
Is an independent content and talent agency based in Miami, with offices in Mexico, L.A. and Venezuela. Born with a DNA based on experience and a vast network of resources in Latin America, Brazil and the U.S. With trend spotting capacities, its main mission is to provide the entertainment industry with high quality concepts combined with innovative commercial models.

Sponsorship opportunities, commercial and media inquiries:
Sergio Pizzolante, C&T Mobs, 120 NW 25th Street #303, Miami, FL 33127
305.908.3850, [email protected]

Press contact: Alex Avellanet, Bonvoix, 786.266.8055, [email protected]

SOURCE C&T MOBS

FIBRA Prologis Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2017 Earnings Results

January 25, 2018

MEXICO CITY, Jan. 25, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — FIBRA Prologis (BMV:FIBRAPL 14), a leading owner and operator of Class-A industrial real estate in Mexico, today reported results for the fourth quarter and full year 2017.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE YEAR:

Operating portfolio occupancy increased to 97.3 percent
Net effective rents on rollover increased 11.9 percent
Same store cash NOI grew 2.8 percent
Lowered weighted average debt cost to 4.0%
Completed US$29.6 million of asset acquisitions

Net earnings per CBFI in the fourth quarter was Ps. 1.2176 (US$0.0669) compared with Ps. 1.0580 (US$0.0538) for the same period in 2016. For the full year 2017, net earnings per CBFI was Ps. 2.4624 (US$0.1340).

Funds from operations (FFO) per CBFI was Ps. 0.7209 (US$0.0407) for the fourth quarter compared with Ps. 0.8306 (US$0.0423) for the same period in 2016. For the full year 2017, FFO per CBFI was Ps. 2.9077 (US$0.1541).

PORTFOLIO QUALITY AND LOCATION DRIVE SOLID OPERATING PERFORMANCE

“2017 was an excellent year for FIBRA Prologis as we delivered on both internal and external growth which resulted in a higher, sustainable distribution,” said Luis Gutierrez, CEO, Prologis Property Mexico. “We successfully increased both occupancy and rents in our portfolio. Additionally, we expanded our footprint, acquiring two new Class-A buildings from our sponsor, Prologis.”

Gutierrez added, “As we enter another year of political uncertainty, our strategy of owning high-quality, logistics facilities in high-barrier-to-entry markets has never been more important. Our team remains focused on delivering quality results and I am confident that we can maintain our momentum into 2018.”

Operating Portfolio	4Q17	4Q16	Notes
Period End Occupancy	97.3%	96.8%	Three of our six markets ended 2017 with occupancy of 98.0% or greater
Leases Signed	1.8 MSF	1.7 MSF
Customer Retention	89.0%	80.3%
Net Effective Rent Change	13.5%	8.3%	11.9% for full year 2017
Cash Same Store NOI	4.8%	1.9%	2.7% for full year 2017
Same Store NOI	3.7%	0.0%

SOLID FINANCIAL POSITION

At December 31, 2017 FIBRA Prologis’ leverage was 33.2% and liquidity was Ps. 3.3 billion (US$169.0 million), which included Ps. 3.0 billion (US$150.0 million) of available capacity on its unsecured credit facility and Ps. 371.4 million (US$18.8 million) of unrestricted cash.

GUIDANCE ESTABLISHED FOR 2018 – FULL-YEAR DISTRIBUTIONS TO INCREASE 5 PERCENT

“We are introducing 2018 guidance that builds on the momentum of our exceptional 2017 performance,” said Jorge Girault, senior vice president, Finance, Prologis Property Mexico. “The outlook for Mexico remains positive and our business should capitalize on a healthy real estate market.”

(Based in millions of U.S. dollars, except per CBFI amounts)	Low	High	Notes
FFO per CBFI	$0.1550	$0.1650	Excludes the impact of foreign exchange movements and any potential incentive fee
Full Year 2018 Distributions per CBFI	$0.1240	$0.1240
Year End Occupancy	96.0%	97.0%
Same Store NOI (Cash)	4.0%	5.0%	Based in U.S. dollars
Annual Capital Expenditures as % of NOI	13.0%	14.0%
Asset Management and Professional Fees	US$19.5	$21.5
Building Acquisitions	$100.0	$300.0
Building Dispositions	$0.0	$200.0
Foreign Exchange Rate	Ps20.0/USD	Ps20.0/USD

WEBCAST & CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION

FIBRA Prologis will host a live webcast/conference call to discuss quarterly results, current market conditions and future outlook. Here are the event details:

Friday, January 26, 2018, at 9 a.m. CT/10 a.m. ET
Live webcast at www.fibraprologis.com, in the Investor Relations section, by clicking Events
Dial in: +1 877 256 7020 or +1 973 409 9692 and enter Passcode 93296070.

A telephonic replay will be available January 26 – February 2 at +1 855 859 2056 from the U.S. and Canada or at +1 404 926 9157 from all other countries using conference code 93296070 and security code 31833. The replay will be posted in the Investor Relations section of the FIBRA Prologis website.

ABOUT FIBRA PROLOGIS

FIBRA Prologis is a leading owner and operator of Class-A industrial real estate in Mexico. As of December 31, 2017, FIBRA Prologis was comprised of 196 logistics and manufacturing facilities in six industrial markets in Mexico totaling 34.6 million square feet (3.2 million square meters) of gross leasable area.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The statements in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the industry and markets in which FIBRA Prologis operates, management’s beliefs and assumptions made by management. Such statements involve uncertainties that could significantly impact FIBRA Prologis financial results. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, which generally are not historical in nature. All statements that address operating performance, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future — including statements relating to rent and occupancy growth, acquisition activity, development activity, disposition activity, general conditions in the geographic areas where we operate, our debt and financial position, are forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Although we believe the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that our expectations will be attained and therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that may affect outcomes and results include, but are not limited to: (i) national, international, regional and local economic climates, (ii) changes in financial markets, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, (iii) increased or unanticipated competition for our properties, (iv) risks associated with acquisitions, dispositions and development of properties, (v) maintenance of real estate investment trust (“FIBRA”) status and tax structuring, (vi) availability of financing and capital, the levels of debt that we maintain and our credit ratings, (vii) risks related to our investments (viii) environmental uncertainties, including risks of natural disasters, and (ix) those additional factors discussed in reports filed with the “Comisión Nacional Bancaria y de Valores” and the Mexican Stock Exchange by FIBRA Prologis under the heading “Risk Factors.” FIBRA Prologis undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements appearing in this release.

Non-Solicitation – Any securities discussed herein or in the accompanying presentations, if any, have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or the securities laws of any state and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements under the Securities Act and any applicable state securities laws. Any such announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities discussed herein or in the presentations, if and as applicable.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/528012/FIBRA__Logo.jpg

SOURCE FIBRA Prologis

SeaWorld and OCEARCH Join Forces to Protect World’s Oceans and Marine Animals

January 25, 2018

SeaWorld researchers share knowledge and experience that will contribute to SeaWorld and OCEARCH's shared mission to educate, inspire and advocate for ocean health and marine animal conservation efforts.

ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 25, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today marks the official kick off of a partnership between two conservation leaders that is focused on the global protection of marine animals and the world’s oceans. SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., a leader in animal rescue and inspiring themed entertainment experiences, and OCEARCH, a leader in generating critical scientific data related to studies of keystone marine species, announced a multi-year partnership and have made valuable data available to both the scientific community and the general public for the first time ever in a widely-accessible format.

OCEARCH’s popular Global Shark Tracker will now house data on rescued, rehabilitated and returned marine animals, offering both the scientific community and the general public the ability to learn more about threatened and endangered species as they are given a second chance at life. Data on three of SeaWorld’s rescued and returned animals – Gale, a pilot whale, TJ, a dolphin, and Iris, a harbor seal – can now be found at OCEARCH.org and open access will be provided to the scientific community in the near future.

The announcement was made aboard the 126-foot research vessel M/V OCEARCH, a floating science lab and mothership on its first research expedition of 2018. Future missions are scheduled for May and September of this year. These missions will bring together the OCEARCH team and SeaWorld veterinarians, scientists and researchers to share knowledge and experience that will contribute to their shared mission to educate, inspire and advocate for ocean health and marine animal conservation efforts.

Aboard the M/V OCEARCH today with front row access to the team and their work are SeaWorld’s Dr. Todd Robeck, an expert in the field of veterinary reproduction and members of the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Youth Advisory Council, a group of passionate young conservationists working to protect animals and inspire future generations.

“We are thrilled to partner with OCEARCH to continue to raise awareness of critical issues surrounding marine animals and habitats,” said Dr. Chris Dold, Chief Zoological Officer at SeaWorld. “SeaWorld is one of the world’s foremost zoological rescue organizations, and using the global satellite tracker on rehabilitated and returned animals is an exciting way for us to share the next chapter in the lives of rescued animals. Working together, we hope to inspire the next generation of marine scientists and everyday advocates through our common love of the ocean.”

Chris Fischer, OCEARCH Founding Chairman and Expedition Leader, added: “Together, OCEARCH and SeaWorld will focus on bringing everyday people closer to the ocean to increase understanding of how to better protect marine animals and habitats. We are committed to providing open-sourced, real-time data and content, allowing anyone to follow our findings – from classrooms to researchers and experts.”

The SeaWorld OCEARCH partnership focuses on three key areas:

Research and rescue – For the first time, OCEARCH’s Global Shark Tracker will be used to monitor rescued, rehabilitated and returned marine animals, providing valuable, open-sourced data to the public.
Education – Co-development of content that will educate students, while inspiring the next generation of explorers, scientists, and stewards of the ocean.
Policy – Utilizing the open sourced data from sampled and tagged marine animals to advocate for the protection of marine life.

About SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. is a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter, and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world. The company is one of the world’s foremost zoological organizations and a global leader in animal welfare, training, husbandry and veterinary care. The company collectively cares for what it believes is one of the largest zoological collections in the world and has helped lead advances in the care of animals. The company also rescues and rehabilitates marine and terrestrial animals that are ill, injured, orphaned or abandoned, with the goal of returning them to the wild. The SeaWorld® rescue team has helped more than 31,000 animals in need over the last 50 years.

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. owns or licenses a portfolio of recognized brands including SeaWorld, Busch Gardens® and Sea Rescue®. Over its more than 50-year history, the company has built a diversified portfolio of 12 destination and regional theme parks that are grouped in key markets across the United States, many of which showcase its one-of-a-kind zoological collection. The company’s theme parks feature a diverse array of rides, shows and other attractions with broad demographic appeal which deliver memorable experiences and a strong value proposition for its guests.

Copies of this and other news releases as well as additional information about SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. can be obtained online at www.seaworldentertainment.com. Shareholders and prospective investors can also register to automatically receive the company’s press releases, SEC filings and other notices by e-mail by registering at that website.

About OCEARCH

OCEARCH is a recognized world leader in generating critical scientific data related to tracking (telemetry) and biological studies of keystone marine species such as great white and tiger sharks, in conjunction with conservation outreach and education at a measurable global scale. OCEARCH shares real-time migration data through OCEARCH’s Global Shark Tracker – In 2015, OCEARCH open-sourced the data on the Global Shark Tracker to over 15 million users. In partnership with SeaWorld, Costa Sunglasses, and YETI Coolers, the researchers OCEARCH supports work aboard the M/V OCEARCH, a 126′ Cat-powered vessel equipped with a 75,000-lb. hydraulic research platform, where the ship serves as both mothership and at-sea laboratory. Scientists have approximately 15 minutes of access to live, mature sharks to conduct up to 12 studies. The sharks are measured, tissue and blood samples are collected, and satellite and acoustic transmitters are attached. Over 172 researchers from 91 regional and international institutions have partnered with OCEARCH.

The M/V OCEARCH is a 126-foot research vessel, currently on its first expedition of 2018.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/633396/SeaWorld_and_OCEARCH.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/633397/OCEARCH_vessel.jpg

SOURCE SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.

PayByPhone Reaches Unparalelled Milestone In Miami By Reaching More Than 500,000 Transactions In A Single Month

January 25, 2018

MIAMI, Jan. 25, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Miami Parking Authority (MPA), the municipal parking-management organization for the city of Miami, announced today that its parking-payment technology, PayByPhone (PBP), surpassed the milestone of more than 500,000 transactions in a single month on December 30, 2017.

In 2008, Miami became the first major U.S. city to adopt mobile payment for parking. Since 2008, usage has steadily grown to the point of reaching an unprecedented half-million milestone in a single month last December. Since its inception in 2008, MPA has worked steadfastly to market the benefits of PBP to residents, businesses and visitors to the Miami area by promoting the free payment app across multiple media platforms and through high-visibility special events.

Operationally, the Authority in late 2014, took the unparalleled decision to absorb the fee assessed by PayByPhone to the consumer for the use of the mobile parking-payment technology. Thus, in December of 2014, customers who paid with PayByPhone no longer incurred the $.35 fee for the use of the service when they parked in Miami. Since then, customers are only responsible for the cost of parking, while Miami residents continue to enjoy a 20 percent discount when using PayByPhone. The MPA is the only parking agency in the state and one of the few nationwide to absorb the PayByPhone convenience fee. That decision, in part, has made it possible for the Miami Parking Authority to become the largest parking organization in the United States and the second largest globally relative to PayByPhone transaction volume. This accomplishment alone, has positioned Miami as a leader in parking innovation nationally and globally.

“The 500,000 milestone represents the hard work and vision of our combined team at MPA and our partners at PayByPhone,” said Art Noriega, Chief Executive Officer. “For nearly a decade, we have dedicated a great deal of time, effort and resources to enhancing the parking experience for our customers by offering them the latest technology available in the industry and by pioneering its adoption. We are proud that our customers have wholeheartedly embraced PayByPhone and made their experience easier, faster and convenient.”

In the old days, meters and cashier attendants were the order of business, but the parking industry has undergone a technological revolution since the 1990s. Since the inception of PayByPhone, the MPA has eliminated 50 percent of the multi-space machines and 99 percent of the on-street single-space meters.

“Customers who patronize the Wynwood businesses like the convenience and ease of use of PayByPhone because they can relax while they shop knowing that they will be notified via text message when the meter time is about to expire and will be able to extend the parking session remotely without having to walk back to their vehicles to feed the meter,” said Manny Gonzalez, Executive Director of the Wynwood Business Improvement District (BID). The Wynwood BID is an eclectic area in the urban core of Miami. It is home to art galleries, retail stores, antique shops, eclectic bars, artisanal eateries and one of the largest open-air street-art installations in the world.

In fact, in November and December of 2017, respectively, MPA recorded 83.6 percent and 88 percent PayByPhone transactions in the city of Miami, thus setting an unprecedented record for the nation and the world as a leader in parking innovation. This means that 83.6 percent and 88 percent of the customers who parked in Miami late last year used PBP when they paid.

About Miami Parking Authority
Miami Parking Authority, officially known as the Department of Off-Street Parking of the City of Miami, was created in 1955 by a Special Act of the Florida State Legislature and incorporated into the City of Miami’s Charter in 1968. MPA manages and develops on- and off-street parking in the City of Miami. It shares responsibility with the City of Miami Police Department and Miami-Dade County for enforcement of parking regulations. For more information, visit www.miamiparking.com.

Twitter: @miamiparking
Facebook: @miamiparking
Instagram: @mpacommunity

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/633620/Miami_Parking_Authority_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Miami Parking Authority

(Español) VTech retira del mercado sonajas para bebés debido a riesgo de asfixia

January 25, 2018

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Scotiabank recognized by Junior Achievement Americas with 2017’s Transforming Education Award

January 25, 2018

TORONTO, Jan. 25, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Scotiabank has been recognized by Junior Achievement Americas (JA) as the winner of the 2017 Transforming Education Award, the maximum recognition that JA gives to its partners at the regional level. Brent Currie, Scotiabank’s Senior Vice-President of Brand Management and Marketing Services, received the award in Toronto, Ontario.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/633499/Scotiabank_Scotiabank_recognized_by_Junior_Achievement_Americas.jpg

“We are pleased to partner with Junior Achievement Americas to help young people develop their entrepreneurial, labour and financial skills. This partnership reflects Scotiabank’s commitment to the long-term development of Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Brent Currie, Senior Vice-President, Brand Management and Marketing Services. “At Scotiabank, we’re focused on our future leaders, and recognize that our involvement with Junior Achievement not only helps young people reach their infinite potential, but also helps to ensure communities are set-up for success.”

Junior Achievement Americas has recognized Scotiabank for its ongoing support over the last eight years, allowing JA to not only impact the lives of thousands of young people in the region, but to generate innovations to remain relevant in the face of the needs of young people and the labour market. That is, digitalization of the content of the JA Economics for Success program, the development of the first Regional Online Innovation Camp of JA Americas, and the Road to Success initiative launching.

“We are delighted to recognize Scotiabank for its tireless support to the Latin American and Caribbean region,” said Leo Martellotto, President of Junior Achievement Americas. “Thanks to Scotiabank, and in partnership with them, JA Americas was able to improve the Economics for Success program, generating version 2.0: an online platform through which students learn the same concepts of the original program but in a digital, more interactive way.”

Scotiabank’s CSR priority to invest in young people has been reflected through the Bank’s partnership with Junior Achievement Americas, allowing students from 14 to 18 years of age to participate in national innovation camp competitions that aim to find innovative solutions to specific challenges that the business world faces. Similarly, the Road to Success program aims to help develop the infinite potential of youth in our communities by teaching kids the basic concepts of financial literacy. The initiative will continue to give students a basic understanding of the principles of finance and practical advice on budget planning and money management.

About Scotiabank
Scotiabank is Canada’s international bank and a leading financial services provider in North America, Latin America, the Caribbean and Central America, and Asia-Pacific. We are dedicated to helping our 24 million customers become better off through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With a team of more than 88,000 employees and assets of over $915 billion (as at October 31, 2017), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (TSX: BNS) and New York Exchanges (NYSE: BNS). For more information, please visit www.scotiabank.com and follow us on Twitter @Scotiabank.

About Scotiabank’s CSR
Scotiabank believes that every customer has the right to become better off. When customers succeed, businesses, communities, and entire societies benefit as well. Through our CSR strategy, Better Future, Better Off, we seek to create economic, social and environmental value that benefits every customer. Through our five commitments to Customers, Employees, Communities, the Environment and strong Corporate Governance practices, we aim to create a better future for both society and Scotiabank. For more information on our priorities and the impact we have made, please visit www.scotiabank.com/csr.

About JA Americas
As part of one of the world’s largest youth-serving NGOs, JA Americas activates youth for the future of jobs. Through the delivery of hands-on, blended learning in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship, we empower young people to grow their entrepreneurial ideas, hone their work skills, manage their earnings, and secure better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities. With 31 countries, the JA Americas network is powered by over 38,000 volunteers and mentors, who serve more than 1 million young people each year. More information at www.jaamericas.org.

For media enquiries: Juan Iramain, Global Communications, (416) 866-4362, [email protected]; Hernán Zocco, Regional Communications, (+54) 9351 3118789, [email protected]

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/633500/Scotiabank_Scotiabank_recognized_by_Junior_Achievement_Americas.jpg

SOURCE Scotiabank

MoneyGram Announces Executive Appointments

January 25, 2018

~ Grant Lines Promoted to Global Chief Revenue Officer ~

~ Kamila Chytil, Chief Global Operations Officer, Expands Role ~

DALLAS, Jan. 25, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — MoneyGram (NASDAQ: MGI), today announced that Grant Lines has been promoted to Global Chief Revenue Officer. The company also announced that Kamila Chytil, Chief Global Operations Officer, has expanded her role and responsibilities to include Information Technology along with Product Management and Sales Delivery. Both executive appointments continue to report into Alex Holmes, Chief Executive Officer of MoneyGram, and both are effective immediately.

“I am excited about both Grant and Kamila’s appointments. Grant is a dynamic leader whose strategic thinking and hands-on approach has been key to our growth, particularly outside of the U.S. One revenue leader will allow us to simplify and flatten our organization while centralizing our revenue decisions,” said Alex Holmes, Chief Executive Officer of MoneyGram. “Since joining our company, Kamila has been instrumental in driving efficiencies and helping to transform MoneyGram’s operations. I look forward to all she will bring in her expanded role from an IT, operational, and product standpoint, while executing on our corporate strategies.”

Grant Lines is a payments industry veteran with more than 25 years of global experience in various leadership roles. Lines joined MoneyGram in 2013 and has been instrumental in accelerating the company’s international revenue and profit growth across Africa, Middle East, Asia Pacific, Russia & CIS.

Kamila Chytil joined MoneyGram in May 2015 as senior vice president of key partnerships and payments and was named Chief Global Operations Officer in May 2016. In 2017, Kamila was named as one of the 25 most influential women in the payments industry. Before joining MoneyGram, Chytil spent 11 years at FIS, the world’s largest provider of core processing, card issuer and transaction processing services to financial institutions and businesses worldwide.

About MoneyGram
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.

MoneyGram Media Contact:
Michelle Buckalew
[email protected]
214-979-1418

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, which may include projections of future results of operations, financial condition or business prospects. Actual results of operations, financial condition or business prospects may differ from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to market demand, global economic conditions, adverse industry conditions, legal proceedings, the ability to effectively identify and enter into new markets, governmental regulation, the ability to retain management and other personnel, and other economic, business or competitive factors. Additional information concerning factors that could cause results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements is contained from time to time in MoneyGram’s SEC filings. The forward-looking statements in this release reflect the current belief of MoneyGram as of the date of this release. MoneyGram undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements for events or circumstances that occur subsequent to such date.

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

SOURCE MoneyGram

New PSAs from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and the Ad Council Remind Adult Learners that “No One Gets a Diploma Alone”

January 25, 2018

NEW YORK, Jan. 25, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, the Ad Council and the Dollar General Literacy Foundation launched new public service ads (PSAs) for the national Finish Your Diploma campaign, which provides adults with the information needed to earn a high school equivalency diploma and encourages people to sign up for free adult education classes by finding nearby centers at FinishYourDiploma.org.

Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8257951-ad-council-dollar-general-no-one-gets-a-diploma-alone/

The campaign builds on the inspirational “No One Gets a Diploma Alone” message, which inspired more than 200,000 people across the United States to find free adult education classes over the past year and features three compelling personal stories from Nia, Marco and Carissa, adults who recently earned their high school diplomas in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.

“The new PSAs reflect the power of personal accomplishments and gratitude for those who inspire us along the path to our dreams,” said Denine Torr of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “We hope that these powerful stories coupled with the information and referral resources available on the campaign’s website make it easier for adults looking to complete high school.”

The United States’ national graduation rate rose to record highs in 2017, but approximately 34 million American adults still do not have a high school diploma. On average, individuals with a high school degree can expect to earn 30 percent more than adults without a diploma over their lifetime, a difference of nearly $10,000 per year, according to 2015 U.S. Census data.

Concerns over studying while balancing work obligations and supporting families are often obstacles that prevent individuals from finishing their diploma. The campaign showcases graduates who received support from family, friends and teachers to attend classes and earn their diploma, recognizing and surprising a key supporter who helped them along the journey with a heartfelt thank you. The PSAs also help remind students they may have more support than they realize to earn their high school diploma, including people who want to provide them with guidance and are willing to help with anything from studying to household errands or with a ride to class to make sure they succeed.

“Nia, Marco and Carissa are just three of the hardworking graduates across the country – and we hope that their powerful stories in the new PSAs will inspire many more to follow in their footsteps,” said Ad Council President and CEO Lisa Sherman. “It’s difficult to think about adding studying and classes to an already busy schedule including work and family responsibilities, but having a lot of supporters in their corner can make all the difference for people who are thinking of finishing their high school degree.”

In addition to featuring three adult learners who have recently graduated with their high school diplomas, the campaign also showcases teachers at local education centers who are waiting to help students on their journey to achieving a high school equivalency diploma.

Since its inception in 2010, the Ad Council and the Dollar General Literacy Foundation’s Finish Your Diploma campaign has helped more than one million adults in all 50 states find free test-prep classes in their area, and nearly five million people have visited FinishYourDiploma.org. The campaign has received more than $159 million in donated support from the media community. Additionally, according to a survey commissioned by the Ad Council and conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs, more adults report valuing the importance of obtaining a high school diploma.

The PSAs were produced pro bono by advertising agency McKinney and are available in English and Spanish and across all media types.

“‘No one gets a diploma alone’ is more than a campaign tagline,” according to McKinney creative team Ellen Page and Dylan Meagher. “It’s an insight that rings true for every adult who goes through the process of finishing their high school diploma. We wanted to show potential graduates that they do have more support than they realize by celebrating and thanking the people in their lives who helped them get there. After all, when an adult graduates high school, everyone who helped them graduates too.”

Per the Ad Council model, the PSAs are distributed to more than 33,000 media outlets nationwide and run on air time and space entirely donated by the media.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation is proud to support initiatives that help others improve their lives through literacy and education. Since 1993, the Foundation has awarded more than $143 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 9 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy, a general education diploma or English proficiency. To learn more about the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, visit www.dgliteracy.org.

Ad Council
The Ad Council is a private, non-profit organization with a rich history of marshaling volunteer talent from the advertising and media industries to deliver critical messages to the American public. To learn more about the Ad Council and its campaigns, visit www.adcouncil.org, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or view our PSAs on YouTube.

McKinney
McKinney is, pound for pound, the most effective agency in America, with a consistent 15-year record of outpunching its weight at the Effie Awards since the agency began entering in 2003. Cannes, The One Show, D&AD, ANDY, CLIO and The Webby Awards have also recognized McKinney’s creativity. Most recently, the agency won a Graphite Pencil at the D&AD’s Impact Awards, which recognize the best global work in social good, sustainable and ethical advertising. McKinney’s clients include Sherwin-Williams, CarMax, Samsung, ESPN, DuPont, Crocs, Norwegian Air and Marpac. The agency also does pro bono work for Urban Ministries of Durham and the Ad Council/Dollar General Literacy Foundation’s No One Gets a Diploma Alone campaign. McKinney is headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, with offices in New York City, and is part of leading global communications network Cheil Worldwide. Visit mckinney.com to learn more and follow McKinney on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Ad Council

1...2,3662,3672,368...3,059 Page 2,367 of 3,059