2018 Civic and CR-V Overall Winners in AutoWeb’s Buyer’s Choice Awards as Honda Leads All Brands with Seven Awards

January 8, 2018

TORRANCE, California, Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The 2018 Honda Civic and CR-V were named overall winners in AutoWeb’s Buyer’s Choice Awards, taking home Best Car of the Year and Best Utility Vehicle of the Year, respectively, as Honda led all brands with five segment leaders and seven total awards.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/625760/American_Honda_Motor_Co_Inc___2018_Civic.jpg

To reach their decision, AutoWeb tabulates submitted vehicle price quote requests from more than 120 million consumers who visited their network of automobile websites over a 12-month period.

Honda topped the following categories:

Best Car of the Year: 2018 Honda Civic
Best Utility Vehicle of the Year: 2018 Honda CR-V
Best Compact Vehicle of the Year: 2018 Honda Civic
Best Hatchback of the Year: 2018 Honda Fit
Best Sedan of the Year: 2018 Honda Accord
Best Van of the Year: 2018 Honda Odyssey
Best Small SUV of the Year: 2018 Honda CR-V

Of the winning Honda vehicles, the Accord and Odyssey are all-new for 2018 and bring segment-leading levels of safety performance, comfort, premium feature content, technology and dynamic performance. The completely redesigned and reengineered 10^th-generation Civic series of sedan, coupe, hatchback, Si and Type R introduced over the past couple of years comprises the most diverse and innovative lineup in Civic’s 44-year history. The top-selling and benchmark setting CR-V was all-new as a 2017 model and posted its best ever year in 2017 with sales of almost 378,000. The 2018 Fit received a sporty update with refreshed styling and chassis and feature content improvements.

About Honda
Honda offers a full line of reliable, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive vehicles with advanced safety technologies sold through over 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. The Honda lineup includes the Fit, Civic, Accord and Clarity series passenger cars, along with the HR-V, CR-V and Pilot sport/utility vehicles, the Ridgeline pickup and the Odyssey minivan.

For More Information
Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com. To join the Honda community on Facebook, visit facebook.com/honda. Additional media information including detailed pricing features and high-resolution photography of all 2018 Honda models is available at hondanews.com.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/460855/american_honda_motor_co_inc_logo.jpg

SOURCE American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Paymaster (Jamaica) and interCaribbean Airways launch payment convenience

January 8, 2018

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos, Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — interCaribbean Airways and Paymaster (Jamaica) Limited, a leader in the bill payment industry are pleased to announce a new payment channel in the Jamaica market targeted at providing convenience for the Jamaican customers.

Trevor Sadler, CEO of interCaribbean Airways an advocate of alternative payments is confident that this new payment option will benefit the Jamaican traveller. As we enter 2018, we look forward to seeing how we can further flights to and from Jamaica.

This agreement will allow for ease and secure alternative payment option where persons without credit cards are able to make online reservations and make their payment at any of Paymaster’s over 200 locations island wide to complete their ticket purchase within 24 hours.

General Manager of Paymaster, Michael Fisher expressed that Paymaster’s key business objective is to provide its stakeholders with simple, efficient and convenient bill payment services. The Paymaster team is delighted to have interCaribbean Airways as part of our existing Client portfolio, as our service will undeniably extend the reach to interCaribbean’ customers.

About Paymaster
Paymaster began operations in October 1997 as the innovator in third party payment collections. Paymaster initiated and transformed the consumer services sector by facilitating easier bill payments and the processing of multiple transactions as a “one-stop shop” that provides the greatest convenience to customers; and today boasts over 100 Clients.

For further details or visit www.paymaster-online.com.

About interCaribbean
interCaribbean operates EMB 120, Twin Otter and BE99 aircrafts connecting Turks & Caicos, Antigua, the British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, the Bahamas, the US Virgin Islands, Dominica and St. Maarten/St. Martin. Domestic flights are provided in Jamaica between Kingston and Montego Bay, as well as flights within the Turks & Caicos Islands.

SOURCE interCaribbean Airways

(Español) Actor David Chocarro se une a Cigna para comenzar el 2018 en control de su salud y bienestar durante la carrera de 5 kilómetros de Walt Disney World®

January 8, 2018

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NHCSL Blasts DHS Decision On TPS For Salvadorans

January 8, 2018

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) issued the following statement on the US Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) decision to rescind the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) of over 200,000 individuals from El Salvador, many who have been working legally in the US since 2001. This decision comes on the heels of a similar decision to allow TPS to expire for tens of thousands of Haitians and Nicaraguans. Reports indicate that Honduran beneficiaries of this program will also be targeted next.

NHCSL President and Pennsylvania State Representative Ángel Cruz said: “It is reprehensible to separate families that have been working hard, playing by the rules and paying taxes. The Government of El Salvador has said that the Central American country is not equipped to receive a sudden influx of 200,000 individuals. We all know that the security conditions in Central America are also very dangerous. The Administration needs to understand that most of these legal immigrants have US citizen children and that rescinding TPS means that either these American kids will need to live in foster care or with relatives, or go to a country they don’t even know.”

Maryland State Delegate Ana Sol Gutiérrez, who is from El Salvador, said: “How is it in our national interest to mercilessly kick out almost a quarter of a million people who have made our communities more prosperous and our economy more vibrant? We should be rewarding these brave souls for their tireless efforts, instead of punishing them for playing by the rules. As Latino state legislators, we call on Congress – in a bipartisan basis – to create a legal path to citizenship and pass comprehensive immigration reform to solve this issue once and for all. As Congress considers a fix for DACA recipients, they should also include a path to permanent residency for TPS beneficiaries as well.”

NHCSL Executive Director Kenneth Romero stated that: “The federal government’s decision to rescind TPS for protected Salvadoran immigrants will have the effect of condemning many of them either to misery, if they go back, or illegality, if they stay in order to continue supporting their families here in the US. We urge DHS to reconsider this ill-timed decision and restore TPS protections for 200,000 Salvadorans who have become an integral part of communities across the nation. Separating families and kicking out productive, law-abiding members of society should not be the priority of our country’s top law-enforcement agencies.”

The NHCSL is the premier national association of Hispanic state legislators working to design and implement policies and procedures that will improve the quality of life for Hispanics throughout the country. NHCSL was founded in 1989 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)3 with the mission to be the most effective voice for the more than 390 Hispanic legislators. For more information visit www.nhcsl.org.

SOURCE National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL)

Republica Selected By Azamara Club Cruises As Its Global Strategic Agency

January 8, 2018

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MIAMI, Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Republica, one of America’s leading and fastest-growing independent marketing and communications agencies, announced today that it has been selected as the global strategic agency for Azamara Club Cruises, a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. As part of the assignment, Republica will lead myriad initiatives encompassing strategy, creative, media, digital, and social for the project launching Azamara’s new ship, the Azamara Pursuit.

Republica will work in partnership with Azamara and existing agencies to develop a unified, multifaceted marketing and communications strategy to showcase not only its brand, but also its unparalleled Destination Immersion® offering, which allows travelers to deeply experience the cultures of Azamara’s awe-inspiring destinations.

During an extensive agency review, Republica developed a campaign focusing on global luxury travelers, with the goal of driving awareness as well as increasing bookings of Azamara packages. The soon-to-be-launched campaign highlights Azamara’s commitment to offering longer stays at smaller ports where guests can experience more onshore — at locations where only smaller ships can reach.

“Republica’s track record as a long-term, trusted partner to numerous respected global brands – coupled with their high-caliber team – makes them an ideal partner for Azamara as we embark on this journey aimed at creating meaningful connections with international, experience-driven audiences,” commented Larry Pimentel, president and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises. “Republica has a deep-rooted understanding of the global, culturally-driven consumer. We are thrilled to have them join the Azamara team and excited to partner with them,” Mr. Pimentel added.

Azamara Club Cruises joins Republica’s growing roster of blue-chip clients, including an array of Fortune 500 companies the agency services in both the United States and internationally.

“Azamara is a marvelous brand with legions of loyal customers, and we are excited to build new affinity with discerning, elite consumers around the world,” said Jorge A. Plasencia, co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Republica. “Partnering with Azamara, we have developed a solid, strategically-relevant campaign that we are confident will establish trust, create loyalty, and ultimately bring new customers to Azamara for years to come,” added Mr. Plasencia.

About Azamara Club Cruises®
Azamara Club Cruises® is a boutique upmarket cruise line. Azamara’s wide selection of Destination Immersion® signature programming offers guests the opportunity to Stay Longer and Experience More, delivering guests authentic cultural experiences across the globe. In 2018, Azamara will take guests to more than 200 ports, in 70 countries, including 170 late night stays and 114 overnights. Azamara’s commitment to Destination Immersion® coupled with exceptional onboard service offers and inclusive amenities, make for a unique cruise vacation experience.

About Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
Azamara Club Cruises® is a brand of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL), which is a global cruise vacation company that owns and operates three global brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises. We are a 50 percent joint venture owner of the German brand TUI Cruises, a 49 percent shareholder in the Spanish brand Pullmantur and a minority shareholder in SkySea cruises. Together, these brands operate a combined total of 49 ships with an additional twelve on order as of September 30, 2017. They operate diverse itineraries around the world that call on approximately 535 destinations on all seven continents. Additional information can be found on www.rclcorporate.com.

About Republica
Republica is one of America’s leading and fastest-growing independent advertising and communications agencies. Based in Miami, Florida, Republica provides integrated business advisory services including strategy, research and analytics, consumer science, creative, digital, media planning and buying, social, and experiential, to numerous blue-chip clients in the U.S, and markets around the world. Founded in 2006, Republica is a member of MAGNET, the world’s leading network of independent agencies with partner offices in 100 cities across the globe. For more information, visit www.republica.net, and follow @RepublicaWorld on social media.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/625892/Azamara_Republica_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Republica

Telemundo Expands Its Commitment To News With The Launch Of Local And National Midday Newscasts, Beginning Monday, January 22

January 8, 2018

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MIAMI, Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — As part of its commitment to inform and empower U.S. Hispanics, Telemundo today announced a significant expansion of its news programming by introducing a combination of local and national weekday newscasts from 12:00 to 1:00 P.M. Expanding on its ongoing investments in news content, the company will launch local weekday newscasts at 12:00 P.M. / 11:00 A.M. CT across ten Telemundo-owned stations, beginning Monday, January 22. In addition, Telemundo will launch “Noticias Telemundo, Mediodía,” a national newscast to air Monday to Friday at 12:30 P.M. / 11:30 A.M. CT. Audiences will be able to livestream “Noticias Telemundo, Mediodia” on NoticiasTelemundo.com (http://www.telemundo.com/noticias), the “Noticias Telemundo” mobile app and across Noticias Telemundo’s social media properties including Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

“The need for local news has never been greater,” said Manuel Martinez, President, Telemundo Station Group. “Ours are the only local Spanish-language stations in their markets that can deliver their audiences hyper-local news, weather forecasts, consumer and investigative reports, sports and entertainment information across all platforms. We are proud to dedicate more resources to our stations to help them boost their already strong local news programming to help them better serve their viewers with the news and information they need and deserve.”

“The launch of ‘Noticias Telemundo, Mediodía’ is a response to a growing demand for news throughout the day and across multiple platforms,” said Luis Fernández, Executive Vice President, Noticias Telemundo. “We are committed to empowering U.S. Latinos with news produced under Noticias Telemundo’s banner ‘Telling It Like It Is’ (‘Las Cosas Como Son’ in Spanish).”

The expansion is part of the growing commitment Telemundo has made in national and local news to provide Spanish-language viewers with the information they need to make decisions in their daily lives. Since 2013, the Telemundo-owned stations have revolutionized the way that Spanish-speaking audiences receive their local news by launching local newscasts across weekday mornings and afternoons, introducing weekend newscasts and morning cut-ins, and making the stations’ information available across all platforms. In order to support the new local newscasts, Telemundo will be adding staff members in the coming months. On the network side, these investments have resulted in the launch of “Noticias Telemundo, Investiga,” the first investigative unit of the Hispanic network, as well as the consolidation of “Noticias Telemundo” as the only national nightly newscast to grow in 2017 among adults 25 to 54 and total viewers, regardless of language.

The Telemundo stations that will add the new half-hour newscast include: Telemundo 52 Los Angeles (KVEA), Telemundo 47 New York (WNJU), Telemundo 51 Miami (WSCV), Telemundo Houston (KTMD), Telemundo 39 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXTX), Telemundo Chicago (WSNS), Telemundo 60 San Antonio (KVDA), Telemundo Phoenix (KTAZ), Telemundo Tucson (KHRR), and Telemundo 40 Rio Grande Valley (KTLM).

“Noticias Telemundo” is a leading provider of national news for U.S. Hispanics across all broadcast and digital platforms. Its award-winning television news broadcasts include the daily newscast “Noticias Telemundo” and the Sunday current affairs show “Enfoque con José Díaz-Balart.” The “Noticias Telemundo Digital Team” provides continuous content to U.S. Hispanics via its growing online and mobile platforms. “Noticias Telemundo” also produces award-winning news specials, documentaries and news events such as political debates, town halls and forums.

About NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises

NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises is a world-class media company leading the industry in the production and distribution of high-quality Spanish-language content to U.S. Hispanics and audiences around the world. This fast-growing multiplatform portfolio is comprised of the Telemundo Network and Station Group, Telemundo Deportes, Telemundo Studios, Telemundo Internacional, Telemundo International Studios, Universo, and a Digital Enterprises & Emerging Business unit. Telemundo Network features original Spanish-language entertainment, news and sports content reaching 94% of U.S. Hispanic TV households in 210 markets through 17 owned stations, 55 affiliates and its national feed. Telemundo also owns WKAQ, a television station that serves viewers in Puerto Rico. Telemundo Deportes is the designated Spanish-language home of two of the world’s most popular sporting events: FIFA World Cup™ through 2026 and the Summer Olympic Games through 2032. As the #1 media company reaching Hispanics and millennials online, the Digital Enterprises & Emerging Business unit distributes original content across multiple platforms, maximizing its exclusive partnerships with properties such as Buzzfeed, Vox, and Snapchat. Through Telemundo Internacional, the largest U.S.-based distributor of Spanish-language content in the world; Telemundo International Studios, a production unit focused on creating high-end short form, scripted formats for international markets; and Universo, the fastest growing Hispanic entertainment cable network, the company reflects the diverse lifestyle, cultural experience and language of its expanding audience. NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises is a division of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

About Telemundo Station Group

Telemundo Station Group, part of the NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations division of NBCUniversal, is comprised of 18 local television stations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Producing and broadcasting more than 15,000 hours of unique and relevant local content each year, including award-winning news, public affairs, and entertainment programming, Telemundo Station Group serves Spanish-speaking viewers in the metropolitan areas of Los Angeles, New York, Miami–Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago, San Antonio, San Francisco, Phoenix, Harlingen, San Diego, Fresno, Philadelphia, Denver, Boston, Las Vegas, Tucson and Puerto Rico. In addition, Telemundo Station Group operates TeleXitos, a national multicast network that offers viewers popular action and adventure television series and feature films in Spanish. The group also provides support to 54 Telemundo affiliates across the country and manages dedicated local websites and applications, as well as a robust digital out-of-home operation.

SOURCE Telemundo Group

Mazda North American Operations Promotes Jim Lievois to Executive Vice President

January 8, 2018

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Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com. (PRNewsFoto/Mazda North American Operations)

IRVINE, California, Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ – Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced the promotion of Jim Lievois, 60, to the newly created role of Executive Vice President (EVP). He also will continue to serve in his current role as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) while overseeing Finance, Administration and IT. Based at the company’s Irvine, California Headquarters office, Lievois will continue to report to MNAO president and CEO, Masahiro Moro.

Photo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/625472/Jim_Lievois_Photo.jpg

In this new role, Lievois will oversee sales, service and marketing, and sales operations for MNAO. In addition, he will continue to oversee financial planning, treasury, accounting, tax, administration and information technology. Specifically, he will be tasked with implementing a customer-centric approach that is innovative, forward thinking and technologically advanced in order to deliver a positive Mazda brand experience at every touchpoint along the company’s customers’ journey from research through to ownership and back again to repurchase.

“As the Mazda brand continues to evolve into a more premium position within the industry, it’s critical that we put our customers’ needs and expectations at the forefront of everything we do in order to deliver an outstanding experience,” said Masahiro Moro, president and CEO, MNAO. “Jim’s future vision, vast experience and respected leadership style make him the perfect candidate to be successful in this new role.”

Lievois has more than 35 years of experience in the automotive industry. He joined MNAO in 1997, following 16 years with Ford Motor Co. Throughout his career, he has held a number of management positions in finance, treasury and administration.

Lievois graduated with a B.A. in marketing from Michigan State University and received an MBA from the University of Detroit.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 600 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in

Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom.

Logo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/53154/mazda_north_american_operations_logo.jpg

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations

Avon Launches Espira, A New Brand Of Health And Wellness Products

January 8, 2018

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NEW YORK, Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — New Avon LLC (“Avon“), the leading social selling company in North America for over 130 years, expands into the health and wellness category with the introduction of Espira by Avon—a nutritional supplement line uniquely designed with naturally-sourced ingredients to restore and boost natural energy for women and men.†

Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8151652-avon-espira-supplements-health-wellness/

“We are rapidly transforming Avon to become the leading social selling company in North America, and broadening our portfolio into the health and wellness category will be a key driver of our success. The Espira launch is a natural evolution for us – Avon has been taking care of women and their families for over a century,” says Scott White, Avon Chief Executive Officer. “We are very proud to enter this critical category with a highly innovative, high performing line of products that is unlike any other on the market today. Our Representatives are excited for the opportunity to build their businesses and reach new customers with Espira.”

Created by leading nutrition-industry experts and made from the highest quality ingredients from whole foods and superfoods, Espira products use non-GMO ingredients that are free from artificial flavors and colors, and preservatives. Packed with essential energy-building nutrients, they contain clinically studied ingredients to achieve noticeable results.

“The name Espira was derived from the words aspire and inspire – born out of a desire to help people feel and look their best,” says Betty Palm, President of Social Selling for Avon. “The inspiration for Espira came directly from our Representatives as they lead busy lives as moms, nurturers, care givers, volunteers, community members – and CEOs of their households and of their Avon businesses. Our goal was to develop products that would support them and their customers in living healthier, more productive lives.”

Through extensive research, Avon has identified and addressed specific areas of concern in consumers’ lives. The Espira collection includes 11 products categorized into three principles of wellness: Restore, Boost and Glow. Some products will provide quick results, with visible change within the first bottle (30 days). Other products are for every day and focused on vitality, natural energy and better basics to give a strong nutritional foundation.

Restore products have ingredients that help create a healthy balance by reducing occasional stress, and enhancing restful sleep.† Key ingredients include Sensoril®, L-theanine, vitamin B, magnesium, fish oil, and antioxidants from 50+ fruits, and vegetables. These ingredients’ benefits include:

Calm – Provides natural, non-drowsy stress relief†
Restful Sleep – Relaxes both your body and mind so you can sleep better†
Daily Essentials – A complete daily nutritional support pack for a solid nutritional foundation sourced from whole foods for Women, Women 40+, and Men
Multivitamins – 100% of the daily value of 19+ essential vitamins and minerals for Women, Women 40+, and Men

Boost products contain ingredients to help revitalize the body by maintaining a healthy metabolism, clearing out one’s system and controlling hunger.† Key ingredients include protein, probiotic, fiber, green tea, cacao, and whole coffee fruit, and have the following benefits which include:

The Metabolism Boost System (designed to work together but can be used separately)

Plant Power Protein – Non-GMO, gluten-free and soy-free, natural plant protein without the high calories or sugar, and artificial ingredients of most protein powders
Ideal Cleanse – A 3-day, gentle cleanse to help you feel lighter and reduce occasional bloating†
Hunger Block – A natural hunger control formula with glucomannan to help reduce food cravings†
Metabolism Boost – Helps stimulate your metabolism to help burn more calories*†

Natural Energy – A powerful combination of naturally-sourced ingredients for increased focus and energy†

Glow products help hair, skin and nails look their best by protecting you from daily damage and restoring cells while you sleep.† Key ingredients include antioxidants, biotin, vitamin C, and collagen peptides, and their benefits include:

Beauty Inside & Out System (designed to work together but can be used separately)
AM Protect – Helps protect skin and build healthier hair and nails†
PM Restore – A powdered mix that helps support skin and nail quality in just 30 days†

“The Espira line is an easy solution for men and women searching for better sleep, boosted energy, and overall better nutritional support, †” says Ashley Koff, registered dietitian and consulting nutritionist for Avon. “Espira supplements are a naturally sourced option made with the highest quality ingredients to help promote a healthy lifestyle.”

Approximately 70 percent of adult Americans currently use at least one supplement product to help support their overall health.¹ Whether consumers are looking to kick-start their nutritional foundation or hoping to address a specific issue, they can feel and see many of the benefits of Espira by Avon within 30 days— just in time for the New Year.

Espira by Avon products are available for $12 – $35 each exclusively through Avon Representatives or online at www.avon.com. To locate an Avon Representative call 1-800-FOR-AVON or visit www.avon.com.

About New Avon LLC
New Avon LLC (“Avon“) is the leading social selling beauty company in North America, with independent sales Representatives throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. Avon’s product portfolio includes award-winning skincare, color cosmetics, fragrance and personal care products, featuring iconic brands such as ANEW, Avon Color, mark.by Avon, and Skin So Soft, as well as fashion and accessories. Avon has a 130-year history of empowering women through economic opportunity, and supporting the causes that matter most to women. Avon philanthropy has contributed over $1 billion globally toward eradicating breast cancer and domestic violence. Learn more about Avon and its products at www.avon.com.

†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
*With reduced dietary intake and exercise.

Press Contacts

LAURA SALERNO
H+ K STRATEGIES
(516) 375-9832
[email protected]

JENNA HUMMER
AVON
212-282-6313
[email protected]

Gahche JJ, Bailey RL, Potischman N, Dwyer JT. Dietary supplement use was very high among older adults in the United States in 2011-2014. J Nutr. 2017;pii: jn255984. doi: 10.3945/jn.117.255984

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160417/356238LOGO

SOURCE New Avon, LLC

(Español) HarperCollins Español presenta meditaciones de C. S. Lewis en «Preparación para Pascua»

January 8, 2018

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Portada de Preparación para Pascua de C.S. Lewis

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Latino Legislators Reject DOJ Cannabis Directive

January 5, 2018

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) firmly rejected a recent memorandum by Attorney General Jeff Sessions revoking Obama Administration policy that directed US Attorneys not to focus scarce law enforcement resources in prosecuting low-level cannabis offenders in states where it has become legal for either medical or recreational use. The new policy is contrary to scientific evidence, the democratic wishes of voters in 29 states plus the District of Columbia, and will disproportionately affect Latinos and other minorities.

Last Summer, NHCSL’s Executive Committee approved a resolution calling for the decriminalization of cannabis, becoming the first national Hispanic organization to take a bold stance on the issue. The resolution also recalled the anti-Latino bias at the root of cannabis prohibition laws.

“Attorney General Sessions’ recent cannabis directive is contrary to science as well as President Trump’s own campaign promises to let states regulate the use of marijuana. Mr. Sessions is ignoring overwhelming research that demonstrates that marijuana not only has a plethora of medical uses, but is also not as harmful as the former Alabama Senator claims. Mr. Sessions also seems to be ignoring the chronic abuses that cannabis criminalization has historically inflicted on Latinos and other minorities,” NHCSL President and Pennsylvania State Representative Ángel Cruz said. “NHCSL is proud to have been the first national Hispanic group to call for the decriminalization of cannabis and we will not stand idly by while the Department of Justice undermines the rule of law in 29 states and Washington, DC. Our preciously scarce police resources should focus on pursuing actual criminals that are harming others, not law-abiding patients and other legal cannabis users,” Cruz added.

According to the text of NHCSL’s cannabis resolution, “during the 1920’s and 1930’s, when it was first penalized in various states, cannabis use was portrayed as a cultural vice of Mexican immigrants to the United States, and racist and xenophobic politicians and government officials used cannabis prohibition specifically to target and criminalize Mexican-American culture and incarcerate Mexican-Americans and, therefore, the prohibition of cannabis is fundamentally rooted in discrimination against Hispanics…”

Colorado State Representative Dan Pabón, the sponsor of the resolution, and who is also the Chair of NHCSL’s Task Force on Banking, Affordable Housing and Credit, said: “Colorado has successfully decriminalized cannabis. The health, economic, and public safety benefits have been a boon to our states and other jurisdictions who have followed our lead. In addition to the $300 million a year our state has been able to collect from the legal cannabis trade, decriminalization also strikes at the heart of the black market and the vicious crimes that stem from cannabis prohibition in other states. Now is not the time to turn back the clock on states’ rights and common-sense policy. Congress should follow Colorado’s example and fully decriminalize the use and sale of cannabis and help other Americans reap the rewards of the type of sound and evidence-based cannabis policies we have pursued in Colorado.”

“Theoretically, under the Constitution, Congress has the power to regulate or even ban marijuana from interstate commerce. But it cannot and should not reverse state policy to regulate or prohibit the growing, processing and use of marijuana within state lines. This should be for the citizens of each state to decide,” concluded NHCSL Executive Director, Kenneth Romero.

# # #

The NHCSL is the premier national association of Hispanic state legislators working to design and implement policies and procedures that will improve the quality of life for Hispanics throughout the country. NHCSL was founded in 1989 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)3 with the mission to be the most effective voice for the more than 390 Hispanic legislators. For more information visit www.nhcsl.org.

SOURCE National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL)