Cal/OSHA Issues Citations Following Fatal Bee Attack on Tree Worker

January 5, 2018

SAN BERNARDINO, California, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Cal/OSHA has issued citations to Hadley Date Gardens Inc. of Thermal for serious workplace safety and health violations following a bee swarm that stung and killed a tree worker. The incident serves as a reminder that employers must protect tree workers from these types of hazards.

On July 3, 2017, a tree worker was spraying water on date palm fruit from the elevated bucket of a spraying rig when a beehive was disturbed. The bees repeatedly stung the worker, who suffered anaphylactic shock and died at the site.

“Recognized workplace hazards for tree workers include bee and other harmful insect exposure,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Juliann Sum. “Employers must identify and evaluate workplace hazards, and provide appropriate personal protective equipment and effective training to their workers.”

Cal/OSHA issued four citations totaling $41,310 in proposed penalties for workplace safety and health violations, two of which were classified as serious accident-related. Hadley Date Gardens, Inc. failed to evaluate the worksite for hazardous bee and insect exposure, and failed to establish appropriate safety protocols, which include providing appropriate personal protective equipment and training that could have prevented this incident.

Cal/OSHA’s Tree Work Safety guidelines specifically cite bee stings as a potentially fatal hazard of which employers must be aware.

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

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

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

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

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

SOURCE California Department of Industrial Relations, Cal/OSHA

Western Dental Encourages Californians to Review Their Recently Expanded Dental Benefits

January 5, 2018

0

ORANGE, California, Jan. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Western Dental, the largest provider of dental care services to Medi-Cal Dental (also known as Denti-Cal) members, recently distributed hundreds of thousands of letters to Californians who qualify for Medi-Cal to inform them that adult dental benefits were fully restored beginning January 1, 2018. Many treatments previously not covered for adults 21 and over are now included in the Medi-Cal benefit.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/624896/WesternDental_Logo.jpg

In June of 2017, California lawmakers passed a bill that fully reinstated dental benefits that were reduced significantly in 2009 due to budget constraints during the Great Recession. Benefits, partially restored in 2014, are now fully restored, including coverage for deep cleanings (scaling and root planing), white crowns for front teeth, partial dentures, and root canals for back teeth.

“This is great news for the millions of Californians who currently access dental care through Medi-Cal and did not have coverage for these vital dental treatments,” said Dr. John Luther, Chief Dental Officer of Western Dental. “As the largest provider of dental care to Medi-Cal members, Western Dental is proud to partner with the state to offer these expanded benefits in every one of our 190 dental offices in California.”

Good oral health is critically important in a variety of ways, from speaking and chewing, to appearance and the ability to get a job. Additionally, certain treatments can help prevent intense pain associated with a variety of dental diseases and help prevent related non-dental diseases. One of the recently restored benefits for example, scaling and root planing, provides a deep cleaning that can help manage gum disease. Untreated gum disease makes it harder to control diabetes and is linked to other diseases such as heart disease, respiratory diseases, and even cancer.

ABOUT WESTERN DENTAL

Western Dental (with its affiliates, including Brident Dental & Orthodontics) is one of the nation’s largest dental providers and is the leader in accessible, affordable oral healthcare, serving approximately 2.5 million patient visits annually in 244 affiliated offices throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, and Texas. In addition to general dentistry, it offers orthodontics, oral surgery, pedodontics, periodontics and endodontics in its offices, creating a convenient full service “Dental Home.”

In California, Western Dental is the leading provider of services to both adults and children in the Denti-Cal program – part of the Medi-Cal public insurance program that provides health care benefits for more than 13 million low-income individuals and families. Western Dental dentists provided care to more than a half-million Denti-Cal beneficiaries in 2017 and is committed to continuing to partner with the State to help improve the program.

All of Western Dental’s services are backed by a unique quality assurance system that electronically monitors all patient visits, treatments, dental staff and clinical performance to enable high-quality care. To learn more about Western Dental or inquire about an office in your community, visit www.westerndental.com or call 1-800-6-DENTAL.

SOURCE Western Dental

(Español) Grupo Nelson publica «Desarrolle el líder que está en usted 2.0» de John Maxwell

January 5, 2018

0

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Embassy of Mexico, Featherstone Foundation Unveil $20,000 Scholarship Fund at University of Baltimore

January 5, 2018

0

BALTIMORE, Jan. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The William & Lanaea C. Featherstone Foundation and the Consular Section of the Embassy of Mexico in Washington, D.C. debut the Featherstone College Scholarships, an innovative $20,000 fund designated to increase Baltimore’s Latino enrollment and promote higher education. In fall 2018, ten Latino students will receive $2,000 merit-based awards to attend the University of Baltimore. The application deadline is March 1, 2018.

“Our partnership with the Featherstone Foundation will propel the next generation of student leaders and highlight academic excellence,” said Consul Rafael Laveaga, head of the Consular Section of the Embassy of Mexico.

“This is great news for the city’s high-achieving Latino students,” said Victoria Reid, vice president of enrollment management and marketing at the University of Baltimore. “UB is grateful to the Featherstone Foundation and the Embassy of Mexico for partnering with us to make college a reality for some talented, ambitious young people.”

The Featherstone scholarships are open to high school seniors who plan to start their first semester at the University of Baltimore, undergraduate students transferring to UB, as well as current UB freshman, sophomores, juniors and seniors. Interested students who meet the criteria may apply online by the application deadline.

“Education helps level the playing field in a competitive, global landscape,” said Lanaea C. Featherstone, CEO, Featherstone Foundation and OSI-Baltimore Community Fellow alumna. “We are creating opportunities for high-performing students to tap much-needed funding, so that attending a four-year college can be attainable.”

This year, the fund received additional support from Wells Fargo. “We are thrilled to partner on this initiative that will make a difference in the lives of young people and their families,” said Monica Mitchell, vice president for community relations and corporate responsibility at Wells Fargo. “Through this support for young Latino students, we are helping develop our city’s future leaders and making access to a high-quality education more affordable.”

The University of Baltimore is a member of the University System of Maryland and comprises the College of Public Affairs, the Merrick School of Business, the UB School of Law and the Yale Gordon College of Arts and Sciences.

The Consular Section of the Embassy of Mexico provides Mexican nationals in Washington D.C. and the states of Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia, with educational opportunities that give them the appropriate skills to make robust contributions to the development of their places of residence.

The William & Lanaea C. Featherstone Foundation creates sustainable solutions to bridge the opportunity divide among immigrants and underserved communities.

SOURCE The William & Lanaea C. Featherstone Foundation

6 Quick Tips for Bomb Cyclone Winter Driving

January 4, 2018

0

BETHESDA, Maryland, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — When it comes to winter car care, many motorists think of antifreeze and batteries, but vehicles need extra attention in winter, especially when a bomb cyclone hits and temperatures drop.

“Most people never heard of ‘bombogenesis” until heavy snow and dangerous cold recently hit many areas of the country, including several states that usually don’t experience this type of severe weather,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Making sure your vehicle is properly prepared for the elements will help you avoid the aggravation of an unplanned road emergency.”

The non-profit Car Care Council offers six quick tips to help your vehicle perform at its best during cold weather months.

Keep the gas tank at least half full; this decreases the chance of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing.
Check the tire pressure, including the spare, as tires can lose pressure when temperatures drop. Consider special tires if snow and ice are a problem in your area.
Have the exhaust system checked for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are closed.
Allow your car a little more time to warm up when temperatures are below freezing so that the oil in the engine and transmission circulate and get warm.
Change to low-viscosity oil in winter as it will flow more easily between moving parts when it is cold. Drivers in sub-zero temperatures should drop their oil weight from 10-W30 to 5-W30 as thickened oil can make it hard to start the car.
Consider using cold weather washer fluid and special winter windshield blades if you live in a place with especially harsh winter conditions.

Drivers should stock an emergency kit with an ice scraper and snowbrush, jumper cables, flashlight, blanket, extra clothes, bottled water, dry food snacks and needed medication. The Car Care Council also recommends a thorough vehicle inspection by a trusted professional service technician as winter magnifies existing problems such as pings, hard starts, sluggish performance or rough idling.

About the Car Care Council
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 the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org.

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

SOURCE Car Care Council

(Español) En su nuevo libro, el Dr. Andrés Panasiuk expone la sabiduría que mana de El hombre más rico del mundo

January 4, 2018

0

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

American Honda Sets 3rd Straight Annual Sales Record with Best-Ever December

January 3, 2018

0

American Honda and the Honda Division set new all-time annual light truck sales records in 2017. The Honda CR-V lead the way with its own annual record, with 377,895 units sold.

TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) today reported its third consecutive all-time annual sales record on sales of 1,641,429 Honda and Acura vehicles in 2017, an increase of 0.2 percent over its previous best set in 2016. AHM also set new annual and monthly sales records for light trucks, recording 840,450 sales in 2017 for a 3.3 percent gain, and 86,740 sales in December, rising 1.4 percent. The Honda Division also reported record annual sales, gaining 0.7 percent on total vehicle sales of 1,486,827 while Honda trucks set new December and annual records, rising 3.4 percent on December sales of 75,856 and 4.1 percent on 2017 sales of 734,269. Total Acura Division sales declined 12.2 percent in December on sales of 15,062, and 4.2 percent in 2017 on total vehicle sales of 154,602.

Honda
With eight completely new or refreshed models in 2017, including a new generation of electrified vehicles, the Honda brand continued its commitment to strengthening passenger car light truck sales by leveraging its North American production operations to attract a record number of customers for the 4^th consecutive year.

Honda’s effort to better leverage its North America production operations to grow light truck sales continued to pay dividends:

Newly dedicating a production line in Honda’s Alabama to Pilot in October helped the three-row SUV to December sales of 18,602, a jump of 54 percent.
CR-V, built at three plants in North America, also posted strong December sales of 36,983 units, to set a new annual sales mark of 377,895 as Honda’s best-selling model.
HR-V set a new annual record as well, topping last year’s mark by 14.6 percent on sales of 94,034 for the year.

Honda also maintained its unique commitment to passenger car and strong retail sales leadership:

Civic continued its record run with sales of 31,406 units in December on the way to a new all-time annual sales mark of 377,286 units.
The all-new 2018 Accord continued to show strength in the incentive-heavy mid-size segment, as the 2.0 turbo model began to hit showrooms – triggering the full marketing launch set to begin in January. Overall, Accord topped 320,000 sales in 2017.
Sales of the all-new Honda Clarity series of electrified vehicles reached a major milestone with December sales of more than 1,400 units signaling Honda’s effort to take electrification mainstream, led by the launch of the all-new 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid in all 50 states.
Overall, Honda Division set the following sales records:

Total vehicles, best ever annual sales – 1,486,827
Trucks, best ever monthly sales – 75,856
Trucks, best ever annual sales – 734,269

“2017 was a terrific year for the Honda brand with the continued fortification of our light truck and passenger car lineups, and a new generation of electrified vehicles combining to reach a record number of new customers for a fourth consecutive year,” said Henio Arcangeli, Jr., senior vice president of the Automobile Division & general manager of Honda Sales. “Eight all-new or refreshed product launches is an impressive achievement for any car company, but it put us in a strong, competitive position to maintain our unique commitment to retail sales to individual buyers.”

Acura
Acura recorded its best sales month in 2017 in December, showing a positive trend with sales increasing over the last three months of the year. In addition to strong truck sales for RDX and MDX, sedan sales showed promise with TLX topping 3,000 sales in December.

RDX ended 2017 with 51,295 sales for the year, the only vehicle in the fast-growing entry luxury SUV segment with three consecutive years above 50,000 units in sales – a critical foundation for the all-new RDX Prototype that will make its world debut the North American International Auto Show this month.

“The continued strength of the RDX is a great foundation for the next-generation RDX we will debut to the world in prototype form in Detroit later this month,” said Jon Ikeda, vice president & general manager of Acura Sales. “This is the first in a new generation of Acura products based on our Precision Crafted Performance brand direction and we’re pleased to reach this moment with growing momentum for the Acura brand.”

	American Honda Vehicle Sales for December 2017
							Month-to-Date				Year-to-Date
							December 2017	December 2016	DSR** % Change	MoM % Change	December 2017	December 2016	DSR** % Change	YoY % Change
	American Honda Total						149,317	160,477	-3.4%	-7.0%	1,641,429	1,637,942	0.5%	0.2%
	Total Car Sales						62,577	74,909	-13.2%	-16.5%	800,979	824,699	-2.6%	-2.9%
	Total Truck Sales						86,740	85,568	5.3%	1.4%	840,450	813,243	3.7%	3.3%
	Honda					Total Car Sales	58,399	69,949	-13.3%	-16.5%	752,558	771,195	-2.1%	-2.4%
	Honda					Total Truck Sales	75,856	73,380	7.4%	3.4%	734,269	705,387	4.4%	4.1%
	Acura					Total Car Sales	4,178	4,960	-12.5%	-15.8%	48,421	53,504	-9.2%	-9.5%
	Acura					Total Truck Sales	10,884	12,188	-7.3%	-10.7%	106,181	107,856	-1.2%	-1.6%
	Total Domestic Car Sales						55,307	62,639	-8.3%	-11.7%	682,968	749,038	-8.5%	-8.8%
				Honda Division			51,315	57,871	-7.9%	-11.3%	635,784	697,016	-8.5%	-8.8%
				Acura Division			3,992	4,768	-13.1%	-16.3%	47,184	52,022	-9.0%	-9.3%
	Total Domestic Truck Sales						86,740	85,568	5.3%	1.4%	840,450	813,243	3.7%	3.3%
				Honda Division			75,856	73,380	7.4%	3.4%	734,269	705,387	4.4%	4.1%
				Acura Division			10,884	12,188	-7.3%	-10.7%	106,181	107,856	-1.2%	-1.6%
	Total Import Car Sales						7,270	12,270	-38.5%	-40.7%	118,011	75,661	56.5%	56.0%
				Honda Division			7,084	12,078	-39.1%	-41.3%	116,774	74,179	57.9%	57.4%
				Acura Division			186	192	0.6%	-3.1%	1,237	1,482	-16.3%	-16.5%
	Total Import Truck Sales						0	0	0.0%	0.0%	0	0	0.0%	0.0%
				Honda Division			0	0	0.0%	0.0%	0	0	0.0%	0.0%
				Acura Division			0	0	0.0%	0.0%	0	0	0.0%	0.0%
MODEL BREAKOUT BY DIVISION
	Honda Division Total						134,255	143,329	-2.7%	-6.3%	1,486,827	1,476,582	1.0%	0.7%
		* ACCORD					22,115	33,873	-32.2%	-34.7%	322,655	345,225	-6.2%	-6.5%
		* CIVIC					31,406	31,482	3.6%	-0.2%	377,286	366,927	3.2%	2.8%
		CLARITY					1,425	8	18,397.6%	17,712.5%	2,455	8	30,687.8%	30,587.5%
		CR-Z					19	160	-87.7%	-88.1%	705	2,338	-69.7%	-69.8%
		* FIT					3,434	4,425	-19.4%	-22.4%	49,454	56,630	-12.4%	-12.7%
		INSIGHT					0	1	-100.0%	-100.0%	3	67	-95.5%	-95.5%

		CROSSTOUR					0	0	0.0%	0.0%	5	726	-99.3%	-99.3%
		* CR-V					36,983	37,778	1.7%	-2.1%	377,895	357,335	6.1%	5.8%
		HR-V					7,543	9,034	-13.3%	-16.5%	94,034	82,041	15.0%	14.6%
		ODYSSEY					9,874	10,411	-1.5%	-5.2%	100,307	120,846	-16.7%	-17.0%
		PILOT					18,602	12,072	60.0%	54.1%	127,279	120,772	5.7%	5.4%
		RIDGELINE					2,854	4,085	-27.4%	-30.1%	34,749	23,667	47.3%	46.8%

			***		Memo: Accord FHEV		1,160	3,124	-61.4%	-62.9%	22,008	9,179	140.5%	139.8%
					Memo: Civic Hybrid		2	12	-82.7%	-83.3%	65	896	-92.7%	-92.7%
	Acura Division Total						15,062	17,148	-8.8%	-12.2%	154,602	161,360	-3.9%	-4.2%
		ILX					835	1,079	-19.6%	-22.6%	11,757	14,597	-19.2%	-19.5%
		NSX					56	68	-14.5%	-17.6%	581	269	116.7%	116.0%
		RLX / RL					186	192	0.6%	-3.1%	1,237	1,478	-16.0%	-16.3%
		TLX					3,101	3,621	-11.1%	-14.4%	34,846	37,156	-5.9%	-6.2%
		TSX					0	0	0.0%	0.0%	0	4	-100.0%	-100.0%

		MDX					6,076	6,243	1.1%	-2.7%	54,886	55,495	-0.8%	-1.1%
		RDX					4,808	5,945	-16.0%	-19.1%	51,295	52,361	-1.7%	-2.0%

			***		Memo: ILX Hybrid		0	0	0.0%	0.0%	0	1	-100.0%	-100.0%
					Memo: RLX Hybrid		69	31	131.1%	122.6%	292	235	24.7%	24.3%
					Memo: MDX Hybrid		228	0	0.0%	0.0%	1,807	0	0.0%	0.0%
	Selling Days						26	27			306	307
	**** Hybrid						1,534	3,396	-53.1%	-54.8%	25,461	12,985	96.7%	96.1%

	* Honda and Acura vehicles are made of domestic & global sourced parts
	** Daily Selling Rate
	*** Memo line items are included in the respective model total
	**** Hybrid includes FHEV, PHEV, CR-Z, Civic Hybrid, Insight, ILX Hybrid, RLX Hybrid, RLX Sport Hybrid, MDX Sport Hybrid and NSX

Photo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/624284/2018_Honda_CR_V.jpg
Logo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/95602/honda_logo.jpg

SOURCE American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Mazda Reports December 2017 and Full-Year 2017 Sales

January 3, 2018

0

The Mazda CX-5 posted its best-ever sales numbers in 2017

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported December U.S. sales of 26,893 vehicles, representing a decrease of 6.5 percent versus December of last year. There were 26 selling days in December 2017, versus 27 the year prior. As such, on a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis, the company posted a decrease of 2.9 percent.

The company also reported calendar year (CY) 2017 total sales (combined fleet and retail) today, totaling 289,470, down 2.8 percent, versus CY2016. There were 306 selling days in CY2017, versus 305 in CY2016; the full-year DSR represented a decrease of 3.1 percent.

Key December and CY2017 sales notes:

As part of Mazda’s brand value management strategy, MNAO continued to significantly reduce fleet sales with 11,346 vehicles sold in CY2017. This number represents a decrease of 44.3 percent year-over-year (YOY).
Backing fleet numbers out of the total vehicles sold, MNAO posted a 0.2 percent increase in retail-only sales for CY2017, with 278,124 vehicles sold.
Mazda CX-5 posted record sales numbers in December, marking its best-ever month since first going on sale in February of 2012. Posting its tenth best-ever month in CY2017, CX-5 recorded a YOY increase of 17.6 percent, with 14,097 vehicles sold in December.
Following the introduction of the new 2017 Mazda CX-5 in March, a record 127,563 CX-5 vehicles were sold in CY2017; marking an increase of 13.7 percent YOY, and beating its previous best-ever sales year in CY2016.
Sales of the seven-passenger Mazda CX-9 rose 26.3 percent YOY, with 3,276 vehicles sold in the month of December. With 25,828 vehicles sold in CY2017, the CX-9 finished the year up 60.9 percent.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata finished December down 32.0 percent YOY, with 493 vehicles sold, while full-year sales of the two-seat roadster were 11,294, marking a YOY increase of 19.3 percent.
As crossover vehicle sales continue to dominate the U.S. market, Mazda’s CX-line posted YOY sales growth, with CX-3, CX-5 and CX-9 posting an increase of 16.8 percent in December. The three crossover vehicles finished the year up 15.6 percent, with 169,746 vehicles sold in CY2017.
With much of the U.S. now in the winter months, Mazda’s i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive system – available as an option on all Mazda crossover SUVs – continues its popularity among crossover SUV buyers, with 59.9 percent of buyers choosing the option.
MNAO reported Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) sales of 3,858 vehicles in the month of December, marking an increase of 20.8 percent YOY. Full-year sales resulted in a record CPO year for MNAO, posting YOY sales growth of 17.0 percent with 43,730 vehicles sold.

Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported December sales of 5,619 vehicles, down 16 percent versus December of last year. Total CY2017 sales for MMdM were 54,163 vehicles, representing a decrease of 1.0 percent when compared to CY2016.

Forward-looking announcements made by Mazda in 2017 focused on human-centric vehicle development and building the Mazda brand. Major announcements included:

Next-generation engine technologies with SKYACTIV-X
A long-term vision for future technology development with Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030
Next-generation KODO—Soul of Motion design vision through VISION COUPE
A partnership for future collaboration to include a new production facility in the United States, technologies for electric vehicles, development of connected-car technologies and collaboration on safety technologies
A new era for Mazda Motorsports through Mazda Team Joest
A recommitment to the communities in which it does business through Mazda Drive for Good

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.

	Month-To-Date				Year-To-Date

	December	December	%	% MTD	December	December	%	% YTD
	2017	2016	Change	DSR	2017	2016	Change	DSR

Mazda3	5,669	8,102	(30.0)%	(27.3)%	75,018	95,567	(21.5)%	(21.8)%
Mazda5	–	2	(100.0)%	(100.0)%	10	375	(97.3)%	(97.3)%
Mazda6	1,776	3,688	(51.8)%	(50.0)%	33,402	45,520	(26.6)%	(26.9)%
MX-5 Miata	493	733	(32.7)%	(30.2)%	11,294	9,465	19.3%	18.9%
CX-3	1,582	1,646	(3.9)%	(0.2)%	16,355	18,558	(11.9)%	(12.2)%
CX-5	14,097	11,989	17.6%	22.1%	127,563	112,235	13.7%	13.3%
CX-9	3,276	2,594	26.3%	31.1%	25,828	16,051	60.9%	60.4%

Total Vehicles

CARS	7,938	12,525	(36.6)%	(34.2)%	119,724	150,930	(20.7)%	(20.9)%
TRUCKS	18,955	16,229	16.8%	21.3%	169,746	146,844	15.6%	15.2%

TOTAL	26,893	28,754	(6.5)%	(2.9)%	289,470	297,773	(2.8)%	(3.1)%


Selling Days	26	27			306	305

The Mazda VISION COUPE concept reveals Mazda’s next-generation KODO—Soul of Motion design vision

Photo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/624276/Mazda_CX_5.jpg
Photo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/624277/Mazda_VISION_COUPE.jpg
Logo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/53154/mazda_north_american_operations_logo.jpg

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations

MoneyGram And Ant Financial Announce Termination Of Amended Merger Agreement

January 2, 2018

0

DALLAS and HANGZHOU, China, Jan. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — MoneyGram (NASDAQ: MGI) and Ant Financial Services Group today announced that they have mutually agreed to terminate their Amended Merger Agreement following the inability of the companies to obtain the required approval for the transaction from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (“CFIUS”), despite extensive efforts to address the Committee’s concerns. MoneyGram and Ant Financial also announced that they plan to work together on new strategic initiatives in the remittance and digital payments markets that will help each company achieve its objective of enabling consumers around the world to enjoy better money transfer services.

Alex Holmes, Chief Executive Officer of MoneyGram, said, “The geopolitical environment has changed considerably since we first announced the proposed transaction with Ant Financial nearly a year ago. Despite our best efforts to work cooperatively with the U.S. government, it has now become clear that CFIUS will not approve this merger. We are disappointed in the termination of this compelling transaction, which would have created significant value for our stakeholders. The MoneyGram Board and management team greatly appreciate the significant time and energy that so many of our colleagues have devoted to trying to complete the transaction.”

Under the new strategic business cooperation, MoneyGram and Ant Financial will explore and develop initiatives to bring together their capabilities in remittance and digital payments to provide their respective customers with user-friendly, rapid-response and low-cost money transfer services into China, India and the Philippines, among other Asian markets, as well as in the U.S. and other key regions around the world.

Mr. Holmes continued, “While we are disappointed by this outcome, we are confident in the future of MoneyGram and are excited about the benefits of our future cooperation with Ant Financial. By increasing access to digitally enabled customer wallets on the receiving side, we will be able to reduce distribution costs and improve transaction processing time. Together with Ant Financial, we hope to be the preferred money transfer option globally, and we look forward to bringing the considerable benefits of this collaboration to all of our stakeholders, including stockholders, customers, agents and employees.”

Doug Feagin, President of Ant Financial International, said, “We remain excited and encouraged about Ant Financial’s future prospects around the world as we continue to establish new partnerships and pursue opportunities that bring innovative services to our ecosystem. Establishing this new strategic cooperation with MoneyGram will add a partner with global remittance capabilities to our ecosystem and, while Ant Financial won’t have a direct ownership relationship with MoneyGram, we look forward to working closely with the MoneyGram team to make our platform even more accessible – particularly to unbanked and underserved communities globally – and create even better experiences for our customers.”

As previously announced on April 16, 2017, MoneyGram and Ant Financial entered into an amended merger agreement under which Ant Financial would acquire all of the outstanding shares of MoneyGram for $18.00 per share in cash. In accordance with the Merger Agreement, simultaneous with termination of the agreement, Ant Financial paid MoneyGram a $30 million termination fee.

MoneyGram will provide additional financial and operational information during its fourth quarter 2017 earnings call.

About MoneyGram
MoneyGram is a global provider of innovative money transfer 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 Ant Financial
Ant Financial Services Group is focused on serving small and micro enterprises, as well as individuals. Ant Financial is dedicated to bringing the world more equal opportunities through building a technology-driven open ecosystem and working with other financial institutions to support the future financial needs of society. Businesses operated by Ant Financial Services Group include Alipay, Ant Fortune, Zhima Credit and MYbank.

For more information on Ant Financial, please visit our website at www.antfin.com; or follow us on Twitter @AntFinancial.

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 the ability of MoneyGram and Ant Financial to successfully bring together and market to customers capabilities in remittance and digital payments or realize material benefits from their strategic cooperation efforts, the possibility of adverse impacts resulting from the termination of the merger agreement with Alipay (UK) Limited, 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.

MoneyGram Contact
Investor Relations:
Suzanne Rosenberg
214-979-1400
[email protected]

Media Relations:
Michelle Buckalew
+1 214-979-1418
[email protected]

Michael Freitag / Joseph Sala / Viveca Tress
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
Phone: +1 212-355-4449

Ant Financial Contact
USA: Sard Verbinnen & Co
Paul Kranhold / Reze Wong / Andrew Duberstein
+1 415 618 8750 / +1 212 687 8080
[email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected]

China: Sard Verbinnen & Co
Rick Carew / Yin Ai
+852 3899 6630
[email protected] / [email protected]

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

SOURCE MoneyGram

Keith D. Carter, M.D., Begins Term as 2018 President of the American Academy of Ophthalmology

January 2, 2018

0

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Keith D. Carter, M.D., FACS, began his term as the 122nd president of the American Academy of Ophthalmology on Jan. 1. Dr. Carter was elected by the Academy’s community of ophthalmologists in recognition of his scientific leadership, international reputation as a leading academician and teacher, and his deep commitment to advocacy for patients and the profession.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/623817/Carter_Keith_2017_Headshot_Final.jpg

Dr. Carter will focus his presidential year on enhancing the community impact of the Academy and the profession. He brings 30 years of experience as an innovative physician educator to issues of access to care, enhancement of quality programs, incorporation of new technology into the patient-centered experience, and to promoting diversity within medicine.

“Diversity benefits not only the educational experience but also allows us to better represent the patient populations we serve and address the unfortunate health disparities that surround us,” Dr. Carter said. “I look forward to working with the Academy board, various committees, and subspecialty leaders, and serving as the Academy’s president in the year ahead.”

Before serving as president-elect in 2017, Dr. Carter was an at-large member of the Board of Trustees from 2007 to 2010. Other leadership roles within Academy include the Ethics Committee, Committee for the Medically Underserved–Mentor Program, Self-Assessment Committee, Public Liaison Committee, Annual Meeting Program Committee, and Subcommittee for Ocular Tumors, Pathology, and Orbit, Lacrimal Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Carter’s clinical specialty is in oculoplastic surgery. A faculty member at University of Iowa Health Care since 1988, he now serves as chairman and head of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and holds a joint appointment as professor of otolaryngology at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine.

He is a graduate of Purdue University Pharmacy School and earned his medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine. He completed his ophthalmology residency training at the University of Michigan and oculoplastics and orbital surgery fellowship at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

About the American Academy of Ophthalmology
The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. A global community of 32,000 medical doctors, we protect sight and empower lives by setting the standards for ophthalmic education and advocating for our patients and the public. We innovate to advance our profession and to ensure the delivery of the highest-quality eye care. Our EyeSmart® program provides the public with the most trusted information about eye health. For more information, visit aao.org.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/287412/american_academy_of_ophthalmology_Logo.jpg

SOURCE American Academy of Ophthalmology