Woodforest Receives Corporate Social Responsibility Award From America’s First Hispanic Chamber

November 9, 2017

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Nov. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Woodforest National Bank recently received the Max Navarro Corporate Social Responsibility Award from the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The award was presented to Woodforest, and three other area businesses (including Walmart) who are committed to advancing diversity in San Antonio and, for recent humanitarian aid during Hurricane Harvey.

“Woodforest National Bank went above and beyond to mobilize their employees and local community members to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey,” said Ramiro Cavazos, President and CEO, San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “It’s wonderful to see one of our proud San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce members taking corporate social responsibility to a new level and giving back in such a meaningful way.”

Doug Schaeffer, CRA Executive Director, EVP, Woodforest National Bank added, “At Woodforest, we are committed to being responsive to the ever changing needs of our communities. Our San Antonio team endeavours to be a catalyst of change in the neighborhoods where we live and work. It is an integral part of our business to team up with local chambers and other community stakeholders to respond to disasters, and promote revitalization and economic development efforts. We are very grateful to the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for this distinguished recognition and their ongoing partnership.”

This corporate responsibility award was presented at the Leaders in Excellence Awards Luncheon held during the chamber’s 2017 Business Connect Summit. The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is San Antonio’s largest independent business organization with more than 1,300 members. Learn more at sahcc.org/connect.

About Woodforest

Celebrating 37 years of community banking service, Woodforest National Bank has successfully stood among the strongest community banks in the nation, proudly offering unsurpassed quality customer service since 1980. Woodforest currently operates 740 branches in 17 states across the United States. For more information about Woodforest National Bank please visit www.woodforest.com

Media Contact
Cindi Stewart
Sr. Vice President-Public Relations Director
Woodforest National Bank 832-375-2508
[email protected]

Daniel Galindo
Vice President, CRA Strategic Initiatives Director
Woodforest National Bank 210-862-0511
[email protected]

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SOURCE Woodforest National Bank

Introducing The New FRS Caribbean Route From Miami To Grand Bahama Island

November 9, 2017

MIAMI, Nov. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — FRS Caribbean announced today the launch of its brand-new service to Freeport, Grand Bahama Island.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/600384/FRS_Caribbean_Grand_Bahama_Island.jpg

The highspeed craft “San Gwann,” that is currently operating between Miami and Bimini Island, is now adding a second destination directly from Miami to Grand Bahama Island, in just 3 hours. The vessel, offering comfortable seating for 427 passengers, is equipped with bars in both passenger decks, where passengers can enjoy refreshments and snacks during their voyage and a duty-free shop to end a getaway with some mementoes and gifts. Guests can also purchase excursions onboard to enjoy the island, like water activities available from kayak, paddle boarding, jet skiing, snorkeling, and more.

Grand Bahama Island offers a distinct mix of historic appeal and modern attractions. It combines a glamorous vacation at an upscale resort with the charming allure of a small town.

FRS Caribbean is starting their services this Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017, letting passengers enjoy a quick, easy and relaxing day trip onboard the HSC “San Gwann” with day trip prices starting at only $69.98 plus taxes and fees.

FRS Caribbean has made its home at Port Miami, Terminal H, where passengers are able to park nearby for the day or overnight. FRS Caribbean’s Call Center is available for reservations and inquiries Monday – Saturday from 9:00am-7:00pm and Sundays from 9:00am-1:00pm.

FRS Caribbean wants to specially thank the Government of the Bahamas for its support, which has been critical in this new venture for FRS to start this new route in this region.

With this new line, FRS Group confirms its commitment in developing the maritime connections between Florida and the Bahamas.

For more information or to make your reservation, please visit www.frs-caribbean.com
Or contact us 1-877-286-7220 / [email protected].

About FRS Caribbean

FRS Caribbean is part of the FRS Group. FRS is a leader in the maritime transportation of people, vehicles and cargo on short distance routes – a global ferry and shipping group. FRS currently operates 64 vessels and carried 7.9 million passengers and 2.1 million vehicles last year on national and international ferry lines.

Based in Northern Germany, FRS includes 24 operating subsidiaries across Europe, North America, North Africa and the Middle East, with more than 1,500 employees. FRS’ fleet includes RoPax ferries, passenger ferries, high speed catamarans for vehicles and passengers, crew transfer vessels for the wind offshore industry, hovercrafts, water taxis, and electric-‐powered solar ferries. In addition, FRS provides port management and operation services worldwide.

Contact FRS Group	Contact FRS Caribbean
Birte Dettmers	David Gudgel
Phone: +49 461 864 360	Phone: +1 786 752 4666
Email: [email protected]	Email: [email protected]

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/601068/FRS_Caribbean_Logo.jpg

SOURCE FRS Caribbean

Open Doors Campaign Launches To Support South Bay’s Adult Learners To Elevate Pathways To Career And College

November 9, 2017

SAN JOSE, Calif., Nov. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the percentage of adults in the Silicon Valley who do not hold a high school diploma is well into the double digits in some communities, prompting the South Bay Consortium for Adult Education (SBCAE) to launch Open Doors, a regional campaign that brings to the forefront the diverse adult education programs that put adults lacking language, literacy or technical skills on a solid path to work, school and/or career training.

In the area served by SBCAE, a partnership of five adult schools and four community colleges in Santa Clara County, the percentage of adults without a high school diploma is as high as 17.7 percent in San Jose, the consortium’s largest city, followed by 14.2 percent in Milpitas, 13.5 percent in Santa Clara and 12.9 percent in Morgan Hill, according to census data. Statewide, 18 percent of the population aged 25 and older does not have a high school diploma or equivalency, according to census data.

“People often think of the Silicon Valley as a place of affluent tech workers, which is true, but it’s more diverse than that, with many low-income residents who cannot live on the wages they make and are looking for opportunities to livable wages and a better future,” said Kishan Vujjeni, co-chair of the SBCAE. “Our consortium members provide programs throughout the valley that can help this population attain the skills they need, no matter where they are in their educational journey, and transition into a career or postsecondary education.”

SBCAE member organizations offer English-language classes, apprenticeship opportunities, career education courses, basic math and literacy classes and support services for adults with disabilities, with many of these programs being free. The consortium has nine transition specialists, representing each school and college, who help students identify their educational and career goals and develop a concrete path to achieving them. Adults age 18 and older are eligible to enroll in classes.

Those interested can visit the campaign website to explore options and complete a short form so a transition specialist may contact them. The website includes a map that shows the location and contact information for each transition specialist. For more information, visit www.OpenDoorsSouthBay.org or call 408-918-5100.

Contacts: Bob Harper (831) 239-3542
Kishan Vujjeni (408) 918-5113

SOURCE South Bay Consortium for Adult Education (SBCAE)

(Español) Eugenio Derbez: envía un mensaje contra la trata de personas

November 9, 2017

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Amigos for Kids Foundation’s 25th Anniversary gala honors Continental National Bank’s chairman with the Celebration of Friendship Award

November 9, 2017

MIAMI, Nov. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Jacqueline Dascal Chariff, chairman of Continental National Bank was recently honored at the 25^th anniversary gala of Amigos for Kids Foundation for her volunteerism, philanthropy and generosity. It was a very meaningful moment for Dascal Chariff who has supported the foundation since 2009 in their efforts to prevent child abuse and has donated and raised over $200,000 for the organization. Last year, under her leadership, Continental National Bank raised more than $85,000 for Amigos, surpassing the campaign’s goal of raising $60k in 60 days.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/600348/Amigos_for_Kids_Group.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/600349/Amigos_for_Kids_Gala.jpg

The Celebration of Friendship Award was presented to Dascal Chariff at the gala on Saturday, November 4^th at the JW Marriott Marquis with over 500 guests. The Award recognizes individuals and entities whose support to the organization is instrumental in its success and ability to provide services to children and families in the community.

“Tonight, we celebrate the success of Amigos, while acknowledging that we all have a role to play when it comes to preventing child abuse and neglect, and helping these young victims recover,” said Dascal Chariff after receiving the award from Rosa Maria Plasencia, President and CEO of Amigos for Kids Foundation. “As we move forward into our next 25 years, we must continue to stand up for our children. It is up to all of us to take action to protect them – in doing so, we protect their individual futures, and the future of our community.”

Amigos for Kids Foundation was founded to respond to the diverse needs of South Florida’s abused, neglected and less-fortunate children and their families, through education, abuse prevention and community involvement. Today, Amigos for Kids’ child abuse prevention message now reaches communities across the country – no matter their ethnicity or native language.

A longtime supporter with the organization, Dascal Chariff has also served on boards and supports other non-profit organizations in the local community including The Jackson Health Foundation and United Way.

ABOUT AMIGOS FOR KIDS- Amigos for Kids is a 501(C) 3 nonprofit corporation founded in 1991 to respond to the diverse needs of South Florida’s abused, abandoned, neglected, and less-fortunate children and their families, through education, abuse prevention, and community involvement. To fulfill its mission, Amigos relies on the support of dedicated volunteers and donors throughout the community. Throughout the year, the organization creates awareness of its cause through public service campaigns, fundraising events, and community efforts such as the Amigos For Kids’ There’s NO Excuse for Child Abuse! ® Campaign.

About Continental National Bank- Continental National Bank is a full-service community bank established in 1974 in Miami as the first Cuban-American-chartered national bank in the United States, serving its customers for over 43 years. With five branches conveniently located throughout Miami-Dade County, and with more than $490 million in assets, Continental National Bank was awarded the five-star “superior” rating by Bauer Financial and has been recognized as a top community bank. The Bank offers a full range of financial and lending products and services for retail, business and institutional clients.

Media Contact:
Natalia Arana
1-305-6438281
[email protected]

SOURCE Continental National Bank

Free Silicon Valley Online Stop Smoking Study

November 9, 2017

PALO ALTO, California, Nov. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Join a new bilingual stop smoking study conducted entirely online at SFStopSmoking.org (en Español: sfdejardefumar.org).
Quit smoking before the New Year!

Adult smokers can use this free site via smartphones, tablets, or computers to download a stop smoking guide, access tracking tools, and receive text messages to help them quit smoking.

A team of health professionals based at Palo Alto University in Silicon Valley and Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital consulted with San Francisco Health Network patients to create this new online tool and share it with any U.S. adult smoker who wants to quit.

This study is funded by the Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program and is approved by the University of California, San Francisco, Palo Alto University, and the San Francisco Department of Public Health.

For more information contact Professor Ricardo F. Muñoz, Ph.D. and the SFstopsmoking team: [email protected] (650) 433-3868

Logo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/600611/Palo_Alto_U_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Palo Alto University and Institute for International Internet Interventions for Health

Latin GRAMMY® Nominee and YouTube Star Join Colgate® Optic White® at the 18th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards® in Las Vegas to Bring Sonrisas to Music Fans Nationwide

November 9, 2017

NEW YORK, Nov. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Now in its third year, Colgate® Optic White® continues its partnership with The Latin Recording Academy® and will provide Latin music lovers with an opportunity to smile bright at the 18th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®. On November 16, 2017, fans will be able to peek behind-the-scenes and discover expert prep tips by following YouTube star Laura Sanchez on social media. In addition, a sweepstakes will provide two lucky winners with a VIP experience on the ground in Las Vegas at the 18th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards.

Sanchez will travel and chronicle her adventures from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, giving fans an inside look at Latin GRAMMY® Week as she shares her real-time red carpet coverage of today’s hottest celebrities on her social media channels: Laura Sanchez on YouTube, @laura_makeup on Instagram, and @laurasanchezmakeup on Facebook. Fans are also invited to follow former Latin GRAMMY® nominee and Colgate Optic White spokeswoman Leslie Grace on Twitter and Instagram as she prepares for the big night.

In October, Colgate Optic White® also held a sweepstakes to provide two music fans with the trip of a lifetime to attend the 18th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards in Las Vegas. To enter, contestants had to stop at their local Walmart store, or visit OpticWhiteStyle.com between October 1 and October 31, 2017 for a chance to win a VIP up-close-and-personal experience with some of the most talented Latin musicians, an exclusive rehearsal backstage tour, and the opportunity to receive a red-carpet-worthy makeover by YouTube star Laura Sanchez. (Click here for the official rules.)

“Colgate Optic White is thrilled to continue its partnership with The Latin Recording Academy as nothing brings a smile to your face faster than your favorite song,” said Carla Kelly, General Manager, Colgate-Palmolive, Multicultural Marketing. “Colgate wants everyone to have a healthy smile, and we think that this exclusive access to the 18th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards will certainly do that.”

To follow the conversation from the Latin GRAMMYs and get a behind-the-scenes peek into The Biggest Night in Latin Music®, follow @SonrisaColgate on Twitter and @OpticWhite on Instagram. The Biggest Night in Latin Music will air live on the Univision Network November 16, 8–11 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central) from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

About Colgate-Palmolive
Colgate-Palmolive is a leading global consumer products company, tightly focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition. Colgate sells its products in over 200 countries and territories around the world under such internationally recognized brand names as Colgate, Palmolive, Speed Stick, Lady Speed Stick, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sorriso, Kolynos, elmex, Tom’s of Maine, Sanex, Ajax, Axion, Fabuloso, Soupline, and Suavitel, as well as Hill’s Science Diet, Hill’s Prescription Diet and Hill’s Ideal Balance. For more information about Colgate’s global business, visit the Company’s web site at colgatepalmolive.com. To learn more about Colgate’s global oral health education program, Bright Smiles, Bright Futures™, please visit colgatebsbf.com.

The Latin Recording Academy is an international, membership-based organization comprised of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking recording artists, musicians, songwriters, producers and other creative and technical recording professionals. The organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life and cultural condition for Latin music and its makers. In addition to producing the Latin GRAMMY Awards to honor excellence in the recorded arts and sciences, The Latin Recording Academy provides educational and outreach programs for the Latin music community either directly or through its Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation™. For more information about The Latin Recording Academy, please visit LatinGRAMMY.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow us at: Twitter, Facebook , Instagram, Vine, Periscope, YouTube, Pinterest, Google+ and Tumblr.

Photo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/600790/Colgate_Palmolive_Leslie_Grace.jpg

SOURCE Colgate-Palmolive

The National Hispanic Corporate Council Announces New Individual and Corporate Membership Categories

November 8, 2017

WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The National Hispanic Corporate Council (NHCC), the premiere resource for corporate America on maximizing the Hispanic market opportunity, announces new enterprise-wide and professional membership categories for associates and corporations at Fortune 1000 & S&P 500 tiers to join “Connect. Learn. Share. Network.” with NHCC.

To further expand the value of its corporate offering, NHCC is expanding its corporate membership categories to better accommodate the needs of its growing membership base. In addition, a new “Individual Membership” level is now available for corporate professionals at Fortune 1000 corporations, whose company is not yet an NHCC member.

“The new corporate membership model and individual membership category are designed to offer corporate America with an enhanced value proposition offering additional benefits and ROI. NHCC’s comprehensive membership model will now allow individuals and corporations seeking to participate in our collaborative community to share resources, knowledge, best practices, and innovative solutions to grow talent, customers, and suppliers.” said Abe Carrillo, NHCC Chair and Director of Inclusiveness and Diversity, Herman Miller, Inc.

NHCC corporate membership levels are designed to strongly support a company’s efforts to increase Hispanic talent, market share and customers. NHCC membership is open to all associates and corporations at the Fortune 1000 & S&P 500 tiers interested in maximizing their respective Hispanic market knowledge and opportunities.

Effective November 1, 2017, a new NHCC “Individual Membership” level will be offered at the annual rate of $249 and also include multiple benefits to enhance the professional development of Fortune 1000 professionals who are interested in maximizing their career growth with key Hispanic market insights.

Effective January 1, 2018, the NHCC “Corporate Membership” levels will provide expanded benefits to include multiple opportunities of engagement for Fortune 1000 companies. NHCC will also offer various financial contribution levels. For example, Fortune 1000 companies can join NHCC at the Bronze Level for an annual rate of $10,000; Silver Level at $15,000, Gold Level at $20,000, Platinum Level at $30,000 ad Diamond Level at $50,000.

“The NHCC memberships are a valuable resource to obtain access to Fortune 1000 companies, leadership & professional development programs, events on corporate best practices for Hispanic & diverse markets, and members-only resources,” said Octavio Hinojosa, NHCC Executive Director. For more information, please visit the NHCC website at www.nhcchq.org.

ABOUT NHCC:

Since 1985, NHCC provides tremendous value proposition to its corporate members by effectively maximizing the diversity of the Hispanic market opportunity through human resources/talent, marketing, supplier diversity, and community relations. Given the sheer market size, growing clout and purchasing power of an estimated $1.7 trillion dollars in 2017, Fortune 1000 companies find great value in their NHCC corporate membership. I would like to invite you to visit our website at www.nhcchq.org

MEDIA CONTACT:
Octavio Hinojosa, 202-528-7229, [email protected]

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SOURCE National Hispanic Corporate Council

12th Latin American Cultural Week, November 9 through 21, 2017 with Theater, Music, Dance, Film, Literature, & Visual Arts Events throughout New York City

November 8, 2017

NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Pan American Art Research (PAMAR), founded in 1984 by Uruguayan-born pianist and Artistic Director Polly Ferman, presents the 12th Annual Latin American Cultural Week (LACW), November 9 through 21, 2017. (Additional events precede & follow official dates. Visit http://www.lacw.net/ for details.) This includes the 6th year of Celebracion de la Cultura Hispana in Manhattan’s Washington Heights and Inwood neighborhoods. LACW 2017 is a showcase of more than 40 theater, music, dance, film, literary, and visual arts presentations. PAMAR (http://www.pamar.org) produces, co-produces, or co-promotes LACW events.

LACW highlights include Thursday, November 9 @ 7:00pm – From Patagonia at Saint Peter’s Church, 619 Lexington Avenue at 54th St- Suggested Donation: $20. New York debut of piano and synthesizer virtuoso and indigenous Mapuche/Aymara composer Juan Namuncura, from Patagonia, Argentina. Piano music and songs in the Mapuche language; Friday, November 10 @ 8:00pm – OFFICIAL LACW OPENING EVENT – Chorofest – 3rd Annual Brazilian Jazz/Choro Festival at Baruch Performing Arts Center: Engelman Recital Hall, 55 Lexington Ave – Admission: $25, $35, $45. 3rd Annual International Choro Festival, with a variety of performances, from classic to popular Choro music; Tuesday, November 14 @ 6:00pm – Música Among Friends, Saint Peter’s Church – Free Admission – Spanish pianists Rosa Torres-Pardo & Isabel Pérez Dobarro. Music by Isaac Albéniz and Enrique Granados and Tuesday, November 21 @ 7:00pm–Bandoneorama, also at Saint Peter’s – Suggested Donation: $20. An ensemble of four bandoneon players, the instrument at the heart of tango, led by Music Director/Maestro Daniel Binelli, with Julien Labro, Rodolfo Zanetti, & Javier Sánchez.

For a full calendar of activities, please visit http://www.lacw.net/.

Participating/contributing institutions include New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, NYC & Company Foundation, El Diario, De Norte a Sur, Impacto Latino News, Univision, Consulate General of Spain in NY, Consulate General of the Argentine Republic in NY, Hostos Center for Arts & Culture, the Center for Puerto Rican Studies “El Centro”, Greenwich House Music School, Brooklyn College, & Iglesia de Sion/St. Peter’s Church.

For more about LACW 2017, contact Jeffrey James Arts Consulting at 516-586-3433 or [email protected]. For more about PAMAR, contact Executive Director Jan Hanvik at 347-393-4257 or [email protected].

SOURCE Pan American Musical Art Research

Texas home sales decline on quarterly basis for first time since 2012

November 8, 2017

AUSTIN, Nov. 3, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Texas home sales declined slightly in the third quarter of 2017, according to the 2017-Q3 Texas Quarterly Housing Report released today by the Texas Association of Realtors. This is the first time that Texas home sales have declined on a quarterly basis since the second quarter of 2012.

“As anticipated, the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey has had a significant impact on our state’s housing market this fall, as many Texans were forced to postpone their goals of buying or selling a home in order to deal with devastation in their homes and communities,” said Vicki Fullerton, chairman of the Texas Association of Realtors. “Declines in local market home sales across the state in the third quarter were largely concentrated in regions impacted by Harvey, including the Houston area and local markets along the Texas coast.”

In the third quarter of 2017, Texas home sales volume declined 0.3 percent year-over-year to 91,401 home sales. The median price for Texas homes increased 5.6 percent in the same time frame to $225,000.

The price distribution of Texas homes sold in the third quarter of 2017 showed that less than half, or 44.5 percent, of the homes sold during this time frame were priced under $150,000, or the price threshold that the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University cites as affordable for entry-level Texas homebuyers. This is a decrease of 0.7 percentage points from 2016-Q3.

Jim Gaines, Ph.D., chief economist with the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, commented, “Historically, Texas home sales volume is highest in the second and third quarter each year. However, shortages in housing stock fueled by population growth and increasing labor and lot shortages continue to put constraints on the Texas housing market.”

Monthly housing inventory in Texas increased 0.2 months from 2016-Q3 to 4.0 months of inventory. Statewide housing stock remains well below the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University’s benchmark of 6 to 6.5 months of inventory as a balanced housing market.

Active listings increased 7.4 percent year-over-year to 109,961 listings in the third quarter of 2017. Texas homes spent an average of 52 days on the market in 2017-Q3.

Chairman Fullerton concluded, “Despite this slight dip in home sales activity in the third quarter of 2017, the Texas housing market is still on pace for another record-breaking year. We need inventory for the housing market to continue to grow in major metropolitan areas like Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston.”

About the Texas Quarterly Housing Report
Data for the Texas Real Estate Year in Review Report is provided by the Data Relevance Project, a partnership among the Texas Association of REALTORS® and local REALTOR® associations throughout the state. Data analysis is provided by the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University. The report provides quarterly real estate sales data for Texas and 25 metropolitan statistical areas in Texas.

About the Texas Association of REALTORS®
With more than 114,000 members, the Texas Association of REALTORS® is a professional membership organization that represents all aspects of real estate in Texas. We advocate on behalf of Texas REALTORS® and private-property owners to keep homeownership affordable, protect private-property rights, and promote public policies that benefit homeowners. Visit TexasRealEstate.com to learn more.

CONTACT: Hunter Dodson
512-448-4950
[email protected]

SOURCE Texas Association of Realtors

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