Page 2396

Using Real Patient Stories, New PSA Campaign Urges Americans to Bring High Blood Pressure Under Control

0

NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today the American Heart Association (AHA), American Stroke Association (ASA), and the American Medical Association (AMA) announced a new public service awareness (PSA) campaign in partnership with the Ad Council. The campaign seeks to raise awareness of the serious, life-altering consequences of uncontrolled high blood pressure, and motivate people to work with their doctor on developing and committing to a treatment plan to manage their blood pressure. Launched on the heels of a new guideline that means more people will have high blood pressure, the new campaign features actual stroke and heart attack survivors to show viewers the devastating consequences of uncontrolled high blood pressure—underscoring the urgency of controlling the condition.

Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here:  https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8223051-ad-council-high-blood-pressure/

An estimated 103 million American adults now have high blood pressure, but only about half have their condition under control. While most people know what their blood pressure numbers are, many don’t feel an urgency to manage them because there are often no signs or symptoms associated with high blood pressure—which is why it’s often referred to as the “silent killer.” If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to potentially fatal consequences like heart attack and stroke. Although there is no cure for high blood pressure, it can be managed effectively by working with a doctor to create a treatment plan, which includes healthy lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising, consuming less salt, drinking alcohol in moderation, losing weight if overweight, and taking medication if needed.

Based on the latest available science, the 2017 Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults now considers a person to have hypertension when they have persistently elevated blood pressures at or above 130 systolic or 80 diastolic. While this now means that nearly half of all American adults have high blood pressure, treatment still begins with lifestyle changes. Both the new guideline and PSA campaign encourage people to adopt healthy behaviors and prevent problems by gaining awareness of their blood pressure and taking earlier action to control it.

“Of all the things we can do right now to reduce heart disease, strokes, and other debilitating disease, controlling blood pressure is one thing that has tremendous potential to save lives and improve well-being,” said Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., M.P.H., FAAFP, who is the American Heart Association’s Chief Medical Officer for Prevention. “Physicians and patients, together, need a clear and workable plan to keep blood pressure controlled. We want to help make that happen.”

The new “HBP Numbers” campaign links blood pressure numbers to the real effects of high blood pressure by helping viewers visualize the consequences from people who have suffered a heart attack or stroke. The PSAs, developed pro bono by Havas Adrenaline and filmed by renowned photographer and director Marco Grob, provide a hopeful and empowering message that anyone with high blood pressure can lower their risk of heart attack or stroke by talking to their doctor and finding a treatment plan that works for them.

“The real-life patients featured in this campaign have experienced first-hand the devastating and lasting effects of not having their high blood pressure under control. They are bravely sharing their stories and letting people see the real, negative health consequences of high blood pressure to help us awaken people who have high blood pressure and aren’t doing anything to manage it, before it’s too late,” said AMA President David O. Barbe, M.D. “Our goal is to reach more Americans living with uncontrolled high blood pressure to help them realize that working with their doctor to create an individualized treatment plan is the most effective way to help them maintain a lower blood pressure, reduce their risk for serious health consequences and ultimately save their life.”

Research suggests that adults with high blood pressure don’t always realize that their treatment plan can be modified to fit their lives, and they face several barriers to sticking to a plan–time, willpower and consistency with medication are the most frequently mentioned challenges. It has also been shown that awareness of the serious consequences of uncontrolled high blood pressure motivates people to take action to manage their condition. With this in mind, the campaign empowers patients to talk to a doctor and address this important issue together.

The campaign encourages viewers to visit LowerYourHBP.org and BajeSuPresion.org to find resources in English and Spanish that will help them understand their numbers, commit to a plan in partnership with their doctor and learn to manage their blood pressure. The digital experience also includes stories of people who experienced a heart attack or stroke because of high blood pressure.

“The stark imagery of the creative reframes high blood pressure numbers from something abstract and intangible to something visceral and important,” said Ad Council President & CEO Lisa Sherman. “But the work is also incredibly motivating because it reminds people that they have the support they need to prevent the devastating side effects of high blood pressure.”

“The honest power of these different personalities, the openness in which they revealed their physical and psychological scars will make people who write-off high blood pressure as just a number, immediately re-think the issue. Hopefully a lot of people’s lives will change or even be saved because of this effort. And that’s a tremendous reward for all of us involved,” said Havas Adrenaline Chief Creative Officer Rich Russo.

The American Heart Association, American Stroke Association, and American Medical Association are also working with their local offices, affiliates and partners to promote and activate the campaign in their communities, with evidence-based materials to aid physicians and other health care providers in the plan-building process.

American Heart Association
The American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary health organization devoted to fighting cardiovascular disease, is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke –  the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

American Medical Association
The American Medical Association is the premier national organization providing timely, essential resources to empower physicians, residents and medical students to succeed at every phase of their medical lives. Physicians have entrusted the AMA to advance the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health on behalf of patients for more than 170 years. For more information, visit ama-assn.org.

Ad Council
The Ad Council brings together the most creative minds in advertising and media to address the most worthy causes. Its innovative, pro bono social good campaigns raise awareness. They inspire action. They save lives. To learn more, visit Adcouncil.org, follow the Ad Council’s communities on Facebook and Twitter, and view the creative on YouTube.

SOURCE Ad Council

California’s Nonfatal Worker Injuries, Illnesses Level in 2016

0

OAKLAND, California, Nov. 15, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) has posted California’s 2016 occupational injury and illness data on employer-reported injuries. According to the estimates provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII), California’s overall incidence rate of nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses remains steady at 3.7 cases per 100 workers for full time employees, the lowest rate in over a decade. The data posted includes detailed case and demographic tables, as well as a summary of findings by DIR’s research team.  

“California continues to use research like this survey to refine and strengthen workplace safety and health regulations, training materials, and outreach and education efforts for employers and workers,” said DIR Director Christine Baker. 

The estimates show there were approximately 466,600 nonfatal reportable job related injuries and illnesses in 2016, with 78% occurring in private industry and 22% in state and local government sectors. The statewide all-industry rate of “lost time” cases (referred to in the survey as “days away from work, job transfer or restriction” [DART] cases), remained constant at 2.2 cases per 100 full time workers over the last four years surveyed, while the rate of days away from work cases (DAFW) has remained unchanged for the last eight years. 

By occupation, the highest DAFW rates were highest in 2016 for cleaning and maintenance workers (284 cases per 10,000 workers), those performing installation and repairs (252 cases), and construction (243 cases).  

Estimates for the California Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses are derived from a statistical sample of employers in the state. The SOII program is administered by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in cooperation with participating state agencies. Surveyed employers report data as required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Recordkeeping regulation (29 CFR 1904), using the OSHA 300 Log.

Additional background and methodological information regarding the BLS occupational safety and health statistics program can be found in Chapter 9 of the BLS Handbook of Methods. Employment data are 2015 annual averages from the BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program.

DIR 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. Its Division of Occupational Safety and Health, commonly known as Cal/OSHA, helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Cal/OSHA does not have authority when injuries occur on public roadways. Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch provides free and voluntary assistance to employers to improve their health and safety programs. Employers and workers who have questions or need assistance with workplace health and safety programs can call Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch at 800-963-9424.

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

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

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

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

SOURCE Dept. of Industrial Relations

Get Stuff Done: Taking Plans from Paper to Action

0
Founded by Rebecca Borough in 2016, Knit Marketing is a digital marketing company based in Los Angeles. Knit Marketing has helped numerous companies grow their social media presence by bringing together a diverse Gen Z and Millennial team to target specific markets and create unique viral content.

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Knit Marketing, a team of diverse digital media experts, presents its first digital marketing conference, “Get Stuff Done.” This one-day conference will give marketers, entrepreneurs, and startup founders the tools to turn ideas into executable marketing plans.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/603119/Knit_Marketing_Get_Stuff_Done.jpg

For Additional Details and Conference Registration, Click Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/get-stuff-done-digital-marketing-strategy-conference-tickets-39295635303?aff=pr

On December 9th, attendees will meet the Knit team at the Downtown Los Angeles Cross Campus. Knit, which offers marketing consulting services to startups, will offer the same hands-on support to help attendees create innovative marketing solutions for their organizations.

SoZango, a rapidly growing chatbot company, says Knit Marketing “prompted us to think critically about our online presence. They’re highly skilled not only in all things social media, but also in connecting the social to broader business initiatives. We have loved working with Knit and recommend them to any business, especially those looking to target young people!”

At the “Get Stuff Done” conference, guests will dive into hands-on breakout sessions about

  • Building a YouTube presence with YouTube expert Alessandro Castellani.
  • Perfecting a brand story with pitch deck specialist Jasmine Foroutan.
  • Utilizing AI (artificial intelligence) and chatbots to create unique and personalized conversations with customers with SoZango.
  • Featuring webinars as a lead generation and customer nurturing tool with marketing wizard Robin Borough.
  • Creating compelling and analytics-driven Facebook and Instagram ad campaigns with social marketing strategist Marissa Stahl.
  • Developing and promoting a podcast with organizational coach Yolanda Enoch.

Also, to highlight Knit’s social mission of empowering youth, attendees will hear business pitches from the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) Los Angeles alumni. In addition to networking with startup founders and corporate marketing teams, participants will walk away with a blueprint for their organizations’ 2018 digital marketing strategy!

Tickets and more information are available at https://knit-getstuffdone.eventbrite.com/?aff=pr.

About Knit Marketing: Founded by Rebecca Borough in 2016, Knit Marketing is a digital marketing company based in Los Angeles. Knit Marketing has helped numerous companies grow their social media presence by bringing together a diverse Gen Z and Millennial team to target specific markets and create unique viral content.

Founded by Rebecca Borough in 2016, Knit Marketing is a digital marketing company based in Los Angeles. Knit Marketing has helped numerous companies grow their social media presence by bringing together a diverse Gen Z and Millennial team to target specific markets and create unique viral content.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/603118/Knit_Marketing_Logo.jpg  

SOURCE Knit Marketing

Toyota’s Collaborative Safety Research Center To Study Societal Acceptance Of Connected And Automated Vehicle Technologies

0

New studies designed to explore how drivers engage with intelligent machines and advanced safety technologies

ANN ARBOR, Michigan, Nov. 15, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Toyota’s Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC) today announced five new research projects focused on better understanding how drivers use and respond to advanced vehicle technologies, including automated driver assistance systems. The new projects, undertaken in partnership with five U.S. research institutions, will launch as part of CSRC Next, the Center’s new five-year program designed to support and inform a safe transition to future mobility.

Emerging vehicle technologies, including automated driver assistance systems, offer tremendous promise to help improve road safety, but important questions remain about the most beneficial interaction with drivers, and how drivers can be educated about their safe operation. Four of the five research projects will focus on societal acceptance and generate data-driven insights into the use of these technologies. This data can help support their effective integration, foster safer driving behaviors, and offer potential countermeasures to risky driving behavior.

“The development of advanced vehicle technologies may be progressing faster than the ability of some people to fully understand their capabilities, and it’s important to identify how drivers actually understand and use these emerging systems,” said Chuck Gulash, Director of CSRC. “By working with our partner institutions, and openly sharing our insights with the broader automotive, government, NGO, and technology communities, we believe we can help progress society’s acceptance of these new and promising technologies.”

The five research projects will launch in partnership with George Mason University, Rockville Institute, University of Washington, University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, and San Francisco State University. Data from each project will be shared across the institutions to help speed research, with the results made public to support the advancement of auto safety industrywide.

Launched in May 2017, CSRC Next builds upon the insights gained from the CSRC’s first five years to direct $35 million towards safety research into advanced vehicle technologies. CSRC Next also supports ongoing research programs at the Toyota Research Institute (TRI) and Toyota Connected (TC) to help accelerate the development of automated and connected driving technologies and services.

Since its launch in 2011, CSRC has initiated 60 research projects with 26 partner universities, publishing more than 200 papers and presenting at multiple industry conferences. CSRC projects have made meaningful contributions to auto safety industrywide, including research into human factors on vehicle safety and the efficacy of active and passive safety systems, as well as the collection of driving safety data and development of new tools to analyze that data.

The new CSRC Next research projects include:

Project Title

Description

Institution

A Neuroergonomic Evaluation of Mental Model Development of Future Automated Driving Technologies

This project is aimed at objectively determining (through neuroergonomic methods) how different factors impact mental model development and evolution of advanced safety technologies.

George Mason University

A Naturalistic Driving Evaluation of Mental Model Development of Future Automated Driving Technologies

This project will develop a taxonomy of mental model development of automotive safety technologies by determining in a naturalistic driving setting how users develop and maintain mental models as AV safety technologies are integrated into the vehicle.

Rockville Institute

Effectiveness of Short and Long Term Education Methods to Enhance Risk Mitigation and Associated Safety-Related Driving Skills

The aim of the project is to develop analytical models that can capture and identify changes in driver performance that are indicative of risk mitigation behavior and to assess the effectiveness of candidate behavioral countermeasures aimed at curbing future risk.

University of Washington

Guidelines for Development of Evidenced-Based Countermeasures for Risky Driving

The overall project objective is to create a set of guidelines that can be used to inform the development of risky driving countermeasures that are evidence-based, guided by theory, and lead to sustained behavioral change.  This will be done by identifying the underlying constructs of current, and future, risky driving behaviors, identifying driver attributes that contribute to the performance of these risky behaviors, and finally, ascertaining the behavior change theories that are mostly likely to create lasting change. 

University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute

Effective Stimuli and Behavior for Driving Safety in Automated Driving

This project provides a proof of concept that appropriate behaviors toward perceived risks can be generated automatically and effortlessly after a short form of training that links stimuli to adaptive behavioral dispositions.

San Francisco State University

Media Contacts:
TMNA Corporate Communications

Brian Lyons
469-292-3573
[email protected]

Ming-Jou Chen
469-292-3799
[email protected]

About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. and North America for 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands. During that time, Toyota has created a tremendous value chain as our teams have contributed to world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 33 million cars and trucks in North America, where we operate 14 manufacturing plants (10 in the U.S.) and directly employ more than 46,000 people (more than 36,000 in the U.S.).  Our 1,800 North American dealerships (nearly 1,500 in the U.S.) sold almost 2.7 million cars and trucks (2.45 million in the U.S.) in 2016 – and about 85 percent of all Toyota vehicles sold over the past 15 years are still on the road today.  

Toyota partners with community, civic, academic, and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We share company resources and extensive know-how to support non-profits to help expand their ability to assist more people move more places. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com. 

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/603803/Toyota_Corp_Red_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Toyota Motor North America

Foot Locker Inspires and Commits Acts of Greatness for Sixth Annual Week of Greatness

0
Foot Locker Approved.

NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Foot Locker today announced that it is continuing the legacy of the “Week of Greatness” around the globe with its sixth-annual campaign by not only delivering the most anticipated footwear and apparel launches, but by committing and championing Acts of Greatness – physical acts of generosity that inspire and uplift others – through the action-oriented platform, #GreatnessDoesGood.

Video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZLIZG83n8s

Foot Locker is bringing #GreatnessDoesGood to life through product and monetary donations, in-store collection points, and local market charitable activations, to help those impacted by recent U.S. and global events, alongside partners like Nike, Jordan, adidas, Puma, Converse, Reebok and the New York Knicks.

“At Foot Locker, we believe that greatness is not only about what sneakers you wear, it’s about what you do while you’re in them,” said Dick Johnson, CEO and President of Foot Locker, Inc. “This year, instead of bringing together the biggest stars in sports to create our well-known, humorous ads for the annual Week of Greatness, we are bringing global sneakerheads together to commit and champion Acts of Greatness.”

At the center of this year’s Week of Greatness is a call to support the needs in Puerto Rico following the impact of Hurricane Maria, the strongest hurricane to hit Puerto Rico since 1932. In addition to delivering essential aid to help its associates, their families and the communities in need, Foot Locker is introducing sneaker donation bins in more than 1,650 of its stores around the globe as a part of its partnership with non-profit, Soles4Souls. Customers are invited to donate new and gently-worn shoes in store, beginning Nov. 18 through Nov. 26, 2017. New shoes donated in the U.S. will be sent to Puerto Rico, while used shoes – and all footwear donations made in Foot Locker locations outside the U.S. – will benefit the Soles4Souls Micro-Enterprise program, driving commerce for entrepreneurs in developing countries.

“Helping Puerto Rico overcome the devastating impact of Hurricane Maria is a cause that is very near and dear to my heart. Foot Locker’s generosity throughout the Week of Greatness will undoubtedly have an impact as the island continues to rebuild and recover the many items, including clothing and shoes, that were lost,” said NBA star, Carmelo Anthony. “I encourage everyone to join me in donating any unworn pair that you can to help those in need in Puerto Rico through the #GreatnessDoesGood campaign.”

Foot Locker is joining its customers in donating, providing thousands of new pairs from its own supply to support on-going recovery efforts in Puerto Rico. The brand has committed to donating more than $1,000,000 towards humanitarian relief efforts around the globe, including $100,000 to support Soles4Souls from the Foot Locker Foundation. Top athletes, artists and influencers including Carmelo Anthony, Paul George and Kyrie Irving will also commit their own Acts of Greatness by donating their shoes to the cause, with additional support from their peers rolling in.

“We are extremely excited to be a part of Foot Locker’s Week of Greatness,” said Buddy Teaster, President and CEO of Soles4Souls.  “Puerto Rico needs our support and we thank Foot Locker and their customers for helping Soles4Souls continue to provide the much-needed relief many still desperately need.”

To announce this year’s unique take on the Week of Greatness, Foot Locker today released two digital videos featuring athlete “look-alikes,” available on YouTube.com/FootLocker. The spots humorously showcase the “athletes” discussing how instead of putting top athletes and celebrities in a Week of Greatness commercial, as Foot Locker has done in years past, the brand is bringing stars together to commit acts of generosity both on a national level, and for their local communities. The first digital spot features actors that look like adidas brand ambassadors Damian Lillard, James Harden, and Kristaps Porzingis. The second spot highlights the likeness of Nike and Jordan athletes Carmelo Anthony, Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving.

“I’ve partnered with Foot Locker before but this year’s Week of Greatness campaign is special because I get the opportunity to do something that’s important to me which is support the community and help those in need,” said NBA star, Damian Lillard. Later this week I’ll be working with Foot Locker on my ‘Act of Greatness’ in Portland, talking with teens about respecting each other and themselves, and spreading the #GreatnessDoesGood spirit.”

New sneaker releases from Nike, Jordan, adidas and more will drop daily beginning Nov. 18 in Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, and Kids Foot Locker stores globally. Visit Foot Locker’s Launch Locator to find the hottest #WeekofGreatness launches at a local store.

Join the conversation by committing and sharing Acts of Greatness using #GreatnessDoesGood and visit @footlocker on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook or by visiting footlocker.com/GreatnessDoesGood for more information on the campaign.

About Foot Locker:

Foot Locker is part of Foot Locker, Inc. (NYSE: FL) is a specialty athletic retailer that operates more than 3,350 stores in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Through its Foot Locker, Footaction, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs Sports, SIX:02, Runners Point, and Sidestep retail stores, as well as its direct-to-customer channels, including footlocker.com and Eastbay.com, the Company is a leading provider of athletic footwear and apparel.

About Soles4Souls:

Soles4Souls disrupts the cycle of poverty by creating sustainable jobs and providing relief through the distribution of shoes and clothing around the world. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, the organization repurposes product to supply its micro-enterprise, disaster relief and direct assistance programs. Since 2006, it has distributed more than 30 million pairs of shoes in 127 countries. A nonprofit social enterprise, Soles4Souls earns more than half of its income and commits 100% of donations to programs. Visit soles4souls.org and follow @Soles4Souls on social media for more information.

Video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WzFwqUJreg

Foot Locker Approved.

Logo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/604940/FOOT_LOCKER__INC__APPROVED_LOGO.jpg

 

SOURCE Foot Locker, Inc.

Holiday Cheer: ’12 Days of Christmas’ Gifts Rise Just 0.6 Percent In Price, According To PNC

0

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 15, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The PNC Christmas Price Index predicts True Loves will be on their merry way to a more robust and satisfying holiday shopping season this year. To purchase the gifts included in the classic holiday song “The 12 Days of Christmas,” it will only cost 0.6 percent more than in 2016, according to the 34th annual holiday economic analysis by The PNC Financial Services Group.

Infographic – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/604417/PNC_Christmas_Price_Index_Infographic.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/604418/PNC_Christmas_Price_Index_Logo.jpg

PNC calculated the 2017 price tag for The PNC Christmas Price Index at $34,558.65, approximately $200 or 0.6 percent more than last year’s cost and less than the government’s Consumer Price Index, which increased 2.2 percent through September for the past 12 months.

“The U.S. economy is growing at a sustainable pace, fueled by higher consumer confidence, low unemployment, modest wage gains, and low interest rates,” said Thomas P. Melcher, chief investment officer for PNC Asset Management Group. “However, The PNC Christmas Price Index rose at slow steady pace of 0.6 percent in 2017, as companies appear hesitant to pass through price increases to the consumer.”

THE COST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT
The cost of each item was revealed this morning on PNC’s interactive website (pnc.com/ChristmasPriceIndex), which teaches consumers about the index and features a historical comparison of index data. Of the 12 items measured by the index, nine remained the same price as last year. This year’s insights include:

  • A Partridge in a Pear Tree: The overall price for this top-of-list item increased 4.7 percent, but not because of the Partridge. The pear tree increased 5.2 percent, from $189.99 to $199.95 due to increased cost of living for workers and the limited supply of larger, more mature trees.
  • Gold Rings: The largest growth rate in this year’s index was the cost of Five Gold Rings, which jumped 10 percent due to increased demand and popularity. Prices had remained steady at $750 during the last five years.
  • Lords-a-Leaping: Despite wages rising modestly and a tight job market, only the Lords-a-Leaping saw an increase, as prices jumped two percent to $5,618.90 after two years of stagnant growth.

To mirror the government’s core CPI, which excludes energy and food prices, PNC removes the Swans – typically the most volatile item in the index – from its total index. The core PNC Christmas Price Index was up 0.9 percent from a year ago, while the government’s core Consumer Price Index rose 1.7 percent year-over-year through September.

For those True Loves who prefer the convenience of shopping online, the PNC Christmas Price Index also calculates the cost of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” gifts purchased on the Internet. As Internet prices tend to be higher due to travel and shipping costs, True Loves will have to splurge $45,096 ($10,538 more than in store purchases) for the convenience of online shopping this year.

THE HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS PAST
A PNC predecessor bank in Philadelphia began estimating the cost of the 12 Christmas gifts in 1984 as a holiday client letter. This year’s price is 83 percent higher than the inaugural report 33 years ago.

As part of its annual tradition, PNC also tabulates the “True Cost of Christmas,” which is the total cost of items bestowed by a True Love who repeats all the song’s verses. Purchasing all 364 gifts will require $157,558, up approximately $1,000 from last year and more than $57,000 from 1984.

The PNC index’s sources include retailers, hatcheries, the Philadelphia-based PHILADANCO and the Pennsylvania Ballet Company.

THE EDUCATION OF CHRISTMAS YET TO COME
The PNC Christmas Price Index website pnc.com/ChristmasPriceIndex also includes a downloadable coloring book for kids of all ages and interactive educational tools for teachers to help their students learn about the stock market. Each year, educators across the country use the PNC Christmas Price Index to teach middle and high school students about inflation and economic trends.

Teachers who visit the site will have access to a lesson plan from the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) (www.sifma.org/foundation) that explains the PNC CPI, its significance and how to interpret its results. The activities in the lesson plan also help students make predictions about this year’s cost of Christmas. The SIFMA Foundation is dedicated to providing youth of all backgrounds with an understanding of the capital markets. Its most popular program is The Stock Market Game™.

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC) is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.

[PNC CHRISTMAS PRICE INDEX FOLLOWS]

2017 PNC Christmas Price Index®

Based upon the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas”

TRADITIONAL

INTERNET

% Change

% Change

2016

2017

2017/16

2016

2017

2017/16

One Partridge in a Pear Tree

$       209.99

$       219.95

4.7%

$       244.94

$       269.00

9.8%

Partridge

$         20.00

$        20.00

0.0%

$        95.00

$        95.00

0.0%

Pear Tree

$       189.99

$       199.95

5.2%

$       149.94

$       174.00

16.0%

Two Turtle Doves

$       375.00

$       375.00

0.0%

$       450.00

$       455.00

1.1%

Three French Hen

$       181.50

$       181.50

0.0%

$       281.50

$       281.50

0.0%

Four Calling Birds

$       599.96

$       599.96

0.0%

$       370.00

$       370.00

0.0%

Five Gold Rings

$       750.00

$       825.00

10.0%

$       899.75

$       899.75

0.0%

Six Geese-a-Laying

$       360.00

$       360.00

0.0%

$    1,350.00

$    1,488.00

10.2%

Seven Swans-a-Swimming

$   13,125.00

$  13,125.00

0.0%

$  15,125.00

$  15,165.00

0.3%

Eight Maids-a-Milking

$         58.00

$         58.00

0.0%

$       365.44

$       377.28

3.2%

Nine Ladies Dancing

$    7,552.84

$    7,552.84

0.0%

$    8,322.55

$    8,322.55

0.0%

10 Lords-a-Leaping

$    5,508.70

$    5,618.90

2.0%

$  13,373.35

$  13,373.35

0.0%

11 Pipers Piping

$    2,708.40

$    2,708.40

0.0%

$    2,200.00

$    2,475.00

12.5%

12 Drummers Drumming

$    2,934.10

$    2,934.10

0.0%

$    1,620.00

$    1,620.00

0.0%

Total Christmas Price Index

$  34,363.49

$  34,558.65

0.6%

$  44,602.53

$  45,096.43

1.1%

True cost of Christmas in song

$ 156,507.88

$ 157,558.00

0.7%

$ 202,689.73

$ 204,848.65

1.1%

“Core” index, excluding swans

$  21,238.49

$  21,433.65

0.9%

$  29,477.53

$  29,931.43

1.5%

 

CONTACT:
Rob Tacey
(302) 429-2743
[email protected]

 

SOURCE PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

The King of Bollywood Habla Español

0
ZEE Mundo Logo

MIAMI, Nov. 15, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — ZEE Mundo, the exclusive Bollywood channel in Spanish, will premiere “Su Nombre es Raees” (Raees) the latest box office sensation from global megastar, Shah Ruhk Kahn, exclusively in Spanish on November 28 at 8pm ET 5pm PT. ZEE MUNDO airs on Dish Latino 822 and Sling TV.

ZEE Mundo Logo

SU NOMBRE ES RAEES

“Raees” (“Su nombre es Raees”) is based on real-life events and follows the story of a man named Raees in the state of Gujarat (India) in the 80s. His relationships and his meteoric rise to power helped him build an empire from scratch, making him the most powerful man in the state. Raees came to the fore as a liquor smuggler always looking for innovative ways to get ahead; however, in his personal life, his two most important missions were to provide for his family and help the townspeople in any way possible. His downfall comes when he crosses paths with police officer, Majmudar, whose mission is to eliminate crime in Gujarat.

THE KING OF BOLLYWOOD

Media outlets gave SRK this nickname because he is one of the most powerful actors in India as well as globally, with more than 80 films under his belt and an estimated net worth of $750 million. Forbes ranked him among the top 10 highest paid actors in the world, with estimated annual earnings of $38 million. The actor continues to reign at the box office with leading roles like “Raees,” for which he received advanced payment as well as a percentage of box office earnings.

For images: http://bit.ly/2gSFEaL

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeemundo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeemundo 
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/zeemundo 
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/zee_mundo
For more information, visit  www.zeemundo.tv. 

About ZEE Mundo

ZEE Mundo is the only 24-hour pay television channel that airs Bollywood series and films never before seen in the Americas, that is dubbed in Spanish and presented in HD. Its programming covers five genres: action, romance, suspense, drama and comedy. The exclusive content of ZEE Mundo links cultures and brings the biggest Bollywood stars to the Americas. The channel is part of ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited, one of the world’s largest content producers, compilers and distributors, with an extensive video library of more than 222,000 hours of content and over 1 billion viewers in 171 countries.

For more information about ZEE Mundo, visit zeemundo.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS

pulpo PR

Gracia Larrain

Latiffe Ghanem

[email protected]

[email protected]

305.205.5270

305.479.0279

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/604206/Zee_Mundo_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Zee Mundo

Olives from Spain, the European Union and Michelin-Starred Chef José Andrés Showcase “Have an Olive Day” in Miami

0

MIAMI, Nov. 15, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The European Union, together with Olives from Spain, and Michelin-starred chef and internationally-recognized culinary innovator, José Andrés, introduced their “Have an Olive Day” campaign to the Miami market as part of their nationwide initiative on Tuesday, November 14.

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click: https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8222551-olives-from-spain-jose-andres-miami/

On the heels of a successful unveiling in New York City earlier this year, Chef José Andrés and Olives from Spain debuted the campaign in Miami and hosted an intimate tasting. The event took place at SAAM at SLS Brickell, home to his second Miami outpost, Bazaar Mar, where Chef Andrés showcased how olives can be enjoyed in a variety of forms to 60 of Miami’s influential leaders in the culinary industry and media.

The goal of this new three-year collaboration between the Spanish Inter-Professional Table Olive Organization, INTERACEITUNA and the European Union with José Andrés as the campaign ambassador is to raise awareness of the versatility, flavor, nutrition and rich history of olive production in Europe, where olives have been the heart of the culture and cuisine for more than 2,000 years. 

“I am absolutely thrilled that we are able introduce the amazing and delicious olives from my home country to the Miami market” said Chef José Andrés. “Miami is such a beautiful city and has an influential Spanish community that I feel they will truly love the flavors and variety”.

“Have an Olive Day!”, a play on “Have a Nice Day!” is a positive greeting meant to inspire U.S. consumers to discover and enjoy the versatility of European olives, without ever having to get on an airplane. It is encouragement to experience the Mediterranean diet, which is known for its health and nutrition benefits.

The temperate weather of southern Europe and rich, fertile soil are idyllic for growing table olives, which are carefully hand-picked one by one to ensure the fruit remain in top condition. Spain is the world leader in production and exports of table olives, accounting for 21% of world production and 30% of world exports. In 2016, more than 83% of the olives imported into the U.S. came from Europe. 

Olives are accessible and nutritious, perfect for the everyday, modern lifestyle. An essential element of the Mediterranean diet, olives can be enjoyed whole or in a variety of other forms including pitted, chopped, sliced or stuffed. European olives also enhance the flavor of a number of popular recipes ranging from bar food to small plates, salads, sandwiches and entrees. 

The ‘Have an Olive Day’ campaign will run through the year 2019 and will seek to educate U.S. consumers on the different variations of European olives and their culinary uses. While the campaign will launch nationally, it will focus on regions with particularly heavy olive consumption, which include New York City, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and Philadelphia. These cities can anticipate seeing campaign activations on TV and online, in their local emblematic media outlets as well as outdoor marketing activities and participation in trade shows.

For recipe inspiration and more information on the rich history of olives, please visit www.haveanoliveday.eu or follow the campaign on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest at @haveanoliveday.

Rebeca Gallego, [email protected]
Oscar Mozún, [email protected]

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/603825/Olives_from_Spain_Jose_Andres.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/604870/Olives_from_Spain_Aceitunas.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/604871/Olives_from_Spain_Jose_Andres_Launch.jpg  
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/604872/Olives_from_Spain_Jose_Andres.jpg  

SOURCE Olives from Spain

Star Micronics Announces First Apple AirPrint POS Printer

0
Star Micronics logo

SOMERSET, New Jersey, Nov. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Star Micronics, a leading manufacturer of mobile, point of sale (POS), and customer engagement technologies, has officially received certification for the first Apple AirPrint™ POS printer. The new TSP654II AirPrint will be available to the market in coming months. With both Ethernet and WLAN capabilities, the printer will work seamlessly with all Apple® devices enabling quick setup and simple, high-quality receipt printing.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/604010/Star_Micronics_AirPrint_With_Drawer.jpg

Always leading, Always innovating, the TSP654II AirPrint allows the Apple user to continue with the familiar AirPrint experience accustomed when using their Apple iOS® POS system. In addition, receipt printing requires no extra configurations, software or additional drivers.

For ISVs this is the easiest and fastest way to integrate a printer with Apple software. The TSP654II AirPrint works immediately after setup and is the perfect fit for the occasional print job. With the TSP654II, Mac and iOS developers now have another option in addition to the StarPRNT SDK, giving them more flexible printer control. Look for Star Micronics to be on Apple’s AirPrint certified device list in the coming months.

For more information about Star Micronics POS solutions visit, http://www.starmicronics.com

About Star Micronics
Star Micronics, one of the world’s largest POS providers, has designated a portfolio of printing, secure cash management, and customer engagement solutions for any retail or hospitality establishment in POS and mPOS environments. Embracing the mobility wave, Star’s complementary SKDs allow users to utilize Star printers in tandem with Android™, iOS iPad®, and iPhone® devices to generate receipts for all of its printers. Always leading, and always innovating, Star Micronics enables web-based printing solutions including remote cloud printing, wireless cash drawer solutions, proximity-based printing, and secure cash management. For more information, visit www.starmicronics.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or LinkedIn.

Media Contact:
Leticia Arce 
Star Micronics America, Inc.
[email protected]
848-216-3283

Melissa McGaughey 
SkyRocket Group
[email protected] 
814-833-5026 x106

Star Micronics logo

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/604009/star_logo.jpg

SOURCE Star Micronics

Georgia Power releases new statewide PSA in advance of Utility Scam Awareness Day on November 15

0
Georgia Power Logo.

ATLANTA, Nov. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Georgia Power is joining other electric, water and natural gas utilities across the country to mark Utility Scam Awareness Day on Wednesday, Nov. 15 and has released a new public service announcement (PSA) featuring simple tips to help customers avoid common scams. The PSA, which is available from the company and through the Georgia Association of Broadcasters, was produced in English and Spanish and can be viewed on the company’s YouTube channel.

Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/7464952-georgia-power-utility-scam-awareness/

“We’re committed to protecting our customers’ personal and account information every day, and also working to educate our customers about how we do business so that they can avoid scams,” said Pedro Cherry, executive vice president of Customer Service and Operations for Georgia Power. “We actively work to identify new scams and fraud tactics and partner with law enforcement to prosecute those who try to take advantage of our customers.”

Reminders from Georgia Power to avoid common scams:

  • Georgia Power does not demand payment in person at your home or business. If an account becomes past due, Georgia Power will contact the customer via a prerecorded message to the primary account telephone or by letter requesting that the customer call Georgia Power to discuss the account. The company will not ask customers to pay anywhere other than an Authorized Payment Location.
  • Georgia Power employees are easy to identify. If a Georgia Power employee has a service-related reason to visit your home or business, they will always be wearing a Georgia Power employee ID badge, in uniform and in a company vehicle.
  • Beware of phone calls demanding payment via phone. Georgia Power will never ask for a credit card or pre-paid debit card number over the phone. If a customer receives a suspicious call from someone claiming to be from Georgia Power and demanding payment to avoid disconnection, they should hang up and contact the company’s 24-hour customer service line at 888-660-5890.  

Learn more about common scams and how the company works to protect customers by visiting www.GeorgiaPower.com/Scam.

About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.5 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is consistently recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower) and Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower).

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/600043/GEORGIA_POWER_LOGO.jpg

Georgia Power Logo.

SOURCE Georgia Power

1...2,3952,3962,397...3,059Page 2,396 of 3,059
Copyright © 2016 PR Newswire Association LLC. All Rights Reserved. A Cision company.